The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 321

Vere. 21-29.-The title to the kingdom. As our Lord concludes his sermon, brino-- ing us before the judgment-seat, so should we habitually judge ourselves as in the searching light of eternity. He advises us- I. THAT BY TRUE OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF Goo WE PROVE TITLE TO THE KmGDOM, 1. That wul is embodied in the "sayings" of Jesus. (1) The Sinai cove- nant emanated from him. It was given by the God of glory. But the Father is essentially invisible. The Son has ever been his Revealer (John i. 14, 18; v. 37; vi. 46; 1 Tim. vi. 16, 17; 1 John iv. 12). (2) From him also came the Law published from Zion (Isa. ii. 3; Luke xxiv. 47). Nowhere is this Law more fully set forth than in this sermon. (3) The gospel law is love. Loving our neighbour as ourselves. Loving our brother better than ourselves (John xiii. 34). Loving God supremely. Love is practical. 2. Profession is no substitute for obedience. (1) Antichrist aays, "Lord, Lord I" The Jewish. Mohammedan. Papistical. Infidel. Yet antichrist is the" man of sin" and the" son of perdition." (2) Hypocrites say, " Lord, Lord!" There are modern Pharisees. "Talking about Christ, his righteousness, merits. and atonement, while the prrson is not conformed to his Word and Spirit, is no other than solemn self- deception" (Clarke). Note: Everything short of doing the will of God is merely saying," Lord, Lord I" and it is working iniquity (see eh. xxi. 31). 3. Zeal in the cause of religion is no substitute for religion. The repetition of the word " Lord " suggests earnestness. (1) "Workers of iniquity" may prophesy. True prophecy came from Balaam. So from Caiaphas. They may teach; write excellent books; preach excel- lent sermons; give good advice. A finger-post points out a road it never travels. (2) "Workers of iniquity" may cast out devils. Origen relates that devils were some- times cast out by wicked men, using the name of Jesus ( cf. cb. xii. 27; Mark ix. 39; Acts xi.x. 13). The truth, though ministered by ungodly men, may be made the power of God to the salvation of the hearer. The minister of saving truth may himself become a castaway ( cf. 1 Cor. ix. 27). (3) " Workers of iniquity" may perform" many wonderful works." There may be faith-miracles without love (cf. 1 Cor. xiii. 1, 2). •• Grace may bring a mau to heaven without miracles, but miracles will never bring a. man to heaven without grace" (Henry). Wonderful works, viz. of party zeal. II. TBAT IT 18 OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TB.AT WE BE THUS ABLE TO PROVE OUR TITLE. 1. For the testing will be severe. (1) It is compared to the striving of fierce elements upon a. building. The "rain " in the East comes down in streams. The "floods" then rise with terrible suddenness. And the "wind" rushes with a violence seldom equalled in our climate. So by every kind of temptation-from above, from beneath, from around-from the world, the flesh, and the devil. are our principles tested even in this world. (2) But in the day of judgment. " That day" ( cf. Eccles. xii. 14; Dan. vii. 10; eh. xxiv. 36; Luke x. 12; l! Tim. i. 12, 18). Then the heavens and the earth will be shaken; the severity of the testing will be most searching. 2. The life-building founded on the Rock of .Ages will abide. (1) Our work must be begun in him. "Other foundation can no man lay" ( cf. eh. xvi. 18; Eph. ii. 20). The Founder of the earth is himself an immutable Foundatioo. (see He b. i. 10--12). "'l'he Na.me of the Lord is a strong tower." (2) It must be continued in him. "Not every one that aaith unto me." We have to deal with Christ. "I never knew you "-never acknow- ledged or approved you. We must ever have the approbation of him" with whom we have to do." The materials of this building are spiritual. The building is for eternity. (3) It must be ended in him. He claims to be our Judge, This doctrine astonished the Jews. Jesus spake with the authority of confirming miracles (cf. eh. iv. 24, 25; Mark i. 27; Luke iv, 32, 36); but it was his doctrine that astonished (cf. John vi. 42; vii. 46). The scribes never spake in this style. Even the prophets said, "Thus aaith the Lord;" but Jesus, "I say unto you." 3. Tl1e life-building founded on the sand will be wrecked. (1) Any foundation other than Christ is sand. Religious speculativeness, Orthodoxy, or right opinion, by nbuse of terms is called faith. Innocence or doing no harm. Self-righteousness. Attendance upon the ordinances of religion. (2) The fool is at as much trouble to build on the sand as the wise man on the rock. How many fools pass for wise men I Ilow often those who pity fools are of their number! Wisdom and folly, in Scripture, express not intellectual but moral states. (3) False hopes are delusive. Sand looks like rock. In the judgment everything will be tested (cf. Rom. ii. 11; 1 Cor, iii 13). (4) The doom of the foolish is dreadful. The wore pretentious 816 THE GOSPEL ACCORDtNG TO ST. :M:ATTHE'W. (ou. vn. 1-29.