779. EPH 5:1, EPH 5:2. THE OFFERING AND SACRIFICE OF CHRIST.

Eph_5:1, Eph_5:2. The Offering And Sacrifice Of Christ.

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children: and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour."’97Eph_5:1, Eph_5:2.

The text contains a glorious exhibition of both doctrine and practice,’97of theory and duty united; we have announced the exceeding love and graciousness of God to us, and the influence it should have on our hearts and lives. The love of Christ produces love in the soul of the believer, not only love to Christ, but love to one another. And where such mighty motives fail, as those produced in the text, all other reasons must be futile and powerless. Let us consider the text in the two leading points, in which it so prominently stands out. Observe,

I. The sublime doctrine which the text reveals.

II. The practical course the text enjoins. I. The sublime doctrine which the text reveals.

"Christ loved us," &c. The text refers,

1. To the priestly office of the Saviour. Christ presented an offering and sacrifice to God. To this office the scriptures repeatedly refer. He is the great high-priest of our profession;’97a priest not of Aaron’s order,’97but after the order of Melchisedec. Of this, the high-priest also under the law was a type. Thus Zechariah spake, "He shall be a priest upon his throne." "The Lord hath sworn," &c. See Heb_2:17. As the priest had to present the offerings and sacrifices to Jehovah. Then, observe, the text refers,

2. To the offering and sacrifice Christ presented to God.

"Himself." Not a lamb, goat, or bullock, but himself. Here is a great mystery, the priest and the victim meet in the same person. To this the apostle refers when quoting an ancient prophecy, Heb_10:5-10. Now this offering he voluntarily laid on God’s altar. He had power to do this, &c. He had a right to do this; it was his own life which he assumed for this end. His whole existence on earth was the offering. It began with his birth, carried on in his circumcision, baptism, ministry, suffering, &c. His death was the sacrifice,’97the sacrifice of himself. Including the anguish of bitterest sorrow in Gethsemane, and his expiring on the cross. We are referred in the text,

3. To the persons on whose behalf this sacrifice was presented.

"For us." Clearly here the saints at Ephesus and the apostle. Yet to this limitation who would wish to confine it? That Christ died for all saints, for all believers, is a great truth. Observe in scripture we have this gradation; Paul says, Christ died for him, Gal_3:20; for the church, Eph_5:25; for the world, 1Jn_2:2. One of these is as much a truth as the other; and they are all true, and do not contradict each other, as some imagine. The ruin and the remedy in scripture are both universal. See Isa_53:6; also Rom_5:18. "Therefore as by the offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation," &c. The text directs us,

4. To the acceptance of this sacrifice by God.

"For a sweet-smelling savour." That is, grateful and pleasing to Jehovah. Thus, as the ancient sacrifices were sprinkled with precious perfumes, and by these had a grateful odor, so the sacrifice of Christ was acceptable to God. The evidence of this was given in Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and his ascension to the right hand of the majesty on high. See Php_2:6; also Heb_10:12. Notice, the text directs us,

5. To the great moving principle, which actuated Christ to present this sacrifice to God for us.

"Christ loved us," &c. To this the redemption of our lost race is invariably attributed. To what else could we trace it? Not to the moral excellence of the redeemed. Not to any traces of amiability or loveliness. Not to any claim or merit. Not to any moving appeals, or entreaties. Not to any expectations of return, &c. Oh no, it was love, infinite, wondrous, surpassing knowledge. "God so loved the world," &c. Christ loved us, &c.; how much, the loftiest seraph cannot tell. Such is the sublime doctrine the text reveals. Let us observe,

II. The practical course the text enjoins.

1. God is to be the great object of our imitation.

"Followers of God." Religion is designed especially to renew man into the likeness of God. This was his original glory. This by the fall was lost. This in regeneration is partially restored,’97restored in a degree. We again become his children,’97partake of the divine nature. Now this is to be cultivated, matured, &c. We are to set the Lord always before us; to contemplate his character as seen in his works and word, and especially in his Son, and in the gospel. We are to seek conformity to his spirit and likeness, and to pray for the influences of the Holy Ghost.

2. We are to cherish the filial and fraternal affection of "dear children."

"As dear children, walk in love." These affections are to respect God as our heavenly Father. As children dearly beloved of God; sensible of it; influenced by it, and who return it in the most ardent manner. And this is to be fraternal, as well as filial. It is to embrace every member of the divine family. We are to love all the holy brethren, with pure hearts fervently. This affectionate state of heart is the essential element of true piety. "God is love, and he that dwelleth," &c.

3. In these holy and affectionate exercises we are to make constant advancement.

"Be ye followers." "Walk in love." These things are to be in us, and abide. These things to be matured, and increased. Religion is to be progressive; we are to go from strength to strength; faith must be stronger, hope brighter,’97love more ardent,’97humility more deep,’97zeal more intense; and the features of the divine likeness more full and distinct. The Christian must go forward, until he reaches the celestial Canaan, and is fully meet for the inheritance of the saints in light.

Application

Learn,

1. The connection between grace and holiness.

Salvation is of the free grace and love of God, but nevertheless it requires the renovation of the heart, and the affectionate devotedness of the life to God and his service.

2. God has made ample provision for promoting the holiness of the Christian character.

His wisdom enlightens,’97his Spirit and truth sanctifies,’97his grace supports,’97and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.

3. Christian activity is not superseded by the work of the Spirit within us.

"Work out your own salvation." "For it is God worketh in you," &c.

4. Love is the glory and perfection of the Christian religion.

Supreme love to God, and sincere love to one another. "Then be ye followers of God, as dear children," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS