Sermon XVI - The Desirability of the Object Longed For - Matthew 5:6
that every one of you has an infinite need for it. Even those who have never experienced it, if they come to know it, their hearts would be captivated, turning away from other things and fixating on this righteousness. And for those who have some knowledge of it, if they knew it more deeply, their hunger and thirst would intensify even more.
SERMON XVI
OR The Desirability of the Object Longed For "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." - MATTHEW 5:6
Now I turn to the third point, which is the desirability of this object.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness; it is an exceedingly desirable object, and those who recognize its worth cannot help but long for it—to have a share in it. For First, through this righteousness, all despairing temptations and thoughts due to our lack of righteousness are removed. Many of you are unaware of the strong despairing thoughts that plague the souls when they realize they must deal with an infinitely great God and see the unrighteousness of their hearts and lives. You cannot comprehend the inner turmoil and war within their thoughts. They would give anything to be freed from the anguish and trouble caused by these sinking despairing thoughts and temptations that afflict
their souls. But nothing in the world can remove them except the sight and application of this righteousness of Jesus Christ, as described earlier. Therefore, it is highly desirable.
Secondly, through this righteousness, the soul finds a way to make amends for all the wrong it has done to God through sin. I have wronged God through my sin, and I cannot fathom a way to rectify it.
It would be impossible for angels and humans to conceive of a solution. However, the revelation of this righteousness of Christ, applied to the soul by faith, shows a way to completely rectify all the wrong done to God by my sin. Isn't this desirable? Wouldn't you give anything if you had thousands upon thousands of worlds to make it right again? Here is a way to rectify everything. Oh, what a desirable object this righteousness is.
Thirdly, through this righteousness, the law is completely satisfied, and all its claims are answered. The law has nothing to charge against the soul for any transgressions. This is a desirable thing.
Being freed from the law as a rule of life is not desirable to a gracious heart. Blessed are those who love your law (as a rule of life); nothing shall offend them. They choose the law for themselves; that is desirable. But the claim that the law makes on the soul and the charges it brings against the soul for breaking it— the soul desires to be delivered from this. It is a severe and dreadful evil to stand before God's law, which possesses infinite justice and has such terrifying charges to lay upon me. Oh, that I could be freed from whatever the law has to charge! Well, this righteousness will do it. It will deliver the soul from all the charges the law may bring. Therefore, in Romans 10:4, it is said that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. He is the fulfillment of the law; it finds its perfection in him. You may transfer the demands of the law to your surety, and God will only deal with the surety in this
matter. By possessing this righteousness, you are able to give the law whatever it may claim and discharge it of any charges it may bring against you.
Fourthly, through this righteousness, the eternal risk of perishing is completely eliminated.
When the soul apprehends this righteousness, it perceives within itself a sense of absolute safety and blessed security. If only this righteousness could be applied to my soul, although it's true that there will still be much unrighteousness in me, I know that this remaining unrighteousness will never jeopardize the eternal fate of my soul. The hazard of eternal perishing is completely gone. Isn't this desirable? What would a troubled soul give to know that the risk of eternal perishing is over, especially those who understand the concept of eternity and sense the possibility of perishing in it? Nothing can satisfy the soul except this. If I were to seek satisfaction for my soul's eternal state and deliverance from the risk of perishing through my own efforts, thinking that I will improve my life and do better (even if everyone does the same), the fears will return to the soul. There will be uncertainty whether I will perish forever or not. Perhaps I will, perhaps I won't. I hope God will accept me, but I cannot be certain.
However, when the soul understands that an infinite and glorious righteousness can be applied through the Gospel, it can truly bless itself in Jesus Christ and say, "My soul, return unto thy rest, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." Even though you are unrighteous in yourself, there is a righteousness that frees you from the danger of perishing. You are undoubtedly safe. This righteousness will surely lead you to eternal life, for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. It is impossible for a soul that God the Father looks upon in the righteousness of His Son, a soul as righteous as a believer is through the righteousness of
Christ, to perish eternally or for God to hate them or pour out His avenging wrath upon them. It is impossible; it can never happen.
Fifthly, it is worth hungering and thirsting for this righteousness because through it, we gain access to the throne of grace and can stand boldly before it—before God Himself, before His infinite holiness and justice. We stand not only before God's mercy but also before the very throne of justice. Although I must deal with an infinitely holy and just God, there is a way for me to stand boldly— with holy boldness—before His infinite holiness and justice. Romans
5:1 says, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Through Him, we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand. By Him, we come to have access even to the tribunal of God's justice. Therefore, there is no need to appeal from the justice seat of God to His mercy seat. It is through His mercy that God provides such a way, that He brings us to it, and that He accepts us in it. This enables us to stand before His justice seat, and our pardon is sealed in the court of justice.
Sixthly, this righteousness is a glorious robe that will cover the souls of the saints, the believers, in the presence of God, Christ, and the holy angels when Jesus Christ and God the Father appear. At the great day, they will be adorned and beautified with this glorious robe.
You hear much about the dread of judgment day, the shrill sound of the trumpet, and everyone appearing before the Lord to hear the sentence of their eternal destiny. It may instill terror in some of your hearts. However, this robe of righteousness takes away all the terror of that day. The glorious condition of the saints being clothed with this robe before the Lord... Now those to whom this righteousness is revealed understand the purpose of this righteousness on that day.
And that is the sixth aspect in which it appears so desirable.
Seventhly, there must undoubtedly be a most glorious reward for this righteousness, raising the condition of the saints above that of Adam in Paradise, and even in some respect, above the angels themselves.
If Adam had remained righteous in Paradise, there would have been a righteousness suitable for such a creature, and the angels possess a righteousness suited to their natures. But here is the righteousness of the Son of God, the righteousness of God-man, and it surpasses the righteousness that Adam had or could have had. It is of a higher nature than the righteousness of the angels in heaven. And now, to have this righteousness made over to the soul as its own righteousness, there must be an expectation of a glorious reward for this righteousness. If Adam had remained righteous, he would have lived, but it does not seem that he would have lived anywhere other than Paradise, in this world. However, this righteousness purchases a higher degree of glory than if Adam had ever remained righteous.
The reward for this righteousness must be glorious indeed. And just as the righteousness itself is bestowed upon the soul, so is everything that this righteousness deserves—all the fruits of the Father's good pleasure for the righteousness that His Son offers. They are also made over to the soul, and the soul has a present right to them.
When a poor creature comes to understand a righteousness that surpasses the innocence of Adam, that exceeds the righteousness of angels—the righteousness of the Son of God being made over to it— and all the good that this righteousness deserves, all the fruits of the Father's good pleasure for His Son's righteousness, become mine too.
Oh, how desirable is this when genuinely apprehended by faith.
Eighthly, this righteousness is a perfect righteousness. There is no sinner, at the very instant they become a believer and have this righteousness bestowed upon them, who does not become equal to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, the patriarchs, prophets, angels, and martyrs. There is a great difference between you and those glorious
prophets, saints, and martyrs we read about. There is a vast difference when you consider your blind mind, dull spirit, dead heart, and the multitude of strong lusts within you. Your heart may be dejected when you reflect on this. However, although there is a difference in terms of sanctification, in terms of the righteousness of justification, you are equal to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and any saint who has ever lived in the world. Your justification is equal to theirs.
Certainly, if you knew this, if you believed it, it would seem impossible for you not to desire it with all your heart. You would have a deep hunger and thirst for such a righteousness.
Ninthly, this righteousness is continually presented by Jesus Christ at the right hand of the Father to please Him and ensure acceptance for those to whom it is applied. It is a special work of Jesus Christ's intercession at the right hand of the Father to present this perfect righteousness continually on behalf of those who belong to Him. And for you, though you are vile in this world, filled with sin, to have such a Mediator at the right hand of God the Father constantly presenting a perfect righteousness, so that it may be accepted on your behalf, as if He were saying, "Lord, although these poor creatures are full of unrighteousness, behold my perfect righteousness, which I perfectly obeyed. Accept that righteousness of mine." Isn't this a desirable object? Doesn't this call for strong desires, hunger, and thirst?
Blessed are those who have such a righteousness to be clothed with.
Tenthly and finally, the acceptance that comes from this righteousness does not ebb and flow according to the variation in the gracious workings of our hearts. It remains constant forever. It's true that the Lord takes into account the different workings of our hearts, and in terms of the weakness of sanctification or the level of our progress, there may be a greater or lesser complacency in God's eyes, particularly in the manifestations of His complacency—since what is
God's complacency but His self-revelation towards His creatures?
The Lord is pleased with the righteousness of sanctification as well, as we will discuss later, just as He is pleased with this righteousness.
However, although there may be different expressions of God's favor, and in some respects, we may say that the complacency of God's heart towards His servants may vary based on the difference in their graces in this life, in terms of acceptance for this righteousness, it always remains the same. There is always the same acceptance of this righteousness, and there are no fluctuations in the acceptance of this righteousness for any believer. Oh, how blessed is this righteousness of Jesus Christ, and how desirable an object is it? Now you have heard the third aspect expounded: the workings of the heart in hungering and thirsting after it and the desirability of this righteousness.
The fourth aspect to discuss is the blessedness that accompanies hungering and thirsting for righteousness. Blessed are those who long for it, blessed are they.
Firstly, they come to understand the great mystery of godliness, the way in which God brings humanity to Himself. It is a truly blessed thing for the understanding to be enlightened and perceive the profound plan of God's redemptive work. Most people in the world believe there is only one way for God to reconcile with humanity: sinners must repent, feel remorse, and put an end to their sinful ways. However, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are illuminated by a different heavenly light. The divine light shines upon them, enabling them to comprehend the deep counsels of God regarding His method of reconciling humanity to Himself. Blessed are those whose eyes have been opened, blessed are your eyes for seeing these things, blessed are those who hunger and thirst because of the enlightenment they have received.
Secondly, they are blessed in the present because their hearts are captivated by something of utmost importance. Nothing in all of God's works or in the concerns of mankind and creation holds greater weight than what I am speaking of—the righteousness of the Son of God applied through faith. For most of you, what captures your hearts? It is food, drink, indulgence, merry-making, companionship, and satisfying your lusts. There is no blessedness in these pursuits. But to have a heart that was once consumed by vanity and folly now captivated by a matter of infinite weight and consequence like righteousness—blessed is that heart.
Thirdly, blessed are they because now is the time when the righteousness of Christ is offered to sinners. And blessed are those who, through the work of God, are led into the way that brings them to receive the righteousness of His Son. In this time, as God offers the righteousness of His Son to sinners, imagine if your life had ended before you recognized the excellence of Christ's righteousness and before you developed strong desires for it. You would not have been blessed. But you are blessed because you are alive during this time when God offers His Son's righteousness to sinners. You see your need for it, your heart yearns for it, and you are now on the path that God takes those whom He intends to bestow His Son's righteousness upon. Although you may not fully comprehend that it has been made yours, you are blessed because you are on the path that God uses to bring those whom He plans to bless forever through His Son's righteousness. Not long ago, you were pursuing folly and vanity, giving no thought to these matters. But now God has brought you this far. Blessed are you.
Fourthly, blessed are you who hunger and thirst so ardently for this righteousness, for it is a good sign that faith has already begun its work in your soul. Your intense longing for Jesus Christ provides
evidence that the seed of faith has been sown in your heart.
Otherwise, you would not cling so fervently to Christ. The longing of your soul for Him, an unwavering desire that nothing in the world can diminish, demonstrates that He is already present, stirring your soul to seek Him with great fervor.
Fifthly, and above all, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. This means:
First, all fears and doubts will eventually be removed. Although you have some encouraging hopes, they are mixed with many uncertainties. Yet, you will be satisfied regarding them.
Second, all accusations of Satan will be answered. Satan may clamor against you, but this righteousness will appear in such beauty and glory that it will silence him.
Third, you will be filled. In other words, you will experience the benefits of this righteousness as if you yourself had satisfied and obeyed. Consider this: you will receive the fruit and benefit of this righteousness as if you had satisfied the Law and obeyed it. If it were possible for a creature to satisfy God's justice and fulfill the Law, tremendous rewards would be expected. You will receive as much as if you had borne the punishment your sins deserved. Moreover, greater benefits will come from what Christ has accomplished than if you had fulfilled them yourself. If it were God's way that to be saved, one must endure fiery punishment for thousands of years and perfectly obey His Law, you would consider it a blessed thing to have completed such a task. But now you must understand that if you had done so and God had reconciled with you, you could not expect the same love and acceptance from God as you can upon receiving the satisfaction achieved by Christ's perfect righteousness. Therefore,
you will be filled, as you will receive more than if you had accomplished it yourself.
