C Stanley

John. Quite true. We will, then, now look at what these words do mean. The Lord give us the teaching of the Holy Spirit. And first, it is of importance to notice that these words are not addressed at all to an unconverted sinner, nor even to an individual saint or believer, but to an assembly. “To all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops [or elders] and deacons.” Of course, as the assembly of God is composed of saved individuals in Christ, what is said to the assembly as a whole is said to each individual member, but still in the assembly character. Further, notice, the state of this assembly was such that the apostle could say, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy; for your fellowship in the gospel, from the first until now.” Now, James, do you see that all this must first be settled in your soul before there is a word about working out your own salvation? Are you a saint in Christ Jesus? Remember, to such there is no condemnation, and no separation. (Rom. 8.) All such are accepted in the Beloved. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (Eph. 1:3-8.) In Him they are complete, made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light. For Christ is made to them “wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” (Col. 1:12-14; 2:10; 1 Cor. 1:30.) Thus, if we look at the saint as seen of God in Christ, his salvation is accomplished and eternal, He “having obtained eternal redemption for us.” And all this fully proved to be without works in Romans 3, 4, 5; Galatians 2:16. Nay, as many as are of the principle of works for salvation before God are under the curse.