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THE CHRISTIAN’S PORTION
ACCUSTOMED as we are to expect a future state of existence, we scarcely ever reflect on the source from which we have attained the knowledge of such a state. It was not from reason that we derived it; for the wisest philosophers of Greece and Rome could arrive at no certainty respecting it: it is “the Gospel which has brought life and immortality to light,” and has thereby given us an unerring standard, by which to try every occurrence, of whatever kind. From a view of eternity, we learn neither to indulge undue complacency in what is gratifying to our feelings, nor, on the other hand, to yield to dejection under the pressure of what is painful. We learn simply to approve ourselves to God; and to look for his approbation in a future world, as a recompence for all that we can either do or suffer for him in this present life. This thought reconciled the Apostle to shame and reproach for his Redeemer’s sake; for he knew that “here he had no continuing city: but he sought one to come;” and regarded the possession of that as an ample reward for all that man could inflict upon him.
The words before us will lead me to shew,
I. The transitoriness of earthly things—
We have nothing durable in this life—
[If any thing could have been expected to continue, it would have been the city of Jerusalem: because it was, beyond all others in the universe, “the city of God,” and because “its foundations were like the great mountains.” But that was soon to be destroyed, so that not one stone should remain upon another that should not be thrown down: and, with the city, the whole civil and religious polity of the nation should be dissolved. Thus it had been with the great empires which had successively been established in Chaldea, Persia, and Greece: and thus, in due season, it should be with Rome also, though it was now the mistress of the world. Even this globe itself, and all which it contains, shall ere long be burnt up with fire, and utterly dissolved; so that nothing under the sun can be considered as of abiding continuance.]
This is a matter of daily experience to us all—
[We may know but little either of history or prophecy; but who does not with his own eyes behold the transitory nature of every thing around him? The seasons come, and pass away; and in like manner the generations of men vanish from the earth in quick succession. It was but the other day, and those who are now in the meridian of life were children: and in a few more days they will be swept away, to make room for others who shall hereafter arise. Since the beginning of the present year, how many have been removed into the eternal world! and before the expiration of another year, how many, who are now in health, will be taken to their long home! Truly, we are like the shadow of a cloud sweeping over the plain; and soon shall vanish, to be seen no more.]
This will account for,
II. The portion which the Christian affects—
For him a continuing city is prepared—
[God himself has prepared it for him: yea, God himself has built it: and its foundations are laid so deep, that nothing can ever shake them [Note: Heb_11:10; Heb_11:16.]. To that city the Christian is already so far come, that he is entitled to all its privileges; and has, in a state of actual preparation for him, a mansion, in which he is to dwell for ever [Note: Heb_12:22. with Joh_14:2-3.]. In comparison of that city, all earthly edifices are unworthy of a thought. Not only are its walls and its foundations inconceivably superior to all that man can construct, but the very light that lightens it is altogether different: for, instead of needing the rays “of the sun or of the moon, the glory of God does lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof [Note: Rev_21:10-23.].”]
To this he constantly directs his steps—
[He is careful to inquire his way thither, and to prosecute his journey towards it every day he lives. Like the Patriarchs, lie considers himself as a pilgrim and sojourner here: and, like them, whatever difficulties he meets with in the way, he presses forward, determining not to turn aside, or stop, till he has arrived within its gates [Note: Heb_11:13-16.]. He looks to it as the rest that remaineth for him; nor will he ever relax his labours, till he has attained it [Note: Heb_4:1; Heb_4:11.]. In this he may be clearly distinguished from all other persons. Others are desirous of finding somewhat of a present portion: but “he seeks one to come,” and makes it the one great business of his life to secure it.]
This subject may be improved,
1. For our conviction—
[If this be practical Christianity, how little have we lived like Christians! We have been ever ready to take up our rest in this world; and for the most part have sought for nothing beyond it. The things of time and sense have had as much effect upon our minds as if they had been of lasting continuance; whilst the things of eternity have been disregarded, as though they had been altogether transient. Were it not that we see this conduct all around us, we should scarcely conceive it possible that rational beings should act so irrational a part. Let us lay it to heart, and humble ourselves before God; and “set our affections henceforth on things above, and not on things below.”]
2. For our consolation—
[We may, in the course of our pilgrimage, be oppressed with many troubles: but they are all of short continuance; whereas, the happiness which we have in prospect will abide with us for ever. This consideration makes every affliction appear light and momentary [Note: 2Co_4:17-18.]; more especially when we reflect that “tribulation is the way to the kingdom;” and that we are, like our blessed Lord himself, to be “made perfect through sufferings.”]
3. For our direction—
[Bear in mind the emptiness and vanity of earthly things, and learn to sit loose to them; “letting your moderation be known unto all men [Note: Php_4:5.].” In the use of them, be temperate; and, in the want of them, patient and resigned [Note: 1Co_7:29-31.]. And set before you “the prize of your high calling,” as those did who contended in the Grecian games. Keep it ever in view; and stop not till you have fully attained it. Then shall you have the approbation of your Judge; and ere long be received into the bosom of your God.]