The Godly Man's Picture

1. Godliness is a Supernatural Transformation of the Soul

Godliness is the sacred impression and workmanship of God in a man, whereby of carnal, he is made spiritual.

A Divine Work. Godliness is not a mere outward show or human effort, but a profound, supernatural work of God within a person. It signifies a radical change, where the carnal nature is transformed into a spiritual one, not by receiving a new soul, but by having a "new spirit" that mends the soul's original tone. This transformation is foundational to true faith.

Intrinsic and Extensive. This divine impression is deeply rooted in the heart, not just superficial. It's like sap hidden in the root, not merely dew on a leaf. Furthermore, godliness is extensive, spreading its sacred leaven throughout the entire being, illuminating the understanding, ordering the affections, and making the will pliable to God's desires. It's a "new man," not just a new eye or tongue.

Glorious and Permanent. Godliness is an intense, vigorous, and flaming devotion, making the soul sparkle in God's eyes and partake of the divine nature. It is "glory in the seed," destined to blossom into full glory. Once rooted by the Holy Ghost, this celestial plant abides eternally, engraved in the heart "as with the point of a diamond," never to be erased.

2. True Godliness Demands Sincerity, Not Hypocritical Pretense

Counterfeit piety is double iniquity.

The Danger of Pretense. Many merely make a show of godliness, like "whited sepulchres" or "clouds without water," appearing full of the Spirit but inwardly empty. This "religious cheat" is driven by a desire for fame and repute, but it is a profound self-delusion, as one wrongs oneself most by accepting counterfeit gold for true.

God-Enraging Sin. Such hypocrisy is deeply offensive to God, who calls pretenders the "generation of his wrath." To carry Christ in one's Bible but not in one's heart, using religion for carnal interest, is to abuse God and serve the devil in Christ's livery. This "pageantry" is odious to both God and man, as the wicked hate the mask, and God hates the lack of substance.

Vain and Comfortless. Hypocritical actions are vain; dissembling tears, prayers, and fasts prove abortive, yielding no reward beyond fleeting human praise. At death, this "painted holiness" offers no comfort, leaving the soul exposed to Satan's scorn and the bitter realization that it chose hell by "seeming godly."

3. A Godly Man is Marked by Saving Knowledge and Ardent Love for God

The knowledge wherewith a godly man is adorned, hath these eight rare ingredients in it.

Saving Knowledge. A godly man possesses a "good knowledge of the Lord," distinct from mere discursive understanding. This knowledge is:

• Grounded: Resting on the Word and Spirit.
• Appreciative: Valuing God above all.
• Quickening: Animating the soul.
• Appropriating: Knowing Christ as 'my Redeemer.'
• Transforming: Changing the soul into Christ's image.
• Self-emptying: Leading to humility.
• Growing: Increasing like morning light.
• Practical: Accompanied by obedience.
  This divine knowledge is not by speculation but by inspiration, making the soul sparkle like the sun.

Fired with Love. Complementing knowledge is an ardent love for God, the "fountain and quintessence of goodness." This love sweetens every duty, making the godly "sick of love" for Christ. It drives a thirst for God, a delight in His presence, and a longing to be with Him, even when He seems to frown or when reduced to straits.

The Heart's Treasure. God is the saint's portion, and what is more loved than one's portion? This love is so profound that "many waters cannot quench it," enduring through all trials. Without this divine love, the heart remains a "grave" where God's love is buried, a temper that "best suits with damned spirits."

4. Holiness and Pure Worship are Essential Expressions of Godliness

Holiness is the most orient pearl of the King of heaven’s crown.

God-Likeness in Holiness. A godly man is like God, bearing His image, especially in holiness. This intrinsic purity and abhorrence of sin are the "badge and livery of Christ's people," making them "glorious in holiness." Their holiness is not a mere frontispiece but an inner gold, a conformity to God's will, which is the pattern of all holiness.

Manifestations of Holiness. This holiness is demonstrated by:

• Hating sin: Setting oneself against evil, even its appearance, to avoid defiling conscience or offending others.
• Advocating for holiness: Defending piety when it is calumniated, wiping off reproach from religion's face.
  Those who boast of unholiness or hate it are far from godliness, for "without holiness no man shall see the Lord."

Exactness in Worship. A godly man reverences divine institutions, prioritizing the purity of worship over pomp. He dares not introduce "strange fire" or human inventions, but adheres strictly to the pattern shown in Scripture. This exactness reflects a deep respect for God's wisdom and authority in prescribing how He is to be served.

5. Humility, Prayer, and the Indwelling Spirit Define a Godly Heart

Bernard calls humility a self-annihilation.

