The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 1 — Section 517

devoted study. The disciple, heart and soul, is in it. It le his meditation in the dny nnd his song in the night; so attractive it is that it has stolen nwny nil the thoughts nnd n,ffectio?s, and _beco_n~e th~ir centre and the source of their most ex~uisite delight, (3) 'lbe ol!1cct of impltct,t faith. "In my \Vord." '!'he whole soul, with its eternnl c(mcerns, rests upon it with childlike confidence, and trusts in it with more implicitness than e,•en the !armer and the mariner trust the lawR of nature. (4) The object of absolute obedienre. It is not merely the object of faith and trust, but of obediencu. Its authority is fully recognized, its directions minutely followed, and its commands strictly and joyfully obeyed. It is the polar star of the soul and the absolute law of life, and the disciple is its willing and happy slave. 3. .An abiding possession of Christ's Word. "If ye abide," etc. (1) This is an essential condition of a permanent uni.on with <Jhrist. Without union with Christ, there can be no discipleship. With- out abiding in his Word, there can be no true union with him. If the Word be forsaken or deviated from, the chief connecting chain between the disciple and the Master is broken. (2) This is an essential condition of ,-eality of discipleship. "If ye abide," etc. There may be discipleship without continuance in Christ's Word, but it is not real, only nominal. Such a.re temporary disciples, not disciples indeed. Abiding, firmness, and perseverance in Christ's Word are essential features and conditions of reality. What is real is abiding. The presence or absence of this abiding feature of faith is perceived by Christ from the first, but must be manifested by the conduct of the disciple. (3) Thls is an essential condition of the perfectioo of Christian disciple- ship. It is progressive. The Word progresses in the soul, and the soul in the Word. As the soul abides in the Word, it is admitted from stage to stage to the society and confidence of Christ, and attains the perfection of discipleship by likeness to the Master. (4) Al'> a condition of true, discipleship, it is certain. There is an "if" with regard to the condition-" If ye abide;" but there is no" if" with regard to the consequence," Ye nre my disciples indeed." Abiding in Christ's W otd in the sense indicated is real discipleship. It is not perfect, but true. The soul in Christ's Word is like a good seed in a good soil, ever growing up in and unto him. IL IN ITS BLESSED RESULTS. There are: 1. Knowledge of the truth. (1) There is the highest knowledge-the truth. There are many truths, but this is the truth. This truth means the great facts of human redemption throngh Jesus Christ. We need not enumerate them; they will naturally occur to each in their magnitude, beauty, and order. They are various, yet one, constituting one Divine system of salvation. 'l'his is the truth made known by Christ, and to know this is the highest knowledge attainable by man, because it pertains to his spiritual nature, and involves his highest good. It is the most necessary and valnable. (2) It is a most reliable knowledge. Taught by the highest authority, the Son of God. the source, the centre, the natural expression, and ihe fulness of all redemptive truths; in fact, the truth itself. It is communicated in the most direct, absolute, attractive, and convincing manner-in the life, example, teaching, testimony, and miracles of the Son of God in human nature. (3) This know- ledge of the truth is experimental. It is not merely outward and intellectual, but inward and spiritual; not as illustrated in others, but as experienced by the soul itself. Know the truth as the liberated captives know the blessings of freedom, as the restored sick know the benefit of health. Spiritual truth can only be absolutely known by the spiritual nature and experience. Its kingdom is within, and the true disciple has the witness in hlmself. (4) This knowledge of the truth is the natural result of trU6 Christian discipleship. "Ye are my disciples indeed, and ye shall," etc. The truth can orJy be known by the true disciple. Pilate asked," What is truth?" He had no reply; he had not an eye to see it, nor a heart to receive it. Knowledge of the truth is nlone the privilege of the disciple indeed. 2. Spiritual freedom. (1) Freedom from M. From its bondage, its control, its consequences, its guilt, and from sin itself. In the true disciple sin will be ultimately effaced, not a vestige of it will be left behind. (2) Freedom from the Law. From its curse, penalties, terrors, its heavy and unbearable burdens. The known truth, or Christ, becomes the law of the dVJCiple's life, written on his heart. Its letter becomes dead, while its spirit is preserved. (3) Freedom from the tyran'fty of self. From the lower passions and appetites, from the captivity of self. seeking. The soul is brought out from itself. into Chris~, ~ breathe the na_tnral and pure air of spiritual life, love, holiness, self-sacrifice, and w11lmgness. (4) This freedom en. vm. l=uU.J THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. 393