In the Garden of Eden, the Holy God exercised His justice, and our first parents, Adam and Eve, suf fered the penalty of banishment from their earthly paradise. Even so, because of their great wicked ness, God “ rained fire and brim stone from heaven” on Sodom and Gomorrah, “ and destroyed them a ll” (Luke 17:29). God’s justice is asserted as “ Keeping mercy for thousands . . . and will by no means clear the guilty” (Ex. 34:7). “ God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell" (II Peter 2:4). Amazing Proof of God’s Justice God’s mercy is not indulgence or leniency towards sinners. When Jesus Christ became the sinner’s Substitute, no mercy was shown Him when He cried “ My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). This is indeed the most amazing proof of God’s jus tice, and also the proof that believ ers should never dare to presume on God’s mercy. The lines of Mrs. A. R. Counsin express this truth: “The tempest’s awful voice was heard; 0 Christ, it broke on Thee! Thy open bosom was my ward, It braved the storm for me. Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred; Now cloudless peace for me.” Hence, God's warnings are posi tive. Would any believer knowingly commit sin if convinced it would be immediately followed by God’s judgment on that sin? Is it not be cause he presumes on God’s mer cy? God Himself commands, “ Ab stain from all appearance of evil” ; and through His servant Peter, “ Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abs ta in from FLESHLY LUSTS, WHICH WAR AGAINST THE SOUL” (I Peter 2: 11 ).
knowledge bring on man coldness and hardened conscience. Hence the need for this further Safeguard Against Satan’s Devices, and that is that the glorified saints, when on earth, witnessed to God’s mercy as the strongest deterrent from sin. The Psalmist witnessed, “ For thy loving kindness is before mine eyes; and I have walked in thy truth. I have not sat with vain persons. I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked” (Psa. 26:3-6). When Joseph was given a place of authority in the house of Poti- phar, as an officer of Pharaoh, one of the most subtle temptations was presented to him. Potiphar’s wife sought to seduce him “ as she spake to Joseph day by day” and “ he hearkened not to her.” It is ap parent that it was the holiness of God, and the mercy and blessing of God that held him back from sin and gave him victory over the temp tation. This conclusion is justified in the one utterance of Joseph, “ How then can I do this great wick edness, and sin aga in s t God?” (Gen. 39:9). “God Forbid” “ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Rom. 6:1-2). Let us seek that the love of God shall be shed abroad in our hearts so that we shall continually hearken to this voice from heaven, “ God forbid.” “ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.” “ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye pre sent your bodies a living sacrifice” (I John 2:1-2; Rom. 12:1). “Jesus gives forgiveness free, Jesus cleanses all my stains; Jesus gives His life to me, Jesus always He remains. “Only Jesus! Fairest Name! Life and rest, and peace, and bliss; Jesus, evermore the same, He is mine, and I am His.” ■ — Tersteegen
Christian men and women are often con cerned about the matter of investing their funds. Some do not wish to become involved in stocks and bonds because of the fluctuation and uncertainty of eco nomic conditions. But they are inter ested in security and assured income. MOODY ANNUITIES meet both of these requirements! ► They assure an income up to 9.09% (depending on your age) and this for as long as you live. To support this guar antee are the resources of Moody Bible Institute. The Institute has never missed or been late with a single payment. And in addition, this extra dividend . . . your annuity funds are carefully put to work in the great program of Moody Bible Institute, and thus you share directly in the blesisings of this worldwide gospel ministry. WOULD YOU LIKE TO ‘ RECEIVE DOUBLE D IV ID E N D S i ON YOUR MONEY?
We’ll be happy to send you the free booklet, Double Dividends, • which explains the Moody 1 Annuity Plan in detail.
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MOODY B IB LE IN S TITU TE 820 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610 P lea se send m e, w ith ou t o b lig a tio n , O Double Dividends, story of Moody Annu ity Plan; O Folder relating to W ills; 0 Information on Life Income Agreements. Name _____________________ Age ______ Address _____________________________ City _________ State ______ ___ Zip ______
Mercy— Strongest Deterrent from Sin
Sins against mercy bring sever est judgments. Sin against light and JULY/AUGUST, 1970
63 YEARS WITHOUT LOSS TO AN ANNUITANT!
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