[Dec. 21, 1862.]
I. The thing testified to. II. The nature of that testimony.
I. The thing testified to, is that we are the children of God, . There is the same difference between and as there is between child and son; the former applies to either sex, and is the more tender. We are born of God, i.e., produced by him. 1st. This does not refer to us as creatures, nor as rational creatures, but as regenerated, born again. So that we are partakers of the divine nature.
2d. It expresses the relation in which we stand to him, a. as objects of his love; b. as loving him, i.e., regarding him as a father. This filial spirit on our part includes, 1. Confidence in his love to us. 2. Reverence. 3. Zeal for his glory. 4. Devotion to his service.
3d. The word expresses or indicates the privileges arising from this relation to God. We are the heirs of God, the partakers of all those benefits and blessings which he has provided for his children. In testifying to our being the children of God, the Spirit testifies, that we are born of God, that we are the objects of his paternal love, and that we are heirs of the inheritance of the saints in life.
II. The nature of his witnessing.—It is not involved in our filial feelings, for the Spirit is said , to testify with, i.e., with our own hearts.
But, 1. It is direct or immediate. The Spirit assures us, just as he produces the assurance of the truth. 2. It is mysterious or inexplicable, just as much and no more than other operations of the Spirit are. And these in their turn are no more mysterious than the action of mind on matter, or matter on mind, or one created spirit on other such spirits. 3. It is self-evidencing. That is, it reveals itself as the witness or testimony of God. Just as the voice of God in the Heavens, in conscience, in the law, in the gospel, reveals itself in his word; so when the Spirit speaks to the soul it is known to be the Spirit.
-
It is infallible testimony, and produces assurance. This is not inconsistent with doubt and anxiety, first, because this witnessing is intermittent more or less; and secondly, because this voice of God may vary from the slightest, almost inaudible whisper, to the most clear and articulate enunciation.
-
It is sanctifying. That is its nature. It produces that effect just as fire burns, or light dispels darkness. It is never given where it is not true. And where it is true, where the soul is regenerated, then to banish doubt and fear and anxiety, is to infuse new life and vigor. It is to give peace and call out all graces. 1. We are to guard against self-deception in this matter. 2. We should cherish the Spirit, that he may testify with our spirit.
← 54. As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom. 8:14 · Contents · 56. Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2 Cor. 12:2. See also Eph. 1:13; 4:30; 1 Tim. 1:19 →