A word of hope. (Quality: Good)

[0:00] The scripture that is with me, and which I hope the Lord will help me to make some suitable remarks upon this morning, you will find in the Gospel according to John, chapter 11, verse 25, the Gospel according to John, chapter 11, verse 25, Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

[0:59] It is my desire this morning, as helped and permitted, to bring before you a word of hope, real hope, well-founded hope, which will abide, I trust, in your hearts through life, and give you to see that there is beyond the grave something which awaits God's children, prepared by God himself in the person of his dear son. To receive this hope, we first need faith, that we may believe what we read and what Jesus has declared. This faith, this belief, is that which is so sadly lacking in the days in which we live. The natural man cannot receive these things. They are foolishness unto him. The word declares this. It's very solemn. It's very true. We know this in our own hearts, if we are honest. We have a nature just like everybody else's. Its feelings, temptations, infidelity, and belief, and belief are the same. Yet, if by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the precious operation of his Holy Spirit, a difference has been made and a change wrought, the Lord be praised forever and ever by you and I, for such mercy. This will be uppermost in the heart of a tender child of God. What was there in me that could merit esteem or give the Creator delight?

[3:26] There's no merit there, nothing but sin, and yet sin forgiven. There's the mercy. It perhaps is not altogether suitable, that I should revert to the meditations which occupied us but a day or two ago. And yet you know it is to that solemn occasion, that wondrous event, and that which occurred there, and at that time, that you and I have hope of eternal life.

[4:00] I feel it is right that it should seldom be very far from our thoughts and our minds. How precious it would be if we often reviewed the wonder, the miracle, the mercy of the salvation of Jesus Christ. But you see, his power goes further than that.

[4:28] And today is the day appointed for us to commemorate that power. It is divine in its origin, holy and powerful beyond all our conception, because by that mighty act which the Savior performed by his own divine power, he then mystically raised every child of his into eternal life and delivered them forever from the power of eternal death.

[5:04] And then, by that way, he said, should we ever be able to enter into this mystery except but to slightly penetrate the surface of it?

[5:15] But if in doing so we find a sacred pleasure this day, I believe it will be the means of indicting real worship in our heart to that Savior who first sorrowed and suffered and then triumphed on our behalf if we are his.

[5:38] I can't remove the if, not even from my own mind and heart and fears at times. Yet would not cast away the confidence I hope he has wrought, and I pray it may strengthen the confidence in you also to cleave closely to that which you hope Jesus has wrought in you.

[6:02] The circumstances preceding our text are well known. It is rather alluring to dwell upon them for a time, but I want to get if the Lord will help me into the depth there is in the blessedness of his own statement.

[6:22] But first let us consider that the teaching the Lord was giving at the present time was presently to be followed by that best of instructions, practical demonstration.

[6:37] This method of instruction is still used and it is the best instruction that can be given to accompany with literal, vocal teaching, practical demonstration.

[6:54] And this the Savior employed here as only he could. We have then in the text before us gracious divine instruction, the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ, him who spake as never any other man spake.

[7:15] He taught them even those who had to confess, who had no particular interest in his teaching. He taught them as one having authority and not as described.

[7:26] So first let us acknowledge in the remarks before us which fell from his gracious lips, divine authority, unquestionable authority and definite fulfillment of all that he spoke.

[7:47] Here is the foundation of our hope. Had man declared this, it could not stand against the opposition it would receive. It has received much opposition and still does, but it still stands and it still will, as long as time shall last.

[8:08] Nothing has ever succeeded yet in quelling the words and deeds and will of Jesus, and nothing ever will, because his power is divine and his authority divine.

[8:27] There is in this too, before I leave the first brief clause, an element of great condescension and a manifestation of his tender love toward one poor sinner.

[8:40] These words were spoken, if I might say so reverently, to a congregation of one. Jesus talking to one poor, broken-hearted, fearful woman, who had said, if thou had been here, this wouldn't have happened.

[9:00] Oh, if only you'd been here, my brother wouldn't have died. We know how we get, and where we get in grief and sorrow.

