December 22

PART VI.-- Colossians 3:11.

JESUS is all and in all, in every thing that relates to the experience of his people. Personal religion in all its branches is closely and inseparably connected with Christ. This will apply to the graces of religion. Jesus is the object of faith, the Author of faith, and the Finisher of faith. Jesus is the object of hope, and the ground of hope, and is in the believer's heart the hope of glory. Jesus is the object of love, and the source of love; we love him because he first loved us. His love is shed abroad in our hearts. And in all that relates to duty and labour, his love constraineth us. So also Jesus is all and in all, in the privileges of religion. Justification is his act. For we are justified freely by his grace. Sanctification is his work. He sanctifies us by his spirit and truth, and through the efficacy of his blood. He is made unto us sanctification. Adoption is his act. For we have the privilege to become the sons of God, by receiving him, that is, by believing on his name. And we know our adoption, because we have the Spirit of Christ in our hearts. We have also a peace by Jesus Christ. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our peace. We have preservation by Jesus Christ. He holds his saints in the hollow of his hands, so that they cannot perish, neither can any pluck them from thence. We have a safe and happy death by Christ. His grace supports, his presence cheers, and his rod and staff they comfort us. In dying, if we behold him, we are enabled to obtain victory over the last enemy, and have thus an abundant entrance ministered into his kingdom and glory. Oh! how desirable to feel in the hour of death, that Jesus is all, and in all.

"Happy if with our latest breath, We may but gasp his name, And dying, cry to all around, Behold, Behold, the Lamb!"