377. JOH 1:46. NATHANAEL INVITED

Joh_1:46. Nathanael Invited

"And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see."’97Joh_1:46

How interesting and instructive the narratives of this chapter! Andrew, having found Christ, brought Simon, his brother. Then Philip finds Christ, and relates his experience to Nathanael. Nathanael doubts. His prejudices as a Jew, are called into exercise; but Philip addresser to him the language of the text, and says "Come, and see," &c. Seeing, in Scripture, is often put for knowledge; as such we must here use the term. We invite you, then, to come and see, or know Christ

I. What is necessary to a Knowledge of Christ.

1. He must be revealed.

There must be a manifestation of the object. Christ has been revealed. God revealed him partly to our first parents, to the patriarchs, to Moses. To the Fathers by the prophets. By the Baptist. He manifested himself; now, in his holy word, by the precious gospel.

2. We must have capacity to understand the revelation.

Now, the gospel revelation is suited to man. To his fallen state; to the state of the illiterate, &c. His person, work, offices, &c., are all plainly described. "He that runs may read," &c.

3. This revelation must be brought to us. We must be invited. Christ must be set before us. The cross of Christ lifted up in our sight. Now, this is our happy lot. Observe,

II. What may be seen in Christ.

1. The greatest of all mysteries.

World full of mysteries. But he is the "wonderful." "Great is the mystery," &c. In him are united divinity and humanity; eternity and a span of time; power and weakness; glory and degradation; immortality and death.

2. The most amazing display of sin and holiness.

As the surety for man, see what he bears. Look at his life, sorrows death, &c. Here we behold the infinite evil, and desert of sin. But, behold purity exhibit ed, and holiness vindicated. How just God, and how spotless his Son.

3. Here we see the only method of salvation.

Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. No ladder, no foundation, but this. "No other name," &c. Only hope of Israel.

III. Press the Invitation upon various Orders of Character.

1. Upon the cavilling skeptic.

"Come and see." Come, you doubt the reality of his history. Why despise his doctrines? Why reject his blessings? Why trample, upon his ordinances and precepts?

2. The inquirer after salvation.

"Come and see." Here is what you need. Are you dark? Are you guilty? Are you polluted? Are you wretched? Have all helps failed? Here is the light and Saviour of the world. He says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor," &c.

3. To the mere formal professor "Come and see" the Lord, not merely his house, or ordinances, or word; but the end of all, the Saviour of all, "the pearl of great price," &c.

4. To the humble believer.

"Come and see." See the depositary of all your blessings. See the Lord of your conscience. "Come and see." In doubts,’97in afflictions,’97in temptations,’97in death, &c.

Application

1. A sight of Christ is essential to salvation, peace, and eternal glory.

2. Now, we may "Come and see." Death is coming.

3. Rejectors will see him to their eternal dismay.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS