June 16
The Danger of Unbelief
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. - John 10:28
The Christian should never think or speak lightly of unbelief. For when a child of God mistrusts His love, His truth, His faithfulness, it is greatly displeasing to Him. How can we ever grieve Him by doubting His upholding grace?
Christian, it is contrary to every promise of God's precious Word that you would ever be forgotten or left to perish. If it could be so, how could He be true who has said, "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."1 What would be the value of the promise--"'The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you"?2 What truth would there be in Christ's words--"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand"?3 What value would there be in the doctrines of grace? They would be all disproved if one child of God should perish. What value could be placed in the veracity of God, His honor, His power, His grace, His covenant, His oath, if any of those for whom Christ died, and who have put their trust in Him, should nevertheless be cast away?
Banish then those unbelieving fears, which so dishonor God. Arise, shake yourself from the dust, and put on your beautiful clothes. Remember, it is sinful to doubt His Word in which He has promised you that you will never perish. Let the eternal life within you express itself in confident rejoicing.
The gospel bears my spirit up:
A faithful and unchanging God
Lays the foundation for my hope,
In oaths, and promises, and blood.
1) Isaiah 49:15
2) Isaiah 54:10
3) John 10:28-29
Family Bible reading plan
verse 1 Deuteronomy 21
verse 2 Psalms 108, 109
Where was God when that happened?: And other questions about God’s goodness, power, and the way He works in the world.
By Christopher Ash
When a personal tragedy strikes, or when we find ourselves struggling to make sense of horrifying world events, do we begin to doubt if God is truly in control? After all, if God is good then why do bad things happen?
Christopher Ash addresses this question head on. In his book, Where was God when that happened?, he offers remarkable insight into the challenging topic of God’s sovereignty within a world filled with sadness and pain. This warm, pastorally hearted and accessible book will help those struggling with this question to see the grand vision of the Bible’s answer — and the tragedy of adopting any other viewpoint.
Click here to learn more about Truth For Life
From Morning & Evening revised and edited by Alistair Begg copyright © 2003. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org.