COLOSSIANS
Charles Simeon's Devotional Commentaries
#2166
PAUL'S COMMENDATION OF THE GOSPEL
Colossians 1:3-6
"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in Heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth."
"God's grace in all its truth!" What a beautiful description of the Gospel! It is grace: it is all grace, from first to last: it is the most stupendous grace that ever God given to any creature, whether in Heaven or on earth. It was marvelous grace to confer on angels such an exalted nature as they possess, together with all the glory and felicity of Heaven. It was most astonishing grace also to form man in Paradise; to form him in the very image of his God; and to give him a promise, that if he would hold fast his integrity, both he and all his posterity would participate with the angels in all the blessedness they enjoy.
But what is all this to the gift of God's only dear Son to bear the iniquities of fallen man, and, by his own obedience unto death, to restore man to his forfeited inheritance? This is emphatically called, "The Gospel of the grace of God:" and truly it does exhibit the grace of God in such a view as no creature could ever have anticipated; and in such a view as must fill the whole creation, whether of men or angels, with the profoundest admiration, and gratitude, and love. This is the Gospel which you "have heard;" which also, through the illuminating influence of the Spirit of God, many of you "know;" and the excellency of which may be seen,
I. By the effects the Gospel produces in our hearts—
There are three effects mentioned, as produced in the converts of Colosse:
1. "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ"—
This is the first effect which the Gospel produces, wherever it is received into the heart. It reveals to us our need of a Savior; and it holds forth the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, sent into the world to bear our sins, and to expiate our guilt by his atoning sacrifice, and thereby to reconcile us to our offended God. It reveals to us the fullness and suitableness of this salvation; and brings us to this Savior, as our only hope. It leads every one to renounce altogether every other hope, and to trust entirely in the merits and mediation of this adorable Redeemer.
2. Love to all the saints—
This is the next effect produced on all. Through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are brought into a new family, of which Christ is the master: yes, we are incorporated into a new body, of which Christ is the head, and all the saints are members. I add further, we are all penetrated with one spirit; (for "he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit;") and have thus a bond of union, which never did, nor could, exist before. The very instant we believe in Christ, we feel ourselves brought into this relation to all his believing people, whether they be separately known to us or not; and we have, from that moment, somewhat of the same sympathy with them, as every member of our body has with all the rest, the eye with the hand, and the hand with the foot.
3. Hope of happiness in Heaven—
"The hope laid up for us in Heaven" is that for which the Apostle principally gives thanks in the passage before us. The faith and love are parenthetically inserted. But this hope, like the two foregoing principles, is wrought in the heart by the Gospel: by which, as Peter says, "we are begotten again to a living hope of an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in Heaven for us, 1 Peter 1:4." Yes, faith penetrates the highest heavens, and sees there crowns and kingdoms purchased by the blood of Christ, and promised to all who believe in him. An eternity of glory upon the very throne of God, the believer expects as his assured portion.
But the excellency of the Gospel is further shown,
II. By the effects the Gospel produces in our lives—
"All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing"—
See the fruits of the Spirit as described by the Apostle: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, Galatians 5:22-23." There is not a grace that was in Christ Jesus himself, which the Gospel does not form in the souls of those who believe in him: "The discovery which it gives us of the glory of Christ transforms us into his image, from glory to glory, by the Spirit of our God, 2 Corinthians 3:18."
It does this invariably and universally—
There is not a creature who receives the grace of God in truth, but experiences this effect upon his soul. It matters not whether he be the most civilized man on earth, or a poor savage Indian or Hottentot: he will, from the moment that he receives the Gospel, begin to bear the image of his heavenly Father "in righteousness and true holiness." The man who professes to believe in Christ, and does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness in his life and conduct, is a self-deceiver, and a hypocrite. "His faith is no better than the faith of devils;" and, if he dies in his present state, his end shall be like theirs also: for God has decreed, that "without holiness no man shall see the Lord! Hebrews 12:14."
Tell me now, brethren,
1. Have we not ground to "give thanks for you?"
Were you all reduced to the most abject state of poverty, and relieved by the Gospel to the utmost extent of your necessities, and enriched with all that the whole world could bestow; or were you all in dying circumstances, and restored to health by the Gospel; it were nothing, in comparison with the blessings you have received (many of you at least) through the word ministered unto you. You have been brought by the gospel:
from death to life,
from sin to holiness,
from Hell to Heaven!O! what inestimable blessings are these!
Say, then, whether those who have preached unto you the word of life have not reason to bless God for you, as the "seals of their ministry," and as destined to be "their joy and crown of rejoicing in the presence of that Savior" whom they have preached unto you, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.
2. Have we not encouragement, also, to "pray for you?"
What will not God confer on those for whom he has already done so much? Surely there is not anything which Omnipotence can effect, that shall not be bestowed upon you, in answer to the prayer of faith. See what Paul prayed for in behalf of the Colossians, verse 9-14; That same prayer would I offer for you, and entreat all of you to offer for yourselves. "Open your mouths wide, and God will fill them." "Be not straitened in yourselves; for you are not straitened in him." Only ask according to God's word in faith; and "according to your faith it shall be done unto you."
3. Is there not, however, ground for lamentation, on account of some among you?
Would to God I could say that the change here described had been wrought on all! But there are many of you, I fear, who still remain in your unconverted state; and who, notwithstanding the Gospel has so long been ministered unto you, are yet strangers to the faith, and love, and hope, which it forms in the hearts of those who truly receive it; yes, and whose tempers and dispositions are widely different from the fruits which the Gospel is sent to produce.
Dear brethren, I beg you to study the Gospel more: pray over it more: beg of God to make it "the rod of his strength," and to effect by it in you all that it wrought in the Colossian Church, and all that it is ordained to work in all the world.
#2167
PRAYER FOR GROWTH IN GRACE
Colossians 1:9-13
"We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves!"
Benevolence will begin to show itself wherever Christianity gains a just ascendency. This is particularly observable in the prayers which the Apostle offered for others; the fervor and fullness of which clearly proved, that they proceeded from a heart fraught with love, and deeply impressed with the excellency of those blessings which are provided for us in the Gospel. He confined not his attention to the welfare of a few with whom he might happen to sojourn; but extended it to the whole Church, as well to those whom he had never seen, as to those among whom he had ministered. He needed only to be informed that a work of grace was begun in any persons, and he instantly felt a union of heart with them, and took a lively interest in all that concerned them. This remark is strongly exemplified in the prayer before us.
He had heard of the blessed state of the Colossian Church; and, from the instant he had received the glad tidings, he remembered that people in all his stated prayers: and, in the passage before us, he tells them what he prayed for on their behalf. He desired that they might advance:
I. In the knowledge of God's will—
The "knowledge of God's revealed will" is the foundation of all acceptable obedience: and every Christian must of necessity be in some degree endued with it. But he will not be satisfied with a scanty measure of it: he wishes to be "filled with it," so that it may engage all the faculties of his mind. Not that he can rest in a speculative view of Divine truth, however clear or comprehensive it may be: the knowledge which he covets, is a practical and experimental knowledge; a knowledge that diffuses "a spiritual savor" over his soul, and enables him to conduct himself, "with all wisdom," as well in his secret conflicts with sin, as in the public exercises of his duty to God and man.
Such then was the Apostle's first request for the converts at Colosse: he desired, that, as they already had some knowledge of God's will, so they might be "filled" with it, enjoying at the same time its sweet savor, and its practical influence, "in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."
And would not such be our prayer also for ourselves? Let us not forget, that, while we aspire after divine knowledge, we must chiefly seek that which brings a feast to the soul, and endues it with an accurate discernment of good and evil.
II. In obedience to his commands—
The more enlarged views the Christian has of divine truth, the more studious will he be to fulfill the will of God. And in his endeavors after holiness he will propose to himself the highest measure of obedience, and the noblest end. He will not limit himself to the rules prescribed by men; nor will he aim merely at obtaining eternal happiness: but he will consider the relation he bears to God, and the obligations he has received from him, and the expectations which he has of future benefits; and will endeavor to "walk worthy of" such a Father, such a Redeemer, such an unspeakable Benefactor.
He will resemble a dutiful and affectionate servant, who does not merely consider what he must do in order to escape censure, and receive his wages, but what will please his Master. He inquires with himself, What will please my God? That is the great object of his ambition: that is the spring of his activity: and with that view he endeavors to be "fruitful," not in some good works only, but "in every good work," however difficult or self-denying.
Suited to these dispositions was the Apostle's prayer: he desired for the Colossians what he knew they desired for themselves, even "that they might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work." And it is certain, that in proportion as we have attained a just knowledge of God's will, we shall desire, both for ourselves and others, an increase of righteousness and true holiness.
III. In the enjoyment of his presence—
"The knowledge of God" seems to be different from "the knowledge of his will," that has been before mentioned: the former relates to a view of his truth, and the latter to the enjoyment of his presence. In this sense the latter is not a mere repetition, but a blessing intimately connected with a holy life. Whom will God meet, and unto whom will he reveal himself, but "him who rejoices in working righteousness, Isaiah 64:5." Yes; there are manifestations which such persons shall receive, and such manifestations as the world can form no idea of, John 14:21; John 14:23. God will "shed abroad his love in the hearts" of his people; and will testify to them their adoption into his family, and seal them unto the day of redemption. How desirable is this for every saint! and how rich a recompense is it for any self-denial he may exercise in the path of duty! would to God that all professing Christians might experience this; and that not a single day might ever pass, in which they cannot say with the beloved disciple, "Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ, 1 John 1:3."
IV. In submission to his dispensations—
The more any person lives in the enjoyment of God, and a diligent performance of his will—the more must he expect to be hated and persecuted by an ungodly world. But under all his trials he must be "patient:" to whatever length of time they be protracted, he must be "long-suffering." Nor must he merely possess his soul in patience; he must have it blended "with joyfulness," regarding it as his honor and his happiness that he is counted worthy to suffer shame for his Redeemer's sake, Acts 5:41. But "who is sufficient for these things?" It is not possible for feeble man to maintain such a conduct, unless he is "strengthened with all might" by the Holy Spirit: yes, there must be such an exertion of omnipotence as will serve for a bright display of "his glorious power;" nor can anything less than this effect so great a work.
Here then again we see the suitableness of the Apostle's prayer: for if we cannot serve the Lord without participating his cross, or sustain by our own power the trials that will come upon us, what alternative remains, but either to abandon our profession, or to implore such help from God as shall make us more than conquerors over all?
V. In thankfulness to him for his mercies—
There can be no state, however afflictive, in which a Christian ought not to abound in thanksgivings to God. The Israelites, to whom he divided Canaan by lot, were unspeakably indebted to him: but how are they indebted, to whom he has given an "inheritance among the saints in light;" even in Heaven, where they dwell in the immediate presence of their God! For this they are rendered "fit;" (for it is impossible that they can enjoy it, if they possess not a fitness for it:) their heavenly Father has "delivered them from the power of darkness," even as he did Lot from Sodom, and the Israelites from Egypt, with a mighty hand and a stretched-out arm: he has moreover "translated them into the kingdom of his dear Son," and brought them into a cheerful and unreserved obedience to his will. Must not they then give glory to their God? What if they are burning at the stake, ought they not to rejoice that God has rescued them from Hell, and that they are entering on a state of uninterrupted everlasting happiness!
Surely no Christian would rest short of this attainment: but we would all unite in wrestling with our God, until he pours out his Spirit upon us, and forms us to the model which was here proposed for the Colossian converts.
INFERENCES—
1. How glorious are the Christian's privileges!
Did the Apostle incessantly ask of God what God was not willing to bestow? No, "if we opened our mouth wide, he would fill it;" and all these graces would abound in us, to the praise and glory of our God. What then must the Christian be, in whom these things are found! O believer, do not aim at low things; but aspire after the highest measures of wisdom, purity, and joy.
2. How dependent are we upon our God!
It is not at our first commencement only of a religious course that we depend on God, but to the last hour of our lives. We can have no knowledge, holiness, or joy, but as we receive it from him. Let us then make our requests known to him, and depend on him for all seasonable supplies of grace and strength.
3. How great is the benefit of intercession!
We certainly are not sufficiently apprised of this. But when we recollect the intercessions of Abraham for Sodom, of Lot for Zoar, of Moses for Israel, how can we be so remiss in this duty! Let us incessantly plead for each other, knowing that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
#2168
THE GLORY OF CHRIST
Colossians 1:15-18
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the preeminence."
THE preeminence he must have: the preeminence he shall have: his title to it is indisputable: and it is at the peril of our souls to withhold it from him. Do you ask, Of whom we speak thus? I answer, of the Lord Jesus Christ; of whom the Apostles evidently thought that they could never speak enough. Let the Apostle Paul but touch upon his name, and he launches forth in his praise, and scarcely knows when to stop.
Mark the passage before us. The Apostle had informed the Colossians what prayers and thanksgivings he daily poured forth before God, on their behalf. He especially praised God for "delivering them from the power of darkness, and translating them into the kingdom of his dear Son," and having thus, accidentally as it were, mentioned the Lord Jesus, he goes on to expatiate on his transcendent excellencies, not only as the Redeemer of his people, but as "the image of the invisible God, and the first-born (that is, the Heir and Lord) of the whole creation."
And lest it would be thought that he was speaking too highly of the despised and persecuted Jesus, he proceeds yet further to establish his claim to these high titles, by declaring what he had done for the world at large, and for the Church in particular; and that the preeminence thus given him was no more than his due.
In opening up this sublime passage, I shall be led to show,
I. On what grounds pre-eminence is due to Christ—
In all things he must take the lead. This priority is due to him, on account of,
1. His personal dignity—
He, though born into the world as a little infant, after the world had existed four thousand years—was the Creator of all, the Preserver of all, the End of all. "By Him were all things created," both in Heaven and earth, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities or powers. Whether they be "visible," as the heavenly bodies and the earth, with the things upon it; or whether they be "invisible," as the holy angels and the souls of men; he formed them all: whatever rank or order they possess in their respective spheres, (for it seems that in Heaven, as well as on earth and in Hell, there are beings of different ranks and orders,) from his creating hand they have derived their existence, and from his sovereign will their station.
Nor is there anything in the whole creation which is not upheld by him. He directs the stars in their orbits, and causes the sun and moon to know their appointed seasons. The smallest insect too, which is so small as to be invisible to the naked eye, is as much noticed and supplied by him, as if it were the only work of his hands. For himself too, as the supreme God, he made these things: and all of them, whether wittingly or unwittingly, subserve his glory.
If we could suppose that God had delegated to Jesus the work of creating everything, and of upholding it in its order, (though, as he was the Creator of all things, he could not be himself a creature,) still it would be impossible for God to devolve on Jesus the honor of being the end of all things: that is incapable of being communicated to any creature: it is the prerogative of God alone: nor could he divest himself of it, without giving a license to his creatures to alienate from him the most essential rights of Godhead.
Behold, then, the Lord Jesus Christ, in this his personal dignity, as the author and end of all; and then say, whether he is not entitled to a pre-eminence above all? The highest archangel has no such claims. In respect of these things, he is on a level with the basest clod of earth; and must unite with all the rest of the creation in giving glory to our blessed Lord.
2. His official excellency—
In his mediatorial capacity he is no less glorious. He is "the Head of the Church, which is his body:" he is the Head of vital influence, from which every member receives his supply of grace; and he is the Head and Representative of all his members, who at this very moment "are risen, as it were, in him, and sitting in heavenly places in him, Ephesians 2:6." This I conceive is meant by his being "the beginning, the first-born from the dead."
It is true that he existed before all; and that he was the most distinguished among those who have risen from the dead; having raised himself by his own power, while all others have owed their restoration to life to the miraculous exertion of God's power. But, as he is called "the first-born of the whole creation," not because he was himself created, but because the rights of the first-born all centered in him, and he was, as mediator, the Heir and Lord of all, Hebrews 1:2; so his being called "the beginning, the first-born from the dead," imports, that in his risen state the rights of primogeniture still attach to him; and that he is, in Heaven, the Head and Representative of all his members, who, in due time, shall participate in the glory which he there enjoys. This is what the Apostle elsewhere distinctly states; saying, "Now has Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept, 1 Corinthians 15:20."
Consider him, then, in this his mediatorial character; and say, whether he does not in this view also, justly claim the pre-eminence? To him are all in Heaven, and all on earth, indebted for their happiness; even as the moon and stars, no less than this terrestrial globe, are indebted to the sun for all the light which they enjoy. The angels around the throne, no less than ourselves, are all collected under him as their Head, Ephesians 1:10; and, through his all-powerful aid, retain the blessedness, of which we, in due season, are destined to participate. Yes, in Heaven at least, is he glorified as he ought to be; for "in that celestial city the glory of God enlightens it, and the Lamb is the light thereof, Revelation 21:23."
But as, in ascribing pre-eminence to him, we must be active, let us consider,
II. In what way and manner preeminence would be ascribed to him—
It is not sufficient that we "call him, Lord, Lord," we must honor him, "not in word and in tongue, but in deed and in truth." We must give him the pre-eminence,
1. In our regards—
Go up to Heaven, and see how he is honored there. There is he "as a Lamb that has been slain;" and there, "as a Lamb, he sits upon his throne;" and all the hosts of Heaven, those who never fell, no less than those he has redeemed, are singing day and night, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing! Revelation 5:11-13."
Now, thus it should be on earth. We should be so filled with views of his excellency, and so penetrated with a sense of his love, that the whole creation would be a mere blank in comparison with him. Parents, children, life itself, would be of no account, where his honor is concerned. What the Psalmist said, would be the continual language of our hearts, "Whom have I in Heaven but you? There is none upon earth that I desire besides you! Psalm 73:25."
As for the poor things of time and sense, we would be ashamed that they have ever been allowed to occupy one single thought, except in subservience to him. In a word, the Lord Jesus should be to us now, what he will be in the eternal world—our light, our life, our joy, our All!
2. In our affiance—
As God, who created all things, he is able; and, as our living Head, who is interested in our welfare, he is willing, to do all that our utmost necessities can require. Stretch your imagination to the uttermost; and think whether there is any guilt too deep for his blood to expiate, or any corruption too inveterate for his Spirit to subdue. To limit him, either in relation to his power or his grace, or to rely on any other besides him—were to deny his Godhead, and to cast him down from his mediatorial throne. Our whole soul should go forth to him; our every need be cast on him: and fear, except that which is truly filial, would be dismissed, and find no more place in our bosoms than it does in Heaven.
O, the holy glorying that befits us! Rise to the occasion, my beloved brethren; and rest assured, that he who created and preserves the universe can new-create and preserve you; and he who redeemed the Church with his blood, and united it to himself as his own body, can redeem, and sanctify, and save, yes, "save to the very uttermost, all those who come unto God by him."
3. In our services—
That was an unanswerable appeal which was made to the Jewish rulers, "Whether it is right to hearken unto you more than unto God, you judge, Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29." We should know no rule of conduct but his revealed will: nor, in the execution of his will, is there any limit to be assigned. If we had a thousand lives, they should all be devoted to him: nor, if we could die a thousand deaths, would they be accounted too much to be endured for him. "His love would constrain us," and carry us away as a mighty torrent in his service! It is said of the angels in Heaven, that "they do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word, Psalm 103:20;" and so would it be with us: the very first intimation of his will would call into activity our utmost powers: nor would we ever rest, until we can say of the work committed to us, "It is finished."
Now, brethren, allow a word of exhortation—
1. Contemplate the excellency of your incarnate God—
Survey the heavens, with all the diversified and stupendous bodies contained in them: then inspect the minutest insect, which nothing but the greatest magnifying power can render visible: and see, both in the one and in the other, his creating hand, and his preserving power.
Then say with yourselves, 'The Maker of all these things is my Friend, my Beloved, yes, my very Head, one with me; not merely as a subject is one with his political head, the king, but as any member of my body is with my own head. Not any powers which I myself possess are more used for the good of my own members, than all the powers of this Savior are for me.
For me, he became incarnate:
for me, he died upon the cross,
for me, he rose, and ascended up where he was before,
for me, he orders everything in Heaven and earth,
for me, "he has prepared a place" in the mansions of his Father,
and for me, is he shortly coming again, to "take me to himself, that where he is I may be also."Shall I cease for a moment to think of him?
Shall anything for a moment stand in competition with him?
My dear brethren, let him have the pre-eminence.
Let him be seated on the throne of your hearts.
Let every Dagon fall before him.
Let him "be all your salvation and all your desire."
2. Awake to the performance of your duties towards him—
Are you not ashamed that this adorable Savior has held so low a place in your esteem, that even the most contemptible things that can be imagined have had a pre-eminence above him? There is not a base lust which has not more power to sway you, than love to him, or zeal for his glory. There is not a vanity which you have not more desired, nor an object whom you have not more feared, nor a device you have not more relied upon, than he. Would you not have thought it impossible, that a Being so glorious in himself, and so gracious unto you, would ever be so despised by you, as he has been? O! humble yourselves before him; and now set yourselves with all diligence to honor and to glorify his name. Let it no longer be a doubt, either in your own minds or in the minds of any that behold you, who has the preeminence in your souls. Give yourselves wholly to him: live altogether for him: let your daily and hourly inquiry be, "Lord, what will you have me to do?"
In short, endeavor to begin the life of Heaven while you are yet upon earth! When once you are there, "you will follow the Lamb whither-soever he goes, Revelation 14:4." Follow him now: follow the footsteps which he trod on earth: follow him, in your affections, to the highest heavens! Colossians 3:1-2. Look forward to the time when he, who has ascended as your Forerunner, shall come again to take you to himself, and "seat you with him upon his throne, as he sits on his Father's throne!"
#2169
THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST
Colossians 1:19
"It pleased the Father that in him would all fullness dwell."
IT is scarcely possible to read with attention the Epistles of Paul, and not to be struck with the energetic manner in which he expatiates on the glory and excellency of Christ, not merely when he professedly treats of his work and offices, but oftentimes when he only incidentally, as it were, makes mention of his name. We notice this particularly in the passage before us, where he puts forth all the powers of language to exalt his character to the uttermost.
Confining our attention to the expression in the text, we shall show,
I. What is that fullness which resides in Christ—
There is in him,
1. An essential fullness—
Christ, though apparently a mere man, was the first cause and last end of all things, even "God over all, blessed for ever, verse 16 with Romans 9:5." His people are said to be "filled with all the fullness of God, Ephesians 3:19;" but "in him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead, Colossians 2:9. Men are made to enjoy all the gifts and graces of God's Spirit; and, in this sense, are "partakers of the Divine nature, 2 Peter 1:4;" but Christ was really "God manifest in the flesh, 1 Timothy 3:16. John 1:1; John 1:14."
The Godhead dwelt in him, not symbolically as in the temple Psalm 80:1, or spiritually as in us 2 Corinthians 6:16, but truly, "bodily Colossians 2:9," substantially. The fullness of the Godhead was essentially his from all eternity; nor was he any more dependent on the Father than the Father was on him: but his assumption of our nature was the result of the Father's counsels, and the fruit of the Father's love, John 3:16. 1 John 4:10.
2. A communicative fullness—
He has a fullness of merit to justify the most ungodly. Christ, by his obedience unto death, perfected whatever was necessary for the restoring of us to the Divine favor. His atonement was satisfactory; his righteousness was complete. Under the Mosaic law, there were many sins for which no sacrifice was provided: but the one sacrifice of Christ was all-sufficient; and "all who believe in him, are justified from all things, Acts 13:39;" his "righteousness shall be unto them, and upon them all, Romans 3:22;" and, however great their iniquities have been, they shall be without spot or blemish in the sight of God, Ephesians 5:27.
He has also a fullness of grace to sanctify the most polluted. With him was "the residue of the Spirit, Malachi 2:15." The oil that was poured out upon him was to descend to the basest of his members, Psalm 133:2. "He was constituted Head over the Church, that he might fill all things, Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 4:10;" and he received gifts on purpose that he might bestow them on the rebellious, Psalm 68:18. His grace is still sufficient to support us in all temptation, 2 Corinthians 12:9, and to sanctify us throughout in body, soul, and spirit, 1 Thessalonians 5:23. No lusts are so inveterate as eventually to withstand its influence, Luke 8:2; nor is any heart so vile but it shall be "purged by him from all its filthiness, and from all its idols, Ezekiel 36:25-27."
It will not be presumptuous, or unprofitable, if we inquire,
II. Why it pleased the Father that all fullness would reside in Christ?
Many reasons might be mentioned; but the principal reasons may be comprehended under the two following:
1. For the honor of his own Son—
As Jesus was to become a sacrifice for us, it was fit that he would have all the honor of our salvation. Accordingly we are told, that God exalted him on purpose that at his name every knee would bow, and that every tongue would confess him to be the sovereign Lord of all! Philippians 2:9-11.