[9:11] It's very far from realizing how powerful is Jesus. How that matters are still under his control, and how that in his wisdom, he so often hides the purpose of his grace to make it better known.

[9:30] You see, in this, though trying to nature, he had, in his wisdom, decided to reveal to these people, particularly to those closely concerned, his divinity, as well as his humanity.

[9:51] They were the objects of his love, all three of these in the family, equally so, and no difference made between them. And the message they sent, he whom thou lovest, is sick.

[10:09] But he still remained there, deliberately remained there, until he, whom was loved, was beyond all human age.

[10:22] Then he said, we will go. Yes, we will go, and see into this matter. I'm glad for your sakes, that I was not there.

[10:38] To the intent, ye may believe. Nevertheless, let us go unto him. He knew what had occurred, yet he receives, quietly, and without harsh rebuke, the plaint of this his loved one.

[11:00] And then he said, thy brother shall rise again. She had faith, far above some of us, and how much above the generality of those around us.

[11:18] Martha said unto him, I know that he shall rise again, in the resurrection, at the last day. Let me stay here a moment, to ask you a solemn question.

[11:32] Do you know this? Really know it? Firmly believe it? You will say to me, perhaps, that I shall believe you in this.

[11:42] I am sorely tempted, on the matter of time. My reason suggests, that it's impossible. And I don't always feel able, to control my reasoning powers, and the thoughts that arise, and the questions that are there.

[12:03] Ah, what is needed, that which I commenced with, faith which only God can give, to quell these doubts, and dispel the fears, and allay the questionings, and to bring us, really to believe, what we profess to believe.

[12:24] What a wonderful thing, was revealed to one, so many years ago, back in the early ages, of the world. I know, that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand, in the latter day, upon the earth, whom I shall see for myself.

[12:46] You and I, need, a measure, of the same revelation, by the same divine person, if we are to really believe, as he believed.

[13:00] I trust, I do mean this, I sincerely trust, that there are many, in this gathering, this morning, who do believe, that the resurrection, is a fact, established fact, and that, at that last, day, there will be, a reviving, and a reliving, and a reunion, of, soul, and body.

[13:31] While on this, particular point, in which we must, believe, I must, sadly, and solemnly, remind you, that the resurrection, is, twofold, just, for the moment, I don't want it, to slip my mind, but there's a, theory abroad, in the earth, today, which is, exceedingly, comfortable, to nature, but, not in accordance, with the scriptures.

[14:03] It is that, yes, there will be, a resurrection, of those, who are good, and they, will go to heaven, but those, who have not, reached, this standard, of goodness, will remain, in oblivion.

[14:18] What a delusion. What a temptation, of Satan. What a lulling, to sleep, of thousands, who are deceived, by this, gross evil.

[14:30] will. You read, in this, same gospel, in chapter 5, that the resurrection, equally, is, concerning, those, who fear God, and those, who fear him, not.

[14:44] Some, to be raised, to joy, and bliss, and peace, and some, the word says, to eternal, damnation. On which side, shall we be found, is the solemn question, that I must pass, to the words, of Jesus.

[15:05] I am, the resurrection. What a revelation, there was in this, must have been, to that, hearer.

[15:16] she had referred, to the resurrection, at the last day, when this, divine person, says, I'm the resurrection, in my power.

[15:34] He seemed, to want to, show to her, that he was, shortly, to reveal, his power. That he, could, revive, and resurrect.

[15:49] And how this, must have, astounded, those who were, gathered together, when he finally, brought that to pass. Emphasizing, his power, as God, to restore, from death, and to revive, and reunite, a departed soul, with the body.

[16:14] in connection, with this, wonderful, happening, there have been, many speculations, and we find, these things, work, in our own, minds, and hearts, a curiosity, to know, what, Lazarus, passed through, in those, four days, during the, separation, of his soul, from his body, but the Lord, never, satisfies, natural curiosity, in the scriptures, and the, lesson, to be learned, from this, is clear, that, which is, not revealed, we must, not, attempt, to pry into, but leave, this, to the wisdom, of God, and, two, our, future, experience, God, has not, seen, fit, that, anything, should be, recorded, of, any, statement, that,

[17:18] Lazarus, ever, made, after, he was, called, again, from, the death, and the grave, the scripture, except, with one reference, is, silent, upon that point, and we must, cease, from all, speculation, concerning, that matter, suffice it, to show, and to believe, that Lazarus, was ordained, specially, to reveal, to those, around him, and in particular, to his sisters, the power, of the Jesus, they loved.

[17:58] Jesus, said unto her, I am, the resurrection. Well, this, as I have, tried, feebly, to bring, before you, was, practically, demonstrated, before their eyes.

[18:15] They were, permitted, to see, the revelation, of this power, by that, word of his, Lazarus, come forth, and with those, few words, there was, a divine power, which was, irresistible, and which, has been, recorded, to assist, in great measure, our belief, in that, which awaits, each of us.

[18:48] But, there's, something, deeper, underlying, all this, in this, brief, declaration. And, if the Lord, will help me, and give me, clear thought, on this, solemn matter, I want to be, helped, to bring it, before you.

[19:06] It's, deep doctrine, difficult, of comprehension, very difficult, of explanation. Yet, we're, assured, in the scriptures, that Jesus, when, he rose, from the dead, and became, the first fruits, of them, that slept, was, in fact, rising, as the head, and representative, of the whole church, the whole election, of grace, the deep mystery, into which, I cannot probe, that, mystically, we rose, with him, when he rose, and as, sure, as he is, a risen savior, so, are the election, of grace, a risen church, this, should comfort, it should establish, encourage, to pursue, the narrow way, the way, of tribulation, the way, of sorrow, which we're, assured, is the path, that leads, to the place, where sorrow, is unknown, seeing, that, virtually, this is, accomplished, it remains, only, to be, actually, fulfilled, in God's, good time, and way, viewed, from, the standpoint, of divinity, his people, are saved, with an everlasting, salvation, and have risen, with Christ, and will presently, be made, manifest, as his, by the final, resurrection, in that great day, this is, a profound truth, and again,

[21:00] I assert, that nature, cannot, and will not, accept it, but the children, of God, pin their faith, to it, have hope, in it, and join, with the apostle, in rejoicing, in this hope, of eternal life, by the resurrection, of the dead, in respect, of the doctrine, of the resurrection, and the proclamation, of it, let me, for a few moments, take your minds, to the apostles, preaching of it, there have been, no greater, exponents, of the gospel, of Jesus Christ, than the apostle, Paul, since, not only, did he, proclaim him, by word of mouth, but the spirit, so helped, by revelation, and the power, he imparted, to his apostle, that he, caused much, to be recorded, in what are called, epistles, and in the instruction, there, which is, still there, for our instruction, information, guidance, and help, we find, the apostle, led by the spirit, of God, to devote, a considerable portion, of one chapter, to this, great subject, it is remarkable, that in the first instance, and for some few verses, he was led, to consider this, entirely, from a negative, point of view, and there is that, in the reading, of the chapter, which needs, great discernment, lest we be led, astray, into thinking, that there existed, in the mind, of the apostle, any doubt, whatsoever, about the matter, in hand, and so,

[22:53] I would advise, if you will accept, the advice, from a poor sinner, especially, that our young people, should read, that chapter, with great care, having regard, not so much, to what he first says, but to carefully, see, why he says it, he is establishing, rather, he is propounding, the negative, to establish, the positive, and the last, verse of the negative, reads like this, if in this, life, only, we have hope, in Christ, we are of all men, most miserable, what does he really mean, by this, as simply as I can put it, of what use, is our religion, or, any religion, if, the hope, that is in it, ceases, when we reach the grave, and there is nothing, beyond it, simply put, again, it means this, what hope, has a Sadducee, who says, there is, no resurrection, but the apostle, didn't leave, the matter there, no, the very next, birth, commences, his positive, teaching, but now, is,

