489. HEB 12:28. THE GOSPEL DISPENSATION AN IMMOVABLE KINGDOM
Heb_12:28. The Gospel Dispensation An Immovable Kingdom
"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."’97Heb_12:28.
The apostle had just been presenting in contrast the two dispensations:’97that of the law and the gospel; of Moses, and Christ; Sinai and Zion. Having shown the vast superiority of the Christian economy, he then urges reverential obedience to the authority of Christ, "See that ye refuse not," &c., ver. 25. Then he refers to the power which accompanied his voice when he gave the law, as contrasted with that which he now possesses as heir of the worlds and Lord of all. Then follows the practical and experimental deduction of the text, "Wherefore we receiving," &c.
I. The Kingdom specified.
II. To the Reception of this Kingdom. And,
III. The Duties arising therefrom.
I. The Kingdom specified.
Now this kingdom is clearly the spiritual rule or reign of Jesus in the soul. The Christian dispensation is a kingdom. As such John the Baptist cried, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Into this by faith and through regeneration we are introduced: born into it of water and the Spirit. This is the opposite of Satan’s kingdom and of this world, which are in hostility to God. But the text relates not only to that, but to the spiritual reign or kingdom which is erected in the soul; of which Christ said, "The kingdom of God is within you." Now this kingdom is a kingdom,
1. Of spirit and power.
Not a lifeless form; not a mere name or profession. It is a vital and blessed reality. Life of God in the soul,’97power of salvation diffused through all its energies and powers.
2. It is a kingdom of experience and practice.
It has its seat in the affections, and is connected with our warmest emotions. It is love constraining the soul, and this is followed by righteousness of life. Holiness to the Lord is the essential characteristic of this kingdom. Not a system of ceremonial institutions,’97"Not meat and drink, but righteousness," &c. Not saying, "Lord, Lord, but doing the things," &c.
3. It is an abiding and changeless kingdom.
"Cannot be moved." Now in this the kingdom of Christ differs,
(1) From all earthly kingdoms. Where are the renowned empires of ancient times? Where the proud Assyrian,’97the rich Persian,’97the learned Grecian,’97the mighty Roman? Where their ancient capitals, and their splendid palaces? Where indeed is the ancient kingdom of which Jehovah at one time was the only king. Palestine is in the hands of the false prophet,’97the temple is razed,’97the city itself in ruins.
(2) In contrast with preceding dispensations. The patriarchal first appears in rural simplicity, the head of the family being both its lord and priest. Then followed the Mosaic,’97at first with its movable tabernacle, and afterwards with its magnificent temple, numerous rites, bleeding victims, and costly services. But that waxed old and has gone forever. Now no daily sacrifices, no ministering priesthood of Aaron’s order. Its worshippers have been dispersed through every region of the globe. But this kingdom is fixed on a better basis, established by promises, and is destined to overthrow every other, until it shall comprehend within itself every nation, and people, and tongue.
Now there are connected with this kingdom several features which indicate its immovability.
(1) Its moral glory. It cannot in this respect be exceeded except by the purity of heaven. We cannot have more holy precepts, example, or influences, &c.
(2) Its triumphs in past ages. It never will have more learning, talent, and power, arrayed against it; yet it stood and conquered. If so in the time of its infancy, what shall impair it during the period of its maturity and strength.
(3) Its universal adaptation to every country in the world. No other religion, or form of religion, is adapted to the whole earth. Judaism was not,’97Mahomedanism is not;’97nor any one form of Paganism. Christianity is alike at home everywhere. It suits the Arab in the desert,’97the Hottentot in his kraal,’97the philosopher in his study,’97and the monarch on his throne. Like the light it is adapted to the world; like the air it is the breath of life to all human beings.
II. We refer to the Reception of this Kingdom.
Now this supposes the promulgation and offer of it. This is what is done when the gospel is preached. It announces, it offers to men the dominion and the blessings of his reign. It is in this way that it is to be extended to the end of time, and throughout the habitable earth. Now in receiving this kingdom,
1. We must relinquish the kingdom of Satan.
Cannot be identified with both. One light, the other darkness, &c. We abandon the one when we receive the other. We must come out and be separate. This is called a translation, passing from death unto life.
2. We must with faith cordially and humbly receive Christ and his administration.
The faith must be that of the heart, "If thou shalt believe with thine heart," &c. And the humility must be that of the child, "For except ye be converted and become as little children," &c. Look at the simplicity of spirit, the docility of mind, and humble tractableness of a little child. In that way we must receive the kingdom of God. Observe,
III. The Duties arising therefrom.
1. We must exhibit loyal obedience.
"Serve God,"’97not ourselves, not the world, nor sin. These are to be forsaken. We must yield loyal obedience to Jesus, keep both his, and his Father’s words. Act as becometh the subjects of his reign. Notice,
2. This obedience must be that which God prescribes and demands.
"Acceptable."
(1) According to his revealed word. Not will-worship, not acts of human fancy.
(2) In the way and spirit he requires.
(3) To the end he has appointed,’97his own glory, and the honor of his grace.
3. This obedience must be connected with due homage and fear.
Not in a light and trifling spirit, not carelessly, but with holy feelings of profound respect and veneration; a proper fear of offending him; with just views of our littleness and sinfulness. To enable us to do this,
4. We must seek the aid of heavenly grace.
"Let us have grace." guiding, supporting, sanctifying grace. "Thy grace is sufficient," &c.
5. It is to be had at the throne of grace.
It must be sought, cherished, and exercised; we must hold it fast; grow in grace, &c.
Application
1. To the happy and dignified subjects of this kingdom, we say, cultivate a public generous spirit; seek its prosperity, peace, and glory.
2. Urge wretched sinners to receive it. It is come to you. Believe, and be saved.
3. Let us anticipate its final triumphs and universal diffusion.
"Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Does his successive journeys run,
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till suns shall rise and set no more."
Autor: JABEZ BURNS