For thy Name's sake.
The distinction between "natural religion" and "revealed religion," which makes a great figure in theological writings, finds no place in Scripture. Religion, as set forth in the Bible, is alike natural and revealed. Air nature, human nature above the rest, bears witness to God. Ignorant of God, and separated from him either by ignorance or by want of natural affection, man is in an unnatural condition—out of harmony with his native surroundings. But just as it is not enough for vision that we have eyes, or for hearing that we have ears—we need light and sound—so if religion is to have any reality and worth, it is not enough that our nature cries out for God; we must have the light of Divine truth, the voice of Divine teaching. This, in a word, is just what is meant by this phrase, so constantly employed in Scripture, "The Name of God." It stands for all that God has made us capable of knowing of him, and all that he has actually made known of himself. This plea, "for thy Name's sake," is accordingly an appeal—first, to God's manifestation (or revelation) of himself to men; and then, further, to his unchangeableness; and to his pledged word of promise.
I. To GOD'S MANIFESTATION OF HIMSELF. In other words, to his recorded dealings with mankind. Our knowledge here, as elsewhere, rests on experience. When we speak of the Bible as "a revelation," we express but half the truth. It is the history of revelation—the record of God's progressive manifestation of himself to mankind. Speech is a powerful revealer of character. But words must be accompanied or backed up by deeds, if we are to trust them fully. Conduct reveals character as words cannot. And these, conduct and speech combined, cannot give full, intimate knowledge of any one without converse—personal communion and sympathy. Accordingly, this threefold cord is woven right through the Bible:
II. AN APPEAL TO GOD'S UNCHANGEABLENESS. In other words, to what in men we call consistency and stability of character. This is all-important; yet in the case of men we must rest content with something short of complete certainty. The best of men may change or break down. We may say—
"He was a gentleman on whom I built
An absolute trust."
But temptation may find some weakness in him. Disappointment may sour his spirit. Some secret sin may undermine his virtue and piety. Circumstances, if they cannot conquer his will, may destroy his power to make good his word. But God cannot change (2 Timothy 2:13; Malachi 3:6). The revelation of God in Scripture is progressive but consistent. His Name is, as it were, spelled out letter by letter; but no letter once written is ever erased. In this sense, therefore, our knowledge of God has greater certainty than of our fellow-men. What is true of them to-day may not hold good this day year. But 1 John 4:16 is true for all time, for all eternity.
III. AN APPEAL TO GOD'S WORD OF PROMISE. When an honest man puts his name to a promise or engagement, he is bound by a tie stronger than iron. God has condescended to give us this security. Purblind critics may call this "anthropomorphism;" it is what the Bible calls "the grace of God" ― the settled plan and effort of the Father of spirits, by coming near to us to draw us home to him. Glimpses of this sublime idea, irrevocable Divine promise, may be found in heathen literature ('Homer,' e.g.)—a religion based on God's promise will be found nowhere but in the Bible. Fear not, then, to use this plea, which God himself puts in thy mouth, "For thy Name's sake!"
HOMILIES BY C. CLEMANCE