2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And… I. WHAT OBLIGATION THE PROFESSION OF CHRISTIANITY LAYS UPON MEN TO LIVE HOLY LIVES. 1. He that professeth himself a Christian professeth to entertain the doctrine of Christ, to believe the whole gospel, to assent to all the articles of the Christian faith, to all the precepts and promises and threatenings of the gospel. Now the great design, the proper intention of this doctrine, is, to take men off from sin, and to direct and en courage them to a holy life. 2. He that professeth himself a Christian professeth to live in the imitation of Christ's example, and to follow His steps, "who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth." 3. He that calls himself a Christian hath solemnly engaged himself to renounce all sin and to live a holy life. Thus you see what obligation the profession of Christianity lays upon us to holiness of life. From all which it is evident that the gospel requires something on our part. For the covenant between God and us is a mutual engagement; and, as there are blessings promised on His purl, so there are conditions to be performed on ours. II. I come now to the second thing propounded, and that is, TO PERSUADE THOSE WHO PROFESS CHRISTIANITY TO ANSWER THOSE OBLIGATIONS TO A HOLY LIFE, WHICH THEIR RELIGION LAYS UPON THEM. 1. Consider how unbecoming it is for a man to live unsuitably to his profession. 2. Consider how great a scandal this must needs be to our blessed Saviour and His holy religion. As we would not proclaim to the world that the gospel is an unholy and vicious institution, let us take heed that we bring no scandal upon it by our lives, lest the enemies of our religion say as Salvian tells us they did in his time — "Surely if Christ had taught so holy a doctrine, Christians would have lived holier lives." 3. And, lastly, let us consider the danger we expose ourselves to by not living answerably to our religion. Hypocrites are instanced in Scripture as a sort of sinners that shall have the sharpest torments and the fiercest damnation. (J. Tillotson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. |
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