1956 Bible Studies - page 146

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BIBLE STUDIES course with the object of interceding for someone.  Thanksgiving is the expression of gratitude, the use of grateful language to God. These words are all in the plural, showing that there is to be a continuance in their exercise.

Such are to be made for all men. In the matter of prayer there is gross darkness in many hearts in many lands, and there are many lying vanities.

The Buddhist turns his prayer wheel and cries, " O, Jewel of the Lotus, Amen." The Moslem prays to Allah, Mahomet’s god. The Romanist cease-lessly repeats "Hail Mary." Protestants pray betimes to Almighty God with-out reference to Jesus Christ, the one Way of reaching the ear of God His Father. They, at least, should know better. There are prayers in plenty, but most who pray know neither the Lord Jesus nor His Father. Such prayers are vain. The Lord said to His disciples in the matter of prayer, " In praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking " (Matthew 6.7). Surely there is much need for prayer by those in whom is the Spirit of God and who know Jesus Christ the Son of the Father, for men steeped in ignorance and unbelief who are drifting on to hell and eternal misery.

Particular prayer is to be made for kings and all in eminence or dignity in human affairs, so that things may be overruled by God that we may be able to lead a quiet and tranquil life in all godliness and gravity. The Christian should be a godly and grave person, not gloomy and dejected:

he has everything to make him happy and cheerful in the present joy of the Holy Spirit and the future inheritance in glory.

Verses 3, 4 : This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour ; who willeth that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.

God is not ignorant of the need of the souls of men nor does He need to be stirred to concern and activity concerning that need. So great was His love for the world that He gave His only begotten Son to die on Calvary (John 3. 16 ; 1 John 4. 9, 10). He has also sent forth His Spirit to convict men of sin and to bear witness concerning Christ (John 15. 26 ; 16. 7-11).

What more could He have done ? His will is that saved illuminated men and women should be His witnesses in the world, each in his own sphere, shedding their light in the darkness. God is the Saviour, saints are His messengers, the instruments He uses, but they must be in touch with Him, hence the need for prayer. God willeth, that is, he desires, all men to be saved.

God’s desire is equal to the provision He has made, for there is one Mediator between God and men, and that Mediator is the redemption price as well.

Saved men should not stop at being saved. Alas, many do. They should go on to the knowledge of the truth. Coming to the knowledge of the truth does not mean coming to know the way of salvation from hell. It means coming to know the way of the truth for believers, for God has a way in which they should walk as well as a way for them to be saved. See the following passages where the phrase " the knowledge of the t r u t h " is mentioned : 2 Timothy 2. 24-26; 3. 7; Titus 1 . 1 ; Hebrews 10. 26. If the knowledge of the truth was synonymous with being saved, then we should certainly have the falling away doctrine taught in Hebrew 10. 26-31.

That believers can fall away from the living God and from a place in divine service is plainly taught in the word, but they cannot fall away from grace and be lost eternally. Believers should not remain ignorant of what the will of God is. The Lord revealed in John 7.17 the principle on which God works, " If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." If the J.M.

believer is willing to do God’s will then God will teach him.

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