that pervades their souls shall be healed. Yea, more, the favour of God, the beauty of holiness, and all the glory of heaven shall be imparted to them. The salvation here spoken of is justly called, " The salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory :" and in the name of Christ we can promise it to all who comply with the terms on which it is offered to them.]
Alluring as this invitation is, it derives additional importance from,
II. The arguments with which it is enforced —
That he may prevail on an ignorant and careless world, our blessed Lord reminds them of,
1. His all- sufficiency to save them —
[That Christ is God, is a truth on which our present and eternal happiness depends ; nor is there wanting all that evi- dence for it which the most scrupulous or doubtful mind can required Indeed, if he were a mere creature, however exalted, we might well question his authority to issue such a command, or his ability to impart the promised blessing ; but his God- head at once enforces both his direction and his promise : ' " Look unto me ; for I am God," and enjoin you to do so at the peril of your souls. " You shall be saved ; for I am God," and am therefore able to save you to the very uttermost. Were I a creature, you might be afraid to trust in me : but is not the blood of an incarnate God sufficient to make atonement for your sin ? Is not the arm of God able to subdue your enemies before you ? Or is there any " variableness or shadow of turning in me," that you should question my fidelity ? Am I not " the God that changeth not?" Know then that while my Godhead is your warrant for looking to me, it is my pledge to you for the performance of my promise.' My Brethren, can you resist the force of such an argument ?]
2. The insufficiency of every other hope —
[We are prone to look to every other being for help rather than to Christ ; but he plainly warns us that " there is none else." Could we obtain salvation by any other means, the force of his invitation would be enervated : however the way prescribed by him might deserve a preference, we should feel ourselves, as it were, at liberty to disregard it. But in vain will be our utmost exertions, if we endeavour to save ourselves by any methods of man's device. We are " shut up unto the faith that is revealed." We may as well attempt to create an universe as to atone for sin, or to fulfil the strict commands of God's law. There is no remedy but that proposed, of looking
f John i. 1. Rom. ix. 5.