Against them we hold these two positions: [1.] Not all who pretend to hold office in the house of God, according to the most unexceptionable ecclesiastical rules, are regarded by God as His servants. [2.] While the office of a preacher is not open to all, all are required in their own positions to hold forth the Word of Life and to combine in evangelising the world.
Here I find complete security for the everlasting salvation of all His people, for [1.] I see here the conditions of the covenant of grace fulfilled. [2.] I see a way opened up for the Holy Ghost, by which He may come forth to do His work. [3.] Here I find security for the Father giving all things, with Christ, to His people. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” [4.] When He rises from the cross to the throne, I say. “If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life”.
- God’s glory is manifested to us. [1.] The glory of His majesty. It is more manifest on Calvary than on Sinai. At Sinai the earth quaked; on Calvary the Lord travailed. He who could still the sea and raise the dead hangs on the cross. No less a vindication of the divine majesty would be accepted. [2.] The glory of divine righteousness. A beloved Son was substituted for a beloved people, and even He was crucified for them. [3.] The glory of divine truth. Promise and threatening were kept, at the expense of Christ being crucified. [4.] The glory of divine wisdom. This appears in bringing truth and mercy to meet, and righteousness and peace to embrace each other. A work of judgement was necessary as a foundation for a work of grace – life through death, glory through shame, and blessing through the curse. [5.] The glory of divine power. Even in the weakness of the flesh, Jehovah triumphs in removing all His foes and in the redemption of His people.
[6.] The glory of divine love. There are two special matters in this manifestation of the divine glory. [1] All God’s moral perfections are here revealed. [2] Of each there is an infinite display. This display of the divine glory bears on all the work of salvation. The actual salvation of sinners appointed by
Ebeneser Erskine