Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ

THERE is a twofold coming unto Christ by believing. The first is that we may have life; that is, a spring and principle of spiritual life communicated unto us from him, for he is our life, Col. 3. 3. and because he liveth, we live also, Joh. 14. 19. Yea, it is not so much we that live, as he liveth in us, Gal. 2. 1, 9, 20. And unbelief is a not coming unto him, that we may have life, Joh. 5. 40. But secondly, there is also a coming unto him by believers in the actual exercise of Faith, that they may have this life more abundantly, Joh. 10. 10. That is, such supplies of Grace as may keep their souls in a healthy, vigorous acting of all the powers of spiritual life. And as he reproacheth some that they would not come unto him that they might have life, so he may justly reprove us all, that we do not so come unto him in the actual exercise of Faith as that we might have this life more abundantly.

SECONDLY; When the Lord Christ is near us, and we do behold his Glory; he will frequently communicate spiritual refreshment in peace, consolation, and joy unto our souls. We shall not only hereby have our graces excited with respect unto him as their object, but ⟨p. 173⟩be made sensible of his actings towards us in the communications of himself and his love unto us. When the Sun of Righteousness ariseth on any soul, or makes any near approach thereunto, it shall find healing under his Wings; his beams of Grace shall convey by his spirit, holy spiritual refreshment thereunto. For he is present with us by his spirit, and these are his fruits and effects as he is the Comforter, suited unto his Office as he is promised unto us.