[Sept. 4th, 1853.]
What is meant by life? The word is very comprehensive. It includes, 1, appropriate activity; 2, happiness. The life here intended is a. Not natural life. b. Not intellectual life. c. But spiritual and eternal life.
Christ is our life in that he is its author, its object, and its end.
I. Christ the author of life.
1st. He saves us from death, a. By his atonement, which satisfies the law. b. By delivering us from the power of Satan.
2d. He is the author of inward spiritual life. a. Because he procures for us the gift of the life-giving Spirit. He has redeemed us in order that we might receive the promise of the Spirit. b. Because he not only merits, but sends or imparts the gift of the Holy Ghost. He baptizes with the Holy Ghost and with fire.
II. He is the object of life.
-
The exercises in which the spiritual life consists terminate on him.
-
The happiness involved consists in fellowship with him. He is our life, as he is our joy, our portion, our everlasting inheritance.
III. He is the end of our life.
It is Christ for us to live. While others live for themselves; some for their country, some for mankind, the believer lives for Christ. It is the great end and design of his life to promote his glory and to advance his kingdom.
Inferences
-
Test of character. The difference between the true and nominal Christian lies here. The one seeks and regards Christ as his life, only as he delivers from death. The other, as the end and object of life.
-
The true way to grow in grace, or to get life, is to come to Christ.
-
The happiness and duty of thus making Christ our life.
← 35. How is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us and not unto the world?—John 14:22 · Contents · 37. I am that Bread of Life.—John 6:48 →