Leaving Beyond – Grounded In Scripture

Written by: April J. Buchanan

If my life remains familiar with the former weaknesses, knowings, and longings that the old man once loved, then my heart has not yet reckoned with that grace which works not merely in outward conformity, but in depths unseen by man and known only to God. It is there that He transforms the heart, makes it new, and produces new affections, new desires, and even the will to do what pleases Him, that which the old man could never do.

Yet there remains that which every saint longs to put off. Even this longing brings a sober awareness, for the desire itself is the work of God. The longing to cast off what cannot inherit eternal life, and to put on what is good and glorifies God, is not born of the flesh, but given by Him. The desire to glorify Him, this the heart has not known by nature. Known, not as the world claims to know, nor as false professors presume, but in truth.

Oh to know Him. The depths of His love, the riches of His grace, the wisdom, the mercy, the knowledge of God are far too high for me. Yet we taste, we see in part. And there remains in the saint a longing for that day when we shall know Him more fully, when we shall be parted from that which still dwells in our members, that which we no longer desire to be familiar with.

This world is seductive. Only a fool thinks himself beyond its pull. Let no man assume he is incapable of being drawn away by that which tempts his own soul. Be not such a fool, but be wise. Understand that though we are tempted, we are not without help. We are able to overcome, and if we are able to overcome, then we must expect to be tempted. Yet God has provided the way of escape. We are able to recognize temptation, to deny the lingering desire for evil, and to flee. This ability is not of ourselves, but is the gracious and powerful work of God in every saint.

And if we fall, let us not remain. Repent quickly. Rise, and flee to Christ. Do not draw back. The proud man imagines himself secure, supposing nothing can overtake him because of who he is. His fall, if unrestrained, will be great. Yet even such a fall, if God is merciful, may become the means by which he is humbled, brought low, and made to see the corruption of his own heart. In this, he may yet be led to true grace.

How well is our soul acquainted with such grace? Do we walk in it daily, or do we take it for granted? Fellow pilgrim, dear saint, acknowledge the wisdom, the power, the love, the grace, and even the corrective hand of God in your life. Let His discipline not be prolonged, that we may learn swiftly and walk in the strength of His might, in the grace that works in truth, guiding us in the way that is best. It will cost us much, yet it will be worth it. Today, dear saint, do you recognize His grace at work within you?

Sing, dear saint. God is at work in you, even now. It is He who works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. And He is at work in the world. All things are under His sovereign hand. His providence cannot be thwarted.

Remember, ‘tis all of grace.