Fourthly, you will come to know that when God sent His Son to work such a righteousness, He had you in mind. In His eternal counsels,
God determined that His Son should come into the world and work this glorious and eternal righteousness for the benefit of your soul and others. Won't this fill you?
Fifthly, Christ will one day present you before His Father, shining brightly in this righteousness. This is the desirability I previously spoke of, and now I mention it to illustrate how those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.
Lastly, you will eternally enjoy all the fruits of this righteousness.
This will fill you completely, as you partake in the benefits and consequences of such a righteousness. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for this righteousness, for they shall be filled. Thus, we have explored this second branch—the hungering and thirsting for the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
By way of application:
Firstly, the exposition we have just heard will serve as a rebuke to those who have never paid attention to or valued the righteousness we are discussing now. They have never felt any need for it and therefore have never hungered or thirsted after it. I fear that what I say today might sound like riddles to most people. I appeal to your consciences, in the name of God, when has He revealed the glory of this righteousness in its reality to your souls? When have your hearts been captivated by it? Can any private room or chamber testify to the fervent cries you have made to God, seeking your share in this righteousness? When have you experienced such stirrings in your
soul for this righteousness? Lord, I am undone, I will perish forever!
It would have been better for me to have never been born than to be without this righteousness of Your Son. I appeal to you, when has there ever been this kind of working in your hearts? Surely, if you are completely unfamiliar with these hungerings and thirstings for righteousness, you are not among those whom Christ pronounces blessed. You have hungerings and thirstings for other things that cannot benefit you. Here is an object that should raise the desires of a rational creature. Indeed, this is something that should whet your appetite.
Secondly, let what has been said ignite and sharpen your appetites for this righteousness. Say, "O Lord, today You have presented before me, through Your word, a glorious mystery of religion—a righteousness of Your Son—that I either did not know or paid little attention to before. Lord, I see that my happiness depends on it. I am eternally secure if I possess it. It doesn't matter much what happens to me in the world, what becomes of my reputation or wealth, as long as I have this righteousness to clothe me. I will be eternally fulfilled.
Oh, may the heavens hear the cries of souls this evening who long for this righteousness! Or, even if some of you only wonder about the meaning of all this upon hearing it, let there be, at the very least, this result from what has been spoken: spend time alone with God, entreating Him to help you understand what has been said. Surely, it is one of the great mysteries of godliness. You will be ruined forever if you do not grasp it. Therefore, at the very least, cry out to God that He may reveal this to you. This will be a good step towards stirring up your appetite for this righteousness. There are two or three things that may serve to ignite our appetites.
First, consider that you are dealing with a righteous God. We have a remarkable Scripture in Romans 10:3, which states, "For they being
ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." Note that they are ignorant of God's righteousness and therefore seek to establish their own. They have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God. It is as if the Holy Spirit is saying, if they truly knew God's righteousness, they would never be satisfied with their own righteousness. But being ignorant of God's righteousness, they strive to establish their own.
Oh, that God would cause a revelation of His infinite righteousness to your soul tonight! This would truly make you hunger and thirst for it.
Secondly, consider this: the Lord is resolute that His justice must be satisfied. No soul will ever be saved without justice being satisfied for that soul. This is God's determination. Understanding this truth and affirming it as a definite conclusion will greatly stir your heart to seek after this righteousness. God is a God of infinite righteousness, and it is certain that no soul will be saved without God being honoured in His infinite justice as much as in His infinite mercy. So what will become of humanity? If it were not for this satisfaction, they would all perish. This is why all the angels who sinned against God perish eternally—because there is no righteousness for them, no means of satisfying their sin. The same fate would await humanity if God did not determine to have His justice honoured either on them or on a substitute.
Thirdly, know that even Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob, the most righteous and glorious individuals to have ever lived, would be in great trouble without this righteousness. Yes, we can boldly say, woe to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets and apostles if it were not for this righteousness. If these things are indeed true, then we must earnestly pursue the righteousness mentioned here.