An Exposition Upon Colossians, Biblical commentary 1 · Chapter 1 · Verse 13
Verse 13.
Who hath deliuered vsus from the power of Darkenesse, and translated vsus into the Kingdome of his deare Sonne.
IN this Verse our redemption is considered more particularly: for as it is by inchoation in this life, it stands of two parts: the first is our deliuerance from the power of Darkenesse, and the second is, our translating into the Kingdome of Christ.
A sixe-folde darkenesse in eueryevery vnregenerate man.Darkenesse.] This Darkenesse imports the miserie of vnregenerate men, from which the Children of God, in the dayes of Redemption are deliuered: and it notes not onelyonly the darkenesse of Gentilisme, proper to the Pagans of that time, but also the darkenesse of Sinne, of Ignorance, of Infidelitie, of Aduersitie, of Death, and of Hell: for eueryevery vnregenerate man is couered with a sixe-fold darkenesse. First, the darkenesse of Sinne aRom. 13.13.. Secondly, the darkenesse of ignorance, which as a vayle, couers all flesh bIohn 8.12. Esay 25.8. 2 Cor. 3.17.. Thirdly, the darkenesse of Infidelitie; for as there is the light of Faith in the regenerate; so there is a darkenesse of vnbeliefe, that possesseth eueryevery vnregenerate man. All men hauehave not Faith; it is the gift of God: both the Prophets and Apostles hauehave complayned, Who hath beleeued our report cEsay 13.1. Rom. 10.16.? Fourthly, the darkenesse of Aduersitie dEsay 8.22.: miseries of all sorts breaking in vponupon the soule, body, state, and names of men. Fiftly, the darkenesse of Death: for Death is the house of darkenesse, and this is the wages of Sinne ePsal. 88.1….. Lastly, the wicked man is in danger of vtter darkenesse, euen of the darkenesse of hell: out of all this wee may see the extreame misery of all carnall persons, vponupon whom the Kingdome of darkenesse breakes in, and preuayles so many wayes: and therefore accursed is their misery that can liue in this estate without sense, or remorse, or feare. If Securitie as a wretched Lethargy, had not ouergrowne mens hearts, how could they eate, drinke, sleepe, marry, giuegive in marriage, &c. when they finde themselues in the power of such fearefull and horrible darkenesse?
Power.] This darkenesse gets power, and preuayles ouer the world, by the vnwearied labour of the Prince of darkenesse: who as hee seduced our first Parents, to extinguish the fayre light in which they were created, (whence flowed an vniuersall darkenesse vponupon all mankinde) so doth hee still, as God of the vnregenerate world, worke effectually, in binding mens mindes more and more, that the light of the Gospell might not shine in their hearts, both by hindering by all the wayes hee can, the meanes of light, and by leading man on from sinne to sinne, till custome hauehave worne out sense, and bred a very liking of darkenesse more then the light. And thus poore man runnes from darkenesse to darkenesse, and from dungeon to dungeon, till hee fall vntounto the euerlasting dungeon of vtter darkenesse, and this would be the end of all flesh, were it not that God of his infinite mercy hath prouided a meanes in Iesus Christ to deliuer the Elect from the power of this Darkenesse.
Deliuered.] EueryEvery man hath great reason to thinke of this deliuerance out of the Kingdome of darkenesse, wherein naturally hee is: for while he so continueth, he knoweth not whither he goeth fIohn 12.35. 1 Iohn 2.11.: he hath no fellowship with God g1 Iohn 1.5.: his deedes are all euill hIoh 3.19 20.: his ignorance will not excuse him iIohn 1.5.: yea, it will be his condemnation kIohn 3.19.: his feete treade not in the way of peace lLuke 4.79. foreign..
Who hath deliuered vsus.] Here are foure things: 1. What, [deliuered;] 2. Whom, [vsus;] 3. When, [hath;] 4. Who, viz. God the Father.
