January 12
The Christian's Possessions
The Christian's Daily Treasury"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things." — Romans 8:32.
THIS chapter is a compendium of the Gospel system, embracing doctrine, practice, and experience. The verse before us alludes to the astonishing exhibition of Divine love, not as a dark and doubtful point, but as established on undeniable authority, from which the most conclusive reasoning may be drawn. Observe
THE GROUND OF THE CHRISTIAN'S HOPE. That is the atonement of Christ.
The dignity of the sufferer. "His own Son." Think of him in his pre-existent glory, and his unrivalled excellences. Nothing of less worth could have atoned for sin, nothing of greater value could be given.
The nature of his sufferings. We cannot here enter into a minute detail, but must be content with a general view. It is said the Father did not spare him. He was not spared in Gethsemane, at Pilate's bar, on Calvary. He was delivered up. To what? To that humanity in which Deity was enshrined, to poverty, reproach, and temptation; to his enemies, Judas, the chief priests, Herod, Pilate, the Roman soldiers, and to Divine wrath.
The individuals concerned. "For us all." All who feel their guilt and helplessness, and are crying for mercy; the weak and the strong, the desponding and joyful, the young and old. See the universality of the blessing.
THE EXTENT OF the CHRISTIAN'S POSSESSIONS. God having given his Son, what will he withhold? Other blessings may be estimated, but the riches of Christ are unsearchable. Examine the cataloguge, 1 Corinthians 3:21, — 23. The world is yours, not your home, your portion, your all: it is yours as conquered by faith, yours for present use, not for future inheritance; you have a better country. All things are for your sakes, subject to your real welfare! Pardon, holiness, comfort, joy; God and the creature, grace and glory, earth, and heaven. But how are they bestowed? "Freely," and for the sake of Christ. Poor, indeed, are they who have not Christ, but unspeakable rich are those who are interested in him. They can boast in riches superior to all beneath the skies, and can more than vie with kings, and princes, and nobles.
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