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Peter Wade.
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Christ Is All
by Stephen TyngIn Christ
Chapter VII
Honour
"A Christian is the highest style of man." It is the peculiar title which permanently connects him with all beings who are more elevated in station, and more abundant in wealth and power, than himself. This is the view which I purpose now to take of the man in Christ, as of a man occupying a position of very peculiar honour.
The standard of honour is in the relations which man sustains to others around him. The honour of this world is in the comparative elevation of men in wealth, or power, or learning; or in any of the artificial distinctions in human society, over their fellow-men. It is regulated by a connection with those who are in superior stations. It is acknowledged in the homage and respect of those who are inferiors in their condition of life. It is fed and kept in life, by the anticipation and hope of something yet more exalted, to be obtained. And yet its highest attainment is as transitory and as uncertain its its lowest. Man being in honour, abideth not. In reference to the certain passing away of all his most valued earthly distinctions, he is like the beasts which perish.
The station which is occupied by the man in Christ, is in the highest degree, honourable to him; and is a permanent and imperishable elevation. It gives him an union of family, and name, and expectations, with worlds of beings who are all higher, and more powerful, than man is able to conceive. It bestows upon him, an adoption into the family of the Living God; and an heirship in the everlasting inheritance of his children. Each angelic being is a brother and a companion to him. Beings so powerful, and so glorious, that men have trembled for fear, when they have momentarily beheld them in their glory, are united to him, in the deepest and most permanent affection. He is made a fellow-citizen with the saints, and one with the spirits of the just made perfect. The Great God and Father of all is his God and Father. To him he is united in Christ Jesus by a bond of inexhaustible, inextinguishable grace and love. He is is partaker of that holy fellowship with God, which is the joy of heaven, and the honour and privilege of glorified saints.
Such honour have all His saints. And yet the almost uniform feeling of the carnal mind, connects with a religious profession and character, precisely the opposite association. Such a mind is opposed to God, as well in its judgment of truth, as in its tastes, desires, and pursuits. And in this false estimate of character, it gives an illustration of that entire perversion which transgression has produced in the nature of man. Guilty man must sacrifice his imaginary independence, renounce his own avowed excellence, and acknowledge the great personal wants and personal unworthiness which truly distinguish him, before he can be received into the family of God, and be clothed with the garments of His righteousness, and His salvation. Such demands seem extremely derogatory to human pride; and for this reason, multitudes reject all the offers of the Gospel to themselves, and affect to regard, and to treat with contempt, those who yield to the invitations which they despise, and submit to the motives which they renounce, as unworthy and degraded persons. In their view, true piety is humiliating, not ennobling to the character and station of man. Yet God says, -- "those who honour me, I will honour." And while He is possessed of glorious majesty, it must be ever to His creatures, an unspeakable honour to be connected with Him, and to be united to Him. Such honour has the man in Christ; -- and some of the facts which contribute to this excelling glory, we will briefly consider.
The man in Christ has a most elevated object of pursuit. The Holy Spirit divides the objects of human pursuit, into two classes, -- the "things which are seen and are temporal, and the things which are unseen and are eternal." The man who is in Christ dwells as much in the necessity of his present being, among things visible and temporal, as the man without Christ. This is the inevitable law of his being. His dispensation and his duty are, to use the world as not abusing it; to make even that which is to others, the mammon of unrighteousness, the instrument of preparing him for everlasting habitations. But these earthly things are not the things at which he aims. They are not the real objects of his pursuit. Indeed, the natural desires of man cannot be satisfied with the perishing portion of this world, even when he pursues it with the most devotion, and attains it with the most abundant success. He is secretly conscious of possessing powers and capacities, which are far too lofty to be chained down to earth; and however he has gained, he feels himself to be without hope, and to have spent his strength for naught, when God takes away his soul. But earth has a far different aspect and influence when used as an home, and when used as a journeying place to another and eternal home beyond it. This is the condition and purpose of the man is Christ. His object lies beyond the verge of earth. He is pursuing an incorruptible treasure, and he strives to pursue it, with increasing earnestness, in every new condition in which he is placed. He is labouring with increasing zeal and desire, to walk worthy of God, who has given him His image, and called him to His kingdom and glory. Every attainment which he makes in likeness to his Redeemer, and in submission to his God, gives him increased satisfaction and delight. The more earnestly he loves, and labours to gain the heavenly things before him, the happier he feels in a reflection upon his own condition. He is never ashamed of any efforts which he puts forth in this pursuit, nor dissatisfied with the objects which he really gains. The crown before him is in his view, worthy of all his labours. The nearer he approaches to it, the more attractive, and glorious does it appear. And however the world around him may affect to despise his course, in casting away the baubles which it calls treasures, he feels himself to be pursuing an end, which will be eternally precious and honourable, when all earthly things shall have faded and fallen forever. And in the certainty, and the worth of this blessed and exalted object of pursuit, is one important fact of the honour of his condition.
The man in Christ has a real independence of the world. Just in proportion as our hearts are truly fixed on God, and filled and actuated with the power of His grace, do the changes of the present life cease to affect us. The unfailing rule of the divine government in the family of God, is that all things work together for good to those who love Him. The experience of His children is an enjoyment of the elevation and tranquility which arise from this unchanging law. St. Paul could say, when looking forward to bonds, imprisonment, and death, -- "None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God." I would not be understood to say that every man in Christ uniformly feels thus independent. But he certainly does so, is proportion to the simplicity of his faith in God, to the power of his religious spirit, to the attainments of his religious character, and to his real perception of the fulness of his inheritance in Christ.
His infirmities may often press him down into the vale of care and trial. His faith may be often weak, and his light obscured. But the rule of his condition is actual independence, and the increasing spirit of it is conscious independence, of the world around. The vain and fickle judgments of the world do not trouble him. Its alluring provisions for sensual appetite do not entice him. Its threats and denunciations do not alarm or deter him. Its persecutions cannot. affright him, or turn him back from his known and chosen duty to God. He exercises himself to have always a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards men. He is in sure possession of a kingdom which cannot be removed; -- and he is as happy in its possession, when affliction and distress are heaped upon him, as when prosperity and earthly joys surround him. This is real independence of the world. For who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth on the Son of God? The habitation of such a man is founded upon a rock; and storms and winds will beat upon it, entirely in vain. And in this real and abiding independence of the world, is another element of the honour which belongs to the man in Christ.
The man in Christ is intimately connected with high and ennobling relations. The whole elect of God are united together in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of His dear Son. In Him, elect angels are upheld in duty to God. In him, elect men are gathered from all lands, and made partakers of' the divine nature, and the divine love. To this great and holy fellowship, the Spirit of God brings every converted, believing soul. They come thus, in the exercise of that living faith which unites them to Jesus, unto the city of the Living God, -- the heavenly Jerusalem, -- to the innumerable company of angels, and to the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven. The man in Christ is a citizen of no mean city. His name is written in heaven. He is encompassed on earth by heavenly guards; and however he may be despised, and counted as nothing, by the world around him, -- the manifestation to their view, of those who watch over him, who are interested in him, and have a common inheritance with him, would strike the earth with awe and terror. This amazing manifestation is yet to be made, when Jesus shall appear in His glory, and acknowledge His saints in the midst of surrounding millions; -- when they shall shine in His presence, like the brightness of the firmament, and like the stars forever and ever. But the. glory of this high connection is not now the less real, though it be the less apparent. The children of God are sojourning in a land of strangers. But they are not the less certainly, the heirs of the divine promises, and partakers of an immovable and incorruptible kingdom. It doth not yet appear what they shall be: -- but this is all. The believing soul is now made by the Holy Spirit, one with Christ; and whatever glory Christ possesses, is his also, by the divine covenant and gift. The man in Christ has thus, his conversation, his citizenship in heaven. He is taught the language of praise and love, which is the dialect of heaven. He is a son of God; and wherever there are beings, whose affections and powers are consecrated to God his Father, there are those who are united to him, in the closest intimacy, and the most imperishable relations. This connection is permanent, indissoluble, and real. And God the Saviour rejoices over the vessels of His mercy, which He hath afore prepared for glory, as the crown and recompense of all His humiliation and suffering on the earth.
The man in Christ has a certain inheritance of future glory. God hath laid up for his enjoyment, such things as it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive. The personal happiness and peace of his future inheritance, is a precious aspect of it in his view. But this is not the peculiar one, which we now regard. Its elevation and glory constitute the aspect which we here consider, as an element of honour. It will be a glorious triumph. The Christian is made more than a conqueror.All enemies are put in subjection under his feet. Having been kept faithful unto death, he is now the possessor of a crown of life. It will be an exalted dominion. "Ye shall sit upon thrones." -- "Ye shall reign as kings." -- "To him that overcometh, will I give to sit with me on my throne, even as I also have overcome, and have sat down with my Father on His throne." It will be a glorious priesthood for worship and praise. He is one of a royal priesthood; -- made a king and a priest unto God, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Him by Jesus Christ. This future triumphant glory is an eternal glory. And while the countenance of the Father shines upon him with unutterable peace, and the presence of the Son fills his soul with overflowing joy, and the Spirit, breathes through him, the influence of holy satisfaction and delight; -- all this is an everlasting inheritance. And oh, what excelling glory is this! The last enemy conquered, -- the last distress passed, -- the last temptation overcome, -- the last tear of sorrow wiped away; -- and the spirit, -- trembling with the mingling power of humility and joy, -- receiving a crown from the Saviour's hand, surrounded with choirs of rejoicing angels, -- welcomed in public audience of all who have rejected and despised him before, -- listens with rapture and amazement, while voice after voice takes up the anthem of praise, and the far distant throngs of God's elect, unite in the transporting shout, like the noise of many thunders, "Such honour have all His saints."
