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Heaven's Grand Repository; or The Father's Love to the Son, and Depositing All Things into His Hand, A Strong Encouragement to Faith. (Second Sermon)
by Ralph Erskine
"The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand." Joh_3:35.
[What follows was delivered immediately before the celebration of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper at Dunfermline, June 27, 1731.]
It is in the holy and over-ruling providence of him, in whose hand all things and all hearts are, that I have been inclined to pursue this subject, on this solemn occasion. I have not found my mind determined to enter on any other theme; and, I suppose, no subject can be more suitable to the work of the day; for, we cannot commemorate the boundless love of Christ to us, in dying for our sins; nor can we remember it more effectually than by remembering the Father's bountiful love to him, for his so doing; and that evidenced by his giving all things into his hand.
Nothing in the world, will sweeten the remembrance of Christ's love to us, so much as the believing remembrance of the Father's love to him; even as nothing can provoke us more to put honour upon Christ, than to see how much honour the Father puts upon him; and for this end, "That all men might honour the Son, even as they honour the Father." Why, what honour has the Father put upon him? It is even the greatest honour; and that wherein our greatest happiness lies He hath given all things into his hand."
As this is laid down here for a foundation of faith, if you compare it with ver. 36, and with Mat_11:27, Mat_11:28; so here we have a full feast, and plentiful provision for our faith to feed upon this day, and all in the best hand; "The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand."
The doctrinal observation we deduced from these words was as follows, namely—
OBSERV. "That the Father's love to the Son, evidenced by his giving all things into his hand, is a strong argument and encouragement for faith to believe in him."
The method laid down, for prosecuting this subject, was the following, viz.:
I. I would speak a little of the Father's love to the Son.
II. Speak of this evidence of the Father's love; and that, 1. Shew some of these things the Father gives to the Son_2:1-17. Notice the import of the expression, "He gave all things into his hand." 3. How this evidences the Father's love to him. 4. Why he hath thus manifested his love to him.
III. How this love of the Father, thus evidenced, in giving all things into his hand, is a ground of Faith.
IV. Make some Application of the whole.
We have already discussed the doctrinal part of this subject, and likewise made some improvement thereof: what I now intend farther, upon this subject, is by way of Exhortation. And the exhortation I would offer this day from this doctrine, is, That all that hear me would come to this full and sufficient Saviour, believing that the Father hath furnished him with all things necessary for your everlasting salvation; for, he that thus believeth on the Son hath everlasting life in him. That which is the great matter and ground of faith, is also the great motive and argument for it, namely, that the Father hath, in love to him, and to sinners in him and through him, given all things into his hand.
That I may, therefore, pursue and enforce this exhortation to believe in Christ, upon this ground, I shall, as the Lord may enable, observe the following method of discourse:
First, That our faith may be fixed in this truth, I shall offer some demonstrations of it; and evidence that all things are given into the hand of Christ, the Father's beloved.
Secondly, That faith may be cleared on this head, I shall notice a little the beauty of this disposure of infinite wisdom, in giving all things into Christ's hand.
Thirdly, That our faith may be enlarged and widened in the view thereof, I shall speak a little of the extent of the matter, the treasure, that Christ hath in him, while it is said that all things are given into his hand.
Fourthly, That faith may be enlightened and assisted further herein, I shall consider the manner how all things are in the hand of Christ.
Fifthly, that faith may be quickened and excited, I shall offer some motives and considerations, arising from, and accompanying this truth, that all things are given into Christ's hand.
Sixthly, That our faith may be regulated and squared, according to the gospel rule, I shall close with a few directions, as the Lord may enable.
And, O sirs, since faith comes by hearing of the object of faith, by hearing what Christ, the object of faith is, and what he hath, let your eye be towards him, and your ear be open to hear what is said of him; that, in bearing, you may believe, without seeking to draw faith out of your own heart and bowels, whence you will never find it. If there be any subject in the world, the hearing whereof tends, through grace, to work saving faith, it is this, that faith, and all grace, all good, all fulness, all things, are in Christ's hand.
First, The first thing I have proposed, that faith may be fixed, and settled, and assured of this truth, is to offer some demonstrations thereof. And, O that it may be in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power.
I shall only premise, that when we say, All things are in the hand of Christ, we mean not only generally, all things in the kingdom of providence; because his kingdom rules over all; and, "He is the Head of all things unto the church," Eph_1:22, but also, particularly, all things in the kingdom of grace, of which he says, "My kingdom is not of this world," John 18:46. But blessed be God, he hath not said, his spiritual kingdom is not in this world; but it is not of this world: he hath his spiritual invisible kingdom in the hearts of his people in this world; who, though they are in it, yet they are not of it, but chosen out of the world; yet, sometimes this kingdom of his is visible, in the remarkable tokens of his spiritual presence in his ordinances. And, O for many such tokens this day! But now, that all things are in Christ's hand, will be evident from the following demonstrations:
1. Demonstration of it is this, "If they that inherit Christ, inherit all things; then all things are in his hand; but so it is, they that inherit him, inherit all things, 1Co_3:21 - 1Co_3:23. For all things are yours, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present or things to come: all are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." This golden chain, together with all things present, and all things to come, is linked to the believer, because he is united unto Christ. The believer hath an interest in Christ; by an interest in Christ, he hath an interest in God; and by an interest in God, he hath an interest in all things. As Solomon says, "Money answers all things;" because all things that are vendible may be procured by it; so Christ answers all things to the believer. He is meat and drink to them; "My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." He is gold and silver to them: "The merchandize of wisdom is better than silver; and the gain thereof than pure gold." Come, buy of me gold tried in the fire." He is raiment to them when naked; and they put on the Lord Jesus Christ. He is health to them when diseased: I am the Lord that healeth thee." He is all things to them; He that overcometh shall inherit all things," Rev_21:7. Why? It is added. "I will he his God."
2. Demonstration of this truth is, "If all things, without Christ, be but empty nothing, then all things only are in Christ's hand but so it is, all things are nothing without Christ: "Vanity of vanity, says the preacher, all is vanity," Ecc_1:2. All the riches, pleasures, profits, and preferments of the world are but emptiness; your wisdom, your parts, your children, your lands, your revenues, without Christ, can amount to nothing; they are but like zeros without a number. It is said of believers, 2Co_6:10. Having nothing, they possess all things; because, though they had nothing in the world, yet, having Christ, they have all things; and on the other hand, it may be truly said of the wicked and unbelieving, that, having all things, they possess nothing; because, though they had all things in the world at their will, yet, being without Christ, they have nothing; all they have is but emptiness; yea, all they have is a curse, because they have not Christ. And thus all things, without him, are not only nothing, but worse than nothing.
3. Demonstration of this truth is, "If all things in the world be but a shadow of what is in Christ, then all things are in Christ's hand substantially; but so it is, all good things in the world are but shadows of what is in Christ." Outward riches are but a shadow of the unsearchable riches of Christ; outward life is but a shadow of him who is the way, the truth, and the life; outward liberty is but a shadow of that freedom that is to be had in Christ; If the Son make you free, then are you free indeed," Joh_8:36 importing that no freedom is freedom indeed, and in truth, but this; outward rest is but a shadow of the rest that is to be had in him; "Come to me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The sun in the firmament is but a shadow of the Sun of righteousness, and of his glory; roses and lilies are but shadows of his beauty, who is the rose of Sharon, and lily of the valley; rivers and fountains are but shadows of his fulness, who is the fountain of living waters; not a fountain closed, but a fountain opened to us: plants and trees are but a shadow of the verdure of him who is the plant of renown, the tree of life. All things that have any excellency in them are but shadows of him in whom all excellencies do concentre. All the stars of creature-excellencies are but shadows of him who is the bright and morning Star.
4. Demonstration of this truth is, "If the knowledge of all things be worth nothing, in respect of the knowledge of Christ; then all things are only in his hand; but so it is, that all things are but loss and dung in respect of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ, Php_3:5." The great apostle desired to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified; yea, this is life eternal to know him, and God in him, Joh_17:3. The knowledge of Christ is the most certain, the most profitable, and the most comfortable knowledge. It is the most certain knowledge; we know other things only by their shape and species; but we know Christ by the Spirit; we know other things by the testimony of men; but we know Christ by the testimony of the Spirit; now, as the testimony of the Spirit is more certain than the testimony of man; so the knowledge of Christ is the most certain knowledge. It is the most profitable; it is a knowledge that gives us the possession of the things we know; by the knowledge of Christ we are possessed of Christ by our knowledge of his fulness, we are possessed of his fulness; By his knowledge shall my righteous Servant justify many." If it be life eternal to know him, surely it is most profitable. It is the most comfortable; all our lack of comfort and satisfaction flows from our lack of the knowledge of Christ; and all our true comfort arises from the knowledge and view of him. John wept, because he though none was able to open the seals of the book of God's decrees, concerning man's redemption; but, upon the revealing of Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the weeping was stilled; he wept no more, Rev_5:4, Rev_5:5.
5. Demonstration, or scriptural argument for this truth is, if Christ can supply all wants; then all things must be in his hand; but so it is, he can supply all wants which we labour under, Php_4:19. "My God shall supply all your needs, according to his riches in glory, by Christ Jesus." Whatever you labour under, there is that in Christ which can supply and support. Do you labour under desertion? Then, he says, "I will never leave nor forsake thee," Heb_13:5. Do you labour under corruption and bondage to sin? It is he that says, "Sin shall not have dominion over you," Rom_6:14. Do you labour under temptation? It is he who, as the God of peace, will tread down Satan under your feet, Rom_16:20, and says, "My grace shall be sufficient for you." Do you labour under weakness? It is he who says, "My strength shall he perfected in thy weakness, 2Co_12:9. Do you labour under affliction, inward or outward? "Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." Do you labour under fears of public calamities upon the land? It is said of him, "This man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land." Do you labour under the fears of death? It is he who says, "O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction. Repentance shall be hid from mine eyes."
6. Demonstration of this truth is, if Christ can satisfy all the desires, suit all the conditions, and answer all the objections of sinners, then he must have all things; but so it is, he can satisfy all desires of sinners; for he is the Desire of all nations, and everything desirable is in him; 'He is altogether lovely' (or all desires, as the word imports), Son_5:16, made up of desirable things." Is worth desirable? He is the treasure hid in the field. Is wisdom desirable? In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom hath builded her house, Pro_9:1; it is in the plural number, wisdoms. Christ is a compound of wisdom. He can suit all conditions of poor sinners; there is no condition you can be in, but he hath a promise suited to it; so that there is in Christ what suits all cases; for the promises are nothing else but the veins where the blood and fulness of Christ doth run.
