GOD’S PEOPLE
Isaiah 43:21. This people I have formed for myself, they shall show forth my praise.
INTRODUCTION. [1396]
[1396] In ancient history we read of a prince, who, from the summit of his palace beholding the metropolis of his extensive empire, exulted thus, “This is Babylon the great—Babylon, which I have built for the house of my kingdom, by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty.” He beheld the rising domes, the solemn temples, the numberless palaces of his lords; his heart bounded at the prospect, and his soul inflated with pride. Small cause, however, to be proud, had he recollected that these buildings were inhabited by a nation of slaves, and these temples filled with superstition and idolatry. In the sentence just read you have a far more noble potentate, even the King of kings Himself, reflecting upon the work of His hands, and rejoicing in the review of it. Beholding the triumphs of His grace, the accomplishment of His sacred purposes, and the wonders of His power, He expresses His complete satisfaction. His labour is not found in vain, His exertions are crowned with the designed success, and the production exactly corresponds with the plan laid down. With pleasure He reviews His workmanship, and already anticipates that chorus of praise which will perpetuate the honour of His name through eternal ages.—Lambert.
I. It is the prerogative of God alone to form the soul of man anew, both for His service here, and enjoyment hereafter.
1. The subjects of his workmanship: sinners of Adam’s family. Poor material, degraded by sin; but power belongeth unto God, and nothing is too hard for Him to do. He can humble the most stubborn heart, &c. Great comfort in this truth for ourselves individually.
2. The work itself, creating them in Christ Jesus unto good works; renewing them in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness after the image of Him who created them. This work will be completed in each of His people. [1399] Cheerfully acquiesce in any discipline through which He may be pleased to put you for this purpose (H. E. I. 113–115, 157, 158, 3696–3703).
[1399] When it is said, “This people have I formed for myself,” it is not to be understood as though the work were already completely accomplished. That will not be the case till all the ransomed of the Lord shall be brought safe to the heavenly Zion. God is here represented as seeing the things which are not as though they were, and as beholding the end from the beginning. With Him to will and to do, to purpose and to perform, are so closely, so infallibly connected, as in effect to be the same.—Lambert.
II. In this act of special sovereign grace He has always respect unto Himself; that is, to the display and manifestation of His own glory as the end. The Scriptures invariably teach us to reflect upon God as having made all things for Himself; a lower motive than this He never acted from. He forms this people for the manifestation of the astonishing and unsearchable riches,—
1. Of His grace. How glorious is the grace manifested in the conquest and captivation of sinners, in the pardon of sin, in the sanctification of the soul, and in the support, supplies, and consolations of the people of God. Instance: (1 Timothy 1:12-15).
2. Of His power. Manifest in penetrating a heart hard as adamant; in enthroning grace in the very heart where sin has reigned; in preserving it in spite of all opposition (H. E. I. 2365–2376).
3. Of His wisdom. Manifest in fixing upon the means of bringing sinners to Christ, ordering all things relative to their course, overruling all things for their good, and raising them from the depths of human misery to the summit of heaven’s honours.
III. From this, as from all His other works, He will eventually derive a glorious revenue of praise: “They shall show forth my praise.”
1. It is not only the duty, but the desire of that people whom God forms for Himself to praise Him in the present life (1 Peter 2:9).
2. It will be their happy disposition and delightful employ eternally to give unto Him the honour due on that account.—George Lambert: Sermons, vol. ii. pp. 274–293.
The text refers to the literal house of Israel. The Church of Christ now enjoy the appellation of “the people of God.” Whether Jews or Gentiles, to them the text will apply.
I. THE PEOPLE REFERRED TO. The people of God. Sometimes called saints, &c.
1. They are a saved people. Not only redeemed, but saved. Christ is the “Saviour of all men, but especially,” &c. St. Paul says, By grace are ye saved, &c. Not shall be, &c., but are (Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 1:18). They have felt the efficacy of divine grace; have been justified, &c. Saved from sin to righteousness; from darkness, &c.
2. They are a peculiar people. So they are described by the apostle (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9). Not like others. They are not of the world, &c. Hence their manners and customs, their spirit and temper, their conduct and pursuits, are all peculiar to themselves. It must be so, it ought to be so. The opposite would be evil, &c.
3. They are a distinct people. There are peculiar people in the world, yet they are of the world. But His people are distinct and separate. A people in the world, but not of the world. Crucified to the world, &c. (H. E. I. 5026–5032).
II. THE FORMATION SPECIFIED.
1. The nature of this formation. Formed into a “people.” God does not intend believers to be isolated beings. He designed they should be collected—united—a people. Hence they are likened to a family, &c. Only in this way they can exercise their graces, &c., exhibit Christianity in its social influences, and extend it in the world. Beautifully likened to the members of the human body (1 Corinthians 12:14; 1 Corinthians 12:20).
2. The Author of this formation. It is divine—it is of God. The Church is God’s husbandry, God’s building. He gives the same spirit to all, but a diversity of operations, that each may add to the comfort and prosperity of the whole. Hence the term, “the Church of God.” God’s collecting—calling—keeping—saving, &c.
III. THE END CONTEMPLATED IN THIS FORMATION. “For myself,” &c. He made all things for Himself—the Church for Himself. It is called His rest, His dwelling, His delight; and He designs that they “should show forth,” &c. They do this by—
1. Exhibiting the effects of His gracious operations.
2. Labouring to diffuse His glory. For this they live, and act, and pray.
3. Resignation to the divine appointments. Thus Job, the apostles, and first Christians, &c.
CONCLUSION.—Of what people are you personally a part? Let the people of God think of their high vocation, &c.—Preachers’ Magazine, 1839.