THE SURE FOUNDATION

by L.R. SHELTON SR.

 

"Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them I will shew you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation upon a rock: when the flood arose the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and it could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock."

 

The one who digs deep does not enter upon a Christian life lightly but (Luke 14:28) sits down and counts the cost. He realizes he is lost; he recognizes the claims of the Lordship of Christ upon his heart and receives the Word with sincerity of heart looking to the Lord for his salvation and deliverance.

 

The sinner who digs deep is not satisfied with an empty profession based upon feelings, or his own righteousness, but labors to be emptied of self-righteousness, self-esteem, and self-sufficiency. He wants nothing but reality. He wants Christ.

 

He strives after an experimental and inward knowledge of the truth - nothing superficial will satisfy his heart hunger. He longs for a practical knowledge of the truth that is rooted deeply within. He cries., "Spare not the cost to make Christ real." Nor does he hesitate at the work of mortification of the old flesh. His cry is, "Take everything I have, but give me Christ." From the depths of that heart arises a cry against the sin that slew his Lord, "Lord, lay bare this old heart and give we a hatred for the sinfulness of sin." He cannot talk lightly of sin., but is crying out against it. Such a sinner does not live carelessly, but with a broken heart he bemoans the corruption and rebellion of his old heart. This is not nature brother - it is against all nature: it is the grace of God working regeneration in his heart.

 

Finally, he who digs deep makes a constant and earnest search of the Word in self-examination to see that Christ has been revealed to his heart. In his concern about the eternal welfare of his soul he spares no pains "making his calling and election sure." Do you know Him?