By this appointment of Christ to be the head of vital influence to the Church, all are necessitated to come to him, and to "receive out of his fullness, John 1:16," and to live by faith upon him from day to day, Galatians 2:20. All are necessitated to depend on him for a constant communication of grace and peace, as much as to depend on the sun for the periodic returns of light and heat. Hence, both on earth and in Heaven, Galatians 6:14. Revelation 5:12-13, all are constrained to give him all the glory of their salvation.
No one can ascribe anything to his own goodness; seeing that all are cleansed in the blood of Christ, and arrayed in the spotless robe of his righteousness, Isaiah 61:10. Nor can any glory in his own strength; since no one has any sufficiency in himself even to think a good thought, 2 Corinthians 3:5; and much less to renew his own soul. The merit that justifies, and the grace that sanctifies—are all from him: "he is all, and in all Colossians 3:11;" and he is made all unto us, on purpose that all may be compelled to glory in him alone, 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.
2. For the security of our souls—
There never was but one man (Adam) to whom a stock was entrusted; and he soon (if we may so speak) became a bankrupt. And if we had grace committed to us in such a manner as to he left wholly to ourselves for the improvement of it, we would lose it again, just as Adam did. For our more abundant security therefore the Father treasured up all fullness in his Son; that, however our broken cisterns might fail, there might be an inexhaustible fountain secured to us. In this view we are reminded, that "God has laid help upon One that is mighty, Psalm 89:19;" and that "because he lives we shall live also, John 14:19."
We are further told by the Apostle, that this appointment of Christ to he our head, with the consequent necessity of living by faith in him, and of receiving out of his fullness—was ordained of God on purpose that the promises might be finally secured to all the chosen seed, Romans 4:16; and he himself declares, that this very constitution of things was the one ground of his assurance respecting the salvation of his soul: "Our life is hidden with Christ in God: and (therefore) when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, we also shall appear with him in glory! Colossians 3:3-4."
This passage, duly considered, shows us clearly,
1. The excellency of faith—
How can we receive anything from Christ except by faith? No other method can be conceived whereby we can obtain anything at his hands. But faith interests us in all that he has done and suffered for us, and in all that he has received to communicate unto us. It is faith whereby alone we can "draw water out of the wells of salvation:" it is that, in the exercise of which we may be "filled with all the fullness of God." Let all of us then cultivate this precious grace, and, as the best means of receiving every other blessing, let us pray with the Apostles, "Lord, increase our faith!"
2. The evil of self-righteousness—
Self-righteousness is a practical denial of the assertion in our text. It refuses to Christ the honor put upon him by the Father, and ascribes to self that which belongs to him alone. And shall it be thought a small evil to rob Christ of his glory? Shall it appear a light matter to rebel against the eternal counsels of the Father, and to set ourselves in direct opposition to his blessed will? Let none henceforth suppose, that the trusting in our own wisdom, righteousness, or strength, is a trivial offense: for surely God will be jealous for his own honor, and the honor of his dear Son; and will look with scorn on every proud Pharisee, while he will receive with boundless compassion the vilest of repenting harlots.
3. The true nature of evangelical piety—
Vital godliness, especially under the Christian dispensation, consists in a conformity of mind to the revealed will of our heavenly Father. Now in no respect is that will more sacred than in reference to the glory designed for Christ; nor is there anything wherein a conformity to it is more characteristic of true and eminent piety.
In one word then, the true Christian is well pleased that all fullness would dwell in Christ: if he might have some fullness in himself, he would rather have it in Christ, that he might receive all from him. Every part of salvation is the more endeared to him, on account of its coming through that channel: and it is his supreme felicity in this world, as it will be also in the world to come, to owe everything to that adorable Savior, and to glorify him in all, and for all.
Beloved, let this be your daily experience. Let it be your delight to live upon Christ's fullness; and it shall be his delight to communicate to you all spiritual and eternal blessings!
#2170
SANCTIFICATION THE END OF REDEMPTION
Colossians 1:21-23
"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under Heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."
OF all the subjects that can occupy the human mind, there is not one so great and glorious as that of redemption through the incarnation and death of God's only-begotten Son. It is that which occupies incessantly the heavenly hosts; and which the Apostle Paul, whatever be his more immediate subject of discourse, reverts to on every occasion: and when he has, however incidentally, touched upon it, he scarcely knows how, or when, to leave it.
This very strongly appears in the passage now before us. Having in the beginning of this chapter thanked God for bringing the Colossians to the knowledge of his Gospel, and informed them what were the peculiar blessings which in his daily prayers he sought for in their behalf, and what thanksgivings he constantly offered up, especially for that which they had experienced in being "translated from the power of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son," he launches forth into the praises of the Lord Jesus Christ for all that he had done in the creation, preservation, and redemption of the world, and particularly for his redeeming love, as manifested to, and exercised upon, the Colossian converts. But, as they were converts from the Gentile world, we may fitly consider his address to them as delivered also to us; and may take occasion from it to show,
I. What the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us—
1. Our state was awful in the extreme—
"We were alienated from God." This is no less true of us than of the idolatrous Gentiles: for though by calling ourselves Christians we have professed a regard for God and his Christ, we have not really sought our happiness in God: we have not even desired his favor, or used any means to obtain it. We have been contented to live at a distance from him, to put the very remembrance of him far from us, and to seek our happiness in things which had no proper tendency to endear either him to us, or us to him. However observant we may have been of outward forms, we have had no pleasure in communion with him. The exercises of prayer and praise have rather been an irksome task, than occupations in which we found our chief delight. And if at any time we have had opportunities of becoming better acquainted with God and with his holy will, we have not been forward to avail ourselves of them: and if instruction on the subject of his Gospel has been offered to us, we have rather turned away from it, as distasteful to us, than listened to it as pleasing to our souls. The very light which would have revealed him to us, has been offensive to us; and we have turned our eyes from it, as bringing to our view an object whose presence was to us a source of pain.
Nor is this all. We were "enemies to him;" yes, "enemies to him in our mind:" we have had a decided aversion to his law: instead of contemplating it as "holy, just, and good," we have viewed it as imposing a yoke that could not be endured. And this hatred to it has been proved by our actual rebellion against it: our "wicked works" have shown clearly enough that the service of sin was more congenial with our minds than the service of our God. As for all the sublime duties which God's law inculcates, we have lived in a willful neglect of them: and of innumerable evils which it forbids, we have lived in the daily and habitual commission. Such had been the state of the Colossians in their time of unregeneracy; and such is the state of every child of man, until he is renewed by God in the spirit of his mind.
2. But the Lord Jesus Christ has interposed to deliver us from it—
"He has reconciled us to God in the body of his flesh through death." Yes, the Son of God himself has left the bosom of his Father, and assumed our flesh, that in the very nature which had sinned he might bear the penalty that was due to sin, and expiate our guilt by his own blood. The sacrifices under the law were substituted in the place of the offender, and they surrendered up their life as an atonement for his sins: and through the death of the victim in his stead, the sinner was reconciled unto his God.
Just so, the Lord Jesus Christ has offered himself a sacrifice for the sins of the world; and effected reconciliation for all who believe in him. No longer does God look with anger upon his enemies, when with penitential sorrow they implore mercy for Christ's sake. Not one of their trespasses will he ever impute to them: their iniquities, however great or numerous they may have been, are "blotted out by him as a morning cloud," and "cast behind his back into the very depths of the sea." This we are authorized to declare: for "God has committed to us the ministry of reconciliation," and commanded us to proclaim to the whole universe, that "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19."
But, that we may not be deceived by a partial view of this mystery I will pass on from what he has done, to show,
II. What was his ultimate design in doing it—
Whatever compassion the Lord Jesus felt for our fallen race, and however desirous he was to deliver us from destruction, he had other objects in view, that were not a whit less dear to him, and without which indeed his dying for us could never have prevailed to make us happy.
The restoration of our souls to the Divine image was in his more immediate contemplation—
Man by the Fall was despoiled of holiness, as well as happiness; and without a restoration to the former, could never repossess the latter. Indeed God could never re-admit him to his presence: nor could he, if admitted into Heaven, find any satisfaction in the sight of a holy God, or any pleasure in the employments which constitute the felicity of the heavenly hosts. To restore man therefore to the image which he had lost, was one great end of Christ's incarnation and death; as Paul has said, "He gave himself for us to redeem us" not from punishment merely, but "from all iniquity, and to purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works! Titus 2:14"
In another passage the Apostle comes more immediately to the point, and says, "Christ has loved his Church, and given himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it would be holy and without blemish, Ephesians 5:25-27." this passage shows, that the expressions in my text relate not to our justification before God, but to the sanctification of our souls; to which Christ has had a view in all that he has done and suffered for us.
And this he will effect for all whom he reconciles to God—
He will impart of his Spirit to the soul,
he will strengthen the soul for all its conflicts,
he will enable all his people to "mortify their earthly members," and to "crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts."Nor will he ever cease to work in them, until he has transformed them into his own linage, and can "present them unblamably and unreprovable in the sight of God."
We are not indeed to suppose that he will so renew them as to render them perfectly sinless; for the flesh will continue to lust against the Spirit, as well as the Spirit against the flesh, to the last hour of our lives, Galatians 5:17; but he will so make the spiritual principle triumphant in the soul, as to leave in us no allowed sin, and so that he may present us to God as "Israelites indeed in whom there is no deceit."
In this, however, there must be the concurrence and cooperation of the believer himself; as will appear while I show,
III. What is necessary to be done on our part, in order to secure the blessings which he has obtained for us—
Those who are addicted to system would alter the translation here, and read it, not, "if you continue," but "since you continue." But this is only one instance of many, wherein the advocates for human systems betray their determination to make everything bend to their views. The translators of our Scriptures would indulge no such unhallowed partiality. They would in no case wrest the Scriptures to make them favor a party in the Church. They maintained a child-like simplicity; and with scrupulous fidelity labored to transmit to us the Scriptures in a perfect agreement with the inspired original.
Of the propriety of the translation in this place I have no doubt: it is the very language of the Scriptures, in a thousand other places as well as this; and it speaks to us a most important truth, namely, that we never can be presented blameless before God at last, unless we continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel.
1. It was by faith that we first obtained a saving interest in Christ—
It would have been to no purpose that Christ had died to reconcile us to God, if we had not on our part believed in him as our Mediator and Redeemer. The unbelieving world who die in their sins, are rather plunged the deeper into perdition, than delivered from it, by the intervention of Christ. Their rejection of him has aggravated their guilt exceedingly: and the word preached to them in his name, will be "a savor of death unto all, to whom it is not a savor of life." The receiving of him into our hearts by faith, put us into possession of all the blessings which he had purchased for us.
2. By the continued exercise of the same faith we must ultimately secure the harvest of which we have reaped the first-fruits—
"As we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so we must walk in him, Colossians 2:6-7." We must "continue in the faith grounded and settled, and not be moved away from the hope of the Gospel."
It is a fact that many do make shipwreck of the faith. The Scriptures abound with instances of it: and we also shall feel many temptations, both from without and from within, to follow their sad example. Like the stony-ground hearers, we may through the influence of persecution "fall away:" or, as in the case of the thorny-ground hearers, the good seed in us may be so choked by the cares and pleasures of this life, as to "bring forth no fruit to perfection." And from whatever source the defection arises, "if we turn back, we turn back unto perdition," and "God's soul shall have no pleasure in us." Would we then be "presented faultless before the presence of God's glory with exceeding joy? Jude verse 24." We must hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering:" we must be more and more "grounded" in the faith by a constant exercise of it on every occasion: we must be so firmly "settled" in it, that a man may as well attempt to pluck the sun from the firmament, as to shake either our faith or hope. This is the way to "endure unto the end;" and it is in this way only that we can fulfill that beneficial injunction, "Look to yourselves, that you lose not the things which you have wrought, but that you receive a full reward, 2 John verse 8."
ADDRESS—
1. Are there any who are here yet unreconciled to God?
O! think what a mercy it is that God's wrath has not broken forth against you to your utter and everlasting destruction! Think how many of the human race are now suffering the penalty due to their sins in hopeless sorrows, and in torments of which we have no conception. Do not, I entreat you, let the efforts made for your salvation be in vain. Let not "Christ have died in vain;" and "receive not the grace of God in vain:" but "today, while it is called today, harden not your hearts, lest you provoke God to swear in his wrath that you shall never enter into his rest!"
2. Are there here those whom God has reconciled to himself?
How can you ever adore him as you ought to do? Can you reflect on the means he has used for your redemption. Can you reflect on his laying your iniquities on the person of his only dear Son, and not bless him? The wonder is, how you can find a moment for any other employment; and that you are not, like the lame man whom Peter and John healed, leaping, and dancing, and praising God every day and all the day long!
But, if this were the frame of your mind, I would still point you to a more excellent way of glorifying your heavenly Benefactor. You have seen that the Lord Jesus, in dying for you, sought "to present you to God holy, and unblamably and unreprovable in his sight:" let his object then in redeeming you be the one object at which you shall aim through the remainder of your lives. And remember, that it is not sufficient that you are unblamably and unreprovable before men; you must be so "in the sight of God" also, even of that "God who searches the heart, and tries the thoughts."
Let your secret walk with God be such as he will approve. Let your every temper, and disposition, and habit, mark the friendship that exists between God and you. And let every day be so spent, as if at the close of it you expected your soul to be required of you, and to be presented by your Savior to your reconciled God.
#2171
CHRIST IN US, THE HOPE OF GLORY
Colossians 1:27
"Christ in you, the hope of glory!"
THE Gospel is a "mystery," "the riches" of which are unsearchable, and "the glory" incomprehensible. But the sum and substance of it is contained in few words: it is briefly this, "Christ in us, the hope of glory." In the margin of our Bibles it is translated, "Christ among us, the hope of glory;" and each of these translations has its zealous advocates: but we may easily and properly comprehend both, by saying, that Christ is the hope of glory to us,
I. As revealed in the Scriptures—
The way to the tree of life is guarded by a flaming sword and there is no access to it for fallen man, but by Christ, as the appointed Mediator. He, as Paul says, "is our hope, 1 Timothy 1:1;" and through him there is hope for all through him,
1. As a dying Savior—
It is he who has made atonement for our sins, and "reconciled us to God by the blood of his cross." Through his vicarious sacrifice every sinner in the universe may come to God; seeing that "he is an atoning sacrifice, not for our sins only, but also for the sins of the world." However great the debt which we owe to Divine justice, we may regard it all as paid by our Divine Surety; and may assure ourselves, that, if we believe in Christ, "there neither is, nor ever shall be, any condemnation to us".
2. As a living Savior—
It is worthy of particular observation, that in the Holy Scriptures a greater stress is laid upon the life of Christ in glory, than upon his death upon the cross. Peter speaks of him as our hope, in this particular view: "God raised him up, and gave him glory, that our faith and hope might be in God, 1 Peter 1:21." Paul, too, represents the life of Christ as more efficacious for our salvation than his death: "Who is he that condemns? it is Christ that died, yes, rather, that is risen again; who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us, Romans 8:34." And still more forcibly, he says in another place, "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, Romans 5:10." In Heaven we view the Lord Jesus as our advocate with the Father, maintaining continually our peace with him; when we, by our innumerable departures from him, would entirely destroy all our hope of final acceptance with him.
We view Him, also, as:
the one source of all spiritual blessings,
the first cause of all the good that is in us,
the protector of his people from all their enemies, and
"the finisher" of the work of which he has been "the author."It is from this view of him that the weakest of his people is enabled to say, "Because he lives, I shall live also!"
But he is our hope yet more especially,
II. As dwelling in the heart—
All that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us would be in vain, if he did not also work effectually in us. But this he does,
1. Purifying our hearts from sin—
Our blessed Lord is said to "dwell in us, Ephesians 3:17," and to be "one with us, even as he and his Father are one, John 17:21; John 17:23." Now it is a fact, that his people are universally, and without exception, holy. And whence comes this? Is it from any power of their own? No; it is from the mighty working of his power in us: as the Apostle says, "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me! Galatians 2:20." Were we "separate from him, we could do nothing, John 15:5;" but, through the mighty working of his power in us, we "die unto sin and live unto righteousness," and attain a fitness for our heavenly inheritance.
2. Transforming us into his blessed image—
This, after all, is the crowning work of redemption. Until this is effected, we may well stand in doubt both of ourselves and others. Paul, addressing the Galatian converts, says, "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you, Galatians 4:19-20." To say the truth, until this is effected, nothing is done to any good purpose. It is not Christ on the cross, nor Christ in Heaven, no, nor Christ in the heart, that will save us—unless his image is there formed in righteousness and true holiness. This is strongly declared by the Apostle Paul, in the third chapter of this epistle; where he says, "Put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him who created him; where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond, nor free; but Christ (that is, the image of Christ) is all, and in all! Colossians 3:10-11." But, when this great work is wrought, we need not fear: we may entertain a well-founded hope; yes, we may have "a full assurance of hope," that, "where he is, there we shall be also;" and that, "when He, who is our life, shall appear, we also shall appear with him in glory! Colossians 3:4."
ADDRESS—
1. Those who are deluding themselves with false hopes—
All people conceive themselves entitled to indulge a hope of happiness hereafter. But, to entertain any such hope without having received the Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts by faith, is a fatal delusion. For the Apostle says, that those who are "without Christ" are also without hope, Ephesians 2:12." You will ask, Do I wish to drive you to despair? Yes, I do; so far, at least, as to drive you out of all false refuges, and to lead you to Him who is the only Savior of the world. I must declare unto you, that, whatever you lay as a foundation of hope, besides that which God himself has laid, you only deceive your own souls: for "other foundation can no man lay, than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 3:11." Christ is the only refuge of fallen man: nor can you have a scriptural hope of glory, until you have "fled to him, and laid hold on him, Hebrews 6:18," and have his image enstamped upon your souls.
2. Those who have a "good hope through grace"—
"Let your union with Christ be more and more confirmed, becoming daily more intimate and more abiding. It is by this that the work of grace must be carried on, and perfected within you. It is by this that the justness of your hopes must be made to appear: for "every one that has a good hope in Christ will purify himself as Christ is pure," and be progressively "changed into his image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." In proportion as this work advances, your hopes may well increase: and if this work declines within you, your evidences will be the less clear, and your hope be less assured. Press forward, then, for the highest possible conformity to the Savior's image; that you may already breathe, as it were, the atmosphere of Heaven, and live in the constant anticipation of your future inheritance.
#2172
PREACHING CHRIST
Colossians 1:28
"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."
THE mystery of the Gospel was first made known to Adam in Paradise: but in process of time the real scope of it was forgotten; and nothing of it remained but the rites whereby it was shadowed forth. To Abraham a plainer revelation of it was given; and to Moses, a complete system of types, which were to illustrate the Gospel in all its parts. Still, however, the views which men had of it were obscure: the design of the ceremonial law itself was very imperfectly understood; and the idea of men being saved through the crucifixion of the incarnate Deity, was almost as new to the Jews, in the apostolic age, as to the heathen themselves. Hence Paul speaks of it as "hidden from all preceding ages and generations," and as then for the first time "manifested to the saints."
That the memory of it might continue to the end of time, and its benefits be universally diffused, our blessed Lord appointed an order of men, whose sole business would be to spread the knowledge of it throughout the world. Among these Paul was a very distinguished instrument. He both labored more abundantly, and suffered more severely, than any other of the Apostles.
In our text we see,
I. The ministrations of this great Apostle—
He specifies distinctly, first of all, the subject of his ministrations—
This, as he tells us in the words preceding our text, was Christ in us the hope of glory. We are sure that the death of Christ as an atonement for sin, was that which he chiefly insisted on. He expressly tells us so in another place, 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, and declares that he had fully "determined to know and preach nothing else, 1 Corinthians 2:2."
This he affirmed to be the only hope of sinful man: that it was that which made satisfaction to divine justice, and procured our reconciliation with his offended Father, verse 21, 22; that nothing could be added to it to render it more effectual, Galatians 5:2; Galatians 5:4; and that if ever we attained to eternal happiness and glory, it must be entirely through the merit of his sin-atoning sacrifice, 1 Corinthians 3:11.
But though the sufficiency of the death of Christ for our salvation was the principal subject of the Apostle's preaching—yet the indwelling of Christ in the soul by his blessed Spirit was necessarily connected with it; and the two points together formed the sum and substance of all his ministrations. He often speaks of Christ "dwelling in us, Ephesians 3:17," and "living in us, Galatians 2:20," and "being our life, Colossians 3:4;" and in the text he says, that "Christ in us is the hope of glory."
The necessity of this he urged with as much care and earnestness as the atonement itself: because without Christ we could do nothing, 2 Corinthians 3:5, yes, we must continue reprobates, 2 Corinthians 13:5, and for ever destitute of any saving interest in his salvation, Romans 8:9.
He next mentions the manner in which he conducted them—
He left nothing undone which could promote the reception of the Gospel: he "warned every man:" he was faithful to the trust reposed in him; and, without either courting the favor of men or fearing their displeasure, he boldly commended himself to the consciences of all. Knowing the terrors of the Lord, he persuaded men, 2 Corinthians 5:11. He told them plainly of their lost estate, and their utter incapacity to help themselves. He set before them the provision which God had made for them in Christ Jesus; and in the most pointed terms assured them, that "if they neglected that great salvation, they could never escape" the wrath of God, Hebrews 2:3 and 1 Corinthians 16:22. If any, yes if even an angel from Heaven would attempt to substitute another Gospel, or alter in any respect that which he had preached to them, he did not hesitate to pronounce them accursed, Galatians 1:8-9.
Nor had he any respect of persons. When preaching before kings, he spoke so plainly as to make them tremble on their throne, Acts 24:25; and when addressing those who professed godliness, he warned them frequently with tears, that carnal and worldly-minded professors, whatever they might profess, were "enemies of the cross of Christ; and that their end would be destruction! Philippians 3:18-19."
He also "taught every man in all wisdom." Being himself instructed beyond all others, he labored to impart what he had so freely received, and to make known to his hearers "the whole counsel of God. "Yet in this he exercised discretion. He administered milk to babes, and strong food to those only who were able to digest it, 1 Corinthians 3:1-2. Hebrews 5:13-14.
As, on the one hand, he accommodated himself to the infirmities of the weak, so, on the other hand, he "withheld nothing that could be profitable" to the strong, Acts 20:20. As far as he could with a good conscience, "he became all things to all men, that by all means he might save some, 1 Corinthians 9:19-22."
Hence it appears with how much justice he called himself "a wise master-builder, 1 Corinthians 3:10;" indeed the whole of his ministrations prove him to have been "a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, 2 Timothy 2:15."
He further declares the scope or end at which he continually aimed—
The Apostle considered himself to be nearly in the situation of Abraham's servant, who was sent out to procure a wife for Isaac, Genesis 24:4; and, like him he labored to accomplish his mission in the best and most successful manner, 2 Corinthians 11:2. He wished to present all, whether Jews or Gentiles, perfect in Christ Jesus."
He wished to present them perfect in his righteousness. All who believe in Christ are freely justified from all their sins, Acts 13:39. They are clothed in the unspotted robe of Christ's righteousness, and are "presented faultless before the presence of the Father's glory, Jude verse 24." Whatever iniquities may have been committed by them in their former life, they are all "blotted out as a morning cloud, and cast into the depths of the sea." From the moment that they believe in Jesus, they are perfectly reconciled to God; they are "accepted in the Beloved, Ephesians 1:6," and are "complete in him, Colossians 2:10 and Revelation 3:18."
He sought to present them also perfect through his grace. This was the end at which our blessed Lord aimed in dying for sinners, verse 22; and the very same was the Apostle's end in preaching to them. He would not have his converts to continue in a low state of holiness, but to attain the fullest conformity to the Divine image: he would have them to "be holy, even as He who had called them was holy, 1 Peter 1:15-16." This is the more usual acceptance of the term "perfect" in the sacred volume—it means that growth which Christians in general may be expected to attain: it imports maturity, in opposition to infantile weakness. And so anxious was the Apostle to bring his converts to this state, that he continued "travailing, as it were, in birth with them," until it was fully accomplished: and this was the true reason of his so often "changing his voice" towards them, Galatians 4:19-20. in a way of consolation or reproof.
From hence we see unquestionably,
II. The line which mutually befits us in the relation in which we stand—
1. Me, as your minister—
Paul is doubtless the best model for a Christian minister; and, consequently, he is most likely to labor with effect, who follows him in the subject, the manner, and the scope of his ministrations. What then befits me but to be a follower of him in these respects? God helping me, this is what I have endeavored to be, and hope to continue to the end.
I must know nothing but Christ, and him crucified; I must warn or comfort men with all faithfulness; I must not relax my labors as long as I can have access to one who is not yet presented perfect in Christ Jesus; and I must regard the turning of many unto righteousness as the best and richest reward of all my labors.
2. You, my stated hearers—
The preaching of Christ is generally called wild enthusiasm: the warning of men respecting their guilt is deemed harshness: the laboring to instruct men is ascribed to an officious impertinence, or ostentatious vanity, or perhaps designing hypocrisy. A solicitude to bring men to a state of spiritual maturity is reckoned, I had almost said, among the most unpardonable of crimes; insomuch, that the drunkard, the whoremonger, and adulterer, shall meet with more favor from the world at large, than a faithful, diligent, conscientious minister.
But if we revere the person and ministry of Paul, we ought also to honor those who resemble him; and to concur with them to the uttermost, by a submission to their rebukes, a following of their instructions, and an entire devoting of ourselves to the service and enjoyment of God.
We should have the same end in hearing, which they have in preaching to us; we should not be satisfied with any low attainment, but desire and labor to be "perfect in Christ Jesus." This is what, through the tender mercy of my God, I have long experienced at your hands; and this is what I pray God I may ever see in you, as long as our mutual relation shall exist, and until we be summoned to give an account of ourselves at the judgment-seat of Christ.
Let me however both "teach and warn" you. The time is shortly coming when I must present you all before God, either as having answered the end of my ministrations, and as having attained perfection in Christ—or as having disregarded and defeated all my efforts for your salvation. The Lord grant that I may not in that day prove "a swift witness against you," but may have you as "my joy and crown of rejoicing" to all eternity!
#2173
MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL TO BE SEARCHED OUT
Colossians 2:1-3
"I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
NOTHING is more odious than a boasting spirit. Yet are there occasions on which it may be proper for a minister to declare to his people the greatness of his affection for them, and of his solicitude in their behalf. Paul, than whom no man was ever further from indulging this hateful spirit, judged it right, in almost all his epistles, to assure his converts of his remembrance of them night and day in prayer; and of his willingness to impart to them, not the Gospel only, but even his own soul, because they were dear to him, 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10.
This tended to beget in them a reciprocal affection, and to open their ears to his instructions; and, at the same time to commend to them the Gospel, which had generated in his heart these feelings towards them. True it is, indeed, that he abounded in love far beyond any ministers of the present day: but still every faithful minister may, without pride or arrogance, adopt towards his people the language of our text, and say, "I want you to know how much I am struggling for you."
That we may enter fully into the Apostle's words, I will show you,
I. What he desired in behalf of the Colossian Church—
His object was, "that he might present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, Colossians 1:28." With this view, he sought,
1. To bring them to a clear knowledge of the Gospel of Christ—
The Gospel is here called a mystery, even "the mystery of God:" and throughout all his writings he designates it as a great stupendous mystery. It is the mystery of God, even of the Father, and of Christ. It must be viewed as from all eternity concerted between the Father and the Son in the covenant of redemption; wherein the Father agreed to accept the mediation of his Son, in behalf of man; and the Son agreed to assume our nature, and to bear our sins, and to work out a righteousness for us by his own obedience unto death; and so to watch over those whom the Father gave him, that they might all, without exception, attain to everlasting life, John 17:2; John 17:6; John 17:9-12 with 22-24.
Now all this he would have them "understand;" and not in a mere superficial way, but with such "a full assurance" as would leave not a doubt upon their mind either of its truth or excellency.
In the Gospel are "riches" that are utterly unsearchable:
riches of wisdom, which no finite mind can comprehend,
riches of love, which can never be explored,
riches of mercy, which eternity will never suffice to celebrate.He would have them see how harmoniously all the divine perfections unite in this mystery, and how wonderfully they are glorified. In a word, he would have them see in the Gospel a salvation so worthy of God, and so suited to man, as to carry with it, independently of all other considerations, a satisfactory evidence of its divine origin, and a pledge of the happiness of all who embrace it.
Now this is precisely what every pious minister wishes, and labors to accomplish. Those who are themselves ignorant of this mystery will be satisfied with some loose general statement about Christ, if they do not leave him out altogether. But not so the man who is taught of God: he will endeavor to exhibit to his people all the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 4:6; and he never will rest, until God has shined into their hearts, to give them a clear, a rich, an assured knowledge of it.
2. To bring them to an open "acknowledgment" of it—
"With the heart man believes unto righteousness: but with the mouth confession is made unto salvation, Romans 10:10." Whatever we may know of this mystery, it will be ineffectual for eternal happiness, if we do not confess Christ openly before men. He will never acknowledge those who are afraid to acknowledge him; but will surely "deny them in the presence of his Father and of his holy angels." Hence Paul labored to effect this also; even to impress their minds so deeply with this mystery, that they might rejoice and glory in it, and be willing to bear all the sufferings that could ever be inflicted on them for their adherence to it.
And for this we also would labor. Against a timid concealment of men's convictions, we would bear the most decided testimony. We know, indeed, that a confession of Christ before men will bring persecution with it. But if any man is unwilling to bear his cross after Christ, or even to lay down his life for his sake, we declare that he is not, nor can ever be, accepted of him. "If he loves father or mother more than Christ, he cannot be Christ's disciple:" "if he loves his own life," so as to save it here, "he shall assuredly lose it" to all eternity. Among those for whom a place is prepared in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, "the fearful and unbelieving" are no less numbered, than those who have been guilty of idolatry or murder! Revelation 21:8. "If we would approve ourselves to be the servants of Christ, we must not only bear our cross after him, but rejoice that we are accounted worthy to suffer shame, or even death, for his sake." "We must be faithful unto death, if ever we would obtain the crown of life."
3. To bring them to a union of heart with each other, by means of it—
"Knowledge," were it as great as that of angels, would be of no value, without love. Nor would zeal itself, even though it led us to endure the flames of martyrdom for Christ's sake, be accepted of our God, if it were destitute of love. A union of heart among the disciples of our Lord is that by which, in a pre-eminent degree, they are to be distinguished. By love they are to be "knit together;" even as beams of timber, when joined and compacted by the builder of an edifice. In the whole universe, there exists no other bond like this. The ties of nature are feeble, when compared with it. It resembles, as far as anything can resemble, the union that exists between the Persons of the Godhead: and by it, more than by anything else, is the power of religion displayed. "I pray for them," says our Lord, "that they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may know that you have sent me, John 17:20-21." This, then, the Apostle sought: and this should we seek: nor should we ever be satisfied, until we see it attained and exercised among you.
Having seen what the Apostle desired for them, we will proceed to show,
II. Why with such intensity he desired it—
In the close of the preceding chapter he speaks of "laboring and striving" according to the working of the Holy Spirit, who wrought in him mightily. The word, before translated "striving," he here repeats; conveying to us, thereby, the idea that he exerted himself for the attainment of these things, with such a kind of "conflict" as wrestlers, racers, or fighters, maintained in the Grecian games. His whole heart and soul were engaged in behalf of all his Christian brethren, whether personally known to himself or not, that these great things might be accomplished in them. And for this end he labored,
1. Because these things were essential to their comfort—
In truth, there is no happiness in religion, unless it has its perfect work within us. A superficial and general view of the Gospel calls forth no admiring and adoring thoughts: nor does it gender in the soul those ardent affections which bind together the members of Christ's mystical body, and make every one of them ready to "lay down his life for the brethren, 1 John 3:16." But when all the riches of the Gospel are opened to our view, and the incomprehensible mystery of redemption, in all its inscrutable provisions, in its execution at the appointed period, in the mode of its application to the soul, and in all its stupendous consequences, is unfolded to us, so that we can behold our own saving interest in it, and are enabled to bear witness to it before an ignorant and ungodly world—what is all this, but Heaven already begun in the soul!
The glorified saints around the throne have no higher sources of joy than these, no higher theme of praise: and they are only happier than we, because their discovery of these things is more complete, and they are freed from all those infirmities which, in our present state, interrupt our enjoyment of them. To this I may add: when the soul, by virtue of this mystery, is filled with love, even with such love as Christ himself bears to his saints, such love as is the very image of God within us—this is happiness. The man that lives in the exercise of this divine principle breathes a purer atmosphere than others; and can say, "This is the house of God, this is the gate of Heaven!"
Now the Apostle was anxious that "the hearts" of all his brethren "might be thus comforted." And what more can I wish for you? or rather I would say, what less than this should satisfy my desires in your behalf? Brethren, this is the state in which I would have you live: this is the comfort which I would have you all enjoy. And for this end it is, that from time to time endeavor to unfold the mysteries of the Gospel, and to encourage among you that communion of saints which is a foretaste of Heaven upon earth!
2. Because, by nothing short of this could the full ends of his ministry be attained—
A parent would not be satisfied if his children continued year after year in a state of infantile weakness: he would desire to see their stature increased, and their faculties enlarged. Thus the Apostle felt in behalf of all his spiritual children. He longed that they might "grow up into Christ in all things, as their living Head;" daily increasing in the knowledge of God, daily brought into closer communion with him, daily assimilated more and more to his blessed image!
And this is what we would desire in your behalf. We are thankful when "your understandings are opened in any measure to understand the Scriptures;" and, from being blind, you are able to see, though it be only "men, as trees walking." But we cannot be satisfied with this: no; we would "put our hands on your eyes again," until you would "be restored, so as to see every man clearly, Mark 8:24-25." In truth, whether in respect of faith or love, we never would rest satisfied, until you have attained "the full measure of the stature of Christ." We would never cease to labor, until we have "perfected that which is lacking in your faith, 1 Thessalonians 3:10." and until we see you "standing perfect and complete in all the will of God, Colossians 4:12."
Behold what course we ministers are bound to pursue,
1. What you should desire for yourselves—
"Who will show us any good?" says the Psalmist: and then adds, "Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us, Psalm 4:6." Truly, there is nothing in the universe worthy of a thought in comparison with this. What can worldly knowledge do for you, in comparison with the knowledge of Christ? Or what can the fondest endearments of mere human affection do, in comparison with the love that is divine? If Paul's judgment may be taken, he "counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord." And this is the mind which I would wish to be in you. This, beloved, is your duty: this is your privilege.
O! beg of God, that you may rise to this. Be not satisfied with low attainments, when such prospects are before you. You see what exertions men make for the attainment of knowledge, and the acquisition of honor—and will you be less earnest in the pursuit of heavenly things? In a contest for earthly honors, you might feel discouraged by a consciousness of your inferiority in point of talent and capacity: but no such discouragement need be felt by any one in the conflict to which I call you. The very babe and suckling stands on a level with the wise and prudent; or rather, is raised above him, in proportion to his willingness to learn, and his willing submission to the truth of God. It is the heart, and not the head, that is the seat of divine knowledge, and the region of love. I beg you, brethren, let these things become the objects of your ambition, and never account any labor too great for the attainment of them.
2. With what ardor you should seek after them—
You have seen "what great conflict" your minister, if faithful, will have for you, in relation to these things: and will you feel less for yourselves? Go, look at those who are engaged in the race, the wrestling, the combat; do you not see how they put forth their energies? Have they any disposition to look about them, or any time to relax their efforts? Yet is the object of their contest light in comparison with yours, and the consequence of a failure unworthy of a thought. Come, brethren, and be in earnest. Study the sacred volume: study it with much and fervent prayer: entreat of God to reveal his dear Son to your hearts: implore the Holy Spirit to "guide you into all truth:" and see to it, that you "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Thus will you have in yourselves an evidence of the Gospel, which no human learning can give you; and conviction of its excellency, which nothing but experience can impart.
#2174
THE TREASURES THAT ARE IN CHRIST
Colossians 2:3
"Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!"
"WISDOM," we are told, "is the principal thing; and therefore we should get wisdom." In all civilized countries, wisdom has been held in the highest repute: and institutions have been set on foot for the cultivation of it. How highly it was esteemed among our ancestors, we may judge from the provision which they made for the education of youth in all succeeding ages. We can have seen but little of the world, if we have not noticed the superiority which a cultivated mind possesses over one that is crude and uninstructed. And though it must be granted, that human learning will not change and sanctify the heart—yet we assert, that it will give a very great advantage for the understanding and explaining of the Holy Scriptures.
We do not say that God could not, or did not, make use of weak and unlettered men for the diffusion of his Gospel: but, as he selected Moses, a man "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians," for the instruction and government of the Jewish Church, so he selected Paul, who had "been brought up at the feet of Gamaliel," to be his messenger of grace to the Gentile world: and, if he was pleased so to adapt the instrument to the work in that age of miracles, much more is such a qualification desirable for his chosen servants, now that miracles have ceased. We must not however forget, that the Scriptures are the fountain of true wisdom. We should ever bear in mind, that the heathen sages, though wiser than their contemporaries, were deplorably ignorant in comparison with those who live under the Christian dispensation: and even the light which some of the most learned among them possessed, was most probably obtained, either immediately or remotely, from the inspired volume. There, and there alone, is true wisdom to be found; and therein are contained "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
To open and unfold these to you, is an employment worthy of the occasion on which we are assembled Preached as a Commemoration Sermon in King's College Chapel, Cambridge.
Paul in my text is expressing his ardent desire in behalf of the Christians at Colosse, whom he had never seen, that they might be fully instructed in the great mystery of the Gospel of Christ, "in whom, he observes, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
In illustration of these words we shall,
1. Open to you these treasures of wisdom and knowledge—
But "who is sufficient for such" an undertaking? Who can enter on such a task, without a fear, not only that he shall betray his own ignorance, and disappoint your expectations, but that he may even expose the Gospel itself to contempt? Indeed, if I were capable of doing justice to my subject, such is the impatience of modern auditories, that I could not have time to do more than merely open to you the casket, and give you a superficial view of its contents: but feeling how incompetent I am to unfold all the hidden mysteries of the Gospel, I must entreat you to make up for my deficiencies by your candor; and to be contented with treasuring up for your benefit what you do hear, when you cannot be gratified with all that you would wish to hear.
There are three points to which I will call your attention; and which may give you some little idea, that the subject, however unworthily handled by me, is at least deserving of the deepest investigation. The points I refer to are at all events such as the most enlightened heathen had no idea of; namely,
The real state of man.
The eternal counsels of God concerning him.
The stupendous effects produced by those counsels.
Let these things be for a while considered by us.The real state of man was altogether unknown to the heathen world. That he was a weak, guilty, and polluted creature—they knew; but how weak, how guilty, how polluted—they had no conception; much less did they know how he was brought into such a state. It is from the inspired volume alone that we learn the perfection of his original nature, and the loss of that perfection through the fall of his first parents. From thence alone do we learn that obvious truth, that we "cannot bring a clean thing out of an unclean thing."
Behold then, at the very onset, what a stupendous mystery is here! that we died in Adam! That "those who have never sinned after the similitude of his transgression," are yet partakers both of his guilt and corruption! That we are "born in iniquity, and conceived in sin," and are "by nature children of wrath!"
To this I beg your particular attention, because it is the very foundation of all spiritual knowledge; it is the very threshold, by stumbling at which, multitudes are kept from ever entering into the deep recesses of the Gospel.
You cannot but know, that men in general, and even learned divines, endeavor to soften down the Scripture declarations of man's guilt and misery: some deny that we are fallen at all; and assert that we come into the world as pure as Adam did from his Creator's hands.
Others allow that we are fallen, but deny that we are involved in the guilt of our first parents, or that the corruption which we inherit from them is anything more than what we have an innate power to subdue. They think that the descriptions given of us in the inspired volume are not to be taken in a literal sense; and that to say that we are "dead in trespasses and sins," is only a metaphor, importing that we are not quite so much alive to God and holiness as we ought to be.
And now mark how entirely such opinions obstruct the way to true wisdom and knowledge: man being in so good a state, there was no occasion for the counsels of the Most High to suggest a method of deliverance from it: a way of deliverance was obvious enough: there was no necessity for God himself to become incarnate, and to expiate the sins of men by his own blood; (man might be saved without any such sacrifice,) there was no need that the third person in the ever-blessed Trinity would undertake to dwell in the hearts of men, to enlighten their minds, to draw them unto Christ, to renew their nature, and to make them fit for Heaven; (man of himself, by the aid of his own reason and resolution, was sufficient for these things,) the obligations conferred upon us by this work of redemption are not such as to call for all the powers of our souls to be consecrated to God in the way of holy obedience; (such a life is needless, enthusiastic, and absurd,) in a word, there is no great cause for alarm to any of us; for we are all in the way to Heaven; and when we get there, shall have no great wonders to celebrate, but only to thank God for that which he could not justly or consistently have withheld.
Yes, brethren, this it is which obstructs the entrance of light into the souls of men: this it is which makes every one suppose that he understands the Gospel well enough: this it is that leads men to deride all idea of mystery, and to reduce the Gospel to a system of heathen ethics.
This view of our state by nature supersedes all occasion for the Gospel; every part of which supposes man to be a guilty, polluted, helpless creature.
So guilty, that he deserves the everlasting wrath of God.
So polluted, that he must be made an entire new creature before he can have any enjoyment of God, either now or in the eternal world, John 3:3.
So weak, that he cannot of himself either do a good act, or think a good thought, John 15:5. 2 Corinthians 3:5. Philippians 2:13.
I do not hesitate to affirm, that the very first step towards true wisdom and knowledge is, to renounce all idea of our being "rich and increased in goods, and in need of nothing;" and to confess, from our inmost souls, that we are "wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."
Next, let us contemplate the counsels of the Most High respecting man. From all eternity, God foresaw the state to which the human race would be reduced, and concerted with his only dear Son how to effect their recovery. The Father proposed to his Son:
to become our Surety and Substitute,
to assume our nature,
to bear our sins,
to expiate our guilt
to fulfill the law which we had broken,
to satisfy the justice which we had offended,
and thus to restore us to happiness, without dishonoring God as the Moral Governor of the universe.The Son accepts the proposal, and undertakes to accomplish the redemption of a ruined world, Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 53:4-5; Isaiah 53:10-11.
The Holy Spirit also undertakes to impart to the souls of the redeemed all that the Lord Jesus would purchase for them.
See the account given us of this in Psalm 40:6-8, "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."
To these counsels the Apostle also constantly refers, as the true source of our redemption: "We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world began, unto our glory, 1 Corinthians 2:7;" and he declares that the manifestation of them to the world under the Christian dispensation was eminently committed to him, and was to be a source of knowledge, not to men only, but to the angels themselves: "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I would preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see, what is the fellowship of this mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ; to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord! Ephesians 3:8-11. See also Colossians 1:26-27."
Behold then here what treasures of wisdom and knowledge are unfolded to us! We see the veil torn away from before our eyes, and the Sacred Three sitting, as it were, in council, to provide for man's recovery, myriads of ages before his fall! We behold:
the Father proposing to lay our iniquities on his only-begotten Son;
his Son accepting the office of our Substitute;
and the Holy Spirit engaging to render those mysterious plans effectual for the salvation of man!Can we see nothing wonderful in all this? Does not this "love surpass all knowledge," and all conception? Is there not in it "a length, and breadth, and depth, and height" that can never be explored? Yes; and hence Paul speaks of "riches of glory" as contained in this mystery, Colossians 1:27; and, in reference even to a subordinate part of it only, exclaims, "O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Romans 11:33."
Let us now pass on to the effects of these counsels, and see whether they also do not unfold the most stupendous mysteries.
From these counsels results all the work of Christ. He in due time left the bosom of his Father, took our nature, was born of a virgin, fulfilled the law, offered himself a sacrifice for sin, rose from the dead, and ascended up to Heaven to carry on and perfect the work which he began on earth. Think of all this as necessary for our salvation. Think of it as concerted from eternity, and executed in time, and at this very moment accomplishing by means of his continual intercession at the right hand of God. Is there nothing wonderful in all this?
From these counsels also results the salvation of man. Not a human being to whom the Gospel comes is ever saved, but by virtue of this work which Christ wrought out for him: and by means of this, the vilest of the human race are saved. Those who seek a saving interest in this Savior are accepted of him, even though they may have committed sins of a scarlet or crimson die: but they "who, going about to establish their own righteousness, will not submit to the righteousness of God," are rejected; and the very Savior who would have been a sanctuary to them, becomes a rock of offense, over which they fall to their eternal ruin.
Here is a plain way of salvation for all. In vain do men dispute about the efficacy of their own good works to save them. Here is a door; and those who will enter in by it are saved; and those who obstinately stand without, perish. The very builders of the ark themselves perished, because they did not enter into it: and so will all who do not flee for refuge to this hope that is set before them. Is this wisdom, or this knowledge of small value?
Further, from these counsels, results the glory of God himself. It is in this way alone that God is, or can be glorified, by any man. If man were saved in any other way, every one of the Divine perfections would be dishonored. What evidence would there be that God is holy, if he allowed his laws to be violated with impunity? What would become of all the rights of justice, if no sacrifice were offered for sin? How could the truth of God be preserved, if his threatenings were not executed, either against the sinner himself, or against one who would be substituted in his place?
Men speak of God's mercy as if that was the only attribute to be displayed, and as if it was of no consequence whether his other attributes were honored or not. But God will not allow one of his attributes to be exalted at the expense of all the rest. Therefore has he opened for us a way of salvation whereby all might be displayed and all be glorified. Not only is mercy now exalted, but justice too; and that, not only in the condemnation, but in the salvation also of sinful man: nor is it a whit less glorified in the salvation of a penitent believer, than it is in the condemnation of the impenitent, and unbelieving.
Is here then no mystery? are here no treasures of wisdom and knowledge? Truly the angels themselves are made wiser by the revelation of them to the Church; and they are justly represented as "desiring daily to look into them," in order that their admiration of God may be augmented, and their felicity increased.
We have been constrained to speak only summarily on these points; but enough has been said to show, that in this subject there are treasures which will amply repay the most laborious investigation.
We proceed, therefore,
II. To commend these treasures to your most diligent pursuit—
As much as we revere human knowledge, we must declare, that, in comparison with that which we have been considering, the wisdom of philosophers is of no account: for this divine knowledge is at once the most sublime, the most certain, the most attainable, the most useful!
What is there so sublime as this divine knowledge? We grant that many human sciences, and astronomy in particular, are very sublime; and appear to be out of the reach of mortal man: but it is well known that philosophy, in many of its branches, was carried to as high, if not a much higher pitch among the unenlightened heathen, than among ourselves. But who among the heathen could ever find out God? Who could ever dive into his counsels? Who could account for the actual state of things as they existed in the world? Who could tell how a sinful man might be accepted by his God? Truly, "the world by wisdom knew not God:" this knowledge was "too wonderful and excellent" for unassisted reason to explore: nor can we, even with the Bible in our hands, attain it, unless God by his Spirit open the eyes of our understanding, and shine into our hearts to give it to us.
We are expressly told, that "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man to conceive—the things which God has prepared for us;" and the things there spoken of are those which are revealed to us in the Gospel. It is not of Heaven that the Apostle speaks, but of the Gospel, and the mysteries contained in it. These are the things which are called in Scripture "the wonderful works of God, Acts 2:11." And they are "the things of the Spirit, which the natural man cannot receive, nor even know, because they are spiritually discerned." Well therefore may we covet that knowledge which was "hid in God from the foundation of the world," which the wisest philosophers could never attain, which even the learned among ourselves cannot possess, unless God himself becomes their teacher, and "opens their understandings to understand it."
In point of certainty, there is nothing that can be compared with divine knowledge. There are indeed in it many things which we cannot comprehend: but there is much known, and known on the authority of God himself. Most other knowledge is involved in doubt and obscurity; insomuch that hypotheses which have been established for ages, have yet been overthrown by the penetration of a Copernicus or a Newton. But the truth of God is unchangeable; and whether viewed in the promise to Adam, or in subsequent prophecies, or in the types and shadows of the law, or in the fuller revelation of the Gospel, is ever the same. Nor can all the subtlety of men or devils invalidate so much as one single point. Indeed, though received on the credit of the inspired writers, it so commends itself to the believer, as to approve to him its divine origin, as soon as ever it is received into his heart: he there finds a counterpart of every truth he has received, and "has the witness in himself" that it is indeed from God.
Now one great discouragement in the pursuit of human knowledge is, that after having labored for many years, we know not but that we may, after all, be found wrong, in things which we deemed of considerable consequence. But here, we never need to fear a disappointment: God's Word, like himself, abides for ever; nor shall one jot or tittle of it ever fail!
Nor is there any other so attainable as divine knowledge. Thousands have not ability to investigate the depths of human science: if they would bestow ever so much labor, for ever so long a time, it would be in vain.
But not so the knowledge of the Gospel: for though it is so deep, that no man by the efforts of unassisted reason can enter into it—yet it is so easy of acquisition, that "he who runs may read and understand it." If God "opens our eyes, we shall see wondrous things out of his law!" If he shines into our hearts, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God shall be seen by us. The qualification for this knowledge consists, not so much in the head, as in the heart: "God opened the heart of Lydia to attend to the things that were spoken by Paul." Here then every one is encouraged to pursue it: for "none teaches like God," he can "ordain strength in the mouth of babes and sucklings."
