The Pearl of Christian Comfort
How many times have we all come to a great moment of clarity after we’ve “talked it out”? A good conversational partner sharpens and refines our deepest held beliefs through both logical argument and compassionate persistence. In matters of the heart, we often need someone to listen to us, not to lecture to us. Herein lies the great benefit of Petrus Dantheus’ classic - The Pearl of Christian Comfort. Dantheus transforms the correspondence between Elizabeth de Grave and himself into a small back-and-forth printed dialogue. Though this book is several hundred years old, let’s see if her concerns are mirrored today by looking at two themes of their conversation.
First, Elizabeth comes home from worship sad because the preacher had declared the expectations of God’s Law. When Elizabeth looks at herself, all she sees is failure. How can she live up to God’s standard? How can she be anything but cursed? Many Christians have withered under the demands of God’s law because of a misapplication of God’s law. In response to the demands of perfection, Dantheus says, “The highest perfection of people, as long as they live on earth, lies in a sincere confession of imperfections.” Then, he takes Elizabeth by steps to understand the relationship between the law and gospel within the Bible. He begins to illustrate in common imagery how the Law should lead us to the Gospel, and the Gospel should lead us to fulfilling the Law.
Second, Elizabeth wonders how she can have peace with God despite her many failures, for even her best works are stained by sin. In our modern terminology, “If I cannot do it perfectly, why do it at all?” Each of us have wrestled with the same sense of despair. From this point, Dantheus begins to explain the blessings found in Christ. In Christ, we find both justification and sanctification. Jesus both saves and sanctifies us. Of the many issues connected to this conversation, one in particular left an indelible impression upon my own soul. Dantheus notes how God regarded all his people as righteous, despite their failures. Lot was known for living in Sodom and Gomorrah (among other things), yet Scripture refers to him as “righteous Lot.” (2 Peter 2:7) David’s adultery and murder are well known, yet God declares “my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, doing only that which was right in my eyes.” (1 Kings 14:8) As deep as our sin may stain our soul, the blood of Jesus Christ washes us as white as snow. Do you know the great comfort found in this truth? The doctrine of justification is not merely for theologians and pastors; justification answers the trembling cry of every sin-sick soul. The declaration of God in Christ is the only voice which can silence the doubts and fears facing every man, woman, and child upon this planet. Only from this point can Dantheus begin addressing a life of obedience based upon gratitude.
Much more could be said concerning this 87 page book, but I encourage you to simply join in their conversation. Elizabeth’s questions and concerns have been echoed in my office and my own heart many times;and together, we all will find the answers we seek in Jesus Christ. Take up this book and enjoy The Pearl of Christian Comfort.
You can purchase this book here.
