Part I. The Trial of a Saving Interest in Christ
Since there are so many people living under the ordinances, pretending, without
ground, to a special interest in Christ, and to His favour and salvation, as is
clear from the words of our Lord--'Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord,
have we not prophesied in Thy name, and in Thy name have cast out devils, and
in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I
never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.' (Matt. 7: 22, 23).
'Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But He
answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.' (Matt. 25: 11,12.)
'Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many I say unto you, will seek to
enter in, and shall not be able.' (Luke 13: 24.) And since many who have good
ground of claim to Christ, are not established in the confidence of this
favour, but remain in the dark, without comfort, hesitating concerning the
reality of godliness in themselves, and speaking little in the commendation of
religion to others, especially in the time of their straits:--I shall speak a
little respecting two things of the greatest concern: The one is, How a person
may know if he has a true and special interest in Christ, and whether he does
lay just claim to God's favour and salvation. The other is, In case a person
fall short of assurance in this trial, what course he should take for making
sure of God's friendship and salvation to himself.
Quest. I.--How shall a man know if he has a true and special interest in
Christ, and whether he has, or may lay claim justly to, God's favour and
salvation?