by Arthur W. Pink
by Arthur W. Pink
Philologos Religious Online Books
Philologos.org
by Arthur W. Pink
December, 1936
Unbelief.
This sin may be called the white devil, for it oftentimes, in its mischievous doings in the soul, shows as if it were a little angel of light; yea, it acteth like a counselor of Heaven. Therefore, a little discourse of this evil disease.
First, it is that sin, above all others, that hath some show of reason in its attempts; for it keeps the soul from Jesus Christ by pretending its present unfitness and unpreparedness - as a lack of more sense of sin, want of more repentance, want of more humility, want of a more broken heart.
Second, it is the sin that most suiteth with the conscience. The conscience of the coming sinner tells him that he hath nothing good, that he stands indictable for ten thousand talents, that he is a very ignorant, and hard-hearted sinner, unworthy to be taken notice of by Jesus Christ; and “will you,” says unbelief, “in such a case as you now are, presume to come to Jesus Christ?”
Third, it is the sin that most suiteth with our sense of feeling. The coming sinner feels the workings of sin, of all manner of sin and wretchedness in his flesh; he also feels the wrath and judgment of God due to sin, and often times staggers under it. “Now,” says unbelief, “you may see you have no grace, for that which works in you is corruption. You may also perceive that God doth not love you, because the sense of His wrath abides upon you; therefore, how can you have the face to come to Jesus Christ?”
Fourth, it is that sin, above all others, that most suiteth the wisdom of our flesh. The wisdom of our flesh thinks it prudent to question awhile, to stand back awhile, to hearken to both sides awhile, and not to be rash, sudden, or unadvised in too bold or presuming upon Jesus Christ; and this wisdom unbelief falls in with.
Fifth, it is the sin, above all others, that is continually whispering the soul in the ear with mistrusts of the faithfulness of God in keeping His promise to them that come to Jesus Christ for life. It also suggests mistrusts about Christ's willingness to receive and save; and no sin can do this so artificially as unbelief.
Sixth, it is also that sin which is always at hand to enter an objection against this or that promise which by the Spirit of God is brought to our hearts to comfort us; and if the poor coming sinner is not aware of it; it will, by some exaction, slight, trick, or cavil, quickly wrest from him the promise again, and he shall but little benefit of it.
Seventh, it is that, above all other sins, that weakens our prayers, our faith, our love, our diligence, our hope, and expectations; it even taketh the heart away from God in duty.
Lastly, this sin, as I have said even now, appears in the soul with so many sweet pretences to safety and security, that it is, as it were, counsel sent from Heaven, bidding the soul be wise, wary, considerate, well-advised, and to take heed of too rash a venture upon believing. “Be sure first that God loves you; take hold of no promise until you are forced by God unto it; neither be you sure of your salvation; doubt it still, though the testimony of the Lord has been confirmed in you; live not by faith, but by sense; and when you can neither see nor feel, then fear and mistrust, doubt and question all.” This is the counsel of unbelief, which is so covered over with specious pretences that the wisest Christian can hardly shake off these reasons. - John Bunyan, 1670.
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