by Charles Hodge
I. As in all other cases, the test laid down by Christ applies here also. That is, by their fruits ye shall know them. Men do not gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles. A good tree bringeth forth good fruit. The only evidence of the indwelling of the Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit. Narratives of experience are comparatively of little account.
1. Life in all its forms, when fully developed and in lively exercise, manifests itself beyond dispute. A tree in the spring putting forth its leaves, and in the autumn laden with fruit, every one sees is alive. It is easy to see that wheat in a field, when green and flourishing, is alive; but no microscopic inspection will enable us to decide in many cases which of two grains of wheat will grow. Life, when only in the germ, does not reveal itself with certainty.
2. Although in many cases it is impossible to determine whether life be present or not, it is commonly easy to decide whether death is. Death reveals itself even more speedily and certainly than life. The evidence of spiritual death is in many cases so clear as to preclude all necessity of asking the question, Have we spiritual life?
(a) Heresy, or deliberate rejection of any fundamental doctrine of the Scriptures, is declared to be decisive evidence of spiritual death.
(b) So also is deliberate sinning. Not occasional transgressions, but the purpose to live in sin in any form. Be not deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters, nor covetous, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God.
(c) Hatred of Christians. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar.
3. The Scriptures assume that a man may be deceived as to his spiritual condition. They make it his duty to examine himself, and they lay down the tests of Christian character. This question cannot be decided by any analysis of our affections. Unless they are so decided as to need no examination, they cannot be distinguished as spurious or genuine by merely looking at them. The love of God, repentance, faith, are not only ambiguous as words and phrases, but the states of mind which they express are so complex that it is next to impossible to determine certainly on their character. Hence those who are always poring over their feelings and affections, to decide whether they are regenerated or not, never get any satisfaction.
The three great evidences of grace given in the Scriptures are, First, the accordance of our inward apprehensions and convictions as to truth with the word of God. The natural man discerneth not the things of the Spirit. The spiritual man discerneth all things. He sees,
1. That what the Scriptures teach concerning the guilt and pollution is true. He does not inwardly dissent from it, but acquiesces in it, in its application to himself.
2. He recognizes the truth and excellence of the doctrines of the Scripture concerning God, his being, perfections, government and sovereignty; the righteousness of his law, etc. He is glad God reigns.
3. He especially acquiesces and his whole heart accords with the truth of what is said of our Lord. He is seen by the renewed to be indeed the Son of God; God manifest in the flesh, the chiefest among ten thousand. The heart goes out to him in reverence, admiration, gratitude and devotion.
4. He acquiesces gladly in what is revealed of the plan of salvation. He sees that it is suited to his case. He knows that a gratuitous method of salvation, through a righteousness and strength not his own, is what he needs.
The second test relates to the purposes of the heart. These are more easily determined than the feelings.
1. There is a deliberate purpose not to live in sin, to strive against it in all its forms.
2. A purpose to endeavor to grow in grace, to become more and more holy, and to this end to be diligent in the use of all divinely appointed means.
3. The purpose to devote ourselves to the service and glory of Christ. That is, the true Christian determines that neither himself nor the world shall be the ultimate end for which he lives. Such is his purpose, and therefore he determines that not his own will or interest, but the will of Christ shall be the rule of his conduct.
The third test is the outward fruits of holiness. If the tree be good the fruit will be good.
1. There will be kindness, justice, forbearance, benevolence in our dealing with others.
2. There will be strict morality in all that regards our duties to ourselves.
3. There will be a religious life, i.e., a life of prayer, of Christian fellowship and worship, and of effort to promote religion.
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