1 Peter 2:3
But while this should be a matter of earnest and prayerful
inquiry, no one ought to be content whilst there is any such
thing as an "if" about his having tasted that the Lord is
gracious. A jealous and holy distrust of self may give rise to
the question even in the believer's heart, but the
"continuance" of such a doubt would be an evil indeed. We must
not rest without a desperate struggle to clasp the Saviour in
the arms of faith, and say, "I know whom I have believed, and I
am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed
unto him." Do not rest, O believer, till thou hast a full
assurance of thine interest in Jesus. Let nothing satisfy thee
till, by the infallible witness of the Holy Spirit bearing
witness with thy spirit, thou art certified that thou art a
child of God. Oh, trifle not here; let no "perhaps" and
"peradventure" and "if" and "maybe" satisfy thy soul. Build on
eternal verities, and verily build upon them. Get the sure
mercies of David, and surely get them. Let thine anchor be cast
into that which is within the veil, and see to it that thy soul
be linked to the anchor by a cable that will not break. Advance
beyond these dreary "ifs;" abide no more in the wilderness of
doubts and fears; cross the Jordan of distrust, and enter the
Canaan of peace, where the Canaanite still lingers, but where
the land ceaseth not to flow with milk and honey.
If:--then, this is not a matter to be taken for granted
concerning everyone of the human race. "If:"--then there is a
possibility and a probability that some may not have tasted that
the Lord is gracious. "If:"--then this is not a general but a
special mercy; and it is needful to enquire whether we know the
grace of God by inward experience. There is no spiritual favour
which may not be a matter for heart searching.