578. 1PE 2:5. SAVING RELIGION, SPIRITUAL IN ITS NATURE

1Pe_2:5. Saving Religion, Spiritual in Its Nature

"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."’971Pe_2:5.

To understand the nature of true religion is of the very highest importance, both to our true peace here and permanent felicity hereafter. It is only true religion that can benefit us. That which is spurious must necessarily blight our expectations, and leave us the victims of disappointment and wretchedness. Myriads there are who profess to be religious, but who will never reap any solid advantages therefrom. To ascertain distinctly the character of God’s religion, and his only is genuine, we must examine with the utmost care, his blessed Word,’97for here all things are revealed which pertain to life and godliness. With a sincere desire to lead you to a clear and satisfactory understanding of this momentous subject, this series of discourses has been undertaken.

Our first topic is fully expressed in the text. Those who are truly religious, are "a spiritual house," &c. We set out, then, with this essential principle, that Saving Religion is Spiritual in its nature; that is, that it pertains to the heart and mind,’97has to do with the inward man. Observe, then,

I. Saving religion is something more than an intellectual principle. It is an intellectual principle; but it is also much more, and its intellectuality is of a spiritual kind. Knowledge and wisdom are often put for the whole of religion. Religion is described under the similitude of light, and its disciples are said to be of the day, and not of the night. Sin and ignorance, in scripture, are often synonymous. But observe,

A man may understand the truths of the Bible intellectually, and not be possessed of Saving Religion. He may read and see the distinct doctrines and precepts of religion. He may be familiar with its divine truths, and yet be entirely a stranger to the life of God in the soul. He may admit the Divine existence, attributes, works, laws, etc. He may admit the great doctrines relating to Christ’s person, work, and offices. He may admit the doctrines of repentance, and see the necessity of holiness, etc. His mind may be well stored with great orthodox truths, and his heart yet be unaffected by Divine grace.

II. Saving religion is more than a regard to the ceremonials of Christianity. Christianity has its forms and ordinances. They are, however, but few in number, and very simple in their nature. Hearing the word preached. Baptism into Christ. Remembrance of his death in the eucharistic supper. These are fully enjoined in the Divine word. We have both precept and example for duly and fully regarding them. But to these there may be the most regular and reverential attention, and yet we may be strangers to saving religion. There are many classes of hearers, who derive no saving benefit from hearing. Many may yield assent, and give personal attention to ordinances, without at all feeling their bearing on practical religion, or deriving any benefit from them.

III. Saving religion is something more than morality. There can be no acceptable religion without morality, but there may be much morality without religion. The young lawyer was clothed with moral loveliness; so that it is said when Christ beheld him, "he loved him." Saul, of Tarsus, as touching the law, was blameless,’97yet was truly ignorant of acceptable piety. However excellent morality is, it is not Saving Religion.

Now observe, then, saving religion,

IV. Is spiritual in its source. It is the work of the Holy Spirit of God. Man, in his natural state, is dead, dead to God’97dead in trespasses and sins. How is he raised and made alive? By the Holy Spirit of God. It is the Spirit that quickeneth. Religion is described as a moral creation. But this is effected by the power of God. "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works." Religion includes a new birth, or regeneration. But we must be born of the Spirit, as well as of water. Religion is described as vegetation, but it is spiritual vegetation, the implanting of gracious principles in the soul, and their growth to maturity. It is called circumcision, but it is not circumcision of the flesh, but circumcision without hands. "Circumcision of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is of God, and not of men." So in the text, the believer is a building, or temple, but not of material stones, but a spiritual house to the Lord. He is a temple of the Holy Ghost.

V. Saving religion is not only of the Spirit, but it is the Spirit’s work on our hearts and souls. It is the renewal of the inward man. The enlightenment of the understanding. The subordination of the judgment to the truth. The cleansing of the conscience. The sanctifying of the affections, and bringing the will into perfect obedience to God’s gracious authority. Now all this is inward spiritual work, and is beautifully set forth in one of the Old Testament promises, Eze_36:25. And this agrees with the testimony of the Divine Teacher,

"The kingdom of God is within you." And with the declaration of Paul, "The kingdom of God is not meat," &c. Hence, also, it is said of the Christian, that the Spirit of Christ dwelleth in him. That it bears witness with his spirit, &c. "That they are new creatures,’97all old things having passed away," etc.

VI. Saving religion is evidenced in its spiritual effects and fruits. There will be,

1. Spiritual desires. "Hungering and thirsting after righteousness," &c. Desires after holiness. Desires after God’s favor am love. Desires of a divine and heavenly nature.

2. Spiritual affections. The love of spiritual things. The love of God in the soul. Love of Christians for their spiritual excellences. Love of the truth for the truth’s sake. Love of prayer. Love of praise. Love of meditation. Love of holiness. There will be,

3. Spiritual communion. Those who understand spiritual things will delight in spiritual fellowship. There will be fellowship with God,’97communion with the Father, &c. The thoughts and emotions of the soul will ascend to God. "Oh, God! thou art my God," &c. "On thee, O God! my soul is fixed," &c. "My meditation on thee shall be sweet." Communion with kindred minds. Delight in uniting in the means of grace, &c. They will sing and feel,

"And if our fellowship below,

In Jesus be so sweet," &c.

4. Spiritual exercises. The exercise of reading and hearing, and prayer and praise, will be performed spiritually. "The true circumcision who worship God in spirit," etc., etc. Finally,

5. The conversation and life will be spiritual. No fruit can be different to the tree which produces it. Carnal tree, carnal fruit. The conversation and life will be as is the heart. The new man, spiritual in his nature, will have a conversation according with the gospel. His mouth will issue forth a pure and refreshing stream of gracious conversation. His life will yield holy fruit, acceptable to God, etc.

Learn,

1. Not to be satisfied with the name and mere forms of religion.

2. True religion is internal, in the heart.

3. Thus it will produce the fruits of holiness to the praise of divine grace.

4. All that is essential to spiritual religion the gospel reveals. The Word of Truth, and the promise of the Holy Spirit to all who believe.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS