Go on and faint not

"Go on and faint not, something of yours is in heaven, beside the flesh of your exalted Saviour, and ye go on after your own." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 27. [Letter CCXCVIII, 28 May 1640.]

Occupy till I come

Bagster's Daily Light - August 31 - Evening

Occupy till I come.

Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.' 1 

It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 2 

To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 3 

We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 4 

And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 5 

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 6 

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 7 

each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 8 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 9 

______________ 

1. Luke 19:13; 

2. Mark 13:34; 

3. Matt 25:15; 

4. John 9:4; 

5. Luke 2:49; 

6. 1 Pet 2:21; 

7. 2 Tim 4:2; 

8. 1 Cor 3:13; 

9. 1 Cor 15:58

God’s Freedom in Revealing the Gospel

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Third and Fourth Main Points of Doctrine: 

Human Corruption, Conversion to God, and the Way It Occurs

Article 7: God’s Freedom in Revealing the Gospel

In the Old Testament, God revealed this secret of his will to a small number; in the New Testament (now without any distinction between peoples) he discloses it to a large number. The reason for this difference must not be ascribed to the greater worth of one nation over another, or to a better use of the light of nature, but to the free good pleasure and undeserved love of God. Therefore, those who receive so much grace, beyond and in spite of all they deserve, ought to acknowledge it with humble and thankful hearts; on the other hand, with the apostle they ought to adore (but certainly not inquisitively search into) the severity and justice of God’s judgments on the others, who do not receive this grace.

The free gift is ... unto justification

Bagster's Daily Light - August 31 - Morning

The free gift is ... unto justification.

And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 1 

"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 2 

"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right. 3 

I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. 4 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 5 

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 6 

And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 7 

______________ 

1. Rom 5:16; 

2. Isa 1:18; 

3. Isa 43:25,26; 

4. Isa 44:22; 

5. John 3:16; 

6. Rom 5:15; 

7. 1 Cor 6:11

The child hath but changed a bed in the garden

"The child hath but changed a bed in the garden, and is planted up higher, nearer the sun, where he shall thrive better than in this out-field moor-ground." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 27. [Letter CCXCVIII, 28 May 1640.]

It is manna: for they wist not what it was

Bagster's Daily Light - August 30 - Evening

... It is manna: for they wist not what it was.

When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. 1 

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 2 

For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 3 

And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted. 4 

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 5

______________ 

1. Ex 16:15; 

2. 1 Tim 3:16; 

3. John 6:33,49,51,55; 

4. Ex 16:17,18,21; 

5. Matt 6:31-33

The Saving Power of the Gospel

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Third and Fourth Main Points of Doctrine: 

Human Corruption, Conversion to God, and the Way It Occurs

Article 6: The Saving Power of the Gospel

What, therefore, neither the light of nature nor the law can do, God accomplishes by the power of the Holy Spirit, through the Word or the ministry of reconciliation. This is the gospel about the Messiah, through which it has pleased God to save believers, in both the Old and the New Testament.

So Esther drew near

Bagster's Daily Light - August 30 - Morning

So Esther drew near ...

And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 1

for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate. 2 

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. 3 

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 4 

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 5 

in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 6 

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 7 

______________ 

1. Esther 5:2; 

2. Ex 22:27; 

3. 1 John 4:16-19; 

4. Heb 10:22; 

5. Eph 2:18; 

6. Eph 3:12; 

7. Heb 4:16

Christ's love is so kingly ... it must have a throne all alone in the soul

"I see Christ's love is so kingly, that it will not abide a marrow: it must have a throne all alone in the soul." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 27. [Letter CXLIX, 14 March 1637.]

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep

Bagster's Daily Light - August 29 - Evening

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep ...

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. 1 

You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 2 

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 3 

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. 4 

Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah 5 

even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. 6 

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 7 

and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. 8 

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." 9 

______________ 

1. Psa 4:8; 

2. Psa 91:5,4; 

3. Matt 23:37; 

4. Psa 121:3-5; 

5. Psa 61:4; 

6. Psa 139:12; 

7. Rom 8:32; 

8. 1 Cor 3:23; 

9. Isa 12:2

The Inadequacy of the Law

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Third and Fourth Main Points of Doctrine: 

Human Corruption, Conversion to God, and the Way It Occurs

Article 5: The Inadequacy of the Law

In this respect, what is true of the light of nature is true also of the Ten Commandments given by God through Moses specifically to the Jews. For man cannot obtain saving grace through the Decalogue, because, although it does expose the magnitude of his sin and increasingly convict him of his guilt, yet it does not offer a remedy or enable him to escape from his misery, and, indeed, weakened as it is by the flesh, leaves the offender under the curse.

Who trusteth in the LORD, happy is he

Bagster's Daily Light - August 29 - Morning

Who trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. 1 

No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 2 

Thus the men of Israel were subdued at that time, and the men of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers. 3 

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 4 

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. 5 

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. 6 

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! 7 

______________ 

1. Prov 16:20; 

2. Rom 4:20,21; 

3. 2 Chron 13:18; 

4. Psa 46:1,2; 

5. Psa 118:8,9; 

6. Psa 37:23,24; 

7. Psa 34:8,9

Christ hath come

"Christ hath come, and run away to heaven with my heart and my love, so that neither heart nor love is mine." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 26. [Letter CXLVIII, 14 March 1637.]

The tree of life

Bagster's Daily Light - August 28 - Evening

The tree of life.

And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 1 

And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 2 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 3 

For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 4 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.' 5 

through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 6 

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed. 7 

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 8 

______________ 

1. Gen 2:9; 

2. 1 John 5:11; 

3. John 3:16; 

4. John 5:21,26; 

5. Rev 2:7; 

6. Rev 22:2; 

7. Prov 3:13,16,18; 

8. 1 Cor 1:30

The Inadequacy of the Light of Nature

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Third and Fourth Main Points of Doctrine: 

Human Corruption, Conversion to God, and the Way It Occurs

Article 4: The Inadequacy of the Light of Nature

There is, to be sure, a certain light of nature remaining in man after the fall, by virtue of which he retains some notions about God, natural things, and the difference between what is moral and immoral, and demonstrates a certain eagerness for virtue and for good outward behavior. But this light of nature is far from enabling man to come to a saving knowledge of God and conversion to him–so far, in fact, that man does not use it rightly even in matters of nature and society. Instead, in various ways he completely distorts this light, whatever its precise character, and suppresses it in unrighteousness. In doing so he renders himself without excuse before God.

The accuser of our brethren is cast down

Bagster's Daily Light - August 28 - Morning

The accuser of our brethren is cast down ...

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 1 

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-- more than that, who was raised-- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 2 

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. 3 

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 4 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 5 

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 6 

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 

______________ 

1. Rev 12:10,11; 

2. Rom 8:33,34; 

3. Col 2:15; 

4. Heb 2:14,15; 

5. Rom 8:37; 

6. Eph 6:11,17; 

7. 1 Cor 15:57

Our Lord hunteth for our love

"Our Lord hunteth for our love, more ways than one or two." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 26. [Letter CXXV, 9 March 1637.]

What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise

Bagster's Daily Light - August 27 - Evening

What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise.

So the captain came and said to him, "What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish." 1 

Arise and go, for this is no place to rest, because of uncleanness that destroys with a grievous destruction. 2

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 

Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 4 

Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD." 5 

and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." 6 

"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 7 

As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 8 

For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 9 

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 10 

Therefore stay awake-- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning-- lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 11

______________ 

1. Jonah 1:6; 

2. Micah 2:10; 

3. Col 3:2; 

4. Psa 62:10; 

5. 1 Chron 22:19; 

6. Luke 22:46; 

7. Luke 21:34; 

8. Matt 25:5; 

9. Heb 10:37; 

10. Rom 13:11; 

11. Mark 13:35,36

Total Inability

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Third and Fourth Main Points of Doctrine: 

Human Corruption, Conversion to God, and the Way It Occurs

Article 3: Total Inability

Therefore, all people are conceived in sin and are born children of wrath, unfit for any saving good, inclined to evil, dead in their sins, and slaves to sin; without the grace of the regenerating Holy Spirit they are neither willing nor able to return to God, to reform their distorted nature, or even to dispose themselves to such reform.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Bagster's Daily Light - August 27 - Morning

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet ...

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 1 

With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. 2 

When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, 3 

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. 4 

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." 5 

And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 6 

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 7 

And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. 8 

______________ 

1. Psa 119:105; 

2. Psa 17:4,5; 

3. Prov 6:22,23; 

4. Isa 30:21; 

5. John 8:12; 

6. 2 Pet 1:19; 

7. 1 Cor 13:12; 

8. Rev 22:5

Reconciliation

Here's a prayer titled "Reconciliation" from "The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions" edited by Arthur Bennett (pages 80-81):

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY,

Thou are beforehand with men
   for thou hast reconciled thyself to the world
     through the cross,

     and dost beseech men to accept reconciliation.

It is my responsibility to grasp thy overtures of grace,

   for if thou, the offended part, act first

     with the word of appeasement,

   I need not call in question thy willingness to save,

   but must deplore my own foolish maliciousness;

If I do not come to thee as one who seeks thy favour,

   I live in contempt, anger, malice, self-sufficiency,

   and thou dost call it enmity.

Thou hast taught me the necessity of a Mediator,

   a Messiah,

   to be embraced in love with all my heart,

     as king to rule me,

     as prophet to guide me,

     as priest to take away my sin and death,

   and this by faith in thy beloved Son

     who teaches me

   not to guide myself,

   not to obey myself,

   not to try to rule and conquer sin,

   but to cleave to the one who will do all for me.

Thou hast made known to me

   that to save me is Christ’s work,

   but to cleave to him by faith is my work,

   and with this faith is the necessity of my

     daily repentance

   as a mourning for the sin which Christ

     by grace has removed.

Continue, O God, to teach me

   that faith apprehends Christ’s righteousness

   not only for the satisfaction of justice,

   but as unspotted evidence of thy love to me.

Help me to make use of his work of salvation as

   the ground of peace,

   and of thy favour to, and acceptance of me

     the sinner,

   so that I may live always near the cross.

Christ is as full a feast as ye can have to hunger

"Christ is as full a feast as ye can have to hunger." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 26. [Letter CLXXXI, 16 June 1637.]

My cup runneth over

Daily Light Devotions - August 26 - Evening

My cup runneth over.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 1 

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. 2 

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 3 

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 4 

whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future-- all are yours, 5

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 6 

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 7 

But godliness with contentment is great gain, 8 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 9

______________ 

1. Psa 23:5; 

2. Psa 34:8-10; 

3. Lam 3:22,23; 

4. Psa 16:5,6; 

5. 1 Cor 3:22; 

6. Eph 1:3; 

7. Phil 4:11; 

8. 1 Tim 6:6; 

9. Phil 4:19

The Spread of Corruption

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Third and Fourth Main Points of Doctrine: 

Human Corruption, Conversion to God, and the Way It Occurs

Article 2: The Spread of Corruption

Man brought forth children of the same nature as himself after the fall. That is to say, being corrupt he brought forth corrupt children. The corruption spread, by God’s just judgment, from Adam to all his descendants– except for Christ alone–not by way of imitation (as in former times the Pelagians would have it) but by way of the propagation of his perverted nature.

Holiness to the LORD

Daily Light Devotions - August 26 - Morning

Holiness to the LORD.

"You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, 'Holy to the LORD.' 1

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 2 

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." 3 

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 4 

Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD has said: 'Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.'" And Aaron held his peace. 5 

This is the law of the temple: the whole territory on the top of the mountain all around shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the temple. 6 

Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore. 7 

And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 8 

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 9 

______________ 

1. Exo 28:36; 

2. Heb 12:14; 

3. John 4:24; 

4. Isa 64:6; 

5. Lev 10:3; 

6. Eze 43:12; 

7. Psa 93:5; 

8. John 17:19; 

9. Heb 4:14,16

Christ is rich enough

"Faith liveth and spendeth upon our Captain's charges, who is able to pay for all." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 26. [Letter CXX, 1637]

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD

Daily Light Devotions - August 25 - Evening

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD ...

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 1 

Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away. I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! 2 

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! 3 

Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 4 

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 5 

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 6 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 7 

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 8 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 9

______________ 

1. Isa 61:10; 

2. Psa 34:1-3; 

3. Psa 84:11,12; 

4. Psa 103:1; 

5. James 5:13; 

6. Eph 5:18-20; 

7. Col 3:16; 

8. Acts 16:25; 

9. Phil 4:4

The Effect of the Fall on Human Nature Man

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Third and Fourth Main Points of Doctrine: 

Human Corruption, Conversion to God, and the Way It Occurs

Article 1: The Effect of the Fall on Human Nature

Man was originally created in the image of God and was furnished in his mind with a true and salutary knowledge of his Creator and things spiritual, in his will and heart with righteousness, and in all his emotions with purity; indeed, the whole man was holy. However, rebelling against God at the devil’s instigation and by his own free will, he deprived himself of these outstanding gifts. Rather, in their place he brought upon himself blindness, terrible darkness, futility, and distortion of judgment in his mind; perversity, defiance, and hardness in his heart and will; and finally impurity in all his emotions.

Look unto the rock whence ye are hewn

Daily Light Devotions - August 25 - Morning

Look unto the rock whence ye are hewn ...

"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. 1 

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 2 

No eye pitied you, to do any of these things to you out of compassion for you, but you were cast out on the open field, for you were abhorred, on the day that you were born. "And when I passed by you and saw you wallowing in your blood, I said to you in your blood, 'Live!' I said to you in your blood, 'Live!' 3 

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. 4 

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person-- though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 5 

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-- by grace you have been saved-- 6 

______________ 

1. Isa 51:1; 

2. Psa 51:5; 

3. Eze 16:5,6; 

4. Psa 40:2,3; 

5. Rom 5:6-8; 

6. Eph 2:4,5

Christ will be the first that will meet you on the shore

"The sea-sick passenger shall come to land; Christ will be the first that will meet you on the shore." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 26. [Letter CVII, 7 March 1637]

I must work the works of him that sent me

Daily Light Devotions -  August 24 - Evening

I must work the works of him that sent me ...

We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 1 

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. 2 

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. 3 

Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 4 

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 5 

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 6 

Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.' 7 

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 8

______________ 

1. John 9:4; 

2. Prov 13:4; 

3. Prov 11:25; 

4. John 4:34-36; 

5. Matt 20:1,2; 

6. 2 Tim 4:2; 

7. Luke 19:13; 

8. 1 Cor 15:10

The Canons of Dordrecht: 2nd Main Point of Doctrine - Rejection of the Errors VII

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Second Main Point of Doctrine: Christ’s Death and Human Redemption Through It 

Rejection of the Errors:

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

VII. Who teach that Christ neither could die, nor had to die, nor did die for those whom God so dearly loved and chose to eternal life, since such people do not need the death of Christ. For they contradict the apostle, who says: Christ loved me and gave himself up for me (Gal. 2:20), and likewise: Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ who died, that is, for them (Rom. 8:33-34). They also contradict the Savior, who asserts: I lay down my life for the sheep (John 10:15), and My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends (John 15:12-13).

I know their sorrows

Daily Light Devotions - August 24 - Morning

I know their sorrows.

Then the LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, 1 

He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 2 

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 3 

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases." 4

Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. 5 

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. Jesus wept. 6 

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. 7 

that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the LORD looked at the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die, 8 

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. 9 

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. 10 

For thus said the LORD of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye: 11 

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. 12 

______________ 

1. Exo 3:7; 

2. Isa 53:3; 

3. Heb 4:15; 

4. Matt 8:17; 

5. John 4:6; 

6. John 11:33,35; 

7. Heb 2:18; 

8. Psa 102:19,20; 

9. Job 23:10; 

10. Psa 142.3; 

11. Zech 2:8; 

12. Isa 63:9

Your rock doth not ebb and flow, but your sea

"Your rock doth not ebb and flow, but your sea." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 25. [Letter LXIX, 22 Nov. 1636]

I have made, and I will bear

Daily Light Devotions - August 23 - Evening

I have made, and I will bear.

even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. 1 

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 2 

even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. 3 

Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that flutters over its young, spreading out its wings, catching them, bearing them on its pinions, the LORD alone guided him, no foreign god was with him. 4 

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. 5 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 6 

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 7 

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. 8 

______________ 

1. Isa 46:4; 

2. Isa 43:1,2; 

3. Isa 46:4; 

4. Deut 32:11,12; 

5. Isa 63:9; 

6. Heb 13:8; 

7. Rom 8:38,39; 

8. Isa 49:15

The Canons of Dordrecht: 2nd Main Point of Doctrine - Rejection of the Errors VI

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Second Main Point of Doctrine: Christ’s Death and Human Redemption Through It

Rejection of the Errors:

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

VI. Who make use of the distinction between obtaining and applying in order to instill in the unwary and inexperienced the opinion that God, as far as he is concerned, wished to bestow equally upon all people the benefits which are gained by Christ’s death; but that the distinction by which some rather than others come to share in the forgiveness of sins and eternal life depends on their own free choice (which applies itself to the grace offered indiscriminately) but does not depend on the unique gift of mercy which effectively works in them, so that they, rather than others, apply that grace to themselves. For, while pretending to set forth this distinction in an acceptable sense, they attempt to give the people the deadly poison of Pelagianism.

I have loved thee with an everlasting love

Daily Light Devotions - August 23 - Morning

I have loved thee with an everlasting love.

the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. 1 

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 

who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 3 

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 4 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 5 

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 6 

______________ 

1. Jer 31:3; 

2. 2 Thess 2:13,14; 

3. 2 Tim 1:9; 

4. Psa 139:16; 

5. John 3:16; 

6. 1 John 4:10

Put Christ's love to the trial and put upon it burdens

"Put Christ's love to the trial and put upon it burdens, and then it will appear love indeed." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 25. [Letter CXVII]

God gave Solomon ... largeness of heart

Daily Light Devotions - August 22 - Evening

God gave Solomon ... largeness of heart ...

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, 1 

The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 2 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 3 

For one will scarcely die for a righteous person-- though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 4

who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 5

and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 6 

but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 7

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 8 

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 10 

______________ 

1. 1 Kings 4:29; 

2. Matt 12:42; 

3. Isa 9:6; 

4. Rom 5:7,8; 

5. Phil 2:6-8; 

6. Eph 3:19; 

7. 1 Cor 1:24; 

8. Col 2:3; 

9. Eph 3:8; 

10. 1 Cor 1:30

The Canons of Dordrecht: 2nd Main Point of Doctrine - Rejection of the Errors V

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Second Main Point of Doctrine: Christ’s Death and Human Redemption Through It

Rejection of the Errors:

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

V. Who teach that all people have been received into the state of reconciliation and into the grace of the covenant, so that no one on account of original sin is liable to condemnation, or is to be condemned, but that all are free from the guilt of this sin. For this opinion conflicts with Scripture which asserts that we are by nature children of wrath.

None of us liveth to himself

Daily Light Devotions - August 22 - Morning

None of us liveth to himself.

For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 1 

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 2 

for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 3 

as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 4 

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 5 

______________ 

1. Rom 14:7,8; 

2. 1 Cor 10:24; 

3. 1 Cor 6:20; 

4. Phil 1:20-23; 

5. Gal 2:19,20

Christ a sufficient portion

"Christ's love, under a veil is love; if ye get Christ, howbeit not the sweet and pleasant way you would have him, it is enough, for the Well-Beloved cometh not our way." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 25. [Letter CXXII]

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man

Daily Light Devotions - August 21 - Evening

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man ...

There is a way that seems right to a man but its end is the way to death. 1 

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. 2 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 3 

With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. 4 

"If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. 5 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 6

______________ 

1. Prov 14:12; 

2. Prov 28:26; 

3. Psa 119:105; 

4. Psa 17:4; 

5. Deut 13:1-4; 

6. Psa 32:8

The Canons of Dordrecht: 2nd Main Point of Doctrine - Rejection of the Errors IV

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Second Main Point of Doctrine: Christ’s Death and Human Redemption Through It

Rejection of the Errors:

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

IV. Who teach that what is involved in the new covenant of grace which God the Father made with men through the intervening of Christ’s death is not that we are justified before God and saved through faith, insofar as it accepts Christ’s merit, but rather that God, having withdrawn his demand for perfect obedience to the law, counts faith itself, and the imperfect obedience of faith, as perfect obedience to the law, and graciously looks upon this as worthy of the reward of eternal life.

For they contradict Scripture: They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ, whom God presented as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood (Rom. 3:24-25). And along with the ungodly Socinus, they introduce a new and foreign justification of man before God, against the consensus of the whole church.

Thou art my portion, O LORD

Daily Light Devotions - August 21 - Morning

Thou art my portion, O LORD.

The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words. 1 

So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. 2 

waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 3 

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 4 

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 5 

My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. 6 

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 7 

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 8 

I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 9 

______________ 

1. Psa 119:57; 

2. 1 Cor 3:21,23; 

3. Tit 2:13,14; 

4. Eph 1:22; 

5. Eph 5:25,27; 

6. Psa 34:2; 

7. Isa 61:10; 

8. Psa 73:25,26; 

9. Psa 16:2,5,6

Christ's wooers to speak for you to himself

"You must learn to make evils your great good, and to spin out comforts, peace, joy, communion with Christ, out of your troubles, that are Christ's wooers to speak for you (See I Kings ii. 18) to himself." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 25. [Letter CXXII]

If thou faint in the day of adversity ...

Daily Light Devotions - August 20, 2012 - Monday Evening

If thou faint in the day of adversity ...

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. 1 

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 2 

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 3 

When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 4 

The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, 'Destroy.' 5 

Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. 6 

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"; Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 7 

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 8 

______________ 

1. Prov 24:10; 

2. Isa 40:29; 

3. 2 Cor 12:9; 

4. Psa 91:15; 

5. Deut 33:27; 

6. Psa 69:20; 

7. Heb 5:1,2,5,8,9; 

8. Isa 53:4

The Canons of Dordrecht: 2nd Main Point of Doctrine - Rejection of the Errors III

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Second Main Point of Doctrine: Christ’s Death and Human Redemption Through It

Rejection of the Errors:

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

III. Who teach that Christ, by the satisfaction which he gave, did not certainly merit for anyone salvation itself and the faith by which this satisfaction of Christ is effectively applied to salvation, but only acquired for the Father the authority or plenary will to relate in a new way with men and to impose such new conditions as he chose, and that the satisfying of these conditions depends on the free choice of man; consequently, that it was possible that either all or none would fulfill them.

For they have too low an opinion of the death of Christ, do not at all acknowledge the foremost fruit or benefit which it brings forth, and summon back from hell the Pelagian error.

God is not a man, that he should lie ...

Daily Light Devotions - August 20 - Morning

God is not a man, that he should lie ...

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? 1 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 2 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 3 

He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 4 

So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 5 

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, 6 

All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. 7 

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; 8 

______________ 

1. Num 23:19; 

2. James 1:17; 

3. Heb 13:8; 

4. Psa 91:4; 

5. Heb 6:17,18; 

6. Deut 7:9; 

7. Psa 25:10; 

8. Psa 146:5,6

The Saviour

Here's a prayer titled "The Saviour" from "The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions" edited by Arthur Bennett (pages 78-79):

THOU GOD OF ALL GRACE,

Thou hast given me a Saviour,
   produce in me a faith to live by him,
   to make him all my desire,

     all my hope,

     all my glory.

May I enter him as my refuge,

   build on him as my foundation,

   walk in him as my way,

   follow him as my guide,

   conform to him as my example,

   receive his instructions as my prophet,

   rely on his intercession as my high priest,

   obey him as my king.

May I never be ashamed of him or his words,

     but joyfully bear his reproach,

   never displease him by unholy or imprudent

     conduct,

   never count it a glory if I take it patiently

     when buffeted for a fault,

   never make the multitude my model,

   never delay when thy Word invites me to

     advance.

May thy dear Son preserve me from this present

     evil world,

   so that its smiles never allure,

   nor its frowns terrify,

   nor its vices defile,

   nor its errors delude me.

May I feel that I am a stranger and a pilgrim

     on earth,

   declaring plainly that I seek a country,

   my title to it becoming daily more clear,

   my meetness for it more perfect,

   my foretastes of it more abundant;

   and whatsoever I do may it be done

     in the Saviour’s name.

Faith thinketh no evil of Christ

"Faith is exceeding charitable, and believeth no evil of God." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 24. [Letter II, 23 April 1628]

Ask me of things to come concerning my sons

Daily Light Devotions - August 19 - Evening

Ask me of things to come concerning my sons ...

Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him: "Ask me of things to come; will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands? 1 

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. "Thus says the Lord GOD: This also I will let the house of Israel ask me to do for them: to increase their people like a flock. 2 

Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." 3 

And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 4 

______________ 

1. Isa 45:11; 

2. Eze 36:26,27,37; 

3. Matt 18:19,20; 

4. Mark 11:22,23

The Canons of Dordrecht: 2nd Main Point of Doctrine - Rejection of the Errors II

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Second Main Point of Doctrine: Christ’s Death and Human Redemption Through It

Rejection of the Errors:

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

II. Who teach that the purpose of Christ’s death was not to establish in actual fact a new covenant of grace by his blood, but only to acquire for the Father the mere right to enter once more into a covenant with men, whether of grace or of works. For this conflicts with Scripture, which teaches that Christ has become the guarantee and mediator of a better - that is, a new-covenant (Heb. 7:22; 9:15), and that a will is in force only when someone has died (Heb. 9:17).

Be ye holy in all manner of conversation

Daily Light Devotions - August 19 - Morning

... Be ye holy in all manner of conversation.

but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 1 

For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 2 

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 3 

for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 4 

filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 5

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 6 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 7 

______________ 

1. 1 Pet 1:15; 

2. 1 Thess 2:11,12; 

3. 1 Pet 2:9; 

4. Eph 5:8-11; 

5. Phil 1:11; 

6. Matt 5:16; 

7. 1 Co 10:31

Live all the way on Christ's love while you are here

"Live on Christ's love while ye are here, and all the way." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 24. [Letter CCCXVIII, 9 Jan. 1646]

He that glorifieth, let him glory in the Lord

Daily Light Devotions - August 18 - Evening

He that glorifieth, let him glory in the Lord.

so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." 1 

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." 2 

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 3 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 4 

In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 5 

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 6 

And Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. 7 

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! 8 

______________ 

1. 1 Cor 1:31; 

2. Jer 9:23,24; 

3. Phil 3:8; 

4. Rom 1:16; 

5. Rom 15:17; 

6. Psa 73:25; 

7. 1 Sam 2:1; 

8. Psa 115:1

The Canons of Dordrecht: 2nd Main Point of Doctrine - Rejection of the Errors I

The Canons of Dordrecht 

The Second Main Point of Doctrine: Christ’s Death and Human Redemption Through It

Rejection of the Errors:

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

I. Who teach that God the Father appointed his Son to death on the cross without a fixed and definite plan to save anyone by name, so that the necessity, usefulness, and worth of what Christ’s death obtained could have stood intact and altogether perfect, complete and whole, even if the redemption that was obtained had never in actual fact been applied to any individual. For this assertion is an insult to the wisdom of God the Father and to the merit of Jesus Christ, and it is contrary to Scripture. For the Savior speaks as follows: I lay down my life for the sheep, and I know them (John 10:15, 27). And Isaiah the prophet says concerning the Savior: When he shall make himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days, and the will of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand (Isa. 53:10). Finally, this undermines the article of the creed in which we confess what we believe concerning the Church.