The Great Change - Part Three

Extract

The Great Change – Part Three
A. W. Pink

Section Five
Section Six
Section Seven
Section Eight

Section Five

“Search the Scriptures” (John 5:39), “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:13). That is what we sought to heed in the preceding articles. Therein twenty-five different passages were collated―all of which we are persuaded treat of some aspect or other of “the miracle of grace” or the great change―and in varying measure, engaged our attention. It will be observed that in some of them, it is the illumination of the understanding which is in view (Acts 26:18); in others, the searching and convicting of the conscience (Rom. 7:9); and in others, the renovation of the heart (Ezek. 36:26). In some, it is the subduing of the will (Psa. 110:3) which is emphasized; in others, casting down reasonings and bringing our thoughts into subjection (2 Cor. 10:5); and in others, the writing of God’s laws in our minds and hearts. In some, the miracle of grace appears to be a completed thing (1 Cor. 6:11); in others, the great change is seen as a gradual process (2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:6). In one, something is removed from its subject (Deut. 30:6); while in another, something is communicated (Rom. 5:5). In different passages, the figures of creation (Eph. 2:10), of renewing (Tit. 3:5), and of resurrection (1 John 3:14) are employed.

If it be asked, Why has it pleased the Holy Spirit to describe His work so diversely and use such a variety of terms and figures? several answers may be suggested. First, because the work itself, though one, is so many-sided. Its subject is a complex creature, and the process of salvation radically affects every part of his …