(6) For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. (7) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
It appears very plain, that Paul knew his departure was near. And it is also very plain, he knew that he should finish his course by martyrdom. But what a firmness of mind he manifested in the prospect. He had before said, Christ should be magnified in his body, whether by life, or death. Philippians 1:20. And now the hour is arrived. He reviews the past, and contemplates what is to come. And, under the conscious assurance of an oneness and interest in Christ, he triumphs, in having fought the good fight of faith. I pray the Reader to notice this. The fight of faith, and the victory of faith, are both in, and from Christ. Paul utters not a word of his services, or labors, or sufferings. He well knew, that these added not an atom, to his acceptance before God. Christ, and Christ alone, was Paul's triumphs. Sweet, and precious consideration, to the child of God.
In like manner, the crown of righteousness laid up for him, was not for services, or sufferings, but wholly the respect of the free gift of God in Christ; and Christ's right, and the believer's right, from his union, and interest in Christ. And I pray the Reader particularly to notice the Apostle's expressions. He doth not merely call it a crown, neither a crown of glory, but a crown of righteousness. And, no doubt, eminently on this account; because it is Christ's due for his people, though not their's. Christ had purchased it for them, though to them it comes free. And it is but just in God, the righteous God, to give it to them as Christ's right, though on their part, they have no pretensions to it from their own merit. Reader there is a great sweetness in this view. As sinners, all we have given to us, is God's free grace. But, as members of Christ, we have a claim to what is Christ's right. And it is, therefore, a crown of righteousness, to which all his redeemed family are justly entitled, by the blood-shedding, obedience, and death, of the Lord Jesus Christ.
And, there is one point more, which must not be overlooked, in this sweet scripture. Paul saith, that this crown of righteousness, is not laid up only for him; but for all them that love the Lord's appearing. Oh! how very blessed is this assurance. And who is there among the truly regenerated in the Lord's family, but what doth love his appearing? True, the moment is solemn. The first view of Jesus, on the spirit departing from the body, must be indeed overwhelming. But yet, there is glory in it. We then see him face to face, whom by faith we have often looked at, and loved with a joy unspeakable, and full of glory. Still, the sight will be more rapturous, than confounding. We shall see him, as he is. And that is all lovely. And, if we love his appearing now, we shall love his appearing then. If Christ in his ordinances, Christ in his visits, Christ in his work on poor sinners, and manifestations to his saints; if these are appearings, in which our souls rejoice; this is to love his appearing in grace, and very sure, all such must love his appearing in glory. Precious Jesus! keep my soul alive, in the daily expectation of thy coming!