The knowledge of the truth, of course, and especially the knowledge of the finished work of Christ, are necessary to the knowledge of Himself, through the teaching of the Holy Spirit. But all these are as means to an end — the full knowledge of Himself. We must know the value of His work, before the heart rises into the one desire of knowing Himself. “That I may know Him,” says Paul (Phil. 3:1010That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (Philippians 3:10)), while John says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment” (1 John 4:1818There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)). It is the knowledge of His perfect love, a love that has its spring and power in Himself and above the influence of our failures and shortcomings, that delivers the soul from all fear and fills it with a holy boldness under all circumstances. The feeling is no longer what I am or may be, at some future time, but what He is. Will He ever change? Will His love ever cool down? Can He ever lose His place in heaven? Thus the heart finds perfect rest in His presence, being in Him and one with Him; and a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory.
These thoughts have been suggested by reflecting on the weary wrangling of reasoners about “full assurance,” “falling away,” and “final perseverance.” Let us look at the triumphant deathbed of a beloved Christian who found her delight in the Person of her Lord. The Christlike calmness and dignity of her last hours may be a better answer to all such reasonings than anything we could say. We give in substance the closing scene.
“She Is Dying”
The usual medical visit was paid. The illness had been long, and no doubt the visits had been many, but the end had come. The change was apparent. Turning to a sister who stood in the room, he quietly said, “She is dying.” He was a friend of the family as well as the doctor and sympathized with the sorrowing friends. But there was one ready to comfort them all. The words, “She is dying,” reached her ear, but they conveyed no alarm to her soul; all was peace. Making a slight effort to look at her doctor and friend, she calmly replied, “Not dying, doctor—I’m going to live; no, not dying; this is living — I’m going to live with Jesus.” And with great presence and composure of mind, she expressed her gratitude to the doctor for all his attentions and kindness and assured him that she felt he had done all that man could do. In bidding him farewell, she prayed that God might bless him and bless his family. “May God bless you, doctor, and may He bless your family” were among the last words of his patient, but they were more than he could stand. He left the room in a state of the deepest emotion. He returned the next day to see her asleep in Jesus and to speak of the blessing he had received.
Her Work Was Done
Her work was now done. Like her Lord and Master, she passed off the scene with hands uplifted in blessing. She had been many years a Christian and moved in what would be called the best society, so that there was no mere excitement in all this, but the calm and solid reality of a well instructed and highly cultivated mind. Of course, it was the grace of God alone which enabled her to bear such a testimony for the truth and for Christ, but it was the sweet sense of His presence with her in that chamber of suffering and death which filled her whole soul with such peace and rest. He was with her, and that was enough. The strength of His arm, the beams of His countenance, as well as the love of His heart, were all her own. She is absent from the body; she is present with the Lord. She has joined the myriad throng above, quietly to wait with them and Him, the day of His coming glory. We shall meet in the morning—that morning of cloudless, eternal joy. Till then may we cease from self, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and seek the blessing of others.
Things New and Old (adapted)