they can obtain any better title than what they have derived from him, or any other portion than what is entailed upon them as his descendants.]
4. As their Head of vital influence —
[Believers in Christ derive from Him all that they need for life and godliness, as branches of the living vine. But those who, in any measure or degree, transfer to the law their dependence, become as branches that are broken off, and that derive from Him no benefit whatever. To their impotence they are left ; and as destitute of all spiritual good, they perish. What a fearful thought is this ! But let me dwell some- what upon it, in a way of more direct]
Application. — See, I pray you,
1. How indispensable to our happiness is an in- terest in Christ —
[The Apostle represents the being without any profit from Christ, as the sum of human misery. And so, indeed, it is : for what can he possess who has no part in Christ? He may have wealth and honour in the richest abundance ; but he has no life, no hope in this world, no portion but misery in the
world to come Can you reflect on this, my brethren,
and not desire an interest in Christ? My brethren, seek him, lay hold on him, " cleave unto him with full purpose of heart ;" and let no consideration under heaven induce you for a moment to draw back from him ]
2. What need we have to examine the state of our minds towards him —
[The persons who laid so great a stress on circumcision little thought what evils they were bringing on their own souls : and it is highly probable that they thought the affir- mations of the Apostle needlessly severe. But this very cir- cumstance rendered it the more necessary that he should deal faithfully with them, and declare to them the danger to which they were exposed. And so it is, when we declare the danger of self-righteousness, we are thought harsh and uncharitable. But we must declare, and " testify to every one" who relies on the works of the law, or blends any thing whatever with the merits of Christ, that he makes void the whole work of Christ, and cuts himself off from any part in his salvation. Examine yourselves, therefore : for self-righteousness is deeply rooted in the heart of man ; and it has many specious pretexts for its actings. But be on your guard against it, and watch against it in every form ; and determine, through grace, that you will henceforth trust in nothing, and " glory in nothing, but the cross of Christ."]