ARE YOU RIGHTEOUS LIKE ABEL?

Cain rose up and killed his brother Abel for a reason revealed to us by the Spirit of God. “And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” (1 John 3:12) Think about this, we only know two things about the works of these men. Abel offered up the blood sacrifice in worship to God and Cain offered the fruit of the ground, the fruit of his own labors. Abel’s offering was the fruit of righteousness and Cain’s was fruit unto death! These two men are given by the Holy Spirit through John to show us what it is to “do righteousness.” (1 John 3:10) To do righteousness is to approach God, worship God and seek the favor of God in that One sacrifice for sin which He appointed, provided and accepted. That one way in which He can be just and make us righteous. This sacrifice and way is in Christ crucified. We are made the righteousness of God in Him through His sufferings and obedience unto death, the death of the cross. Cain’s works, just like ever sinner’s works, were “evil” because they are all done by a sinner and cannot put away sin. Abel’s were righteous because they were looked to the works of the Lord Jesus. Thus, we also see another of the apostles writing in Hebrews 11:4, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” The gospel is now preached for the obedience of faith and the faith of God’s elect looks to the obedience of Christ in His death! We look to the blood of the One that Abel’s offering pictured, “to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” (Heb 12:24) When Abel’s blood was shed by Cain it cried out for justice. Christ’s blood now shed, that same justice cries out for life, peace and blessing to those He shed it for! Sprinkled in heaven it satisfied God and sprinkled in the conscience of redeemed sinners it speaks peace. We must make a little change in the old hymn if we believe the truth of God’s gospel, a change from “can” to “has.” “What HAS washed away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus…” Being righteous, we also love the brethren!

GS

Christ is the angel of the covenant, and you can find your part in that covenant by looking to Him. Many want to know their election before they look to Christ. It cannot be! Look to Christ as a guilty sinner. Cast yourself on Him for mercy and grace, and you will know your election; for all who are chosen, are chosen IN HIM. Apart from a saving interest in the Beloved, there is no hope.

Henry Mahan

GREAT JOY AND COMFORT OUT OF TROUBLE

Some of the greatest experiences of God’s grace and joy, and some of the greatest words of comfort and joy to God’s children have come out the adversity, trouble, and persecution of saints. For example, Paul was arrested and sent to Rome where he was in bonds when the Holy Spirit inspired him to write the “prison epistles” of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. This is another of the many, many examples of our great and sovereign God overruling the evil of men for His glory and our good. While Paul was in prison in Rome he was allowed to preach “the kingdom of God” and teach “those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (Acts 28:31). Paul’s heart and goal was to preach Christ and Him crucified, and he did so even while in the darkest of circumstances. He did not change his message to fit the desires of men. Notice how the preaching of the kingdom of God is directly connected with the doctrine concerning Jesus Christ – His glorious Person, His mediatorial offices, His finished work of redemption, His righteousness imputed, and all the things pertaining to eternal life and glory in Him. This was Paul’s whole message – CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED – salvation by God’s grace in Christ. This is the great message of joy and comfort to sinners in need of mercy and grace. Paul preached it boldly whether in times of peace or in times of trouble. God’s grace and power enabled him to do so. Let us pray that God will enable us to do the same as we live for Christ.

Bill Parker

There are many warnings to preachers to take heed to what they preach. But there are also warnings to all who hear. “Take heed HOW you hear…” (Luke8:18) Are we listening to critique or to be taught? “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith…” The least of men can be our teacher if the Spirit speaks through him.

GS

ZION, BEHOLD YOUR GOD!

Upon the high and sovereign throne,

Sits One who by Himself alone,

Has purged our sins and gone on high,

That those in Him should never die.

There at the right hand ever nigh,

Of that great Majesty on high

Amidst the creatures crying loud,

Almighty God in flesh there crowned.

Is this the One who just before,

Our sins in His own body bore,

There justly dying in our place,

For all the chosen of His grace?

Yes, it is He, the King of kings,

A full salvation now He brings;

The Victor, He now sits at rest

Forever all our Righteousness

Stand up you weary pilgrims, cry!

Let all His glory fill your eye,

The eye of faith alone can see,

His beauty on that cursed tree.

And only those He makes to see,

Salvation by His cross made free;

Can see in Him by all expressed,

God’s grace that reigns through righteousness.