Are you wandering? Christ says, I am the way. Are you in darkness? Christ says, I am the light of the world. Are you in deadness? Christ says, I am the resurrection and the life. Are your guilty? Christ says, he is the Lord our righteousness. Are you polluted? Christ says, he is the Fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness. Are you dejected? Christ says, He will send the Comforter. Do you need protection? Christ affirms that he is the Rock of Ages, in whom is everlasting strength. Do you need direction? Christ is the wonderful Counsellor, and he says, I will lead the, blind by a way they know not.
As Christ can satisfy all desires and suit all conditions, so he can answer all objections. If any of you say, "Alas! I am a poor lost sinner, then Christ says, "I came to seek and to save that which is lost," Luk_19:10. "Oh!" says another, I am unrighteous, and I am a great sinner." Well, Christ says, I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance," Mat_9:13. Oh," says a third, "but I cannot repent." Well, it is answered, Him hath God exalted to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins, Act_5:31, "Alas!" cries another, "but I cannot turn from sin." It is answered, Christ is sent to bless you, in turning every one of you from your iniquities, Act_3:26. It is his work to turn away transgression from Jacob; to turn you from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. "Ah! but I have no might or ability to come unto Christ." It is answered, "He gives power to the faint, and to them that have no might he createth strength," Isa_40:29,Isa_40:30, Isa_40:31. He is the Author of faith, Heb_12:2. "Oh! but I have sinned to the uttermost." Why, then, he tells you he is able to save to the uttermost, Heb_7:25. "Alas! I am a backslider, and bent to backsliding." To this it is answered, "I will heal their backslidings; I will love them freely," Hos_14:4. "Oh! but though I should come to him, I cannot follow him his sheep follow him." Well, what says he to this? Even that He will carry the lambs in his arms, and gently lead those that are with young," Isa_40:11. Whatever the objection is, he can answer it; whatever the case is, he can remede it; whatever the desire is, he can satisfy it: why then, all things must be in his hand; and no wonder, for all the treasures of divine plenitude and fulness are in his hand. This may suffice to demonstrate the truth hereof.
Secondly, The next thing proposed was, in order to clear our faith in this matter, to notice the beauty of this disposure of infinite wisdom, in giving all things into Christ's hand. And,
1. In this contrivance infinite wisdom hath consulted the Father's right and property, and manifested that he is the giver of all things, and the possessor of all things; insomuch that, when he gives all things, he cannot lose thereby the possession of any thing he gives; for, the Father's giving all things into Christ's hand doth not imply that he alienates his own right. It is true, when we give a thing to another, we lose a right to it; but it is not so with God; for when he gives all things to Christ, and when he gives Christ, and all things in him to us, he still keeps his right to all that he gives; "All things are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's," 1Co_3:22, 1Co_3:23. Thus, what the Father gives into Christ's hand, remains still in the Father's hand; "And I give unto them eternal life, and none shall pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me is greater than all, and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one," Joh_10:28.
2. In this contrivance infinite wisdom hath consulted the Son's right and title. This donative right that he hath, as Mediator, as it is well adapted to him, who, as God, hath the same essential right and title to all things with the Father and the Holy Ghost. For, as to his eternal Godhead, he is the everlasting Father, Isa_9:6, whose goings forth have been of old, from everlasting, Mic_5:2. "By whom are all things, and we by him," 1Co_8:6. And, as Mediator, his donative right is attended with an acquisitive right, by his purchase, by which he hath merited and obtained a name above every name, and a being head over all things to the church, Philippians 2:97 Eph_5:23. A bellical right, by conquest, making the people to fall under him, Psa_110:4; making them willing in a day of his power, Psa_110:3.; and overcoming those that make war with him, Rev_17:14. He is able to subdue all things to himself," Heb_2:8. An hereditary right, being the heir of all things, Heb_1:2, and being the first-born, higher than the kings of the earth, Psa_89:27; the first born from the dead, that in all things he might have the pre-eminence, Col_1:18.
3. In this contrivance, infinite wisdom hath consulted the security of the stock and treasure, with which Christ is intrusted; and taken the best method for securing all things in his hand. We will find it is done with a special solemnity: It is done by solemn election, he being chosen to this trust; "Behold my Servant, whom I uphold; mine Elect, in whom my soul delighteth," Isa_42:1. It is done by solemn transaction between the Father and him, when the counsel of peace was between them both; "I have made a covenant with my chosen," Psa_89:3. It was done by a solemn call, a formal and legal call; "I the Lord have called thee, and given thee for a covenant of the people, a light to the Gentiles, Isa_42:6; and so to be all things to his people. It was done by a solemn commission, under the broad seal of heaven, whereby he is authorised to be all things that sinners need Him hath God the Father sealed, Joh_6:27. All things are given to him with the solemnity of a promise; such as, Psa_72:8 - Psa_72:11, "His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth." To the same purpose, Psa_89:24, Psa_89:25, "But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him; and in my name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers." Yea, all things are given into his hand with the solemnity of an oath,Psa_89:1-52, 357 94 MY covenant will I not break, nor alter the word that hath gone out of my mouth; once have I sworn by my holiness, I will not lie unto David." Psa_110:4 - Psa_110:7, "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, thou art a Priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedeck, &c.; not only so, but a King, for ever, upon a throne, ruling over all things; "The Lord, at thy right hand, shall strike through kings in his wrath; he shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the head over many countries." This vast treasure, then, is well secured.
4. In this contrivance, infinite wisdom hath consulted the fitness of the great Trustee, to whom all things are granted. O what wisdom is in this, that he who is, so to speak, the centre of the glorious Trinity, I mean, the middle person, should be the centre of all things: Thus he hath, as it were, consulted the convenience of all things. How fit is it that all things should move towards their centre, and meet there! He is the centrical place, not only the middle person of the glorious Trinity, but also the Mediator between God and man, that all things between God and man, they might have all things common between them, for his own glory and their good. Read concerning this, Eph_1:10, "That he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are in earth, even in him." All things good and bad may be said to be given into his hand; all evil things, such as, the devil, the world, and sin, and death, that they may be ruled and overruled; and all good things, that they may be managed and secured. All our enemies are put in his hand, that they may be destroyed; and all our blessings put in his hand, that they may be preserved. None but Christ was capable of such a trust; no mere creature, among men or angels, was capable to bear this glory; "It is he that builds the temple of the Lord, and bears the glory," Zec_6:13. None but he was capable to be the disposer of all needs and dispenser of all blessings: therefore he is made the general receiver of all things.
5. In this contrivance, infinite wisdom hath consulted the pleasure of all parties, even the pleasure of all the persons of the glorious Trinity; "It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell, Col_1:19, where you may notice that the word FATHER is not in the original; and, therefore, this work of reposing all things, all fullness in Christ, may be looked upon not only as the work of the Father, but the work of the whole glorious Trinity. It pleased Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, that in Christ should all fulness dwell; that into his hand should all things be given; the Father proposed, the Son accepted, and the Holy Ghost consented, that in Christ, as Mediator, should all fulness dwell; and this was done with rapturous pleasure. It pleased the Father to propose it; for he says, "I have laid help upon One that is mighty." It pleased the Son to accept, for he says, Lo! I come! It pleased the Holy Ghost to consent, for he rested on Christ, and furnished him for his work; "The Spirit of the Lord God was upon me, for he hath anointed me," Isa_61:1.
This ravishing pleasure of the glorious Trinity is not only plainly imported in the words of our text, where it is the Father's love to the Son, as our Saviour and Surety, is made the spring of his giving all things into his hand; but you have it plainly expressed, Isa_42:1, "Behold my Servant, whom I uphold; mine Elect, in whom my soul delighteth." And Pro_8:30, "Then," says Christ, namely, from all eternity, "I was by him, as one brought up with him; I was daily his delight." Now in what respect was he the Father's delight? Even in respect of his rejoicing in the habitable parts of the earth, and his delights being with the sons of men. The Father delighted in me, because I delighted in the sons of men, in the very prospect of saving and redeeming them by my blood. He delighted to see him delighting in this mediatorial service, for which all things were given into his hand, with infinite pleasure.
And, as God consults his own pleasure herein, so the pleasure of all poor sinners, for whose sake and benefit all things were given unto him; and hence, whenever the glory of this method of salvation, through Christ, is open to the heart of any poor sinners, they are not only pleased and satisfied, but ravished and filled with sweet wonder, and strong consolation, Heb_6:18, and rejoice with joy unspeakable, 1Pe_1:8. The soul is, by a glorious and ravishing power, carried out to rest in this device, as every way worthy of God, and every way suitable and satisfying to their case.
6. In this contrivance, infinite wisdom hath consulted the credit and honour of all concerned. He hath herein consulted the credit and honour of his own majesty and greatness, in giving all things into the hand of Christ, the second Adam, and not transacted any more with man, in his own person, now when turned rebel to his crown and dignity; but transacted immediately with Christ, a person of equal dignity with himself, giving all things to him, and through him to us. Thus we are taught to keep at a due distance from this infinitely glorious Sovereign, and to come and receive blessings, not immediately out of his hand, but by the hand of Christ, the Mediator; "I am the way, no man cometh to the Father but by me."
He hath consulted the credit of his name, and of all his glorious excellencies; the credit of his broken law, how it might not only be fulfilled, but magnified to the utmost; the credit of his offended justice, how it might not only be satisfied, but glorified to the highest. Why, infinite wisdom knew that there was nothing that the violated law, or the injured attributes of God, could demand for the reparation of their honour, but what the sinner's Surety, having all things given to him, could answer with ease, and to infinite satisfaction. The creditor well knew that the Surety was not only creditable, but responsible, abundantly able to pay all the debt; mighty to save, mighty to satisfy, mighty to give all the infinite satisfaction demanded; insomuch, that mercy vents to sinners, without any prejudice to justice; and the attributes of God, seemingly inconsistent one with another., are reconciled in Christ, "Mercy and truth meet together, righteousness and peace kiss each other." And God pardons and satisfies so as not only to be merciful, but even just, in justifying the ungodly. He hath consulted the credit of his Son Christ Jesus, who thus is honoured with a name above every name that can be named; all things being given into his hand, not only to furnish him with his mediatorial service, but also to reward him for it, Phil. 8:9. He is honoured with a goodly train, a throng court of supplicants, all things being given unto him, that the gathering of the people might be to him for supply, and that the revenue of praise might be given to him, through all eternity. Yea, he hath consulted the credit as well as the profit of ill the, redeemed, by giving all things into the hand of Christ. God never honoured the church, nor advanced them to greater dignity, than by giving them an universal plentitude, as head of the body the church; and every believer may say, "My Head, my Husband, my Lord, hath all things in his hand." This is the honour of all the saints, they have all things in Christ; and he is made of God unto them wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; yea, and all things, that he that glorieth may glory in him. So much for a hint at the beauty of this disposure.
Thirdly, The next thing proposed was, in order to enlarge and widen our faith in this matter, to speak of the Extent of this store and treasure that Christ hath; the Father having given all things into his hand. Why then, besides what we said on the doctrinal part, consider,
1. If all things are in his hand, then all the attributes of God are in him. There is nothing that the Father hath, excepting his personality, but the Son hath, as Mediator; "All things that the Father hath are mine," Joh_16:15. All things that God hath, they belong to the Mediator also, the God-man. Here then is an ocean where you and I may dive for ever, and never get to the bottom. Having all things, he hath all the wisdom of God, Col_2:3, "In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Poor foolish sinner, who hath no wisdom, knowledge, nor understanding, here is a treasure for you: "Christ, the wisdom of God, made of God unto you wisdom," 1Co_1:30. Having all things, he hath all the power of God; "We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the wisdom of God and the power of God," 1Co_1:24.
Poor feeble soul, who can do nothing, here is a good bargain for you to lay hold upon; it is he that can work in you, both to will and do; and make his people willing in a day of his power. You are not called to come to Christ, but by the power of Christ, which is the power of God. You are to receive him that can give you power to receive him; and, as one absolutely weak, to take hold of his strength, and look to his power, to whom is given all power in heaven and in earth. Having all things, he hath all the holiness of God; he is said to be made of God unto as sanctification; and surely here is an immense fountain of sanctity, the infinite holiness of God. O poor, vile polluted sinner, who hath lost the image of God, by the fall of the first Adam, and the deficiency of his holiness, here is a better head and husband for You, in whom is all the fulness of the divine holiness, that you may be complete in him.
Having all things, he hath all the justice of God, and all the righteousness of God in him, and justice satisfied in him, by his mediatorial righteousness; for, "The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness sake;" yea, he that is the righteousness of God, is made unto us righteousness, 1Co_1:30, and, O wonderful word! "He was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him, 2Co_5:21. O guilty, guilty sinner! here is a joyful sound in your ears, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." You may, in Christ, be more righteous in God's sight than ever you was guilty in his sight; yea, you may be the very righteousness of God in him. You may not only be justified, but find God to be just in justifying you, because the justice of God is in him; and it is satisfied in him, magnified in him, glorified in him. Having all things, he hath all the mercy of God in his hand; all the infinite love, pity, and compassion of God is in his hand, and in his heart. What is Christ, but the love of God wrapt up in a garment of flesh and blood? 1Jn_4:9, 1Jn_4:10, "In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that God loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
And Jude, ver. 21, "Keep yourselves in the love of God;" how? "Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, unto eternal life." O poor miserable sinner! Would you wish to find mercy in the moment of death, and mercy at the great day? Know that there is no mercy to be expected out of God's hand, unless you look to his mercy as in the hand of Christ; for, he will never shew mercy to the prejudice of his justice; and it is only in Christ that mercy and justice meet together and embrace each other. Having all things, he hath all the faithfulness and truth of God, "My mercy and my faithfulness shall be with him," Psa_89:24.
I have observed between thirty and forty places of scripture, where mercy and truth, mercy and faithfulness, are joined together; and here you see they are joined together in Christ. In him the mercy and love of God vents to the honour of divine truth, pledged even in all the threatenings of the law, as well as divine truth, pledged in all the promises of the gospel; because in him all the threatenings and curses of the law have spent their force; "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us," Gal_3:13. And, "In him are all the promises, Yea and Amen to the glory of God," 2Co_1:20. He is the way and the truth; truth itself, the God of truth, and the truth of God.
O perfidious, faithless, unfaithful, and treacherous sinner! who hath many times lied to the God of truth; wouldst thou have thy falsehood all done away, and swallowed up in the truth and veracity of God, and your salvation secured notwithstanding of your falsehood, fickleness, and instability? Here is a pillar on which you may stand firm and fixed, amidst all changes, whether in your outward lot or inward frame; for, "All flesh is grass; but the word of the Lord endureth for ever." The truth of God standeth unalterably the same. Again, having all things, he hath all the authority of God in his hand. "My name is in him," Exo_23:21.
O! poor lost sinner, when Christ, in this gospel, comes to seek and save that which was lost, say not, by what authority doth he these things? He is the Sent and Sealed of God, and he hath all the authority that God can give him. And if you ask by what authority we, poor sinful mortal worms like yourselves, do offer him and all his store to you? Indeed, we would have no authority if he had not said, "Go, preach the gospel to every creature; and lo, I am with you always unto the end of the world."
In a word, having all things, he hath all the fulness of God in his hand; "It pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell," Col_1:19. "In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Not only all the attributes of God, but all the fulness of all the divine attributes. Not only the wisdom of God, but all the fulness of divine wisdom; not only the power of God, but all the fulness of divine power; not only the holiness of God, but all the fulness of divine holiness; not only the justice and righteousness of God, but all the fulness of divine righteousness; not only the mercy of God, but all the fulness of divine mercy; not only the truth and faithfulness of God, but all the fulness of divine faithfulness; not only the authority of God, but all the fulness of divine authority; not only is God in him, but all the fulness of the Godhead. O! poor empty sinner! here is unsearchable riches, a bottomless well of everlasting salvation for you.
2. If all things are in his hand, then all the reins of providence are in his hand; this must follow upon what hath been said, having all the perfections of God, surely his kingdom ruleth overall. What a vast field is here! I shall only touch at some of the border thereof. For all things in heaven, earth, and hell, are under his government as Mediator, Php_2:10, Eph_1:22. All the reins of common providence, in the world, and special providence, in the church, and among the children of God, are wholly in his hand. Why then, having all things, he hath all kingdoms and churches in his hand; "By me kings reign, and princes decree justice," Pro_8:15. When he will, he cuts off the spirit of princes, and is terrible to the kings of the earth, Psa_75:6, Psa_75:7, "Promotion cometh neither from the cast, nor from the west, nor from the south, but God is the judge, he putteth down one and raiseth up another." It is by him that the churches are planted and watered; and again displanted and turned into a barren wilderness when he pleases, Isa_41:18.
Whatever disorders and confusions be in the church of God, it is best for us to keep about the hand of Christ, who hath the overruling of all things to his Father's glory, and his people's good. Having all things, he hath all the stars of heaven in his hand; not only the sun, moon, and stars of these visible heavens; for, he could make the stars in their courses fight against Sisera; but also, all the stars in the church's firmament, Rev_1:16, and he orders them to shine so long in this place, and so long in the other, as he pleases. Having all things, he hath all the winds of heaven in his hand. When the church and children of God pray, Son_4:16, "Awake, O north wind; come, thou south," &c. Whence do they expect these winds of the Spirit's influences? Even from him who hath said of the blessed Comforter, "I will send him unto you," Joh_16:7. It is he that prophecies unto the winds, Eze_37:9. "Thus saith the Lord, Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live."
If there be little of this quickening wind blowing about your hearts, yet he can order the winds to arise when he pleases; for all the influences of the Spirit are in his hand, as well as the. natural winds, Psa_135:7. Having all things, he hath all the waters of the sea, and all the dust of the earth, in his hand; "Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with a span? and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure?" Isa_40:12.
Perhaps you have friends buried in the sea, or buried in the earth; whether the earth or sea be their graves, are they friends in Christ? Rejoice in the faith of their happy resurrection; "He will raise them up at the last day." It is easy with him to command the earth and the sea to give up their dead; for he hath every drop of water, and every pile of dust within the view of his omniscient eye, and within the hollow of his omnipotent hand. Having all things, he hath all the mountains and hills in his hand, as in the forecited, Isa_40:12. He is said to weigh up the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance. The mountains and hills are in his hand, both in a literal and metaphorical sense; they are in his hand and under his feet, so that it is easy with him to cast them out of the way with his hand, or tread upon them, and come skipping on the mountains, and leaping on the hills, Son_2:8. "Who art thou, O great mountain? before our Zerubbabel, thou shalt become a plain," Zec_4:7.
How doth faith remove mountains, but by the hand of Christ? Possibly you may find mountains of sin and guilt, mountains of trouble and distress, mountains of fears and objections, mountains of difficulties and discouragements in your way; but let them not fright you from coming to Christ for he hath them all in his hand; and he can overturn the mountains as easily as he can turn his hand. Having all things, he hath all weathers in his hand, whether fair or foul, calm or stormy weather, as he pleases to order; whether prosperity or adversity, plenty or penury: In the day of prosperity be joyful in him; in the day of adversity consider that it is he also that hath appointed it; for God hath set the one against the other, Ecc_7:14. Having all things, he hath all times and seasons in his hand; he hath given to the stork and swallow to know their appointed times, and to observe the times of their coming," Jer_8:7.
O sirs, how infinitely well then does he know the fit time of his own coming, and the proper season of visiting his people! "He waits to be gracious; and he is a God of judgment; blessed are all they that wait for him," Isa_30:18. The time of our sojourning here, and the number of our months is in his hand. The time of his approaches to the soul, and the time of his staying, is in his sovereign hand. Again, having all things in his hand, he hath all the chains of devils and of evil spirits in his hand; they are held in his chains, and under his check and control; they cannot touch a herd of swine without his permission; and his hand is famed for casting out devils; and, perhaps, there are many such here to be cast out; but he hath no more ado but, "Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee to come out;" thou unclean spirit, I charge thee to come out; thou drunken spirit, I charge thee to come out; thou profane spirit, I charge thee to come out; thou atheistical unbelieving spirit, I charge thee to come out.
All the chains wherewith poor prisoners of hope are held, are in his hand; and glory to God that hath anointed him to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, Isa_41:1. Again, having all things, he hath all the keys of hell and death in his hand; "I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death," Rev_1:18. When death and hell thought to have detained him prisoner, behold our mighty Samson came off with all the gates, and all the keys in this hand. Why, he had promised, saying, "O death, I will be thy plague; O grave, I will be thy destruction," He& 13:14. And having done as he said, therefore his people, even staring death in the face, may, and sometimes do, sing that triumphant song, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law; but thanks be to God who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ," 1Co_15:55.
Again, having all things, he hath all work upon his hand: having finished the work the Father gave him to do, even the work of redemption, by price; he hath yet upon his hand all the work that the redeemed have to do, even the work of redemption by power. In point of means, you are called to be much about his hand; but in point of power, you must put all in his hand; for, "Without him you can do nothing," Joh_15:5. It is he who worketh in us, to will and do of his good pleasure, Php_4:13. It is he that works all our works in us and for us, Isa_16:12, therefore we should pray, with the psalmist, Psa_109:21. "Do thou for me, O God the Lord, for thy name's sake;:and Psalm. Ivii. 2. I will cry unto God, most high, unto God that performeth all things for me." But this leads me to another particular.
3. If all things are in Christ's hand, then all offices, all saving offices are in his hand. You know, the Father hath anointed him to the office of Prophet, Priest, and King. O sirs, what employment will you put in his hand? It is he, as a Prophet, that says, "They shall be all taught of God;" look to him for the promised teaching. It is he, as a Priest, that says, upon the ground of the sacrifice he hath offered, "I, even I am he that pardoneth thine iniquity, for my name's sake." Look to him for remission in his blood. It is he, as a King, that says, "I will subdue your iniquities: Sin shall not have dominion over you." O! ignorant sinner, will you find in your heart to refuse such a Prophet as Christ is? Who teaches like him? O! guilty sinner, will you refuse such a High Priest as this? O! enslaved sinner, will you refuse the help of such a King and Conqueror as this? If there be none of these offices to be dispensed with, then take hold of him in them all.
4. If all things are in his hand, then he is clothed with all relations that can contribute to the happiness of sinners. What friend or relation do you lack, O sinner? Lack you a father to pity you? Behold, here you may have an everlasting Father, that is his name, Isa_9:6. "In him the fatherless findeth mercy." Lack you a mother to be tender of you? Behold, here motherless children may have their loss made up: when father and mother. leaveth you, he is one to take you up, Psa_27:10. He is one that can be a thousand times better to you than father and mother and manifests more love than the tenderest mother that ever was "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, she may forget, yet will I not forget you," Isa_49:15. Lack you a husband? O! What would you think to be married with the heir of all things? Wily if the ear of faith be open, you may hear him saying, "Thy Maker is thy Husband," Isa_54:5, and again, Hos_2:19. "I will betroth thee unto me for ever." If you say, "O! how will it be consistent with the justice of God for him to marry such a black bride?" Why, he says, "I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness; I will betroth thee unto me in wisdom; I will betroth thee unto me in judgment, in loving kindness; yea, and in faithfulness; and thou shalt know the Lord;" thou shalt know God in Christ. How can he betroth thee to himself, and yet be infinitely just, and wise, and merciful, and faithful in doing so? Because mercy and truth have met together in Christ, the glorious Bridegroom; they struck up a match together, and embraced each other, that there might be nothing to hinder the match between Christ and you. Lack you a proper match then, O sinner, or a needed help, poor bankrupt, run in such deep arrears to the law and justice of God? Is not he that hath unsearchable riches a fit match for you? Poor dying creature, that will be food for worms in a little, here is a living Head for you, that can make you live for ever— O! mortal worm, here is an immortal Husband for you. Poor changeable creature, here is an unchangeable match for you "Christ the same yesterday to-day, and for ever." Lack you a lover? Are you an outcast, that reckons yourself despised by all the world, insomuch that none cares for you, or loves you? Behold, an infinitely loving and lovely Jesus, offering and boding his love upon you, saying, "I will heal your backslidings; I will love you freely," Hos_4:5. And he is seeking your heart, your conjugal love, saying, "My son, give me thy heart." Lack you a leader through the dark and difficult steps of your way? A guide, a director, and counsellor in whatsoever affair you have upon your hand wherein it is needful to be directed? O! here is a wonderful Counsellor, who says, Isa_42:16, "I will lead the blind in a way they know not, and in paths that they have not known." Lack you a shepherd to feed you, or a captain to fight your battles for you? Lack you a physician, when in sickness, to heal you? Lack you a refiner and purifier, when you are in the furnace, to purge away your dross? Behold he who hath all things in his hand, has all the relations that you can desire.
5. If all things be in his hand, then all graces are in his hand. This is a great part of the glory of the only begotten of the Father, that he is full of grace and truth, and, "Out of his fulness have all received, and grace for grace, Joh_1:14. Grace is poured into his lips," Psa_45:2, and I hope he is pouring grace from his lips by his word among some of you this day. "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon him, for he hath anointed him." He is anointed with the oil of gladness, anointed with the Spirit of all grace. Lack you grace to believe? Behold it is in his hand, as he is the Author of faith. Lack you grace to repent? Behold it is in his hand, as a Prince and Saviour exalted to give repentance. Do you lack grace. to pray? It is he that has the Spirit of prayer in his hand to give, Zec_12:10. Do you lack grace to communicate? Grace to mortify sin? Grace to bear the cross? Grace to resist temptation? Grace to do and suffer? It is he that has all grace in his hand to give, and who says, "My grace shall be, sufficient for you:" hence his people are called to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
6. If all things are in his hand, then all blessings are in his hand to give. He is the Lord-dispenser of temporal blessings; for, "The earth is in his hand, and the fulness thereof;" the Lord-dispenser of spiritual blessings; for, behold heaven is in his hand, and the fulness thereof: the Lord-dispenser of eternal blessings; for eternal life is in his hand. It was promised of him, that men should be blessed in him; and accordingly he is sent to bless us, Act_3:26, "God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." I might here enumerate many particular blessings. The blessings of illumination is in his hand; for, he is a Light to enlighten the Gentiles. The blessing of conversion is in his hand: for, he says, "When I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." The blessing of justification is in his hand; for, "We are justified freely by his grace." The blessing of reconciliation with God is in his hand; for, it is he that maketh peace by the blood of his cross. The blessing of sanctification is in his hand: for, "He is made of God unto us, sanctification." The blessing of acceptance is in his hand; for, "By him we have boldness and access, with confidence, through the faith of him." The blessing of consolation is in his hand; for, he is the Consolation of Israel. The blessing of a happy death is in his hand; for, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." The blessing of a happy resurrection is in his hand; for, He is the resurrection and the life. The blessing of a happy sentence at the great day is in his hand; for, All judgment is committed to him; and it is he that will say to the wicked, "Depart ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels;" and to the righteous, "Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you, from the foundation of the world." The blessing of eternal glorification is in his hand; for, as he is the glory of the higher house, so he says, "Father, I will, that those whom thou hast given me, be with me, where I am, that they may behold my glory: and so shall they be ever with the Lord." Can you tell me any spiritual blessing that is not in his hand? No: Eph_1:3, "Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings, in heavenly places, only in Christ."
And now, after all, what think ye of him? Have you no heart to join hand with a well-furnished Saviour, that hath all things in his hand? If you have got no heart to such a good bargain, this is very sad; but because it is a day of glad tidings, I will tell you among other things, that all hearts are in his hand, and it is his prerogative to open the locked heart. It is easy with him to create a clean heart, to melt the hard heart, to still the wandering heart, to cleanse the filthy heart, to elevate the drooping heart, to conquer the stubborn heart, to quicken the dead heart, to draw the backward heart, as I noticed on another subject; and if any thing draw your heart to him, it will be the revelation of his grace and fulness, as having all things in his hand. Thus much may suffice for a comprehensive view of the extent of this treasure.
Fourthly, I come to the fourth thing I proposed, which was, in order to the further assisting of faith, to consider the manner how all things are in Christ's hand. I have already told you, all things are in Christ's hand naturally as he is God; and donatively, as he is Mediator; but, besides, there are these following ways wherein all things given him of his rather are in his hand.
1. All things are in his hand substantially; not symbolically, as Christ is said to be in the elements of bread and wine in the sacrament; or, as God was said to be in the temple, by the symbol of his presence. It is not the shadow of all things, but the substance which is in his hand; therefore it is said, Col_2:9, "In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily;" that is, substantially, and so in a glorious, eminent, superlative, and transcendant way. Christ is the substantial All of his people; the substance of all the types, and sacrifices, and ceremonies under the law. They were but the shadow of good things to come, Heb_10:1. All the good. things themselves are in Christ substantially.
2. All things are in him communicatively; his Mediatorial fulness is communicable and omnipotent. All shops are closed, but Christ's house stands open; and on it this inscription, Whosoever will, may come and share of this treasure. Christ's fulness is communicable; and therefore, out of this fulness we may all receive, and grace for grace, Joh_1:16. We needed not preach of this store that is in Christ's hand, if it was locked up in him. Why is it, that in him, as Mediator, dwells all fulness of the Godhead bodily? Why, but that we may be complete in him, Col_2:9, Col_2:10. Christ is a cabinet of rich jewels and faith is a key to open the cabinet: we receive out of his fulness by faith. Prayer is a key, "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask it of God." If these keys be not in your hand, surely they are in his, who hath all things in his hand. O solicit him to cast you the key, and give you the spirit of faith and prayer.
3. All things are in his hand sufficiently; there is bread enough and to spare, Luk_15:17. Fulness enough for the destitute; light enough for the dark; life enough for the dead: there is grace enough in him, pardon enough in him, help enough in him; bread enough and to spare. If you think there is none to spare for you, it is because you do not believe there is enough in him; but will you disgrace our infinitely noble and glorious Lord, by supposing that there is not enough in him? O! He can satisfy the longing soul, and fill the hungry soul with good things. Nothing in this world gives satisfaction to the soul: he was a fool that said, when he had a full barn, "Soul, take thy rest, thou hast goods laid up for many years." We may as well dream of a coffer full of grace and glory, as of a soul full of corn and wine; it is only Christ that has in him suitable and satisfying fulness for the soul, and enough to give complete, solid, permanent, and everlasting satisfaction.
4. All things are in his hand efficiently and effectively, in so much, that he can make others to share of a Conformity to him, in that store that is in his hand. For example, hath he all comeliness? Well, what says he? "I have. made thee perfect through my comeliness which I put upon thee," Eze_16:14. Hath he all righteousness? Well, the believer is made righteous through his righteousness. Hath he all glory? The believer is made glorious through his glory, and all glorious within Beholding his glory, we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord," 2Co_3:18. There is a power and efficacy in every saving discovery of the glorious treasure that is in Christ, a smiling savour in his face; and, O happy they, that are smitten with a conformity to him: who, beholding the of his grace, are made gracious; beholding the glory of his holiness, are made holy; beholding the glory of his mercy, are made merciful.
5. All things are in his hand unchangeably; for he is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, Heb_13:18. He is always the same; and his stock and treasure is invariably the same. Whatever you get out of his hand, yet still the stock and store is in his hand. Let faith draw never so many bills upon him, for this and that supply, at this time and the other time, and get never so much rent, annual rent, or daily rent, out of the stock; yet still the stock and interest both are in his hand; and the believer hath his all to the fore; even when all that was in your hand is spent, yet all things remain as they were in Christ's hand; yea, and