Monday, May 25, 2009

Adopted by God

The heart is constituted such that the only way to dispossess it of an old affection is by the expulsive power of a new one and when God stands revealed as an object of confidence to sinners and where our desire after Him is not chilled into apathy by that barrier of human guilt which intercepts every approach that is not made to Him through the appointed Mediator it is when released from the spirit of bondage and admitted into the number of God’s children, through the faith that is in Christ Jesus, the Spirit of adoption is poured upon us it is then that the heart, brought under the mastery of one great and predominant affection, is delivered from the tyranny of its former desires and the only way in which deliverance is possible.

Scottish Pastor, Thomas Chalmers, 1780-1847

2 comments:

Michael W Cristiani said...

Gary,

This reminds me of Augustine's well known prayer from his Confessions:

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." (I.i.1)

There is much to say about this simple prayer, and many have taken up the challenge. It is rooted in so many passages of Scripture. And it offers ample impetus for considering abandonment of the heart to the Love of God. Thanks for the reminder.

MANY BLESSINGS!
Peace and All Good!
Michael

Anonymous said...

Great posting, and explains why biblical based counseling services and services have such an outstanding record in delivering people from various addictions.