that is commanded us, at least, nothing perfectly, or as we ought to have done it? Surely such an hope would soon appear to be a foundation of sand ; and would infallibly dis- appoint us to our eternal ruin. Yea, the very persons who build on such a foundation, almost invariably deny, that any man can be assured of his acceptance with God ; they account such an assurance to be an enthusiastic delusion ; which is a clear acknowledgment of the insufficiency of their foundation to bear this weight.]
Infer,
1. How needful is it to inquire what foundation we are upon !
[If we build but a common habitation, we are careful on what foundation we raise it. How much more care should we exercise, when we are building for eternity ! Let us inquire, whether we have been deeply convinced of the insufficiency of our own goodness, and of the impossibility of uniting any works of ours with Christ's atoning sacrifice? And let us examine whether Christ's obedience unto death be our only hope, our only confidence? We never can be saved, unless, with Paul, we utterly renounce the filthy rags of our own righteousness, and desire to be found clad in Christ's unspotted robe^]
2. How secure are they who are built upon the Lord Jesus Christ !
[Christ, on whom they stand, is justly called " a tried stone, and a sure foundation^." He never yet failed those who trusted in him. The vilest of mankind have found him able to save them to the uttermost. He is a rock to those who trust in him; nor shall the gates of hell prevail against them*. Let all believers then rejoice in their security ; and hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering".]
3. How careful should we be, what superstructure we raise upon him !
[While Christ is the foundation of our hope, we are also to build upon him all our works. But our works will all be tried by fire. If they be not such as tend to his glory, they will be burnt up as hay, and wood, and stubble. If they be truly good, they will stand the trial, like gold, or silver, or precious stones ^. Let us then give diligent heed to our works. We may suffer loss in heaven, though we should not suffer the
•■ Isai. Ixiv. 6. Phil. iii. 9. s jgai. xxviii. 16.
t Matt. xvi. 18. >> Heb. x. 2.3. ^ ver. 11 — 14.
1946.1 BUILDING ON THE TRUE FOUNDATION. l\S
loss 0/ heaven y. Let us then seek "a full reward^." While we renounce good works m point of dependence, let us practise theinyrom love to our Redeemer. Thus shall we put to silence our adversaries ; and adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.]
y ver. 15. ^ 2 John, ver. 8.