Tuesday July 30, 2024

Philippians 2:12
Your own salvation.

I know some who greatly need to look to their own salvation. I refer to those who are always criticizing others. They can hardly go to a place of worship without observing their neighbor’s dress or conduct. Nobody is safe from their remarks; they are such keen judges and make such shrewd observations. You faultfinders and talebearers, look to ‘your own salvation’. You condemned a minister the other day for a supposed fault, and yet he is a dear servant of God who lives near his Master; who are you, sir, to use your tongue against such a one as he? The other day a poor humble Christian was the object of your gossip and your slander to the wounding of her heart. Oh, see to yourself. If those eyes which look outward so piercingly would sometimes look inward, they might see a sight which would blind them with horror. Blessed horror, if it led them to turn to the Saviour who would open those eyes afresh and grant them to see his salvation. I might also say that in this matter of looking to personal salvation, it is necessary to speak to some who have espoused great public designs. I trust I am as ardent a Protestant as any man living, but I know too many red-hot Protestants who are little better than Romanists, for though the Romanists of old might have burnt them, they would certainly withhold toleration from Romanists today, if they could; and therein I see not a pin to choose between the two bigots. Zealous Protestants, I agree with you, but yet I warn you that your zeal in this matter will not save you, or stand in the stead of personal godliness. Many an orthodox Protestant will be found at the left hand of the Great Judge.

C. H. Spurgeon and Terence Peter Crosby, 365 Days with Spurgeon (Volume 1) (Day One Publications, 1998)
Scripture for opening text taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.