Chapter 20.
ON GOSPEL
SANCTIFICATION.
Like a wise master-builder Paul laid the true foundation– Jesus Christ; and
built thereon a sacred edifice of heavenly graces, more valuable than gold
and silver and precious stones. Those who study the nature of the Gospel,
and live under its power, both know, and can enter into its blessed design.
All its doctrines, precepts, and promises, are calculated to abase the pride
of man, to exalt the glory of Christ, to reveal the malignity of sin, the
beauty of holiness, the vanity of the world, the bliss of heaven; to show
the sinner his utter helplessness, and to reveal to him an all-sufficient
Savior- for proud man must be humbled, the idol self must be dethroned.
Hence; we find that human merit is altogether excluded from the system of
Paul's theology. Being illuminated by the Holy Spirit, he preached the truth
without any mixture of error. There are no disproportions, no disfiguring
features in his portraiture of Eternal Truth. Perfection in all its parts
bespeaks its Divine original. With uncompromising firmness he declares- that
faith is the gift of God; that we are justified by faith; that Christ dwells
in our hearts by faith; that we walk by faith; that we are the children of
God by faith.
It was therefore to the faithful in Christ Jesus, that the Apostle wrote
with such affectionate entreaty, "I urge you to live a life worthy of the
calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,
bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the
Spirit through the bond of peace. Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of
God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as
Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and
sacrifice to God."
How powerfully does he inculcate the duty of universal holiness, "Fix your
thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that
are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and
worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and
heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you."
With such exhortations to holy obedience, how strange that any reflecting
mind should, for a moment, charge the doctrines of grace with having a
licentious tendency. Yet, there were people, as we have already noticed, who
were base enough to abuse the grace of the Gospel. The champion for the
Truth hesitated not to call them, "the enemies of Christ, whose end is
destruction." So carefully did he guard believers against those evils of our
nature, which, when brought into contact with the Gospel, destroy its
sufficiency by self-righteousness; its purity by antinomianism.
With peculiar emphasis, almost bordering on indignation, he asks these
abusers of the Gospel; "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin,
that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall we who are dead to sin, live
any longer therein?" And then, after showing the sanctifying nature of true
faith in Christ, he gives the believer this blessed assurance; "Sin shall
not have dominion over you, for you are not under the Law but under grace."
In all periods of the Church, Satan has sown his tares among the wheat. This
state of the visible Church, is declared by our divine Savior, in various
parables of exquisite beauty. The good and bad fishes -the wise and foolish
virgins- the fruitful and barren branches- the guests with, and the one
without, a wedding garment; are all designed to illustrate this truth- that
as they are not all Israel, which are of Israel, so neither are they all
true Christians, who profess to be members of Christ. Paul, with his usual
discrimination of character, has given us the distinctive features of these
two classes; the one holding the Truth in unrighteousness; the other,
holding the Mystery of the Faith in a pure conscience.
O! that we could enter, by sweet experience, into the Apostle's charge to
the Christians at Philippi– "In everything you do, stay away from
complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against
you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark
world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly
before them. Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns,
I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not
useless. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the
gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in
my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one
man for the faith of the gospel."
How meek and gentle, how harmless and unoffending were these early followers
of the lowly Jesus; and yet, how bold and fearless in their confessions of
Christ, before an ungodly world. They shrunk indeed from sin, but not from
suffering for the Gospel's sake. O that we could resemble these primitive
believers who were the lights of the world, and the salt of the earth. Their
spirituality of mind, their joy through believing, their renunciation of
self and worldly greatness, formed those lovely features of the new
creature, which the Apostle so admirably described when drawing his own
character to the Philippian converts– "For we who worship God in the Spirit
are the only ones who are truly circumcised. We put no confidence in human
effort. Instead, we boast about what Christ Jesus has done for us." O that
the Spirit may be poured out upon all our churches; then the world would
once more see the beauty of Christianity in the holy lives of its
professors.
These extracts, though forming a small part of those exhortations to
holiness, and cautions against sin, with which his Epistles abounded, show
the infinite value of the Book of God- that storehouse of heavenly wisdom.
Following its holy light, through the guidance of the Spirit, the believer
is led into all truth, comforted under trials, guarded against temptations,
directed to the right performance of relative duties, and taught how he
might to walk and please God.
