glorycloud's Diaryland Diary ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- the illuminated soul is truly happy "In our text, Paul contrasts this blindness with "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." He addresses the light that is essential and requisite in a truly converted person. In our text, we observe (1) the benefit of the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ, and then (2) the moving cause of this light. God commanded the light to shine out of darkness and "hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." First, observe the benefit of the light of the knowledge of God's glory. This light has to do with the supernatural illumination of the heart, without which repentance cannot follow. It also has to do with the light whereby man is rendered fit to illuminate others by his instruction, for in the preceding verses Paul referred to himself as an apostle and teacher. He thus expounds the last part of the preceding verse. He states further that this light was of the knowledge of the glory of God. Thus, it does not pertain to some earthly skills, but to God's perfections. It pertains to the most glorious mysteries whereby the Lord is glorified. It pertains particularly to God's counsel regarding man's salvation and glory. Therefore, the soul beholds God's glory, as well as the fact that everything exists for Him (Rev. 4:11). The soul then beholds God's all-sufficiency (Gen. 17:1), and the more he reflects on this, the more he loses himself in wonder and awe. The beholding of God's all-sufficiency and His infinite glory constitutes our felicity (John 17:3; Matt. 5:8). The greater our knowledge of God's glory and worthiness, the more we see that all creatures must exist for God, and that it is God alone of whom and to whom we live and have our being (Rom. 11:36). This understanding powerfully influences man daily to turn more and more from self-from his own profit, ease, pleasure, and advantage. By heavenly light, the soul learns to see that God alone is worthy. Hereby the soul perceives within himself as great an inclination toward God's glory as to his own salvation-two things that are inseparable from each other. It is then that the illuminated soul is truly happy. The soul does not behold God's all-sufficiency only in Himself, but also for and to the benefit of His creatures-especially rational creatures. When a soul begins to know God in this fashion, he begins to know God as He is, and that constitutes the salvation of the soul." pg. 96,97 "A Spiritual Appeal To Christ's Bride" Jodocus van Lodenstein (1620-1677) 11:45 a.m. - 2014-02-14 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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