'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — April 26

Hebrews praises faith and attributes to faith wonderful acts, effects, and fruits. To commend faith, the apostle describes the experience of the Old Testament saints. These were famous for other graces—Abel for righteousness; Enoch and Noah for walking with God; Moses for meekness; Abraham for obedience; others for their valour and resolution; but note, the crown is set upon the head of faith. In Hebrews 11 many effects are spoken of that do more directly belong to other graces such as self-denial and Christian courage, rather than faith. Yet, the apostle said that by faith they did this and that. It should be our principal care to get faith and maintain it. Of all graces it is the most excellent, and of all graces it is most assaulted. The malice and spite of Satan is against your faith. Christ said to Peter, ‘Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail' (Luke 22:31-32). Usually there are no defects in the life until there is first a decay in faith. One of the rewards of an active faith is a good report, and God provides for his own honour in the honour of his servants. When Christ adopts a people to himself, it is that they ‘shall make a name for the LORD' (Isa. 55:13). Christ forms vessels of mercy out of thorns and briars that they may be to him a name. It was a credit for David to have so many famous worthies under him, and in the day of judgment, the Lord will be 'glorified in his saints' (2 Thess. 1:10). Christ's glory comes not only because of his personal glory and the brightness of his presence, but also in the social glory that results from the dignities and privileges of his people. In that day Christ will be admired in his saints, but also now he is honoured in his saints. Believers need to be careful in their lives for the credit of Christ is at stake.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Thomas Manton, By Faith, pp. 51-58
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