587. PSA 46:5. GOD’S PRESENCE THE SECURITY OF THE CHURCH

Psa_46:5. God’s Presence the Security of the Church

"God is in the midst of her: she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early."’97Psa_46:5.

The penning of this psalm, and the occurrence on which it was written, are alike unknown. But its spirit and meaning cannot be misunderstood. It is the triumphant song of the church of God in the midst of enemies, perils, and revolutions. The language is very graphic, the similes bold, and the spirit noble, enterprising, and exulting. You are aware, I presume, it was one of Luther’s favorite psalms. In his day, amidst the changes and commotions which surrounded him, he used to say, "Let us sing the forty-sixth psalm," &c. The text is applicable to the church of God in all ages, and never more so than at the present crisis.

All ecclesiastical communities are in a state of excited activity. Abroad in the distant East, the ancient churches of those countries are in extreme commotion. In general the spirit of inquiry is arousing the myriads who had sunken down into the quiescence of popery. Our missionary stations are attacked not only by pagan priests, but by those of the Roman hierarchy. At home, the gross and superstitious spirit of the Tractarians has threatened the overthrow of godliness in the Episcopal communion. It is quite clear that human authority in matters of religion was never more feeble in its power; and the day is coming when all systems of religion will be brought to a fiery ordeal, and none but the spiritual and the pure shall come forth without loss and ruin. But of the true church we may confidently exclaim, "God is in the midst of her," &c.

Observe then,

I. The church to which the text will apply. And,

II. The declaration concerning it.

I. The church to which the text will apply. Of course we believe there is only one true church of God; and we equally believe that no section in the world has a right to that title exclusively. We say exclusively. Many may claim it. For instance, the Romish church does so most boldly. The Church of England, &c. But we believe the true church to consist of all true believers, in the Lord Jesus Christ, in every part of the world. We believe there are such in all religious communities. That no religious denomination has every mark of a true church. Excellences and defects exists everywhere, and in every sect. But in the midst of all there is a true catholic church, constituted of all who love the Lord Jesus, &c. And it is to this true spiritual church, the text refers.

The church is an ark of many compartments. A house, having many rooms. A garden with many beds. An army of many regiments. A tree of many branches. A body of many members. A building of many stones. A city of many streets. A kingdom of many towns. A flock of many sheep. The converted, regenerated, Godfearing, and God-serving of all communities, belong to the true church of God.

II. The declaration concerning it. The first relates,

1. To the Divine presence. The church is of Divine formation, and God dwells in it. He says, "This is my rest;" "Mine eyes And my heart," &c. Wherever his people meet, &c. He is so,

(1.) By the power of his truth. The church is the depository and garrison of the truth. The truth is the reflection of God’s mind’97the utterance of his heart. The diffusion of his effulgent light. Hence there is as much of God, as of pure unadulterated truth. He is present,

(2.) In the recognition of his ordinances. God’s ordinances are all symbolical of certain blessings and privileges. Preaching is the publishing of the glad news, and he is with the preaching of the gospel alway, &c. Baptism is the emblem of our regeneration, our spiritual death and resurrection with Christ, and he is there to accept the consecrated offering of body and spirit to his service. The Lord’s Supper is the reflexion of the Paschal meal, and the symbol of the celestial banquet, and he is there to bless the provision of his house, &c. Prayer is the drawing nigh to God, and to such he is pledged to draw nigh.

(3.) By the residence of his Spirit. Joh_14:16, &c., 15:28. The Spirit is the life, and strength, and joy of the church,’97its light, and hope, and glory. The other declaration relates,

2. To the permanency of the church. "She shall never be moved." Mark,’97particular sects in their visible forms, &c., may decay and perish. The true church may be persecuted and oppressed, as in Egypt and Babylon. The early Christian church’97the spiritual church in the valleys of Piedmont’97in France, &c. The primitive church in this kingdom. The missionary church in Tahiti, &c. Apostasies may exterminate churches from certain localities. As of the churches in the East, &c. Speculations and controversies may disturb and separate the members of the churches from each other; but still the true church of the living God shall never be moved. Never razed’97blotted out’97destroyed. For this would,

(1.) Falsify predictions. The stability, and permanency, and progress, and glory of the church in the earth are the subject of prophetic testimony’97"The mountain of the Lord’s house," &c. "Her converts are to outnumber the drops of the dew," &c. All nations are to flow into her, &c. See Isa_60:18. "The kingdoms of this world," etc

(2.) It would violate promises. Rich’97numerous’97express’97repeated’97precious promises. God has engaged "to watch it every moment." "To keep it day and night." To be its wall of fire and glory. To bless her friends, and confound her enemies.

(3.) It would blight Messiah’s expectations. He has redeemed it’97called it’97chosen it’97washed it’97prays for it. Its glory’97its joy’97its prosperity are his. His desire. His reward. Isa_53:10.

(4.) It would disappoint the hopes of the redeemed. God’s people have ever identified their best interests with the church. They have lived’97labored’97suffered and died for this’97untold myriads in heaven’97countless thousands on earth. The kingdom must come’97truth shall triumph’97the church shall be glorified.

Application

1. Are we members of the true church? What an honor’97privilege.

2. Are we identified with its interests? "If I forget," etc. "Pray for the peace," etc.

3. It is our duty to labor, hope, and rejoice, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS