KenH
Well-Known Member
Then said one unto him, Lord, are they few that be saved? Luke 13:23.
Peter’s fervent prayer, “Lord, save, or I perish!” was much better than this curious question. It was an unprofitable one. Suppose our Lord had given a direct answer to it, assured him there were but few that would be saved, and told him the exact number, what good would this querist have got by it?
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He does not give a direct answer to this vain question, but improves it to general usefulness.
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Disciple, here is an admirable lesson for thee and me. Let us learn to improve every curious question into godly edification; nice and subtle distinctions, into practical and experimental conversation. You can scarce begin to speak of the grace of God and the salvation of Christ to poor blind sinners, but they will ask, Do not you hold the doctrine of election? I am persuaded, it would be best to follow our Lord’s conduct. Give no answer to the question. Set forth the exceeding sinfulness of sin, the deplorable state sinners are in, the absolute necessity of a Saviour: the matchless glory of his person, the riches of his love to sinners, the fulness of his salvation for them, and the need we have of faith in him, to be clothed in his righteousness, justified before God, and eternally saved by him. This, this is the way to instruct poor sinners’ minds, and to warm and enliven our own souls. Dry disquisitions promote jar and discord. Let Jesus, the strait gate, be in our view. “Let us consider the end of our conversation, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:7-8.) Let us look to him every day and every hour, to save us from the deceitful pride of our hearts, the abominable wickedness of our nature, and from all our cursed lusts, which war against our souls.
- excerpt from William Mason's A Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God, Volume 2, November 8
Peter’s fervent prayer, “Lord, save, or I perish!” was much better than this curious question. It was an unprofitable one. Suppose our Lord had given a direct answer to it, assured him there were but few that would be saved, and told him the exact number, what good would this querist have got by it?
...
He does not give a direct answer to this vain question, but improves it to general usefulness.
...
Disciple, here is an admirable lesson for thee and me. Let us learn to improve every curious question into godly edification; nice and subtle distinctions, into practical and experimental conversation. You can scarce begin to speak of the grace of God and the salvation of Christ to poor blind sinners, but they will ask, Do not you hold the doctrine of election? I am persuaded, it would be best to follow our Lord’s conduct. Give no answer to the question. Set forth the exceeding sinfulness of sin, the deplorable state sinners are in, the absolute necessity of a Saviour: the matchless glory of his person, the riches of his love to sinners, the fulness of his salvation for them, and the need we have of faith in him, to be clothed in his righteousness, justified before God, and eternally saved by him. This, this is the way to instruct poor sinners’ minds, and to warm and enliven our own souls. Dry disquisitions promote jar and discord. Let Jesus, the strait gate, be in our view. “Let us consider the end of our conversation, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:7-8.) Let us look to him every day and every hour, to save us from the deceitful pride of our hearts, the abominable wickedness of our nature, and from all our cursed lusts, which war against our souls.
- excerpt from William Mason's A Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God, Volume 2, November 8