The Humble Heart. A godly man is profoundly humble, possessing "low eyes" and lower thoughts of himself than others. He thinks better of others, has a low esteem of his own duties, and constantly "prefers bills of indictment against himself," lamenting his corruptions. This humility leads him to justify God in affliction and magnify Christ, giving Him the glory for all actions.

Spiritual Prayer. Prayer is the soul's breath, and a godly man is a "praying man," engaging in constant "traffic with heaven." His prayers are spiritual, characterized by:

• Knowledge: Praying with understanding.
• Heartfelt desires: Not just words, but deep longings.
• Fervency: Ascending to heaven on wings of zeal.
• Brokenness: Coming from a contrite heart.
• Faith: Believing God's mercy and truth.
• Holiness: Offered from a pure heart.
• Humility: Asking for alms.
• Christ's Name: Relying on His mediation.
• Love for Prayer: Delight in communion.
• Spiritual Ends: Seeking holiness and God's glory.

The Indwelling Spirit. The Spirit of God resides in the godly, not just moving upon them, but entering into them as a "river of living water." The Spirit manifests through:

• Teaching virtue: Convincingly persuading.
• Sanctifying virtue: Purifying the heart.
• Vivifying virtue: Infusing life and liveliness.
• Jurisdictive virtue: Governing the soul.
• Mollifying virtue: Softening the heart.
• Corroborating virtue: Infusing strength.
• Comforting virtue: Cheering and reviving the soul.
  Without the Spirit, no duty is acceptable, and no ordinance effectual.

6. Patience in Adversity and Thankfulness in All Circumstances are Godly Virtues

Patience is a star which shines in a dark night.

Patient Endurance. A godly man exhibits patience both in waiting for God's timing and in bearing afflictions without repining. This is not a "stoical apathy" but a cheerful submission of one's will to God, acquiescing in His actions as not only good but best. This patient frame stands in contrast to disquiet, discontent, prejudice, and self-vindication, which are signs of an ungodly spirit.

Thankful Heart. Praise and thanksgiving are the "work of heaven" that a godly man begins on earth. It is a noble, God-exalting work, setting forth God's honor and displaying the trophy of His goodness. Unlike the ungodly who "bury God's praise," a saint is continually in doxologies, expressing thankfulness in every duty and condition, even when God has a rod in His hand.

Evidencing God's Nature. Patience under suffering and thankfulness in all things are profound evidences of God's work in the heart. Patience reflects God's own title as "the God of patience," while thankfulness distinguishes a Christian from infernal spirits, who blaspheme but never bless. These virtues are cultivated through humility and a deep sense of God's love.

7. Godliness Manifests in Righteous Living and Holy Relationships

Though sin lives in him, yet he doth not live in sin.

No Indulgence in Sin. A godly man does not indulge in any sin, even if sin lives within him. He protests against it, hating the sin he commits. He particularly avoids:

• Secret sins: Knowing God sees all.
• Gainful sins: Refusing to compromise conscience for worldly profit.
• Beloved sins: Actively fighting against his "complexion-sin."
• "Lesser" sins: Making conscience of omissions, vain discourse, and rash censuring.
  One sin indulged can spoil all good duties, keep Christ out, and ultimately damn the soul.

Good in All Relations. Godliness extends beyond individual piety to encompass all relational duties. A godly man is:

• A just magistrate: Holding the balance of justice.
• A faithful minister: Painful, knowing, plain, zealous, and holy.
• A loving husband: Covering infirmities, providing counsel.
• A nurturing father: Instructing, praying for, and disciplining children.
• A righteous master: Promoting religion, providing for servants, setting a good example.
• An obedient child: Reverencing and obeying parents.
• A diligent servant: Faithful, cheerful, and silent.
  Deficiencies in relative piety stain the beauty of all other actions.

Spiritual Performance of Duties. A godly man performs spiritual things in a spiritual manner, worshipping God "in the Spirit." This means:

• From a renewed principle: Flowing from grace, not just refined nature.
• With utmost attention: Keeping thoughts fixed on God, fighting distractions from sin, Satan, and the world.
• In faith: Offering duties with confidence in Christ's mediation.
  This spiritualizing of duty gives it life and makes it acceptable to God, unlike the "carcase of duty" offered by the unspiritual.

8. A Godly Man Walks with God and Strives to Lead Others to Him

Walking with God imports a continued progress in grace; it is not only a step but a walk.

Walking with God. To walk with God implies:

• Under God's eye: Reverencing His omnipresence.
• Familiarity and intimacy: Sweet intercourse with the Divine.
• Above the earth: Elevated above sublunary objects.
• Visible piety: A conspicuous, shining conversation.
• Continued progress: Going on towards perfection, not sitting down in the middle of the way.
  This walk is pleasing to God, entices others, silences adversaries, brings peace, is honorable, leads to rest, and is the safest path.