"The blessing of heaven resting upon the devout study of the Bible, often
induces those long dead in trespasses and sins to turn from the errors of
their ways, and save their souls. The Ethiopian may change his skin, and the
leopard his spots, because the Agent of the transformation is Almighty; and
they may also do good, who are accustomed to do evil. If we expect a moral
and religious population, we must lay the foundation deep in an early
acquaintance with the sanction of the Law, and the merits of the Gospel. We
must endeavor to impress the lessons of Divine Truth upon the minds of the
young, while their attention is pliant and their affections warm; while they
are yet, as much as possible unspotted from the world, and before contact
with sinful seductions shall have diffused its chilling influence over their
hearts. If the duty be important, it should be early commenced; if the
undertaking be difficult, it should be entered upon without delay. If we
have run with the footmen, and they have wearied us, then how can we contend
with horses? and if in the land of peace wherein we trusted they wearied us,
then how shall we do in the swelling of Jordan?"
We cannot sufficiently value the Records of Eternal Truth. The more we love
the Bible, the more will its holy influence be visible in our lives.
The true believer in Jesus, when living under the influence of the Holy
Spirit, is clothed with humility; the love of God is shed abroad in his
heart; the peace of God rules within him; he is adorned with the ornament of
a meek and quiet spirit; he rejoices with joy unspeakable and full of glory;
he abounds in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit; and receives the
end of his faith, even the salvation of his soul. Such will be our
character, and such our privileges, if like him we feel the power of grace
in our hearts.
If our affections are set on things above, we also shall be safe, whatever
storms may agitate the world; and if our life be hid with Christ in God, we
shall have a sure refuge against the rage of Satan, and the fear of death.
While the worldling's treasure is fading as the tints of evening, our
portion will be glorious as the days of heaven; for God will be our
everlasting light, and the Lamb our glory. How loosely then should we sit to
all things here below. Oh that we could practically learn to cease from man,
whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted of?
May every heart be impressed with the Apostle's appeal to the church of
Corinth, "Brethren, the time is short. It remains, that both those who have
wives, be as though they had none; and those who weep, as though they wept
not; and those who rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those who buy,
as though they possessed not; and those who use this world, as not abusing
it; for the fashion of this world passes away."
The more we contemplate the holiness of God, and the nature of our
redemption by Jesus Christ, the more we must be convinced, that
sanctification is the beauty and the health of the soul. The holy Christian
is the happy Christian. He may, and must have troubles as he journeys to his
heavenly rest; but so long as Jesus is his guide and guardian, darkness may
reign without, but all shall be peace and light within.
What lies nearest to our hearts? All men propose some object to themselves,
and their utmost energies are directed to attain it. Some pant after honor,
some after pleasure, and many after wealth. What are we most anxious to
possess? Is it the favor of God? is it an interest in the atonement Jesus?
Or, are we only thirsting after earthly things? Blessed indeed are we, if to
do the will of God be the great object of our lives; if to walk agreeably to
the light of His revealed Word, be our one undeviating aim.
Jesus as our perfect pattern, left us an example that we should follow his
steps. The more we drink into his spirit, the more we shall love and obey
our heavenly Father, enjoy a foretaste of heavenly bliss, and be prepared
for heavenly glory. True happiness would soon revisit our world, were the
name of God universally hallowed- were his kingdom set up in every heart–
were his will done on earth, as it is in heaven. O when will this happy
period arrive. A great blessing is promised, but this blessing must be
sought for by fervent believing prayer.
Christ was the glorious promise under the Old Testament Dispensation- the
Holy Spirit is the gracious promise under the New. For this gift, Jesus
himself, as Mediator, intercedes for his people- "I will ask the Father, and
he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever,
even the Spirit of Truth." For this gift he commands us to pray with
assurance of success; "If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto
your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask him."
O! that Christians of every name, may be stirred up to seek the Lord until
he comes and rains down righteousness upon us; until the Spirit, being
poured out from on high, fills our world with light and love, with peace and
purity, with grace and glory.
Divine Truth, like the meridian sun, shines with resplendent luster in the
Book of God. The glory of Jehovah is the Alpha and Omega of all its
revelations. Is a world created? -it is by the Word of God. Is a world
redeemed? -it is through the love of God. Every blessing flows from him– all
praise belongs to him. Pride wants its share of merit in the work of
redemption, but Truth levels the proud pretension in the dust. With what
force does the Apostle repel the self-righteous plea, and refute the
skeptical cavil. In all his writings, he maintains one constant truth- "By
grace are you saved....not of works, lest any man should boast."
The author of all holiness is Almighty God; for we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained, that
we should walk in them. The meritorious cause of sanctification is Jesus
Christ; who, by his death and obedience, has procured for us the gift of the
Holy Spirit, to renew our souls after his image in righteousness and true
holiness; and therefore he is made unto us sanctification. The instruments
which God employs in the hand of the Spirit, to produce the blessing of
holiness, are his Word and ordinances, the ministers of his Gospel, and the
various dispensations of his providence.
Gospel sanctification consists in the mortification of our corrupt
affections, whereby the power of original sin is weakened; and in the
vivification or quickening of our souls to a new and divine life, whereby
habitual acts of filial obedience are performed.
The work of sanctification extends to the whole man; body, soul, and spirit.
The design of God, in our sanctification is, that the mind be enlightened to
know himself as the chief good, and his mercy in Christ as the highest
blessing; that we be made acquainted with the corruption of our nature, and
the remedy which he has provided; that our will be molded into his will, and
our constant aim be the promotion of his glory; that the memory be stored
with heavenly truths, and daily replenished from his Holy Word with new
subjects for delightful meditation; that the conscience be made tender and
alive to the calls of the Spirit, afraid of sin, while delivered from guilty
fears through the blood of Jesus; that the affections of love, joy, grief,
and fear, be all brought under due regulation, through the indwelling
Spirit, and made to run in one uniform channel of evangelical holiness- that
those desires of the soul, which are of a more animal nature, be brought
into subjection to the Law of Christ; while the body is made subservient to
the powers of the renewed mind.
Such ought to be the happy state of every true believer in Jesus; and such,
in some measure, is his state, when he walks in love, and in the light of
the divine favor.
But, it may be asked– Is his sanctification, while in the body, complete and
entire, lacking nothing? Alas! no. Although the above description is true,
with respect to what the Holy Spirit produces in the soul, as all his works
are like himself, pure and holy; yet, through the remainders of corruption,
this blessed work is greatly impeded and retarded in its growth. There still
remains much darkness to be dissipated from the mind, much selfishness to be
subdued in the will; much forgetfulness of God to be rectified in the
memory; much hardness to be softened in the conscience; much irregularity to
be removed from the affections; much self-indulgence to be mortified in the
animal passions. All this creates that conflict, that up-hill work, that
struggling, and wrestling, and fighting, that earnestness in prayer, that
cleaving to Jesus, that reliance on his grace, that display of his power,
that exercise of his mercy, which are constantly experienced in the eventful
life of the true believer.
All these things Paul felt when he said, "I run- I fight- I keep under my
body, and bring it into subjection; I count not myself to have apprehended.
But this one thing I do; I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus." And what was the mark at which the Apostle
aimed? -perfect holiness. And what the prize which he longed to attain?
-perfect happiness through Christ Jesus. This is the longing desire and aim
of every true believer.
Is this our experience? Can we say with the Apostle– "when I am weak, then
am I strong?" Conscious of our spiritual weakness, and in full reliance on
the strength of Jesus, do we in faith draw out of his fullness grace for
grace? The enemy may alarm, but he cannot destroy the children of God, for
whom Christ died. How sweetly consoling are the Savior's words, "You now
have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and
your joy, no man takes from you."
While running the heavenly race, the believer has many hindrances, and many
helps. Does the Devil walk about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may
devour? In this can he rejoice, that, angels are ministering spirits, sent
forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. O how numberless
are the mercies of Jesus, how multiplied the devices and depths of Satan.
The power of this arch-deceiver, though limited and restrained, is yet truly
awful. The Scriptures style him, "the god of this world," so extensive is
his influence over the hearts of men. They declare that, "he who commits Sin
is of the Devil," because he blinds the minds of those who believe not; and,
works in the children of disobedience.
Are the children of God out of the reach of this evil one, while journeying
to their eternal rest? Ah! no. What says the Scriptures? "Satan stood up
against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel and God was displeased
with this thing." Jesus said to Peter- "Simon, Simon, behold Satan Math
desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat." "Some," says Paul, "are
already turned aside after Satan." "We would have come unto you, even I
Paul, once and again, but Satan hindered us." The spotless Jesus himself was
tempted by the Devil in the wilderness, whom he drove back by this powerful
word, "Get away Satan."
Fear not then, O tempted saint. Jesus, in whom you believe, has vanquished
this roaring lion. Are you helpless in yourself? Hear what John says,
"Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." Are you afraid
of falling, one day, by the hard of your spiritual foe? Hear what Paul says,
"God shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." Then let us not despond.
The Spirit of God, who dwells in the hearts of his people, will make us more
than conquerors through Christ Jesus. How gracious are the words of Jesus to
Peter when Satan desired to sift him- "I have prayed for you, that your
faith fail not." How cheering his love to Paul when buffeted by Satan; "My
grace is sufficient for you."
O may we ever lean upon our loving Savior, whose power is infinite. Blessed
are those who hear his voice, who follow him in faith and patience, through
evil, as well as good report. They and they only are the sheep of his
pasture, who thus look unto him and live upon him as the bread of life.
