IMPOSSIBLE WITH MEN, BUT POSSIBLE WITH GOD.
By N. B. England
Sometime ago, while conversing with one of my neighbors, I was surprised to hear him assert that it was impossible for a man to keep the ten commandments. We agree that it is impossible for the wicked, but for the children of God it is a delight, yea, the ten-commandment law is to them a law of liberty, a law which secures to them eternal rest. But this law which affords protection to the obedient will utterly destroy the disobedient; just as our State law affords protection to those who obey it, but punishes those who disobey. Paul says, “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Gal. 5:17. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law.” Gal. 5:19–23. Then those who have crucified the flesh, those who are Christ’s, do not delight in the works of the flesh, or in other words, do not transgress the law of God. “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.” 1 John 3:9. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” Verse 4. Our Saviour says, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5. “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14. “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments; for this is the love of God that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:2, 3. Reader, do you think that it is impossible for you to keep the commandments? If so, this of itself is evidence that you have not crucified the flesh, that you have not been born of the Spirit. Let me exhort you to search your Bible daily, and see whether you are substantiated in your belief. Be found often in your closet, and there pray God to open your understanding, that you may see the way of truth plainly. Remember that you cannot pray for this except you first give yourself up entirely, humble yourself as a little child before God, and remove all prejudice from your mind. If you do this, the Lord will assist you; for he will help those who earnestly call upon him; and by and by you will realize the fact that this law which was once so grievous and oppressive is now the delight of your soul, and you will delight in rendering obedience to your Heavenly Father as a good child delights in obeying its parents. Away with a religion which is wholly emotional! Away with the idea that faith without works will save! Away with the world-wide doctrine that men can get to Heaven though they live their lifetime in open violation to the law of God! And let us remember that God will render eternal life “to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality.” Rom. 2:7. Reader, when you have done this, when you have been born of the Spirit, then you will realize the all-important truth, that impossibilities with the wicked are possibilities with the children of God. May God speed the time.