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Sovereign Grace January 29, 2010

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Glory of Christ Chapter 3 Section January 23, 2010

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3. Having attained the light of the knowledge of the glory of Christ from the Scripture, or by the dispensation of the truth in the preaching of the gospel, meditate frequently upon it.

Want of this is that fundamental mistake which keeps many among us so low in their grace, so regardless of their privileges. They hear of these things, they assent to their truth, at least they do not gainsay them; but they never solemnly meditate upon them. This they esteem a work that is above them, or they are totally ignorant of it, or esteem themselves not much concerned in it, or dislike it as fanaticism. For no considerations can engage a carnal mind to delight in this. The mind must be spiritual and holy, freed from earthly affections and encumbrances, raised above things here below, to meditate in a due manner on the glory of Christ. Therefore most are strangers to this duty because they will not go to the trouble and charge of that mortification of earthly affections, that extirpation of sensual inclinations, that retirement from the occasions of life, which are required. (See the treatise On Spiritual-mindedness. [Owen’s On Spiritual-mindedness was published in 1681, two years before his death.]

It is to be feared that there are some who profess religion with an appearance of strictness who never separate themselves from all other occasions to meditate on Christ and His glory. Yet, with a strange inconsistency of apprehensions, they will profess that they desire nothing more than to behold His glory in heaven forever. But it is evident, even in the light of reason, that these things are irreconcilable. It is impossible that he who never meditates with delight on the glory of Christ here in this world, who labors not to behold it by faith as it is revealed in the Scripture, should ever have any real gracious desire to behold it in heaven. They may love and desire the fruition of their own imaginations; they cannot do so of the glory of Christ of which they are ignorant and with which they are unacquainted. It is, therefore, to be lamented that men can find time for, and have inclinations to think and meditate on, other things, which are earthly and vain; but have neither heart, nor inclination, nor leisure to meditate on this glorious object. What is the faith and love which such men profess? How will they find themselves deceived in the issue!

To read the whole Chapter click here.