November 21, 2013

Christian's daily walk - Scudder - XXI - Chapter 15 (Concerning false fears) continued

Required reading
The Christian's daily walk, in holy security and peace by Henry Scudder (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter 15 (Concerning false fears) by reading Section 11.

My summary
Today Scudder continues to instruct us about how false fears are impediments to peace.

This week he focuses on the fears of apostasy.

Scudder teaches us about:
(i) what kind of Christians may apostatize;
(ii) what kind of Christians shall persevere;
(iii) how far a Christian may decline in grace and the causes thereof;
(iv) the differences between the falls of the sincere and insincere;
(v) why the faithful shall not finally apostatize.

What grabbed me
Scudder made an interesting observation that those who believe in perseverance of the saints are less likely to sin compared to those of the Arminian position: 'First, I appeal to ancient and daily experience, both in ministers and people. For those who have been most assured of God's favour, and of their salvation, have been and are more frequent in preaching, more diligent in hearing, and in the use of all good means of salvation, than those of the other opinion, and have been most holy and more strict in their lives. But the doctrine of these, that teach falling totally and finally from grace, they being the patrons of free-will, on which all the fabric of their building hangs, is rather a doctrine opening a door to licentiousness. For thinking that they may repent if they will, they judge themselves not so unwise but that they will and shall repent before they die, therefore they take liberty to live as they list in the mean time. '

I think Scudder is right.

Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 15 (Concerning false fears) by reading Section 12 and 13.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.

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