James Smith

"Christ is all!" Colossians 3:11

As all light is in the sun, and as the source of all our springs is the ocean — so all blessings are in Christ and flow freely from Him. He is, He has — all the sinner does or can possibly need! The blessings which the sinner needs, can be obtained nowhere else but in Jesus.

Does he need pardon? "The Son of man has power to forgive sins." He is exalted to give the remission of sins. He pardons all sin. He pardons every one who applies with confession, faith, and prayer. He pardons freely. He pardons frequently. He pardons without upbraiding.

Does he need righteousness? It is only by the obedience of Jesus, that any can be made righteous. He brought in everlasting righteousness. "He is the end of the law for righteousness, to every one that believes." His perfect work is the "robe of righteousness;" "the righteousness of God;" "the righteousness which is obtained, and enjoyed by faith — "the gift of righteousness." And by Him every one that believes is justified at once and forever, from all things.

Does he need acceptance with God? It is only through Jesus, who is the one Mediator. He introduces sinners to God; by Him they have access, and they are accepted in Him, who is the beloved.

Does he need wisdom, or holiness, or redemption? Christ is made to every sinner who believes — wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. By a saving interest in Him and union to Him, every believer is complete, "You are complete in Him." A sinner can think of nothing that he really needs — but it is to be found in Christ. All that is to be found in Christ — is to be obtained from Christ by faith and prayer.

Christ is all — in reference to the saint. Without Christ — we are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. But with Christ — we are honorable, and happy, and rich, and clothed, and enjoy clear sight. All the saint can need in all circumstances — Christ is! Christian growth very much consists in daily learning our need of Christ — and learning to make use of Christ.

Is the Christian in darkness? Christ is, "the Sun of righteousness," "the light of the world."

Is he in danger? Christ is his shield, and He says, "I am your shield;" "above all taking the shield of faith:" the shield of reason, is argument, effort, or courage; but the shield of faith is the Lord Jesus; faith makes use of Christ to conquer every foe, quench every fiery dart, and overcome every difficulty.

Is he diseased? Christ is the great, the skillful, the infallible Physician. He heals every believer. Heals as often as they are sick. Heals without fee or reward.

Is he in need? Christ is the bread of Life, in Him are the wells of salvation; He has durable riches and righteousness; and the life which we live in the flesh — is by faith in the Son of God, who has loved us, and given Himself for us.

Is he dull and lifeless? Christ is the resurrection and the life; His words are spirit, and they are life; He quickens whom He will. It is but for Him to speak, and our languishing graces revive, our spirits receive new strength, and we feel full of vigor and animation.

Is he imperfect? In Christ is completeness. He can present us before the presence of His glory faultless; a glorious church, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.

Reader, this subject is a touchstone — try yourself by it. Is Christ your all? Do you look to Him for all you need? Do you flee to Him from all you fear? Do you ask of Him all that you desire? Do you daily pray to be found in Him? Is He the highest object of your love? Is He your trust? Do you determine with Paul to glory in Him alone? The subject is a sign-post — it directs us all to Christ; and directs us to Christ for all that we need. It says, "None but Jesus, none but Jesus can do helpless sinners good." It says, "Jesus only, Jesus alone is all you need; look to Him, to Him alone, to Him for all you need, always and everywhere. Look to Jesus, and be happy and wealthy in Him."