JOINED TO THE LORD
Isaiah 56:3; Isaiah 56:6. The sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord.
The end of all worship is union with God. To this most glorious issue all the revelations of Scripture converge. It is the end of all teaching, and the seal of all perfection. Our Lord’s prayer for His people makes this the goal of Christian aspiration (John 17:21). But union with God is, like all other relations to the Supreme, attained only in and through the Mediator (John 17:3). It is the realisation of the one object of the redeeming economy. It has undoubtedly been the watchword of some of the sublimest systems of ethics based on erroneous doctrine. Buddhism and Pantheistic mysticism are instances.
Let us endeavour to realise the import and the power of this remarkable expression, “joined to the Lord,” which is the exponent and formula of vital truths and glorious privileges (1 Corinthians 6:17).
I. The nature of this alliance. What does it imply?—
1. The conviction of moral estrangement. Instead of that intimate union which man originally enjoyed, there is a wide and extended breach, &c. The manifold and painful evidences—alienation from God both in affection and action, &c. (Romans 8:7, and others). Such is our deplorable state previous to the period when we join ourselves to the Lord.
2. The full approval of God’s service. We never devote ourselves to those whose service we have a decided objection to; on the contrary we carefully avoid it. But naturally we are opposed to God’s righteous rule and service, hence the necessity of regeneration, that we may be inspired with a love of holiness, &c. External reformation will not suffice, for the heart will retain its original aversion to the Divine government and service. Only by regeneration does our judgment approve, and our will consent to the Lord’s service as pre-eminently righteous, &c. Then only do we “choose the things that please Him” (Isaiah 56:4).
3. The surrender of ourselves to His service (Isaiah 56:6). Simple approval and desire, though necessary, are not sufficient, they never cemented firm, durable alliance. There must be the actual yielding of ourselves to God in harmony with His gracious demands. This surrender must be unreserved, voluntary, constant. Prompted by obvious and powerful reasons. It is both right and reasonable, pleasant and profitable, &c. (1 Timothy 4:8, and others).
4. Spiritual union and oneness with Him. Not a mere figure of speech, but the greatest reality in human experience. New Testament illustrations. Even these figures can only faintly set it forth. The union is most intimate. One Spirit lives and moves, actuates and guides, both in the Head and members (1 Corinthians 6:17; Hebrews 2:11). We become one with God in thought and feeling and will. Are you “joined to the Lord “? For it is more than mere nominal Christianity, or profession of religion—it is spiritual and gracious. You may be joined to His Church and people, and yet not savingly joined to Him. Examine yourselves, and rest not until you have satisfactory evidence. But what are—II. The evidences of this alliance. We may know (John 14:20; 1 John 5:20). The principal evidences are—
1. Trust in Christ alone for salvation. Faith is a self-conscious act, &c.
2. Deliverance from condemnation (Romans 8:1). From whence can condemnation come? (Romans 8:34).
3. Moral Regeneration (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). The new nature asserts its power, and refuses to be the slave of Satan, &c. Renewing grace creates a new world in the soul. We become conformed to Christ.
4. The inward testimony of the Holy Ghost (1 John 3:24; 1 John 4:13).
5. Fruitfulness in good works. This is the design and tendency of this alliance (John 15:4-5; John 15:8; Ephesians 2:10). Not the fair leaves of profession, but the fragrant and substantial fruits of righteousness (Philippians 1:11)—keeping “judgment,” doing “justice,” &c. (Isaiah 56:1; Isaiah 56:6; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 2:5; 1 John 3:24).
III. The privileges of this alliance. If we are joined to the Lord we have—
1. Admittance to the fellowship and blessing of His Church (Isaiah 56:5; Isaiah 56:7). Regarded as His true worshippers. Prayers and praises—“spiritual sacrifices,” accepted. The highest possible honours conferred—Divine favour and friendship, &c. (2 Corinthians 5:21, and others). These honours impart true happiness, and are more valuable than any earthly advantage, because eternal and unchangeable (Isaiah 56:5).
2. His life (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:4). Our spiritual life flows from Him. We dwell in Him and He in us. Our life from first to last is life in Christ.
3. His position (Ephesians 2:5-6).
4. His power, wisdom, &c. We have an interest in all that He is, and has (Philippians 4:13, and others).
5. His sympathy. Human, at best, is deficient. Sympathy between the head and members of the body. True of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:26-27; Ephesians 5:30; Acts 9:4).
6. Answers to prayer (John 14:13; John 15:7; John 16:23; 1 John 3:22).
7. Confidence at His coming (1 John 2:28; Colossians 1:24). Then we shall participate in His glory! What wealth of privilege is ours. Language cannot express such glory as this. Who could have conceived that such blessedness could have been ours? Are we realising these privileges? Are we taking God at His word respecting them, &c.? If our privileges are great, great too are our responsibilities. Walk worthy of this relation, &c. CONCLUSION.—
1. This alliance is effected by cordially receiving God’s “salvation” as now “come,” and unhesitatingly accepting His “righteousness” as now “revealed” in Christ (Isaiah 56:1). There need be no doubt or hesitation in appropriating them as your own (2 Corinthians 6:2; Romans 3:22; Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:28-29; Philippians 3:3). “Yield yourselves unto God” through Christ, and the alliance is formed; so simple, and yet so real is the transaction. Then you may testify with humble but assured confidence (Sol. Song of Solomon 2:16).
2. This alliance is maintained by faith (Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 2:6-7).—A. Tucker.