EPC Australia

To reveal is to lay open something which, though in existence before, was yet unknown. The knowledge of the Son of God is necessary for all the use we can make of him. And we may observe a four-fold revelation of him. The text only speaks of one of these but they are all true, and they are all profitable.

There is a revelation of the Saviour to us. This is found in the Scripture, which therefore we often call emphatically "revelation." It discovers many things, but he is the principal subject; and we are persuaded nothing has found a place in it but has some relation to him. This revelation early began. It dawned in Paradise, and the light continued to shine more and more unto the perfect day. All the Jewish ordinances and sacrifices prefigured him. Of him, Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write: and the testimony of Jesus was the spirit of prophecy. He came personally as a preacher, and he was his own subject. He unbosomed himself to his disciples as far as they were able to bear it, and promised them a fuller manifestation. This was done when the Holy Spirit taught them all things, and brought all things to their remembrance that he had said unto them, and inspired them to communicate the information to others, that all might read and understand their knowledge in the mystery of Christ.

There is a revelation of the Saviour in us. This is more than the former. Many who have access to the Scriptures will perish, and all their knowledge will only prove the savour of death unto death. There is however, as to information, nothing in the internal revelation that is not in the external. It is not, therefore, a new revelation in itself, for the truths themselves are as old as the Creation, but it is new as to our perception and experience. If a man, born blind, were to receive his sight, he would not see a new sun, but it would be new to him. Even in a land of vision we may be called out of darkness into his marvellous light, because the eyes of cur understanding may be opened. We heard of these things before; but now, in Cod's light, we see light. This illumination shows us not only their reality, but their excellency; and, with their glory, fixes, and replenishes, and sways the soul. Be not satisfied with any thing short of this. Distinguish between a Christian in name, and a Christian in deed. Do not place your religion in any thing without you. Have you the witness in yourselves? Is Christ revealed in you? Have you such a sight of him, by faith, as to see that he is fairer than the children of men; as to feel him infinitely endeared; as to count all things but loss for the excellency of his knowledge? This is what he himself means, when he said, "He that seeth the Son, and believeth on him, hath everlasting life."

There is a revelation of him by us. It is our destiny, our duty, our privilege, to make him known. This is done by our being the subjects of his agency; as the work displays the attributes of the author, and the streams proclaim the quality of the fountain. We should discover him by our resemblance, as his followers, and by our testimony, as his witnesses. We can speak upon other subjects, why not upon this? Who has not opportunities to extol him among children, servants, friends, neighbours? What do seeking souls want, but to see Jesus; or doubting ones, but to be assured of his love? Have we been freely healed by him? Let us tell the diseased and dying of the Physician. Let us zealously aid every institution that aims to show forth his praise. Pray that his glory may be revealed, and that all flesh may see the salvation of our God.

There is also a revelation of him with us. The world knoweth us not: it knew him not. We are now hid, and he is hid; and both are to be displayed at the same time. The day of the manifestation of the sons of God is also the revelation of Jesus Christ. And when he, who is our life, shall appear, we also shall appear with him in glory. Them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. They suffered with him, and they shall be glorified together.

We wish to be distinguished. We want something exclusive: half the relish and value is gone, if others share with us. But his benevolence, his condescension, are such that he cannot be satisfied unless we partake with him: "I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." But where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay