Establishment consists in holding fast our profession. We profess to believe the gospel all that it says regarding ourselves,
our God,
our Lord Jesus Christ,
our foes,
our trials.
We profess to obey all that it requires, in the strength that it promises.
Establishment includes, maintaining our character as the disciples of Christ,
the holy ones,
the children of God who imitate their Father who is in Heaven,
the friends of God and the light of the world.
Establishment involves perseverance in the paths of holiness,
pressing toward the mark for the prize of our high calling,
abounding in the work of the Lord.
Establishment supposes the enjoyment of our privileges, such as peace with God,
realizing the favor of God,
rejoicing in God,
walking in sweet fellowship with God,
receiving grace from God,
and even glorying in tribulation.
Establishment is to include abiding in Christ as the branch in the vine;
living with Christ as the wife with her husband;
confiding in Christ as one in the friend which is as his own soul;
deriving all from Christ as the member from union to the head.
Establishment is to stand,
to keep our post,
fulfill our duties,
adorn our profession,
hold fast our principles,
persevere in our work, and
be steadfast in the Savior's cause.
Establishment is only by faith.
By faith we live. By faith we walk. By faith we overcome. By faith we receive the salvation of our souls.
[J. C. Ryle]
✞ ✞ ✞
2 Corinthians 1:24 ... Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
2 Corinthians 5:7 ... (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Ephesians 2:8 ... For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ❤
