One of the greatest needs that
men have as they gain a proper understanding of the truth which
is set forth in the scriptures is to unlearn those things which
they have obtained by their natural understanding. All men are born
into this world in a state of rebellion, and their natural
understanding of the Word of God is skewed by that condition
of spiritual darkness. Solomon said, There is a way
which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways
of death. This is the same sentiment expressed
by the psalmist when he wrote, The wicked are estranged from
the womb. They go astray as soon as they
be born, speaking lies. The only way that any man can
ever come to a right perception of God's word is by the revelation
of it to them by the Spirit as He quickens them in the new birth.
They are by this birth from above made capable of spiritual understanding,
and it is to them alone that light is given to dispel their
darkness. The quantity of light that each
is given is according to the sovereign operation of God who
gives to each the measure of faith which pleases Him. But
in all cases, the light is given to dispel darkness, and its application
is often accompanied by many struggles as their flesh seeks
to hold on to the error which they have held since their beginning. Some of these false ideas are
so ingrained that their removal is quite painful to them and
even those around them. This condition is even worse
in those who have been entrenched in religious traditions, doctrines,
and practices which have greater foundation and natural understanding
than that which is taught by the Spirit of God. It is futile
for men to attempt in their own power to correct the thinking
of those who are convinced that their way and the tradition of
their fathers is not contrary to the scriptures. Until the
Lord is pleased to quicken a man's understanding, he will resist
such correction, even unto the shedding of blood. We see this
clearly demonstrated in the Jews' rejection of Christ and in the
actions of Saul of Tarsus, who went about to destroy the very
work of the God whom he claimed to serve. Yet even this human
darkness is ordained by him who would demonstrate the glory of
his grace in delivering those whom he loves from this Stygian
night. For it is against the backdrop
of this darkness that his light is made to shine in its glory.
Saul was one moment walking in the darkness of his own mind
and religion. Yet when the Lord was pleased
to reveal himself, he was bathed in light, and he whom he persecuted
had become his Lord. He would never again be able
to take satisfaction in that darkness, but was made to be
a seeker of truth and light. So too does God give His children
a love of the truth. I have observed over the years
that God's people know the truth when they hear it. This observation
is in keeping with the Lord's declaration, My sheep hear my
voice, I know them, and they follow me. Yet due to their ingrained
learning, they often have a continuing struggle to cast off the bonds
of religion and tradition which they have long embraced. The
very strongest and most enlightened of God's children are very imperfect
in their understanding. So it is a wise course to declare
what we know to be true without equivocation, but to leave the
reception of that truth in the hands of Him who is able to make
men wise unto salvation according to His ordained purpose. Some
of the things which God's children must unlearn are the state of
man by nature. Everyone who sees a newborn baby
thinks how innocent and pure that he or she is. Yet the truth
is that all human beings are completely corruptible, and their
corruption will soon be demonstrated for all to see. David said, Behold,
I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive
me. There is none righteous, no,
not one. the ability of men to exercise
faith. It is impossible that a corrupt
fountain should bring forth clean water, and so it is equally impossible
that true faith could spring from the well of a man's free
will. For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves. It is the gift of God. The work
of Christ is the Savior. The truth is that Jesus Christ
is the actual Savior of sinners. They can never perish because
He gives to them eternal life. Their hope is Christ.