Psalm 50:23 Whoever offers praise glorifies me: and to him that orders his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God. I. IT IS MOST WORTHY OF THE SALVATION OF GOD, THAT IT BE UNDERSTOOD OF THE GENERAL REDEMPTION OF MANKIND BY JESUS CHRIST. Both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man. And there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we may be saved, neither is there salvation in any other. This knowledge was confined to very narrow limits; to a nation exceedingly small in proportion to the inhabitants of all the earth. The Revelation, besides, was dark, even where it was best known; particularly as to the resurrection of the dead, which is the anchor of our hope after this life, as also by reason of the ambiguity of the law under types and shadows of things to come; which represented a salvation to be given many ages after by this general Redeemer, who was not commonly believed in by the Jews before His coming, nor known by them when He appeared. II. THE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS SALVATION IS ABOVE THE REACH OF NATURAL REASON, AND NOT TO BE ATTAINED BUT BY REVELATION FROM GOD. In this assurance we stand unmoved against all vain suggestions of the impossibility of there being any such mysteries in the Christian religion, and of our own incapacity to believe things which our understanding cannot comprehend. Which assertions proceed from a bold but mistaken philosophy; ignorant of the great power of God; and not rightly distinguishing between the measure of knowledge, sufficient for faith and for demonstration; nor knowing that where the veracity of the affirmer, and the power of the author of any miracle are unquestionable, there we have a good authority to believe His relation of anything, though it shall be wonderful, and far above our capacity to comprehend. III. IT IS A HOLY LIFE WHICH WILL RENDER US THE MOST CAPABLE OF RECEIVING THIS KNOWLEDGE. IV. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 1. If we are firmly secure of our true knowledge of the salvation of God, in the faith of that Church which we do profess, let us then keep this faith in purity of heart and true holiness of life, without which no man shall ever see the Lord. 2. If any man is serious in his inquiries after that knowledge which is to lead him to eternal life, let him then in the sincerity of his heart make this trial; and, from a good life, begin his searches after the knowledge of the salvation of God. 3. Wickedness of life is the most fatal step to infidelity, and sets us at the greatest distance from this knowledge of the salvation of God. (W. Whitfeld.) Parallel Verses KJV: Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. |
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