[24:14] Christ, risen from the dead, and become, the first fruits, of them, that slept, now in this, he gives, an illustration, which would have, more weight, and power, with those, in those days, than we can perceive, except, we go into the matter, carefully, become, the first fruits, of them, that slept, the first fruits, was a sacrifice, to be offered, to God, as a kind of, thank offering, for the crops, and harvest, has been given, whatever the crop was, or the harvest, the first fruit, to be offered, to God, he carried, with it, a promise, that the Lord, would bless, the remainder, and bring it, to a fruitful, and successful, harvest, and in gathering, you see, the point, of the apostles, argument here, the truth, he was led, to set forth, the first, fruit is offered, in the person, of the Jesus Christ, so acceptable, to the father, as a thank offering, and a sweet, guarantee, of the safe, collection, of the remainder, of the harvest, my friends, as we're gathered, here this morning, in this sanctuary, if we're found, through mercy, in Christ, as the apostle, puts it, so touchingly, and feelingly, in Christ, the harvest, is safe, harvest, is secure, and presently, that time, will blessedly, arrive, when, as a shock, of corn, fully ripe, in his season, you and I, will be gathered in, does this encourage you, does this, raise within you, a faith, to believe, that the hope, he has given, will presently, terminate, in eternal life,

[26:29] I pass, if the Lord, will help me, to the next, brief word, of the Lord Jesus, and the life, you see, it was, in him, at his disposal, he, the giver of it, the maintainer of it, it was, easily, in his divine power, to restore it, to the one he loved, it was in his gift, you see, it's in his power, he is the life, the author of life, the source of life, even natural life, and how much more, of life eternal, and in his, wisdom, and according to his, sovereign will, in the matter, he saw fit, that for a season, this, man he loved, should experience death, have his life, in that sense, removed, for a short period, he knowing,

[27:36] Jesus knowing, perfectly well, it was in his, supreme power, to be able, to restore that life, and give it to him again, which is the view I take, of this dispensation, Jesus withheld it, but for a few days, intending fully, to restore it, to show forth his power, to magnify, his own name, and honor, and to increase, in the hearts, of his children, present, they were present, some of them, though they were, unbelievers, and yet you see, his power, was shown, even to them equally, so that, in a way, and solemn is this, no excuse, for being an unbeliever, when such demonstration, of divine power, was shown, how great, is the sin, against light, and knowledge, how great, is that sin, which still, persists, in hardness, and unbelief, in face, of revealed, divine power, such are we, by nature, how great, is our need, of a great, savior, and the more, the deeper, the Holy Spirit, works, in the heart, of a sinner, the more, will be seen, the need, of a powerful, divine, almighty, savior, and correspondingly, there should be, an increase, of love, and service, and devotion, to him,

[29:12] I am the resurrection, and the life, life, is illustrated, in the word of God, by light, as opposed, to darkness, knowledge, as opposed, to ignorance, and death, so the apostle, says this, ye should, show forth, the praises, of him, who has called you, out of darkness, into his, marvelous, light, in other words, given, life, and that, life eternal, by the impartation, of his, gracious spirit, in the act, and at the time, of regeneration, salvation, and this, life, is within, all his, dear children, who truly, believe, now, this, wondrous, mystery, again, not to be, penetrated, by human, reason, is fully, confirmed, in this, same gospel, soul, if I can find it, and refer to it, carefully,

[30:25] I want to, clear this point, he that, believeth, on the sun, hath, everlasting, life, is also this, and so I must, bring it before you, and he that, believeth, not the sun, shall not, see life, but the wrath of God, abideth on him, does not, this truth, which is, sweetly, confirmed here, lead us, to the last part, of the subject, he that, believeth, in me, though he were dead, yet, shall he live, the importance, I must return to it, of faith, in this matter, is beyond, all computation, and faith, is the gift, of God, so it places, every true believer, in the position, of a recipient, one who has received, one who has, obtained, one who has been, granted mercy, the whole thing, flows, from the mercy, and love, of God, yet, it is essential, that we be, found, believers, in him, sometimes, it occurs, to me, to try, to bring, some clue, from the scriptures, believers, to help us, to, arrive, at, whether we do believe, by the result, or the effects, which follow,

