Romans 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. I. THE GOSPEL ORIGINATES FROM A SOURCE OF SUPREME ELEVATION. 1. Men form their opinions of existing systems by referring to the character of their founders. The absence, e.g., of dignity and worth in the founders of systems, is always converted into an argument against the principles they have propounded; and vice versa. This mode of reasoning is, of course, liable to abuse, but if it be applied aright to the gospel and its Founder, it will be discovered as possessing every claim on reverence, admiration, and love. To Christ the gospel is indebted for its existence; and hence in the text the association of His name. Christ unfolded its promises and principles, established its laws, performed its confirmatory miracles, bestowed its efficacy, and constituted those arrangements by which it was to be propagated in the world. 2. There are truths with regard to Him which render Him a character of matchless elevation. (1) He was without sin. (2) His human nature was invested with an especial appointment from God the Father. (3) He was essentially and eternally Divine. (4) Besides these dignifying truths with regard to Christ, there are His resurrection, ascension, and session as the triumphant Mediator at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Wonder, then, at the amazing dignity which the gospel receives in consequence of its association with such a Being, and measure the imperious claim which the gospel possesses on the reverence, faith, and obedience of mankind. II. THE GOSPEL IS FRAUGHT WITH ABUNDANT BLESSINGS TO THE WORLD. The very term "gospel" verifies this proposition, Note — 1. The nature of the blessings which the gospel is able to impart. When we speak of these we seem as though we stood at the entrance of a beauteous garden, within whose limits we cannot stir a step without plucking flowers, and beholding fruits on the trees of life, whose "leaves are for the healing of the nations." The gospel imparts to man(l) A knowledge of God and of all spiritual truth (Romans 16:25; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Timothy 1:9, 10). The communication of this knowledge is essential to all real dignity, to all moral worth, and to the introduction of man into that state where "we shall know even as also we are known."(2) A deliverance from the guilt and the power of sin (Romans 3:23-26; Ephesians 2:12-17). Will anyone compare the difference between a state of condemnation and of justification, of pollution, and of holiness, and not at once perceive that here are given blessings so vast that no intellect can compute them, and no fancy conceive them? (3) Abundant consolation and support amidst all sorrow (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, 17, 18). 2. The extent to which these blessings are to be diffused. A great portion of the value of the blessing depends upon its extent. Now, if the gospel had possessed but a restricted constitution, so as by implication to pass a sentence of outlawry on any portion of the human family, there would be a vast subtraction from its value. But its expansiveness was indicated in prophecy, by Christ's parables, instructions, and example, and by those series of commissions which He gave to His apostles. Its operations truly have been as yet imperfect, yet there is to arrive an era when the gospel shall become the property of our race. "The knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth," etc. And so replete shall be the then weight of blessing, when the groanings of creation shall have been hushed, when its travailing shall have been terminated, and when peace and liberty and joy shall have become the charter of our free and emancipated race, that then shall be totally verified the title of the gospel, "the fulness of the blessings of the gospel of Christ." III. THE MINISTRY IS THE APPOINTED INSTRUMENT FOR CONVEYING THE BLESSINGS OF THE GOSPEL TO MANKIND. The apostle is speaking as one engaged in the exercise of the ministry of the Word. It must be clear that there is here a connection instituted between the ministry and the efficacy of the gospel (Romans 10:13-17; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). There is a solemn call on us — 1. To acquire a perfect knowledge of its contents, and freely and faithfully to declare it to our fellow-men. 2. To honour the ministry by giving "earnest heed" to the things which you hear, remembering that he that despiseth us despiseth not man, but God.In conclusion, let me remind you — 1. Of the awful danger that will be incurred on your part by the rejection of the gospel. 2. Of your duty to assist in its propagation. (J. Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. |
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