Labouring for Others' Godliness. A godly man is not content to go to heaven alone but strives to be an instrument in making others godly. This "thirsty endeavour" flows from:

• The nature of godliness: Like fire, it assimilates and inflames others.
• A spirit of compassion: Pitying captive sinners destined for wrath.
• Holy zeal for Christ's glory: Desiring to see Christ exalted through new converts.
  He seeks to propagate the life of grace, especially in his near relations, knowing that children seasoned with piety will glorify God in their generation.

9. Perseverance in Godliness is Essential, Sustained by Grace and Assurance

It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.

Holding Fast to Profession. In times of wavering and apostasy, perseverance in godliness is crucial. Many fall away due to covetousness, unbelief, or cowardice, betraying their profession for worldly gain or fear. True godliness requires steadfastness, resisting the temptation to shrink back when facing "the hatred of the world."

Means for Perseverance. To hold fast, one must:

• Possess real grace: A heart-humbling and heart-changing work.
• Be deliberate and judicious: Counting the cost of godliness.
• Gain clear knowledge of God: Understanding His love, Christ's merit, and the Spirit's efficacy.
• Enter purely out of choice: Embracing godliness for its intrinsic worth.
• Cultivate integrity: A golden pillar of support against storms.
• Maintain fervour in duty: Keeping the "fire" of devotion burning.
• Practice self-denial: Denying self-ease and self-ends.
• Preserve holy jealousy: Guarding against heart deceits and lusts.
• Strive for assurance: Knowing God is one's God, like a "castle built upon a rock."
• Lay hold of God's strength: Relying on Him, not self, for preservation.

Glorious Promises. God has "entailed" eight glorious promises upon persevering saints: a crown of life, eating from the tree of life, hidden manna, a white stone with a new name, white raiment, name not blotted from the book of life, confession before the Father, a pillar in God's temple, power over nations, and sitting with Christ on His throne, and the morning star. These promises are powerful motives to endure.

10. Christ Cherishes and Preserves the Weakest Spark of True Godliness

A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

Christ's Compassion. This prophetic text reveals Christ's profound compassion for dejected sinners. A "bruised reed" signifies a soul humbled and bruised by sin, weeping but not despairing, tossed by fear yet anchored by hope. "Smoking flax" represents grace mingled with much corruption, a tiny spark amidst much smoke. Christ will not break the bruised or quench the smoking, but rather bind up and increase them.

Reasons for Preservation. Christ's commitment to preserving weak grace stems from:

• His sweet nature: He is "very pitiful," the "Father of mercies," who yearns over His bruised ones.
• The value of a contrite heart: It is His precious sacrifice, fragrant to God.
• Resemblance to Himself: A bruised reed resembles a bruised Saviour, and is a member He cherishes.
• Divine production: The spark of grace is God's own work, which He will not destroy.
• Preciousness of little grace: Even a small pearl of faith is valuable and bears God's image.
• Potential for growth: Grace, like a mustard seed, is destined to grow into a flame.
• Glory of His power: His strength is made perfect in weakness, making grace prevail over corruption.

Comfort and Duty. This truth offers immense comfort to humble, bruised souls, assuring them that their unworthiness or perceived lack of grace will not lead to rejection. It also calls believers to duty: to love God for His preserving grace and to labor diligently, knowing that while God will bring His work to perfection, we must "blow it up with the breath of our endeavour."

11. The Ultimate Blessing: A Mystical, Conjugal Union with Jesus Christ

There is a conjugal union between Christ and believers.

A Sacred Mystery. The relationship between Christ and believers is a profound "conjugal union," a great mystery likened to marriage. This is not merely a natural union (Christ taking human nature) but a sacred, mystical bond. It is:

• Federal: God the Father gives the bride, God the Son receives, and God the Holy Ghost ties the knot, knitting wills and love.
• Virtual: Christ unites by conveying His graces and influences, stamping His image and holiness upon the soul.
  Though spiritual and often imperceptible to reason, this union is profoundly real, making believers one with Christ.

Before Union. Before this union, the soul is in a state of spiritual death, cut off from Christ, the principle of life. It is a "spiritual fool," vile, and exposed to God's wrath, with all its offerings polluted. The covenant of grace, with its glorious privileges, remains inaccessible until this mystical union is established.

The Beloved is Mine, and I Am His. This union signifies a deep, mutual belonging. The believer can confidently declare, "My Beloved is mine," possessing Christ and all His benefits. In turn, the believer is "His," wholly resigned to Christ's will and service. This intimate bond is the culmination of godliness, promising eternal communion and joy with the Savior.