John 14:21

The Lord Jesus gives special revelations of Himself to His people. Even if Scripture did not declare this, there are many of the children of God who could testify to its truth from their own experience. They have had manifestations of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in a unique way, such as no mere reading or hearing could provide.

In the biographies of eminent saints, you will find many instances recorded where Jesus has been pleased, in a very special manner, to speak to their souls and to unfold the wonders of His person. Indeed, their souls have been so steeped in happiness that they have thought themselves to be in heaven. While they were not actually there, they were very near its threshold—for when Jesus manifests Himself to His people, it is heaven on earth; it is paradise in embryo; it is bliss begun.

Special manifestations of Christ exercise a holy influence on the believer’s heart. One effect will be humility. If a man says, “I have had such-and-such spiritual communications, I am a great man,” he has never had any communion with Jesus at all; for God hath respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. He does not need to come near them to know them and will never give them any visits of love.

Another effect will be happiness; for in God’s presence there are pleasures for evermore. Holiness will be sure to follow. A man who has no holiness has never had this manifestation. Some men profess a great deal, but we must not believe anyone unless we see that his deeds correspond to what he says.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked. He will not bestow His favors upon the wicked, for while He will not cast away a blameless man, neither will He support an evildoer. Thus, there will be three effects of nearness to Jesus—humility, happiness, and holiness. May God give them to you, Christian!