CHRIST the Believer’s Husband.
ISAIAH liv. 5.
_For thy Maker is thy Husband._
ALTHOUGH believers by nature, are far from GOD, and children of wrath,
even as others, yet it is amazing to think how nigh they are brought
to him again by the blood of JESUS CHRIST. Eye hath not seen, nor ear
heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of any man living, fully
to conceive, the nearness and dearness of that relation, in which they
stand to their common head. He is not ashamed to call them brethren.
Behold, says the blessed JESUS in the days of his flesh, “my mother
and my brethren.” And again after his resurrection, “go tell my
brethren.” Nay sometimes he is pleased to term believers his _friends_.
“Henceforth call I you no longer servants, but friends.” “Our friend
_Lazarus_ sleepeth.” And what is a friend? Why there is a friend that
is nearer than a brother, nay, as near as one’s own soul. And “thy
friend, (says GOD in the book of _Deuteronomy_) which is as thy own
soul.” Kind and endearing appellations these, that undoubtedly bespeak
a very near and ineffably intimate union between the LORD JESUS and
the true living members of his mystical body! But, methinks, the words
of our text point out to us a relation, which not only comprehends,
but in respect to nearness and dearness, exceeds all other relations
whatsoever. I mean that of a _Husband_. “For thy Maker is thy husband;
the LORD of Hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of
_Israel_, the GOD of the whole earth shall he be called.”
These words were originally spoken to the people of the _Jews_,
considered collectively as a peculiar people, whom our LORD had
betrothed and married to himself; and they seem to be spoken, when
religion was on the decline among their churches; when they had, in a
great measure, lost that life and power, which they once experienced;
and their enemies began to insult them with a “where is now your GOD?”
Such a state of things must undoubtedly be very afflicting to the true
mourners in _Zion_; and put them upon crying unto the LORD in this
their deep distress. He hears their prayer, his bowels yearn towards
them; and in the preceding verse, he assures them, that though the
enemy had broken in upon them like a flood, yet their extremity should
be his opportunity to lift up a standard against him. “Fear not, (says
the great Head and King of his church) for thou shalt not be ashamed
(finally or totally); neither be thou confounded, (dissipated or
dejected, giving up all for gone, as though thou never shouldst
see better days, or another revival of religion) for thou shalt not
(entirely) be put to shame;” though for a while, for thy humiliation,
and the greater confusion of thy adversaries, I suffer them to triumph
over thee: “For thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt
not remember the reproach of thy widow-hood any more;” _i. e._ I
will vouchsafe you such another glorious gale of my blessed Spirit,
that you shall quite forget your former troubled widow-state, and
give your enemies no more occasion to insult you, on account of your
infant-condition, but rather to envy you, and gnash their teeth, and
melt away at the light of your unthought-of glory and prosperity. And
why will the infinitely great and condescending JESUS deal thus with
his people? Because the church is his spouse; “For, (as in the words
just now read to you) thy Maker is thy husband; thy Redeemer, the Holy
One of _Israel_;” and therefore he loves thee too well, to let thy
enemies always trample thee under foot. “The LORD of Hosts is his
name, the GOD of the whole earth shall he be called;” and therefore he
is armed with sufficient power to relieve his oppressed people, and
overcome and avenge himself of all their haughty and insulting foes.
This seems to be the prime and genuine interpretation of the text
and context, especially if we add, that they may have a further view
to the latter-day glory, and that blessed state of the church, which
the people of GOD have been looking for in all ages, and the speedy
approach of which, we undoubtedly pray for, when we put up that
petition of our LORD’s, “thy kingdom come.”
But, though the words were originally spoken to the _Jews_, yet they
are undoubtedly applicable to all believers in all ages, and, when
inlarged on in a proper manner, will afford us suitable matter of
discourse both for sinners and for saints; for such as know GOD, as
well as for such who know him not; and likewise for those, who once
walked in the light of his blessed countenance, but are now backslidden
from him, have their harps hung upon the willows, and are afraid
that their beloved is gone, and will return to their souls no more.
Accordingly, without prefacing this discourse any farther, as I suppose
that a mixed multitude of saints, unconverted sinners, and backsliders,
are present here this day, I shall endeavour so to speak from the words
of the text, that each may have a proper portion, and none be sent
empty away.
In prosecuting this design, I will,
I. Endeavour to shew, what must pass between JESUS CHRIST and
our souls before we can say, “that our Maker is our husband.”
II. The duties of love which they owe to our LORD, who stand in
so near a relation to him.
III. The miserable condition of such as cannot yet say, “their
Maker is their husband.” And
IV. I shall conclude with a general exhortation to all such
unhappy souls, to come and match with the dear LORD JESUS. And
O! may that GOD who blessed _Abraham_’s servant, when he went
out to seek a wife for his son _Isaac_, bless me, even me also,
now I am come, I trust, relying on divine strength, to invite
poor sinners, and recal backsliders, to my Master JESUS!
And _First_, I am to shew, what must pass between JESUS CHRIST and our
souls before we can say, “Our Maker is our husband.”
But before I proceed to this, it may not be improper to observe, that
if any of you, amongst whom I am now preaching the kingdom of GOD,
are enemies to inward religion, and explode the doctrine of inward
feelings, as enthusiasm, cant and nonsense, I shall not be surprized,
if your hearts rise against me whilst I am preaching; for I am about to
discourse on true, vital, internal piety; and an inspired apostle hath
told us, “that the natural man discerneth not the things of the spirit,
because they are spiritually discerned.” But, however, be noble as the
_Bereans_ were; search the Scriptures as they did; lay aside prejudice;
hear like _Nathaniel_, with a true _Israelitish_ ear; be willing to do
the will of GOD; and then you shall, according to the promise of our
dearest LORD, “know of the doctrine, whether it be of GOD, or whether
I speak of myself.”
I would further observe, that if any here do expect fine preaching
from me this day, they will, in all probability, go away disappointed.
For I came not here to shoot over people’s heads; but, if the LORD
shall be pleased to bless me, to reach their hearts. Accordingly, I
shall endeavour to cloath my ideas in such plain language, that the
meanest negro or servant, if GOD is pleased to give a hearing ear,
may understand me; for I am certain, if the poor and unlearned can
comprehend, the learned and rich must.
This being premised, proceed we to shew what must pass between JESUS
CHRIST and our souls, before we can say, “our Maker is our husband.”
Now, that we may discourse more pertinently and intelligibly upon this
point, it may not be amiss to consider, what is necessary to be done,
before a marriage between two parties amongst ourselves, can be said
to be valid in the sight of GOD and man. And that will lead us in a
familiar way, to shew what must be done, or what must pass between us
and JESUS CHRIST, before we can say, “our Maker is our husband.”
And _First_, In all lawful marriages, it is absolutely necessary, that
the parties to be joined together in that holy and honourable estate,
are actually and legally freed from all pre-engagements whatsoever.
“A woman is bound to her husband, (saith the apostle) so long as her
husband liveth.” The same law holds good in respect to the man. And
so likewise, if either party be betrothed and promised, though not
actually married to another, the marriage is not lawful, till that
pre-engagement and promise be fairly and mutually dissolved. Now, it
is just thus between us and the LORD JESUS. For, we are all by nature
born under, and wedded to the law, as a covenant of works. Hence it is
that we are so fond of, and artfully go about, in order to establish
a righteousness of our own. It is as natural for us to do this, as
it is to breathe. Our first parents, _Adam_ and _Eve_, even after the
covenant of grace was revealed to them in that promise, “the seed of
the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head,” reached out their hands,
and would again have taken hold of the tree of life, which they had
forfeited, had not GOD drove them out of paradise, and compelled
them, as it were, to be saved by grace. And thus all their descendants
naturally run to, and want to be saved, partly at least, if not
wholly, by their works. And even gracious souls, who are inwardly
renewed, so far as the old man abides in them, find a strong propensity
this way. Hence it is, that natural men are generally so fond of
_Arminian_ principles. “Do and live,” is the native language of a
proud, self-righteous heart. But before we can say, “our Maker is our
husband,” we must be divorced from our old husband the law; we must
renounce our own righteousness, our own doings and performances, in
point of dependence, whether in whole or part, as dung and dross, for
the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS our LORD. For thus
speaks the apostle _Paul_ to the _Romans_, chapter vii. 4. “Ye also are
become dead to the law (as a covenant of works) by the body of CHRIST,
that ye should be married to another, even to him, who is raised from
the dead.” As he also speaketh in another place, “I have espoused
you, as a chaste virgin to JESUS CHRIST.” This was the apostle’s own
case. Whilst he depended on his being a _Hebrew_ of the _Hebrews_,
and thought himself secure, because, as to the outward observation
of the law, he was blameless; he was an entire stranger to the divine
life: but when he began to experience the power of JESUS CHRIST’s
resurrection, we find him, in his epistle to the _Philippians_,
absolutely renouncing all his external privileges, and all his
pharisaical righteousness; “Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but
loss, nay but dung, that I may win CHRIST, and be found in him, not
having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is
through the faith of JESUS CHRIST, the righteousness which is of GOD
by faith.” And thus it must be with us, ere we can say, “our Maker is
our husband.” Though we may not be wrought upon in that extraordinary
way in which the apostle was, yet we must be dead to the law, we must
be espoused as chaste virgins to JESUS CHRIST, and count all external
privileges, and our most splendid performances (as was before observed)
only “as dung and dross, for the excellency of the knowledge of JESUS
CHRIST our LORD.”
But further; before a marriage among us can stand good in law, both
parties must not only be freed from all pre-engagements, but there
must be a mutual consent on both sides. We are not used to marry people
against their wills. This is what the _Jews_ called betrothing, or
espousing, a thing previous to the solemnity of marriage. Thus we
find, the Virgin _Mary_ is said to be espoused to _Joseph_, before they
actually came together, _Matthew_ i. 18. And thus it is among us. Both
parties are previously agreed, and, as it were, espoused to each other,
before we publish, what we call the banns of marriage concerning them.
And so it will be in the spiritual marriage, between JESUS CHRIST and
our souls. Before we are actually married or united to him by faith;
or, to keep to the terms of the text, before we assuredly can say, that
“our Maker is our husband,” we must be made willing people in the day
of GOD’s power, we must be sweetly and effectually persuaded by the
Holy Spirit of GOD, that the glorious _Emmanuel_ is willing to accept
of us, just as we are, and also that we are willing to accept of him
upon his own terms, yea, upon any terms. And when once it comes to
this, the spiritual marriage goes on apace, and there is but one thing
lacking to make it compleat. And what is that? An actual union.
This is absolutely necessary in every lawful marriage among men. There
must be a joining of hands before witnesses, ere they can be deemed
lawfully joined together. Some men indeed of corrupt minds, are apt to
look upon this as a needless ceremony, and think it sufficient to be
married, as they term it, in the sight of GOD. But whence men get such
divinity, I know not. I am positive, not from the Bible; for we there
read that even at the first marriage in paradise, there was something
of outward solemnity; GOD himself (if I may so speak) being there the
priest. For we are told, _Genesis_ ii. 22. that, after GOD had made
the woman, “he brought her unto the man.” And indeed, to lay aside all
manner of outward ceremony in marriage, would be to turn the world into
a den of brute beasts. Men would then take, or forsake as many wives as
they pleased, and we should soon sink into as bad and brutal a state,
as those nations are, amongst whom such practices are allowed of, and
who are utterly destitute of the knowledge of our LORD and Saviour
JESUS CHRIST. Whoever has experienced the power of his resurrection, I
am persuaded will never plead for such a licentious practice. For the
terms made use of in Scripture, to represent the mystical union between
CHRIST and his church, such as, our being “joined to the LORD,” and
“married to JESUS CHRIST,” are all metaphorical expressions, taken
from some analogous practices amongst men. And as persons when married,
though before twain, are now one flesh; so those that are joined to
the LORD, and can truly say, “our Maker is our husband,” are in the
apostle’s language, one spirit. This was typified in the original
marriage of our first parents. When GOD brought _Eve_ to _Adam_, he
received her with joy at his hands, and said, “this is bone of my bone,
and flesh of my flesh.” They had there, primarily, but one name. For
thus speaks the sacred Historian, _Genesis_ v. 1, 2. “In the day that
GOD created man, he blessed them, and called their name _Adam_.” And
why? because they were one flesh, and were to have but one heart. The
self-same terms are made use of in Scripture, to express the believer’s
union with JESUS CHRIST. We are called Christians, after CHRIST’s
name, because made partakers of CHRIST’s nature. Out of his fulness,
believers receive grace for grace. And therefore, the marriage state,
especially by the apostle _Paul_, is frequently made use of, to figure
out to us the real, vital union, between JESUS CHRIST and regenerate
souls. This is termed by the apostle, _Ephesians_ v. 32. “A great
mystery.” But great as it is, we must all experience it, before we
can say assuredly, that “our Maker is our husband.” For what says our
LORD, in that prayer he put up to his Father before his bitter passion?
“Father, I will that those whom thou hast given me, shall be where I am,
that they may be one with thee; even as thou, O Father, and I are one,
I in them, and they in me, that we all may be made perfect in one.” O
infinite condescension! O ineffable union! Hence it is, that believers
are said to be members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Hence it is, that the apostle speaking of himself, says, “I live, yet
not I, but CHRIST liveth in me.” What an expression is that? How much
does it comprehend? And, that we might not think this was something
peculiar to himself, he puts this close question to the _Corinthians_;
“Know ye not, that CHRIST is in you, unless you be reprobates?”
Agreeable to what he says in his epistle to the _Colossians_, “CHRIST
in you, the hope of glory.” And hence it is, that our church, in
the communion-office, directs the minister to acquaint all those who
receive the sacrament worthily, that they are one with CHRIST, and
CHRIST with them; that they dwell in CHRIST, and CHRIST in them. Words
that deserve to be written in letters of gold, and which evidently shew,
what our reformers believed all persons must experience, before they
could truly and assuredly say, that “their Maker is their husband.”
From what has been delivered, may not the poorest and most illiterate
person here present easily know whether or not he is really married
to JESUS CHRIST. Some indeed, I am afraid, are so presumptuous as to
affirm, at least to insinuate, that there is no such thing as knowing,
or being fully assured, whilst here below, whether we are in CHRIST
or not. Or at least, if there be such a thing, it is very rare, or was
only the privilege of the primitive believers. Part of this is true,
and part of this absolutely false. That this glorious privilege of a
full assurance is very rare, is too, too true. And so it is equally too
true, that real christians, comparatively speaking, are very rare also.
But that there is no such thing, or that this was only the privilege
of the first followers of our blessed LORD, is directly opposite to
the word of GOD. “We know (says St. _John_, speaking of believers in
general) that we are his, by the spirit which he hath given us;” and,
“He that believeth hath the witness in himself;” “because you are sons
(saith St. _Paul_) GOD hath sent forth his Spirit into your hearts,
even the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Not that
I dare affirm, that there is no real christian, but what has this full
assurance of faith, and clearly knows, that his Maker is his husband.
In speaking thus, I should undoubtedly condemn some of the generation
of GOD’s dear children, who through the prevalence of unbelief,
indwelling sin, spiritual sloth, or it may be, for want of being
informed of the privileges of believers, may walk in darkness, and see
no light; therefore, though I dare not affirm, that a full assurance
of faith is absolutely necessary for the very being, yet I dare assert,
that it is absolutely necessary, for the well being of a christian.
