IV. WHAT A GLORIOUS HONOUR IS THUS CONFERRED UPON THE CHRISTIAN.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:6-7.
1. Not merely made alive but made to share in Christ's glory. 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, Rev 3:21. We are citizens of heaven. For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people, Psalm 113:7-8. And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen, Rev 1:6. And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth, Rev 5:10.
2. In us will be displayed God's grace. As the glory of Solomon display God's mercy to the king, so it will be with us, I Kings 10:6-9.
3. The glory of which the Christian is a partaker cannot be imagined.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is, 1 John 3:2.
4. Humbly, thankfully we must say now what our enemies will one day acknowledge. Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought! Num 23:23.