1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: I. A MOST INTIMATE CONNECTION EXISTS BETWEEN CHRIST AND CHRISTIANS. "In Christ." The connection is — 1. Real. "Ye are in Christ Jesus." Not imaginary; not theoretical; not prospective. 2. Vital. Not that of a sapless branch with a decayed root; not that of a pulseless arm with a lifeless head. 3. Essential to the continuance of spiritual life. Not merely a life like Christ's, but a life that is a part of Christ's life. The temperament of Christ pervades the whole body. II. THIS CONNECTION HAS BEEN FORMED BY GOD. "Of Him." Our Lord referred to Divine operation as well as supervision when He said, "My Father is the Husbandman" (Comp. Romans 11:17-24). Union with Christ is — 1. Not natural. Our natural condition is one of separation and alienation. 2. Not affected by human agency; neither our own, nor another's. 3. Effected by Divine agency — (1) Incomprehensible in the mode of operation. (2) Inexplicable in the selection of its subjects. III. THIS CONNECTION HAS BEEN PRODUCTIVE OF MOST ADVANTAGEOUS RESULTS TO CHRISTIANS. These, as well as the connection, are of Divine ordination. 1. Observe the progression of thought. (1) There is the truth by which the mind is arrested, instructed, convinced, strengthened, and elevated. (2) There is the work without us by virtue of which we are accepted and treated as righteous; conjoined with — (3) The work within us by virtue of which we are purified and made actually righteous. (4) There is the final deliverance from all evil; when with the redemption of the body the soul will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God; when salvation will be consummated in the glorification of all. 2. Christ is — (1) Our wisdom. He said "I am the truth." He is "the light of the world." He is that by which we are enlightened. The condition of the non-Christian is described in Ephesians 4:18, and Romans 10:3. Ignorant of our real spiritual state, Christ enlightens us respecting it. Ignorant of our relation to God, Christ reveals our alienation from Him, and invites us to be reconciled. Ignorant of what is to be done, Christ tells us what is essential. Ignorant of the way of salvation, Christ says, "I am the way," &c. (2) Our righteousness. The revelation of truth is not all we want. Christ was not only the Revealer but the Doer, not only the Teacher but the Mediator. The condition of the non-Christian is represented as one of condemnation, guilt, and rebellion. Out of this we are brought by Christ. He is our Representative; in nature and character perfect; possessing immaculate righteousness; therefore competent to appear and act for us. His life and death of obedience are accepted on our behalf, and we are accepted through Him. The rebel is pardoned; alienation is displaced by friendship; as virtually righteous he is received into God's family, a joint heir with Christ. (3) Our sanctification. The condition of the non-Christian is one of corruption and defilement. Christ will have all His followers conformed to His image. The process of sanctification is — (a) Effected by direct and indirect agency. Direct. The influence of Spirit upon spirit. "The Spirit dwelleth in you," &c. Indirect. Christian ordinances and privileges, providential circumstances, social influences; every temptation resisted, trial endured, difficulty overcome, passion quelled, habit corrected; triumph over self, steadfast opposition to evil, loss suffered for the cause of Christ; manful exhibition of godliness, true-hearted adherence to principle.(b) Invisible and indescribable. More mystery respecting the internal work of the Spirit than the external work of Christ. Facts perceived by the senses are more easily described than those perceived by consciousness.(c) Sometimes prolonged. If immediacy may be regarded as a characteristic of justification, progressiveness is characteristic of sanctification. It is the work of our lifetime.(d) Generally apparently incomplete. But we cannot unveil the spiritual world. What constitutes completeness? Enough for us to aim at her lofty attainment. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father," &c. (4) Our redemption. Reference to the final release from the bondage, dangers, and trials of humanity. The condition of the non-Christian is one of bondage to sin (2 Peter 2:19). Christ makes His people free. The liberty of the sons of God includes not only release from the condemnation of law and from the power of sin, but also from the laws and limitations of human nature; from the habits which bind us, and dispositions which enslave us; from the annoyances of earthly life; from associations with evil; from injurious influences, human and satanic. IV. THIS CONNECTION AND ITS RESULTS ARE DESIGNED TO PROMOTE THE GLORY OF GOD (vers. 29, 31). Not to glorify ourselves, but to live, in time and in eternity, to the glory of His grace, who "hath made us accepted in the Beloved." (T. T. Waterman, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: |
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