And for my own part, I cannot conceive, how any persons, that pretend
to christianity, can rest satisfied or contented without it. This is
stopping short, on this side _Jordan_, with a witness. And gives others
too much reason to suspect, that such persons, however high their
profession may be, have, as yet, no true saving grace at all.
Men, whose hearts are set on this world’s goods, or, to use our LORD’s
language, “the children of this world,” act not so. I suppose there
is scarce a single merchant in this great congregation, especially
in these troublous times, that will venture out either his ship or
cargo, without first insuring, both against the violence of an enemy,
or a storm. And I suppose there is scarce a single house, of any
considerable value, in any populous town or city, but the owner has
taken out a policy from the fire-office, to insure it, in case of fire.
And can I be so irrational as to think, that there is such a thing as
securing my goods, and my house, and that there is no such thing as
insuring, what is infinitely more valuable, my precious and immortal
soul? Or if there be such a thing, as undoubtedly there is, what
foolishness of folly must it needs be in men, that pretend to be men of
parts, of good sense, and solid reasoning, to be so anxious to secure
their ships against a storm, and their houses against a fire, and at
the same time, not to be unspeakably more solicitous, to take a policy
out of the assurance-office of heaven; even the seal and witness of
the blessed Spirit of GOD, to insure their souls against that storm
of divine wrath, and that vengeance of eternal fire, which will at the
last decisive day come upon all those, who know not GOD, and have not
obeyed his gracious gospel? To affirm therefore, that there is no such
thing as knowing, that “our Maker is our husband;” or that it was a
privilege peculiar to the first christians, to speak in the mildest
terms, is both irrational and unscriptural. Not that all who can say,
their Maker is their husband, can give the same clear and distinct
account of the time, manner and means of their being spiritually united
and married by faith, to the blessed bridegroom of the church. Some
there may be now, as well as formerly, sanctified from the womb. And
others in their infancy and non-age, as it were silently converted.
Such perhaps may say, with a little _Scotch_ maiden, now with GOD, when
I asked her, whether JESUS CHRIST had taken away her old heart, and
given her a new one? “Sir, it may be, (said she,) I cannot directly
tell you the time and place, but this I know, it is done.” And indeed
it is not so very material, though no doubt it is very satisfactory,
if we cannot relate all the minute and particular circumstances, that
attended our conversion; if so be we are truly converted now, and can
say, the work is done, and that, “our Maker is our husband.” And I
question, whether there is one single adult believer, now on earth, who
lived before conversion, either in a course of secret or open sin, but
can, in a good degree, give an account of the beginning and progress of
the work of grace in his heart.
What think ye? Need I tell any married persons in this congregation,
that they must go to the university, and learn the languages, before
they can tell whether they are married or not? Or, if their marriage
was to be doubted, could they not, think you, bring their certificates,
to certify the time and place of their marriage; and the minister that
joined them together in that holy state? And if you are adult, and
are indeed married to JESUS CHRIST, though you may be unlearned, and
what the world terms illiterate men, cannot you tell me the rise and
progress, and consummation of the spiritual marriage, between JESUS
CHRIST and your souls? Know you not the time, when you were first under
the drawings of the Father, and JESUS began to woo you for himself?
