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{Sermons on Ephesians 5:15
The Doctrine Explained
Precisians Are Proved to Be Not Fools
They Have the Treasures of Wisdom
They Have Gotten the Pearl}
Precisians have gotten the Pearl of Great Price. Christ is theirs. They are those merchants (Matthew 13:45–46) who have sought excellent pearls and have found the pearl of greatest price: “the Beloved who is mine” (Song of Solomon 2:16; 6:3) and “that cornerstone which is laid in Zion, a precious stone” (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 1). Christ is theirs, the Pearl who is the price of souls and the Ransom that was paid for them. He is the food of souls, their bread and water, the living bread, the water of life, and that which whoever eats and drinks of it will live forever (John 6:51). He is theirs; God has given Him whom they sought: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6 ESV). He has become their own and they call Him their own. “My Lord and My God!” said Thomas (John 20:28). “My Savior,” said Mary (John 20:16).99 This is the richest of treasures; Christ includes all other treasures in Himself. Christ will supply all their necessities and make up all of their losses. Those who have Christ as theirs lack nothing. Other people have riches, and I have none, says the saint, but Christ is mine. Other people have friends in the world, and I have none, but oh, I have Christ to be my friend. Other people live at ease in their pleasures, but it is not so with me; but, Christ is mine and I find rest and pleasure enough in Him. When I look on the pomp, glory, and revelry of the world, I must say that these are not mine. When I look upon the rich fields, the pleasant valleys, the fruitful hills, the oxen and sheep, the gold and silver of the earth, I must say that these are not mine.100 But yet, the Pearl is mine and that is all things to me.
99Actually, Mary addressed Jesus as “Rabboni.”
100The believer acknowledges the truth that all things belong to God; he thus sees himself to be a caretaker or steward of his Master’s goods, some of which God usually provides for the believer’s sustenance and use.
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