Jesus has purchased them with his own blood, he will preserve them by his
power, and present them faultless before the presence of his glory with
exceeding joy.
This Truth, the holy Apostle declared with an inspired distinctness to the
church at Rome, "When we were without strength, in due time Christ died for
the ungodly. God commended his love toward us, in that while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us. Much more, then, being justified by his blood,
we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we
were reconciled to God, by the death of his Son, much more, being
reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."
Oh! blessed and consolatory conclusion! Can we now for a moment doubt his
willingness to save? Did he die for us, and will he not preserve us? Did he
pray for us, and will he not hear our prayers? Did he invite us to come, and
will he forbid our approach? His compassion is not diminished, because he is
now in glory. His love is not abated, because the heavens have received him
out of our sight. His tenderness is not less susceptible; now that he is
removed from the innocent infirmities of our nature. He still can be touched
with the feeling of our infirmities. He still feels in heaven, for his poor
afflicted members upon earth. Though Lord of all, having all power in heaven
and in earth, he is not insensible to the needs of his people. He is their
friend, who loves at all times; and who, when they are gathered together in
his name, is ever in the midst of them. If persecuted for his sake, he
graciously identifies himself with them, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute
you me?" If relieved, in the name of a disciple, he condescendingly accepts
the benefit, as done to himself, "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of
the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me."
Oh how inconceivably great is such love as this! Well might the grateful
Apostle, who was himself a wonderful subject of it, fervently pray, that the
Ephesians might know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, and, be
filled with all the fullness of God.
Jesus, having loved his own, will love them unto the end, and glorify them
with his own glory. His work and ways, like himself, are infinite and
everlasting.
The graces of God's Spirit are not, in the hearts of his children, like
morning mists which soon disperse; they resemble the morning light, which
shines more and more, unto the perfect day. Their faith, like a well-built
tower, whose foundation is laid in a rock, can withstand the assaults of the
enemy, and the raging of the storm. What are all enemies and storms, however
powerful and violent, where brought into contest with Jehovah Jesus? They
are weak as the chaff before the whirl wind; or, as the flax before the
devouring fire. In the strength of Christ we must, and shall prevail.
Let us then trust, and not be afraid of the fury of the oppressor, as if he
were ready to destroy. Jesus ever reigns! Reposing with steadfast faith on
his Divinity, atonement, and intercession, we may smile in the midst of
danger, having nothing to fear but sin. How precious are these truths, whose
everlasting lines gladden and support the Church; "As the heaven is high
above the earth, so great is his mercy toward those who fear him. As far as
the East is from the West, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him."
"My Father knows my feeble frame,
He knows how poor I am
Untold he knows it all;
The least temptation serves to draw
My footsteps from my Fathers law,
And make me slide and fall.
Of this, I give him daily proof,
And yet he does not cast me off,
But owns me still as his;
He spares, he pities, he forgives
The most rebellious child that lives,
So great his patience is.
And shall I then a pretext draw
Again to violate his law?
My soul revolts at this;
I'll love, and wonder, and adore.
And beg that I may sin no more
Against such love as his."
Contemplate, O my soul, with rising admiration, the love of God to sinners.
Contemplate the freeness, the fullness, the fitness, the all-sufficiency of
Christ's salvation. Contemplate the gracious work of the divine Spirit, in
its beginning, progress, and completion; until all your powers are lost in
wonder, love, and praise!
How amazing is the kindness and love of God our Savior to dying sinners, who
cast themselves upon his mercy, and stay upon his word. He infuses into
their souls a principle of spiritual life, which is no less than eternal
life begun. He creates a divine light in their minds, which discovers their
disease and their remedy. He imparts His strength, by which they persevere,
and conquer. He becomes their sun and shield; and gives them grace and
glory. He declares them to be his portion, to whom it is his good pleasure
to give the kingdom.
The Father has prepared this kingdom for them, from the foundation of the
world. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for them in the mansions of glory.
The Spirit descends into their hearts to make them a prepared people, and to
consecrate them as temples of the living God. The precious blood of Jesus
cleanses them from all sin. His glorious righteousness claims their
admittance into the celestial city, and procures their acceptance with the
Father. His lovely image is drawn in lines of grace upon their souls, by the
unerring hand of the Eternal Spirit. His countless promises are their daily
food and portion; and like reviving cordials, strengthen them when laboring
under trials, and contending with the prince of darkness.
Should not such love, of which these instances are but as a drop compared to
the mighty ocean, constrain you, O my soul, to love, with all your powers,
this adorable Redeemer?
To live to Christ should indeed be the business of your life; and if your
business, God will assuredly make it your blessedness.