And all this is not a future, possible glory, merely. It is a present, actual inheritance of the child of God; for which he is kept, and which is kept for him, because he is in Christ. It is not a recompense of his own personal, partial works, nor made contingent upon any ability in himself. It is the crown of a Saviour's merit and excellence, with whom he is one by the gift and power of grace; and of which, therefore, he is a partaker, simply because he is in Christ. It does not depend upon his own power to overcome. It is secured by the faithfulness of a Lord, who hath already overcome in his behalf; and who gives to His servant whom He hath chosen, the kingdom which He hath merited and obtained. The man who is in Christ, is even now, in possession of an indisputable title to this glory, and is an actual partaker of the honour which its greatness and worth imparts.
These are some views of the honour of this condition of grace. How blessed and precious they are, the children of God can readily understand. The influence which they exercise upon them is most evident and powerful.They lead the man in Christ, to an utter disesteem of earth as an inheritance, and of his own character as a ground of hope. When he is elevated, under the dominion of a spiritual mind, to consider these glorious privileges as his own inheritance, the things of this world fade in the distance, to total insignificance, as an object, of pursuit. All supposed excellence of his own seems completely annihilated. What is man, as considered in himself, when he is viewed in this connection, but a thing of nought, passing away as a shadow? These blessed privileges lead the man in Christ to an affectionate choice of God, as his only desirable treasure. He cheerfully counts all things but loss for His sake. He has no higher wish than to follow the Lord only and forever, who hath enriched him with such boundless mercies, and made him the heir of such inconceivable and eternal glory. He rejoices to acknowledge his crucified Lord, before all men, as the one object of his desire and choice; -- to appear on earth as His servant; -- to bear His beloved name in all his intercourse with the world; and never to he ashamed of His cross, or of any of the reproaches which it may bring upon him.
The sons of God are thus led ever to confide in the Father's assured divine presence and protection, with a filial spirit; -- to trust all their wants and cares completely to him; -- and thus to be cheerful amidst sorrows, confident under the presence of difficulties, hoping even against hope, rejoicing ever in the assurance of the rest, -- the glorious rest, which remaineth for the people of God. It is thus, that they are upheld and saved. The more entirely they walk by faith in things unseen, the more elevated and tranquil their spirits become. When their minds and hearts are brought down, to mingle in the conflicts, and to be anxious for the cares of this present world, they, are twisted and overthrown, by the whirlwinds of passion, or appetite, or pride. When they look above and beyond the world, and realize their privileges in Christ, earthly things cease to distress them. While they walk closely and humbly with God, in the spirit of dependance, watchfulness, and faith, -- however they may be reproached and outcast among men, they feel themselves exalted completely above them, and glory in the shame which they suffer for a beloved Lord.
Beloved friends in Christ, this is your privilege, your purchased right. O realize the blessing of keeping and cultivating a heavenly mind! -- of maintaining an abiding sense of your actual relation to the Lord Jesus, and of walking simply and humbly in the enjoyment of His love. In this honour which you receive in the chosen family of God, Christ is all. It comes to you, as the purchase of His obedience, and from your personal union with Him. It depends upon His all-sufficient merit and power to save you. It is perceived and enjoyed, as He is himself embraced, remembered, and enjoyed by you. Its enjoyment, is the work within you, of that Divine Spirit, who is ever ready to sanctify, uphold, and bless you; and whose office it is, to form Christ; in your hearts, as your chief object of affection, and your only ground of hope, and to reveal to you, His excellence, power and love, as your own Redeemer and Lord. Strive then daily, to walk worthy of this high calling, as becometh saints; in all points of duty and labour, pleasing Him who hath called you to a knowledge of His truth and His salvation.
Yea, all of you, to whom. these blessed invitations come, seek to participate in the same abounding provisions of grace. If you will fly with an humbled and broken heart, to Him, in whom all these bounties dwell, as the chosen treasure of your hearts, and the one object of your desire and affection, they become yours forever. Secure an interest in the Lord Jesus, and you secure every thing in Him. Believe, trust in Him with all your hearts, and He becomes eternally your own. When you are one with Him, by this simple trust of your souls to Him, through the power of His own Holy Spirit, you are in possession of all the treasures which reside in Him for His people, -- of all the joys which flow out from Him to the heirs of His salvation, -- of all the glories which are laid up for them at His right hand forever. O refuse not Him that speaketh in invitations and offers like these! While in amazing reconciliation to the guilty, He comes to you; in reciprocal reconciliation to Him, kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the right way. If His wrath be kindled, yea, but a little, blessed are all they who put their trust in Him.
  
This page Copyright © 2004 Peter Wade. The Bible text in this publication, except where otherwise indicated, is from the King James Version. This article appears on the site: http://www.inchristclassics.com/. Would you like your own copy of books by Peter Wade and other authors? Go to our Catalog. | |
