August 5

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery amongst the Gentiles.—Colossians 1:27.

We have spoken of the riches of this mystery. But as if this were too little in so great a matter as the mystery of our salvation, the apostle adds, that it is not only a very rich, but also a very glorious mystery. What is the riches of the glory. Indeed, it is well worthy of observation, that not only in the verse before us, but almost everywhere else, when he speaks of the riches of this gospel mystery, he adds something about its glory. Thus Romans 9:23, That he might make known the riches of his glory. And Ephesians 1:18, he wishes the eyes of their understanding to be enlightened, that they may know what is the hope of the calling of the gospel, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.

The apostle introduces the word glory that he may obviate the scandal which men pretend arises from the contemptibleness of the gospel: for in the estimation of carnal men, the doctrine of the gospel seems contemptible. That all men, therefore, may be assured that there is nothing really contemptible in the gospel, he employs these splendid eulogies to exalt its dignity; nay more, to show that it is altogether so glorious as deservedly to claim every kind of honor.

This mystery of salvation, then, contained in the gospel, is properly called glorious for two reasons; one of which may be considered on God's part, the other on ours.

First. On God's part, because nothing so properly shows forth the Divine glory, as does the manifestation of the grace of the gospel in Christ Jesus. From whence arose that hymn of the angels, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men. For as true glory arises from the manifestation of virtue, all the Divine virtue and goodness shone forth in the free calling of the Gentiles to salvation by the gospel. For in it the truth of God, his compassion, his justice, his wisdom shine forth; as might be abundantly proved were we inclined to descant more at large on this general topic. But let us fix upon only one of these virtues—the divine compassion: of which Cicero has well remarked, "It most redounds to our glory, if ever we have opportunity, of helping a man who appears to be surrounded and borne down by a powerful enemy." To which we may add, that it is more eminently glorious to exert this kindness when neither called upon so to do by the deserts of the individual relieved, nor induced to it by any prospect of remuneration. Now let us apply this observation to the case before us. The whole human race lay prostrate under the tyrannous oppression of that most powerful of all enemies, the devil; but the mystery of the gospel teaches us, that through the aid of the Divine compassion, and without any previous merit of our own, we are snatched from under the burden of their oppression and set at liberty; therefore, it best illustrates the glory of God, and most correctly, in this respect, is it called a glorious mystery.

Secondly. On our part, moreover, it may be called a glorious mystery, because it insures to believers real and eternal glory; nay more, by the power of faith it puts them into present possession of it. On this account it is preferred to the law of

Moses, for, If the ministration of death was glorious, how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious? And in the Epistle to the Hebrews it is said, Ye are not come to the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness and darkness, and tempest; but ye are come unto Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. To this glory the gospel calls and conducts those who are sanctified and faithful, and, therefore, there is the best of reasons for its being called a glorious mystery.

This description of the gospel is a reproof to those who, in the profession of the gospel, neither regard nor look for any thing better than external peace, worldly honors, and temporal accommodations of this kind. This mystery of the gospel is indeed fruitful, honorable, and glorious; but it promises fruits of another kind, other honors, and glory of a very different description. It brings with it fruits, not of money, but of righteousness; honors, not of the world, but of heaven; glory, not of fleeting vanity, but of eternal blessedness. It is, therefore, our business to seek for glory in the way of this glorious mystery; according to the exhortation of Christ, Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Ye see, then, that treasures of riches and glory are offered to us in the gospel.