Divine Vision Essential to Human Salvation
J. M. Jarvie. Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he. I. TRUE VISION IS A REVELATION FROM GOD. A communication not furnished by nature; not the product of human intellect, or imagination, or fancy; not the "tradition of the elders," however venerable; but a special unfolding of the Divine nature and government, adapted to the moral exigencies of the race. Such a communication is possible. Such is probable — 1. From conflicting indications of the Divine character furnished by nature. 2. The universally felt moral necessities of man. Such is actually accomplished, as the whole body of Christian evidence attests. II. THERE MANY PLACES WHERE, AS YET, THIS VISION IS NOT. Where it is not known. Where it is not published. Where it is not believed. III. WHERE IT IS NOT, THE PEOPLE PERISH. 1. It alone reveals a Saviour and a salvation adapted to man. 2. It alone is associated with spiritual power to deliver man from the bondage, and misery, and guilt, and doom, of sin. The vision of God is to them that possess it a most precious thing. They who possess it not ought to be the objects of the deepest compassion. They who do possess it are bound, by every consideration of gratitude and pity, to send it to those who do not. (J. M. Jarvie.) Parallel Verses KJV: Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. WEB: Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.