1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect… I. First, we are taught that THE TRUE CONVERSION OF THE SOUL TO GOD IS A DIVINE WORK, a work which the mercy of Heaven must begin, and the power of heaven carry forward, otherwise it never can be performed. 1. As to the source from whence conversion proceeds. St. Peter distinctly acknowledges it to be of God; he refers expressly to Him as the Author of that great change which had taken place in his own soul, and in the souls of those to whom he was writing. Consider in how many ways grace must be bestowed upon us in order to our salvation: we want grace to draw us, grace to enable us to believe, grace to strengthen us, grace to make us persevere; grace was wanting to contrive the scheme of our redemption; grace to carry it into execution, and grace to finish that glorious work. 2. As to the manner in which we are made partakers of this inestimable mercy: it is by calling "God, who hath called us." Here is another proof that this change is "not of the will of man, but of God." He makes ready, and He invites; we ourselves have no more to do with the preparing of that rich provision which is made for our souls in the gospel, than the guest has with the feast set before him by some hospitable entertainer. Nay, we have not naturally even the wish to partake of it. 3. As to the means by which it is accomplished: it is "by Jesus Christ." That the children of God are called, that they are converted, that they are justified, that they are sanctified, that they shall be glorified, is all owing to, is all accomplished by, our blessed Lord and Saviour. 4. As to the end to which it leads: that end is God's eternal glory. It is "His," His own glory, His brightest gift, His choicest possession: it is that gift of God which Christ shed His precious blood to purchase. It is "eternal"; it is not like our poor fleeting pleasures; not like earthly riches, which make themselves wings and flee away; not like the pomps of this world, of a fashion which is always changing; but a glory which is without change, without end; a sun of brightness which shall never set. II. That THEY IN WHOM THIS WORK OF GRACE IS GOING ON, called as they are to eternal glory, ARE BY NO MEANS TO CONSIDER THEMSELVES AS FREE FROM SUFFERINGS OR TRIAL; on the contrary, the apostle seems to speak of these things as if they were certain to befall them; or rather, I should say, he addresses his converts as being, for the present, actually under tribulation. 1. They find their spiritual good thereby promoted. 2. They find that when trouble is nigh, God is also present. 3. They find not only that their troubles will soon be over-past, but far over-paid. III. That WHAT GRACE HAS BEGUN WE SHOULD BE VERY EARNEST THAT THE SAME GRACE WILL PERFECT. This is the blessing which the apostle asks for in his prayer. And now let me address — 1. Those who are under the influence of that grace of which the apostle is speaking; who have felt its power in turning them from their sins, in drawing them to Christ for salvation. (1) Learn to prize the grace you have received; remember from whom it cometh; at what a price it was purchased; remember how it is conveyed to your souls by that blessed Spirit whose office it is to sanctify all the elect people of God, (2) Be careful how you quench or slight it; do nothing contrary to its suggestions; endeavour to do all things according to its guidance. (3) Endeavour to improve it; strive to show that you have not received the grace of God in vain; do not "take the beginning of a Christian life for the end of it, and sit down at the entrance," when you ought rather to be pressing forward on the way; go on from strength to strength; aim high. 2. I would address myself to those whose consciences tell them they are as yet strangers to this grace, or, at least, are not living under its power. (1) Oh, I will not endeavour to set before you the vanity of a life spent in search of things temporal; there must be some moments of seriousness. Point to that glory which you think so little about, and in preference to which you choose earthly things as your portion. (2) Let me also remind you that to this glory, with all its brightness and all its reality, and all its eternity, you are invited. (F. Lear.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. |
    |