Andrew Fuller Friday: Fuller on the Goodness of the Cross

The cross of Christ, instead of issuing in disgrace, is followed with glory. His friends learned to glory in it; yea, and to glory in nothing else: and well they might. It was glorious to see the powers of darkness stripped naked, as it were, to their shame; to see Satan foiled by the woman’s Seed, and his schemes exposed to the derision of the universe; to see him taken in his own net, and falling into the pit that himself had digged. It was glorious to contemplate the numerous and important bearings of this one great event. By this the Divine displeasure against sin is manifested in stronger language than if the world had been made a sacrifice;—by this a way is opened for the consistent exercise of mercy to the chief of sinners;—by a believing view of this peace arises in the mind, and at the same time purity in the heart;—for this he is crowned with glory and honour in the heavens, principalities and powers being made subject to him. This is the only hope of a lost world, the only medium of acceptance with God, and the only admissible plea in our approaches before him. This it is which will put every grace in exercise in this world, and impart all the happiness in that to come of which created minds are susceptible.

These are a few of the bearings of the doctrine of the cross. Is it any wonder that angels should desire to look into it? Rather is it not matter of wonder and shame that we, who are more immediately interested in it than they, should be so far behind? How is it that we should be the last to bring back the King, who are his bone and his flesh! Our Redeemer took not upon him the nature of angels; yet they love him, and the gospel of salvation by him: and wherefore? They love God, and therefore rejoice in every thing that glorifies him in the highest;—they love men, and therefore rejoice in that which brings peace on earth and good-will to them;—they rejoice in every instance of the prosperity of Christ’s kingdom, and in being themselves made subject to him. Had we but their love, with our interest, we should not only emulate, but exceed their highest praise. While they, in innumerable myriads, were saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing,” we should not only say, “Amen;” but add, “Thou art worthy; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation!”

 

Excerpt: Fuller, Andrew. “Truth the Object of Angelical Research”in Various Passages.

Fuller, A. G. (1988). The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller: Memoirs, Sermons, Etc. (J. Belcher, Ed.) (Vol. 1, p. 665). Harrisonburg, VA: Sprinkle Publications.

By |March 30th, 2018|Categories: Andrew Fuller Friday|

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