EVIDENCES OF FORGIVENESS. 157 of truth," which from him is expressed in the word, and from and by the word impressed on the hearts of believers; so that, as it has pleased God that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge should be in him, dwell in him, have their principal residence in him, Col. 2 3; so the whole word is but a revelation of the truth in Christ, or an expression of his image and likeness to the sons of men. Thus we are said to " learn the truth as it is in Jesus." Eph. 4. : 21. It is in Jesus originally, and from him is communicated to us by the word. We are thereby taught, and do learn it; for thereby, as the apostle proceeds, " we are renewed in the spirit of our mind, and do put on the new man, which, after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness," verse 23, 24. First, the truth is in Jesus; then it is expressed in the word : this word, learned and believed, becomes grace in the heart, every way an- swering to the Lord Christ's image, from whom this transforming truth did thus proceed. Nay, this is carried by the apostle yet higher, namely, toGod the Father him- self, whose image Christ is, as believers are his, through the word : " We all with open face, beholding, as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord," 2 Cor. 3 : 18 ; to which add, chap. 4 : 6, " God, who commanded light to shine out of darkness, hath shined into our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ." The first pattern or example of all truth and holiness, is God himself, of whom Christ is the image, " the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person." Heb. 1 : 3. " The imageof the invisible God." Col. 1:15. Hence we are said to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ; because he being his image, the love, grace, and truth of the Father are re- presented and made conspicuous in him. We are said
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