'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — May 4

Jesus Christ was appointed by God to be the great prophet and teacher of the church. He can reveal to the world with authority the secrets that lay in the heart of God. He brought his doctrine from the bosom of his Father and has given his Father's words to us (John 17:8). He has spoken to us of that which he has personally seen with his Father (John 8:38). Who can know the secrets of God, but he that lay eternally in the Father's bosom? The glory of his deity was evident upon the hearts of those who heard him; so that even his enemies were forced to acknowledge that ‘No one ever spoke like this man' (John 7:46). Christ enlightens and teaches men the will of God variously, gradually, plainly, powerfully, sweetly, purely, and fully. There is a natural ignorance and blindness in men about the things of God. The world is in darkness. It is true, in the state of innocence man had a clear apprehension of the will of God, but now that light is quenched in the corruption of nature (1 Cor. 2:14). The natural man not only has a native blindness that he cannot discern the things of the Spirit, but also a natural enmity. Until his mind is healed and enlightened by Jesus Christ the natural faculty cannot discern the things of the Spirit. Supernatural mysteries cannot be understood even with the most subtle, searching, and penetrating wit and reason. Man is at a loss with regard to the mysteries of God. Christ's words come in power and heat as well as light. They come in a sweet and affectionate manner, and burn in the heart of his sheep (John 10:4-5). When the will of Christ is understood and known, we have no liberty of choice, but we must be governed by it, even if the duty commanded is very difficult, or the sin forbidden very tempting.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
John Flavel, Works, I:121-128
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.