December 24

PART VIII.— Colossians 3:11.

As Christ in all and in all, in creation, providence, redemption, in the church, in all the privileges and blessings of the gospel, and in all duties and ordinances,—so he is “all and in all” as it respects all the prospective glory and felicity of the believer for ever. In sickness he is our consolation, in death our life, and in eternity our portion for ever. Our entrance into glory, rests entirely with him. They are his mansions; purchased and prepared by himself. He receives the spirits of departed saints, and awards the crown of glory that fadeth not away. He also will raise the body at the last day, and fashion it like unto his own glorious body, and render it capable of the effulgent glories of the heavenly state. Then he also will confess, and proclaim the reward of all his people at the last day. From his lips shall proceed the glorious welcome, and the ecstatic, “Well done,” “Come, ye blessed, and inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”: then the bliss of the redeemed hosts through eternal ages, shall flow from him. He will be the river of pleasure and the tree of life to the heavenly family for ever. Because he is exalted, they shall be exalted, because he lives, they shall live also, and be for ever with the Lord. On the glories of the Lord, they shall gaze with unutterable delight. In the service of the Saviour, they shall be eternally employed. And the anthems of his redeeming love, they shall sing for ever and ever. Through eternity, Jesus will be to the heavenly world, “all and all.”

O, that with yonder sacred throng,

We at his feet may fall,

And join the everlasting song,

And crown him, Lord of all!"