Sermons Volume 2, Romans 8 · Sermon 12
SERMON XII.
ROM. VIII.9.
— Now if any have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
IN the Context, we have an Asserrion of a general Truth, There is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. We have this Application in the beginning of this Verse, lest any should raise up a vain considence that they were in Christ, and therefore freed from Condemnation, without regarding what he had before said, expounding himself, v. 1. who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit; he here further adds as an Application of the proposition, he who hath not the Spirit of Christ, is none of his; which because they were Christians in profession, was more accomodate to them. Here Observe,
Doct. That all true Christians have the spirit of Christ.
1. I suppose there are Christians, or Christs Disciples in name, and Disciples indeed, John 8.31. As an Israelite indeed, John 1.47. Rom. 2.29. the Apostle distinguisheth of a Jew in the letter, and a Jew in the spirit. So by just analogy and proportion, there are Christians in the letter, that have the outside of Christians, but not the life and power. We are only Christians in name and Profession, till we have the spirit.
2. I assert, That which discriminateth the one from the other, is the having the spirit. 'Tis a mark both exclusive and inclusive; some marks are exclusive, but not inclusive, John 1.47. He that is of God, heareth Gods word: Ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God, that is exclusive. Acts 13.46. But seeing ye put away the word of God from you, and judg your selves unworthy of eternal life; that is also exclusive; but if we depend upon these marks, we put a false reasoning upon our souls, Jam. 1.22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own souls, foreign. There are inclusive, marks but not exclusive, as Rom. 9.1, 2, 3. I say the truth in Christ, I lye not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy-Ghost, that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart; for I could wish that my self were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They that can prefer a publick good before their own personal eternal interest, have an undoubted evidence of their love to Christ; but we cannot say that none love Christ, but those which arrive at that height and degree: But this is both exclusive and inclusive. The Text sheweth it to be exclusive; he that hath not the spirit, is none of his: That is, not grafted as a living member into Christs mystical body for the present, nor will he be accepted or approved as a true Christian at last at the day of Christs appearing; to be none of Christs, is to be disowned and disclaimed by Christ; Depart from me, I know you not. How grievous is the thought of it to any good Christian? Secondly, 'Tis inclusive, 1 John 2.13. Hereby we know that we dwell in God, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. These are magnificent Words, and such as we should not have used, if God had not used them before us. 'Tis much nearness to dwell one with another, 'tis more nearness to dwell one in another; this is mutual and reciprocal between God and a believer; if we have his Spirit, we may safely conclude it. To prove this, let us see,
1. What it is to have the spirit.
2. Why this is the Evidence that we are true Christians.
For the first Question take these Explanations.
1. By the spirit of Christ, is not meant any created habit and gift. For the new nature is sometimes called the Spirit, John 3.6. But the third person in the Trinity, called the Holy Ghost, is here meant; For he is spoken of as a person that dwelleth in Believers, in the former part of the verse; and dwelleth in them as in his Temple, as one that leadeth, guideth, and sanctifieth them, yea as one that will at length quicken their Mortal bodies, v. 11. Which no created habit and Quality can do. Yea, he is called the spirit of God, and the spirit of Christ. If so be the spirit of God dwell in you. And in the words of the Text, if any man have not the spirit of Christ; Because he proceedeth from the Father, and the Son, John 15.26. When the comforter is come whom I will send to you from the Father, even the spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father. This is the spirit which is spoken of in this place.
2. This spirit is had, or said to be in us. We have not only the Fruit, but the Tree. But how have we him? We have a right to his person, he is given to us in the Covenant of Grace as our sanctifyer; as God is ours by Covenant, so is the spirit ours, as well as the Father, and the Son; and he is present in our hearts, as the immediate Agent of Christ, and worker of all grace. 'Tis true, in respect of his essence, and some kind of operation, he is present in all Creatures, Psal. 139.7. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Whither shall I fly from thy presence? God filleth all things with his spirit and presence. And therefore when some are said to have him, and others not to have him; 'tis understood of his peculiar presence, with respect to those Eminent operations and effects which he produceth in the hearts of the faithful, and no where else; For he is such an Agent no where, as he is in their hearts. Therefore they are called Temples of the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. 3.16. and 1 Cor. 6.19. Because he buildeth them up for an Holy use, and also dwelleth and resideth there, maintaining Gods Interest in their Souls.
3. These Eminent Operations of the Holy Ghost are either in a way of common gifts, or special graces; as to common gifts, Reprobates and Hypocrites may be said to be partakers of the Holy Ghost, Heb. 6.4. Balaam had the gift of Prophesie, and Judas the gift of Miracles, as well as the rest of the Apostles; so 1 Cor. 12. The Apostle discourseth at large of the Gifts of the Spirit, and concludeth; but I shew you a more excellent way, verse 31. And then taketh it up again, 1 Cor. 13.1, 2. Though I speak with the tongue of men and angels, and have not charity; I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal; and though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all Knowledge; and though I have all Faith, so that I could remove Mountains, and have no Charity, I am nothing foreign. There are dona ministrantia, gifts for the Service of the Church; such as profound knowledge, utterance in Preaching, or Praying, or any other Ministeral acts; and Dona Sanctificantia, such as Faith Hope, and Love; the former may render us useful to the Church, but not acceptable to the Lord. The superficial Christianity is rewarded with common gifts, but the real Christianity with Special Graces; all that profess the Faith, are visibly adopted by God into his Family, and under a visible Administration of the Covenant of Grace; so far as they are Adopted into Gods Family, so far they are made partakers of the Spirit. Christ giveth to common Christians those common gifts of the Spirit which he giveth not to the heathen world; as knowledg of the mysteries of Godliness, abilities of utterance and speech about Heavenly things; some affection also to Spiritual and Heavenly things, called a tasting of the good Word; the Heavenly gift, and the powers of the world to come; these will not prove us true Christians, or really in Gods special favour, but only visible, professed Christians.
4. The spirit, as to Sanctifying and saving effects, may be considered as spiritus assistens, aut in formans, either as moving, warning, or exciting, by transient motions; so the wicked may be wrought upon by him; as to be convinced, warned, excited; how else can they be said to resist the Holyghost? Acts 7.51. and the Lord telleth the Old World, Gen. 6.3. That his spirit should not always strive with them. Surely besides the Counsels and Exhortations of the Word, the Spirit doth rebuke, warn and excite them, and moveth, and stirreth, and striveth in the Hearts of all carnal creatures, or else these expressions could not be used.
5. There are such effects of his sanctifying grace, as are wrought in us, per modum habitus, permanentis, to renew and change us, so as a man from carnal, doth become spiritual; the Spirit of God doth so dwell in us, as to frame heart and life unto holiness; this work is sometimes called the new Creature, 2 Cor. 5.17. And sometimes the divine nature, 2 Pet. 1.4. It differeth from gifts, because they are for outward service; but this conduceth to change the heart: it differeth from actual motions and inspirations, because they may vanish and die away without any saving impression left upon the heart: it differeth from those slighter dispositions to Godliness, which are many times in temporaries; because they are but a light tincture, soon worn off, and have no power and mastery over sensual affections; if they restrain them a little, they do not mortifie, and subdue them. Good motions are as a dash of Rain; and those weak inclinations, and good dispositions, which are in temporaries, are as a Pond, or Pool, which may be dryed up; but this saving and sanctifying work, is as a Spring, John 4.14. Two things are considerable in it. 1. It's Continuance, and Radication. 2. It's Efficacy and Predominancy.
1. The radication is set forth by the notions of the Spirits dwelling in us, John 14.17. He shall be in you, and dwell in you. Its resting upon us, 1 Pet. 4.14. The Spirit of God, and of Glory, rest upon you. He taketh up his abode with us, John 14.23. We will come to him, and make our abode with him. 'Tis not a visit, and away; or a lodging for a night; but a constant residence, he taketh up his Mansion in our hearts: Some have fits and qualms of Religion, motions of conviction and joy, but not a settled bent of Heart towards God and Heaven.
2. Its prevalency and predominancy; for where the Spirit dwelleth, there he must rule, and hath the command of the house; he dwelleth in the Soul, he dwelleth so as to govern, directing and inclining us so, as to do things pleasing unto God, weaning us from the World, 1 Cor. 2.12. This is called the receiving, not the Spirit of the World, but that which is of God. Mastering and taming the Flesh, both its gust and savour, Rom. 8.5. for they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh. Its deeds and motions, Rom. 8.13. If ye mortifie the deeds of the body, ye shall live. The Flesh will rebel, but the Spirit gets the upper-hand; for the Dominion and sovereignty of the Flesh, is not consistent with the having of the Spirit; the Flesh is subdued more and more; where the Spirit cometh, he cometh to govern, to suit the heart to the will of God; and to give us greater liberty towards him, 2 Cor. 3.17. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. The objects of sense which feed the flesh, make less Impression upon us; and the love of sin, is more and more conquered. Now take it thus explained, you may know what it is to have the Spirit; namely, the dwelling and working of the Spirit in our Souls, mortifying the flesh, and causing us to live unto God.
2. Why is this an evidence that we are true Christians? here I shall prove two things.
1. That all true Christians have this sanctifying Spirit.
2. That 'tis the certain evidence and proof of their being Christians, or having an interest in Christ.
1. That all that are true Christians have it. I prove it,
1. From the promise of God, who hath promised it to them; and surely his love and faithfulness will see it made good, Zech. 12.10. I will pour upon them the spirit of grace and supplications; and Prov. 1.23. Turn unto me, and I will pour out an abundance of spirit unto you; and Rev. 22.17. Whosoever will, let him drink of the water of life freely. By the water of life is meant the spirit, as appeareth, John 7.38, 39. So in many other places. Now surely, Gods word will not fall to the ground, but must be accomplished.
2. From the merit of Christ. Two Things Christ purchased and bestowed upon all his people, his righteousness, and his spirit, 2 Cor. 5.21. He was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Gal. 3.14. That we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith; the Rock was smitten by the rod of Moses twice, 1 Cor. 10.4. And these two gifts are inseparable; where he giveth the one, he giveth the other: We have both, or none, 1 Cor. 6.11. But ye are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God. And Tit. 3.5, 6, 7. But according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, which be shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. He freeth us at the same time a malo morali, which is sin; and a malo naturali, which is punishment.
3. When we enter into the covenant of Grace, we enter into covenant with Father, Son and Holy Ghost. With God, and with the Redeemer, and with the Sanctifier, Mat. 28.19. We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. What is our Covenant with the Holy Ghost? It implieth both our duty, and our benefit; our benefit, that we expect, is that the Holy Ghost should regenerate us and renew us to the Image of God, and plant us into Christ by faith, and then dwell in us and maintain Gods Interest in our souls, and so make us Saints and Believers: And our duty is to consent to give up our selves to him, as our Sanctifier, and to obey his powerful Motions, before we are made partakers of the Holy Ghost.
4. The necessity of having the Spirit, appeareth, in that without him we can do nothing in Christianity from first to last. 'Tis the Spirit uniteth us to Christ, and planteth us into his mystical body: 1 Cor. 12.13. By one spirit we are baptized into one body. 'Tis by the Spirit we give up our selves to God as our God, and reconciled Father in Christ; and to Christ as our Redeemer, and Saviour, and so are planted into his Mystical body. 1 Cor. 6.17. But he that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit. As a Man and a Harlot are one flesh, so we are one Spirit. 'The union is Spiritual for kind, and the Spirit is the author of it. So for further Sanctification, and Consolation, and Mortification; take it either for the purging out lusts, or suppressing the acts of sin. For the purging out of lusts, 1 Pet. 1.22. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth, through the Spirit. Pride, worldliness, and Sensuality, these are purged out more and more, by the Spirit. Or suppressing the acts of sin: Rom. 8.13. If ye through the spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body. So for vivification, he infuseth Life, and quickneth and maintaineth it in our Souls: Gal. 5.25. If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. Strengthning it; Eph. 3.16. That he would grant according to the riches of his grace to be strengthned with might, by his Spirit. He maketh it fruitful, and exciteth it: Ezek. 36.27. I will put my spirit into you, and cause you to walk in my ways. For Consolation, to uphold our hearts in the midst of all trials and difficulties; then we may go on cheerfully, and in a course of holiness. Acts 9.13. They walked in the fear of God, and the comforts of the Holy ghost. To comfort us with the sense of Gods love in all our tribulations. Rom. 5.5. Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy ghost, which is given unto us. To wait for Eternal life. Gal. 5.5. But we through the spirit do wait for the hope of righteousness, by Faith. That is, which is built upon it.
2. This spirit is the evidence of mens being true Christians, the only sure and proper Evidence: this will appear,
1. By the Metaphors and terms by which the Spirit is set forth; he is called a Seal, a Witness, and an Earnest. Who hath sealed us and given us the earnest of his spirit in our hearts. 2 Cor. 1.22. and Eph. 1.13, 14. After ye believed, ye were seald with the holy spirit of promise. Men used to set their mark and stamp upon their wares, that they might own them for theirs. God sealeth by his spirit, his stamp is his Image. 2 Cor. 3.18. We are changed into his image from glory to glory. So he is also set forth under the notion of a Witness. Rom. 8.16. The Spirit it's self beareth witness. What is the Witness of the Spirit? Not an immediate revelation, or oracle in your bosomes to tell you that you are Gods Children; but the renovation of the Soul, and the constant operation of the holy Spirit, dwelling and working in you; this testifieth to our consciences or Spirits, that God hath adopted us into his Family; thus the Spirit is a Witness to the Scriptures. So he is set forth as an Earnest. 2 Cor. 5.5. Now he that hath wrought us to this self same thing, is God, who hath also given us the earnest of his spirit. An Earnest is part of the sum; we have somewhat of the Life, and peace, and joy of the Spirit now, which inableth us to wait with the more comfort, and assurance, for our future Blessedness.
2. From the congruity of this Evidence.
1. The coming down of the Holy ghost upon him as the evidence of Gods love to Christ; and the visible Demonstration of his filiation and Sonship, to the world. The Evidence of Gods love, Joh. 3.34. The Father loved the Son, and gave him the spirit without measure. Now Christ prayed, John 17.26. That the love wherewith thou hast loved me, may be in them; and v. 23. That the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me. None will think in degree, therefore in kind; that God would manifest his love to us as he did to him; by the gift of the Holy Spirit, or his filiation, John knew Christ to be the Son of God, by the spirit descending and abiding on him, Joh. 1.32. I saw the spirit descend from Heaven like a Dove, and it abode on him; Yea, God himself owned this as a demonstration of his Sonship, Matt. 3.17. This is my well beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. So do we know our selves to be the children of God by the spirits inhabitation and sanctifying work upon our souls.
2: The pouring out of the spirit was the visible evidence given to the church of the sufficiency of Christs satisfaction. When God was reconciled, then he shed forth the spirit, Acts 2.33. Therefore being at the right hand of God, exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear; so Joh. 7.38, 39. He that believeth in me, (as the Scripture saith) out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water: this he spake of the spirit which they that believed on him should receive, for the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Now this is true of Gods Love and Reconciliation to us in particular; when he is pacified, he giveth the spirit; because the part followeth the reason of the whole; and the atonement made, and the atonement received, Rom. 5.11. are evidenced the same way, even by this fountain of living water, which is given to all believers.
3. This is the witness of the truth of the Gospel; and therefore the best-pledg of the Love of God we can have in our hearts: for the believers hopes are confirmed the same way the Gospel is confirmed; that which confirmeth Christianity, confirmeth the Christian: The Extract and original Charter are confirmed by the same stamp and impression; the spirit confirmeth the love of God to sinners, and therefore the love of God to me, Act. 5.32. And we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Ghost whom God hath given to them that obey him. The word was confirmed by the great wonders wrought by the Holy Ghost, Heb. 3, 4. God bearing them witness, with signs and wonders, and divers gifts of the Holy Ghost. The sanctifying spirit, John 17.17. Sanctify them through the truth, thy word is truth. 1 John 5.10. He that believeth on the Son, hath the witness in himself: The spirit comforting the conscience by the blood of Christ, and sanctifying the heart, and cleansing it as with pure water: This also is our evidence.
3. From the Qualities of this evidence, and so it is most apt to satisfie the doubting conscience, concerning its interest in Christ, and his benefits.
1. 'Tis a great benefit becoming the love of God, to give us his holy spirit. 'Tis more than if he had given us all the world; Persons that have been at variance will not believe one another, unless their Reconciliation be verified by some remarkable good turn, and visible testimony of love: A great Offender reconciled to Augustus, yet would not believe it, unless he put some notable mark of his favour upon him; as David to Amasa, making him General of his Army: Surely the breach hath been so great between us and God, that we shall have no peace, and joy in believing, till we have some gift that may be a perfect demonstration that he is at peace with us, Rom. 5.11. We joy in God, as those that have received the atonement. The pledg of it is in the gift of the spirit. Most mens patience cometh from their stupidness, their confidence from their security, their quiet from their mindlesness of heavenly things; but the soul that is in good earnest, must have a witness of Gods love, or a sufficient proof that he is reconciled and taken into Gods Family, made an heir according to the hope of eternal life; which is the spirit of adoption, Gal. 4.6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent the spirit of his son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father.
2. 'Tis most sensible; as being within our own hearts: The death of Christ was a Demonstration of Gods love, but that was done without us on the Cross, and before we were born: Justification is a blessed Priviledg, but either that is Gods act in Heaven accepting us in Christ, or else in the sentence of the law by which we are constituted just; but this cometh into our hearts, Gal. 4.6. God hath sent the spirit of his son into our hearts: so 2 Cor. 1.22. He hath given us the earnest of the spirit in our hearts; so 1 John 5.11. He that believeth hath the witness in himself; compare the eighth Verse.
3. 'Tis a permanent and abiding testimony: By his constant operation we are acquainted with him, and know him; what moveth and stirreth in us; but now and then, we understand not; but the Holy Ghost is familiar with us, resideth and dwelleth in our hearts; we feel his pulse and motions, John 14.7. I will send you the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, but ye know him, for he dwelleth in you, and shall be in you: Therefore they know foreign, they that constantly feel his Operations in comforting, quickning, instructing them, they may see how they are beloved of God, and minded by him upon all occasions: the effects of the spirit are life, holiness, faith, strength, joy, comfort, and peace; he enlightneth our understanding, confirmeth our faith, and assures us of salvation; exciteth us to prayer, stirreth up holy desires and motions, comforteth us in crosses, awakeneth us in groans after heaven. Now those that have such constant experience of the illuminating, sanctifying, quickning work of the spirit on their souls, cannot but know what kind of spirit dwelleth and worketh in them.
4. The sanctifying spirit is the surest note of our reconciliation with God, as that which will not deceive us; when he sanctifieth, he is pacified towards us, Heb. 13.20, 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight. And 1 Thes. 5.23. The very God of peace sanctifie you wholly in body, soul, and spirit. 2 Cor. 5.17, 18. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ. A man lieth open to delusions by other evidences, and may be long enough without true and solid comfort.
4. From Gods constant government. But there is a twofold way of Providence by which he governeth the world, or else conducteth souls to glory: There is an external sort of government, by prosperities, and adversities, and afflictions, and worldly blessings; now these have their use, to invite us to obedience, and to caution us against sin; but these things are not dispenc…d as sure evidences of Gods love and hatred, Eccles. 9.2. Worldly good things may be given in anger, lest men should be marked out by their outward condition, rather than the disposition of their souls; God would not distinguish the good by the blessings of his common providence, nor brand and mark out the bad by their afflictions. Therefore these mercies that run in the channel of common providence, are dispenced promiscuously. But God hath another way of internal government, carried on within the soul by troubles of conscience for sin, and the comforts of a good conscience as the reward of obedience. Now in this sort of Government, the influence of the spirit is mainly seen; God sheweth his anger or his love; his pleasure or displeasure, by giving and withholding the spirit: When he is pleased we have the Testimony of it in our Consciences by the presence and comforts of the spirit; when displeased, he withdraweth the spirit, this is reward and punishment; the accesses and recesses of the spirit, if we have sinned, Psal. 51.10. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy spirit from me. The retaining and withholding the spirit is one of the greatest calamities in the world, v. 11. renew a right spirit in me; 12. and uphold me by thy free spirit. On the contrary, the reward of obedience, is the increase of the spirit, Rom. 14.17. For the kingdom of God is not in meats and drinks, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy ghost. Now this being Gods constant way of internal government whereby he manifesteth his pleasure or displeasure by withholding, or withdrawing, or giving out his spirit, and this a surer way than the effects of his external Providence; I cannot say God hateth me, because he denieth earthly blessings, or blasteth them when bestowed: This may be for other reasons than to manifest his anger or hatred: I cannot say, God loveth me because I enjoy outward prosperity; but if I have the spirit, that is never given in anger.