Deliuered.] The originall word doth not signifie, onelyonly, to let out, or lead out, or buy out; but it noteth forcibly to snatch out. Man is not gotten so easily out of Sathans hands: nor will the World and Flesh let them goe without force, or without blowes.
Quest. Quest.What must wee doe that wee may be deliuered from this power of darkenesse.Ans. Ans. Beleeue in Iesus Christ, who is the true light mIohn 8.12.. Know that all true light is begunne in the assurance of Gods louelove to thee in Iesus Christ: seeke this knowledge. To this end, attend vponupon the preaching of the Gospell, by which, life and immortalitie are brought to light: And because this Sonne doth not alwayes shine, Walke in the light while you hauehave the light nIohn 12.35., and because a man can neuer sincerely seeke the comforts of God in Iesus Christ, or constantly louelove the word of the Kingdome (the fountaine of light) but that there will be great opposition from Sathan and the World. Therefore eueryevery one (that is a weary of this darkenesse, of Ignorance and Vnbeleefe, and feeles what darkenesse of Aduersitie his sinnes hauehave brought vponupon him, and feares the darkenesse of Death and Hell) must arme himselfe, resolue and prepare and fight for his owne deliuerance, putting on the whole Armour of light, vsing all the meanes with Faith and diligence, and then shall Gods power be made knowne in his weakenesse; and the strong man armed, which is the Diuell, shall be cast out by him that is stronger then hee, euen by Iesus Christ.
At the time when this deliuerance from the power of darknes is wrought there are at the least these nine things in eueryevery one that is truely deliuered.Nine things in eueryevery one that is deliuered from darknes. First, hee seekes knowledge with great estimation of it. Secondly, hee is carefull to amend his wayes and to auoid sinne. Thirdly, hee feeles and resists temptations. Fourthly, hee renounceth the world, as being neyther besotted with vanitie, nor swayed with example. Fiftly, hee fights against his owne flesh. Sixtly, hee loues the word of God. Seauenthly, he forsakes euill company. Eightly, hee mournes ouer, and prayes against some speciall sinnes. Ninthly, he loues all the children of the light. These are not all things that are wrought in man in the day his heart is changed and he deliuered: but lesse then this can be in no man nor woman that is truely deliuered from the power of darkenesse.
Who.] Doct. It is God onelyonly that deliuers vsus from darkenesse. This is needfull to be considered of, both that carnall men might know they can neuer see the light, if they vse not the meanes God hath appoynted: and that godly men might not dispayre vnderunder the sence of their wants; for as God hath called them to the light, and giuen them meanes, so he is able to create light at his owne pleasure.
VsUs.] Doct. The Saints, euen the dearest of all Gods Children, hauehave beene ignorant, sinfull, and miserable, as well as any other.
Hath. Quest.] A Question may here be asked: how it can be said that Gods Children hauehave beene deliuered,Ans. seeing they are ignorant, sinfull, fleshly, full of afflictions, and subiect to dye still? Ans. They are deliuered in respect of Inchoation, though not in respect of Consummation; though they be ignorant, yet the vayle is not whole, but many pieces are torne off; though they be in a dungeon in this world, yet a great window is broken downe, and much light appeares; though there be sinne in them, yet it raignes not; though they must dye, yet the sting of death is pulled out; though they endure the same afflictions that wicked men doe for the matter, yet they are not the same for nature and vse: they are not curses or punishments, but onelyonly chastisements, and tryals, or preuentions.
The consideration of this, that wee are not all at once deliuered from the power of darkensse, may defend often preaching, and the frequent vse of all good meanes, publike or priuate. This darknesse will not away with one dayes shining▪ these clouds will not be dispelled with one blast; what's the light of one candle, when the night hath inclosed the whole ayre?
And translated vsus into the kingdome of his deare Sonne.] Or, as it is in the Originall, of the Sonne of his louelove.
These words contayne the second part of our Redemption on earth in this world: the redeeming of vsus is the translating of vsus: and this translation is amplified by the condition of life into which wee are translated, which for the excellencie of it, is into a Kingdome; and for the author of it, is into the kingdome of Iesus Christ, the Sonne of Gods louelove.
Translated.] The word, is a Metaphor and the comparison is taken from Plants in nature, and there are diuers things signified vntounto vsus, concerning our Redemption, in the similitude of translating Plants. As trees are translated in Winter, not in the Spring; so commonly our Redemption is applyed in the dayes of speciall affliction and sorrow oIob 33.14. vers. 31.: and as the Plant is not first fruitfull and then translated; but therefore translated, that it may beare fruit: so wee are not therefore redeemed because God was in louelove with our fruits; but therefore translated out of the kingdome of darkenesse, that wee might bring forth fruit vntounto God. And as a tree may be truely remoued, and new planted, and yet not presently beare fruit: so may a Christian be truely translated, and yet in the first instant of his conuersion hee may not shew forth all that fruit he doth desire, &c.
What translating hath in it.In particular, translating hath two things in it: first, pulling vp: secondly, setting againe. The pulling vp of the tree, shadowes out three things in the conuersion of a sinner. First, seperation from the world: hee cannot be in Christ that hath his heart rooted in the earth, and keepes his old standing amongst these trees, the wicked of the world. Secondly, deliuerance both from originall sinne in the raigne of it (which is the moysture of the old earth) and also from hardnesse of heart, (for translating hath remouing of the mould and stones that were about the roote.) Thirdly, godly sorrow raised by the sense of the stroakes of the Axe of Gods threatnings, and by the losse of many sprowts and branches that were hidden in the earth: A Christian cannot scape without sorrow; for hee hath many an vnprofitable sprowt of vanitie, and sinfull profit and pleasure hee must part with. The setting of the tree notes both our ingrafting into Christ by the Spirit of God through Faith, and our communion with the Saints, (the fruitfull trees in Gods Orchard) as also it notes our preseruation by the infusion of the sappe of holy graces.
Our natures are translated, not destroyed.And it is worthy to be noted that he saith (translated vsus) to teach vsus that there remaines in man the same nature after Calling that was before: for, our natures are not destroyed in conuersion, but translated: there remaines the same faculties in the soule, and the same powers in the body; yea, the constitution and complexion of man is not destroyed: as the melancholy man doth not cease to be so after conuersion, onelyonly the humour is sanctified vntounto a fitnesse for godly sorrow, and holy meditation, and the easie renouncing of the world &c. and the like may be said of other humours in mans nature.
Into the Kingdome.] The kingdome of God is eyther vniuersall ouer the whole world, or spirituall ouer the faithfull Soules on earth, or blessed soules in heauen, till the day of Iudgement: or it is both spirituall and corporall, ouer all the Saints, after the day of Iudgement for euer. It is the Kingdome of Grace by Inchoation, in the way, present, here below, that is here meant, not the Kingdome of Glory by Consummation in our Country aboue.
The Kingdome of Christ here on earth,Christs Kingdome better then all other Kingdomes. though it …e not so visible and pompous as other kingdoms are, yet it excels all the kingdomes on earth: for when all other kingdomes are not onelyonly shaken, but translated or remoued, or dissolued, the kingdome of Christ will endure to the end: & in Christs kingdome the number of possessors doth not diminish the largenesse of the possession of each: whereas in other states many Kings make little Kingdomes. Besides, wicked men may be not onelyonly Subiects but Kings in other Kingdomes; but this Kingdome, though it be eueryevery where, yet it is wanting to the ignorant and sinners. Christ raignes in this Kingdome by his Word and Spirit: and his gouernement is taken vp especially by two things; first, the collection of his Church; and secondly, the maintenance of it.
Great are the priuiledges of the Saints vnderunder the gouernment of Iesus Christ;The priuiledges of the Subiects of this Kingdome. they are qualified with eternall graces; they are comforted with the daily refreshings that flow from the sense of Gods fauour; they are confirmed in the assured peace with Angels and good men; they are estated into an euerlasting inheritance; they daily reape the benefits of Christs Intercession; they often suppe with Christ, and are feasted by the great King; they liue alwayes in the Kings Court, in as much as they are alwayes in Gods speciall presence; they partake of the priuiledges, Prayers, and Blessings of all the righteous; and they hauehave the Spirit of God in them, to vnite them to God and Christ, to leade them in the pathes of holy life, to comfort them in all distresses, to warne them if they goe out eyther on the left hand or the right, and to helpe them in their prayers, making request for them, when they know not what to pray as they ought.
Obiect. Obiect.The World sees no such glory in the estate of Christians in this Kingdome.Solut. Sol. There lyes a vayle ouer the eyes of all worldly men: and besides, this Kingdome though it be in the world, is not of it: though it be here, yet it is not from hence: and the afflictions that commonly couer the face of the Church, doe hide from carnall men the beautie of it; and by reason of the opposition that is betweene the Kingdome of Christ and the Kingdome of Darkenesse, though the world know the glory of Christians, yet they will not acknowledge it.
Obiect. Obiect.The faithfull themselues discrene not any such excellencie in their earthly condition.Solut. Sol. Wee must distinguish of Christians: some are but infants in grace and babes: these may be entituled to great things, and yet hauehave no great sense of it; as the Childe in Nature hath no great discerning of the inheritance hee is borne too; or his owne present condition wherein hee excels others. A kingdome is neuer the worse because the infant Prince cannot discourse of the glory of it. Some Christians fall away, for the time, into grosse sinne or error: and these are in matters of Grace like the drunken man, or Paraliticke in nature, their discerning is lost with their vprightnesse: other Christians eyther want the meanes in the power of it, or are tossed with great afflictions, or are in the fit of temptation; and then they hauehave but a darke glimpse of their felicitie in Christ: but the strong Christian that hath digested the assurance of Gods louelove in Christ, and is exercised in the word of righteousnesse, sees such a glory in the Kingdome of Grace, and doth acknowledge it with such vnmoueable firmenesse of heart, that all the powers of eyther earth, or hell, cannot alter his iudgement, in the high estimation of such a condition.
Vses.The Vse of this Doctrine concerning Christs Kingdome, is:
First, for Consolation: Gods Children should much exult and reioyce in their estates; and in as much as Christ sitteth as king for euer, all that are in his Temple should speake of his glory pPsal 29.10.18.: and if there were nothing else for a Christian to ioy in, yet let all the Children of Sion reioyce in their King qPsal 149.2.. Yea, the thought of this, that God is our King, should vphold vsus, and fence vsus against all crosses rPsal. 74.12.: for Christ is a hiding place from the winde▪ and a couer from the tempest, as riuers of waters in a dry place, and as the shadow of a great rocke in a weary Land sEsay 32.2.. And therefore let our eyes neuer grow dimme in viewing this glory, or our eares grow dull in harkening to the word of this Kingdome.
Secondly, for Reproofe and terrour vntounto all wicked men that harden their hearts, and refuse to returne. What greater losse then to lose Christs Kingdome? and what fayrer seruice then to serue the Sonne of God? Who would not feare thee, O King of Nations tIer. 10.7.: accursed is the estate of all such as subiect not their neckes to Christs yoake: that refuse to let him raigne ouer them by his Word and Spirit: that come not vp to doe their homage in Ierusalem, euen to worship this King, the Lord of Hoasts uZach. 14.17.. …f Iesus Christ be a great King, then where shall they appeare, that say to the King Apostata xIob 34.18.? Euen all such I meane that dare reproach the way of Christ, and deride the sinceritie of such as desire to imploy themselues in the businesse of the Kingdome, &c. Is hee a great King, how dare wee then offer that vntounto him which they durst not offer to a meane King on earth? What meane the blinde and the lame in Gods house yMal. 1.13.14? …ow dare men so securely offer vp their blinde lip-seruice, an… lame deuotions? It is a Kingdome that is offered, why doe wee then triflle? why doe they excuse? What meanes these fond excuses; I hauehave marryed a wife, and cannot come: I hauehave bought …iue yoake of Oxen, and must goe proue them: I hauehave bought a Farme, and must goe see it? I hauehave this pleasure and that profit, and therefore cannot come? Will they lose a Kingdome vponupon so silly a pretence? when thou needest not to lose eyther Wife, Farme, or Oxen. God doth not bid thee leaue thy Wife, thy Labour, thy Calling, thy Liuing, but onelyonly wils thee to attend thine owne further aduancement in the season of it: seeke lawfull profit, but seeke Grace first. Vse thy lawfull pleasures, but chiefely seeke the pleasures of God, euen these spirituall ioyes that are more worth then a Kingdome.
Thirdly, for Instruction: it should teach vsus aboue all things to seeke our happinesse in this excellent estate vnderunder the gouernment of Iesus Christ. Wee should, in respect of the worth of it, forsake our Fathers house, and the immoderate desire of any earthly thing: so that the King will please to delight in vsus zPsal. 4.5.. Wee should open our hearts wider, that the King of Glory, by his Word and Spirit, may come in *Psal. 24.10.. Wee should labour for all those Graces, by which an entrance is ministred into this Kingdome a2 Pet. 1.8.11: and whatsoeuer we are vncertaine of, wee should make our Calling and Election sure: and though we be neuer so many wayes opposed, yet seeing wee fight for a Kingdome (nay, in a Kingdome) wee should hold it alwayes a good fight b1 Tim. 6., and continue constant and vnmoueable: and if Christ lead vsus into his Chambers cCant. 1.3.of presence, and delight vsus with the sweete ioyes of his presence, wee should remember such princely louelove and ioy in him alwayes: Let the Christian sing and make a ioyfull noyse to the rocke of his saluation, and let him worship and bow downe, let him serue with all reuerence, and heare without all hardnes of heart dPsal. 95.1.3.: let no discontentment possesse the heart of the true Christian: for to serue Christ is to raigne, and all his Subiects are Kings, and the worst estate of the meanest Christian is a rich Kingdome.
Of his Sonne. Quest.] Quest. Why is it called the Kingdome of the Sonne, rather then of the Father.Ans. Ans. Because God hath giuen all the power to the Sonne, and this Kingdome is assigned ouer to him. The merit of this happinesse is onelyonly in Christ, and the vertue that gathers vsus into this kingdome is onelyonly from Christ, and no man commeth to the Father but by Christ.
Sonne of his louelove.] Christ is the Sonne of Gods louelove: first, because hee is most worthy of all others to be beloued. as Iudas is the Sonne of perdition, that is, most worthy to be damned. Secondly, because hee was from euerlasting begotten of the louelove of his Father: hee is Gods naturall Sonne. Thirdly, because he is infinitely filled with the sense of his louelove: so they are said to be the Children of the marriage, that are full of ioy, in respect of the marriage. Fourthly, because it is hee by whom louelove is deriued into others: It is hee that makes all other Sonnes, beloued. Lastly, in respect of his humane nature: he is that Sonne vponupon whom God hath shewed his principall louelove, in respect of the gifts, with which that Nature is admirably qualified. The meditation of this, that CHRIST our Sauiour is the Sonne of Gods louelove, is very comfortable; for hee is like to speede in any thing hee requests the Father for vsus, and hee will be sure to preserue vsus. That himselfe is a Kings Sonne, yea, Gods Sonne, yea, a King, and God himselfe; and so infinitely beloued of the Father: it is an excellent thing to be Christs member, seeing hee inherits so great louelove: and if God gaue vsus this Sonne so deare to him, how shall hee deny any thing, seeing neuer can ought be so precious, but that with Christ he will willingly giuegive it?