God as a Helper by W. N. Glenn

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 5, 1885

God as a Helper.

By W. N. Glenn

A HELPER is one who aids, or assists; so says Webster. In no sense can a helper be deemed the principal actor in any labor or transaction. He may accomplish the greater part of the work, even devising the plan, and bearing the bulk of the burden, but he is not therefore the responsible party. An individual may fail in an undertaking through his own neglect or mistake, though his helpers be ever so faithful and efficient. The one who expects the reward due to success is the one who must suffer the consequence in case of failure. Suppose a contractor should say to a mechanic, I expect you to do all of the work on this contract, furnish all the means, and assume all the responsibility; but I will take the profits. The answer would most likely be, That's not business.

God is a helper. Notwithstanding the great fact that all things were created by him, and for his pleasure, he has condescended to be a helper of fallen man. "Behold, God is my helper." Ps. 54:4. "He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper." Ps. 72:12. "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Heb. 13:6. But in his capacity as helper of man's weakness, the Lord does not assume man's responsibility, nor does he essay to do all of man's work. Were he to do so, he would no longer be a helper; he would then become the principal party, and under obligation to complete the work of man's salvation, whether the latter did anything for himself or not.

We often find professed Christians disposed to throw all responsibility upon the Lord, claiming that they have nothing more to do after believing on Christ. Because he is so willing to help, they expect him to do it all. This disposition is especially manifested by a certain class who apply the principle to the observance of the moral law. They admit that the law is proper and binding, but claim that Christ "fulfilled" it for us, and that we should not trouble ourselves at all about it.

In the ordinary affairs of life, when one calls upon another for help, the supposition is that he expects to do something himself. And it is thus that the Lord helps the sinner to "work out" the salvation which has been in mercy provided for him. It would seem like folly for a parent to practice commanding his children, and immediately doing, himself, the things commanded; yet it would be an act of pity and encouragement, to lend a helping hand if he saw a child struggling against difficulty to obey a command. So our heavenly Father pities and helps them that call upon him. "As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust." Ps. 103:13, 14.

The penitent sinner implores and receives help to exercise faith in Christ, by which he gains "remission of sins that are past." Rom. 3:25. Then, as he goes forward in the endeavor to "sin no more," he finds his own strength inadequate to keep the law against the lusts of the flesh and the wiles of the adversary (see Rom. 7:23, 24); so he cries again and again to the Lord, and finds "a very present help in time of trouble." Ps. 46:1.

The Saviour has assured his disciples, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20); but he has nowhere said, I will do your duty for you. See Matt. 7:21. In his infinite pity, our heavenly Father will help us to believe in the Son (John 6:44, 63); will help us to obey, and help us in the exercise of every Christian grace; but he gives no assurance that he will wholly assume our part of the work if we voluntarily abandon it.

An earthly ruler would be deemed a fanatic or a lunatic, should he enact laws and expect only himself to obey them, without requiring obedience at the hands of his subjects. Nor does the Governor of the universe play at government in any such imbecile manner. His commands are imperative, but his assistance is ever ready and effective for such as strive for the mastery in a lawful manner, and "call upon him while he is near." He was our substitute once, when he suffered the penalty of our sins; but in fulfilling the law he was not a substitute, but an example.

It is sheer presumption to expect help from Heaven in advance of earnest personal effort, accompanied by humble, faithful petition. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4:16.