By being justified, we are to understand, being so acquitted in the sight of God as to be looked upon as though we never had offended him at all.
--George Whitefield
I think Sproul??? or someone said that our condition is even BETTER than "as though we never had offended him at all." because we still need to fulfill righteousness, and we stand before God with the righteousness of Christ fulfilling righteousness in our place.
The reasons which induce the soul to love, must first be understood, before they can have a reasonable influence on the heart.
--Jonathan Edwards
"Only, by the way, let no man misapply this doctrine, saying, If we should not be discouraged, although we do want assurance, then I will neglect the getting of my assurance. Beloved, ye see into what times we are now fallen, times of war, and rumors of war; times of blood; these are dying times: and is this a time for any of you to want assurance
--William Bridge
“Holiness is not the way to Christ, but Christ is the way to holiness.”
— Charles SpurgeonThe blessedness of contemplating Jesus
Various authors
(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
Hebrews 12:2, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus!"
There is no sweeter occupation for the soul than to set its gaze steadily upon the Lord Jesus Christ. He who was once despised and rejected by men, is now exalted in the heavens. The heart that contemplates His beauty, drinks deeply of Heaven's own joy.
The world seeks gratification in a thousand fleeting things, but the believer finds his satisfaction in contemplating Jesus. This contemplation is not mere wandering thoughts--it is a sanctifying gaze that changes the heart. "I meditate on You through the watches of the night." (Psalm 63:6). In the silence of the night, when all earthly distractions fade, the soul communes with its Savior--and finds in Him a peace which surpasses all understanding.
The Scriptures declare that the man is blessed whose "delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night!" (Psalm 1:2) Even more so, what joy is found when the soul meditates upon the living Word Himself, Jesus Christ! To fix our eyes upon Him, is to behold the fountain of mercy, and the King of glory.
This world with all its vanities beckons us to fix our minds below. But the Spirit calls us higher: "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things!" (Colossians 3:1-2) True blessedness is not found by looking within or around--but by looking upward to the Savior who reigns.
To meditate upon Jesus, is to be transformed into His likeness! (2 Corinthians 3:18) As we contemplate His love, His sufferings, His righteousness, and His glory . . .
our faith is strengthened,
our repentance is deepened,
and our hearts are drawn heavenward!
The more we gaze upon Him in faith and love--the more the Spirit conforms us to His image.
Would you be made strong against sin?
Would you be filled with peace amid trials?
Would you be stirred to greater holiness?
Then set your eyes daily on the Lord Jesus!
In contemplating Him, we behold . . .
the beauty that surpasses all beauty,
the love that exceeds all loves,
the glory that shall fill all Heaven.
Blessed are those who fix their hearts on Christ--for their joy shall never wither, and their hope shall never fail.
When we meditate on His sin-atoning wounds, we are melted in repentance.
When we contemplate His righteousness, we are filled with assurance.
When we consider His sovereign reign, we are strengthened with hope.
When we behold His coming glory, we are stirred to holiness.
Would you be kept from sin?
Then gaze upon the crucified and risen Lamb.
Would you live above this vain world?
Then anchor your soul by frequent meditation upon your Savior.
"Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus!" Hebrews 3:1
May we also follow his humility in controversy
“Often have I been wont to declare, that even although he[Luther] were to call me a devil, I should still not the less hold him in such honour that I must acknowledge him to be an illustrious servant of God” -Calvin, Letters, 4:433The "mortification of sin from self-strength to the end of self-righteousness, is the soul and substance of all false religion." #JohnOwen
"Do you doubt whether God has heard you, because you are a sinner? then cling to the word and say: Though I am a sinner and unworthy, yet I have the command of God, that tells me to pray, and his promise that he will graciously hear me, not because of my worthiness, but for the sake of the Lord Christ…
“He loved us when we could not have been worse or further from him than we were.”
— Charles Spurgeon“Welcome the next trial as a friend that forces you to slow down and live utterly dependent on God.” – Joni Eareckson Tada
That sea of sin, that sea of wrath, that sea of trouble, that sea of blood that Jesus Christ waded through, that sinners might be pardoned, justified, reconciled, and saved, doth strongly evidence his 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 to save sinners…
—Puritan Thomas Brooks, Works 1:148
The spiritual attack you're under is your flesh and satanic forces trying to keep you from fulfilling God's will. The stronger it is, the closer you are. Fight back with the Spirit, prayer, the truth of Scripture, personal praise, and worship, and the prayers of mature believers.
--online post.
"Be much alone with God. Do not put Him off with a quarter of an hour morning and evening. Take time to get thoroughly acquainted. Converse over everything with Him. Unbosom yourself wholly - every thought, feeling, wish, plan, doubt - to Him." -Horatius Bonar.