102. COL 3:11. CHRIST ALL AND IN ALL
Col_3:11. Christ All and in All
"But Christ is all and in all."’97Col_3:11
Christ is all and in all,
I. In the Works of Creation.
"The world was made by him." "By whom also he made the worlds;" Heb. i.
2. Made also "for him." Joh_1:1-10 : Col_1:15; Rev_4:11.
II. In the Arrangements of Providence. "By him all things consist;" Col_1:17.
"He is Lord of all." "All things are given into his hands." "Upholdeth all things by the word of his power;" Heb. i.
3. "He has all power both in heaven and earth." He is all in all,
III. In the Scheme of Redemption.
In his love it originated’97his wisdom designed the plan, his arm executed it’97he became our kinsman and surety’97paid the price’97was made a sin-offering for us’97his life magnified the law’97his blood-shedding redeemed us to God; Rev_1:5.
IV. In the Oracles of Truth.
He is the treasure hid in the field of revelation. His glory gilds the sacred page. Moses and the prophets testified of Christ. Centre where all the lines of the Scriptures meet. Law, ceremonies, prophecies, all refer to him. New Testament, the history of his life, mission, work, kingdom, &c.
V. In the Ordinances of the Gospel.
He is all in all in,
1. Preaching.
"We preach Christ," &c. Christ the sum, substance, and end of preaching.
2. Baptism.
His example, authority, mode of administration, signification, &c., all refer to him.
3. Lord’s Supper.
Appointed by him. Elements symbolical of his flesh and blood. To be observed in memory of his death, till he come. He is all and in all,
VI. In the Privileges and Blessings of Believers.
1. In justification.
"Justified by his grace." "By faith in his name." "Justified from all things," &c.
2. In adoption.
"To as many as received him," &c., Joh_1:12.
3. In sanctification and holiness.
"Blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin." "Made unto us wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification," &c.
4. In peace and happiness.
"Peace with God through Jesus Christ. "He is our peace." "My peace I give &c.
5. In preservation, &c.
"My sheep shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hands." "Author and finisher of faith." "He who hath begun the good work," &c. He is ail and in all,
VII. In all Christian Graces.
1. Faith.
He is the object and author of it.
2. Hope, Our hope, "Christ in you the hope of glory." "Hope of Israel." Begotten again to a lively hope," &c.
3. Love.
"We love him, because he first loved us." It is "his love shed abroad in our hearts."
VIII. In all New Testament Duties.
He is the Christian lawgiver. His word the rule’97his example the copy’97his grace the means’97his glory the end. He is all and in all,
IX. In all the Expectations of his Saints.
Do they expect,
1. A happy death.
His presence must cheer, they must die in him. "O death," &c. Victory through Jesus Christ.
2. A glorious resurrection.
He will raise at his second coming, by his own power, in likeness of his own glorious body.
3. Blessed entrance into heaven.
He will judge, and pronounce the welcome. "Come, ye blessed," &c.
4. Eternal life.
"Because I live, ye shall live also."
Application
1. Let his saints live to him. 2. Converse of him. 3. Glorify his name. 4. Trust always in him. 5. Prepare to meet him with joy, &c.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS