The Trophies Of Christ
”In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”—Titus 1:2
Christ’s sheep are the trophies of his victory, the triumphs of his cross, and the glory ol’ his crown. Though naturally captives and slaves to the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air; yet when rescued by sovereign grace, they hear the Shepherd s voice, and follow him. But at present they are prisoners of hope. The soul is imprisoned and immured in the noisome walls of flesh, exposed to many taunts and jeers of the enemy, and liable to many fresh rallies and onsets from the prince of darkness. Often, through their views being darkened, and from opposing lusts of the flesh, they fear, and are in doubt whether they shall ever arrive at the glorious mansions of liberty and love. The more they look to and consider themselves, the more discouragements arise. But if eternal truth and almighty power, founded in everlasting unchangeable love, can secure them and bring them to glory, they are surely safe, now: they shall be eternally happy in glory.
Hath the God of truth promised eternal life before the world began? Who then could this promise be made to? Verily, to no other but Jesus, the surety of the everlasting covenant, the bead and representative of all his chosen members. Oh soul, before conversion to Jesus, thou wast a dead sinner without hope. Hast thou faith in Jesus? Then hast thou ‘the faith of God’s elect; and dost acknowledge the truth, which is after godliness.’ Thou hast also eternal life, in hope now; and the possession is as sure to thee, as if thou wast in actual enjoyment of it. The eternal God of truth must become a liar, if thou fail of thy hope. Was eternal life promised on certain conditions? Jesus hath performed them all: he became surety to this very end. God the Father is ‘perfectly satisfied, and glorified with his work. God the Spirit bears witness to it: hereby hope is established in the heart Then take heed, not to invert the order of the gospel, lest thy mind be perplexed, hope clouded, and Satan gain an advantage. Be thankful for the grace of hope ; but ever glory in the God of hope. Frames and feelings often vary: they may delude and deceive. Gifts may be lost: graces decline. Jesus our hope cannot. ‘He is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.’ Wherefore are eternal transactions revealed; but for God’s glory, the confirmation of his people’s faith and hope, and to excite love to him. Ever remember, ‘By grace ye are saved, according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus.’
William Mason (1719-1791) was a High-Calvinist author. For many years he served as a Justice of the Peace, and in 1783 was appointed a Magistrate. He served as editor of the Gospel Magazine before and after the editorship of Augustus Toplady. He is best known for a morning and evening devotional entitled, “A Spiritual Treasury For The Children Of God.”
