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Morning and Evening

August 25, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." — Acts 8:37 · KJV

These words may answer your scruples, devout reader, about the ordinances. Perhaps you say, "I would be afraid to be baptized; it is such a solemn thing to declare myself dead with Christ and buried with Him. And I would not feel free to come to the Master's table; I would be afraid of eating and drinking damnation to myself, not discerning the Lord's body." Ah, poor trembler, Jesus has given you liberty; do not be afraid. If a stranger came to your house, he would stand at the door or wait in the hall; he would never dream of walking uninvited into your parlor — he is not at home there. But your child makes himself quite free about the house; and so it is with the child of God: a stranger may not intrude where a child may venture. When the Holy Spirit has given you to feel the spirit of adoption, you may come to Christian ordinances without fear. The same holds true of the Christian's inward privileges. You think, poor seeker, that you are not allowed to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; if only you might get inside Christ's door, or sit at the foot of His table, you would be well content. Ah, but you shall have no fewer privileges than the very greatest! God makes no difference in His love to His children; a child is a child to Him. He will not make him a hired servant, but he shall feast on the fatted calf and have the music and the dancing, as much as if he had never gone astray. When Jesus comes into the heart, He grants a general license to be glad in the Lord; no chains are worn in the court of King Jesus. Our admission into full privileges may be gradual, but it is sure. Perhaps you are saying, "I wish I could enjoy the promises, and walk at liberty in my Lord's commands." "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." Loose the chains from your neck, O captive daughter, for Jesus makes you free.