I want to recap all my snaps related to part 1 of chapter 1 of Richard Baxter's Christian Ethics. This part contains 20 spiritual directions for those who need saving grace. The reason why I want to publish an article about this is that I intend to use it as part of a series of studies in Christian Directory, which I think many young pastors will find useful for biblical counseling and discipleship.
Direction # 1:
A man who really wants to obtain saving grace must do his best to educate himself about this very important matter, and that’s where the Bible plays an important role. Source
Direction # 2:
Those who need saving grace must first educate themselves about the meaning of the two states of man: of sin and of grace. Source
Direction # 3:
To understand the state of grace, instead of listening to skeptics who don't know what they are talking about, they should better read the Bible and listen to men who experienced it. Source
Direction # 4:
Seriously read the Bible and books that talk about grace and cautiously listen to the preaching of God’s word. Source
Direction # 5:
Anyone who is really determined to experience saving grace must use their reason to give careful thought to the knowledge of the afterlife. Source
Direction # 6:
Do not allow any human company, pleasure, or any monetarily profitable venture to divert your attention from setting time for serious contemplation of the afterlife. Source
Direction # 7:
Do not treat human instruments with hostility, as if they intend them harm. Source
Direction # 8:
Men who need saving grace must search themselves; either they are in the state of grace or still in the state of sin. Source
Direction # 9:
If, after measuring yourself based on the signs given in direction 8, you realize that saving grace is foreign to you, seriously consider what the state of sin is. Source
Direction # 10:
Once you realize how dangerous your situation is to continue under the state of sin, thoughtfully consider what there is in sin that prevents you from accepting God's offer of saving grace in His Son. Source
Direction # 11:
After you realize what prevents you from accepting God's offer of saving grace, weigh your sins and this life's rewards on one side of the balance, and on the other side, the peace and blessings both in this life and the afterlife that your sins would cost you. Source
Direction # 12:
Once you realize the real nature of your condition under the state of sin, take into serious consideration whether it is reasonable to remain in such a state even for one day. Source
Direction # 13:
When you resolve to delay no longer your response to God’s offer of saving grace, give up yourself wholly to Him, to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, acknowledge Him as your Creator, Savior, Father, and Sanctifier, and commit yourself to follow His covenant of grace. Source
Direction # 14:
As you commit yourself to follow God's covenant of grace, do away with your former sinful life and see that you will sin willfully no more, and as far as you are able, avoid the temptations that deceived you. Source
Direction # 15:
As you sincerely commit yourself to God's covenant, show it by turning your conversation in ways that please Him. Source
Direction # 16:
Use the means of grace for the divine seed to grow and flourish. Source
Direction # 17:
Know that relying on your own strength, you cannot give your undivided devotion only to God. Source
Direction # 18:
Know that real change comes from the heart, and such internal change is evident when a man's will and object of his love have also been changed. Source
Direction # 19:
Know that real change is turning away from selfish desires and focusing on God. This requires a lifelong commitment to fighting your own ego and bad habits until your thoughts and actions are completely guided by God's will. Source
Direction # 20:
Renounce the conceit of self-sufficiency and your merit. Completely rely on Jesus rather than your own efforts. Source
It took me more than three months to complete these 20 spiritual directions given to those who need saving grace. As those who are familiar with the Puritan writing style, which is also true in the case of Richard Baxter, know, they are not an easy read, and they tend to expand an idea beyond what we consider normal these days. Nevertheless, despite the complexity of their writings, I still find myself at home when it comes to insights and depth, which is largely missing in most books today. This is one of the motivations that pushes me to complete the microblogging of Baxter's Christian Directory.