“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, what is the vine-tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?” (Ezekiel 15.1, 2.)
Introduction. The Jewish nation supposed that because of the superior sanctity of their forefathers (not to mention their own), they could sin as they pleased and yet be delivered. God tells them that they are no better, in themselves, than any other nation. This fact does not alter God’s eternal purpose toward any chosen vessel of mercy. From his fruitful professors he will not take away his affection.
(1) A Lesson of Humility for Saints. The vine-tree is a useless plant apart from its fruitfulness. God’s people are called his vine. By nature they are no better than others. By God’s goodness they become fruitful to his glory. He who knows the gospel confesses himself to be unworthy, ill-deserving, and hell-deserving, and ascribes what made him to differ to distinguishing grace. You are valiant for truth; you would have been valiant for the devil if not for grace. A seat in heaven shall one day be yours; a chain in hell would have been yours if grace had not changed you. You now sing of God’s love; a dirty song might be on your lips if grace had not washed you in Jesus’ blood. Should a poor dependent pensioner upon the bounty of the Saviour be proud? Hang your pride on Haman’s gallows. Most to be cursed is the pride of a Christian.
(2) A Lesson of Searching for Professors. Fruitless professors may be found in every church, including this one. Some are rich unholy tithers; others are poor degraded idlers. Fruitless professors may be found in the pulpit. They preach eloquently, and bring forth the fruit of popularity and philanthropy. But their fruit is not unto holiness; the moral benefit of their labors does not extend to everlasting life. Fruitless professors may be great religious doubters or overconfident boasters. The one who will never pray at the prayer-meeting is as fruitless as the one who prays with words and leaves instead of realities and fruits. The man who cheats in business and comes out with a fair face, he is a fruitless professor. He who lives morally and expects to be saved by his works is another. Fruitless vines are despicable. Why are they fruitless? Because they have no roots. They do not adhere to the soil, get no nourishment, and therefore bring forth no fruit. What some think is conversion is a stir in the conscience that will not last. But the worst of it is that they remain professors, fully convinced that they are true. I beseech you, “search your hearts and try your reins.” Take heed that you do not get a sham religion. What must be God’s estimation of fruitless professors? Ministers think well of them; the church does too. They look so respectable in the pews! Really, I think they would do for deacons! But will they comfort you in your distress? Well, Jane, what do you think of your master who professes religion? ‘If this be Christianity, sir, I will take five pounds a year less to live with a worldly man.’ What will become of the fruitless vine? It will be raked up with the weeds, and burned up. The damnation of a professor will be the most horrible sight that hell has ever seen! There is a terrific sublimity in the damnation of a blasphemer because he has been consistent with his profession. Honest blasphemers will hiss professors to scorn as loathsome things. I confess, I should dread above all things the unutterable hell of hells of hypocritical apostates. If you would not stir your hell to a more furious heat, quit your professions this nite if you are not worthy of them. Or bend your knee before God and ask him to make you upright and sincere.
Selection from Conclusion. “Take heed you do not deceive yourselves; it must be the new heart and the right spirit with God, or else, profession or no profession, we must perish.”
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