744. ROM 15:29. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL DETERMINATION

Rom_15:29. Paul’s Evangelical Determination

"And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ."’97Rom_15:29.

Our text is one of preeminent importance. It relates to a subject of all others the most precious and interesting. But besides the intrinsic value of this portion of divine truth, there are a variety of incidental particulars connected with it, which should command our especial consideration. The speaker in the text was the great apostle of the Gentiles. One who had been so miraculously converted to the Christian faith, and put into the work of the ministry of reconciliation. His distinguished reputation as a zealous Pharisee, his ardent zeal for the religion of his fathers, with the sudden and marvellous transformation of his character are points deeply interesting to the Christian’s contemplation, and redound greatly to the glory of the Messiah. Then there was the peculiar honor bestowed upon him in exalting him to the apostleship, with the enlarged sphere of the whole Gentile world, to which he was devoted. Among other things connected with the text, is the church to whom it was directed, the church of Christ at Rome. Rome, the imperial city, the mistress of the world. A city famed for her philosophers, legislators, warriors, and poets. Now it. cannot but be interesting to know how the apostle felt, and what he desired in reference to such a place. He expressed his earnest desire to visit them, that in Rome, as elsewhere, he might make known, among the pagan inhabitants of that city, "the unsearchable riches of Christ." He resolves, after the discharge of certain duties, to appear among them, and he avows the spirit and feeling with which he designed to fulfil his work among them. "And I am sure, that when I come unto you," &c. Four topics seem to arise out of the text.

I. The gospel.

II. The gospel of Christ.

III. Its blessing. And

IV. The abundant measure thereof. I. The gospel.

Now the subject of the gospel is one so frequently brought before you, that two or three observations may suffice. We may view it,

1. As the annunciation of joyous tidings. This is the express signification of the term, and as such Isaiah and Nahum both spake of it: Isa_52:7. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who bringeth good tidings," &c.’97Nah_1:15, and both are quoted by the apostle Paul, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved," &c., Rom_10:13-15. Now these tidings are concentrated in one point, the redemption of the world by Jesus Christ. Tidings of salvation for a fallen, perishing race.

2. As a revelation of divine knowledge. Now the gospel is called "the wisdom of God in a mystery." And here the gospel surpasses, in its revelations, all the discoveries of the philosophers and wise men of the world. It reveals the true character of God. And "the world by wisdom knew not God." It reveals the original condition of man, his fall, his depravity, the mode of his restoration, the purity of his renewed condition; and the glories of time and eternity to which he is destined in the mercy and love of God. The immortality. of the soul, the resurrection, and the certainty and nature of eternal life, are the revelations of the gospel.

3. As a system of moral transformation.

The overflowings of wickedness and crime had been lamented, &c. Remedies had been proposed, systems tried. Now all these failed; none went to the root of the evil, none recognized man’s inability, none possessed power of motive, and hence all failed. Not a country, a city, a village, was renovated; they could not restrain their vices, much less produce purity of spirit and rectitude of character." Besides, they knew not man’s real elevation; they taught men to be proud and revengeful; they scorned humility, they taught men to be ambitious and arrogant, and never recommended forbearance and mercy. Now the gospel is God’s own system for cleansing the stream of human existence, for dignifying debased humanity, and arraying the defiled children of depravity with the robe of salvation, and the. habiliments of holiness. In making men pure, it secures their real well-being both in time and eternity. Hence the transforming power of the gospel was especially seen in its influences on the polluted inhabitants of Corinth, and is described by the apostle, 1Co_6:9-10, 1Co_6:11. "The grace of God that bringeth salvation," &c. II. This gospel is the gospel of Christ.

1. Christ is its author.

It originated in him. It is the result of his wisdom, power, and grace. He is the fountain-head of its living waters. The foundation of its splendid structure. He saw the misery, he surveyed the impediments, he knew the demands. He undertook the work, and his arm alone effected salvation.

2. Christ is the substance of the gospel. As he is the light of heaven, the life of the universe, so he is the substance of the gospel. All its doctrines emanate from him, and yet concentrate in him, as the concentrated rays of light in a focus. All duties of the gospel are transcripts of his holy life. All its privileges are the chartered immunities of his kingdom, the acts of his gracious legislation. All its blessings are the free gifts, of his overflowing compassion and grace. Its highest enjoyment is in participating of his own love, and joy, and peace. Its final consummation is expressed in that promise. "Where I am, there shall ye be also," &c.

3. Christ is the end of the gospel.

His kingdom finished, his satisfaction complete, his glory redounding to him in the praises of the beatified forever and ever

Observe,

III. The blessings of the gospel.

Now this includes numerous mercies. One of these is justification and acceptance with God; adoption into God’s family’97sonship with all its privileges, riches, and enjoyments. A third is holiness of nature, by which we have fellowship with God, and meetness for eternal life. With these there is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, the experience of faith, and the delights of hope. "Whom having not seen ye love," &c. 1Pe_1:8. Then the great and final blessing of eternal glory. "This is the record," &c. Such are briefly the blessings of the gospel of Christ.

Notice,

IV. The abundant measure.

Now the abundance of the blessing,

1. Includes abundant variety to meet all the wants of the miserable sinner.

Regard him in his compound character, body and soul, the gospel has respect to both. Blesses and sanctifies both, elevates and saves both. Look at his diversified faculties’97understanding, judgment, affections, conscience, imagination. For these it provides knowledge, truth, love, peace, and the exhaustless range of celestial enjoyment. Look at the varied stations and classes of men. Royal or abased, wise or ignorant, polished or savage. It suits Rome and Greenland, Athens, and the wilds of the uncultivated desert. Look at men in all circumstances, health or sickness, life or death, in time or in eternity.

2. It includes a sufficiency for all ages and individuals.

Light, air, water, have never failed. Population makes no difference. Not only unfailing, but undiminishable. So with the gospel.

3. It will amply meet all the vast and ceaseless desires of its recipients through all eternity.

Eternity of light, and joy, and glory. Everlasting life. Eternal salvation. So abundant as to last forever and ever.

Application

1. Sinner, accept this gospel now. Only one way. Open thy heart, and freely receive it.

2. Believers, rejoice in it, &c.

3. It is the great work of ministers to diffuse it.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS