can fail. In a particular manner the promise of sending the Spirit cannot fail, because Christ's coming and death would be of no avail without HIM. Sanctification is as necessary as justification; and in vain is redemption purchased unless it be powerfully applied. It is as if Christ had said, “As sure as you see me here actually come in the flesh; as sure as my Father sent the Holy Ghost at my baptism, when he descended like a dove and rested on me: as sure will he give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him. Without him, my work and the Father's purpose of love would be of no avail: and to the end of the world, because I have been in it making an end of transgression, the Holy Spirit will be given to them that ask him." 5. They are full of encouragement, as spoken by Christ upon a special and appropriate occasion. Every word he ever spake was calculated to minister grace to the hearers. He always spake in a manner becoming his native dignity; but his word at certain times deserved the highest attention, and should never be forgotten. He had been employed in addressing his Father for the blessings which he stood in need of for himself and his members. Prayer being ended, application was made to him by his disciples that he would teach them to pray. They had not only their own souls at stake, but were to teach all nations the method of salvation. On this important occasion he taught them that form of prayer recorded in the foregoing verses, which was to be of standing use to the end of the world. This prayer has always been justly admired, and often explained. Then he declared this encouraging promise of the Spirit. It is as if he had said, “You want to be taught how to pray: the sum of all that you need is included in these six petitions: let them be revolved in your mind, and sent up to our Father: you will often find yourselves in a frame of heart by no means suited to these petitions ; and will be tempted to give over the great duty: to bring you to a suitable frame of heart, to make your faith and affections in some measure correspond to your language, and to enable you to resist every temptation to give over or faint, I conclude my instruction concerning prayer by assuring you that my Father will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him." 6. They are most encouraging, because, while spoken by Christ, they may also be viewed as the words of the Father, and Holy Spirit himself. Often persons who interest themselves about soul concerns are apt to think well of Christ, but more harshly of his Father. A gloom pervades their mind when they think on the Father pouring out his wrath on his own Son, and giving him up to the death; but they allow that the love of Christ is beyond doubt and above parallel. It might occur to the mind, especially in a desponding hour, that the encouragement would have been complete had the promise of the Spirit been made by the Father himself. The express voice of Jehovah the Father could not in the least degree have increased the encouragement. Christ and his Father are one. The Father bore honourable testimony to his Son in all his services and suffering; and especially at Jordan and the mount of transfiguration. Christ himself is the everlasting Father, as well as the Child given. Whatever is the express promise of one of the Persons in the adorable Trinity, is not to be considered as promised by that one exclusive of the other two; but every promise made by a Divine Person is to be considered as one single act of the Divine will, which is the same in all the three Persons in the Godhead. Thus too they are the words of the Holy Spirit himself. They are left on record by his inspiration. In this view he either promises himself, or concurs with Christ in this comfortable assurance, as he was a concurring party in that great transaction in the counsel of peace between the Father and the Son. Once more, 7. These words cannot but be encouraging, as Christ had a certain and proper claim to the influences of the Holy Spirit as the reward of the great work which he was now carrying on, and was soon to finish. He had an indisputable title to every article pertaining to eternal life, according to the terms of the everlasting covenant entered into by him and his Father. If he could say with propriety, "I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me;" He might also say, I will that they may have the Holy Spirit poured out upon them to prepare them for that glorious sight. Leaving the other parts of this subject to another opportunity, we shall conclude with the following reflections: 1. This subject informs us how much we are indebted to Christ. In him God is reconciled. Through him the Holy Ghost flows to sinners. In him we are accepted and brought into the relation of children. He has purchased some blessings, and opened the channel for all. The promises stand sure in him. He instructs us in the nature of prayer, and answers every believing petition. He opens up the unspeakable encouragement which sinners have to apply to the throne of grace. He invites and beseeches gospel hearers to receive his righteousness and salvation. 2. We may also learn how inexcusable gospel hearers are if they continue without the Spirit. He is promised to them that ask him, and in the most absolute and unconditional manner. We have the strongest assurance that the promises will be accomplished to all who make application: Christ hath opened the channel, and the Holy Ghost actually comes near, in word and ordinances, seeking admission into the heart; and if he does not enter, it is certain he is quenched and refused. Believers might have greater measures of the influences of the Spirit; but they grieve him through security and carelessness. In fine, we may see the amiable character in which the Gospel exhibits God. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Father in him. We should come with confidence. If sinners cannot call him their own Father, they may apply to him as the Father of Christ. We shall apply to him in this endearing character, which would mightily tend to beget and increase faith, love, and hope. We should revolve in our minds the bowels of a father, and never forget |