[32:19] I want to put it, very simply, and I hope, it may be, helpful, to us each, on the occasion, mentioned, in this gospel, when Jesus, gave sight, to one, who was born blind, after much, had happened, to him, and he had been, cast out, excommunicated, his, Jesus, found him, and he asked him, this, so important question, it has a close relation, to the text, dost, thou, believe, on the son of God, I hope, that question, has gone somewhere, into some heart, and oh, may it cause, a great exercise, there, to arrive, at a true, and honest, answer, before God, it's a very, solemn question, and so much, depends upon it, as is revealed, in our text, there was something, in the man's favor, though he knew, but very little, like some of us, he said, who is he Lord, that I might, believe in him, it was first, a willing mind, how wonderful, it would be, if there was that, in several, this morning, in this gathering, that I might,

[33:40] I would, if he be revealed, to me, well, it's not, often, that the privilege, is given, as was given, to him, and I want you, to take such, careful notice, of the way, Jesus worded it, remembering, that he was a man, born blind, Jesus said, thou hast, both, seen him, and he, it is, that talketh, with thee, what a blessed, revelation, of his power, the eyes, have been opened, you can see, and it's Jesus, you can see, the Lord grant, we may see him, by faith, who cannot, see him now, with the natural, eye, and yet, in seeing, believe, you will say, to me, what is the end, of all this, why the clue, lies in the next, part of the scripture, that follows, my friend, he said,

[34:42] Lord, I believe, and he worshipped him, there's the clue, there's the secret, there'll be some more, questioning going on, now, in the heart, of living souls, sure to be, when, did I worship him, where, did I worship him, why, did I worship him, but if you're honest, and the spirit, bring to your remembrance, certain, sweet portions, of the life, you've had, in the past, you'll say, ah, it was there, it was then, and it was because, he drew near to me, and revealed, his love and mercy, to me, a poor sinner, that's why, and now, what a hope, will spring up, in your breath, I've, some, sweet evidence, within, of having worshipped him, and so,

[35:49] I may hope, humbly, yet, earnestly, that I do believe in him, now, listen to the scripture then, that the Lord has seen fit, should be brought before us, this morning, he, that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet, shall he live, Christ, being the resurrection, Christ, being the life, Christ, being the divine person, who makes this sweet promise, oh, how sure it is of fulfillment, yet, shall he live, and living, shall live forever, the gift, that I will give him, shall be in him, a well of water, springing up, into everlasting life, you realize, the blessedness, of the truth, the Lord has favored us, with this morning, life, in exchange, for death, pardon, in exchange, for punishment, and peace, in exchange, for eternal conflict, and horror, and sorrow,

[37:13] O, do meditate, as God may help you, on the blessed exchange, from death, to life, now this, is fulfilled, in a twofold sense, it is actually performed, and literally carried out, in every elect vessel, of mercy, you, hath he quickened, who were dead, in trespasses, and sins, and you, who he has quickened, and who now, are the possessors, of the life of God, within, do realize, that death, was with you, and all about you, and the remedy, at one time, was without you, but through mercy, the remedy, has been applied, and you are now, a living soul, what a mercy, it would be, if the number, here this morning, were all, among those, whom God has designed, shall be, true believers,

