THEY ARE THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST.

 

DECEMBER 18

 

Philippians 3:18

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often,

and now tell you even weeping, that they are

the enemies of the cross of Christ: 

 

The cross of Christ is the Christian’s glory; and few things would give him more pain, than to be considered its enemy.
 
It embraces the whole doctrine of salvation by grace;
and is viewed by the Christian, as the foundation of his hope, and the object of his faith;
as the end of the law, and the antidote of misery;
as the centre of truth, and the subject of the church’s song;
as mercy’s sceptre, and the Saviour's throne;
as the mirror, in which Jehovah displays all the perfections of His nature;
and the key that opens the gate to the celestial paradise;
as the glory of eternal wisdom, and the mystery of the incarnate love;
as the destruction of death, and the gate of everlasting life;
as the object of the angel’s wonder, and the cause of the devil's everlasting confusion.
 
Beloved, let us fix our eyes and hearts upon this glorious, this surprising object;
and never, never let us by our conduct or conversation, bring a disgrace upon it;
but let us endeavour to advance its triumphs, spread its glories, and bring sinners to admire, love, and trust in it.
 
“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ;
by whom the world is crucified unto me, an I under the world.”
 

Oh, may my single aim be now

To live on Him that died,

And nought on earth desire to know

But Jesus crucified.

 
James Smith