Christ Alone!

James Smith

 

Jesus, Our Shepherd

"I will set up one Shepherd over them, and he shall feed them." Ezekiel 34:23

As a flock needs constant attention, and constant care, so does the believer in Jesus. With a natural proneness to wander, liable to many diseases, exposed to watchful and cruel foes--the care of a shepherd is constantly necessary. Jesus has been appointed to that office by his Father. He has assumed it, and has become the "great Shepherd of the sheep." He fills it, and brings honor to it. He knows the exact number of his flock; he knows the name, nature, and situation of every one committed to his care. He has given his word to watch over them, feed them, protect them, and present them sound and whole before the presence of his Father. He is always at his post. He delights in his work. He loves his sheep. He feeds his flock, he gathers the lambs with his arms, carries them in his bosom, and gently leads those that are burdened. His watchfulness, vigilance, and care are such, that though thousands have wandered, he has never lost a lamb from his flock; and what is better, if better can be, he never will. He selects for them the best pasture, and leads them to it; he conducts them to the clear, still waters, so that they may feed, fatten, and rest. He rejoices over them to do them good, with his whole heart, and with his whole soul.

Reader, are you one of the flock of Jesus? Do you know the great Shepherd's voice? Do you come at his call, and follow in his footsteps? Do you look to Christ alone as your Shepherd, expecting him to feed you, guide you, guard you, and place you in the glorious presence of his Father forever? If so, great are your privileges, happy is your lot, glorious are your prospects. Keep close to your Shepherd's side, and listen daily to your Shepherd's voice.

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep." John 10:11

 

The Commendation

"You are fairer than the children of men; grace is poured into your lips: therefore God has blessed you forever." Psalm 14:2

Reader, I wish to commend One to your attention, who is worthy of your love, and suited to your circumstances. As an immortal being you have many needs, many inward aspirations. Those needs no creature can supply; those aspirations no creature can satisfy. But Jesus can. He has all you need. He is all you can desire. Christ alone is sufficient. I can speak from experience. I had those wants. I had those aspirations. I sought satisfaction from many quarters, and in many ways, but only to meet with disappointment. At length my attention was directed to Jesus. I heard him spoken of, I read his word, I applied to him, and I found that he was just what I needed; and of a spiritual nature, all I needed. I looked to him. I believed in him. I received from him. I had peace. Peace! I had more, I was filled with joy. I was happy. I had found the priceless pearl. I was made for eternity. Many years have passed since then, but every year deepens my sense of the excellency of Jesus, and heightens my views of his adaptation to the wants of man. To know him, is to love him. To believe in him, is to be saved. No one can tell, but he who has tasted it, the unutterable joy that flows from fellowship with him. This glorious Savior I wish to commend to you, and my object will be to point out some of his excellencies, to show his exact adaptation to you, in order to induce you to believe on his name, and seek an interest in his glorious person and finished work.

"His name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and Heaven." Psalm 148:13

 

Jesus, Able to Save

"He is able to save to the uttermost, all who come unto God by him." Hebrews 7:25

Great sinners need a great Savior. Indeed, when the soul is soundly convinced of sin by the Holy Spirit, it will not build, but on a sure foundation; it will not rest, but in a place of safety. And in proportion to the depth of our convictions, will be our concern to make sure work for eternity. Many things may be tried, but all will fail to give peace. Often, very often will the suggestion be thrown into the mind, that the case is desperate, that deliverance is not to be obtained, that there is no salvation. This comes from Satan, and is intended to dishonor Jesus, and distress the soul. No one can save but Jesus. It must be Christ alone. There is no salvation but in his perfect work. Our tears, prayers, efforts, will not save us. They sometimes stand in the way of our enjoying salvation; but they cannot save. There is no merit in them. They cannot procure our pardon or bring us peace.

But Jesus can save. There is no sinful creature under Heaven that he is not able to save. His ability stands in his Divinity, he is God, therefore to him all things are possible; and in the merit of his sacrifice, which is infinite, and, therefore, can expiate all sin. The atonement that Jesus made, is sufficient to blot out all the sins of all men; it must be so, for it was the offering up of himself, as a sacrifice for our sins. As an infinite being, offering up himself, he could not make a finite atonement; and an infinite atonement must be sufficient for any number of sinners, and for any sinner, however great his crimes. Reader, Jesus can save you. He can save you at this moment. He can save you with perfect ease. He can get glory by saving you. Doubt not, he is the Almighty. Fear not, for his blood cleanses from all sin.

"Who is this? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save." Isaiah 63:1

 

Jesus, Willing to Save

"If you will, you can make me clean. I will; be clean." Mark 1:40, 41

Many profess to believe that Christ is able to save them, but question if he is willing; whereas they have no more reason to believe in his ability, than they have in his willingness. How do I know that Christ can save me, but by his word? The same word that tells me he is able, informs me with equal clearness that he is willing. The poor leper might doubt if he would cleanse him, because he came to him uninvited, nor had he a single promise on which to rest. Impelled by his distressing circumstances, he came on a perhaps, but he no sooner professed his faith in our Lord's power, than he received the assurance that he was willing, and instantly enjoyed the proof of both.

The heart of Christ has been set upon saving sinners from all eternity, and as soon as ever the divine arrangement would permit, he came into our world in order to do, and suffer, all that was requisite to save our souls from death. While upon earth, he showed his sympathy with human suffering, his ability to deliver from all kinds of evil, and his readiness to receive and bless every applicant. His heart was full of compassion and mercy. His hand was ready to help every one that applied to him. This was for our instruction. Surely he is not less willing to hear us for spiritual blessings, than he was those who applied to him for temporal things! He cannot be backward to save from Hell, when he was so ready to deliver from disease and pain. But we need not reason, for we have his word. He says, "Whoever will, let him come." "And whoever comes, I will in never cast out." Reader, are you willing to be saved by Jesus? If so, Jesus is willing to save you, and your willingness is a proof of his.

"Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" Mark 4:40

Jesus, Waiting to Save

"Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you." Isaiah 30:18

If the Lord had made us wait for him, we would not have wondered. The wonder is for him to wait for us! Yet, the Lord Jesus does wait for the sinner. He is on his throne of grace. He has sent out his invitation. He employs his ministers and friends to send sinners to him. He waits for them to come, that he may pardon their sins, give them peace, and bestow on them everlasting life. What wondrous grace! What marvelous condescension! Jesus is waiting this day.

Reader, it may be that Jesus is waiting for you. He is waiting until you see your folly, give up your evil courses, are stripped of your self-righteousness, and are made willing to be saved by his merit and mercy alone. If anything will commend you to him, it will be your poverty, your misery, and your sinfulness. He waits to see you stripped of every false hope, driven out of every refuge of lies, and led to flee to him for a full and free salvation. He is quite ready to bless you, if you are ready to be blessed. He is ready to receive you, if you are ready to receive him. He has called you often. He is calling you still. Every solemn providence, every impressive sermon, every alarm in your conscience, every holy book that is put into your hand--is a fresh call from Jesus. It tells you that he is willing and waiting to bless you; that there is nothing between you and everlasting life but your own ignorance, obstinacy, and unbelief. The love of Christ is astonishing, surpassing the love of women. No fond mother was ever so ready to receive to her home and to her heart, her long-lost, wandering son--as Jesus is ready to receive you. No one can love thus, but Christ alone. Then do not doubt his word. Do not fear rejection.

"When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." Luke 15:20

 

 

God Is in Christ

"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them." 2 Corinthians 5:19

If we would have clear, correct, and comfortable views of God, then we must view him in Jesus. God was manifested in the flesh of Christ. In him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Christ alone fully reveals the Father.

What Jesus was, God is.

What Jesus spoke, God dictated.

What Jesus did, God wrought.

So full and so clear was the representation of God, made by Jesus, that he could say, "He who has seen me, has seen the Father." This is a point that is full of comfort.

I am not to look into creation to find God. I am not to go to Mount Sinai, or to the law, to learn what God is--but I am to go to Jesus. In seeing him work, I see God work. In hearing him speak, I hear God speak. From him I learn what God is, what God will do, and what God will give. Here are no terrors to make me afraid. Here is nothing to repel me, or keep me at a distance. But here is God saying:

"Come, weary one, I will give you rest.

Come, thirsty one, I will give you to drink.

Come, guilty one, I will pardon your sins.

Come, wandering one, I will receive you graciously.

Come, lost one, I will save you with an everlasting salvation."

Sweet view of God is this. How encouraging to the timid and the guilty. Precious view of Jesus is this. How calculated to endear him to the heart. Yes, God was in Jesus, and God is in Jesus still. He is our God in Christ, the object of our love and confidence. Precious Lord Jesus! I bless you that you have revealed your Father to us thus.

My soul, if you are ever tempted to indulge harsh or hard thoughts of God, if you are ever prompted slavishly to fear him, go direct to Jesus, and see him as he is revealed there, and you will behold that "God Is Love."

"No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him." John 1:18

 

Grace Is in Christ

"The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14

GRACE in God is unmerited love. Grace manifested by God, is free and undeserved favor. Grace given unto us by God, comprises all the blessings of the gospel. Every gift is of grace. Every blessing is from grace. All grace is in Christ. It was given to us in him before the foundation of the world. It was kept for us by him through all past ages. It is conferred upon us by him, as will be most for our good and his glory.

It was grace that quickened us when dead.

It was grace that justified us when ungodly.

It is grace that sanctifies and fits us for Heaven.

It is grace that qualifies us for duty, and assists us in it.

It is grace that guards and guides us, and grace will land us safe in Heaven.

By grace we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. Grace comes to us through Christ alone as the channel in which it flows. Grace comes to us from Christ alone as the fountain in which it rises. Grace is kept for us by Christ alone as the fullness in which it dwells. All grace may be had from Jesus, but it can be had from no one but Jesus. Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help us in time of need.

Reader, have you received grace from Christ? If so, it has led you to Christ, made you dissatisfied with everything but Christ, and in some degree conformed you to Christ. If you have ever received any grace, then you feel you need more, you heartily desire more, you come to Christ that you may obtain more.

Believer, if Satan tempts you, if inbred corruption distresses you, if the world frowns upon you, if the dread of death comes over you--remember there is a fullness of grace in Jesus, and that grace is for you.

"For it has pleased the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell." Colossians 1:19

Believers Are in Christ

"I am the vine, and you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Union to Christ is one of the peculiar doctrines of Scripture. It is plainly revealed, plentifully illustrated, and frequently placed before us. It is a real blessing. Noah was not more really in the ark, nor Lot in Zoar, nor the manslayer in the city of refuge--than the believer is in Christ. The branch is not more one with the vine, the building with the foundation, or the member with the head--than the believer is one with Christ.

Union with Christ is the source of great, varied, and invaluable blessings. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Beauty and fruitfulness flow from union to Christ. Peace and purity are the effects of union to Christ. If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Created anew in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. There is a new nature, from which flow new thoughts, new desires, new hopes, new fears, new joys, new sorrows, new motives, and a new course of life. If we are one with Christ, then we are dead to the law, dead to the world, and dead to our former course of life. Christ and his people are one. One in the eye of the law. One in the eye of justice. One in the eye of the father.

He is the head, they are the members.

He is the vine, they are the branches.

He is the bridegroom, and they are the bride.

This union originates with Christ alone!

Man never thought of it, desired it, or sought it. It is one of the proofs of his love, one of the peculiar manifestations of his grace.

The home of Jesus is the Christian's heart. There he lives. There he rules. There he holds his sweetest communion. There he imparts his choicest blessings. O Jesus! dwell in me!

"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 the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

 

Jesus, the Word of God

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1

Words are the representatives of thoughts. God had a great and a glorious thought in his infinite heart which no mere words could embody or represent, and he gave Jesus to represent that thought. If I would get at God's heart, then it must be through Jesus. If I would know God's thoughts, then I must study Jesus. He tells us in one sweet passage what God's thought was, and what he came to be and to do: "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes on him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God's thought was our salvation. Our salvation by mere grace. Our salvation to be realized and enjoyed by simple faith in Jesus. He sent Jesus to express this thought. To give utterance to his infinite love. Jesus therefore in his life, in his works, in his discourses, in his sufferings, and especially in his death, represents the deep thoughts that had been working in the mighty heart of God.

My soul, would you know what God has thought, is now thinking, will ever think, then study Jesus, for Christ alone is the word that embodies and makes known the glorious thoughts of God! Through Jesus I learn to know God's mind, God's nature. I see that God is love, pure love, to all who embrace his word, and are reconciled to him by the death of his Son.

O Jesus, I will look upon you as the living, working, speaking word of the Father, by which I may not only come to know him, but to rejoice in him! O Spirit of the Lord, reveal Jesus to my mind more clearly, more fully. Unfold Jesus to me, so that I may know, love, and give glory to the Father. I would henceforth study Christ more. Christ, who leads to the Father.

"He was clothed in a vesture dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God." Revelation 19:13

 

Jesus, Our Friend

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you." John 15:13, 14

Friendship is the sweetener of human life. But how difficult to find a friend whom we can trust, with whom we can be familiar, and to whom we can commit our all. Indeed, such a friend is not to be found among fallen men.

But Jesus is this friend. He lived, he suffered, he died--to secure our friendship, and to prove himself our friend. Yes, he laid down his life for us. But he rose from the dead, and is now the friend of all who put their trust in him. To him we should look for all we need, for he is able and willing to supply us. To him we should go with everything that troubles us, for he is ready to listen, relieve, or counsel us. Nothing should be kept back from Jesus. He considers nothing beneath his notice which affects the peace, or prosperity, or happiness of his people. Whatever troubles us, interests him.

Our little everyday troubles and annoyances should be carried to his throne of grace, and whispered in his ear. For lack of this, very frequently our little trials affect us most, just because we try to bear them ourselves, and do not think it worth while to trouble him with them. Trouble him! Indeed it never troubles him, when we carry our concerns to him; if anything troubles him, it is when we try to do without him, and to bear our trials without his aid. We cannot be too intimate with Jesus. Indeed, it would sometimes be well for us if we were very intimate with Christ alone. If we trust the creature, he will most probably deceive us, but Jesus never will. If we lean on the creature, we lean on a bruised reed, but Jesus is the rock of ages. My soul, make Jesus your friend; and show yourself friendly, by frequent visits, free communications, and steady confidence.

"I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard from my Father, I have made known unto you." John 15:15

The Love of Jesus

"To know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:19

The love of Jesus is a most wonderful subject, and it is as sweet as it is wonderful. When we think of whom he loved--sinners. Of when he loved them--when they were dead in their sins. Of how he loved them--so as to lay down his life for them.

The love of Jesus flows naturally out of his loving heart. It is not drawn forth by anything in us, or by anything done by us. He loves us, just because he will love us, or because he is pleased to love us. Other reason he never gives, therefore other reason we shall never find. Having once loved us, he loves us forever, for he loves with all the strength of his nature. As his nature cannot change, no more can his love. How sweet are his own words, "I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you." We may greatly enjoy his love, but we cannot fully know it, for it passes knowledge. Jesus loves us more than we know, more than we can imagine. No angel can tell how much Jesus loves us. Christ alone could love us so, for his love is vast and powerful as the nature of God, and it is also as tender and gentle as the love of sinless man. The love that is divine, manifests itself through the passions that are human. Everything Jesus did when on earth--he did out of love; and in all that Jesus does now--he is influenced by his unchanging love. If he strips us, it is in love. If he lays some heavy cross on us, it is in love. If he hides his face from us, it is in love. Hence he says, "As many as I love I rebuke and chasten; be zealous, therefore, and repent." Precious Lord Jesus, may your love sweetly flow into my heart, so as to stimulate me to every good word and work!

"Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor." Ephesians 5:2

 

 

The Grace of Jesus

"You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9

Jesus possessed all the wealth and glory of Deity. But such was his love to us, and such the grace he displayed in saving us, that he became poor, so poor, that none could be poorer. He parted with all for our sakes. He gave up everything, in order to save us. Hence he once said, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." O the grace, the unparalleled grace of Jesus! How sinful it must be, after such a display of grace, to doubt him. Could he do more? Could he stoop lower? Could he show his love in a more costly way? Impossible! But he has not only shown grace thus, but he now gives grace out of his own fullness to us. Grace to help in time of need. Grace sufficient to enable us to bear the heaviest trial. Grace to conquer the most powerful foes, and to endure the pains inflicted by the sharpest thorns. Therefore when Paul was buffeted by the messenger of Satan, and besought the Lord most earnestly that it might be removed, the answer he received was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Reader, Christ alone could show such grace to you--the needed grace to you. He is full of grace, and out of that fullness, we may receive grace upon grace.

Grace to conquer our corruptions.

Grace to overcome the world.

Grace to tread Satan under our feet.

Grace to enjoy our privileges.

Grace to perform our duties.