I grant indeed that it is a "hidden knowledge;" it is "a treasure hidden in a field." But it is revealed to us in the Word, and shall be revealed in us by the Spirit, if we desire to be taught of him. The promise is, "All your children shall be taught of God," and, if only we obtain his teaching, we shall "be guided into all truth," nor shall "a way-faring man, though a fool, be left to err therein."
Lastly, What can be compared with divine knowledge in point of usefulness? We deny not but that knowledge of various kinds is replete with benefit to man: but that benefit is bounded by this world, and the present state of things. Not so the knowledge of which we are speaking—that extends to the eternal world. In the knowledge of God and of Christ, are all our hopes centered. By this we are justified: as it is said, "By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many." By it also we are sanctified: as it is said, "Sanctify them through your truth—your word is truth." By it also we shall be exalted to glory; for it is said, "This is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
What knowledge is there that can be compared with this? Will earthly knowledge save you? If you could travel the whole round of science, and grasp in your mind all that ever was comprehended by human intellect:
would it pacify a guilty conscience?
would it take away the sting of death?
would it enable you to look forward with comfort to the eternal world?
would it prepare you to stand at the judgment-seat of Christ, and to give your account with joy?No! nothing can do this but the knowledge of God as reconciled to us in the Son of his love. This is the sole property of the Gospel, even of that Gospel which is so neglected and despised. If then you would view these things aright, you must study the Gospel, and "count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus your Lord."
Must we then lay aside our earthly knowledge? you will ask. No; but you must get it sanctified by the Spirit of God. The spoils of the Midianites were consecrated to the Lord; but before they were allowed to be brought into his tabernacle, "everything that would abide the fire, must pass through the fire; and whatever would not abide the fire, must be made to go through the water," for then only could they be an acceptable offering to him, when they were cleansed and purified from their corruption, Numbers 31:23; Numbers 31:54.
Thus also must your learning be sanctified; it must not be set in competition with the Word of God, but be made subservient to it. Beware then lest it blind your eyes, and fill you with a conceit that you do not need to be taught of God. What the Apostle says is alike applicable to the philosopher and the peasant, "If any man will be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise." We must have the teachableness of "little children, if we would enter into the kingdom of Heaven;" and if we will not humble ourselves in that manner, God has told us that "he will take the wise in their own craftiness." In subserviency to the Gospel, your learning will be an invaluable blessing. But in opposition to it, it will prove a curse; for God will "confound the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent!"
Are we then desirous of attaining these heavenly treasures? Let us seek after them in the Holy Scriptures: and while we seek for knowledge as silver, and "search for it as for hidden treasures, let us cry to God for it, and lift up our voice to him; since it is the Lord alone that gives wisdom, and out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding! Proverbs 2:1-6."
Let us beg of God to "give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; that the eyes of our understanding being enlightened, that we may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, Ephesians 1:16-20." In this way we may hope to "acquaint ourselves with God," and to attain the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." Then we may hope also to "shine as lights in a dark world," and "be as cities set upon a hill." Or, if our sphere is circumscribed within narrower limits, we shall at least have this benefit, that we are "made wise unto salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus!"
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THE PRIVILEGES AND DUTIES OF CHRISTIANS
Colossians 2:6-7
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
THE greatest joy of a faithful minister is to see his people spiritually flourish. The Apostles were eminent examples to us in this respect Paul was no less comforted with the piety of some, 2 Corinthians 7:4, than he was grieved with the lack of it in others, Romans 9:2. Galatians 4:19. See also 3 John verse 4. Paul was as solicitous for the welfare of those whom he had only heard of by report, as for those who had been converted by his ministry, verses 1, 5. Hence he took occasion from what they had attained to urge them on to increasing watchfulness and assiduity. Mark here,
I. The Christian's Privileges—
Christ is the gift of God to man John 4:10. That gift the Christian has received—
He has felt his need of it; he has implored of God to bestow it on him, and has received it for all the ends and purposes for which it has been conferred on sinful man. He has received Christ in all his offices, as "Christ Jesus, the Lord."
Believers are the only people in the universe who have received it—
Others regard it not; yes, they rather refuse it, and pour contempt upon it. They would rather earn salvation by some efforts of their own, than stand indebted for it to the free gift of God in Christ Jesus. But the Christian values nothing in comparison with it; and, in obtaining it, considers himself richer than if the whole world were conferred upon him. Let him only be able to say, "My Beloved is mine, and I am His!" and he desires no more. In possessing Christ, he possesses all things! 1 Corinthians 3:22-23."
In connection however with this gift we must notice,
II. The Christian's Duties—
Privilege and duty are inseparable. Though we receive all from God as a free gift, we yet have duties to perform. If we have received Christ, we must "walk in him:"
1. We must walk in dependence on him—
"In Christ is everything treasured up for us," and "we must receive everything out of his fullness." There must be no dependence whatever upon ourselves, but an entire reliance "on him for wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." Our whole life must be one continued act of "faith in the Son of God, who loved us, and gave himself for us, Galatians 2:20."
2. We must walk in conformity to him—
As he is to us a source of all spiritual blessings, so is he unto us an example to which we must be conformed. His zeal for God must be transfused into our souls, and his love to man be copied in the whole of our fellowship with mankind, John 4:34. 1 John 3:16. If we profess to "abide in him, we must walk in all things as he walked, 1 John 2:6."
III. the Christian's Privileges and Duties
. The diversity of metaphors in this passage greatly enriches the subject, without at all distracting our minds. Our duty and our privilege are to walk in Christ,1. Firmly—
The use of a root is not only to convey nourishment to the branches, but to keep the tree steadfast amidst all the storms and tempests by which it may be assailed. And we, so far from being cast down by all the storms that may assault us, must take occasion from them to shoot our roots more deeply into this divine soil, and to take more firm hold of him by whom alone we can be upheld.
2. Progressively—
The idea of walking necessarily imports progress, as does that of building also. Now, no man is content with laying a foundation: he will go on to build upon it a superstructure, until at last he has completed the edifice. Thus must we also do when we receive Christ into our souls: we must build upon him all our hopes, and never cease to increase in love to him, until we have attained that complete form and size, which the all-gracious Architect has ordained! Ephesians 2:20-22.
3. Triumphantly—
Grounds for sorrow we shall have, no doubt, while this great work is progressing forward; but we shall have abundant cause also for praise and thanksgiving. Be it so; our trials are great both from within and from without. But can we reflect on the gift bestowed upon us, and not be thankful? Or can we contemplate the blessings attached to that gift, and not be thankful? I say then, that "thanksgiving and the voice of melody" should be heard from us, every step we take, from the beginning of our course even to the end! Isaiah 51:3.
APPLICATION—
To you, even to every one among you, is offered this inestimable gift—
They who have received this gift were once as destitute and unworthy as any of you: and there is not any one among you, however destitute and unworthy, but may be enriched with it, if only you cry unto your God, and seek the Savior with your whole heart, Isaiah 55:1-3.
If you possess it, see that you labor to walk worthy of it—
Never imagine that privilege either is, or can be, unconnected with duty. Nor ever imagine your course of duty closed, until you shall have attained the full measure of that piety which your union with Christ was ordained to convey.
#2176
PROPER DEITY OF CHRIST
Colossians 2:9
"In him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."
THE Church of Christ in the first ages was composed of Jews and Gentiles. Now, the Jews were at all times fond of their own traditions, as the Gentiles were of the dogmas of philosophy: and the two, meeting together upon one common ground, were ready to incorporate their respective peculiarities with the Gospel of Christ. To what extent this has been done in Roman Catholic Church is well known. In truth, the whole system of the Catholics is little better than a mixture of heathen rites with Jewish superstitions. And those corruptions, which have prevailed to such an awful extent in the Church of Rome, began at a very early period to make their way into the house of God.
Symptoms of an alarming nature had already appeared in the different Churches of Asia: and against them the Apostle put the Colossian converts on their guard; reminding them, that, whatever they might hope to add to Christ and his Gospel, their efforts would be in vain; since "in Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;" and, consequently, without any addition from the conceits of philosophy, or the traditions of Judaism, he was amply sufficient for the work assigned him, and was "able to save to the uttermost all that would come unto God by him."
From this assertion of the Apostle, I shall take occasion to set before you,
I. The doctrine of the Divinity of Christ—
It will be proper to consider it,
1. As expressed in the text itself—
There are some texts, which, to a superficial observer, bear somewhat of a similar aspect with that before us. For instance, it is said in this very epistle, "It has pleased the Father, that in Christ would all fullness dwell, Colossians 1:19." And, "Out of his fullness we are said to receive even grace upon grace, John 1:16." There is yet a stronger expression in the Epistle to the Ephesians, wherein we are exhorted to contemplate the love of Christ, until we are "filled with all the fullness of God, Ephesians 3:18-19;" nay, more: we are said ourselves to be "the fullness of Him who fills all in all, Ephesians 1:23."
From such Scriptures as these it is argued by many, that the fullness spoken of in my text is only a fullness of gifts committed to Christ for the use of his Church; and that we may as well assume to ourselves the character of the Godhead, as give it to him; since we, no less than he, are said to be "filled with all the fullness of God."
But, on a closer inspection, there will be found a wide difference between all the foregoing passages and our text. The fullness spoken of in the text is the fullness of "the Godhead;" residing in Christ, not symbolically, and for a season, as the Shechinah did in the tabernacle, but corporeally, substantially, permanently. There is no doubt a reference here to the Shechinah, which was a shadowy representation of the Deity. But the reference is rather in a way of contrast than of comparison: for, in my text, it is not God who is spoken of, and who is frequently said to dwell in his people, but the Godhead. Nor is Christ said to "be filled" with it, but to have it essentially dwelling in him; and this, not in a type or shadow, but really, vitally, necessarily, immutably: "In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."
Suppose, now, the Lord Jesus Christ to be truly and unquestionably God: suppose, too, it is God's purpose to make this known to us: then, I would ask, can we conceive of any words that would more clearly convey that truth than the language of my text? I must say, that if the words of my text do not clearly and decidedly declare the Godhead of Christ, no words whatever can express it. Nay, more; if Christ be not truly and properly God, the Apostle has done more, by his unguarded expressions, to lead us to idolatry, than all the most impious sophists in the universe could have done by their most ingenious arguments.
2. As confirmed by other passages of Holy Writ—
To enter fully into this subject, would embrace too large a field for one discourse. I shall therefore confine myself to a few passages only, which establish the Divinity of Christ in connection with his humanity. And here let me call to your remembrance that prophecy of Isaiah, where it is said, "To us a child is born; to us a son is given: and his name shall be called, The Mighty God! Isaiah 9:6." This is quite decisive upon the point.
Again, in another part of the same prophecy, it is said, "A Virgin shall conceive, and bring forth a son; and they shall call his name Emmanuel, Isaiah 7:14;" which Matthew informs us, is "God with us Matthew 1:23." In the New Testament, John, who seems to have been peculiarly attentive to this point, and, more than all the other inspired writers, anxious to impress it on our minds, says expressly, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, John 1:14." Paul also, to the same effect, says, "Great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh! 1 Timothy 3:16. What more shall I say? It is clear, that it was "God, who purchased the Church with his own blood Acts 20:28;" and that He who wrought out for us a righteousness wherein we are to be accepted before God, is Jehovah himself, Jeremiah 23:6. Know then, assuredly, that the glorious Person spoken of in my text was no other than our incarnate God, even "God over all, blessed for evermore! Romans 9:5."
The peculiar caution given by the Apostle, in relation to this doctrine, leads me to show you,
II. The importance of it to the welfare of our souls—
"Beware," says the Apostle, "lest any man spoil or rob you, through philosophy and vain deceit." So will I say to you: "Beware, lest any deceiver rob you of your hope founded on the divinity of your Lord and Savior:" for,
1. On that depends the efficacy of his atonement—
Supposing the Lord Jesus Christ to have been a creature, how could he make atonement for sin, or work out a righteousness that would be imputable to us? He could do no more than what, by the law of his creation, he was bound to do; and, after having done it, he would have been only "an unprofitable servant." Supposing him to be capable of meriting anything, he could have merited only for himself. If it is said, that the Divine appointment was sufficient to make his sufferings available for us also, I answer that, according to that argument, the same value might as easily have been stamped on the sacrifices of the Mosaic law, if God had seen fit to do so. But the Apostle has said, that "it is not possible for the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sins." And why not possible? If a Divine appointment were to stamp on one sacrifice a value which it possessed not, it might as well do so on another. But, if the impossibility arises from the inefficacy of a creature's blood, then it must attach to one creature as well as to another. For however remote two creatures may be asunder, their distance is but finite: whereas, to take away sin, the value of a sacrifice must be infinite: it must satisfy the demands of infinite justice, and entail upon the sinner all the blessings of infinite love and unbounded mercy. The divinity, of our blessed Lord renders all tins practical to him.
It is this consideration which emboldens us to deliver our message to sinful men. We believe "that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them:" and therefore, "as ambassadors from God, we beseech men, in Christ's stead, to be reconciled to God, 2 Corinthians 5:19-20."
2. From that arises his ability to supply our every need—
To Him is committed the entire government of his Church, Ephesians 1:22. But if He is not God, we shall be in a state little better than the worshipers of Baal. It may be, that he is occupied about the concerns of some other person at the opposite side of the globe; and I must wait until he can hear me, and come to me, and help me: but, while he is delaying, I may perish. If he is a mere creature, he cannot be omnipresent, nor omniscient, nor omnipotent. These are the perfections, the incommunicable perfections, of Deity. If he is not God, he does not possess them: and, if he possess them not, he cannot be sufficient for my needs. But he does possess them. He knows every need and every desire of my soul, "Unto Him all things, both in Heaven and earth, are naked and opened:" and there can be no possible situation wherein "his grace shall not be sufficient for me, 1 John 5:20." "He is the true God; and therefore he is, and shall be, to me eternal life."
3. It is that which will give the chief zest to all our blessedness for evermore—
If my sins were pardoned, though by a mere act of sovereign mercy, I would be happy any where. But when in Heaven I contemplate everything as the fruit of redeeming love, as procured for me through the blood and righteousness of my incarnate God; with what wonder must I be filled! I see now, why all the glorified saints fall upon their faces before God. They have reason to do so: they would be unworthy of a place in Heaven, if they did not. How can they sing, "To him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood;" and remember, that He who so loved them was "King of kings and Lord of lords;" how can they sing thus, I say, and not be lost in wonder and amazement?
And what are those hosannas which I hear offered to "God and to the Lamb?" What! is a creature joined in one common song of praise with the Creator? and that in Heaven, too, in the very presence of the Deity? No; the Lamb is no other than our incarnate God, "the first and the last, who lived, and was dead, and is alive for evermore! Revelation 1:17-18."
Conclusion—
1. Let this doctrine, then, be deeply fixed in your minds—
Hold it not slightly and superficially; but acquaint yourselves with it, and with the irrefragable proofs whereby it is established. Those who are adverse to it, will bring forward passages which speak of him as inferior to the Father. But we must remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is spoken of under different characters in Scripture, as God, as man, and as Mediator between God and man. As God, he is altogether, in the highest sense, "one with the Father John 10:30." In the two latter characters he was inferior to the Father; and must, of course, be spoken of in that light. But these passages no more disprove his divinity, than the passages which speak of him as God disprove his humanity.
Man himself is mortal, and immortal; mortal in his body, and immortal in his soul. Who ever thought of putting these in opposition to each other, and of making an affirmation of the one to be a denial of the other? Yet this is what is done by those who deny the divinity of our Lord. But be on your guard against them: and let neither men nor devils rob you of a truth so essential to your happiness both in time and in eternity.
2. Let it make a suitable impression on your hearts—
So astonishing is this truth, that it is a wonder we can ever think of anything else. O, what prostration of soul is it calculated to produce! What admiring and adoring thoughts of God! What a zeal in his service! What a contempt of everything that can come into competition with him! What boasting of him to our fellow-creatures! What commending of him to all! Truly, if we lived under a suitable impression of this truth, we should, as far as human infirmity would admit of it, resemble the very hosts around the throne.
Let us, then, aspire after this experience. Let admiration, and love, and gratitude, and thanksgiving, occupy, as it were, our whole lives! And let us be looking forward to that blissful period, when we shall see him as we are seen; and "know him, even as we are known."
#2177
THE CHRISTIAN'S COMPLETENESS IN CHRIST
Colossians 2:10-12
"You are complete in him, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead."
MAN is prone to corrupt whatever proceeds from God. He himself came pure out of his Maker's hands: but he soon corrupted his way; as it is said, "God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions, Ecclesiastes 7:29." As man has effaced the law originally written upon his heart, so has he, by imaginations of his own, obscured the revelation which God has given to the world.
The Mosaic code was perverted by the Jews. The Christian code has been no less perverted by those who have called themselves Christians. Even in the apostolic age, and while the Apostles were yet in the full exercise of their ministry, persons arose to mutilate and pervert the Christian faith. The very professors of Christianity, instead of receiving implicitly the truth as it was revealed, introduced into it their own corrupt notions: the heathen converts retaining their predilection for their former idolatry; and Jewish converts striving to encumber it with their former traditions. It is against such persons that Paul is cautioning the Colossian Church: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ, verse 8." The heathen philosophers having multiplied their deities, and assigned to them a variety of ranks and offices, those who had been converted from among them still felt inclined to look to subordinate deities as their mediators and protectors: while others from among the Jews, who had, or pretended to have, a great veneration for Moses, could not part with the traditions which they had received from their fathers, and which they supposed to he highly conducive to their spiritual benefit.
But Paul tells both the one and the other, that they needed no help from the creature, since "in Christ dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead;" and no created power could do anything for them, any farther than he was expressly commissioned by Christ to do it: in a word, that "they were complete in Christ;" and all attempts to add anything to him, would retard, rather than advance, their conformity to his will, and would ultimately deprive them of all the benefits which they were thus erroneously laboring to secure.
This being the scope of the whole passage, we will draw your attention to the two things mentioned in our text; namely
I. The Christian's completeness in Christ—
In Christ we have all that we can possibly need or desire—
As God, he has "all the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in him bodily;" and consequently is an almighty and all-sufficient Savior. But as man also, he has, by virtue of his mediatorial office, a fullness committed to him for the supply of his believing people; according as it is said, "It has pleased the Father that in him would all fullness dwell, Colossians 1:19."
In our corporeal frame there is, if I may so say, a fullness imparted to the head for the use of all the members, that being the chief depository of all the senses: so there is in Christ, for the use of all his members: all that we need is treasured up in him: and he of God is made unto us "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption, 1 Corinthians 1:30."
Nor can the creature add anything to us—
What, I would ask, can "philosophy, with all its vain deceits," add to us? Can it suggest one single truth which is not contained in the Holy Scriptures, or give us one atom of spiritual discernment? Can it devise any other way for a sinner's justification before God, besides that which the Scripture reveals, through the blood and righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ? Can it add any thing to the operations of the Holy Spirit for the transformation of our souls into the Divine image? Can it further, in any one respect, the everlasting redemption of our souls, so that we shall say, this is the work of philosophy, and not of Christ? If the maxims of philosophy cannot effect anything, can its deities? Can they help us, either by their personal efficiency, or by their mediation with any other?
I ask further, can Jewish rituals, whether those that have been devised by man, or those which were originally ordained of God, add to us in any of these respects! No; we confidently say, that the Christian is "complete in Christ:" he has in Christ all that he can stand in need of; and to confide in any other is to rob him of his glory, and fatally to deceive our own souls.
But besides the Christian's completeness in Christ, we are called to notice,
II. His conformity to Christ—
That Christ is an example to us, is what every Christian well knows. But there is a distinction which is not generally adverted to, which yet it is of importance to remark; namely, that as he is an example to us in his life, so is he also, if we may so express it, an exemplar or pattern to us in his work. We will explain our meaning.
Christ having undertaken to redeem our souls, submitted to all that was necessary for that end: he was circumcised, as being made under the law for us: he died under the curse of that law; and after having been buried in the grave, he rose again for our justification before God. Now all this which was done in him corporeally, is to be done in us spiritually: the one was intended to be a pattern of the other. This is very minutely set forth by the Apostle Paul, who tells us that the power exercised towards us who believe, exactly accords with that which was exercised towards our Lord Jesus Christ in all the fore-mentioned particulars:
his quickening from the dead,
his rising from the grave,
his ascension to Heaven, and
his session at the right hand of God far above all the principalities and powers of Heaven or Hell,
have all a counterpart in us, wrought by the same divine Agent. Compare attentively Ephesians 1:19-22; Ephesians 2:4-6.Consider distinctly wherein this conformity consists—
Was he circumcised? We have the true circumcision of the heart; that "which is made without hands, and which consists in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh:" and this we have by virtue of our own union with Christ, in whom we have experienced this mystically, and through whom we derive it spiritually.
Was he buried? We also, in our baptism, were, as it were, buried with him; and coming up also from the water, we are risen with him to a new and heavenly life.
That this is the true import of the passage is beyond all doubt; as anyone will see by comparing what the same writer has stated in his Epistle to the Romans, Romans 6:3-11; Here, I say, the parallel between what was corporeally wrought in Christ, and spiritually to be wrought in his members, is clear and manifest: we, "by faith in that power which raised him from the dead," experience a similar resurrection to newness of life.
In reference to this then, as well as to the former, we ask,
What can philosophy add to us?
Has philosophy any principles whereby we can be stimulated more entirely to crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts, than we are led by the Gospel of Christ; or can it impart to us any strength beyond that which we derive from Christ? Did it ever operate thus in any instance from the foundation of the world? No; it never did, nor ever can.
We further ask, Is there any such virtue in Judaizing principles, that we would have recourse to any of them for aid? No; we are expressly told, that by seeking aid from philosophical conceits or Jewish superstitions we shall not only not add to our safety, but shall actually be "beguiled and robbed of our ultimate reward, verse 18."
It is to Christ alone that we must look, and from Christ we must receive all that is necessary for the carrying on and perfecting of our everlasting salvation.
To improve this subject, we say to all,
1. Be thankful to God that your lot is cast where the Gospel is plainly and faithfully dispensed—
The corruptions which began in the apostolic age have since been carried to such an extent as altogether to subvert the Gospel of Christ.
If I am asked before God, what Popery is; I am constrained to answer, that, whatever it be in theory, it is in practice little better than a compound of Pagan idolatry and Jewish superstition. For lack of seeing it before our eyes, we are apt to conceive of it as differing but little from the religion we profess: but it is in all its masses, penances, indulgences, such a system of delusion and impiety as makes one's very blood run cold! It is inconceivable how such a system of tyranny and imposture would have ever gained footing in the world. Little do the Protestants of the present day reflect on the obligations which they owe to their forefathers, and on the responsibility attaching to them for the advantages they enjoy.
But could your eyes see in what darkness and bondage those who are of the Roman Catholic persuasion are held, you would never cease to bless God, that you have been born in a Protestant land, and been brought up members of a Church that is alike free from the errors of fanaticism, and the bonds of superstition. I know indeed that even in our Protestant Church there is still, in some places, as there was even in the apostolic age, a leaven of these deadly evils: but we speak, to those who have learned to seek a completeness in Christ and a conformity to Christ, as the unalienable privilege, not of themselves only, but of every true believer.
2. Beware of that false humility which would lead you to entrench upon the sufficiency of Christ—
It was a false humility that led those in the apostolic age to seek other mediators or protectors besides Christ, and other means of obtaining his blessings than by faith alone. But while they assumed this "voluntary humility," they in reality were "vainly puffed up with a fleshly mind, verse 18." So it is with those in the present day, who look for something to recommend them to Christ, while they would be receiving all out of his fullness as a free unmerited gift. Their principle is precisely that of which the Apostle complained in the Colossian Church. They think it would be presumption in them to go directly to Christ, and to expect to be admitted by him with such a load of guilt and corruption as they feel: and therefore they hope to make themselves better before they go, so that they may find a readier acceptance with him. But this is to dishonor Christ, and to take from him both the sovereignty, and the riches, of his grace. We must never forget the terms on which alone we are to obtain the blessings of his salvation: we are to buy them, it is true; but we are to "buy them all without money and without price".
3. Live simply by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—
It is "through faith in the Divine power" that all our completeness in Christ, or conformity to Christ, is to be obtained; and to exercise that faith, we are encouraged by the recollection of what that power has effected "in raising Christ from the dead The text." Take a view then of the Lord Jesus after his crucifixion: see him dead, and buried, and guarded by a host of enemies who were determined in a few hours to prove him an impostor. Is he beyond the reach of Divine power? No; at the appointed moment he rises, and ascends to Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, far above all the principalities and powers of earth and Hell. Are you then in a more desperate state than he? or is not the power of God alike able to effect this change for you? Yes, is it not as much pledged for you as it was for him? Fear not then, "nor stagger at the promises of God through unbelief;" but as Abraham before you was, "be strong in faith, giving glory to God."
#2178
TRIUMPHS OF THE CROSS
Colossians 2:13-15
"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
THERE is one great mystery spoken of throughout the Scriptures, connected indeed with innumerable other truths, but itself the center and substance of them all: this mystery is Christ crucified. Paul in particular insists upon it in all his epistles; he declares that it was the only one thing which he deemed necessary for him to preach, or for his people to be acquainted with. He takes every occasion of magnifying its importance, and of urging his converts to maintain the strictest regard to it. This appears remarkably in the preceding context. See Colossians 1:27-28; Colossians 2:1-4; Colossians 2:6-7; wherein not only the mystery itself is stated, but the rich benefits arising from it are largely recited.
Having in general terms said, "We are complete in Christ," he enters more minutely into the subject, and declares that we have communion with him in the whole of his humiliation and exaltation, being "circumcised in him, and buried with him, and risen with him," and, in short, partakers of all his victories and triumphs.
In the text, three benefits are enumerated as conferred by him upon his believing people, and which we propose for our present consideration. If we were to adhere strictly to the order of time in which these benefits were procured for us and imparted to us, we must take the latter clauses of the text first: but, as this is not necessary, we shall rather notice them as they stand; and observe,
I. He has "quickened us when we were dead"—
The state of the Gentile world fitly represents the state of every unregenerate man—
We are dead before God, and doomed to everlasting death on account of our sins, Galatians 3:10; We are also under the habitual influence of the most corrupt desires, the mortifying of which was signified by the rite of circumcision, and the indulgence of which characterizes those who are uncircumcised in heart, Titus 3:3. Ephesians 2:3. We have no spiritual life whatever; nor are we even conscious of our own guilt and corruption; so justly may we be said to be altogether "dead in our sins."
But God has quickened us with, and by, his Son—
There is a federal relation subsisting between Christ and his people, so that:
when he was circumcised, they were circumcised;
when he died, they died;
when he rose, they rose.
In all that he did and suffered, he was their representative, and they had communion with him as members with their head.But besides this, they have a vital union with him, so as actually to receive life and vigor from him, whereby they rise to newness of life, Galatians 2:20; In this restoration to life they are conformed to his likeness; they come forth from the grave of sin and corruption, and soar in their affections to the highest heavens, where from thenceforth their heart is, and where they shall have their everlasting abode.
In addition to this benefit,
II. He has cancelled our obligation to punishment—
This he has done in reference to,
1. Past sins—
The trespasses which we commit in our unregenerate state are as numerous as the sands upon the seashore: yet, on our believing in Christ, they are all forgiven. Whether they have been more or less heinous, they are all pardoned. This is not spoken of as a blessing that shall be enjoyed in the eternal world, but as actually possessed at this time. God has "cast our sins behind him into the very depths of the sea! Micah 7:19."
2. Present sins—
We must not be understood to say that believers have obtained a licence to commit sin with impunity; for nothing can be more contrary to truth: this would make "Christ himself a minister of sin." But our meaning is this: the moral law denounces a curse against every one that transgresses it even in the smallest point. The ceremonial law illustrates and confirms those penal sanctions. The very sacrifices which were the appointed means of expiating sin, declared that the offerer deserved to die, and that he could not be saved but by the sufferings and death of an innocent victim. From hence it appears, that "the hand-writing of ordinances," which, in its external obligation, related only to the Jews, did, in its spiritual and more enlarged sense, declare the state of all mankind, whether Jews or Gentiles: and in this view it was equally "against us, and contrary to us."
Now this hand-writing Christ has "blotted out," and, by "nailing it to his cross," has "taken it out of the way." There were different ways of cancelling a bond: sometimes it was blotted out; and sometimes it was pierced with a nail, and rendered thereby of no effect. Both these ways, if we may so speak, has Christ adopted, that we might have the fullest security that we shall never be dealt with according to the rigor of the law; and that the debt we owe on account of our sins shall never be required at our hands.
A further obligation he has conferred upon us, in that,
III. He has defeated all our spiritual enemies—
Satan and all his hosts are combined against us—
They have usurped a power over us, and governed us with a most despotic sway, Ephesians 2:2 and 2 Timothy 2:26.
But Christ has completely triumphed over them upon his cross—
As a conqueror, he invaded the empire of Satan, and rescued millions of the human race from his dominion. He "spoiled the principalities and powers" of Hell, and seized as his prey the souls of which they had so long held an undisturbed possession, Luke 11:22. Isaiah 53:12. It was upon his cross that he effected this: for there it was that he satisfied divine justice; there it was he fulfilled and cancelled the obligations of the law; there it was that he paid the price of our salvation. "He redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us Galatians, 3:13." His triumph was then complete. Like a victorious general leading in chains the distinguished personages whom the victory of war had put into his hands, our blessed Lord exhibited, as it were, to the view of God, of angels, and of his believing people, the vanquished powers of darkness: "he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them upon his cross." He did not indeed, like earthly conquerors, exult in victories gained by the sword of others, and at the expense of their blood: his triumphs were gained by no sword but his, and with the loss of no blood but his: "His own arm brought salvation; and he trod the wine-press of God's wrath alone, Isaiah 63:3; Isaiah 63:5."
INFERENCES—
1. What a wonderful sight is the cross of Christ!
The eye of sense can behold nothing in it but an instrument of punishment, and a person suffering upon it as a malefactor.
But the eye of faith will discern:
not a sufferer, but a conqueror;
not one raised on an accursed tree, but one exalted in triumph;
not one crowned with thorns, but one wearing a wreath of victory;
not one nailed and bleeding, but one blotting out with blood, and cancelling the bonds that were against his chosen people;
not one himself a spectacle, but exhibiting to view his vanquished enemies;
not the despised Nazarene, but "the Lord of glory."Strange as it may sound, we affirm, that it was not Jesus, but the prince of this world that was then judged, John 16:11, cast out, John 12:31, destroyed Hebrews 2:14; for it was then that Jesus "bruised the serpent's head, Genesis 3:15;" "by death he destroyed him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and delivered them who until that hour had been all their life-time subject to bondage, Hebrews 2:14 and Psalm 68:18."
Prostrate before him lay the principalities and powers of Hell. Yes, Satan, it was your power that was then broken, your shame that was then exposed, your doom that was then irrevocably sealed. You are now an object of our contempt; and the weakest among us will set his feet upon your neck, and tremble at you no more! Joshua 10:24. "You are fallen, O Lucifer, son of the morning;" "you are fallen from Heaven like lightning;" and lower still shall you fall; for we your once infatuated vassals can triumph over you now; and you shall "before long be bruised under our feet! Romans 16:20."
Beloved brethren, "turn aside and see this great sight"—your triumphing Lord, and your despoiled enemies! Nor cease to contemplate it, until you are filled with admiration, and gratitude, and joy!
2. What folly is it to allow ourselves to be diverted from the cross!
This is the particular improvement which the Apostle himself makes of the passage. He had guarded the Colossians against the skeptical pride of philosophers, verse 8; and he proceeds to guard them against the self-justifying pride of Judaizing teachers, verse 16. To the one of these the cross of Christ was a stumbling-block, and to the other foolishness; but to those who viewed it aright, it was "the power of God and the wisdom of God, 1 Corinthians 1:23-24."
Thus at this time we are particularly in danger of being led away from the simplicity of the Gospel, either by the conceits of philosophy, falsely so called, or by the observance of a formal round of duties. But let nothing draw your attention from the cross of Christ.
It is only by the cross that you can be quickened.
It is only by the cross that you can be forgiven.
It is only by the cross that you can obtain deliverance from the penalties of the law
It is only by the cross that you can have victory over the enemies of your salvation.
When you can find another object, or other principles, that can effect these things, then we consent that you shall disregard the cross of Christ. But until then, determine to:
know nothing, 1 Corinthians 2:2,
trust in nothing, Philippians 3:9,
glory in nothing, Galatians 6:14,
but Christ, and him crucified!
#2179
THE NATURE AND USE OF THE TYPES
Colossians 2:17
"These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."
MAN is naturally addicted to superstition; partly from a consciousness of his needing mercy from God, and partly from a desire of reconciling himself to God by some meritorious services of his own. The Jewish economy had rather a tendency to foster this disposition, inasmuch as it prescribed many rites and ceremonies as means of acceptance with God. But from these the Gospel has set us free; and, in so doing, has introduced a more free and liberal spirit. Even under the light of the Gospel, we are prone to indulge the same servile desires, and to prefer a yoke of bondage to the freedom of God's children. Such was the case with many even in the apostolic age.
Paul is cautioning the Colossians against two sorts of teachers, who were endeavoring to mislead them; against the advocates for heathen philosophy, verse 8, and against the Judaizing brethren, who insisted on the observance of the Mosaic ritual, verse 16. In opposition to the latter of these, he bids the Christians to assert their liberty from the observances of the ceremonial law, that being, in fact, no more than a shadow, of which they now possessed the substance.
We shall take occasion from his words to show,
I. The nature of the types—
The Scripture sets before us several kinds of types—
Christians are in general but little acquainted with the types: yet the scripture abounds with them, and mentions various kinds of them. They may be reduced to three classes; natural, historical, and legal.
The natural types are such as may be seen in the works of nature (in this view, the creation of the universe is a type of the new creation, which the regenerate soul experiences through the word and Spirit of God.)
The historical types are such as Moses, Joshua, David, and others.
The legal types are all the ceremonies of the Jewish law.
These are shadowy representations of Christ and his benefits—
All of them relate to Christ in some view or other; either to his person and offices, or to his Church and the benefits he confers upon it. They are the shadow, whereof he is the substance: and as a shadow represents, though but faintly, the image of the substance, so they portray, though in a very indistinct manner, the character and work of Christ.
In fact, they were instituted of God for this end—
The paschal feast, with all its attendant observances, was not merely commemorative of a deliverance that was past: it was to shadow forth an infinitely greater deliverance that was to come; as Paul says, "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, Hebrews 8:5. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8."
In like manner, we are told that all the ordinances relative to the priestly office "served unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: "For, see, says he, that you make all things according to the pattern shown to you in the mount Hebrews 8:5."
The Law was the shadow; the Gospel is the substance.
The Law was the model; and the Gospel is the edifice erected in perfect accordance with it.
We are not at liberty to consider every common similitude as a type, or to launch into the boundless ocean of conjecture: in some instances indeed observations drawn from analogy may be almost as convincing as the declarations of God himself. But it is safest to adhere to those points which Scripture has determined for us: in them we are in no danger of erring, and therefore can speak with precision and authority. Nor should we ever forget, that, as those things alone are sacraments to us which God has appointed to be so, so those things alone were types to the Jewish church, which God instituted for that express purpose.
The text, in connection with the context, leads us further to declare,
II. Their use—
God would not have appointed them, if they had not been beneficial to his Church. But with respect to the Jewish and the Christian Church, we shall, as they subserved different purposes, notice their use to each:
1. To the Jews—
The types served to show them what sort of a person their Messiah would be: he was to be:
a Prophet, like unto Moses,
a Priest, like Aaron,
a King, like David.He was to be a suffering Messiah, no less than a reigning Messiah.
The types further kept up the expectation of him in the world. The first promise had been nearly forgotten; and most probably the repetition of it would have made but a transient impression: but the multitude of observances, daily repeated, and continually directing the eyes of the worshipers to him, could not fail of exciting a general and increasing expectation of his advent. They moreover led the people to exercise faith in him. Every intelligent worshiper must see that the blood of bulls and of goats could not take away sin; and therefore (as we are sure Abraham, David, and others did) the devout Jews must look through the ordinances to Christ, and rely on him who was to come, just as we rely on him who is come.
2. To Christians—
The types are of signal use to us, in that they testify of Christ as the person promised from the foundation of the world, and prefigured in the whole of the Mosaic ritual. When we compare the account of Christ in the New Testament with the various ordinances of the Old Testament, we see how impossible it was that such a coincidence of character would ever happen, but by the express ordination and appointment of God. But they are of further use to us also, in that they wonderfully illustrate the fullness and excellency of Christ.
As there are myriads of stars—yet all of them together are no more than a candle in comparison with the sun; so all the typical exhibitions of Christ are but a shadow in comparison with him: and "though they are exceeding glorious in themselves—yet have they no glory by reason of the glory that excels, 2 Corinthians 3:9-11." To this effect the Apostle says, "If the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh—then how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God, Hebrews 9:13-14."
This is the view which we are to take of the types, this the improvement we are to make of them.
We could not have formed any adequate idea of Christ's work and offices, if we had not been assisted by the typical institutions: these serve to embody our notions, and to make them, like a picture, visible to the eyes of men, and therefore intelligible to the lowest capacity: whereas, if we could not thus invest them, as it were, with matter, we could only offer to our bearers some abstract ideas, which, after all, would convey but little meaning, and leave no abiding impression.
INFERENCES—
1. How great are the privileges of the Christian Church!
The Jews were oppressed with a yoke of ceremonies, which they were not able to bear—the import of which they could very faintly discern—and the observance of which yielded no permanent satisfaction to their consciences, Hebrews 10:1-2; but we are freed from that yoke, and enjoy a dispensation of light and liberty. Let us be thankful for our privilege, and "stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made us free."
2. What spirituality of mind we should possess!
Our superior privileges doubtless demand a correspondent pre-eminence in our spirit and conduct. If we are "no longer servants, but sons," we ought to manifest a filial affection towards God, and a delight in his service. But do not many of the pious Jews reproach us? O let us walk worthy of our high calling, and show forth the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light! 1 Peter 2:9.
#2180
HOLDING THE HEAD
Colossians 2:18-19
"Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow."
WHILE the Apostles were yet in the full exercise of their ministry, all manner of heresies sprang up in the Church.
The Jewish converts brought with them their partiality for the Mosaic ritual, and insisted on the continued observance of it.
The heathen converts introduced the dogmas of their philosophy; on which they insisted, as rendering Christianity more conformable with the opinions to which they had been accustomed.
Hence the Apostle Paul, in the chapter before us, repeatedly cautioned the Colossian saints against both the one and the other of these heretical deceivers. "Beware," says he, "lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ, verse 8." Again, "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. verse 16, 17." And then, in reference to both the characters, he says, "Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head." It seems that some of the Jewish converts were inclined to rely on angels, as their mediators with God; for God having employed them in the dispensation of his law, they thought it probable that he would make use of them as his instruments also in communicating the blessings of the Gospel. With the heathen converts, the idea of an intermediate kind of deity was quite familiar; and, consequently, coalescing easily with the Jewish teachers in their veneration of angels, they formed, in the Church, a party, which it required all the zeal and authority of the Apostle to suppress. It was to counteract their influence that the Apostle suggested, in the words of my text,
I. A solemn caution not to depart from Christ—
It is here taken for granted, that Christians are all united to Christ by faith, as their living Head. But the Apostle declared, that the persons who were thus endeavoring to subvert the faith of the Colossians did not hold Christ as their Head; and that to embrace their opinions should, in effect, be to renounce Christ.
This was true with respect to them at that time—
To worship angels, and employ them as mediators with God, was indeed proposed under an idea of "humility;" since it was supposed that it would be presumptuous in man to apply directly to God, except through the intervention of some creatures of a higher stamp and order; but if they came to him through them as their mediators, they could not then fail of obtaining the Divine favor. But while this was recommended as an indication of humility, it proceeded, in fact, from nothing but pride: for, by "intruding into things which they had not seen," and presuming to go beyond what God had revealed, they showed that they were "vainly puffed up by their fleshly mind." In recommending the adoption of these opinions, they did eventually "rob men of their reward," instead of securing it to them by any additional bonds.
In truth, they did not themselves "hold fast to the Head," the Lord Jesus Christ; and, so far as they prevailed, they actually severed persons from Christ; and thereby ruined their immortal souls.
And it is equally true with respect to many at this time—
The whole Romish Church sanctions the worshiping both of saints and angels: and, not content with having Christ as their mediator, they make use of the Virgin Mary as their intercessor; and place as much confidence in her, as in the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Need I say, what is the origin of this, or what its effect will be? It is recommended under a pretense of "humility:" but it is the offspring of pride and carnality; it is recommended in order to secure the reward of Heaven; but it beguiles of that reward all who embrace so fatal a system.
And what are they better, who require some internal qualifications in us, as a warrant for us to apply to Christ? The Papists commend new mediators to us, in order to our obtaining of acceptance with Christ; and these other deceivers require new qualifications in us for the same end. And these, no less than the former, go beyond the Scriptures, requiring of us what God himself has never required.
All the qualification which God requires for our approach to Christ is that we thirst after him, and be willing to accept his offered benefits: "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink;" and "Whoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely." The substitution of any other terms, whatever men may pretend, is the fruit of pride: for it is an avowal, that we look for mercy at his hand as the reward of some kind or degree of goodness in ourselves; and, in effect, it transfers a portion at least of his glory to ourselves. It denies the entire freeness of divine grace, and makes salvation in part to be of works. The consequence of this will be that all who are thus led to renounce their hold of Christ, must perish. They are beguiled of their reward, and betrayed to their everlasting ruin.
To this solemn caution is annexed,
II. A most urgent reason for adhering to him—
It is by union with the Lord Jesus Christ that the whole Church exists—
There is the same union between Christ and his Church as there is between the head and members of the natural body. From the head the vital spirits may be said to flow throughout the whole body: nourishing every part, diffusing strength throughout the whole system, and combining all the members, so as to call forth and concentrate their respective offices for the good of the whole.
Thus it is that all the members of Christ's mystical body receive life and strength from him: all are fitted for the discharge of their several duties: all are made to possess one common interest, and to act for one common end. There is not one life in the head, and another in the members: it is one life that pervades them all: and this, too, in the mystical body of Christ, no less than in our own natural body. It is "not we that live, but Christ that lives in us, Galatians 2:20;" yes, "Christ himself is our life, Colossians 3:4;" and by his continued agency within us, we "increase with the increase of God."
What then must be the result, if we are cut off from him? We perish of necessity, as the members when severed from the head. Is this, then, no reason why we would guard against the introduction of error, especially of such errors as will have the effect of separating us from him?
But we may further observe, that,
It is by union with Christ that the whole work of grace is carried on in the soul of every believer—
As there is "a body of sin, called the old man," in us by nature, so is there "a new man" in us by grace: and all the different graces, of which this new man consists, are nourished by the same divine principle; and either decline or grow together, according as this is communicated to us, or withheld. A man may have in his natural body a greater measure of force and vigor in some one organ or member than in others: the eye, the ear, the hand, the foot, may possess some appropriate and distinguished excellence. But whatever affects the system generally, must affect the body in every part, and produce a corresponding diminution or increase of its powers. Now, if our connection with the Lord Jesus Christ is kept close, and our communications from him abound, we shall have all our graces lively, and vigorous, and active: but if there is anything to intercept the communications of his grace, every grace will languish and decay.
Say, then, whether in this view also we are not concerned with all care and diligence to "hold fast the Head?" Whether we consider the interests of the Church collectively, or the welfare of every individual believer, there does appear a necessity to watch against any interruption of our union with Christ, and to seek from him incessant supplies of grace and strength: for "through him we can do all things, Philippians 4:13;" but "without him we can do nothing, John 15:5."
Behold from hence,
1. How wonderfully simple is the Gospel of Christ!
If we enter into the deep mysteries of religion in an abstract way, the wisest and most acute are soon out of their depth: but if we take them as represented by Scripture images, the weakest and most ignorant Christian has as clear a conception of them as the most learned in the universe. The connection between the head and the body, and the dependence of the members on the head, may be more scientifically described by a learned man; but they are not a whit more justly apprehended by him, than by the poorest of mankind. Yet does this image contain the whole of vital Christianity; which consists in this one thing, "a life of faith in the Son of God, as having loved us, and given himself for us."
Beloved brethren, take with you this image: conceive of the Lord Jesus Christ as your head, from whom all vital influence proceeds. Look to him for a communication of that influence to your soul. Bear in mind, that, except as aided by power from him, you can do no more than your members could if separated from your head. Remember, that as every member of your body is alike under the influence of your head, so must every disposition of your soul be under the control and influence of Christ! And, as there is no schism in the body, no member affecting independence, or living regardless of the head, so let there be no lack of attention to any individual grace; but go to Him for a supply of all, that all may be strengthened, and that you may grow up in all things into Christ, your living head. Let your wisdom, your righteousness, your sanctification, your complete redemption, be all viewed as in him, and all be derived continually from him, according to the measure of the gift which he sees fit to impart.
2. The danger of departing from it in the least degree—
The persons who proposed the worshiping of angels did not mean to renounce Christ; and had they been told that their conceit was in reality a separation of themselves from him, they would have denied that any such consequences could follow. And so it is when persons are looking for some goodness of their own whereon to found their hope, or to warrant their application to Christ; they have as little idea of the evil which they commit, or of the consequences that must ensue.
But remember, that self must he altogether renounced; must be renounced by us, as much as it must by the fallen angels, if salvation were at this moment offered to them. All that we ever can have, is in Christ: it is treasured up in him for our use, and must be received from him. There is nothing which must not be "received out of his fullness:" and, if you will not come to him for it, you must inevitably and eternally perish. He is a jealous God: he will not admit of rivals: he will not endure that his glory would in any respect or degree be given to another. Whatever, therefore, any man may pretend, or whatever specious appearance any sentiment may assume, whether of superior wisdom, or deeper humility, or more ardent zeal—admit nothing, for one moment, that may interfere with the honor of the Lord Jesus: but be contented to receive all from him, to depend altogether upon him, and to give him the glory of all that you either receive or do.
In a word, be to him what your members are to your head. This idea is extremely simple. Allow nothing to set it aside, or to interfere with it. Carry it into effect in your daily life and conduct: and fear not, but that if you glorify him in this world, you shall be glorified with him in the world above.
#2181
Our Resurrection with Christ a Motive to Heavenly-mindedness
Colossians 3:1
"If you then are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God."
ONE of the most distinguished peculiarities of our holy religion is that it suggests entirely new motives to action. The inducements which reason could offer, were (as all antiquity proves) altogether weak and inefficient. Those alone which Christianity proposes are capable of restraining the passions of men, and of regulating their conduct. Beg of God then that you may feel the power of his word, while I set before you,
I. The duty here inculcated—
I by no means am intimating that we are at liberty to neglect our earthly concerns. Circumstanced as we are, we must of necessity devote much time and labor to the pursuit of worldly things: and, if we neglected them, we would offend against the order of Divine Providence, who has said in reference to them, "Six days shall you labor." But,
"The things which are above" are most worthy of our pursuit—
Among these we must number the favor of our offended God, the manifestations of his love to our souls, the attainment of his image, and the possession of his glory.
Which of these things can be dispensed with? Or which can be attained by a mere inactive wish, or by a formal and faint endeavor? These things, in point of value and importance, as far excel all earthly things, as the splendor of the meridian sun eclipses the faint radiance of the glow-worm.
These therefore we are to seek with our whole hearts—
They are to have the first place in our esteem, and to be sought with a diligence proportioned to their value, Matthew 6:33. Seeking only will not suffice: we must strive to enter in at the strait gate; for we are told that "many shall seek, and not be able, Luke 13:24." "The kingdom of Heaven must be taken by violence, Matthew 11:12," even by the holy violence of faith and prayer.
The things above must be sought with the same constancy and zeal as are employed by the world in the pursuit of things below. Worldly men are never weary in the pursuit of their objects. From the earliest dawn to the very hour when they retire to rest, their appetite for earthly things continues; nor, whatever they may attain, are they ever satisfied. Their energies may be enfeebled by labor; but their taste is still the same: they savor the things which pertain to time and sense, Romans 8:5. They seek them constantly, them supremely, them only.
Now this is the way in which we should "seek the things that are above:" and, in comparison with these, all earthly things would be to us as dung and dross. Even life itself would be of no value, if by sacrificing it our eternal interests may be improved, Luke 14:26-27; Luke 14:33.
If this appears "a hard saying," attend while I lay before you,
II. The considerations with which it is enforced—
The Apostle urges upon us our duty on the ground of consistency. Mark,
1. Your professions—
The word "If" does not express any doubt in the Apostle's mind, but imports an acknowledged fact, namely, that the Christian is risen with Christ. It is the same as if he had said, "Since you are risen with Christ." Now every Christian is risen with Christ both federally, and spiritually. Christ is his federal Head and Representative: and all that He experienced, we experienced in him. Was he circumcised when a child? Was he at the close of life crucified, dead, and buried? Did he rise, and ascend to Heaven? And is he now sitting at the right hand of God? In the whole of this we had, not an interest only, but a direct participation, Colossians 2:10-12.
Exactly as we died in Adam, partaking, as it were, with him in the sin which, as our head and representative, he committed, so all which Christ did and suffered is imputed to us, as though we had ourselves done and suffered it in him, 1 Corinthians 15:22. 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Spiritually also are we risen in Christ. All that he did and suffered is, if I may so speak, accomplished personally in every one of us, his corporeal acts and sufferings being the model of what we experience in our souls. This is by Paul stated with great accuracy. In his prayer for the Ephesian Church, he desires that they may "know what is the exceeding greatness of God's power in all his believing people, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places."
And then he marks distinctly and separately the work which God accomplishes in his people, quickening them from the dead, raising them up to newness of life, and setting them together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 1:19-20 with 2:4-6."
Now then I ask, Is not this what as Christians you profess? Do you not profess to be thus risen with Christ, savingly interested in all that he did and suffered for you, and bound to be conformed to him in the whole of this his mediatorial work and office. You do profess it, whether you intend it or not. And this profession binds you to an entire devotedness of heart and life to God. You must of necessity "thus judge, that if One died for all, then were all dead; and that he died for all, that those who live would not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them, and rose again, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15."
But you shall see this on authority that cannot be disputed, and actually urged in the very way suggested by my text. "What shall we say then; Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall we who are dead to sin (as we all profess to be) live any longer therein? Don't you know, that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also would walk in newness of life Romans 6:1-11."
The point then is proved. Consistency requires that you would seek primarily and with your whole hearts the things above.
If yet you entertain a doubt of this, I ask you, what judgment you yourselves pass on a carnal, sensual, worldly-minded professor of religion? Do you not condemn him as inconsistent? Then in so doing you pass judgment on yourselves.
2. Your expectations—
The words, "Where Christ sits at the right hand of God," are not added casually and without design: they give exceeding great weight and emphasis to all that precedes. These words express the expectations of the Christian, as the former do his professions. "Christ is at the right hand of God," the seat of honor and of power. But he is not there as a mere individual for his own happiness only. He is there prosecuting still the work which he began on earth, and in which we are as much savingly interested as we are in what he did and suffered here below.
We look to him to afford us all needful aid by the constant supplies of his Spirit and grace, John 16:7-11. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9."
We look to him to obtain for us the acceptance of our poor imperfect services, 1 Peter 2:5.
We look to Him to come again and take us in due season to a full participation of all the glory which he himself possesses, John 16:23; John 17:24, and Revelation 3:21.
But in which of these shall we succeed, it we do not live unto him? If we were to tell you, that a worldly and carnal life was the way to obtain these blessings, would you not cry out against us as "blind leaders of the blind?" Then behold what your expectations are, and how powerfully they proclaim and enforce your duties. If "your faith and hope depend altogether upon the exaltation of Christ to the right hand of God, 1 Peter 1:21," your duty must of necessity be to look to him continually, that you may receive out of his fullness all that your necessities require.
And now see,
1. How few real Christians there are upon earth—
If they were Christians who sought only the things below, there would be no lack of them in every place.
But if those only are Christians who in heart and life are risen with Christ, and who seek only the things above, then are they few indeed.
Brethren, try yourselves by these marks, and you shall soon find your real character before God: But know this of a truth, that, whatever you may think to the contrary, they only who live unto Christ in this world, shall ever live with him in the world to come.
2. How blessed are those who are Christians indeed—
Being risen with Christ, their lives are hidden with Christ in God, beyond the reach of men or devils, verse 3. While they are engaged in heavenly pursuits, they may enjoy the security which God has ordained for them. Oppositions, indeed, and difficulties they must expect; but Christ will not lose one member of his mystical body. He derides the vain attempts of his enemies and ours. We too may defy the confederate powers of earth and Hell, Romans 8:33-34; for, however they may obtain a temporary triumph, their efforts shall terminate in their own confusion. With Christ we shall rise victorious; and "when he who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory! verse 4."
#2182
HEAVENLY-MINDEDNESS
Colossians 3:2
"Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth."
IT seems harsh and paradoxical to say that Christianity is very imperfectly understood among us. Respecting its mysterious doctrines, perhaps, the allegation would be admitted without difficulty: but respecting its precepts, scarcely anyone would suspect that the observation could have any foundation in truth. But it is to the preceptive part especially that I intend the remark to be applied: and I think that before I have closed my present subject, the greater part of you will agree with me, that the sentiment is just.
The morality of Christians in general goes only to the conduct of men so far as it is visible to those around us. But the Christian precepts extend to the inmost feelings of the soul, and requires a conformity to the Savior himself, not only in the dispositions of his mind while he sojourned upon earth, but in the change wrought upon him in his exaltation to Heaven: it requires us to be dead to sin as truly as ever he died for sin; and to live as truly and entirely to God as he did, and yet does, in his risen state in glory. The precept which you have just heard will fitly illustrate this truth. I will endeavor to mark,
I. Its import—
Directions in Scripture are often put in a way of contrast, when they are to be understood only in a way of comparison. Such, for instance, is the declaration, "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice." We are not to understand that passage as prohibiting sacrifices, which had been expressly enjoined, and were yet of necessity to be offered; but only as expressing an approbation of acts of mercy, even though they would supersede the observance of some positive injunction.
When our Lord says, "Labor not for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures unto everlasting life," he must not be understood as discouraging an attention to worldly business: for God has authoritatively commanded, "Six days shall you labor." It is in a comparative sense only that his words must be understood: and in the same manner must we interpret also the words before us. Mark,
1. The things here contrasted—
"The things which are on earth" are those which relate to this present life. Even intellectual pursuits must be included, no less than the pleasures, or riches, or honors, of the world.
On the other hand, by "the things which are above," we must understand everything relating to the soul, its first acceptance with God, its progressive restoration to the Divine image, and its final possession of the heavenly glory. The latter of these we are to pursue, if not exclusively—yet supremely, so as to show that they have no rival whatever in our souls.
The term here translated "Set your affections on things above," is more literally rendered, in the margin, "Mind the things that are above." The term imports, not an exercise of the intellectual powers only, but also of the will and the affections; and such an exercise of them as demonstrates the supreme attachment of the soul. Perhaps it was on this account that our translators preferred the translation; which, though less proper in itself, more exactly conveyed the sense to those who were unacquainted with the original. But, not to separate the words, let us take them in their collective import; and consider,
2. The precept relating to them—
I have said that all concern about earthly things is not forbidden: on the contrary, there are many things which require an ardor and intensity in the pursuit, and cannot be attained without. But they must not engage the affections of the soul; they must not be permitted to stand in competition with Heaven and heavenly things.
In comparison with the knowledge of Christ, all that the world contains must be in our eyes no better than "dung and dross." The favor of an offended God:
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in all its sanctifying operations;
the witness of the Holy Spirit testifying of our adoption into his family, and of our interest in Christ;
and, finally, the eternal possession of his glory.What deserves to be sought after, like these?
What will bear any comparison with these?
These, then, are to occupy our supreme regard; and everything else must give way to them. Earthly satisfactions of any kind, if they stand in competition with them, must all be sacrificed without hesitation and without regret. So permanent must be the ascendency of these things in our minds, that no labor for them shall appear too great, and no suffering too intense. In comparison with them, even life itself must be of no value in our eyes, and the whole world be only as the small dust upon the scale.
This precept does indeed appear to impose a duty that is quite impracticable: but, to show that it deserves our most attentive regards, I will display,
II. Its reasonableness—
Let us take a more distinct survey of the two different objects which are here contrasted; and the preference required in behalf of heavenly things will be found precisely such as it befits us to manifest. For,
1. They are more excellent in themselves—
What is there truly valuable in the things of this world? They have no intrinsic worth: they are only good as being high in the estimation of men. An angel would disregard them all, as much as we would the dirt under our feet. Crowns, kingdoms, empires—what are they all, but the baubles of children, which a man in his senses would despise! Beyond food and clothing there is nothing worth a thought: and they derive their value, not from anything in themselves, but from the necessities of our nature, which render them important in our eyes.
But there is real excellency in:
the favor of God,
the grace of Christ,
the witness of the Spirit,
and the glory of Heaven!Yes, truly: these elevate our nature, and ennoble it, and raise it to its primitive perfection and blessedness. These things the highest angel in Heaven cannot but approve; yes, he must account them as objects on which it is impossible to bestow too great, or too undivided, an attention.
2. They are more satisfactory to our minds—
Those who possess the most of this world are the very persons who most feel the emptiness and vanity of it all! Go to those who have attained all that their hearts could desire, and ask them whether they have not grasped a shadow? A name, a title, a ribbon of distinction; what contemptible things in comparison with those which belong to the soul! Who that possesses them does not feel an aching void in his bosom, unless with them he possesses also the favor of God? But the blessings of which we have before spoken, are solid; and the person who enjoys them, possesses rest in his soul. "Having drunk of the living waters, he thirsts no more" for anything besides.
3. They are more conducive to our happiness—
Are the rich and great happier than other people? Not a wit! A Lazarus, with God's love shed abroad in his heart, is happier than the Rich Man among all his banquets. Search the Scriptures, and see whether those who have reveled most in their wealth, and drunk most deeply of the cup of pleasure—have not pronounced it all, not merely vanity, but vexation of spirit also?
But look at the possessors of spiritual good: take them in their lowest state; view them poor, and weeping, and mourning, and hungering and thirsting after degrees of holiness unattained: what says the Scripture respecting them? What? Our Savior himself declares them "blessed," "blessed," "blessed," "blessed!" If, like Paul and Silas, they are reduced to the most pitiable condition that can be conceived, they have ample ground for the most exalted joy: and even in martyrdom itself they have no cause for anything but thanksgiving and praise.
4. They are more easily to be attained—
Multitudes, however much they were to labor, could never gain earthly distinction: and multitudes who do labor for it with a reasonable hope of success, are left a prey to the most painful disappointments. But who that has the heart of a man is incapable of acquiring heavenly blessings? Or who ever failed in attaining them, provided he only sought them in humility and faith? Methinks this is one of the chief excellencies of spiritual things, that they are open alike to all, and never are sought in vain. Of them, in all their fullness, we may say, "Everyone who asks receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it shall be opened."
5. They are more lasting—
Let a man possess the whole world—how long shall he retain it? Every moment his happiness is drawing nearer to a close! No sooner is the breath departed from his body, than he surrenders it all to some new possessor, who shall, like him also, retain it but a little time. For "we can carry nothing away with us when we die," we came naked into the world, and naked must we depart from it.
But is it thus with the man who has sought his happiness in God? No, truly; "he has treasures in Heaven;" and at death he goes to the full possession of them. His happiness, instead of being terminated at death, is then consummated! He then, as it were, comes of age, and enters on the full possession of "his inheritance, which is incorruptible and undefiled, and fades not away, reserved in Heaven for him."
And now let me ask, Is it unreasonable that these things would occupy your minds, in preference to the vanities of time and sense? These things, which are:
so excellent in themselves,
so satisfactory to us,
so conducive to our happiness,
so certain to be attained, and
so lasting in the enjoyment?Surely the poor empty vanities of time and sense cannot for a moment, stand in competition with these; nor do they deserve so much as a thought, in comparison with them.
Let me now commend this precept to you,
1. As a test to try your character—
In this view it is particularly set before us by Paul: "Those who are of the flesh, mind the things after the flesh; but those who are after the Spirit, mind the things of the Spirit, Romans 8:5." Now, here the very same term is used as in our text: and it forms a line of distinction between the carnal and the spiritual man, between "him who is in a state of death, and him who is in the enjoyment of life and peace, Romans 8:5." It may be thought, indeed, that the adoption of evangelical opinions, and the making an open profession of piety, will supersede this test: but nothing can ever set it aside.
The Philippian converts judged that they were in a state of acceptance with God, because they professed faith in Christ. But respecting many of them, Paul said, "Many walk, of whom I have told you often, and tell you now even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction!" And then, assigning the reasons for his judgment, he combines with other things this charge, "They mind earthly things! Philippians 3:18-19."
I call every one of you, then, to try yourselves by this infallible mark. It is a point easily ascertained. You need only examine your lives from day to day, and see what it is that interests you most, and forms the leading objects of your pursuit. You may be deeply engaged about earthly things, and yet be right in the sight of God, provided heavenly things are regarded by you with supreme and paramount affection. Bring then, I beg you, this matter to a trial; and never cease to implore of God that spiritual discernment which he alone can give, and that uprightness of heart which is indispensable to the forming of a right judgment.
2. As a rule, to regulate your conduct—
Truly, this must distinguish every child of God: though in the world, we must not be of it: "our hearts and minds must be in Heaven." This is our duty, our honor, our happiness, our security. There is no standing still in religion. If we advance not, we recede. Be not contented to rest in a low state, but "press forward for the highest attainments in holiness; forgetting all that is behind, and reaching forward to that which is before, until you have fully attained the prize of your high calling!"
#2183
THE EXALTED STATE OF A CHRISTIAN
Colossians 3:3-4
"For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory!"
INNUMERABLE are the advantages which Scripture gives us over the heathen philosophers: for, while it reveals to us a much sublimer rule of conduct than they were able to devise, it affords motives sufficient to incline us to duty, and teaches us where to obtain strength for the performance of it. The duty it enjoins is nothing less than a supreme delight in heavenly things; but at the same time it animates us by the consideration of the privileges we enjoy and the prospects we have in view. What the Christian possesses in these respects may be seen in the words before us, in which we notice,
I. His exalted state—
The Christian is a paradox, being both dead and living at the same time.
He is "dead"—
Once he was alive wholly and entirely to legal hopes and carnal enjoyments: but now is dead to both. He now sees that he has no righteousness of his own for his justification before God, and no strength of his own for the fulfillment of God's holy will. He therefore renounces all dependence on himself, and seeks righteousness and strength in Christ alone, Isaiah 45:24.
As for the enjoyment of the things of time and sense, he has the same capacity for it as ever; but he has lost his inclination for it, and no longer seeks his happiness in it. He feels the emptiness and vanity of all sublunary good: and, while he is thankful for the portion of it that is committed to him, he regards the whole world as an object that is crucified, and is himself crucified unto it! Galatians 6:14.
Yet is he "alive" in a far higher sense than ever he was before—
He has in Christ a "life," whereby he is enabled to live unto his God, and to walk in the paths of holiness and peace. This life is "hidden with Christ in God;" so that, while the world sees it not, Satan is not able to destroy it. When Adam had life, so to speak, in his own possession, his great adversary prevailed over him and slew him: the believer therefore is placed beyond the reach of Satan's efforts, and has his life treasured up in Heaven, where Satan has no access, and in God, over whom he can have no power.
Indeed Christ himself lives in the believer Galatians 2:20, and is "his very life." What the soul is to the body, that is Christ to the believer's soul, acting in all its faculties, and operating in all its energies. And hence the believer, however dead he is in himself, is enabled to live in a way that no other creature in the universe can live.
But the believer must be yet further viewed by us in,
II. His glorious expectations—
The Savior, though once as unknown by the world as they, and still more despised, shall one day appear again in glory!
The time is fast approaching, when he shall descend from Heaven in his own glory, and in the glory of his Father and his holy angels. While he was upon earth, his glory was, for the most part, veiled. A little of it sinned forth on Mount Tabor; and his own more immediate followers "beheld somewhat of his glory, as the glory of the only-begotten of the Father." But "the world knew him not," "the darkness could not apprehend his light." But in the day of judgment his appearance will be such as becomes his august character, so that he will be equally acknowledged by all, whether friends or enemies, as "King of kings and Lord of lords!"
Then will the whole assembly of believers appear with him in glory!
They will be gathered from every quarter of the globe "to meet their Lord in the air," every one of them with "bodies like unto his glorious body," and souls like unto his glorified soul; for they will be altogether "like him, when they shall see him as he is! 1 John 3:2." They will then appear:
as monuments of his grace,
as trophies of his victory,
as heirs of his glory!Truly he will be admired and glorified in them, when it shall be seen what sovereignty he has exercised in the choice of them, and what power he has put forth for their salvation! 2 Thessalonians 1:10. It will then be seen, not that they triumphed, but that he triumphed for them, (upon his cross, Colossians 1:15,) and over them, (by his converting grace, Psalm 45:5. 2 Corinthians 10:5,) and in them, by the sanctifying efficacy of his Word and Spirit, John 10:28; Then will they be seated with him upon his throne, and as "joint-heirs with him" be partakers of his kingdom for evermore!
Of this, the present state of their souls justifies an assured expectation.
The connection between the two parts of my text must on no account be overlooked. Both "the death" of the saints, and "their life" warrant an assurance, that they shall reign with Christ in glory. Who can hurt the soul of one that is dead? So neither can anyone destroy a soul that is "dead to sin:" in both cases, the soul is hidden with Christ in God.
Again, when our life was committed to the keeping of the first Adam, he, though perfect, and in Paradise, allowed it to be wrested from him by the subtlety of Satan. To prevent a recurrence of such a calamity, our renewed life is not committed to our own care, but is treasured up in the second Adam, and is hidden with Christ in God, out of the reach of any enemy!
Who then shall prevail against us? Not all the powers of earth or Hell shall effect our ruin: "our life being hidden with Christ in God," we are placed beyond the reach of evil; and therefore may be sure, that when he shall appear again to judge the world, we also shall appear with him in glory. This seems to be the true import of the passage; and nothing less than this will adequately convey to our minds the security and blessedness of a believing soul.
ADDRESS—
1. Let believers be sensible of the distinguished mercy given unto them—
"Who is like unto you, O people saved by the Lord?" Behold the unregenerate world: they are "dead," it is true; but to what are they dead? Not to self, but to God and to everything that concerns the soul; while you are dead to the law, and to sin, and to the world, and alive unto God, through Jesus Christ. Light and darkness are not more different from each other, than is the spiritual from the natural man; and the regenerate man from him who remains dead in trespasses and sins. And who has put the difference between you and the unbelieving world? Who has made you children of God and heirs of glory—while so many millions of your fellow-creatures have the wicked one for their father, and everlasting misery as their portion! Truly, if you do not bless and adore your God, and rend the air with your hosannahs, the very stones will cry out against you.
2. Let them endeavor to walk worthy of their high calling—
This is the entire scope both of the preceding and the following context. "Set your affections on things above," "for you are dead," etc. Then after the text it is added, "Mortify therefore your members upon earth." This should be the effect of all God's mercies to us: and I call on every one who professes to have received life from Christ, to give evidence of that life, by "walking in all things just as Christ walked".
#2184
CHRIST IS ALL
Colossians 3:11
"Christ is all, and in all."
MEN are ever ready to value themselves upon their natural endowments, their civil distinctions, or their religious privileges; and to imagine that a preeminence in these things gives them some kind of claim to honor and respect, even from God himself. But nothing which a natural man can possess, will give him any such advantage over others as shall entitle him to boast, as though his salvation were in any measure of, or from, himself. The most learned "Greek" must be indebted to divine teaching as much as the unlettered "Scythian;" and the Jew that has been admitted into covenant with God by "circumcision," be as much saved by the blood and righteousness of Christ as an "uncircumcised" or idolatrous "barbarian;" the "free-man" has no superiority above the "slave." All stand upon the same footing with respect to salvation; all without exception are dependent upon Christ for all their mercies: in all cases, relating to all persons, and to all the circumstances of each, the creature is nothing, and Christ is all, "he is all in all." We shall,
I. Illustrate this truth—
If we consult the Scriptures, or our own experience, Christ will be found all in procuring, imparting, maintaining, and completing our salvation.
1. Christ is all in procuring our salvation—
Who among the sons of men first suggested to our Lord the plan of saving our ruined race through the sacrifice of himself? Who assisted him in performing the mighty work which he had undertaken? "Did he not tread the winepress of God's wrath alone? Isaiah 63:3." When he "finished transgression, made an end of sin, made reconciliation for iniquity, and brought in an everlasting righteousness," "there was none with him;" "he looked and there was no man; therefore his own arm brought salvation! Isaiah 59:16."
Who can add to the work which he has accomplished? Who can bring forth any works of supererogation or perfection that shall eke out his righteousness, or give weight and efficacy to his sacrifice? Surely Christ alone must be acknowledged as "the author of eternal salvation! Hebrews 5:9."
2. Christ is all in imparting our salvation—
The state of mankind may be fitly compared to the dry bones in Ezekiel's vision, Ezekiel 37:1-3; they are altogether incapable of exerting themselves in the way of godliness, or of performing the functions of the spiritual life. He who commanded Lazarus to come forth from the grave, and who calls himself "the resurrection and the life," must quicken them, or they will remain to all eternity "dead in trespasses and sins." If "we choose him, and love him, it is because he has first chosen us, and loved us! Jeremiah 31:3. John 15:16." There is not a saint on earth that must not say, "By the grace of God, I am what I am! 1 Corinthians 15:10." "It is not of blood, or of the will of the flush, or of the will of man, that we are born, but of God, John 1:13." Through the pride of our hearts indeed, we are too apt to boast: but "who among us has anything which he has not received, 2 Corinthians 4:7." Who must not trace up to God both his "disposition to will, and his ability to do" what is right and good? Philippians 2:13. Nothing but the most consummate pride can hinder us from confessing that "salvation is, not of him who wills, or of him who runs, but of God that shows mercy! Romans 9:16;" and that, "if we have been saved and called with a holy calling, it has not been according to our works, but according to God's eternal purpose and grace! 2 Timothy 1:9."
3. Christ is all in maintaining our salvation—
Nothing is more evident than our inability to maintain our natural life: however careful we be in the use of means, we cannot secure our bodies against the effects of disease or accident. The preservation of our spiritual life is yet further beyond the reach of our foresight or our skill. If left by God for one moment, we shall fall. If Adam, even in Paradise, yielded to temptation, notwithstanding he was a perfect man, then how much more shall we, who are full of evil? Paul acknowledges that, notwithstanding all the grace he had received, he "had not in himself a sufficiency even to think a good thought! 2 Corinthians 3:5."
As water ceases to flow when its communication with the fountain is cut off, or as light is instantly extinguished as soon as the rays of the sun are intercepted, so all spiritual life would cease in us for ever, if "Christ, who is our life, Colossians 3:4," would for one instant withhold his quickening influence, John 15:5.
From hence it is that we are necessitated to "live entirely by faith in the Son of God," and to "receive continually out of his fullness, Galatians 2:20."
4. Christ is all in completing our salvation—
While we continue in the body, we shall be as dependent upon Christ for everything, as we have been at any period of our existence. He who has been "the author, must also be the finisher of our faith, Hebrews 12:2;" the same "Zerubbabel who laid the foundation of this spiritual work, must finish it with his own hands, in order that, when the head-stone shall be brought forth with shoutings, we may cry, Grace, grace unto it forever! Zechariah 4:7-9." Indeed, it is not only to the end of life that Christ will carry on his work, but long after we have moldered in the grave, "he will raise us up again at the last day! John 6:39-40," appoint us our proper portion, exalt us to his throne of glory, and be the continued source of our happiness through all eternity! Revelation 7:17; Revelation 21:23.
This being a truth of infinite importance, we shall endeavor to,
II. Improve it—
It is not a mere assent to this doctrine that will profit our souls, but the application of it to our hearts and consciences. Let us then apply it:
1. For reproof—
In how strong a light does the guilt of worldly men appear when viewed through the medium of this truth!
God assures us that no distinctions of whatever kind will effectually make us happy; and that the happiness of all must be altogether in, and through Christ.
The worldling, on the contrary, declares, by his practice at least, that the world, and not Christ, is the true source of rational enjoyment. What is this but to "make God a liar?" and shall this be deemed a light offense in the day of judgment?
But this subject more particularly condemns the self-righteous. These, instead of looking to Christ for the free, unmerited, and continued exercise of his grace, are ready to boast that they are not as other men, and to go forth in a dependence on their own strength and goodness: instead of regarding him as their entire "wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption," they transfer much of his glory to themselves; instead of making him their all, they make him almost nothing. Do such persons honor Christ? or can they expect to be honored by him before the assembled universe?
Even true believers will see much cause to be ashamed when they reflect how low their thoughts of Christ have been, and how cold their devoutest affections towards him are.
Above all, the ministers of the Gospel, even the most faithful among them, have reason to be ashamed. They know that they, who neglect Christ, neglect their all; and that the consequences of that neglect will be inexpressibly dreadful. Should not then their "eyes run down with tears day and night for the pride" and ignorance of their people? Should they not "beseech them," yes, and entreat God for them, with floods of tears, if that by any means they might prevail on some to embrace the Savior? Have they not reason to tremble lest the blood of multitudes who perish would be required at their hands? Surely they, who are ready to condemn their zeal, would rather pity them, and pray for them, and encourage their activity to the utmost.
2. For direction—
They who are inquiring, what shall we do to be saved? have here the shortest and plainest direction that can be given them: if they remember that "Christ is all," and heartily endeavor to make him their all, they can never perish. Their danger arises not less from their aversion to exalt the Savior, than it does from the love of worldly and carnal lusts. Yes, it is far easier to mortify any wicked habit whatever, than to bring the soul to a sincere acquiescence in Christ as our all. We are always wanting to retain some ground of self-preference, and self-delight: but, if ever we be saved by him, we must lie in his hands as new-born infants, and be contented to be "washed, justified, and sanctified by him" alone! 1 Corinthians 6:11.
The drooping and doubting Christian may also find in these words the very direction which he most of all stands in need of. Doubts and fears arise, either from a defective view of Christ's all-sufficiency, or from an apprehension of our own lack of fitness to participate in his benefits. We wish to see ourselves purified in some measure, in order that we may be warranted to lay hold on the promises: whereas the Scripture teaches us, first to lay hold on the promises as sinners, that "by them we may" become saints, and "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit, 2 Corinthians 7:1." We mean not to encourage sin of any kind; God forbid: but we must go to Christ as having nothing in ourselves, that in him we may have all.
3. For comfort—
Doubtless, to those who determine to abide in sin, no consolation whatever can be administered, for "the wrath of God does, and ever will, abide upon them!" But to those who would forsake sin, though they be now the very chief of sinners, our text affords unspeakable comfort. They are not to heal themselves in part, and then to apply to the Physician; but to go to Christ just as they are, and to cast themselves entirely upon him. O that some might be encouraged to flee to him for refuge! For as he must be all in the very best of men, so he is willing to be all to the vilest of the human race: "him who goes unto him, he will never cast out!"
As for the true believer, the subject before us is the one ground of all his comfort: if Christ were not to be his all, he would absolutely despair; because he knows that "without Christ he can do nothing." But knowing also the all-sufficiency and faithfulness of Christ, he commits himself cheerfully into his hands, "confident that he who has begun the good work in him, will perform it to the end, Philippians 1:6," and "preserve him blameless to his heavenly kingdom."
#2185
THE IMPORTANCE OF SANCTIFICATION
Colossians 3:11
"Christ is all, and is in all!"
The Author, in the preceding Discourse, has treated this text as commentators in general have done, in reference to our justification before God. But he apprehends on further consideration, that it refers rather to our sanctification. In either sense, the position is true, that "Christ is all;" but the latter interpretation seems more exactly to convey the mind of the Spirit in this passage. The reader, by comparing the two Discourses, will be enabled to judge for himself.
In order to ascertain the true sense of any passage of Scripture, two things are to be attended to:
we should mark the scope of the context, and
compare the terms or phrases with similar passages of Holy Writ.
By separating these canons of interpretation, we shall often overlook the true meaning of God's word, and put upon it a forced construction; whereas, if we unite them, we shall almost always find its just import.
It is undeniable that the, verses which precede and follow our text refer to sanctification, see, verse 1-14; nor is there anything which properly relates to our justification: and therefore we have a strong presumptive ground for interpreting the words of our text in reference to the new nature, which is spoken of in the verse immediately before it: nor could anything but the peculiarity of the expression lead one for a moment to look for any other sense.
But it seems that to interpret the word "Christ," as meaning the image of Christ, or the New Man, is to take a great, and almost an unwarrantable liberty with Scripture. Nevertheless, if we compare some other passages with the text, see 2 Corinthians 13:5, where "Christ in us" must be understood of his image, because it is that whereby we are to ascertain whether we are in the faith. See also Galatians 4:19, where "Christ formed in us" cannot be understood of Christ personally, but of Christ spiritually, that is of his image. Above all, see Romans 13:14, where the very metaphor which occurs in our context, is used. "Put on the new man," says our context, "for Christ," that is, the putting on of Christ, or of the new man, "is all." And, in the passage referred to, is the very expression, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ", we shall find that we are fully authorized to put this construction upon it, and that there is no necessity to understand it in any other way than that which the context so evidently requires.
The meaning then of the words before us is simply this: we should be daily putting off our old and corrupt nature, and be putting on a new and holy nature; because nothing else will be at all regarded by God. Whatever advantages we possess, we have nothing, if we are not holy. On the other hand, whatever disadvantages we labor under, we shall suffer no loss, if we are holy: for the image of "Christ" on the soul "is all, in all" persons, and under all circumstances. Where that is, God will be pleased; and where that is not, he will be eternally displeased.
In order to confirm this momentous truth, we shall show, that, in the eyes of God, our restoration to the Divine image "is all in all." It is,
I. The one scope of all God's plans—
God's design in the redemption of the world at large—
When first he determined to rescue man from perdition, he decreed that he would "create us anew in Christ Jesus unto good works, in which he ordained that we should walk, Ephesians 2:10.
The means which he used for the accomplishment of our salvation had especial respect to this end, not to save us in our sins, but from them, Matthew 1:21. Acts 3:26.
He sent his only dear Son to take our nature, and in that nature to live, to die, to rise again. But in all this he aimed, not at our happiness merely, but our restoration to the holy image which we had lost, Galatians 1:4. 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 Peter 2:24. Titus 2:14." This is specified in terms peculiarly strong and energetic, in order that we may not overlook this truth as if it were only of secondary importance, Ephesians 5:25-27.
He gave his Holy Spirit also for the same end, he gave him:
to humble us, John 16:8-11,
to renew us, Titus 3:5-6,
to mortify all our vile lusts and passions, Romans 8:13,
to fashion us after the Divine image, Ephesians 4:23-24 with 2 Corinthians 1:22.A "seal" is an impress of the Divine image; and a "pledge" is the commencement of heavenly purity and joy, and to perfect that image in our souls, 2 Corinthians 3:18.
God's design in imparting that redemption to individuals—
Why did he choose any of us from before the foundation of the world? It was "that we might be holy, and without blame before him in love, Ephesians 1:4."
Why has he revealed his grace in our hearts? It was to "teach us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live righteously, soberly, and godly in this present world, Titus 2:11-12."
If he applies his promises to our souls, or hides his face from us, it is alike "for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness 2 Corinthians 7:1 with Hebrews 12:10."
Whatever be his dispensations towards us, "this is his will, even our sanctification, 1 Thessalonians 4:3;" and this is his ultimate design in all, even:
to "carry on the good work he has begun, Philippians 1:6,"
to "sanctify us wholly 1 Thessalonians 5:23," and
to "perfect that which concerns us Psalm 138:8."But holiness is also,
II. The one object of God's regard—
Nothing but holiness is regarded by him in this world—
The external ordinances of religion are not only worthless, but even, hateful, in his sight, if destitute of solid piety, Isaiah 1:11-16. On the other hand, the smallest particle of genuine holiness is not overlooked by him, 1 Kings 14:13. Even the semblance of it has sometimes been rewarded by him, in order that he might show to mankind how great a value he has for it, where it really exists, 1 Kings 21:29. One single disposition is declared by him to be of great price in his sight, 1 Peter 3:4. The purposes which have never been realized in act, are highly commended by him, 1 Kings 8:18. And wherever he sees a person laboring to do his will, he invariably reveals to him his love in a more abundant measure, John 14:23, and communicates to him his richest blessings, Isaiah 58:10-11.
Nothing but holiness will be regarded by him in the world to come—
When we shall stand at the judgment-seat of Christ, the inquiry will be, not, what we have professed, but what we have done, Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 25:31-46; and a Gentile who has served God according to the light that he enjoyed, will be preferred before the Christian professor, who has not made a suitable improvement of his superior advantages, Romans 2:25-27. Apparently trivial occurrences will be noticed in that day; and rewards will be dispensed, not according to the greatness and splendor of our actions, but according to their intrinsic qualities, and to the principle evinced by them, Matthew 10:42.
We must not indeed imagine that there is any merit in our poor services, for there is imperfection in them all; and, "if we had done all that is commanded us, still we would be only unprofitable servants:" but God delights in holiness; and wherever he beholds it, he will, of his own grace and mercy, bestow upon it a proportionate reward, exalting those to the highest thrones in glory, who have made the greatest improvement of the talents committed to them, Matthew 25:19-23.
There will be no distinction made, except what is grounded on the different degrees of conformity to the Divine image which the different individuals have attained. God will not respect the circumcised more than the uncircumcised, or the rich and learned more than the poor and illiterate. In all persons equally, the image of Christ will be sought for; and the possession, or lack of it, will determine their eternal state. "Christ will then be, as he now is, all, and in all!"
We conclude with inquiring: Who among you is like-minded with God?
1. You worldly people—
How far are you from according with God. With him, Christ is all; with you, the world. If you may but enjoy the pleasures, the honors, the riches of the world, you care not about the image of Christ: to be rich in faith and good works is not the object of your ambition—that you leave to the old, the sick, the enthusiasts.
But ah! if Christ is all, as indeed he is, think what a vanity you are pursuing: think how poor you will be in the day of judgment; and how you will then execrate your present ways. Be persuaded to be wise in time: and beg without delay that "Christ may be made unto you wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption, 1 Corinthians 1:30."
2. You self-deceiving religious professors—
How many are there in the Church, who will talk about Christ, and speak of him as the ground of all their hopes, while yet they are shamefully destitute of his image! Yes, grievous it is to say, that there are "many vain-talkers and deceivers" now, as well as in the apostolic age:
many who are proud and passionate;
many who are earthly-minded and covetous;
many who are unchaste and lewd;
many that are deceitful in their words, and dishonest in their dealings;
many, in short, whose tempers, and dispositions, and conduct, are a disgrace to their profession.If such there are here present, know that you are as unlike to God as Satan himself is! Know that all your knowledge, all your experiences, and all your professions, will only aggravate your condemnation, if you die in your present state! Job 36:13.
You do well to rely on Christ, and to make him your all in point of dependence; but know for a certainty, that, however you may pretend to trust in him, you never can he saved by him, unless you become new creatures! 2 Corinthians 5:17; for "without holiness no man shall see the Lord Hebrews 12:14."
3. You true believers—
You can appeal to God that you are like-minded with him in this grand point; and that you desire as much to be saved from sin, as to be delivered from Hell itself. This is a blessed evidence that you are born of God, 1 John 3:10. While you are thus panting after holiness, you have nothing to fear—your faith is sound, James 2:22. your hope is scriptural, 1 John 3:3, and saving, Romans 5:5; Romans 8:24. Go on then from grace to grace, from strength to strength, 2 Peter 3:18. Be daily putting off the old man with its lusts, verse 8, 9, and putting on the new man with all its characteristic graces, verse 12, 13. Be "growing up thus into Christ in all things as your living Head, Ephesians 4:15." until you have arrived at the full measure of the stature of Christ! Ephesians 4:13; and when you have attained a perfect fitness for the enjoyment of your God, you shall be like him, and with him for ever! 1 John 3:2.
#2186
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER DISPLAYED
Colossians 3:12-15
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
THE end of Christianity is to restore man to the Divine image, in order to his ultimate restoration to the blessedness which he has forfeited and lost. Nor does God ever accomplish the latter but through the medium of the former.
Doubtless the Lord Jesus Christ, by his own obedience unto death, effects our reconciliation with God: that is his work, and his alone.
But our "fitness for the inheritance of the saints in light" is the work of his Holy Spirit, Colossians 1:12; and it is wrought in every one of "God's elect:" for no one is "chosen to salvation but through the sanctification of the Spirit, united with, and added to, the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:2."
Hence, in the chapter before us, the Apostle marks distinctly wherein that renovation consists: it is "a putting off of the old man, and a putting on of the new man, which, after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness, verse 9, 10 with Ephesians 4:24."
The particular evils of the old man, which are to be put off, are enumerated in, verse 8, 9. The particular graces of the new man, which are to be put on, are stated in the words of my text: and, inasmuch as this transformation of the soul into the Divine image, or "the forming of Christ within us," is that which, beyond all other marks of distinction, will operate to our final acceptance with God. This is the meaning of "Christ is all," that is the image of Christ. Compare Galatians 4:19.
The Apostle urges us to meet God, as it were, upon his own terms: "Put on, therefore," the new man: and he urges us, by the consideration of the distinguishing grace which we ourselves have received: "Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved," this new man. Now, the attainment of this change is what we all profess to hope for; and, therefore, it should be sought by us with all diligence, and be manifested by us ill the whole of our life and conduct.
To impress this upon your minds, I will show,
I. Wherein true Christian character consists—
If we would have a full view of this subject, we must enter into the Christian's experience before God. But that would lead us beyond the proper scope of our text, which confines our attention to the Christian in his daily walk before man. Adhering then to our text, let us see what the Christian should be:
1. What the Christian should be, in the daily habit of his mind—
You cannot but know, brethren, what proud, selfish creatures we are by nature; caring for nothing but our own ease, pleasure, honor, and advancement. Except in very particular cases, where relative or social ties have created a more than ordinary interest in our minds, how little do we feel for those around us; either for those with whom we have more immediate fellowship, or those who are bowed down with sorrows of any kind!
But, in opposition to these hateful dispositions, we should put on:
in the place of indifference, compassion;
in the place of roughness, courtesy;
and in the place of pride, humility.We may conceive how a mother's affections would yearn over her first-born child, when writhing in agony, and perishing through want. Such "affections of mercies should we put on" towards all who are in want or trouble of any kind; participating, at least by sympathy, in the sorrows which we cannot alleviate in any other way. And towards every person with whom we come in contact, whether he be a superior, an equal, or an inferior; yes, and whether he be a friend or foe—we should "put on kindness," and exercise nothing but benevolence. As least of all, we would be ever ready to take the lowest place, "putting on humbleness of mind," and, with unaffected simplicity, rendering ourselves the servants of all around us. This, I say, should be the daily habit of our minds; not called forth by great exertion, but operating readily, naturally, habitually, as the feelings of a mother towards her infant offspring.
2. What the Christian should be, in his deportment towards others—
Here, alas! we cannot but be sensible:
what irritability we have shown on the slightest occasions;
what displeasure, when an offense has been of any continuance;
what alienation we have felt from those who differ from us in their opinions and conduct;
what vindictiveness, when any serious injury has been sustained by us.But all of this is sadly unfitting to us as the followers of Christ, whom, by every possible consideration, we are bound to imitate and resemble. For anger, we should "put on meekness;" and "long-suffering," in the place of retaliation or complaint. Instead of harboring intolerance, we should "put on forbearance;" and, instead of retaining a vindictive spirit against any, we should call to mind how many and great offenses Christ has forgiven us; and would gladly "mete to our fellow-creatures the measure which we ourselves have received from him." This is the spirit which we are to manifest on all occasions; and this is to be the constant tenor of our way in all our fellowship with mankind.
3. What the Christian should be, in the governing principle of his life—
Here is man's great defect. By nature we are altogether enrapt up in self. Self is the principle that actuates us in everything, and the end for which alone we live. Self-seeking, self-pleasing, self-interest, occupy, for the most part, our every thought, and regulate our every motion. But there is a new principle that is imparted to the Christian, and under its influence his whole life must be directed: and this is the principle of love. This is the root and essence of every other grace: it comprehends all, combines all, consolidates all. Whatever there be that enters into the composition of Christian "perfection, this is the bond" which unites it altogether, and forms it into one harmonious mass.
It is the spirit which pervades and actuates every faculty of the soul, even as the soul directs and regulates every member of the body. The soul, in operation, causes every member to perform its proper office; and love, presiding, will keep every Christian grace in full activity. This, therefore, we must "put on, over all, and above all" the other graces that have been mentioned; so that nothing may be lacking to the proper discharge of all our duties.
That I may the better commend to you this state of mind, I will endeavor to point out,
II. The vast importance of Christian love—
Notice particularly what the Apostle urges in my text: "Put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved," these several graces.
God calls for it;
man expects it;
consistency requires it.1. God calls for it—
You are his elect. But to what has he called you? Not to salvation only, but "unto holiness, 1 Thessalonians 4:7." Hear particularly how Paul states this matter: "God has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love, Ephesians 1:4." And again: "He has predestined us to be conformed to the image of his Son, Romans 8:29."
Now if, instead of cultivating these graces, we retain "the old man" in all its power and efficiency, we defeat the very object which God, supposing him to have elected us, has had in view. And will God endure that? Our blessed Lord said, "Have not I chosen you twelve; and one of you is a devil? John 6:70." Know, then, if we continue devils, as Judas did, we shall, with him, "go to our own place! Acts 1:25," and not to the habitation of the just. We can never be "beloved" of our God, if we are not "holy."
2. Man expects it—
If we profess to be "the elect of God," man will very reasonably demand a proof of it. We may tell him of our faith: but he will reply, "Show me your works. As for your faith, God alone can judge of that: but I must judge of the tree by its fruits: and, it you profess to be distinguished above your fellows by the special favor of your God, I have a right to ask: What do you more than others Matthew 5:47." Have you "put off the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and put on the new man, which, after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness? Ephesians 4:22-24." Let me see what your tempers are in your family, and towards all around you, and especially under circumstances of heavy trial. Tell me not of your inward experiences before God. I must judge by your spirit and conduct towards man: and, if I find you not endued with the graces of the Spirit, I can account you no better than others; yes, rather, I must account you worse; since, with all your high professions, you are no better than hypocrites and deceivers!"
3. Consistency requires it—
This is the peculiar force of my text. When we call ourselves "the elect of God," we profess to have been "renewed in the spirit of our mind;" for, if we do not profess this, the most abandoned reprobate in the universe has as much right to call himself "elect," as we.
"Are you, then, destitute of compassion? How dwells the love of God in you? 1 John 3:17."
Are you proud, passionate, intolerant, unforgiving? "Lie not against the truth James 3:14;" you are "children of darkness, and not of light;" "not children of God, but children of the devil, 1 John 3:7-10." To "call Christ, Lord, Lord," without walking in his steps, is only to deceive and ruin your own souls!
Behold then, brethren,
1. The excellence of Christian principles—
Christianity requires us to refer all good to God; and to say, after all that we have attained, "By the grace of God, I am what I am! 1 Corinthians 15:10." But will this tend to encourage us in sin? No, "the grace of God, which brings salvation, teaches us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world! Titus 2:11-12;" and "the hope that we have in Christ will, of necessity, lead us to purify ourselves, even as He is pure! 1 John 3:3."
2. The beauty of the Christian character—
Look at a man clothed, as my text describes, in all those lovely graces; and "so clothed with them," as never to be seen without them: and then tell me, whether he is not a lovely character.
Is there a man in the universe that does not admire "affections of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearance, and forgiveness," and all under the direction and government of "love?" I grant, that, from envy and jealousy, the world may be filled with rage against a person possessing all these graces: for so were they incensed against our blessed Lord himself, in whom these virtues existed in their utmost possible perfection; but this was on other grounds than on account of his virtues. He professed himself the Messiah; and therefore they put him to death: his tempers, and dispositions, and habits, they could not but admire. And so, at this day, the men that hate us, under the idea of "God's elect," cannot but acknowledge that the consistent Christian is, of all characters, the loveliest upon the face of the earth! 1 Peter 3:4. I call upon all of you therefore, brethren, to "show forth these virtues;" and thus to "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, by well-doing! 1 Peter 2:15."
#2187
LOVE TO THE SCRIPTURES RECOMMENDED
Colossians 3:16
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly!"
IT was declared to be one of the principal advantages which the Jews enjoyed above the heathen, that they had "the Oracles of God committed to them, Romans 3:1-2;" and we are still more highly privileged, in that we have in our hands the New Testament Scriptures, whereby we are enabled to understand the writings of Moses and the prophets more fully than the writers themselves understood them.
What part of the Christian records the Colossians could possess, we do not exactly know: we are sure that the sacred canon was not yet complete; nor were the different epistles which have come down to us, collected into one volume. It is probable enough that one or two of the Gospels might have been seen by them: and the possession of such a treasure would be a very sufficient ground for the exhortation before us.
To us who enjoy a complete collection of all that God has ever seen fit to reveal—at least, as much of it as is at all necessary for our edification and comfort—the exhortation may be addressed with proportionably greater weight. To impress it the more powerfully upon your minds, we shall take occasion from it to show you in what light the sacred volume should be regarded, and in what manner it should be improved.
I. In what light the Scripture should be regarded—
The word which has been transmitted to us was written by different men, in different and distant ages of the world. But though it was written by men, it is indeed the Word of God; because those holy men wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:21. Indeed, the word is, properly and strictly speaking, "the word of Christ"—
Our blessed and adorable Lord ministered to the Church not only before his incarnation, but from the very beginning of the world. It was He who preached by Noah to the antediluvian world, 1 Peter 3:18-20. It was He who inspired all the prophets in all succeeding ages of the Church; and enabled them to testify beforehand respecting his future sufferings and glory, 1 Peter 1:10-11. Thus was he the real Author of the Old Testament.
With respect to the New Testament, whatever is revealed there must also be traced to the same source. It was Christ who taught his Apostles, and who "by his Spirit brought all things to their remembrance," and, in a personal appearance to Saul, revealed to him the whole scheme and plan of redemption, Galatians 1:11-12. What the Apostles spoke in his name, they affirmed to be, not the word of man, but of God, 1 Thessalonians 2:13; and what they wrote in their epistles, they declared to be "the commandment of their Lord, 1 Corinthians 14:37." Hence every part of the sacred volume is justly called by the Apostle "the word of Christ."
In this view it ought to be regarded by us—
Let us suppose that the Lord Jesus Christ were now to come among us, and to teach in our Churches, as once he did in the streets and synagogues of Judea: would we not, if we knew him to be that very Jesus, listen to him with the deepest attention? Would we not revolve in our thoughts the various subjects of his discourse, and labor to ascertain their true import? If we could suppose him now addressing us from the cross, and appealing to his sufferings as an unquestionable demonstration of his love, and an irresistible argument for our adherence to him; would we not be melted to tears? Would we not be ready to exclaim, "What have we to do any more with idols?" "Other lords have had dominion over us; but by you only will we make mention of your name."
Or, lastly, let us suppose that we saw the heavens opened, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, Acts 7:56; let us suppose he spoke to us now, as once he did from Mount Sinai, with thunderings, and lightnings, and earthquakes, and the sound of the trumpet waxing louder and louder, Hebrews 12:18-19; would we not tremble? Would we not be ready to engage, as the Israelites did, "All that the Lord has spoken will we do, and be obedient?"
Were we to hear him speaking to us in any of these ways, the word would not more certainly be his, than this word is which we now possess: and therefore whatever opinions of fear or love or gratitude we would feel on account of such revelations of his will, we ought to feel in reference to that sacred volume which we have in our hands. Whenever we look upon it, we should say, This is the word:
of Him who came down from Heaven to instruct me;
of Him who died upon the cross to save me;
of Him who now sits enthroned in glory, and will hereafter fix my eternal doom according to it! John 12:48.Let us next inquire,
II. In what manner the Scripture should be improved—
We should not merely regard it with pious veneration, but, should make use of it,
1. For the furnishing of our minds—
It is to little purpose to have the Scriptures in our homes, unless we read them diligently, and acquire an experimental and practical knowledge of them. As the tables of the law were deposited within the ark, so should the whole "Word of God be hidden within our hearts." It should "dwell in us;" it should dwell in us "richly;" its precepts should be treasured up in our minds, that we may know what the will of the Lord is: its promises should be precious to us, that we may be able to plead them at the throne of grace, and obtain the accomplishment of them to our own souls: nor would its threatenings be overlooked, but rather be considered as kind and beneficial admonitions which are given us for our good.
It will be said by many, that their memory is defective, and that they cannot retain the things which they read or hear: but if we made a practice of selecting daily some short portion of Scripture for our meditation throughout the day, the most ignorant among us would soon attain a knowledge which at present appears far beyond his reach.
2. For the regulating of our conduct—
Speculative knowledge, for the most part, tends only to pride and contention. That which alone is valuable to the Christian, is practical. The Scriptures are designed to lead him to such wisdom and discretion as will be in vain sought for from any other source. Indeed "all wisdom" is to be "drawn from these wells of salvation."
The person whose mind is cast into the mold of the Scripture, will view everything as God views it: he will have the same practical judgment as God himself has. "Good and evil, light and darkness" will not be confounded in his mind, as they are in the minds of ungodly men: he will distinguish them with ease, except in cases that are very obscure and complicated. By means of the spiritual discernment which he has obtained, he will be able to judge of the conduct of others, while they are not able to appreciate him, 1 Corinthians 2:14-15; and as far as his actions are regulated by his principles, he will be a light to all around him; and they shall be constrained to "acknowledge that God is with them in truth,"
Indeed it is for this end that God sets up a light in his people's souls, "not that it may be put under a bushel, but that it may be set on a candlestick, and give light to all that are in the house;" and that the person possessing it may be able to say to all around him, "Whatever you have seen and heard in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you."
That we may enforce the exhortation in our text, we would remind you, that a love to the Scriptures is,
1. An inseparable attendant on true piety—
Look at the most distinguished saints, and see how they regarded the inspired records. Job esteemed the words of God's mouth more than his necessary food, Job 23:12. Jeremiah found them the "joy and rejoicing of his heart, Jeremiah 15:16." And to David they were "sweeter than honey and the honey-comb, Psalm 19:10." Let not us then think that we have any title to be classed with those holy men, if we do not resemble them in this particular.
2. A necessary means of advancement in every part of the divine life—
Have we been only just quickened from the dead? We cannot but love that which has been the means of giving us life, Psalm 119:93.
Are we as new-born babes? we must of necessity "desire the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby, 1 Peter 2:2."
Have we arrived at the strength and stature of youth? "that word must abide within us, in order that we may be able to overcome" the great adversary of our souls, 1 John 2:14.
In a word, whatever state we be in, it is "by the Scriptures that we are to be furnished for every good word and work, 2 Timothy 3:16-17."
#2188
DOING ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRIST
Colossians 3:17
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
SUPPOSING the existence of one Supreme Being to be acknowledged, our obvious duty towards him must be to exercise such a dependence on him, as shall evince a consciousness, that "in him we live, and move, and have our being, Acts 17:28." This being what, for distinction's sake, I will call natural religion, we may see what must, of necessity, be required of us under the Christian dispensation.
By the Gospel we are informed, that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Creator and Governor of the universe; and, consequently, must be entitled to all that regard which, as Theists, we pay to the Supreme Being. But He is further revealed to us as the Redeemer of the world; and, consequently, as standing in a still nearer relation to us, as our vital Head; from whom we derive all supplies of grace and peace, and to whom we must ascribe all the blessings which we enjoy, whether in time or in eternity.
What, then, is evangelical religion? It is not a mere assent to certain principles, however accurate those principles may be. Nor is it a practice of certain duties, however commendable those duties may be. It is a habit of mind, by means of which Christ's universal agency is acknowledged, and the whole soul goes forth to him; receiving everything from his fullness, and improving everything for his glory.
To unfold this more clearly, I will endeavor to show, what, under the Gospel dispensation, should be the habit of our minds,
I. In all that we do for God—
In my text, we are told to do everything "in the name of Jesus Christ." Now, by this expression, I understand that we should do everything,
1. From respect to his authority—
Paul says, "We command you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, 2 Thessalonians 3:6." It was by the authority of Christ that he issued that command; and from a respect to that authority was that command to be obeyed.
In like manner must we have respect to Christ in everything that we do: for he has said, "Then are you my friends, if you do whatever I command you." It must be a matter of indifference to us what man may enjoin, unless it have the sanction of our blessed Lord's authority also.
We must always ask ourselves, What does the Lord Jesus Christ require of me? That I will do, at all events, and under all circumstances. If it is approved of man, I will do it, not so much to please man, as to please the Lord: and If it is disapproved by man, I shall still do it, because it will please my Lord. Nor will I be diverted from the path of duty, though the whole world would combine to oppose my progress. My Lord's will being clearly ascertained, I shall need nothing to encourage my exertions, nor will I suffer anything to obstruct them.
2. From love to his name—
We read of "receiving a child in Christ's name," and of "giving a cup of water in his name, Mark 9:37; Mark 9:41;" that must import that we do it from love to Christ. And this should be the one spring of all our actions: "The love of Christ would constrain us! 2 Corinthians 5:14." It is not necessary that there would be in our minds, on all occasions, a long train of argumentation to call forth this principle: a mother needs not such a process to call forth her love to her infant offspring: if an occasion calls for the exercise of that principle, it is ready for action at all times, and at a moment's notice. And so should it be with us, towards our Lord Jesus Christ. There should be in us such a deep and abiding sense of our obligations to him, that, in everything we say, and in everything we do, we would desire to please him.
3. In dependence on his grace—
The Prophet Micah says, "All people will walk in the name of his God; and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever;" that is, in an entire dependence upon him. Now, to whom must we look for direction in all our ways, but to the Lord Jesus Christ, who has engaged, as our Shepherd, to go before us, John 10:4, and who has told us in all things to follow his steps, 1 Peter 2:21."
And on whom shall we rely for assistance in our difficulties, but on him who has directed us to be "strong in the Lord, Ephesians 6:10," and assured us that "through his strength we shall do all things, 2 Corinthians 12:9. Philippians 4:13."
And through whom can we hope for acceptance, but through Him, our Mediator and all-prevailing Intercessor, Ephesians 3:18. 1 John 2:1-2.
4. For the advancement of his glory—
When Peter and John had healed a man that had been lame from his mother's womb, the spectators were ready to ascribe the miracle either to "the power or holiness of those" who had wrought it. But the Apostles instantly gave the glory to the Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name, and by whose power alone, it had been wrought: "Through faith in his name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which is by him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all, Acts 3:6; Acts 3:16."
Thus, whatever it is that we either say or do, we must consult his glory, and labor to advance it. Nothing is too insignificant for us to attend to in this view: "Whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we must do all to the glory of God, 1 Corinthians 10:31." If it is thought that it would be presumption to suppose that anything we can do can by any means advance his glory, we quite mistake: for, in his last intercessory prayer, he said, "All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them, John 17:10."
The same habit of mind must be cultivated, also,
II. In all that God does for us—
There may be many occurrences which, to flesh and blood, are painful: yet, in them must we see nothing but an occasion of praise and thanksgiving. Job blessed God as well for taking away his property as for bestowing it, Job 1:21. And thus must we also "in everything give thanks," knowing that "this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us, 1 Thessalonians 5:8."
We, in all circumstances, have occasion to praise our God—
Those things which have the most painful aspect are yet in reality the fruits of divine love: for "whom God loves, he chastens; and scourges every son whom he receives, Hebrews 12:6." Indeed, the beneficial tendency of our afflictions is often as clear and visible as if it were pointed out to us by a voice from Heaven. For who does not see how trials wean us from the world, and purify us from our dross? We are told, and we find it true, that "tribulation works patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, even a hope that makes not ashamed, Romans 5:3-5." But, independent of this, so great are the blessings of redemption, that they ought to swallow up, as it were, every other consideration; and to fill our souls with unutterable joy and gratitude, even in the midst of all the troubles that either men or devils can inflict upon us.
In the first chapter of this epistle, the Apostle puts this in a most striking point of view. He supposes the Colossians to be oppressed with heavy and long-continued afflictions: and "he prays for them," that they may be "strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:11-14."
Must they under their trials be content with exercising "patience?" No! Or "long-suffering?" No! They must be filled with "joyfulness;" and be so borne up by a sense of God's mercy, and by the wonders of redeeming love, as to have not a word to utter but in a way of praise and thanksgiving. This then, beloved, is to be the frame of your minds at all times; as it was of Paul and Silas, when in the prison and in the stocks "they sang praises to God at midnight, Acts 16:25."
In doing it, however, we must still have respect to the Lord Jesus Christ for the acceptance of our very best services—
Continually is this inculcated in the Scriptures of truth. "We must give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20." Praise is "a sacrifice which must be offered" on him as our altar; and "be presented by him" as our great High Priest, even as the animals were under the Jewish law, Hebrews 13:15. It is therefore called "the calves of our lips, Hosea 14:2." Nor can any sacrifice, however holy, be "acceptable to God, but as offered to him through Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 2:5." This is particularly to be borne in mind at all times. We must do on earth as they are doing in Heaven. Not a voice is heard in Heaven which does not give glory to God and to the Lamb: nor on earth should a soul be found that does not say, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto your name be the praise."
Let me now observe,
1. If this is true religion, how little is there of true religion upon earth!
Where do you find men of the character above described? How few are there, how very few, in whom this is found to be the prevailing habit of their minds! An attention to doctrines is frequent; nor is regard for moral duties uncommon: but such views of Christ, such respect to his authority, such love to his name, such dependence on his grace, such zeal for his glory, and such an overwhelming sense of his love as swallows up every other feeling—where are these found?
In how very small a measure are they possessed by the very best among us! and how far are the generality from possessing them at all! Yet it is by this standard that all Christian experience must be tried.
My dear brethren, get your minds rightly instructed in this matter; and then will you be able to form a right judgment, both of your own state and of everything around you.
2. If this is true religion, how happy a man is the true Christian!
Doubtless the Christian must be conscious of innumerable defects, and must find cause in himself for the deepest humiliation. But, in proportion as he has attained this experience, tell me whether he is not happy? Tell me whether he is not a far happier man than the possession of the whole world could make him? I know that an ignorant ungodly world will deride this as enthusiasm: but the passage which I before cited, in reference to natural religion, is amply sufficient to show that this experience is most rational, and indispensable to the Christian character.
What are the feelings of one who, in the daily habit of his mind, "lives, and moves, and has his being in God?" Precisely such are the Christian's feelings towards the Lord Jesus Christ, only elevated by a sense of redeeming love.
"Believe then in Christ;" and "abide in him" by the exercise of faith and love: and let him be "your life." Yes, "live altogether by faith in Him who has loved you, and given himself for you." Then will you "rejoice in him even now, with a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory," and soon be partakers of "all the fullness of joy at God's right hand for evermore!"
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THE RELATIVE DUTIES EXPLAINED
Colossians 3:18 to Colossians 4:1.
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Servants, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that you also have a Master in Heaven."IT is often a matter of complaint with some, that many who have been ordained to preach the Gospel leave the great and mysterious doctrines of the Gospel in the background, and bring forward little else than dry morality. But, whatever ground there may be for that complaint, it may be well to inquire, Whether there be not too much reason to complain of another class, who pay such exclusive attention to the doctrines, as almost entirely to overlook the duties, of the Gospel? Among some it would be almost thought superfluous, and even wrong, to devote an entire discourse to the subject of moral duties; since, according to their views, the discharge of them may well be left to the simple operation of faith, without any distinct statement of them from the teachers of Christianity.
But the Apostle Paul did not think so. On the contrary, in those two epistles (to the Ephesians, and Colossians) in which he enters most deeply into the mysteries of Christianity, he enlarges most fully on the relative duties. We are persuaded that a similar plan ought to be adopted by every minister of Christ. We should have no exclusive preference for doctrines or duties, but would put each in their place, and bring them both forward in their proper season. Convinced of this, we enter with great pleasure on the consideration of our relative duties; that is, of the duties,
I. Of husbands and wives—
It is worthy of observation, that, not in this place only, but in all other places where the Apostles speak of the relative duties, they mention those of the inferior first. The reason of this seems to be, that the duties of the inferior arise solely from the command of God, and are totally independent of the conduct of the superior; so that no neglect of duty on the one part can justify any neglect of it on the other. Agreeably therefore to the Apostolic plan, we shall notice the duty,
1. Of wives—
To you are assigned obedience and subjection. Partly, because you were created after man, and for the sake of man; and partly because you were first in the transgression, and were the means of bringing ruin upon man and upon all his posterity, 1 Timothy 2:11-14 with Genesis 3:16. The extent to which obedience to your husband is required of you is indeed exceedingly great: it reaches to everything that is not contrary to the will of God: it is, if I may so speak, co-extensive with the obedience which the Church owes to the Lord Jesus Christ; and your obedience is due to your husband, as to the Lord himself.
I am aware that this expression is very strong; but I conceive it is not at all stronger than the declarations of Paul. True, in the text it is only said, "Submit yourselves, as it is fitting in the Lord:" but in the Epistle to the Ephesians he draws the very parallel that I have drawn, and shows that your duty to your husband corresponds exactly with the Church's duty to the Lord Jesus Christ: "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as unto the Lord: for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the Head of the Church: and he is the Savior of the body. Therefore, as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything, Ephesians 5:22-24."
In the whole of this obedience, she must feel that it is due to him by God's special appointment: that he is her head, and her lord, whom she is bound, not only to obey, but to obey with "respect, Ephesians 5:33," "even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, 1 Peter 3:1; 1 Peter 3:5-6."
This may be thought to sound harsh by those who are not accustomed to consider what the Scripture speaks on this subject: but it will not be thought so, if we contemplate what God has required,
2. Of husbands—
Your duty, is to "love your wives," and never on any occasion to entertain an unkind feeling towards them. A proud, haughty, imperious behavior towards them is most offensive to God, who will regard every harsh, bitter, or contemptuous expression towards them as an abuse of your authority and a violation of his commands. Though he has constituted you lords, he has not authorized you to be tyrants; but requires you to be precisely such lords over your wives, as Christ is over his Church. You are to govern, it is true; but you are to govern only for the good of the wife; you are to seek only, and at all times, her best interests, and to promote to the utmost of your power her real happiness. You must not require anything unreasonable at her hands, nor ever fail to recompense with testimonies of your love, the efforts which she makes to please you. Nor must you merely endeavor to render her happy, but you must be ready to make great sacrifices for this end.
What the Lord Jesus Christ has done for his Church, is set forth as the proper model and pattern of your duty towards your wife: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it." O! what an example is here! Methinks, no wife would complain of the obedience that is required of her, if the authority of her husband were exercised in such a way as this! On the contrary, obedience on her part would be her chief delight.
Know then, you husbands, that this is the duty assigned to you: if your wives are to be obedient, as the Church is to Christ—then you also on your part are to be loving, even as Christ is to the Church. Your wives should be to you as your own flesh. "Now no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord does the Church, Ephesians 5:28-29; Ephesians 5:33;" and precisely in the same way should you exercise all imaginable tenderness towards your wives, and be as careful of paining them as you would be of suffering anything to wound the apple of your eye.
Next to the duties of husbands and wives will naturally follow those,
II. Of parents and children—
Here again we are called, in the first place, to notice those of the inferior:
1. Of children—
Obedience is your duty also: nor is there any limit to the exercise of this duty, except where you are required to violate a command of God. Reason indeed is sufficient to teach you this: for your own ignorance and inexperience must of necessity direct you to look up to your parents for instruction and guidance. But Scripture teaches you to regard the authority of your parents as God's authority, and to consider obedience to them as obedience to him. In fulfilling the commands of parents, there should be no reluctance: on the contrary, to please, and serve, and honor his parents would be the desire and delight of every child. He should have no wish to shake off their yoke; no desire to act independently of them.
Nor let this be thought hard: for God has annexed a special promise to the fulfillment of this duty: the command relating to it is said to be "the first commandment with promise, Ephesians 6:1-3;" and it is generally to be observed, that the blessing of God does rest in a more especial manner, throughout the whole of their lives, on those who have honored and obeyed their earthly parents.
This may be accounted for on natural principles; for the dispositions which are exercised in filial obedience argue a degree of self-government, which will go far to render a man both amiable and prosperous in every situation and condition of life. But besides this, the blessing of God will assuredly rest on such characters; and He, as the universal Parent, will recompense into their bosom their compliance with this command.
2. Of parents—
Both in the text, and in the parallel passage in the Epistle to the Ephesians, there is a restraint laid on parents with regard to the exercise of their authority: it is not to be attended with harshness or severity, "lest they provoke their children to anger, and discourage them" from attempting to fulfill their duty, under the idea, that, whatever efforts they may use to please their parents, it will he a hopeless task.
Parents have much to answer for, when they produce such an effect as this on their children's minds. If on the one hand it be said, that "there is much folly in the heart of a child, and that the rod of correction must drive it out;" it must be remembered, on the other hand, that the mind of a child may soon be cast down, and that we may by harsh restrictions and undue severity augment that very rebellion which we endeavor to subdue.
There can be no doubt but that many parents harden their children's hearts against their authority in the first instance, and ultimately against the authority of God himself, purely by the tyranny which they exercise, and by the continual irritations which they occasion. That is a humiliating view which the Apostle gives of parents, but, alas! how true in too many instances, Hebrews 12:10; and in the last day they will be found, in too many instances, the prime movers, and the real causes of their children's eternal ruin!
Fathers, be upon your guard respecting this; and instead of thus driving your children to despondency, endeavor to bring them up in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord, Ephesians 6:4." See in what way God deals with His children, how he bears with their infirmities, and consults their best interests, Psalm 103:8-13; so would you do, 1 Thessalonians 2:11; and, like Abraham of old, be solicitous only for their eternal welfare, Genesis 18:19.
There is yet one other relation specified in the text, namely, that,
III. Of masters and servants—
It has pleased God that there should be different ranks and orders of society, and that to each would be assigned appropriate duties. We notice those,
1. Of servants—
Your rank in society is ordered by the Lord: nor, when you hear in what light you are viewed by him, will you see any reason to repine at it. By virtue of your office you are required to "obey those who are your masters according to the flesh:" and to obey them cheerfully too, and without reserve. Nor in the discharge of this duty are you to act in the absence of your master any other way than you would in his immediate presence; you are to render obedience "in singleness of heart, as unto Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, Ephesians 6:5-6."
What an elevated view does this give of your situation and employments! You appear to be servants of men: and so indeed you are. But you are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ: and it is your privilege to consider yourselves as living in his service, as much as if he were to come down to sojourn again on earth, and to admit you into the number of his servants. Whatever your particular office is, you are privileged, so to speak, as altogether to forget your servitude to man, and to consider yourselves as performing the office of angels in the service of your God and Savior.
It is your privilege also to expect your wages from Him. What you receive from man, is for your body only: but you shall have wages for your soul also, even "the reward of an eternal inheritance!" This is represented as the state even of slaves, and of those who were called to serve Jewish or Heathen masters. How much more then is it the happy state of you who live in Christian families, and especially where God in Christ Jesus is loved and feared! Yes, "whether you be bond or free, your Master, your work, your wages are the same, Ephesians 6:8." Act then agreeably to this exalted view of your station. Even though you would have "froward and unkind masters," still act the same: and, if your work is thereby rendered the more difficult, your reward shall be proportionably advanced, 1 Peter 2:18-20.
2. Of masters—
As your servants are to put you in the place of Christ, so are you to be as in the place of Christ to them. Exactly such a muster as he, if in your place, would be, such are you to be to those who are under your command.
Would he never be unreasonable in his expectations or commands? So neither are you to be.
Would he be kind and indulgent? So must you be.
Would he delight to make his servants happy; and would he consult in all things their eternal welfare? So are you to act, "doing in your station the same thing in them," as they in theirs are required to do to you, Ephesians 6:9.
Especially must you "forbear all threatening" words or looks, "remembering that you also have a Master in Heaven, with whom there is no respect of persons," and who, as their avenger, will call you to an account for all acts of unkindness or oppression towards the basest of mankind. In a word, see how your God directs and governs you; and let him be your model for your government of those whom he has graciously committed to your care.
We may see here,
1. The extent and excellence of true religion—
Religion enters into every situation and relation of life. It finds the whole world disordered like a body, every joint of which from head to foot is dislocated: but by its operation on the hearts of men, it sets every joint in its place, and diffuses through the whole a divine unction, whereby every joint is set at liberty, and performs with ease its proper functions.
Those in a higher and more honorable station despise not those which are lower and less honorable; neither are they envied by them: but each occupies with contentment and satisfaction the place assigned it by its Maker, and finds its own happiness in contributing, according to its ability, to the good of the whole.
If it is said that these effects are not visible in the world, even among those who profess religion; I answer, that this only shows how little there is of true religion in the world!
The first ages of the Church display in all its beauty the native tendency of Christianity: and, if the same effects are not alike visible now, it is not owing to any lack of efficiency in religion itself, but to the low state of religion in the world. In proportion as vital godliness prevails, it does, and ever must, manifest its practical influence upon the heart and life.
2. The importance of studying the character of Christ—
Christ ought to be well known to us in his work and offices as the only Savior of the world. But we must not confine our attention to his mediatorial work: we must also contemplate him as an example which we are to follow in every part of our conduct both towards God and man.
Behold him as a son and a servant; what an entire devotion was there in him to his Father's will! It was his food and drink to do it.
View him also as the Husband and Lord of his Church; what inconceivable love and kindness does he exercise towards her at all times, notwithstanding her innumerable defects! Let us then study his character; and whether we move in the higher or inferior relation, let it be the one aim of our lives to walk in his steps, and to follow his example.
3. The way in which to judge of our spiritual attainments—
Religion is a practical thing, and is intended, as we have shown, to make us fill to advantage every relation in life. Now I grant that there are many who discharge in a most commendable manner their relative duties, while yet they have no regard for God in their hearts. Consequently, I cannot exactly say that the fulfillment of relative duties will stamp you as pious characters: but this I must say, that the not discharging of these aright will prove to demonstration, either that "your religion is altogether vain," or that it is at a very low ebb indeed.
But supposing that there be no manifest neglect of these duties, I would ask: How much is there of God in them? Is the authority which you either obey or exercise, regarded as God's? Is his will considered as the rule of all that you do, and his glory as the end? Here is the point to be inquired into: it is this which makes your actions pleasing and acceptable to him: and I may add, that it is this which will make obedience easy and delightful to yourselves.
Habituate yourselves then to realize the thought that it is Christ whom you serve, or in whose place you stand while others are serving you. So shall your whole deportment become exquisitely pure, and holy, and refined; and you will "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things!"
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THE CHARACTER AND AIM OF A CHRISTIAN MINISTER
Colossians 4:12
"Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."
LOVE is the essence of the Christian religion. The heathen themselves noticed the fervor of the love which existed among the first Christians. Ministers in particular feel a distinguished regard for those to whom they have been signally useful, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8. Epaphras is set forth as a most eminent pattern of affection and zeal.
I. The office he sustained—
Epaphras was perhaps the same with Epaphroditus. He was of Colosse, and perhaps the founder of the Church established there; he sustained the most honorable of all offices, being "a servant of Christ." This office every Christian may be said to bear, but ministers bear it in a higher and more exalted sense. They are,
1. His stewards—
A steward has the care and management of the family committed to him: so Christ's ministers have the mysteries of the Gospel committed to them, 2 Corinthians 4:7. They are to dispense these mysteries to men, Luke 12:42; hence we are taught to consider them expressly in this view, 1 Corinthians 4:1.
2. His messengers—
They are ambassadors from the court of Heaven, 2 Corinthians 5:19-20; they deliver to men his messages of grace and mercy: they negotiate, as it were, a peace between God and man.
3. His representatives—
They stand in his stead, 2 Corinthians 5:20; the word they speak is not theirs, but his, 1 Thessalonians 2:13. The reception or rejection of them will be deemed a reception or rejection of Christ himself, 1 Thessalonians 4:8.
4. His glory—
They are the instruments whereby he is known and glorified: hence they are expressly called "the glory of Christ, 2 Corinthians 8:23."
In this office he acted worthy of the trust reposed in him.
II. The love he manifested—
Love will invariably manifest itself in acts of kindness towards those who are the objects of it. A minister's love will show itself most towards the souls of men; but none can do good to souls unless God himself grants his blessing, 1 Corinthians 3:7; hence Epaphras made application to God in prayer.
He did this fervently—
It is said of Jacob that he "wrestled" with God all night in prayer. Compare Genesis 32:24; Genesis 32:28 with Hosea 12:4. Thus did Epaphras on behalf of the Christians at Colosse. How desirable is it that every minister would be so occupied!
He did it constantly—
He was not satisfied with preaching to them, or praying with them: he remembered them "always" in his secret prayers before God, 1 Thessalonians 3:10 with Isaiah 62:7; nor did his absence from them diminish his concern for their welfare. This was the most unequivocal testimony of his affection that he could possibly give them. It is easier to preach to men ten hours, than to pray for them one!
Nor could he rest satisfied, while his people had sins to forsake, or spiritual needs to be supplied.
III. The end he aimed at—
He desired that his Christian friends might be Israelites indeed; no doubt he had exerted himself much and often to make them so. He sought the same blessed end in all his prayers for them:
1. That they might have no secret reserves in their obedience—
He well knew that one sin indulged would destroy the soul, Jeremiah 48:10. He was aware that nothing but the most unreserved dedication of ourselves to God's service would be of any avail Psalm 119:6. He therefore prayed that they might do "all" the will of God.
2. That they might attain the highest degrees of holiness—
There is no absolute perfection or completeness in the creature; but there are high degrees of holiness to which the upright may attain. He wished them not to continue babes, but to arrive at a state of manhood; and not to be satisfied with a scanty measure of grace and knowledge, but to be "filled with all the fullness of God." He longed that they might be as eminent in piety as possible, 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
3. That they might be steadfast to the end—
Many "endure only for a season, and in a time of temptation fall away;" but the apostatizing of persons who have been hopeful, is death, as it were, to a faithful minister of Christ, 1 Thessalonians 3:8. He knew that there were many seeking to turn them from the faith, Colossians 2:8; he therefore sought to have them so established that they might "stand."
We may observe from hence,
1. What should be the standard of a minister's preaching—
Faithful ministers are often thought too strict and severe; but if they would desire such spiritual maturity for their people, they would labor also to promote it by their preaching. If they would lower the standard of men's duty, they would betray and murder the souls committed to them! Let not any then condemn the strictness or severity of what they hear, unless it exceeds the Scripture standard.
2. What should be the measure of the people's practice—
There is no attainment with which we would be satisfied, while there remains anything to be attained. What ministers would desire for us, we ought to desire and aim at for ourselves. Whatever then we may have attained, let us forget what is behind, and press forward toward that which is ahead!