John v. 40. Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
TO doubt whether men wish to be saved or not, may appear absurd. No man would hesitate to answer such a question in the affirmative. But though every one would prefer happiness to misery, they are but few who really prefer the way that leads to happiness. The text may be addressed to the generality amongst ourselves with the same propriety as to those who rejected the invitations of our Lord
in the days of old. We shall take occasion from
these words to inquire,
I. What are the benefits of coming unto Christ —
To " come to Christ" is a frequent expression in the Scriptures :
Let us first consider what is implied in this act — [It imports not an outward attendance on his person, but an inward affiance on him for salvation. It imports a coming
to him with humility as sinners with faith as to the
only Saviour and with love as to our rightful Lord and
Master a ]
From a due performance of this act the most in- estimable benefits will arise —
[Temporal, spiritual, eternal life will flow from it. Even the temporal comforts of life are enjoyed by none so much as by him who believes in Christ; nor is there any other person who holds them by so sure a tenure1*. He cannot fail of pos- sessing them as far as they will conduce to his spiritual welfare. But spiritual life is a far richer blessing ; and this is the be- liever's assured portion. His soul shall be endued with a new and vital principle of grace c. Christ himself will live in him and be his life d. As Lazarus when raised was enabled to perform the functions of animal life, of which he had been rendered, for a season, incapable, so shall the believer's soul, which was once dead in trespasses and sins, be quickened to the discharge of all the duties and offices of the spiritual life. He shall enjoy sweet communion with God in secret, and find his supreme delight in fulfilling his blessed will. The man who thus daily comes to Christ for righteousness and strength is incomparably the happiest man on earth ; but his happiness does not terminate with his present existence. No : he shall possess also eternal life. Believer, thou hast a never-fading crown of righteousness and glory awaiting thee at thy depar- ture hence What a recompence is this of all thy labour!
a The full import of this act may perhaps be more clearly under- stood by expressing the very words and manner in which a sinner comes to Christ — " O my Lord and Saviour, behold I am vile, and justly deserve to be for ever spurned from thy footstool, &c. But thou hast died for sinners, even the chief, &c. I have no hope but in thee, &c. O receive a poor prodigal, &c. I look for redemption through thy blood ; O let thy blood cleanse me from all sin, &c. And while I trust in thy name, enable me to depart from all iniquity, &c. Be thou my only Lord, and let every thought and desire of my heart be brought into captivity to thy holy will, &c."
t> 1 Tim. iv. 8. c John x. 10. d Gal. ii. 20. Col. hi. 4.