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THE TRUE REASON OF MEN’S DESTRUCTION
TO doubt whether men wish to be saved or not, may appear absurd. No man would hesitate to answer such a question in the affirmative. But though every one would prefer happiness to misery, they are but few who really prefer the way that leads to happiness. The text may be addressed to the generality amongst ourselves with the same propriety as to those who rejected the invitations of our Lord in the days of old. We shall take occasion from these words to inquire,
I. What are the benefits of coming unto Christ—
To “come to Christ” is a frequent expression in the Scriptures:
Let us first consider what is implied in this act—
[It imports not an outward attendance on his person, but an inward affiance on him for salvation. It imports a coming to him with humility as sinners — — — with faith as to the only Saviour — — — and with love as to our rightful Lord and Master [Note: The full import of this act may perhaps be more clearly understood by expressing the very words and manner in which a sinner comes to Christ—“ O my Lord and Saviour, behold I am vile, and justly deserve to be for ever spurned from thy footstool, &c. But thou hast died for sinners, even the chief, &c. I have no hope but in thee, &c. O receive a poor prodigal, &c. I look for redemption through thy blood; O let thy blood cleanse me from all sin, &c. And while I trust in thy name, enable me to depart from all iniquity, &c. Be thou my only Lord, and let every thought and desire of my heart be brought into captivity to thy holy will, &c.”] — — —]
From a due performance of this act the most inestimable benefits will arise—
[Temporal, spiritual, eternal life will flow from it. Even the temporal comforts of life are enjoyed by none so much as by him who believes in Christ; nor is there any other person who holds them by so sure a tenure [Note: 1Ti_4:8.]. He cannot fail of possessing them as far as they will conduce to his spiritual welfare. But spiritual life is a far richer blessing; and this is the believer’s assured portion. His soul shall be endued with a new and vital principle of grace [Note: Joh_10:10.]. Christ himself will live in him and be his life [Note: Gal_2:20. Col_3:4.]. As Lazarus when raised was enabled to perform the functions of animal life, of which he had been rendered, for a season, incapable, so shall the believer’s soul, which was once dead in trespasses and sins, be quickened to the discharge of all the duties and offices of the spiritual life. He shall enjoy sweet communion with God in secret, and find his supreme delight in fulfilling his blessed will. The man who thus daily comes to Christ for righteousness and strength is incomparably the happiest man on earth; but his happiness does not terminate with his present existence. No: he shall possess also eternal life. Believer, thou hast a never-fading crown of righteousness and glory awaiting thee at thy departure hence — — — What a recompence is this of all thy labour! What encouragement to come continually to Christ does such a prospect afford thee!]
One would suppose that, with such prospects, all should be pressing toward the Saviour with their whole hearts. Let us then proceed to inquire,
II. Whence it is that any fall short of these blessings?
The reason assigned in the text is the most just and most humiliating of any. There is no unwillingness in Christ to save us, but we are unwilling to go to him for salvation.
1. We are indifferent about life—
[We consider all pretensions to a new and spiritual life as enthusiasm, and therefore disdain to apply to Christ for it. As for eternal life, we do not wish to hear any thing about it. If the prospect of temporal advancement be held out to us, we can cheerfully and intensely bend our minds to the attainment of it; but if heaven and all its glory be offered us, we slight it utterly. We choose to talk of any subject rather than religion, and universally agree to banish that from our conversation. If at any time the thought of eternity be obtruded upon us, we turn from it with disgust; and are uneasy till some other topic be brought forward. Even in the house of God we hear of heavenly things as if they were fabulous and unworthy of our attention. We love our own ways, though they will end in death; and will not endure to be told of heaven, because we cannot reconcile our minds to the way that leads thither. To this effect is that declaration of Christ, “They that hate me, love death [Note: Pro_8:34-36. It is Christ who speaks here, ver. 22–31.].”]
2. We are averse to the way in which alone it is to be obtained—
[We will not come to Christ for life: this appears to be too humiliating. If we could obtain life by any works of our own, we would gladly do them; but we cannot bear to be so entirely indebted to another. We do not choose to acknowledge ourselves lost and undone. We hope to establish some righteousness of our own. Hence we neither do, nor will, come to Christ for life and salvation. Besides, this way to life is too strict: as we do not like to come with humility, and faith, so neither do we feel that love which will instigate us to devote ourselves unreservedly to his service. We think that less religion will suffice, and are determined to perish, rather than endure such drudgery. In every ungodly sinner are the words of our Saviour verified, “How often would I, but ye would not [Note: Mat_23:37.].”]
Infer—
1. What ground for self-condemnation will there be in the day of judgment!
[Every condemned sinner, however full of excuses now, will then have his mouth shut; yea, even now a moment’s reflection must convince us, that every sinner’s condemnation is the effect of his own obstinacy. Who amongst you does not know, that he ought to read the word of God, and to seek his face, and to repent of sin, and to flee to Christ for refuge, and to give up himself to Christ in a way of holy obedience? Yet you will not do it. Your conscience at times remonstrates with you: yet you will not obey its voice: and your recollections of this in the eternal world will be one of the most bitter ingredients in the cup which you will drink to all eternity.]
2. What astonishing grace and mercy are there in the Lord Jesus Christ!
[His reproof contains in it a most gracious invitation. He addresses all of us at this instant, “Come unto me and I will give you life [Note: Mat_11:28.].” Let none resist him any longer. Let us go to him, and he will in no wise cast us out [Note: Joh_6:37.].]