826. JOH 6:28, JOH 6:29. FAITH IN CHRIST, THE WORK GOD DEMANDS

Joh_6:28, Joh_6:29. Faith in Christ, the Work God Demands

"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."’97Joh_6:28, Joh_6:29.

Christ was surrounded by a multitude of persons, most likely influenced by various feelings and desires. Some, doubtless, were actuated by idle curiosity. Some to see his wondrous works,’97others, we presume, out of an ardent concern to obtain real good to their souls,’97others were entirely sordid. See Joh_6:26. Jesus urges on them the supreme importance of laboring for the imperishable bread of everlasting life. See Joh_6:27.

Then, they ask, in the words of the text’97"What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" To which Christ answers, that faith in the sent of God, is what the Father demands.

Observe, the text presents,

I. An important inquiry. And,

II. A Divine direction. The text presents,

I. An important question. Let us carefully examine the question, and it will be requisite,

1. To define it.

It evidently signifies what they should do, to do those works pleasing and acceptable to God. How shall we live and act, so as to please God? Thus, it was a proper, clear, and simple question. One which all reasonable beings should present, and one to which they should labor to have a full and satisfying answer.

It was a question,

2. Of the greatest importance.

It is of essential consequence, to know the will of God concerning us; for without this, it is not possible to present to him an intelligent and acceptable service. And this question is at the basis of all divine knowledge and moral excellence. Now, whether you look upon the intrinsic value of the soul’97the supreme importance of religion’97or the inconceivable grandeur of eternal life, this question stands forth as the most vital that man can present. Others may inquire about the world, about riches, pleasures, and fame; but the serious spirit will ask’97"What shall I do, that I may work the works of God?" This question relates to the whole of man, and to both worlds; and, therefore is the highest of all inquiries. Every thing else is secondary and minor.

3. It was a personal question.

Not about others. Not about secret or hidden things, as divine purposes; the times and the seasons, which he has not revealed to man. But what shall we do? We shall never be truly religious, until our interrogatories relate to ourselves, to our own hearts and lives.

Idle curiosity may ask, What God would that this or that man should do! But the answer of Jesus will ever be, as it was to Peter,’97"What is that to thee, follow thou me." First of all’97chief of all, we must exhibit a pure concern for our own personal salvation.

It was a question proposed,

4. To the most proper person, for obtaining a satisfactory reply.

Thus the Jews often appealed to Abraham, to Moses, to their Priests and Rabbis. But on this occasion, they appealed to Christ,’97to the great, divine, infallible, and gracious Teacher. He who came from heaven expressly to impart light and knowledge to the world,’97to instruct the ignorant, and lead men in the way of peace.

God has put his broad seal on Jesus, both at his Baptism and Transfiguration; and he averred, that he was his beloved Son, in whom he was well pleased; and has authoritatively affixed to it the divine mandate’97"Hear ye him!" So that in the whole universe, there was not one to whom they could have proposed the question, so wisely and appropriately, as to Jesus. So when we ask the same question in reference to ourselves, shall we go to the historian, or the philosopher, or the mere moralist? Surely not. Who can instruct us in Christian doctrines, principles, and precepts, but Jesus? He is our Lord and Master, our Lawgiver and Ruler. Both officially, and in his person and work, he is "The way, the truth, and the life." Yes, let us learn the Christian religion, at any rate, from Christ. To whom should we go, but to him; for he has the words of eternal life.

Observe, to this question,

II. A divine direction given.

Now observe, he did not say the work of God was to offer sacrifices, or attend to ceremonial institutions’97nor to perform penances’97nor to seek God’s favor by self-righteous preparations of outward duties’97nor to abide indolently waiting for the divine aid. But, he demands at once, and most explicitly, that the soul should exercise faith in himself (Joh_6:29). Now thus to believe in the Lord Jesus as the sent of God, would involve the following particulars:

(1.) To believe in him, and to receive him, as testified of’97predicted’97promised, in the Holy Scriptures. Christ often appealed to these, as evidences of his Messiahship. Hence the comprehensive reasoning on this subject, as given by the Evangelist, in the 5th of John, and which thus concluded:’97"And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life;" Joh_6:37-40.

(2.) To hear the truth of salvation from his lips, and to welcome those truths into the heart.

(3.) So to believe in Christ, as divine and true, that the soul’s salvation be entirely committed to him. This, and not less than this, is included in believing on him whom God hath sent. It is clearly the yielding of mind and soul up to him’97resting only on him, as the one elect and sure foundation of mercy and hope. Now, observe, this believing on Christ,

2. He declares this to be the work of God.

It is so efficiently: that is, it is his work, which he by truth and grace produces in us. Christ was sent that men should believe in him. He preached and taught that they might believe. And hence, faith was thus the production of God; as he thus wrought it in the hearts of its happy subjects. But this is God’s work, objectively, that which he demands from the sinner. And the propriety and importance of this is seen on several accounts.

(1.) Nothing before this can be acceptable to God, even the moral works of an unbeliever cannot please God. Because, while the heart is carnal, and the character that of a rebel, no deeds, however relatively good, or lovely, can be esteemed by God. There is wanting the purity of motive, and the right principle of all holy action; without which, God cannot be pleased. Hence it is written, as one of the grand yet elementary truths of Christianity’97"But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."’97Heb_11:6. Here, then, is the first lesson that the anxious inquirer after God’s favor must learn.

(2.) As to merit, Christ’s work is all-sufficient. We need no other righteousness. He is the Lord our righteousness. Spotless in his nature, and perfect in his obedience. He fully magnified the law, and made it honorable. We need no other sacrifice’97for he has offered up himself; and his blood possesses infinite efficacy. Hence the conclusive reasoning of the Apostle, Heb_9:11, Heb_9:12. So also is the decisive statement of the Apostle Peter, 1Pe_2:24. We do not require to pacify God, for God is reconciled to us in Jesus Christ. All is done, therefore, that our guilt and misery need. Faith in Christ, therefore, secures us a present and complete interest in his finished work. It brings us to the enjoyment of pardon, justification, and adoption. His spirit and word regenerate. And he gives to all his sheep, who hear his voice, eternal life. To attempt, by human merit, to render our salvation more complete or certain, must, therefore, be unnecessary; and if attempted, utterly fallacious.

(4.) Faith will procure us the grace, by which we shall do all things to God’s glory. When the fountain of the heart is cleansed, then the stream of life will be pure. If the tree is made good, so will be the fruit presented to God. Let the soul be brought under the dominion of Jesus; and obedience to Jesus will be cheerful and complete. Faith works by love; and love gives all to Christ. Faith gives existence to all Christian graces and virtues, and thus adorns the whole man. See how the ancient heroes acted by faith’97as given in the eleventh of Hebrews. Noah’s faith works, and he builds the ark. Abraham’s faith works, and he goes out and obeys God. Moses, by faith, consecrates his life to God. And the comprehensive, yet concisely stated summary, is well worthy of our attention, where the apostle adds’97"And what shall I say more? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephtha; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again; and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings; yea, moreover, of bonds and imprisonment; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wander about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy;) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."’97Heb_11:32-38.

Now faith is the mainspring of the moral machinery, and when acting, sets it to work, and puts all the wheels in motion; and then, as the result, God is glorified.

In conclusion, let this subject,

1. Be pondered by you. Are you anxious to do God’s works? Do you feel as rational moral beings you ought to do them’97that your peace and well-being depend thereon? That God’s claims are just and right, and therefore, your obedience should be, both in spirit and extent, what he requires? That his will is law; and his word reveals that law for your guidance and safety? If so, then,

2. See the simplicity of the Gospel system. There must be faith, and not works first. This just suits man’s condition. You cannot work, but you can believe. You cannot present a righteousness which God will accept; but you may avail yourself of the obedience of the Son of God. The sinner can will to be healed. He can look up to the Cross. He can rely on Jesus. He can plead for mercy as a sinner, and plead it on the ground of Christ’s sacrifice. Blessed, gracious system! Who can fail to admire and adore the manifest wisdom and grace of God? And who will not rejoice that "this is the work of God"’97the work God demands’97the only work you can give’97and the work that will secure every other’97and finally, eternal life! "That ye believe on him whom he hath sent."

And as at the beginning of the Christian life, so during all its progress, to its final consummation, faith must work in the soul, and by the soul, to the doing of God’s holy will, and the glorifying of his blessed name. So that, well is it said, that we live and walk by faith; that the life we live in the flesh, is a life by the faith of the Son of God. Gal_2:20. And the whole warfare of the Christian is one conflict of faith, which is to be kept up and sustained, till the good fight is fought, and the wreath of imperishable glory and eternal life be placed on the victor’s brow, by the hand of the great Captain of our salvation.

Then, so live’97so work’97so tight’97and so die in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS