Colossians 3:11

DISCOURSE: 2185THE IMPORTANCE OF SANCTIFICATION

Colossians 3:11. Christ is all, and in all [Note: The Author, in the preceding Discourse, has treated this text as commentators in general have done, in reference to our justification before God. But he apprehends on further consideration, that it refers rather to our sanctification. In either sense, the position is true, that “Christ is all;” but the latter interpretation seems more exactly to convey the mind of the Spirit in this passage. The reader, by comparing the two Discourses, will be enabled to judge for himself.].

IN order to ascertain the true sense of any passage of Scripture, two things are to be attended to: we should mark the scope of the context, and compare the terms or phrases with similar passages of Holy Writ. By separating these canons of interpretation, we shall often overlook the true meaning of God’ word, and put upon it a forced construction; whereas, if we unite them, we shall almost always find its just import.It is undeniable that the verses which precede and Follow our text refer to sanctification [Note: See ver. 1–14.]; nor is there any thing which properly relates to our justification: and therefore we have a strong presumptive ground for interpreting the words of our text in reference to the new nature, which is spoken of in the verse immediately before it: nor could any thing but the peculiarity of the expression lead one for a moment to look for any other sense. But it seems that to interpret the word “Christ,” as meaning the image of Christ, or the New Man, is to take a great, and almost an unwarrantable, liberty with Scripture. Nevertheless, if we compare some other passages with the text [Note: See 2 Corinthians 13:5. where “Christ in us” must be understood of his image, because it is that whereby we are to ascertain whether we be in the faith. See also Galatians 4:19. where “Christ formed in us” cannot be understood of Christ personally, but of Christ spiritually, i.e. of his image. Above all, see Romans 13:14. where the very metaphor which occurs in our context, is used. “Put on the new man,” says our context, “for Christ,” i. e. the putting on of Christ, or of the new man, “is all.” And, in the passage referred to, is the very expression, “Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.”], we shall find that we are fully authorized to put this construction upon it, and that there is no necessity to understand it in any other way than that which the context so evidently requires.

The meaning then of the words before us is simply this. We should be daily putting off our old and corrupt nature, and be putting on a new and holy nature; because nothing else will be at all regarded by God: whatever advantages we possess, we have nothing, if we be not holy: on the other hand, whatever disadvantages we labour under, we shall suffer no loss, if we be holy: for the image of “Christ” on the soul “is all, in all” persons, and under all circumstances: where that is, God will be pleased; and where that is not, he will be eternally displeased.In order to confirm this momentous truth, we shall shew, that, in the eyes of God, our restoration to the Divine image “is all in all.” It is,

I.

The one scope of all his plans—

What did he design in the redemption of the world at large?[When first he determined to rescue man from perdition, he decreed that he would “create us anew in Christ Jesus unto good works, in which he ordained that we should walk [Note: Ephesians 2:10.].

The means which he used for the accomplishment of our salvation had especial respect to this end, not to save us in our sins, hut from them [Note: Matthew 1:21.Acts 3:26; Acts 3:26.].

He sent his only dear Son to take our nature, and in that nature to live, to die, to rise again. But in all this he aimed, not at our happiness merely, but our restoration to the image which we had lost [Note: Galatians 1:4. 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 Peter 2:24.Titus 2:14; Titus 2:14.].” This is specified in terms peculiarly strong and energetic, in order that we may not overlook this truth as if it were only of secondary importance [Note: Ephesians 5:25-27.].

He gave his Holy Spirit also for the same end: he gave him to humble us [Note: John 16:8-11.], to renew us [Note: Titus 3:5-6.], to mortify all our vile lusts and passions [Note: Romans 8:13.], to fashion us after the Divine image [Note: Ephesians 4:23-24. with 2 Corinthians 1:22. A “seal” is an impress of the Divine image; and an “earnest” is the commencement of heavenly purity and joy.], and to perfect that image in our souls [Note: 2 Corinthians 3:18.].]

What does he design in imparting that redemption to individuals?[Wherefore did he choose any of us from before the foundation of the world? It was “that we might be holy, and without blame before him in love [Note: Ephesians 1:4.].” Why has he revealed his grace in our hearts? It was to “teach us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live righteously, soberly, and godly in this present world [Note: Titus 2:11-12.].” If he apply his promises to our souls, or hide his face from us, it is alike “for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness [Note: 2 Corinthians 7:1. with Hebrews 12:10.].” Whatever be his dispensations towards us, “this is his will, even our sanctification [Note: 1Th 4:3];” and this is his ultimate design in all, even to “carry on the good work he has begun [Note: Phill. 1:6.],” to “sanctify us wholly [Note: 1 Thessalonians 5:23.],” and to “perfect that which concerneth us [Note: Psalms 138:8.].”]

But holiness is also,

II.

The one object of his regard—

Nothing but that is regarded by him in this world—[The external ordinances of religion are not only worthless, but even, hateful, in his sight, if destitute of solid piety [Note: Isaiah 1:11-16.]. On the other hand, the smallest particle of genuine goodness is not overlooked by him [Note: 1 Kings 14:13.]. Even the semblance of it has sometimes been rewarded by him, in order that he might shew to mankind how great a value he has for it, where it really exists [Note: 1 Kings 21:29.]. One single disposition is declared by him to be of great price in his sight [Note: 1 Peter 3:4.]. The purposes which have never been realized in act, are highly commended by him [Note: 1 Kings 8:18.]. And wherever he sees a person labouring to do his will, he invariably reveals to him his love in a more abundant measure [Note: John 14:23.], and communicates to him his richest blessings [Note: Isaiah 58:10-11.].]

Nothing but that will be regarded by him in the world to come—[When we shall stand at the judgment-seat of Christ, the inquiry will be, not, what we have professed, but what we have done [Note: Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 25:31-46.]: and a Gentile who has served God according to the light that he enjoyed, will be preferred before the Christian, who has not made a suitable improvement of his superior advantages [Note: Rom 2:25-27]. Apparently trivial occurrences will be noticed in that day; and rewards will be dispensed, not according to the greatness and splendour of our actions, but according to their intrinsic qualities, and to the principle evinced by them [Note: Matthew 10:42.]. We must not indeed imagine that there is any merit in our poor services, for there is imperfection in them all; and, “if we had done all that is commanded us, we should be only unprofitable servants:” but God delights in holiness; and wherever he beholds it, he will, of his own grace and mercy, bestow upon it a proportionate reward, exalting those to the highest thrones in glory, who have made the greatest improvement of the talents committed to them [Note: Matthew 25:19-23.].

There will be no distinction made, except what is grounded on the different degrees of conformity to the Divine image which the different individuals have attained. God will not respect the circumcised more than the uncireumcised, or the rich and learned more than the poor and illiterate. In all persons equally the image of Christ will be sought for; and the possession, or want of it, will determine their eternal state: “Christ will then be, as he now is, all, and in all”]We conclude with inquiring, Who amongst you is like-minded with God?

1.

Ye children of this world—

[How far are ye from according with God. With him, Christ is all; with you, the world. If ye may but enjoy the pleasures, the honours, the riches of the world, ye care not about the image of Christ: to be rich in faith and good works is not the object of your ambition: that you leave to the old, the sick, the enthusiasts. But ah! if Christ be all, as indeed he is, think what a vanity you are pursuing: think how poor ye will be in the day of judgment; and how you will then execrate your present ways. Be persuaded to be wise in time: and beg without delay that “Christ may be made unto you wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption [Note: 1 Corinthians 1:30.].”]

2.

Ye self-deceiving professors—

[How many are there in the Church, who will talk about Christ, and speak of him as the ground of all their hopes, while yet they are shamefully destitute of his image! Yes, grievous it is to say, that there are “many vain-talkers and deceivers” now, as well as in the apostolic age; many that are proud and passionate; many that are earthly-minded and covetous; many that are unchaste and lewd; many that are deceitful in their words, and dishonest in their dealings; many, in short, whose tempers, and dispositions, and conduct, are a disgrace to their profession. Know ye, if such there be here present, that ye are as unlike to God as Satan himself is; and that all your knowledge, all your experiences, and all your professions, will only aggravate your condemnation, if you die in your present state [Note: Job 36:13.]. You do well to rely on Christ, and to make him your all in point of dependence; but know for a certainty, that, however you may pretend to trust in him, you never can he saved by him, unless you become new creatures [Note: 2 Corinthians 5:17.]: for “without holiness no man shall see the Lord [Note: Heb 12:14].”]

3.

Ye true believers—

[You can appeal to God that you are like-minded with him in this grand point; and that you desire as much to be saved from sin, as to be delivered from hell itself. This is a blessed evidence that ye are born of God [Note: 1 John 3:10.]. While ye are thus panting after holiness, ye have nothing to fear: your faith is sound [Note: James 2:22.]. your hope is scriptural [Note: 1 John 3:3.], and saving [Note: Romans 5:5; Romans 8:24.]. Go on then from grace to grace, from strength to strength [Note: 2 Peter 3:18.]. Be daily putting off the old man with its lusts [Note: ver. 8, 9.], and putting on the new man with all its characteristic graces [Note: ver. 12, 13.]. Be “growing up thus into Christ in all things as your living Head [Note: Ephesians 4:15.]” till you have arrived at the full measure of the stature of Christ [Note: Ephesians 4:13.]: and when you have attained a perfect meetness for the enjoyment of your God, you shall be like him, and with him for ever. [Note: 1 John 3:2.]]