0399. SHUT OUT THROUGH UNBELIEF.

SHUT OUT THROUGH UNBELIEF.

"So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief" (Heb_3:19).

The children of Israel were overthrown in the wilderness because they believed not His Word and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord (Psa_106:24-26). As unbelief hinders the sinner from entering into the salvation of God which is in Christ Jesus, so does it hinder many of God’s own people from entering into the fullness of the blessing- a life satisfied in God and victorious in His Name. They could not enter in because of unbelief.

I. It was not Because they did not Know God’s Will. They knew that it was the will of God that they should go in and possess the land, yet they perished outside. He is not willing that any should perish. Although many know this, yet they remain outside the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus. They know that Christ died for all, yet they tarry and murmur in the wilderness of unbelief.

II. It was not for Want of Evidences of God’s Power. They had been eye-witnesses of many wonders that He wrought-the plagues of Egypt, the Red Sea, the manna from Heaven, etc. Surely in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath, and within the domain of the human soul and the Divine Book there are abundant proofs of the presence and power of God to fulfil all the promises He hath made. The invisible things may be understood, or rendered intelligible, by the things which are visible, so that they are without excuse (Rom_1:20).

III. It was not for Want of Seeing the Fruits of the Land. The grapes and pomegranates of the good land were shown them (Num_13:26). Fruits that could never grow in the wilderness were laid before their eyes. Yet they failed because of unbelief. Unbelievers to-day are not without the same powerful evidence. The fruits of the Canaan-life-love to enemies, joy in the Holy Ghost, peace with God, and the peace of God-these are fruits that cannot grow on nature’s barren soil. The fruit of the Spirit in the Christian’s life is a revelation to those outside "the good and pleasant land" of its reality and richness. These fruits can be seen almost anywhere, and as they are not the products of the natural life, they are evidences of Christ’s power to save, sanctify, and satisfy.

IV. It was not for Want of a Desire for Something Better. They were not satisfied with their present wilderness lot; they felt deeply their need of a better and more enduring portion; they longed intensely for something more than they had. Yet they entered not in because of unbelief. Their name is legion who are in the same condition spiritually. Conscious of their need for a better and more satisfying life, yet refusing to believe God’s Word concerning His Son. This "good land" of promise is offered them, yet they cannot enter in because of unbelief. The evil heart of unbelief always seeks its good in departing from the living God (Luk_24:12). The heart’s need can only be fully met by a faith that enters into the promise of God and rests there. "Believe, and thou shalt see."

Autor: James Smith