The Christian's Two Natures
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.—2 Cor. 3:18
We should have a double eye: one eye to see that which is amiss in us, our own imperfections, thereby to carry ourselves in a perpetual humility. Another eye of faith, to see what we have in Christ, our perfection in him, and glory in this our best being—such a one whereby God esteems us perfect, and undefiled in him. The one sight should force us to the other, which is one reason why God, in this world, leaves corruption in his children. Is there any harbour for me to rest in my own righteousness? No! It drives a man out of that harbour. Nay, I will rest in that righteousness which God has wrought by Christ. The sight of our own unworthiness should not be a ground of discouragement, but a ground to drive us completely out of ourselves, that by faith we might renew our title to that righteousness, wherein is our glory. Why should we not judge ourselves as Christ does? Notwithstanding all he sees, he accounts us as undefiled.
Since he accounts us undefiled, because he means to make us so, it shall not thus be always with us. Oh, this flesh of mine will become weaker and weaker as Saul's house (2 Sam. 3:1), and the Spirit at last will conquer! Imperfection should not discourage us. Let us rejoice, in that we are chosen to sanctification, which is a little begun, being an earnest of other blessings. Let us not rest in the earnest, but labour for a further pledge of more strength and grace. For those that have the Spirit of Christ, will strive to be as much unspotted as they can, to fit themselves for that heavenly condition as much as may be. When, because they cannot be in heaven, yet they will converse there as much as they can; and because they cannot be with such company altogether, they will be as much as they may be; labouring to be that which they will be hereafter. Imperfection contents them not, and therefore they pray still in the Lord's prayer, "Your kingdom come' (Matt. 6:10).
Since he accounts us undefiled, because he means to make us so, it shall not thus be always with us. Oh, this flesh of mine will become weaker and weaker as Saul's house (2 Sam. 3:1), and the Spirit at last will conquer! Imperfection should not discourage us. Let us rejoice, in that we are chosen to sanctification, which is a little begun, being an earnest of other blessings. Let us not rest in the earnest, but labour for a further pledge of more strength and grace. For those that have the Spirit of Christ, will strive to be as much unspotted as they can, to fit themselves for that heavenly condition as much as may be. When, because they cannot be in heaven, yet they will converse there as much as they can; and because they cannot be with such company altogether, they will be as much as they may be; labouring to be that which they will be hereafter. Imperfection contents them not, and therefore they pray still in the Lord's prayer, "Your kingdom come' (Matt. 6:10).
Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Love of Christ (Bowels Opened), pp. 150-52 [150-51]
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.
The Love of Christ (Bowels Opened), pp. 150-52 [150-51]
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.
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