429. GAL 4:26. JERUSALEM A TYPE OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

Gal_4:26. Jerusalem A Type Of The Church Of Christ

"But Jerusalem which is above is free, which it the mother of us all."’97Gal_4:26.

The apostle is evidently contrasting the two dispensations. That of the law and the gospel. That of Moses and Christ. That of the ancient Zion and Jerusalem, with that spiritual New Testament dispensation, the Jerusalem from above, the mother of all believers, whether Jews or Gentiles. Between these dispensations there is indeed a striking contrast. One an economy of terror, of law, and legal ceremonies; the other a dispensation of love, grace, and spiritual freedom and rest. But we now design to consider the ancient Jerusalem in its typical representation of the church of Christ.

I. It was the City of the Divine Choice.

The Lord close Zion; he said, "Here will I dwell," &c., Psa_132:13-18. Now the church is the choice of the Lord; it contains the united congregation of his saints, those who have been called by his gospel, who have believed in his Son, and who have been the living partakers of his heavenly grace. Over these God rejoiceth. With these he has his delights. Unto these he manifests himself as he doth not unto the world. Jesus says of each of these, "If a man love me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him," &c., Joh_14:23. See 1Pe_1:23, 1Pe_1:24.

II. It was the City of Divine Rule and Authority.

Here God made known his laws and judgments. Here he deposited his living oracles. His holy statutes. Here he revealed his will, and recorded his blessed word. And by these the inhabitants of Jerusalem were to be governed. Obedience to these secured the favorable tokens of God’s love and favor. So in the new Jerusalem of his church. Here he has revealed his holy will, not by the oracle, or over the material mercy-seat, but by his own Son, and by making his living church the pillar and ground of truth. By depositing within it the doctrines, and commandments, and ordinances of the gospel. And the divine presence and favor is only secured, by unswerving fidelity to the charge with which God has intrusted her.

III. Jerusalem was the City of Divine Services

Here met the tribes of Israel, who came to worship before the Lord. Here were presented the sacrifices and the offerings of the people. Here God was worshipped and adored Here the voice of prayer and praise was heard in God’s holy temple. Here the religious festivals were celebrated, and God honored in his sacred institutions. Such is the church of Christ, the Jerusalem, &c. Here those who have believed, and are of the saved, are united together, in the holy bonds of fellowship and love. Here they meet to observe all things their divine head has commanded them, and to continue "steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayers," &c., Act_2:41.

IV. Jerusalem was the City of Divine Blessings.

"The Lord loved the gates of Zion," &c. His especial love and care was directed to it. His providential benignity surrounded it. The Lord was the keeper and protector of the holy city. Within it he poured down the blessings of his grace and caused his favor to dwell, even life for evermore. See his gracious engagements and promises, Psa_132:15, &c. So God preeminently blesses his spiritual Zion. Unto his people he gives exceedingly great and precious promises. They are blessed with the unsearchable blessings of his grace. With all the fulness of his love. With all the blessings of providence and grace. God supplies all their need. Defends from all their enemies, and keeps and saves unto eternal life.

V. Jerusalem was a City of distinguished Immunities and Privileges.

It was an honor to have been born in her. Her sons were freemen of the most favored city under heaven. Her inhabitants had numerous opportunities of enjoying religious services, they had the presence of the priests, and teachers of the law of God. "Happy were the people in such a case," &c. Still greater and more precious the immunities and privileges of the people of God. They enjoy spiritual liberty, have exalted titles, and possess immunities of the most glorious and heavenly character. Access to God’s gracious throne. The sweet fellowship of his Holy Spirit. Delightful seasons of refreshing from the divine presence, and experimental overflowings of that peace which passeth all understanding

APPLICATION

1. Are we the citizens of the Jerusalem from above? Have we been born into her? Born from above? Born of water and the Spirit? Do we possess the spirit of her heavenly inhabitants?

2. How great the responsibility of such. It is theirs to exhibit the glory of divine grace, in calling and saving them, by a conversation which becometh the gospel of Christ. "To show forth his praises," &c. To pray for her peace and to labor for her prosperity. To display the spirit of love and harmony towards all the citizens, and to yield loyal subjection and hearty obedience to Christ the rightful Lord and King 3. Unlike the earthly Jerusalem, she shall never become a prey to her enemies Her walls shall never be cast down, nor her streets become waste. "The gates of hell shall never prevail against her."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS