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THE GROUND OF GOD’S FINAL DECISION
SIN and misery are often found to be nearly connected in this life; yet rewards and punishments are not always distributed according to man’s actions. The necessity therefore of a future state of retribution is obvious and undeniable. This was discoverable in a measure by the light of reason; but revelation establishes the certainty of such a state. The inspired writers often urge the consideration of it as a motive to virtue. St. Paul is stating to the Galatians the duty of providing liberally for their pastors. He is aware that some might offer pleas and excuses for their neglect of this duty. He knew that some might even pretend a prior and more sacred obligation [Note: Mar_7:11.]. He therefore cautions them against self-deception, and reminds them that God will hereafter pass sentence on us according to the real quality of our actions.
I. It is in vain to hope for salvation while we live in a neglect of religious duties—
It is common for men to offer pleas and excuses for their disregard of religion:
1. That a life of religion is needless—
[They see the world in a state of wickedness. They cannot believe that so many can be in danger of perishing. They forget that the course of this world is just such as Satan would have it [Note: Eph_2:2.]. They recollect not our Lord’s declaration respecting the broad and narrow way [Note: Mat_7:13-14.]. They consider not that the care of the soul is the “one thing needful.”]
2. That a life of religion is impracticable—
[They hear what holiness of heart and life God requires of us. They feel how unable they are of themselves to fulfil their duty. They therefore conclude, that it is impossible to serve God aright. At least they think that a religious life cannot consist with social duties. But they forget that the grace of Christ is all-sufficient [Note: Php_4:13.]: nor are they aware that that grace will stimulate us to every duty, whether civil or religious, social or personal.]
Besides these, they substitute other things in the place of religion:
1. Their good intentions—
[They purpose to amend their lives at some future period. They expect to find some “more convenient season” for repentance. They hope that their good designs, though never executed, will be accepted.]
2. Their moral lives—
[They are guilty of no very enormous crimes. They perform many commendable actions. They hope that such a life, though they know nothing of contrition, of faith in Christ, of delight in God, &c. will procure them admission to heaven.]
3. Their profession of certain truths—
[Many receive the doctrines of Christianity as a system of truth. They trust to the mere profession of these doctrines without experiencing their transforming efficacy. Thus they substitute “the form of godliness for the power of it.”]
But no pleas or pretences can deceive God—
[To attempt to deceive God is, in fact, to “mock” him. It is to insult him, as though he were too ignorant to discern, too indifferent to regard, or too weak to punish, hypocrisy. But God cannot be deceived; nor will he be mocked.]
Let none then deceive themselves with vain expectations.
II. Our final state will be exactly answerable to our present conduct—
Under the metaphor of a sower the text affords a striking discrimination of character:
Some “sow to the flesh”—
[To sow to the flesh, is to seek in the first place our carnal ease and interests. This we may do notwithstanding we are free from gross sins. Every one comes under this description who “sets his affections on things below.”]
They whose life is so occupied will “reap corruption”—
[The present enjoyments they will have are both corruptible and defiling. The future recompence will be everlasting destruction [Note: This is evidently the import of corruption in this place; because it is opposed to everlasting life. It implies that state of soul which most corresponds with the corruption of the body.]. This is elsewhere affirmed in the plainest terms [Note: Rom_8:13.].]
Others “sow to the Spirit”—
[The Holy Spirit invariably inclines men to the love of God, and of holiness. The new nature of the regenerate affects also spiritual objects and employments. To sow to the Spirit therefore is to seek and delight in spiritual things.]
They who do this will reap everlasting life—
[A life of devotedness to God can never issue in misery. God has promised that it shall terminate in glory [Note: Rom_6:22; Rom_8:13.].]
Thus, not our pleas and pretences, but our life and conduct, will determine our eternal state—
[Our harvest will accord with the seed we sow. These different ends are inseparable from the different means [Note: Rom_2:6-10.]. The punishment, however, will be as wages earned; the reward as a gift bestowed [Note: Rom_6:23.].]
Infer—
1. What extreme folly is it to live regardless of God and our own souls!
[No husbandman expects to reap wheat, when he has sown only tares. How absurd then to hope for heaven while we seek not after it! Let us be convinced of our folly, and learn wisdom even from the children of this world.]
2. How absurd would it be to be diverted from our duty by any difficulties we may meet with in the discharge of it!
[The husbandman does not regard inclemencies of weather, much less would he be deterred from his work by the advice or ridicule of the ignorant and supine. Shall we then be discouraged, whose seed-time is so precarious, and whose harvest is so important? Let all go forward, “sowing in tears that they may reap in joy.”]