1. VSE is To perswade us to seek after the presence of the spirit in our hearts. 'Tis not enough to be baptized, to have the common Faith and Profession of Christians; no, we must also have the spirit of Christ; for while we are carnal, we are Christians only in the Letter; two things I will press you to, To receive and retain him, to get him and keep him.
1. Get him; See that he be entred into your hearts, to recover your souls to God, John 3.5. See that you be born again of water, and of the Spirit. And not only so, but get an increase and supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Phil. 1.17. Through your prayers, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Seek more of the Spirit, and lose him not in part, nor in whole; quench not the spirit, Eph. 4.30. To encourage you, consider,
God is ready to give the holy spirit, Luke 11.13. And Christ hath purchased it, that it might not be shed on us in a sparing manner, Tit. 3.5, 6. 'Tis applied to us by the Word, or Gospel-Dispensation, 2 Cor. 3.18. Baptism hath its use, Tit. 3.5. It doth not signifie so much the blood of Christ, as the sanctifying cleansing spirit purchased thereby. The promise of the spirit is sometimes made absolutely, as Zech. 12.10. I will pour out a spirit of grace and supplication; as implying the first grace; you must take your lot; if you miss of it, 'tis long of your selves; you resist former warnings, motions and strivings of the spirit; wait in the use of means. Sometimes conditionally, to faith, John 7.39. This he spake of the spirit, which they that believe on him, should receive. Sometimes to Repentance, Acts 2.38. Repent and thou shalt receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, Prov. 1.38. Now these must be often renewed, if we would get more of the spirit into our hearts; for the spirit is continued and encreased to us by the same acts by which it is gotten at first, by faith and repentance; faith assenting, or consenting, or denying. 1. Assenting with admiration of the infinite goodness and love of God shining forth to us in our redemption by Christ; the assent must be strong, that it may more effectually lead on other parts of faith, and because the actions of the three Persons are a great Mystery, 1 Pet. 1.2. Elect according to the foreknowledg of God the father, through the sanctification of the spirit unto obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus. Here is the eternal love of the Father, the infinite merit of Christ, and the all powerful operation of the spirit: An Assent with wonder and astonishment, because so much wisdom, love and grace was discovered in it, Eph. 3.17, 18, 19. 2. Consent must be often renewed to that covenant by which the spirit is dispensed; often enter into a resolution to take God for your God, for your Soveraign Lord, your Portion and Happiness; and Christ for your Redeemer and Saviour; and the Holy Ghost for your Guide, Sanctifier and Comforter. Every solemn consent renewed, doth both confirm you in the benefit of the spirit, and bind you and excite you to the duties required by God in all these relations. Your constant work is to love and seek after God as your happiness, and Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and the Spirit for your Guide and Direction. 3. Dependance upon the love of God, and the merits of Christ, and the power of the spirit, that you may use Christs appointed means with the more confidence. That soul that thus sets its self to believe, findeth a wonderful encrease of the spirit in this renewed exercise of faith, assenting, consenting, and depending, Rom. 15.13. The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy ghost.
2. Your Repentance must be renewed by a hearty grief for sin, and resolutions and endeavours against it. The more sin is made odious, the more the spirit hath obtained his effect in you, and the more heartily you study to please God in the work of love and obedience, the more you are acquainted with the spirit and his quicknings, the spirit and his comforts, Acts 9.31. They walked in the fear of the Lord, and the comforts of the Holy ghost. His business is to make you holy; the more you obey his motions, and follow his directions, the more he delighteth to dwell in your hearts.
2. VSE is self-reflection: Let me put that Question to you, Acts 19.3. Have ye received the Holy ghost since ye believed? Is the first great change wrought? Are you called from darkness to light? From sin to holiness? Turned from Satan to God? Are you made partakers of the divine nature? 2 Pet. 1.4. The change must be perfected more and more by the spirit, 2 Cor. 3.18. Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into his image from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord. Do you obey his sanctifying motions? Rom. 8.14. For as many as are led by the spirit of God are the Sons of God. His motions all tend to quicken us to the heavenly life, inclining our hearts to things above; 2 Thes. 2.13. But we are bound to give thanks always to God, for you brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the spirit, and belief of the truth.