PART V Our Enmity against Christ
God at his beck, and steers his course in duty by outward profit, not by inward pleasure.
PART V Our Enmity against Christ He came unto his own, and his own received him not (John 1:11).
His own by privileges, to whom He gives ordinances, and spiritual meat from His table; His own by profession, who profess they have made a covenant with Him, and yet underhand keep up their ancient agreement with hell. Professions of Christ are no demonstrations of love to Him. We may commend another for his parts and perfections, and yet have a secret grudge against him.
All the pretended love unrenewed men have to Christ hath no better ground than the Turks' love to Mahomet; for it hath no higher spring than education. Had their lot been to be born among them, they would have loved Mahomet with as warm a devotion as now they pretend to love Christ. For they love Him not formally, but love that which they were brought up in the profession of, let it be what it will.
This enmity against Christ reflects upon God Himself. Christ tells us often that He was sent by God. An affront to an ambassador is an injury to the majesty he represents. Despising the embassy of an angel is an act of enmity against God; much more the despising the embassy of His own Son.
This is evident in the practices of men.
[1] First, it is hard to convince men of the necessity of Christ.
You see what little fruit Christ Himself had by all His preaching among the Jews.
[2] Secondly, when men are convinced, they endeavor to stifle those convictions.
We are as untamed and unruly heifers, that will not endure the yoke.
They will break those cords as if they were the most formidable evils, and shake them off from them as if they were vipers upon their hands.
[3] Thirdly, when men cannot stifle their convictions, yet they are loath to come to Christ.
You will not come to me (John 5:40). They would bring something of their own to Him, for they grudge Him the glory of being an entire
Savior. Or if they do come to Christ, it is for ease, not for holiness; for when their troubles are ceased, they return to their vomit.
[4] Fourthly, if men do come, it is a restrained act.
Men are therefore said to be drawn; and it is the mighty power of God that brings them. Did not God overpower the hearts of His people, but leave them to themselves, they would still stand it out in rebellion against God.