by Dr. Augustus F. Tholuck

(There are times in the life of every true believer, certainly a pastor’s, when he wants to grab every Christian by the collar and say “Read this! You will be blessed!” This is such a time for me. – JT)

“O God, in man the long-lost power renew
Things of the Spirit to discern and do.”

”For there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” – Rom. 3:22, 23

[Portrait of the Protestant Awakened theologian Friedrich August Tholuck (1799-1877). A professor at the University of Halle, Tholuck was an influential opponent of religious rationalism and biblical criticism as advocated by David Strauss. Drawing, undated.]

“I HAVE never yet met the man who disputed the fact of his being a sinner; but I have met with many who admitted it, and yet lived on in the world as gaily as if it entailed no further consequences. When I proceed to inquire how this can possibly be, it always strikes me, as the chief reason, that men do not give themselves leisure — to reflect. All around me appear to labour under an indescribable distraction of mind. I cannot otherwise account for the decided manner in which they admit many propositions, and yet do not draw from them the conclusions that are obviously manifest. Since the hour in which I first clearly apprehended the one truth that I am a sinner — against God, I likewise perceived, as clearly, that there is no business in life so important as to recover His favour, and become His obedient child. Before that discovery, it always seemed to me as if my life had no proper aim. It was then that, for the first time, I became aware for what purpose I was living. No doubt I had a certain object, even before, but it was one of which I felt ashamed, and therefore did not acknowledge even to myself. It was, in truth, to enjoy the things of this world, and to be honoured in the eyes of men. And to thousands at my side, although they too are ashamed to confess it, this is the sole wreath for which they strive. If, however, they would take time to reflect, the mere perceptions of the understanding would show them the folly of their conduct. For, supposing our joys and hopes to have their centre in this world, what a painful thought that we are every day withdrawing further away from it! whereas, if eternity be our end and aim, how pleasing to think that to it we are every day advancing nearer!  When glory before men is what we seek, we must needs meet with perpetual disappointment. For will the envy of our brethren ever permit us to enjoy such glory unextenuated, or will our vanity ever be satisfied with the measure of it which they allot?  But men do not consider. And so we see them planting, and building, and toiling, and enjoying themselves. Day after day comes and goes, and the one greatest and most urgent business of life remains undone. The chasm which separates man from his God is not filled up.

We come short of the glory of God, says the Bible; and what is that glory ? It is the glory of walking before Him as His children. In his blindness, man, indeed, claims for himself the privileges but he violates the duties, of a confiding and always submissive and obedient child. No doubt we hear one and another acknowledging that they are destitute of this glory, but they acknowledge it without shame, and this is just another instance of the fatal effects of not taking sufficient time to consider. For can anything be more natural than that the child who is constrained to confess a want of affection and obedience to his father, should at least feel ashamed when he makes the confession? Even to do that, however, is a great step. I have always found that a sinner is in a hopeful way who has learned to blush.

The sinner’s shame and grace of God
Soon enter into brotherhood.

There is no difference, says the apostle. No doubt, what he means, in the first instance, is between Jews and Gentiles. It may likewise, however, be said of all that are born of woman, that there is no difference. However manifold may be the shapes which sin assumes among men, the attentive spectator who contemplates it, whether as existing among the savage children of nature or in polite society, among the old or the young, the learned or the unlearned, will find that it is always the same actor reappearing in different parts. I have made extensive observations upon mankind — I have mixed with all classes of society, and lived with the people of various countries — but never yet have I found a man who had not his weak side. I was continually reminded of the saying of one of our philosophers, that for every human being there is a price for which he may be bought. No doubt I have met with many a noble character, who, at the slightest motion of his weak side, instantly took arms against himself.  The weak side, however, was still there. It is an observation which, in my opinion, needs no very large experience to make, and which, I cannot doubt, any one who duly reflects, and deeply and earnestly searches the recesses of his own heart, must also admit, that man — that is, every human being — carries within him the seed of every sin ; and this, I think, is the sense in which the apostle has said, “There is no difference.”

One thing especially, it appears to me, even the most stubborn must acknowledge — viz., that there is one moral infirmity common to the whole race. We are all extravagantly enamoured of ourselves. As Luther says, “There is no hole too little for self-love to creep through.”  This is a weak side which no one who exercises any measure of self-reflection can disown. Take but a single instance. With what difficulty and reluctance we submit to have our frailties laid open ! How we instantly endeavour to ward off every attempt of this sort, even when made by persons whom we love!  Except those whom the Spirit of God had rendered humble and meek, I never met with any who could readily and cheerfully bear to be told their faults. What more decisive sign can there be that we all labour under a sore distemper?

I have often cast in my mind what ought to be looked upon as the peculiar mark by which a Christian may be distinguished from a child of the world ; and I am persuaded that, far more than in anything else, it is to be found in the difference of the impression made upon him by the words sin and guilt. For myself, there was a time when I acknowledged that in some, yea, in many things, I came short in the sight of God, and yet I remained quite indifferent about the matter. I could also think with the utmost coolness and unconcern of the hour on which I shall have to appear before Him. I am acquainted with not a few who take no pains about their sanctification, and of whom I yet can conceive that, when they pass into the other world, they will approach the Judge of all as bodily and confidently as if they already held in their hands an order for the rewards of virtue : whereas believing Christians have received the privilege of childship, and yet how bashful and timid they remain!

Close to Thy throne I seek not, Lord, a place.
Not even my wish aspires to venture there —
Grant me but from afar to see Thy face.
And at Thy threshold breathe my humble prayer ;
And for so great and undeserved a grace.
To one so vile as me, Thy name I’ll praise.

Assuredly that is the sentiment common to the redeemed. It is also mine ; for I am conscious how wholly I am destitute of the glory which I ought to have in the sight of God.

My Lord and King, it is true that with Thee no boasting avails. There is, however, a praise and a glory which it behoves us to present to Thee. It is the glory of being Thy obedient children ; for when Thou mad’st us after Thine own
image, that is what Thou mad’st us to be. Of this glory I confess that I am destitute. But look upon me in mercy, for I am heartily ashamed of my nakedness, and desire to be clothed with the righteousness of Thy Son. Oh, look upon me in mercy for His dear sake!

- Dr. Augustus F. Tholuck (c. 1875)