faith alone : but by your works will you be judged : and the measure of your works will be the certain measure of your reward.]
THE GROUND OF GOD's FINAL DECISION.
Gal. vi. 7, 8. Be not deceived ; God is not mocked: for ivhat- soever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption ; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life ever- lasting.
SIN and misery are often found to be nearly con- nected in this life ; yet rewards and punishments are not always distributed according to man's actions. The necessity therefore of a future state of retribution is obvious and undeniable. This was discoverable in a measure by the light of reason ; but revelation establishes the certainty of such a state. The inspired writers often urge the consideration of it as a motive to virtue. St. Paul is stating to the Galatians the duty of providing liberally for their pastors. He is aware that some might offer pleas and excuses for their neglect of this duty. He knew that some might even pretend a prior and more sacred obligation3. He therefore cautions them against self-deception, and reminds them that God will hereafter pass sen- tence on us according to the real quality of our actions.
I. It is in vain to hope for salvation while we live in a neglect of religious duties —
It is common for men to offer pleas and excuses for their disregard of religion :
1. That a life of religion is needless —
[They see the world in a state of wickedness. They cannot believe that so many can be in danger of perishing. They forget that the course of this world is just such as Satan would have itb. They recollect not our Lord's declaration
a Mark vii. 11. b Eph. ii. 2.
2089. J THE GROUND OF GOD's FINAL DECISION. 255
respecting the broad and narrow \vayc. They consider not that the care of the soul is the " one thing needful."]
2. That a life of religion is impracticable —
[They hear what holiness of heart and life God requires of us. They feel how unable they are of themselves to fulfil their duty. They therefore conclude, that it is impossible to serve God aright. At least they think that a religious life cannot consist with social duties. But they forget that the grace of Christ is all-sufficient d : nor are they aware that that grace will stimulate us to every duty, whether civil or religious, social or personal.]
Besides these, they substitute other things in the place of religion :
1. Their good intentions —
[They purpose to amend their lives at some future period. They expect to find some " more convenient season " for repentance. They hope that their good designs, though never executed, will be accepted.]
2. Their moral lives —
[They are guilty of no very enormous crimes. They per- form many commendable actions. They hope that such a life, though they know nothing of contrition, of faith in Christ, of delight in God, &c. will procure them admission to heaven.]
3. Their profession of certain truths —
[Many receive the doctrines of Christianity as a system of truth. They trust to the mere profession of these doctrines without experiencing their transforming efficacy. Thus they substitute " the form of godliness for the power of it."]
But no pleas or pretences can deceive God —
[To attempt to deceive God is, in fact, to "mock" him. It is to insult him, as though he were too ignorant to discern, too indifferent to regard, or too weak to punish, hypocrisy. But God cannot be deceived ; nor will he be mocked.]
Let none then deceive themselves with vain expec- tations.
II. Our final state will be exactly answerable to our present conduct —
Under the metaphor of a sower the text affords a striking discrimination of character :