Sovereign Grace Church

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: 
but the righteous are bold as a lion

(PROVERBS 28:1)

Watchful and bold, is the Christian’s motto. Watchful, to avoid sin; bold, to resist the enemies of his soul. For he is engaged in a righteous cause, animated by righteous hopes, made righteous by a righteous Lord; from whom he derives all his strength and courage. “In the LORD (Jehovah the Lord Jesus Christ) have I righteousness and strength” (ISAIAH 45:24). This is the glorying of his soul. Not his own inherent strength, nor his own personal righteousness, are the cause of his fortitude; but the arm of Jehovah is his shield, and the perfect righteousness of JESUS is his breast-plate of defence against every enemy. Being cleansed from guilt by the blood of JESUS, and clothed with His righteousness, by faith the soul experiences a holy boldness at a throne of grace—appeals against the fury of the enemy and oppressor—and finds supplies of strength in every time of need. This is the life of faith. So believers grow strong (not in conceit of what they are in themselves, but) “strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus—strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” [1 TIMOTHY 1:14, EPHESIANS 6:10].

Thus righteousness inspires with courage and boldness. Such is the comfort of faithful souls. All the glory is due to JESUS, from whom the Spirit of love, power, and of a sound mind, is given unto His righteous children. The action of Joseph of Arimathaea, is recorded with an emphasis upon his courage: He “…went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus” (MARK 15:43). Here was boldness in the midst of danger—an act of faith, in the face of foes—a token of love, without fear or shame of the greatest enemies to Jesus. But “he was waiting for the kingdom of God.” The boldness of Peter and John astonished the Jewish sanhedrim, who “…took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (ACTS 4:13). Have we been with JESUS, in the faith of our souls? Are we waiting for the coming of His kingdom? Shall we then be afraid of the worms of the earth? ashamed of our Master, His cross, or His ways? Forbid it, Lord! inspire our souls with boldness, that with David we may triumph: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident” (PSALM 27:1,3).

Is JESUS my almighty King? Doth He forbid my fear?

What foes shall put my soul to flight? His righteousness I wear.

This makes me bold before His throne, Yea bold my foes to face;

I flee to Christ—Lord, make me stand, By thine almighty grace.