Implications of Knowing Christ (1)

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Let it be observed, then, that to know Christ presupposes a firm belief of a real need of a Saviour. The gospel speaks of the errands upon which Christ came from heaven; and one of these is – to save his people from their sins. It is, however, plain that no man can value this declaration unless he believes himself to need redemption. 

 

The things from which redemption is needed are not matters of mere hearsay in the experience of the person who is sensible of his need of a Saviour. He stands in need of nothing less than redemption from the guilt, dominion, and pollution of sin, and deliverance from the wrath and displeasure of God, which, by the fall, the whole race of man incurred. ‘The Scripture hath concluded all under sin’ (Gal. 3:22). 

 

This sense of need by no means leaves the sinner contented in his condition. No; his language is, with the jailor of Philippi, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ A sense of real need of a Saviour never allows a man to sit down in careless indifference regarding the issue of his felt distress.

 

* * * * *

 

To know Christ implies that the sinner believes in his all-sufficient merits as the Saviour of his people. This knowledge includes in it a belief of his being very God, equal with the Father in all the perfections of the divine nature; and, at the same time, very man, clothed with all the sinless infirmities of our nature. Without a belief of this mystery of godliness, man cannot resign himself unreservedly into the hands of Christ. It is by believing this truth that the soul attains a foundation upon which to rest, even by viewing Christ as Emmanuel, God with us.

 

Man's natural ignorance and unbelief on this score must be removed, and then the soul can rest upon Christ with sweet delight, and with a fearless composure of mind, which bids defiance to all the malice and craft of hell (Matt. 18:18). ‘Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer,’ says Christ to his church: ‘I am the first and the last, who was dead, and am alive’ (Rev. 2:8-10). And again, ‘Behold, I have set before thee and open door, and no man can shut it’ (Rev. 3:8).

 

Now, this belief of Christ's divinity rests not upon hearsay. Such a belief as that will vanish away in the time of need; for until the Holy Ghost, through the Word, impress it on the soul, proper conceptions regarding this truth can never enter the heart of man. Hence we read, with reference to Peter’s reply confessing that Christ was the Son of God, ‘Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto three, but my Father which is in heaven’ (Matt. 16:17). 

 

From a sermon by Rev. John MacDonald (Helmsdale) on 1 Corinthians 2:2. In it, he mentions seven implications of knowing Christ. He was born in 1800 and died in 1854.

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