Reformation Theology Blog
Can We Perfectly Keep the Law?
by Samuel Rutherford
1 John 1:8
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
The question is asked: Can we, by the grace of God granted to the elect and the faithful in this life, perfectly keep the Law? The Remonstrants, together with the Papists and Socinians, affirm this. We deny it.
A Refuge from the Storm
September 11—Morning—Isaiah 25:4
"For you have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is like a storm against the wall." — Isaiah 25:4
While the king sits at his table
September 10—Morning—Song of Solomon 1:12
"While the king sits at his table, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance." — Song of Solomon 1:12
I will pardon them whom I reserve.
September 9—Morning—Jeremiah 50:20
"'In those days and at that time,' says the Lord, 'the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found; for I will pardon those whom I reserve.'" — Jeremiah 50:20.
You have dwelt long enough at this mountain
September 8—Morning—Deuteronomy 1:6
"‘You have dwelt long enough at this mountain.’" — Deut. 1:6
Come and bless your people
September 7—Morning—Malachi 2:16
"For the Lord, the God of Israel, says that he hates divorce."—Malachi 2:16.
"Ready to be revealed in the last time."—1 Peter 1:5.
September 6—Morning—Luke 22:61
"And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter."—Luke 22:61.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you
To achieve the "perfect peace" spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, we must understand what it means to “stay one’s mind on God.” In Isaiah 26:3, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you," the phrase "stayed on you" implies a steadfast, unwavering focus and trust in God. It is more than just occasional thoughts about God; it is a deliberate and continuous mental posture that centers on who God is — His character, His promises, His purposes, and His presence.
Understanding God's Promises of Peace: Objective and Subjective Assurances for Believers
The Bible offers several important promises regarding "peace," which can be categorized into two types: objective peace and subjective peace.
1. Objective Peace
Objective peace refers to peace that exists outside of a person’s feelings or experiences. It is a factual peace established by God and accomplished through Jesus Christ, regardless of personal perception or emotional state.
