[April 8th, 1855.]
I. The epithet (pneumatikos), as applied to believers, is one of the most significant and comprehensive. It does not mean rational as opposed to sensual, but is applied to one under the influence of the Spirit. It is the indwelling of the Spirit that gives character to the believer. The Spirit has an illuminating power, so that new discernment is imparted to the soul. This does not arise from light shed upon the object, but from the effect produced on the mind. Its faculty of vision is restored; its eyes are opened. Before, it was blind, not rationally, so as not to perceive truth in its logical relations, nor morally, so as to be insensible to moral distinctions, but spiritually, so that it cannot discern the things of the Spirit. The case of the Jews in their judgment concerning Christ is an example. They saw that he was a wise man. They understood his words. They saw he was just, benevolent and kind. But they had no such discernment of his character as enabled them to see the glory of God as it shone in him. The effect, therefore, produced in the mind is the ability to discern the things of the Spirit.
II. Hence, first, there is a coincidence of judgment between the believer and God. What God declares to be true the believer sees to be true.
He acquiesces in the judgment of God as to sin, the method of salvation, the person of Christ, the doctrines of grace, and the reality and importance of eternal things. So also in his judgments of men. Those whom God approves the believer approves.
This is the ground, 1. Of the unity of faith among believers. 2. Of the unity of fellowship; so that all Christians recognize each other. 3. It is the ground of the authority of the Church as a teacher, and of the only legitimate authority of tradition. 4. It is the ground or reason why schism is a sin.
Hence, secondly, there is not only this coincidence of judgment as to truth, but also of feeling. That is, the spiritual love what God loves; they hate what God hates. They love those whom God loves, and so far as their character is concerned, they hate those whom God hates. The friends of God are their friends. This is the ground of the unity of communion between Christians. It is the reason why they have a common experience, and why they love each other as brethren.
Hence, thirdly, there is a conformity in the life of the believer with the will of God. He does what is in accordance with the mind of the Spirit. This is the ground of the community of worship. They all walk by the same rule. They all worship the same God and Saviour.
Hence, fourthly, all believers are united so as to form one body, the temple of God and the bride of Christ. Because they are (pneumatikoi) they are united to Christ, conformed to his image, and rendered glorious and blessed. For the Spirit is not only the source of knowledge and holiness, but also of consolation and of glory.
If we are Christians, we are . We believe the truth. We agree with the Scripture and with our fellow Christians. We are united to them in love. We love the brethren. We shall be united to them forever in heaven.
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