The All-Sufficiency of Christ. Miscellaneous Writings of C. H. Mackintosh, vol. IMackintosh, Charles Henry
Religion
The All-Sufficiency of Christ. Miscellaneous Writings of C. H. Mackintosh, vol. I
Mackintosh, Charles Henry
Theology
Still, Elihu's principle must ever hold good. If any man is to speak
with power and practical effect, he must be able, in some measure, to
say, "I am full of matter; the spirit within me constraineth me.[9]
Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst
like new bottles. I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open
my lips and answer." Thus it must ever be, in measure at least, with
all who will speak with real power and effect to the hearts and
consciences of their fellows. We are forcibly reminded, by Elihu's
glowing words, of that memorable passage in the seventh of John, "He
that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly
shall flow rivers of living water." True it is that Elihu knew not the
glorious truth set forth in these words of our Lord, inasmuch as they
were not made good till fifteen centuries after his time. But then he
knew the principle--he possessed the germ of what was afterward to
come out in full blow and rich mellow fruit. He knew that a man, if he
is to speak with point, pungency, and power, must speak by the
inspiration of the Almighty. He had listened till he was tired to men
talking a quantity of powerless matter--saying some truisms--drawing
from their own experience, or from the musty stores of human
tradition. He was well-nigh wearied out with all this, and he rises,
in the mighty energy of the Spirit, to address his hearers as one
fitted to speak like an oracle of God.
[9] Let the reader distinctly understand that Elihu, in the above
quotation, speaks, not of the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, as
believers now know it. This was wholly unknown to saints in
Old-Testament times, and was the direct result of accomplished
redemption--the special fruit of the glorification of Christ at the
right hand of the Majesty in the heavens. This important truth has
been repeatedly referred to and dwelt upon at other times, and hence
we shall not go into it now; but we would request the reader to turn
to Jno. vii. 39 and xvi. 7, and meditate upon the doctrine there
taught, apart from all preconceived thoughts of his own, and
irrespective of all the opinions of men. From these scriptures, he
will see distinctly that the Holy Ghost did not and could not come
until Jesus was glorified. This is not a mere speculation--a human
theory--the dogma of a certain school. It is a grand foundation-truth
of Christianity, to be reverently received, tenaciously held, and
faithfully confessed by every true Christian. May all the Lord's
people be led to see and believe it!
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