f<34 1 PETER, I. 17. [2387.
the promises of God : whereas they must first take to them- selves the promises of God as sinners ; and then, through their influence upon the soul, obtain a conformity to the Divine image. " God has given to us exceeding great and precious promises, that by them we may be made partakers of the Divine nature1." Hence the Apostle says, "Saving therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthi- iii ss, both of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God\" Adopt this method, then: look to the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and " lay hold on him as your sure hope and refuge." First receive him in all the freeness and all the fulness of his salvation ; then shall you attain the holiness you desire; and be able to say with the Apostle, " We, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord2."]
x 2 Pet. i. 4. v 2 Cor. vii. 1. * 2 Cor. iii. 18.
1 Pet. i. 17. If ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.
CHRISTIANS possess many privileges by means of their relation to God ; yet it is not their privileges, but their practical improvement of them, that will determine their state in the eternal world. They are called to be holy after the example of their God ; and they must be conformed to his image, if they would be partakers of his glory. There will be no more partiality shewn to them than to others in the day of judgment. God will determine the fate of all by their actions ; and the condition for which they are meet, shall be the condition allotted them to all eternity. St. Peter, inculcating the need of holy fear, insists upon it particularly as conducing to fit us for that strict account to which we shall all be very shortly called. In discoursing on his words we shall shew,
I. The impartiality of the future judgment —