Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all… These three words are the essence of Christianity. If our hearts really go along with them it is well. If not we have much to learn. Christ is all. I. IN ALL THE COUNSELS OF GOD CONCERNING MAN. 1. There was a time when this earth had no being, where was Christ then? (John 1:1; Philippians 2:6; John 17:5, 24; Proverbs 7:23). 2. There came a time when this earth was created in its present order. Where was Christ then? (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:10; Proverbs 8:27-30). 3. There came a day when sin entered the world. Where was Christ then? (Genesis 3:15). 4. There came a time when the world seemed buried in ignorance of God. For 4,000 years the nations of the earth appeared to have clean forgotten the God that made them (1 Corinthians 1:21). What did Christ do then? Left His eternal glory and came down to provide a salvation. 5. There is a time coming when sin shall be cast out from this world (Romans 8:22; Acts 3:21; 2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 11:9). Where shall Christ be then? And what shall He do? (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 11:15; Psalm 2:8; Philippians 2:10-11; Daniel 7:14). 6. There is a day Coming when all men shall be judged. Where will Christ be then? (John 5:22; Matthew 25:32; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Now, if any think little of Christ, he is very unlike God. He is of one mind and God of another. In all the eternal counsels of God the Father, in creation, redemption, restitution, and judgment Christ is all (John 5:23). II. IS THE INSPIRED BOOKS WHICH MAKE UP THE BIBLE. 1. It was Christ crucified who was set forth in every Old Testament sacrifice (1 Peter 3:18). 2. It was Christ to whom Abel looked when he offered a better sacrifice than Cain (Hebrews 11:4). 3. It was Christ of whom Enoch prophesied in the days of abounding wickedness before the flood (Jude 1:15). 4. It was Christ to whom Abraham looked when he dwelt in tents in the land of promise (John 8:56). 5. It was Christ of whom Jacob spoke to his sons, as he lay dying (Genesis 49:10). 6. It was Christ who was the subject of the ceremonial law. The sacrifices, altar, priesthood, etc., were emblems of Christ and His work (Galatians 3:24). 7. It was Christ to whom God directed the attention of Israel by all the miracles of the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:4; John 3:14). 8. It was Christ of whom the Judges were types. 9. It was Christ of whom David was a type. 10. It was Christ of whom all the prophets from Isaiah to Malachi spoke (1 Peter 1:11). 11. It is Christ of whom the whole New Testament is full. The Gospels are Christ living among men; the Epistles are Christ explained and exalted; the Acts are Christ proclaimed. What is the Bible to you? A book of good moral precepts, or one in which "Christ is all and in all"? If not the latter you have used it to little purpose. You are like a man who studies the solar system and leaves out the sun. III. IN THE RELIGION OF ALL TRUE CHRISTIANS. Christ is all — 1. In a sinner's justification before God (Ephesians 3:12; Romans 3:26). Wherewith shall man come before God? Shall we say we have done our duty, and bring forward prayers, morality, church-going? Which of these will stand God's searching inspection? None. We must come through Jesus. (1) His righteousness is the only robe which can cover us. (2) His name our only shibboleth at the gate of heaven. (3) His blood the only mark that can save us from destruction. 2. In a "Christian's sanctification." (1) No man is holy till he is united to Christ (John 15:5). (2) None grows in holiness except he abide in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). 3. In a Christian's comfort in time present. A saved soul has many sorrows and trials, which were unbearable but for Christ (Philippians 2:1). Jesus is a brother born for adversity (Hebrews 4:15). We talk of the preciousness of sympathy, but there is none like that of Christ (Psalm 94:19; Psalm 124:5). In Him alone there is no failure. Rich men are disappointed in their wealth, learned men in their books, husbands in their wives, etc., statesmen in their places; but none was ever disappointed in Christ. 4. In a Christian's hopes for time to come. He has a good hope, the worldly man has none. It is a blessed hope (Titus 2:13; Psalm 62:5). IV. IN HEAVEN. 1. Like the altar in Solomon's temple Christ will be the grand object in heaven (Revelation 5:6; Revelation 21:23). 2. His praise will be our eternal song (Revelation 5:12-13). 3. His service will be our one occupation (Revelation 7:15). 4. His presence will be our one everlasting enjoyment (Revelation 22:4; Psalm 17:15). All this being the ease, then Christ ought to be all in all. V. IN THE VISIBLE CHURCH Splendid buildings, gorgeous ceremonies, troops of ordained men are nothing in the sight of God if Christ be not magnified. VI. IN THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. Its one work is to lift up Christ. Conclusion: Learn — 1. The utter uselessness of a Christless religion. 2. The enormous folly of joining anything with Christ in the matter of salvation. 3. If you want to be saved to apply direct to Christ. 4. If you be Christians deal with Him as if you really believed this; trust Him far more than you have ever done. (Bishop Ryle.) Parallel Verses KJV: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. |
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