214. 1PE 2:9. THE MARVELLOUS CHANGE
1Pe_2:9. The Marvellous Change
"That ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light"’971Pe_2:9.
True religion not only amends, but entirely changes, the character of man. Old things pass away, and all things become new. The views, dispositions, and actions of the life are all renewed. And it is a change the most joyous and beneficial; from poverty to riches, from degradation to honor, from misery to happiness, and from "darkness unto marvellous light."
Notice,
I. Our pristine natural Condition.
"Darkness."
Sin is a work of darkness; Satan, the prince of darkness; and the soul’s natural state, one of night and darkness.
Naturally we are involved,
1. In the darkness of ignorance.
That is, ignorance of spiritual things; of God, and his blessed perfections; of his claims upon us, and our obligations to his law. Ignorant of his Son, and gospel, and Spirit. Ignorant of ourselves, and of the love of God, and of the way of salvation. This ignorance is universal; it covers the hearts of all men, however mentally great or learned, or however illiterate. It is the characteristic of the unrenewed mind, in every state and condition, that it is without the knowledge of God.
2. In the darkness of spiritual vassalage.
The soul is in the prison of Satanic thraldom. The slave of the devil; bound with fetters of evil. This state is sometimes described as "a pit without water," "a horrible pit," &c., "regions of darkness," "shadow of death."
3. In the darkness of wretchedness and misery.
The soul overcast with the black cloud of guilt and condemnation. Condemned already, and the wrath of God abiding upon him. No hope of future good; no prospect of final happiness. As the way-lost traveller! as the mariner at midnight, amid the howling blackness of the tempest.
4. In the darkness of spiritual death.
Dead to God; dead in trespasses and sins. Under the sentence of eternal death, and daily meetening for the wrath to come.
The way of the wicked is darkness. Dark at its commencement, darker in its progress and the blackness of eternal darkness in its termination.
Notice,
II. The Change produced.
"Called you out of darkness into marvellous light."
1. It is a change into light.
Into the light of knowledge, freedom, pardon, joy, hope, and eternal life. Former state entirely cancelled. A new era of enjoyment and action. New creatures in Christ Jesus.
It is a change,
2. Into divine light.
"His" light. That which his almighty grace produces in the soul; 2Co_4:6. The light of his countenance, and favor and image; light of fellowship with him; light of his love and joy; of his peace, &c.
3. Into marvellous light.
It is astonishing and wonderful to the individuals changed. A change which they cannot express, and which fills them with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Marvellous in its influence on the life and character. Lion a lamb; vulture a dove Ethiopian’s skin made white; the curse a blessing; the child of perdition an heir of glory. Once polluted, having the mark of the beast; now sanctified, and bearing the inscription, "Holiness to the Lord."
This change,
4. Is effected by the influence of the gospel.
"Who hath called us." Expressly stated, Act_26:16, &c., Rom_10:16, &c.
This call is plain, full, free, and, when received by faith, is the power of God to the salvation of the soul.
III. The Return demanded.
"That ye should show forth the praises of him," &c.
We cannot give God an adequate return, but we can render the return demanded in the text.
We should show forth his praises,
1. By extolling his mercy.
Psa. ist: "I waited for the Lord," &c. Psa_40:1, &c. Also Psa_103:3, Psa_103:11, Psa_103:12.
2. By exhibiting his image.
If he hath brought us into his light, we shall display his image; we shall be the children of the day, and walk in the light, and our light will shine before men. As we displayed the image of the evil one we shall now display the image of our heavenly Father.
3. By obedience to his authority.
We shall follow God as dear children. We shall do whatsoever he commands us; be his servants, and have our fruit unto holiness, &c. Yield the fruits of piety to the glory of his name. As he who hath called us is holy, so shall we also be holy in all manner of conversation.
4. By zeal for his glory.
If we have tasted that the Lord is gracious, we shall be constrained to labor for its diffusion.
"Then shall we tell to sinners round,
What a dear Saviour we have found,
And point to his redeeming blood,
And cry, ‘Behold the way to God.’"
Application
1. Let the sinner see his true state before God. One of darkness. Darkness of soul; spiritual darkness; darkness associated with all that is wretched, and dire, and tremendous 2. The only way of deliverance: and that is by the gospel. Gospel reveals our state, and shows the only way of salvation. It calls us to God, to his grace here, and to his glory hereafter By faith we realize all its blessings, and are brought out of darkness into marvellous light.
3. Let the believer learn his obligations. To show forth the praises of God. They may do so; they ought to do so. And it will be for their happiness and increase of holiness to be thus vigorously and constantly employed.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS