The Voice of Faith in the Valley of Achor: Vol. 1 [of 2]: being a series of letters to several friends on religious subjectsChurch, J. (John)
Religion
The Voice of Faith in the Valley of Achor: Vol. 1 [of 2]: being a series of letters to several friends on religious subjects
Church, J. (John)
Christian life; Church, J. (John), approximately 1780-approximately 1825 -- Correspondence; Clergy -- England -- Correspondence
But blessed be God for that faith which embraces the grand truth of the
sacred pages; that there are three which bear record in heaven, the
Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one. The
glorious record that each adorable person bears, is to the Divinity of
Christ, as God over all, blessed for ever. Hear what the Father says of
Christ, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever.” Hear what the Saviour
says, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth, for I am
God, and there is none else.” Hear also the testimony of the holy
Spirit, “And his name shall be called wonderful counsellor—the mighty
God.” The Arian does indeed admit, that Christ is God, but then it is
only in a subordinate sense—only a God, by delegation and office. But
then, this is making two Gods—one supreme, and the other subordinate, and
to worship any thing below infinite divinity, is awful idolatry, for all
men must honour the Son, as they honour the Father—“Thou shalt worship
the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Angels and saints are
commanded to adore and worship him, “Let all the angels of God worship
him, for he is thy Jehovah, and worship thou him.”—It is certainly
curious to see the Arian strutting about with this text, in 17th John,
“This is life eternal to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom
thou hast sent.” But when you remind him of 1st John, 5th chapter, 20th
verse, he shrinks back, crying out, it is doubtful whether that part is
inspired, And we know that the Son of God is come—this is the true God,
and our eternal life; for if the Father is the true God, so also is
Christ. Nothing proves this point so clearly as the glorious and
incommunicable name of Jehovah, given him, as at once expressive of his
underived independent self-existent Deity, as one in the adorable
Godhead. But this subject would fill a volume of immense size. Let me
bring to your view, a few out of the many glorious testimonies given in
the Bible, and by comparing scripture with scripture, you will through
grace see their beauty, Isaiah viii, 13, 14, Sanctify the Lord of Hosts
himself, and let him be your fear and your dread, and he shall be for a
sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence to both
the houses of Israel. See how the apostle Peter explains this text, and
applies it to his Lord. 1st Peter, ii, 7, 8. Isaiah vi, 5, Mine eyes
have seen the king, the Lord of Hosts. See how this belongs to Christ,
John xii, 41. Isaiah xliv, 6, Thus saith the Lord, the king of Israel
and his Redeemer, the Lord of Hosts—I am the first, and I am the last,
and besides me there is no God. See Revelations xxii, 13. Isaiah iv, 3,
11, I, even I am the Lord, and besides me there is no Saviour; and Peter
stiles him our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Psalm lxxviii, 56, They
tempted and provoked the most high God. 1st Corinthians, x, 9, Neither
let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted him. John iii, 29, He
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account