It is undeniable that the verses which precede and follow our text refer to sanctificationb; nor is there any thing which properly relates to our justification : and therefore we have a strong presumptive ground for interpreting the words of our text in reference to the new nature, which is spoken of in the verse immediately before it : nor could any thing but the peculiarity of the expression lead one for a moment to look for any other sense. But it seems that to interpret the word " Christ/' as meaning the image of Christ, or the New Man, is to take a great, and almost an unwarrantable, liberty with Scripture. Nevertheless, if we compare some other passages with the text0, we shall find that we are fully autho- rized to put this construction upon it, and that there is no necessity to understand it in any other way than that which the context so evidently requires.
The meaning then of the words before us is simply this. We should be daily putting off our old and corrupt nature, and be putting on a new and holy nature ; because nothing else will be at all regarded by God : whatever advantages we possess, we have nothing, if we be not holy : on the other hand, what- ever disadvantages we labour under, we shall suffer no loss, if we be holy : for the image of " Christ" on the soul " is all, in all" persons, and under all circumstances : where that is, God will be pleased ; and where that is not, he will be eternally displeased.
In order to confirm this momentous truth, we shall shew, that, in the eyes of God, our restoration to the Divine image " is all in all" It is,
I. The one scope of all his plans —
b See ver. 1 — 14.
c See 2 Cor. xiii. 5. where " Christ in us" must be understood of his image, because it is that whereby we are to ascertain whether we be in the faith. See also Gal. iv. 19. where " Christ formed in us" cannot be understood of Christ personally, but of Christ spiritually, i. e. of his image. Above all, see Rom. xiii. 14. where the very me- taphor which occurs in our context, is used. " Put on the new man," says our context, " for Christ," i. e. the putting on of Christ, or of the new man, " is all." And, in the passage referred to, is the very expression, " Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ."