James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. The glory of a religion lieth in three things — the excellency of rewards, the purity of precepts, and the sureness of principles of trust. Now examine the gospel by these things, and see if it can be matched elsewhere. 1. The excellency of rewards. 2. Purity of precepts. That God's children are His first-fruits.The Word hinteth two things. 1. It noteth the dignity of the people of God in two regards — (1) One is, they are "the Lord's portion," His "peculiar people" (Titus 2:14), the treasure people, the people God looked after. The world are His goods, but you His treasure. (2) That they are the considerable part of the world. The first-fruits were offered for the blessing of all the rest (Proverbs 3:10). 2. It hinteth duty; as — (1) Thankfulness in all their lives. First-fruits were dedicated to God in token of thankfulness. You, that are the first-fruits of God, should, in a sense of His mercy, live the life of love and praise. (2) It noteth holiness. The first-fruits were holy unto the Lord. God's portion must be holy. God can brook no unclean thing. Sins in you are far more irksome and grievous to His Spirit than in others. (3) It noteth consecration. You are dedicated things, and they must not be alienated; your time, parts, strength, and concernments, all is the Lord's; you cannot dispose of them as you please, but as it may make for the Lord's glory; you are not first-fruits when you "seek your own things." (T. Manton.) Parallel Verses KJV: Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. |
    |