Tell me, O man, tell me, O woman, knowest thou not the time, or at
least, knowest thou not, that there was a time, when the blessed Spirit
of GOD stripped thee of the fig-leaves of thy own righteousness, hunted
thee out of the trees of the garden of thy performances, forced thee
from the embraces of thy old husband the law, and made thee to abhor
thy own righteousness, as so many filthy rags? Canst thou not remember,
when, after a long struggle with unbelief, JESUS appeared to thee,
as altogether lovely, mighty and willing to save? And canst thou not
reflect upon a season, when thy own stubborn heart was made to bend;
and thou wast made willing to embrace him, as freely offered to thee in
the everlasting gospel? And canst thou not, with pleasure unspeakable,
reflect on some happy period, some certain point of time, in which a
sacred something (perhaps thou couldst not then well tell what) did
captivate, and fill thy heart, so that thou could say, in a rapture
of holy surprize, and extacy of divine love, “My LORD and my GOD! my
beloved is mine, and I am his; I know that my Redeemer liveth;” or, to
keep to the words of our text, “My Maker is my husband.” Surely, amidst
this great and solemn assembly, there are many that can answer these
questions in the affirmative. For these are transactions, not easily
to be forgotten; and the day of our espousals is, generally, a very
remarkable day; a day to be had in everlasting remembrance.
And can any of you indeed, upon good grounds say, that your Maker is
your husband? May I not then (as it is customary to wish persons joy
who are just entered into the marriage state) congratulate you upon
your happy change, and wish you joy, with all my heart? Sure am I that
there was joy in heaven on the day of your espousals: and why should
not the blessed news occasion joy on earth? May I not address you in
the language of our LORD to the women that came to visit his sepulchre,
“All hail!” for ye are highly favoured. Blessed are ye among men,
blessed are ye among women! All generations shall call you blessed.
What! “is your Maker your husband? the holy one of _Israel_ your
Redeemer?” Sing, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth! What an amazing
stoop is this! What a new thing has GOD created on the earth! Do not
your hearts, O believers, burn within you, when meditating on this
unspeakable condescension of the high and lofty one that inhabiteth
eternity? Whilst you are musing, does not the sacred fire of divine
love kindle in your souls? And, out of the abundance of your hearts,
do you not often speak with your tongues, and call upon all that is
within you, to laud and magnify your Redeemer’s holy name? Is not that
GOD-exalting, self-abasing expression frequently in your mouths, “Why
me, LORD, why me?” And are you not often constrained to break out
into that devout exclamation of _Solomon_, when the glory of the LORD
filled the temple, “And will GOD indeed dwell with man?” ungrateful,
rebellious, ill, and hell-deserving man! O, my brethren, my heart is
enlarged towards you! Tears, while I am speaking, are ready to gush out.
But they are tears of love and joy. How shall I give it vent? How shall
I set forth thy happiness, O believer, thou bride of GOD! And is thy
Maker thy husband? Is his name “The LORD of hosts?” Whom then shouldst
thou fear? And is thy Redeemer the holy one of _Israel_? the GOD of the
whole earth should he be called! of whom then shouldst thou be afraid?
He that toucheth thee, toucheth the very apple of GOD’s eye. “The
very hairs of thy head are all numbered;” and “it is better that a man
should have a milstone tied round his neck, and be drowned in the sea,
than that he should justly offend thee.”
All hail, (I must again repeat it) thou Lamb’s bride! for thou art
all glorious within, and comely, through the comeliness thy heavenly
bridegroom hath put upon thee. Thy garment is indeed of wrought gold;
and, ere long, the King shall bring thee forth with a raiment of
needle-work, and present thee blameless before his Father, without
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. In the mean while, well shall it
be with you, and happy shall you be, who are married to JESUS CHRIST:
for all that CHRIST has, is yours. “He is made of GOD to you, wisdom,
righteousness, sanctification, and eternal redemption.” “Whether _Paul_,
or _Cephas_, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or
things to come; all are yours.” All his attributes are engaged for your
preservation, and all things shall work together for your good, who
love GOD, and, by being thus married to the LORD JESUS, give an evident
proof that you are called according to his purpose. What say you? When
you meditate on these things, are you not frequently ready to cry out,
What shall we render unto the LORD for all these mercies, which, of
his free unmerited grace, he hath been pleased to bestow upon us? For,
though you are dead to the law, as a covenant of works, yet you are
alive to the law as a rule of life, and are in, or under the law (for
either expression seems to denote the same thing) to your glorious
husband, JESUS CHRIST.