Grace to meet death with fortitude, and depart in peace, to be with Christ forever.

Day by day let us seek grace from Jesus, that we may glorify his most gracious and ever blessed name.

"We believe that, through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved." Acts 15:11

 

The Precious Blood of Jesus

"Whom God has set forth to be an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood." Romans 3:25

The blood of Jesus should be the constant object of our faith. The blood was kept constantly before the eye of the Israelite in the days of old. Morning by morning, and evening by evening, besides all the other sacrifices that were brought to the priests, blood was shed. They could never enter their tabernacle or temple, but they saw blood. Just so, the blood of Jesus should be kept constantly before our eye. That blood is our atonement. By that blood, our peace was made. By that blood, our peace is preserved. We were reconciled to God by the death of his son; and in our daily walk with God, it is the blood of Jesus alone that cleanses us from all sin. We can only maintain peace of conscience, we can only approach God with boldness, we can only conquer Satan, as we keep the eye steadily fixed on the blood of Jesus. We are constantly committing sin, we are constantly contracting fresh guilt, we are constantly putting fresh weapons into the hands of Satan with which to conquer us, and it is only by looking away from self, sin, and Satan--to the blood of Jesus, that we can obtain pardon, realize our acceptance with God, or place our foot on the head of the old serpent. If we lose sight of the blood but one hour, then we either fall into sin, or enter into temptation, or become entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Faith in the blood of Jesus, can alone preserve us. Christ alone, as having died for our sins, as risen again for our justification, and as now pleading for us in Heaven--must be the daily, hourly object of our faith. Precious blood of Jesus, may my eye be fixed on it, when assaulted by Satan, when reduced by sickness, and when sinking into the arms of death!

"We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." Ephesians 1:7

 

Jesus, Our High Priest

"Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." Hebrews 2:17

As sinners, we need One who can make an atonement for our sins, reconcile us to God, present our prayers and praises, and so make and preserve peace. Jesus is all we need. He offered up himself as a sacrifice for our sins, and thus made a glorious atonement. He reconciled us to God by his death, satisfying all the claims of law and justice, and opening a way for us to come back to God, with honor to him, and comfort to ourselves. God is now justified in forgiving our sins, in pardoning the foulest transgressor who comes to him in the name of Jesus. He is before the throne, he has our names on his breastplate, and the censer of sweet incense in his hands. Into that censer our poor prayers, praises, and other services are put, and being purified and perfumed, they are then presented to God. He made our peace by the blood of his cross, and he preserves peace between us and our God, by his constant intercession.

He is merciful, and therefore feels for us, and sympathizes with us, under all our failings, infirmities, temptations, and sorrows.

He is faithful, and therefore fulfills his engagements, does honor to his office, performs his word, and secures the present acceptance and eternal salvation of all who rely on his blood. God requires no more blood, he inflicts no penal sufferings, he is never influenced by wrath, but his nature and dealings are all love toward those who believe in Jesus. My soul, I charge you to renounce every other priest and sacrifice, but Jesus and his perfect work; for by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified. Christ alone is your priest.

"We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15

 

Jesus, Our Righteousness

"This is his name whereby he shall be called: The Lord our righteousness." Jeremiah 23:6

By nature, there is none righteous; no, not one. Of ourselves we never can produce a righteousness to justify us in the sight of God. Yet we must have a righteousness that will meet all the requirements of the law, or God never will, never can, pronounce us just. How, then, can we obtain such a righteousness? Jesus produces it by his obedience unto death. The gospel reveals it for our acceptance. Faith embraces it, and God pronounces it ours. It is imputed to us. It is placed to our account. Thus we are made righteous. Then we are pronounced righteous. Then we are treated as righteous. Our righteousness is in Jesus, and, being united to his person, we are made the righteousness of God in him. We must never look for the cause of our justification in ourselves, but in Jesus. If conscience accuses us, then we must plead against its accusations what Jesus did and suffered. If Satan tempts and harasses, then we must still look to Jesus. If we think of death, or look forward to the judgment, then we must still rest on the finished work of Jesus, and expect to be justified for his sake.

By the disobedience of the first Adam we were made sinners, and by the obedience of the second Adam we are made righteous. Christ is now the end of the law for righteousness to every one who believes. And by him all who believe are justified from all things. To such, God will not impute sin. To such, God imputes righteousness without works. In the matter of our justification, it is Christ alone. Not Christ and our works. Not Christ and our experience. Not Christ and our sufferings. But Christ alone. In our justification, Christ is all. He performs the work, and we enjoy the benefit.

"Of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us righteousness." 1 Corinthians 1:30

 

Jesus, Our Sanctification

"Who of God is made unto us sanctification." 1 Corinthians 1:30

To be sanctified is to be separated from the world, set apart for God, and conformed to the image of God. Jesus is the root or source of our sanctification. As we were chosen in him, are redeemed by him, and justified through him--so our sanctification flows from him. Is sanctification a cleansing? It is by the water that he gives. Is it a washing? We are washed, in the name of the Lord Jesus, by the Spirit of our God. Is it a separation? That he might sanctify the people by his own blood, he suffered outside the gate.

The agent that sanctifies, is the Spirit of Christ.

The means that sanctifies, is the truth of Christ.

The model after which we are fashioned, is the image of Christ.

The end for which we are sanctified, is the glory of Christ.

All of our holiness flows from Christ; nor can there be any true holiness without union to Christ. It is by union that the branch receives its sap and nourishment from the parent stem. It is by union that the member receives from the head. So it is by union that we receive life, peace, holiness, and every blessing from Jesus. Therefore he said, "Apart from me, you can do nothing." There is no expiation for our sins, but by his blood. There is no acceptance before God, but in his righteousness. So there is no true holiness, but by union to his person. In our sanctification, it is Christ alone. He represented us, he ransomed us, he quickened us, he gives the Holy Spirit to us, and he makes us fit to be partakers of the saints in light. If we would be holy, we must look to Jesus, live on Jesus, walk with Jesus, copy the example of Jesus, and in everything aim at the glory of Jesus.

"We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

 

Jesus, Our Wisdom

"Who of God is made unto us wisdom." 1 Corinthians 1:30

Whatever we needed, God provided for us in Christ. He has made Jesus to be all we can need or lawfully desire. He is our wisdom. In him dwells all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and all his wisdom is employed for us.

By his wisdom, he wins our hearts to love him, and keeps our feet in the way that leads to him.

By his wisdom, he provided for our reconciliation to God, and our acceptance with him.

By his wisdom, he confounds all our foes, and carries our cause in the court of Heaven.

By his wisdom, he teaches us to know the truth, and makes us wise unto salvation.

By his wisdom, he rules the world, and overrules all things for our good.

But he not only employs his wisdom for us, but he imparts a measure of that wisdom to us. In consequence of this, we flee from the wrath to come, hasten to the refuge set before us in the gospel, seek union with himself, and learn to make use of him for all the purposes of justification, sanctification, and victory over our foes. The wisdom of the church, is in its head. Our wisdom is in Christ, and must come from Christ. It is superior to the wisdom of Adam, yes, to the wisdom of all the holy angels. My soul, remember, under all the discoveries you have of your ignorance, and of the necessity of wisdom, in order honorably to do and suffer the will of God below--that Christ alone is your wisdom. To him we must go for it. From him we must seek it, and before him we should plead the promise, "If you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures--then you shall understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5

 

Jesus, Our Redemption

"Who of God is made unto us redemption." 1 Corinthians 1:30

We were all the slaves of Satan and of sin. The devil led us captive at his will. Sin, in its various forms, like so many fetters, bound us fast. Having yielded to Satan, we were rebels against God, traitors to his throne and government. Justice demanded a ransom for our liberation, and power was requisite to free us from Satan's grasp. Jesus, our most glorious Redeemer, undertook our cause. He came, and paid his blood, his precious life, as the price of our redemption. He went back to Heaven to procure and send the Holy Spirit, in order that we may be set free. He commanded the everlasting gospel to be preached to all nations, which proclaims the greatness of his love, the price he paid as our ransom, the power he exerts for our redemption, and the glory to which he will raise all who believe on his name.

But, though we are ransomed, though we are translated out of the kingdom of Satan, the body must die because of sin; nevertheless, it will be raised again because of his righteousness. Though we die, we shall live again. The ransom was paid for the body as well as for the soul; therefore the redemption of the body is sure. The dead in Christ will rise first. The upright will have dominion over all their foes in the resurrection morning.

Christ alone is our redemption. He undertook our cause in the covenant. He came to pay the ransom righteously demanded. He claimed and called us from the kingdom of darkness by his Spirit's power.

He will raise us from the grave, introduce us to his glorious kingdom, and present us to our heavenly Father without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.

"I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?" Hosea 13:14

 

 

Jesus, Our Arbitrator

"If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both" Job 9:33

Poor Job felt the need of an arbitrator, or mediator--one that could stand between himself and God. So does every convicted soul. But we cannot say, "Neither is there any arbitrator," for Jesus is the man for the day, the man for the emergency. Being divine, he can deal with God on equal terms. Being human, he can seasonably sympathize with, and plead for us. He comes between us. With one hand he presents an infinite atonement to God for our offences. With the other hand he presents a free and full pardon of all sin to us. He makes up the breach. He reconciles the parties. He removes all cause of disagreement out of the way. In him there is no terror to make us afraid, nor will his hand be heavy upon us.

Reader, are you afraid to approach God? does his greatness terrify you, or his wrath alarm you? Fear not, there is one in your nature before the throne. Jesus is there as the arbitrator. Put your cause into his hand, he will carry it. Plead with him, if you are afraid to plead with the Father, and he will plead for you. He will ask for no compromise, but will present a full satisfaction to divine justice for all of your sins. He will unveil his Father's loving, smiling countenance to you. He will show you that "God is love." He will give you access into the favor of the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity. Let Christ alone be your Arbitrator, your Mediator, and Intercessor. He is enough; all others are insufficient.

Tempted and tried one, lift up your head; Jesus is before the throne, he stands between a just and holy God and you. You have nothing to fear. He has done the work required of you, he has paid the penalty demanded of you, and now he pleads your cause.

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5.

 

 

Jesus, Our Advocate

"If any man sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1

Intercession is daily necessary for us, and therefore Jesus daily intercedes for us. But an advocate is only required on special occasions, when we are dragged into the law court, and then Jesus appears for us. He replies to and confounds Satan, the accuser of the brethren. He pleads his own obedience and blood-shedding on our behalf, and so secures our acquittal and freedom from condemnation. In case of anyone falling into temptation, or into the snare of the devil--the ever-blessed Jesus has undertaken to fill the office of an advocate in the court of Heaven. This is for the comfort of his people, and for the confusion of Satan.

My soul, rejoice in this, that your God has provided for all of your contingencies. He has made provision for your restoration, consolation, and complete salvation. Jesus is all you can need. Your cause is in his hand, and he will carry it honorably through the court of justice. He will meet and silence your accuser. He will obtain pardon for all your sins. He will secure your eternal justification before God. Therefore look to Christ alone. In all seasons of darkness, in all times of temptation, and even when you have fallen into sin, look to Jesus, and apply to him as your Advocate. He will listen to your cry, he will receive your confession, he will undertake your cause, and he will bring you out of darkness and the shadow of death.

Precious Lord Jesus, gracious Advocate of your people, as you have ever pleaded the causes of your erring ones, then plead my cause, and so undertake for me as to bring me through my difficulties and dangers, to enjoy your Father's presence forever! Holy Spirit, unfold this glorious office of Jesus to my soul!

"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us." Hebrews 9:24

 

Jesus, Our Physician

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Matthew 9:12

Jesus is the only physician that can heal a sin-sick soul. There is no balm but his blood; no healing but by his Spirit. Jesus as a physician, is proclaimed unto the world, that sinners of every class, climate, and color, may come to him and be healed. But he is in an especial sense our family physician. He is engaged to attend to the whole household. The children may apply to him at all times, and for all they need. It is not necessary to wait until seized with a fever or paralysis, or some dangerous disease, but we may go to him with all our headaches and heartaches, with all our cuts and bruises. He always receives us kindly, attends to us promptly, and prescribes for us wisely. We never ought to attempt to doctor ourselves, but always, in all things, and for all we want, go to Jesus. He never amputates, but heals without. He never lost a patient, nor ever will. He never pronounced an applicant's case desperate, or said to one that made application to him, "I can do nothing for you." He never talks of letting nature work its own cure, but with incomparable skill he takes every case in hand, restores every patient to perfect health, and does all gratis.

Christ alone is qualified to be our physician; Christ alone is appointed to that office; Christ alone has healed every saint in glory. Let us then apply to him when we are in need. Let us go to him with our slight cases, as well as our serious attacks. Let us take our diseased hearts to him--he will heal them, and restore them to perfect health. He can cure the deadness, the coldness, the giddiness, and the nervousness of the soul; let us not then imagine that there is no help or healing for us, for there is.

"Behold, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." Jeremiah 33:6

 

 

Jesus, Our Example

"Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps." 1 Peter 2:21

Religion is constantly suffering fromthe conduct of its professors. They do not put off the old man with his deeds, neither do they put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. They profess to look to Christ as a Savior, but they do not take Christ for their example. But these things must not be divided. He who died for our sins, set us also an example that we should follow in his steps. Christ alone should be our standard, and likeness to him should be our aim. We are only so far christianized, as we are like Christ. He says, "Learn of me." Not only learn by my teaching, but learn by my life. Do as you see me do; act as you see me act. The life of Jesus is the model after which the Holy Spirit works. As the Spirit of Christ, his work is to conform us to Christ. And under his teaching and assistance, it should be our daily aim to resemble Christ in our temper, disposition, and general deportment.

Am I called to suffer? Let me ask, "How did Christ suffer?" And then seek grace to suffer just as he did.

Am I called to work for God? Let me ask, "How did Christ work?" and then pray for grace, that I may work just as Jesus did. And so of all the rest, that my life may be a reflection of the life of Christ, and that in my conduct I may in some degree reproduce the conduct of the Lord Jesus. No one can tell how nearly he may be conformed to the life of Jesus, if he makes this his constant prayer and habitual aim. Grace can do wonders, and God gives more grace. We are not now what we once were, and we may become very much more like to Jesus than we are now. Holy Spirit, make us just like our beloved Lord!

"I have given you an example, that you should do as as I have done." John 13:15

 

Jesus, the Captain of Our Salvation

"In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the Captain of their salvation perfect through suffering." Hebrews 2:10

Believers, as born of God, are bound for glory. We are on the way; we are in conflict. But we are headed by "the Prince of life," we are commanded by "the Captain of salvation." Jesus was qualified, and every way prepared to conduct us safe home, by his sufferings. He suffered from all causes and from all quarters. He knows our nature, our frame, our circumstances, our foes, our feelings, and our difficulties. He has undertaken the command of us, and conquered for us once; he will conquer in us, and by us, again. His army is immortal. He never lost a soldier. When the great muster after the battle comes, it will be seen that not one that enlisted under his banner, that wore his regimentals, that was inspired by his Spirit, is missing. All will rally round him. All will ascribe their victory to him. All will seek to honor him.

Reader, if Jesus is your Captain, he will lead you against Satan, and you must conquer him. He will lead you against the world, and you must overcome it. He will lead you against indwelling sin, and you must mortify it, and witness its death. He has prepared your armor. He has summoned you to the battle. He has given the word of command. He has made the promise, "To him who overcomes will I give to sit with me on my throne; even as I have overcome, and am set down with my Father on his throne." If Joshua leads, then Canaan shall be possessed; and if Jesus leads us, then Heaven with all its glories shall be ours. He commenced the conflict, and he will complete it. He was the author, or prime leader in the cause, and he will finish it.

"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." Jude 1:24-25

 

 

 

Jesus, Our Covenant

"I will give you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles." Isaiah 42:6

Many people are puzzled and perplexed with the doctrine of the covenants. I avoid all this, when I look at Jesus as God's covenant. He says, "I have made a covenant with my chosen. And then, "Hear him." I would understand God's covenant, then I must study Jesus, I must listen to him. He says, "This is the will of him that sent me, that every one who sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."

The covenant appears to be this: The Father agrees to accept the obedience, sufferings, and death of Jesus, instead of the obedience, sufferings, and death of the sinner, and promises to give eternal life to every one that trusts in the perfect work of Jesus, and pleads it before him for pardon and acceptance. All that the Lawgiver requires is exacted of Jesus; all that the sinner needs is given on the ground of what Jesus did and suffered. If I agree to take Christ for my Savior, and trust in his blood and obedience for my pardon and justification, then God agrees to accept me, and pardon and justify me, for Jesus' sake. Thus, God is in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them: and Jesus becomes sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. So that in Christ, God appears just, and yet the justifier of him that believes in Jesus.

In Christ alone I see all the conditions of the covenant fulfilled, all the promises of the covenant treasured up, and all the blessings of the covenant presented to sinners. Oh, Jesus! I will look to you as God's covenant, and expect the fulfillment of all its precious promises through you, and through you alone.

"Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." Isaiah 55:3

 

Jesus, Our Forerunner

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered as our forerunner. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 6:19-20

Jesus, who came from Heaven to earth out of pure love to us, in order to die for our sins and procure our salvation, has gone back to Heaven as our forerunner. He not only points out the way, but he travels every step of it himself. He has removed every insurmountable difficulty out of the way, and left his own holy footprints to be our guide.

Can we complain, if we only travel the path which Jesus has trodden before us? He has entered into Heaven for us, and when he entered, he left the door wide open, that we might follow him in. He points us to the path he has trodden and says, "See, the way is practical." He calls our attention to his present glorious residence and says, "Where I am--there you shall be also." Precious Savior! glorious Forerunner! O give us grace to follow you; and whenever tempted to relax our efforts, or loiter on our journey, or complain of the way--may we remember that you have traveled every step of the way before us, and are now waiting to welcome us into your presence and glory. Jesus is gone before to announce our arrival. He speaks of us as on the road. He obtains for us the blessings we need. He sends us all the supplies necessary. He shows such love, manifests such kindness, and exhibits such care.

My soul, keep your eye fixed on your glorious Forerunner, and run the race set before you, looking unto Jesus. Amidst all your toils, think of the everlasting rest awaiting you. Under all your conflicts, think of the triumph; and when tempted to turn aside, look for the footprints of Jesus, they may be seen all along the road. Holy Spirit, help us to think more of Jesus, to confide more in Jesus, and to expect more from Jesus!

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess." Hebrews 4:14

 

 

Jesus, Our Resurrection

"Jesus said unto her: I am the resurrection and the life." John 11:25

Man sinned, and therefore man died. Jesus died and arose from the dead, and therefore man shall rise again. The doctrine of the resurrection is a precious doctrine. Martha believed it, but she looked upon it as tied to a particular time: "I know that he shall rise again, at the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said, I am the resurrection." He has power over death. He keeps the keys of the grave. Resurrection is in his power. He will raise us up from the dust of death. By virtue of our union to him, by the putting forth of his power upon us--he will raise us up exactly like himself. Our bodies will be spiritual. No more the seat of pain. No more diseased or deformed. No more a clog and hindrance to the soul. They will be beautiful, healthful, helps to the soul, glorious. Because Jesus arose, we shall; for he arose as the first-fruits of them that slept, and as the first-fruits are presented to, and accepted of God, the whole harvest shall be gathered in. Parent, your child which died in Jesus, shall arise again. Child, your deceased parent, who fell asleep in Jesus, shall arise again. Weeping widow, your sainted husband shall arise again. They died in the Lord. They retain their connection with the Lord. They will be raised to glorify the Lord. For Jesus will "come to be glorified in his saints, and admired in all those who believe." The grain of wheat which fell into the ground and died, will appear as a beautiful plant. Then this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality, and then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory." Christ alone, Christ alone.

"And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." Romans 8:11

 

 

Jesus, Head over All Things

"He has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church." Ephesians 1:22

The Church, comprehending all true believers, is the object of the Savior's highest love. He loved the Church, and gave himself for it. It must therefore gladden his heart to be made the Head over all things, for the good of the church. Everything is under the feet of Jesus. He has all things at his disposal. Without him, a dog cannot move its tongue. He is supreme, and he rules everything in Heaven, earth, and Hell--so as to secure the best interests of his people. Sweet view of Jesus is this! He is the Head of his Church; which Church is his body. Every member is vitally united to him, dependent upon him, and is daily supplied by him. As its Head, he sees for it, he hears for it, he speaks for it, he feels for it, he represents it, he takes the greatest care of it.

But while he is thus the Head of his Church, in the sense of Ruler, Governor, and Disposer, he is the Head of all things. Everything lies open before his eye, everything is sustained by his power, and everything is disposed of by his wisdom. Not a sparrow can fall to the ground without his permission. O to see Jesus in all things! O to see everything at the disposal of Jesus! O to see that all things are directed, controlled, and overruled, by Christ alone! May this calm my mind, compose my spirit, and produce holy resignation in my soul. If Jesus arranges all, sends all, directs all, overrules all--then all things must work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose. O to see that all things are working out God's will! O to love the will of God, and consequently prefer it to all besides. May my will be swallowed up in your will, O Jesus!

"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 supremacy." Colossians 1:17-18

 

The Sympathy of Jesus

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin." Hebrews 4:15

Jesus suffered. He suffered that he might experimentally and personally know what his people have to endure and pass through. He wished to know all about us to be as nearly like us as he could. He now knows not only what we feel, but how we feel. No angel in Heaven knows this; no angel can, for an angel never suffered. The tenderness, therefore, of Jesus is far beyond the tenderness of an angel; yes, of all the angels in Heaven. He knows what bodily pains are; and he knows what mental agitation, dejection, and agony, mean. His nerves were shaken. His soul was troubled. His body suffered from hunger, thirst, cold, weariness, and wounds. He suffered in every part, and from every possible cause. He knows, therefore, the strength necessary to bear, and the comfort needful to sustain us. He feels for us. More, he feels with us. He is our Head, and we are his members. The sympathy of the head with the members is quick, constant, tender, and perfect. Such is the sympathy of Jesus.

Suffering one, Christ alone can suitably sympathize with you; because he alone can so sympathize as to sustain, sanctify your sufferings, and certainly and honorably deliver you. Jesus always has his eye upon you; nor does he look on unaffected, for his eye affects his heart. He is touched, tenderly affected, with the feeling of your infirmities. He will not lay on you more than you can bear, nor will he allow anyone else to do so. His mercy is exquisitely tender, and his compassions fail not. Look to Jesus under all your sorrows, sufferings, and pains, and draw comfort from this: Jesus feels for me, Jesus feels with me.

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36

 

Believers Are Complete in Christ

"You are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." Colossians 2:10

The glories of Christ are incomparable. His exaltation is without a parallel. He is exalted above all honor and praise. His people share with him in all his glories. In themselves, they are all imperfect--their every grace is imperfect. Sin is mixed with all they do. They daily groan, being burdened. They sigh and cry for perfection. But in Jesus they are complete. United to his person, they are entitled to his wealth, and will share in all his glory. There is completeness nowhere but in Christ. The law made nothing perfect. But believers are made complete in Christ, by the obedience he rendered to God's holy law. That obedience was the work of his life. It was for his people. It is placed to their account. On the ground of it, they are freed from all condemnation, and are entitled to eternal life. By the sacrifice

he offered, he made atonement for all their sins. "By one offering, he has perfected forever those who are sanctified." Glorious words are these. The one offering of Jesus was all-sufficient. It was sufficient for all who were set apart to receive its benefits. It was sufficient to perfect them forever. If they are perfected forever, then they must be complete.

"It has pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell." All that is in Christ, is for his people; and if all fullness dwells in Jesus, and they are entitled to all that is in him, then they must be complete.

Note the supplies he imparts. He gives strength equal to the day, wisdom as our circumstances may require, and holiness to fit us for Heaven. In Christ alone, then, we are complete, nor should we look to any other quarter for anything we need.

"Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." Colossians 3:11

 

Jesus Is Coming

"I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:3

The ordinances of Christ are precious, the word of Christ is precious, but nothing will suffice as a substitute for himself. It is Christ himself, Christ personal, that is the object of our love; and the longer we live, the more we find our hearts set on the person of Christ. Heaven would be no Heaven to us, if Christ were not there; and the chief thing we want on earth is the personal presence of Christ. We do not like to think of death, but we love to think of being with Christ. The object of our hope, is the coming of Jesus. He came once in humiliation; he then displayed his love, in suffering and dying for us. He will come again in his glory; and then he will display his love, in conforming us to himself, and delighting us with his presence and love forever. He now appears in the presence of God for us, and he will soon come and receive us to himself. He has not left our world forever, but only for a time; and we are now waiting for him as God's Son from Heaven, even our Deliverer from the wrath to come. Christ alone, and his presence with us--will satisfy the inward cravings of our immortal souls. We are therefore watching and waiting for his appearing, seeing he has said, "Surely I come quickly;" and our hearts reply, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" That will be a glorious day for his redeemed people. Brethren, let us gird up the loins of our minds, and soberly hope to the end, for the grace that shall be brought unto us at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

"And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." 1 John 2:28

 

Jesus, Ever the Same

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8

We live in a changing world. Two days are seldom exactly alike. Relatives are removed from us, or die. Friends are separated from us, or become alienated. Health gives place to sickness, ease to pain, peace to trouble, joy to sorrow, life to death. Within us and outside of us, all seems transitory and changeable. But there is one who never changes. Jesus is ever the same. His nature is immutable. His love is constant. His mercies are new every morning. His compassions never fail. His heart is ever toward us. His influence is always employed for us. His eye is ever watching us. His everlasting arms are always beneath us. Yes, Jesus is the same in adversity, as in prosperity--in sickness, as in health--in winter, as in summer; in death, as in life. He cannot change in his nature. He will not alter that which has gone out of his mouth. The mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but his kindness shall not depart from us, neither shall the covenant of his peace be removed. All nature may change--but his nature, his love, and his word, are the same. Heaven and earth may pass away, but his word shall never pass away. All that he says comes surely to pass. His arms are ever open to receive us. On his bosom, we may always pillow our weary head. In his blood, we may always wash away our sins, and make our robes white. On his word, we may always with confidence depend.

Christ alone, then, should be the object of our confidence, the source of our comfort, and the ground of our rejoicing. For if Jesus is ours, we may sing, with the psalmist, in the darkest day, "The Lord lives; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted."

"Thou are the same, and thy years shall not fail." Hebrews 1:12

 

A Fearful Case!

"If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!" 1 Corinthians 16:22

Not love Jesus! Are there any who do not love Jesus? Yes, very many. They hear of him; they read of him; they talk of him; but they do not love him. If ever they are saved, they must be saved by him; if ever they are inspired by a true hope of heaven, they must receive it from him; and yet they do not love Jesus. A fearful case!

Reader, Christ alone can save you. If you are not saved by Jesus, you must sink into the lowest Hell. You must endure the eternal torments of the damned. You must be associated with devils and lost souls forever. No man can come to the Father, and find acceptance in his sight, but through Jesus. No one can obtain a title to Heaven, but by faith in Jesus. No one has faith in Jesus, who does not love him. No one loves Jesus, who does not hate sin, and strive to please him.

Beloved, you are shut up to this, you must be saved by Christ alone, or perish. You must be saved now, or be lost forever. The grace of God brings salvation to you in the gospel; faith receives and appropriates it; and whenever the heart enjoys salvation, Jesus is precious! As Peter said, "Unto you who believe, he is precious." If, therefore, Christ is not precious to you, it is because you do not really believe in him; and if you do not believe in Jesus, you are yet in your sins, and the wrath of God abides on you; and if you live and die with the wrath of God abiding on you, you will be accursed when the Lord comes.

Let me beseech you, then, to examine yourself, whether you are in the faith; prove your own self; and be sure of this, that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be a reprobate.

"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." John 3:36