2 Thessalonians 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints… I. THE GREAT TEST OF CHRISTIANS IS BELIEVING. The promises run everywhere in this strain (Mark 16:16; John 3:36). II. FAITH OF ANY SORT IS NOT ENOUGH, WE MUST TRULY AND SINCERELY BELIEVE (John 8:31; 1 Thessalonians 1:5). We distinguish between the two when the truths believed have an effectual power to change our hearts and reform our lives (1 Thessalonians 2:13; Titus 1:16; Hosea 8:2). III. THE MATTER WE ARE TO BELIEVE IS THE APOSTLE'S TESTIMONY CONCERNING GOD'S GOOD WILL TO SINNERS IN CHRIST. 1. Christianity, or the doctrine of salvation by Christ, is a testimony. A testimony is the proof necessary in matters that cannot otherwise be decided by rational deduction: as in two cases — (1) In matters that depend upon the arbitrary will of another. If I want to know how a man stands affected towards me, I must know it by his testimony. So none can know God's good will, but those to whom He reveals it (Matthew 11:27). (2) In matters of fact. Matters of law are argued by reason, matters of fact are only proved by credible witnesses; and in this respect the gospel is a testimony. Its facts transpired necessarily in one place, but the knowledge of them concerns the whole world. 2. This testimony is given — (1) By Christ (John 3:33; Revelation 3:14). (2) By the apostles who were commissioned by Christ as His witnesses (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:32; Acts 10:39-41). This testimony is valuable to produce a saving belief in Christianity. (a) They had the testimony of sense (2 Peter 1:16, 17; 1 John 1:1-3). (b) They were men of holiness and integrity (1 Corinthians 15:15). (c) They were authorized by miracles (Hebrews 2:3, 4). (d) Their testimony they gave in word and writing (Acts 4:33; 1 John 4:12). (e) Christ prays for all who should believe through them (John 17:20).Use 1. Of information. (1) Of the nature of faith — belief of testimony. We can only believe on testimony; we know by sense and reason. (2) The ground of faith. Christ and the apostle's testimony as transmitted to us. 2. Of exhortation. Believe this testimony that you may make out your title to eternal life. If we receive it not it will be a testimony against us. Two sorts will never be allowed for true believers. (1) The careless (Matthew 13:19). (2) The unsanctified who deny the faith (1 Timothy 5:8). (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. |
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