" without him we can do nothing." It is by its union with the vine, that a branch bears its fruit: and it is only by union witli the Lord Jesus that we also can have a sufficiency for any thins that is <joodr. Have we then a clear evidence that we are bringing forth fruit to God? it is manifest that we are united to Christ : or, as my text expresses it," Hereby know we that we are in him." From hence, also, we know that we are in favour with God : for, to what end has God loved us, and shed abroad his love in our hearts, but that we might " by that love be constrained to live unto Him who died for us8." It is by our obedience that God's love is perfected in us ;" for by that obedience its end is answered, its power is evinced, its operation is augmented: so that, as "by works our faith is made perfect1," so, by works, God's love to us, and ours to him, are also perfected. I add yet further, that by obedience our right to heaven is ascertained: for it is written, " Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates of the city". Of course, it is not on the ground of merit that they acquire this right, but solely on the ground of God's gracious promises to those who believe in Christ. Nevertheless, this evidence is indispensably necessary to the believer ; and on the production of that shall his title to heaven be acknow- ledged x: for " Christ is the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey himy."]
Who does not see, in this subject,
1. The importance of self-examination?
[It is evidently taken for granted, in my text, that some self-deceivers will be found, who will " say, that they know Christ, whilst yet they keep not his commandments." And what shall I say to them ? What can I say more, than what God himself speaks to them in my text, " That they are liars ; and that the truth is not in them?" I grant that this sounds harsh ; but it is the declaration of our God : and I dare not to soften or conceal what he hath spoken. In many other passages does this loving Apostle use the same language2; and I entreat you, brethren, to lay it to heart. Be assured, that, whilst you continue under this delusion, " the truth is not in vou :" the Gospel has not yet wrought effectually on your hearts, nor are you possessed of real integrity in your souls. No, indeed, you are " liars" and hypocrites, and must take your portion with such characters in the eternal world. Tell me, then, whether it do not become you to " examine
r John xv. 4. s 2 Cor. v. 14. • Jam. ii. 22.
u Rev. xxii. 14. « Matt. vii. 21. y Hcb. v. 9.
z 1 John i. G. iv. 20. and v. 10.