[38:22] I see in it, as I seek, to view this promise, the rich, reward, that is, the portion, which awaits, every, true believer, I want to, emphasize, the privilege, that it is, of being, such and one, we've all got, natural hearts, every one of us, present, we're all, afflicted, at times, with natural, aspirations, ambitions, and desires, it's extremely, seldom, that you'll find, a human being, unconcerned, about, and any attainment, most of us, seek, to prosper, most of us, carve out, a way of ourselves, for ourselves, which contains, much pleasure, and comfort, and luxury in it, and so, little of our thoughts, even, after we hope, we are called, by grace, are really, directed, to the richness, of the reward, which awaits, those who fear God, and yet, you see, if we are found, rightly, we should be, more in the condition, and position, of one, of whom it is said, choosing, rather, to suffer, affliction, with the people, of God, than to enjoy, the pleasures, of sin, for a season, esteeming, the reproach, of Christ, greater riches, than the treasures, in Egypt, for he had respect, unto the recompense, of the reward, the recompense, is before us, it is, eternal life, and in that eternal life, a complete rest, why a complete rest, because the cause, of conflict, the cause, of sorrow, and the cause, of tribulation, no longer exists, we are freed, we'll be freed, in that great day, from sin, which is the cause, of all our trouble, life, is the evidence, of deliverance, the wonder of it, rests, in the power, of the Savior, sin, being, in us all, and committed, by us all, requires, absolutely requires, full, free pardon, it can only, be possible, by the way,

[41:06] God has designed, and provided, in the person, of his dear son, we have gathered together, in the past week, to commemorate, his atonement, and his sufferings, I hope, there was that, which arose, from many sanctuaries, of truth, which honored, the dear dying Lord, we have gathered, through mercy, this morning, to commemorate, as we may be helped, the triumph, of the Savior, as he rose, from the dead, I solemnly wonder, in my heart, how many there are, in this, concourse of people, who really believe, the chapter we read, and the truth, contained therein, or whether there are, still those, who question this, or secretly, in their minds, denied, we live, in most solemn days, when, various, truths, which have been accepted, for years, are now, openly, denied, and, publicly, derided, and I grieve, to say, that many, false opinions, have reached, even those, in the church of God, professedly, the church of God, and have come, publicly, from the mouths, of those, who profess, to be the servants, of the meek, and lowly Jesus, opinions, which are, utterly dishonoring, to him, which denies, humanity, or alternatively, his divinity, and, in some cases, say, that there was, no such person, as Jesus Christ.

[43:06] I say, we live in, solemn, and dangerous, days. The Lord, in his mercy, grant, to each of you, and myself, a saving belief, in the name of Jesus, and all, that is recorded, of him.

[43:24] Solemn, fact is, in the days, in which we live, that man, in his natural wisdom, has progressed, so far, and we can't deny this, it's true. He has reached, great heights, of natural wisdom, but the solemn, result of it, has been, that he considers, himself, to have, got above, the scriptures, beyond the need, for them, and so he has, cast them aside, in his hardness, of heart, and his pride, of attainment.

[43:54] And if you cast, the scriptures aside, you have nothing left, because there is, the fountain of wisdom, and the revealed mind, and will of God. And in it, we find, the preciousness, of the atonement, of Jesus, and the wonder, of his redeeming love, and the power, of his resurrection.

[44:16] I want to conclude, my few broken remarks, this morning, with that, thought, of the apostle, and how I would desire, we might be found, in the same spirit, that I might win Christ, and be found, in him.

[44:33] And then presently, to realize, the power, of his resurrection, and be made, conformable, unto his death, and to be a partaker, in measure, of his suffering.

[44:45] How we shall have, to agree with the apostle, in these solemnities, not as though, I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I follow after.

[44:58] Ah, may that be, our blessed portion, my friends, this morning. We may know, little of Jesus. We may deplore, our small knowledge, but oh, I do beseech you, cleave to that, which he has revealed, cleave to his own word, ask him, to reveal himself, more, and ask, his gracious spirit, to fulfill, the office, Jesus said, he should fulfill, which was this, he shall take, of mine, and shall show it, unto you.

[45:32] The Lord, grant that his gracious spirit, may do that, for us, and in us too. We've much need, of his divine instruction. The Lord, bless us with this, and may his power, accompany his own word.

[45:46] I feel there's much, in what I have said, that needs his forgiveness. So, may he pardon, anything that may have been said amiss, but may he bless his own word, to you, and cause, that there may be found, in this sanctuary, many true believers, for they, have eternal life.

[46:09] Amen. Amen. Hand-bake