privilege is given to all without exception who believe in Christ p. What is implied in this privilege, the Apostle states in the two verses following the text. He specifies both the present and future benefits of this adoption. In this world, instead of having any occasion to dread the wrath of God, we may look up with filial confidence to him, " crying, Abba, Father;" and may expect from him all that care, and love, and mercy which are suited to the relation of a father. .In the eternal ivorld, we shall be raised to such dignity and glory as no words can express, no imagination can conceive. " Being sons, we are heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ :" and whatever God or Christ possess either of happiness or glory, shall be possessed by us, according to the degree of our meetness for it, and the measure of our capacity to enjoy it.
" This honour have all the saints ;" and that they might enjoy it in its fullest extent, was the design of God in sending his dear Son into the world.]
Infer —
1. The folly of adhering to the law —
[Men, in seeking salvation by the works of the law, have no idea what folly they are guilty of. What should we think of a man, who, when offered an estate which had been pur- chased for him at an immense price, should decline accepting it as a gift, and should prefer the making a stipulation to earn it, and that too by labours which a thousand men were not able to perform ? Yet that were wisdom when compared with a rejection of the Gospel, and a seeking of salvation by the works of the law ; because it is impossible for fallen man to be saved by the covenant of works : and, if Christ had not redeemed us from that covenant, we must all have perished together. Will any of you then be so mad as to adhere to that covenant, now that God has sent his own Son to redeem you from it ? You think indeed by this to shew your zeal for good works ; but it is a zeal which is not according to knowledge*1 ; and a zeal which will only leave you, as it left the self-righteous Jews, destitute of any part in the salvation of Christ1." We would not discourage your zeal for good works : we only wish to give it a right direction. Obey the law; but obey it with proper views. Renounce your dependence upon it as a cove- nant of works, and seek salvation by faith in Christ. Then shall you receive that spirit of adoption, which will make the service of God to be perfect freedom, and afford you ample scope for your most active exertions.]
2. The blessedness of receiving the Gospel —
P John i. 12. i Rom. x. 2, 3. r Rom. ix. 30—32.