How far those of old were let into the gospel way of salvation we know not. Balaam expressed the temper of a child of God. Whoever possessed that temper relied on divine mercy, while endeavoring to fulfil all righteousness. Such would refer themselves to divine grace; and surely God would not be wanting to them. He might lead them by a way which they understood not; "but would bring them to their desired haven, and unto God their exceeding joy. Their labor would not be in vain in the Lord."
Dependence on divine mercy is still our duty. Though favored with gospel light, many things are yet hidden from us. Let us therefore do justly love mercy, and walk humbly with God, and he will guide us through the darkness, and bring us through to the rest which he hath prepared for those who love and serve, and trust him here. For these there is no commutation. Knowledge the most perfect; faith the most miraculous; and sacrifices the most costly, would all be of no avail. God hath shewn us what is good, and what he requires. May we hear and obey. Amen.
SERMON XIX.
"—If we deny him, he also will deny us."
"—If we deny him, he also will deny us."
This is predicated of Christ; and looks forward to the day when all mankind will stand before him as their judge.
Denying Christ is here declared to be a mortal sin. Those found guilty of it will hear that sentence—"Depart ye cursed!" But this is to be understood only of a persevering denial of him. Those who turn by a timely repentance, will find mercy. This is true of every sin. But repentance may be too late. It must antecede death, or it will be of no avail. The day of grace terminates with life. From that period man ceases to be a probationer, and his state is unalterably fixed.
When the offers of pardon and peace are sent abroad, some will not hear. Who will receive, and who reject the grace of life, is to us unknown. Our expectations are often disappointed. Some come to Christ of whom we had little hope; others cannot be persuaded, of whom our hopes were strong. We have only to "preach Christ; warning every man, and teaching every man," and must leave the event.
Some live where the sound of gospel grace is not heard. "We" are made to differ from them. "To us is the word of this salvation sent." But this doth not secure salvation to us. We must hear and obey. "If we neglect so great salvation, we shall not escape."
Among the indispensable requirements of the gospel, is that of confessing Christ, Himself hath determined it. "Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven; but whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I deny before my Father which is in heaven." [70]