"Is there any word from God?": Preaching the Gospel to Yourself (Part 3)

Guest Post by Dan Cruver

Ever since I purchased this particular volume of Ralph Erskine works, I've been very helped by his instruction on how to preach the gospel to ourselves whatever our faith-struggles may be. Here's another excellent example:

Go to God and say, O "do as thou hast said." Consider what he hath said, and take him at his word, and put him to it, that he would do to you accordingly. Whatever your care be, surely there is some word relative to it...

But, says another, is there any word from God concerning me, that am compassed about with such strong corruptions and conquering lusts, that sin gets the mastery of me? Would you be delivered? Hear what he says; Mic. vii. 19, 'He will subdue our iniquities, and cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.' Rom. vi. 14, 'Sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace.' Isa. lxiii. 4, 'The day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my Redeemer is come.' Hath he promised to take vengeance on your lusts? Then take him at his word, saying, O 'do as thou has said.'" (Ralph Erskine, "Faith's Plea Upon God's Word," The Works of Ralph Erskine, vol. 2).

The Gospel proclaims that Jesus has taken vengeance on our lusts in his life, death, and resurrection. Praise be to God!