Dead or Wounded?

Henry Law

(You will find it helpful toLISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

When grace subdues the heart, a wondrous change ensues!
Earth knows no greater change--but words are too weak to picture it.

Here is a feeble outline of the new creation:

  Light shines, where once night brooded.

  Satan's chains no more enslave.

  The prison bars are broken.

  Holy principles direct.

  Holy ends are sought.

  Holy means are used.

  Life is now life indeed, for the man lives for God.

But is SIN therefore dead?

Indeed it is wounded, but it retains power to sting.Sometimes it revives in fearful strength. Though crippled, it strives to conquer. It may seem for a season to regain its hold, and win brief victory. It may roll the new man in the mire. But it cannot keep him down.

Sin's real dominion is gone.

Its existence only lingers, until full escape from this world delivers wholly from its touch.

Where is the saint who is not conscious that the foe still lives?

Witness the secret prayers of the man of God:
  What bitter humblings!
  What smitings of the bosom!
  What sensitive laments!
  What writhing under the motions of corruption's filth!
Tears, sobs, and cries are frequent.

"When I would do good, evil is present with me."

"O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

Faithful Scripture warns of this constant conflict. It tells that the heavenward march is over treacherous roads, where many pilgrims slip and stumble!

"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." Galatians 5:16-17

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We have published a beautiful rendition of Psalm 23.