The Cost Of Discipleship
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”—John 8:31
As mutual love subsists between Jesus and his believing members, so there is a mutual choice of each other. Hence, saith the church, ‘I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.’ Cant. 6:3 So also there is a mutual inhabitation; every believer dwells in Christ, and Christ in him. This is only comfortably experienced by continuing in the truth. For ‘whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God; he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.’ 2 John 9
Many profess to be disciples of Jesus in name; but what profit is this? If souls have not been sick of sin, alas, Jesus will be a physician of no value to them. If souls have not seen themselves lost, their state accursed, and their case hopeless and desperate, so that none but Jesus can restore and save them, they will but lightly esteem our Saviour. However precious Jesus is to others, he will be but little regarded by them. They may profess his word, but not being his disciples indeed, they will not continue long; they will only follow him for a season. Ah, poor souls, how soon are they offended! Little things put them to a stand; trifles turn them back. Temptations and trials prove what they are. Other objects engage their affections, and they presently fall quite away, and follow the Lamb no more.
Continuance in the truth is the touchstone of faith; thus only is it evidenced. Disciple, remember, ‘if thou comest to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation:’ so surely as thou art a disciple indeed and in truth, thou must become a crucified servant of a crucified Lord. As thou hopest for the comforts of faith, so expect the trials of faith, and the exercise of patience. Thou must abide the tribulations of Jesu’s word, as well as its consolations. The master deceives none; he tells us what we are to expect, every thing grievous to flesh and blood. But blessed be his gracious name and precious love, he hath bid us ‘fear not,’ and hath given us the most comfortable assurances. ‘I have redeemed thee. I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters (of affliction) I will be with thee; and through the rivers (deep and overwhelming distress) they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire (fiery darts of Satan, hot temptations within, and burning malice of men without) thou shalt not be burnt; (like the burning bush, thou shalt not be consumed) neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.’ Thou shalt be fire proof. Why all this safety in the midst of such danger? Most joyful reason: ‘For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.’ Isa. 43:1-3
William Mason (1719-1791) was a High-Calvinist author. For many years he served as a Justice of the Peace, and in 1783 was appointed a Magistrate. He served as editor of the Gospel Magazine before and after the editorship of Augustus Toplady. He is best known for a morning and evening devotional entitled, “A Spiritual Treasury For The Children Of God.”
