WITHOUT controversy, Shakespeare is the most widely-known and popular poet of all time. A keen student of human nature, his observations are well worth close attention.
It is most evident from his writings that he had a knowledge of the gospel, and was familiar with the letter of Scripture. For instance, the following clearly shows that he did not share the far too common and fatal delusion that doing the best we can, turning over a new leaf, striving to reform, being religious is sufficient for the salvation of the soul. He wrote:
“CONSIDER THIS—
That in the course of justice none of us should see salvation.”
I would that all, who think that doing the best they can is sufficient, would, in the words of the poet, CONSIDER THIS !!!
Besides which, to be honest, no one "does their best." The majority are driven halfheartedly to do certain things, such as a weekly attendance at a so-called place of worship, if it is not too hot, or cold, or wet. Such go as a duty. And the little thus done is far short of doing one's best. Is it to do one's best to put a three-penny piece into the collection-plate because it is the smallest silver coin? Away with such a delusion as doing your best.
Besides which, suppose you did do your best; suppose you gave a five-shilling piece, because it is the largest silver coin, instead of a three-penny piece because it is the smallest, would that earn you heaven? Why, five shillings would not procure the best seat at an opera for a single night, and you hope to win a blissful eternity by such things. Moreover, your best would be stained with sin; besides which "God requireth that which is past." (Ecc. 3:15.)
"Doing your best" no more meets the strict requirements of justice than the promise to steal no more would prevail upon the judge not to sentence the thief; or the promise of committing no more murders would prevail upon the king to pardon the murderer. Such a line of argument is neither lucid nor workable in this world, and you may rest assured that it won't answer in the next.
No, said Shakespeare, if it is a question, of justice, "none of us should see salvation.”
Do you want salvation? Then you must look for mercy. Christ was sent into this world "to give knowledge of salvation unto His people, by the remission of their sins, through THE TENDER MERCY of our God." (Luke 1:77, 78.)
Yes; not strict justice, but tender mercy is what you need. Strict justice is what your sins deserve; tender mercy is what your soul needs; and without it Shakespeare tells us truly that “none of us shall see salvation," not even the best of us.
One last remark, but it is most important that you should grasp the significance of it if you would enjoy peace with God. Why should "the tender mercy of our God" be expressed through the Lord Jesus? He Himself precludes all other channels when He says, "I am THE Bread of Life" (John 6:35); "I am THE Door" (John 10:9); I am THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life "(John 14:6). Why, then, should there be only one channel of blessing, one Person through whom it must come.
“Consider this I "Mark well the answer. Because GOD'S tender mercy must be founded on strict justice, and thus only through Christ's bearing all the full weight of God's wrath upon sin, only through His satisfying all the claims of holiness could tender mercy come to us." Grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."(Rom. 5:21.)" There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.)
A. J. P.