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THE TRUE CHRISTIAN DELINEATED
IT is much to be lamented that the nature of genuine Christianity is but little understood. An assent to the fundamental articles of our faith, and a conformity to certain rites and ceremonies, are thought sufficient grounds for concluding ourselves real Christians, notwithstanding we are plainly warned by God himself, that religion does not consist in these things [Note: Rom_2:28-29.]. Persons may be, and often are, very zealous advocates for the externals of religion, while they are altogether destitute of its life and power. Such were those whom St. Paul calls, not the sheep of Christ, but “dogs;” not saints, but “evil-workers;” not the circumcision, but, in a way of contempt, “the concision,” because all their piety consisted in a zeal for the cutting of the flesh. Against such persons he thrice enjoins us to “beware;” and then contrasts with theirs the character of the true Christian.
There are three discriminating points which distinguish the circumcision, or the true Christians, from all who are Christians only in name and profession:
I. They worship God in the Spirit—
[Many never bow their knees before God at all. What they are, they themselves shall judge. Others observe the form of prayer both in public and in private; but their hearts are not engaged; nor is there any difference in their frame, whether they confess their sins, or ask for blessings, or acknowledge benefits received. All their services are without life, and without devotion.
The true Christian, on the contrary, though not always in the same frame, “worships God in the Spirit,” that is, not only with the inmost affections of his soul, but through the direction and assistance of the Holy Ghost [Note: Jude, ver. 20. Rom_8:15; Rom_8:26.]. If we could see him in his closet before God, we should often behold him bathed in tears, and with hands and eyes lifted up to heaven imploring mercy at the hands of God. His thanksgivings too are not an unmeaning compliment, but an heartfelt grateful acknowledgment, suited in a measure to the mercies he has received. He “pours out his soul before God [Note: Psa_42:4. 1Sa_1:15.],” and “stirs up himself to lay hold on God [Note: Isa_64:7.],” and says, like Jacob, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me [Note: Gen_32:26.].”
Let us examine to which of these classes we belong — — — and we may know infallibly what is our state before God.]
II. They rejoice in Christ Jesus—
[The world have their joys, such as they are, arising from the things of time and sense. Some know no happiness but in lewdness and intemperance. Others, moving either in a continual round of fashionable amusements, or in the pursuit of wealth or honour, find all their pleasure in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. Others more rationally seek their happiness in the acquisition of knowledge. While others seem contented to move, like a horse in a mill, in the same round of daily occupation, without aiming at any thing further than an exemption from trouble, and an easy passage through life.
But the true Christian, while he is alive to all the joys that are possessed by others, as far as they are pleasing to God, and profitable to his soul, has joys of a far higher nature. He has felt his need of mercy, and has found mercy through Christ Jesus. Hence the very name of “Jesus is precious to him:” and the richest gratification he can possibly enjoy is, to contemplate the glory and excellency of his beloved. He does not indeed always feel the same delight in the Saviour; but his richest consolations and sublimest joys arise from this source, insomuch that all the pleasures of sense are nothing in his eyes in comparison of one hour’s fellowship with the Son of God [Note: Psa_4:6.]. Indeed he would not wish to be happy when he is at a distance from his Lord: in such a state he would consider happiness rather a curse than a blessing. But in whatever state he be with respect to temporal things, a sight of his adorable Saviour will render him completely happy [Note: 1Pe_1:8.].
Here again let us inquire into our own experience. We need no surer test of our state than that before us. Let us examine ourselves with care — — — and “the Lord give us understanding in all things!”]
III. They have no confidence in the flesh—
[The ungodly world, if in prosperity, “make gold their confidence [Note: Job_31:24.],” and “trust in their uncertain riches [Note: 1Ti_6:17.].” If, on the other hand, they be in adversity, they look no higher than to their own exertions, or than to their earthly friends to deliver them. The same creature-confidence pervades all their spiritual concerns: they “lean altogether on an arm of flesh,” and trust in their own goodness or repentance to recommend them to God, and their own strength and resolution to fulfil his will.
The true Christian is the very reverse of this. We say not that he has no bias towards these evils, for his old nature still remains within him: but his views with respect to these things are altogether altered; and, though he neglects not any means which are proper to be used, he trusts in God only to maintain his prosperity, or to restore it when he has been pleased to afflict him with any calamity. With respect to his soul also he has no hope but in God. To the free mercy of God in Christ Jesus he trusts for every blessing. In the atoning sacrifice and prevailing intercession of Jesus he confides, as the ground of his acceptance with his reconciled God. On the all-powerful grace of Christ he relies, as that which alone can enable him to subdue his enemies, and to serve his God. Feeling that he is in himself ignorant, guilty, polluted, and enslaved, he renounces all self-confidence, and makes Jesus his wisdom, his righteousness, his sanctification, and redemption.
Surely there can be no difficulty in ascertaining our proper character, if only we will make this point also a matter of serious self-examination — — —]
Address—
1. Those who, according to these distinctions, must be considered as devoid of real Christianity—
[Remember who it is that cuts you off from the number of true Christians: it is not man, but God, even that God who will judge you in the last day according to his own word. O continue not in such a state; but seek that circumcision of the heart which, though condemned by men, shall ultimately have praise of God.]
2. Those who have reason from the foregoing remarks to hope that they are Christians indeed—
[What reason have you to bless God for the mercies that have been vouchsafed to you! But remember, it is not by past experience merely you are to judge, but by the continued habit of your mind. Rest not satisfied with any thing you have known; lest you “begin in the Spirit, and end in the flesh.” The text does not characterize the Christian by what he has done, but by what he yet does: and therefore “press forward, forgetting what is behind, and reaching forth unto what is before:” and “as you have received how to walk and to please God, so endeavour to abound more and more,”]