Ministers to Continue Tilt the Church be Perfect
T. Boston, D. D. Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man… I. THAT THE OFFICE AND WORK OF THE MINISTRY IS TO CONTINUE TILL ALL THE ELECT OF GOD BE FULLY PERFECTED, AND THE CHURCH ARRIVE AT ITS FULL GROWTH. 1. That Christ's presence is promised to the ministry always, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20); now this supposeth the existence of the ministry till then. 2. The sacraments are to continue till then, and consequently a ministry by which they may be dispensed. As to baptism, it is plain from that (Matthew 28:20). And as for the sacrament of the supper, it must continue till the Lord come again. 3. The Scripture holds forth public ordinances, in which the Lord keeps communion with His people, never to be laid aside till they come to glory. It is one of the singularities of the upper house, that there is no temple there (Revelation 21:22). Here they look through the lattices of ordinances, till they come to see face to face in heaven. Reasons of the doctrine. It must continue. 1. Because the ministry is a mean of the salvation of the elect. While there is a lost sinner to seek, the Lord will not blow out the candle; and while the night remains, and till the sun arise, these less lights are necessary to be continued in the Church. 2. The ministry is appointed of Christ, in some measure to supply the want of His bodily presence in the world. 3. Because their work which they have to do, will continue till then. They are ambassadors for Christ, and while He has a peace to negotiate with sinners, He will still employ His ambassadors. 4. What society can be preserved without government and governors. Every society hath its governors, and so the Church must have hers also. II. THE DIVERSITY OF GIFTS BESTOWED ON MINISTERS HATH A TENDENCY TO, AND IS DESIGNED FOR ADVANCING OF UNITY AMONG GOD'S ELECT PEOPLE, FOR UNITY IS THE CENTRE OF ALL THESE DIVERS GIFTS. These are as the strings of a vial, some sounding higher, others lower; yet altogether making a pleasing harmony. There are many things necessary to make a compact building, such as the Church is. Some must procure the stones, some lay them; some smooth and join the wood, and altogether make a compact uniform house. III. Whatever differences are now among the godly, YET A PERFECT UNITY IS ABIDING THEM, IN WHICH THEY SHALL ALL HAVE THE SAME APPREHENSIONS AND VIEWS OF SPIRITUAL THINGS. To confirm this, consider — 1. The perfect unity of the elect of God, is that which is purchased by the blood of Christ, and therefore must needs take effect. 2. This unity is prayed for, by the great Mediator, whom the Father heareth always, and whose intercession must needs be effectual (John 17:21-23). 3. The same Spirit dwells in the head and in all the members, though not in the same measure. This Spirit hath begun that union, and is still at the uniting work; and it consists not with the honour of God, not to perfect that which He hath begun. 4. The occasion of the discordant judgments that are among the people of God, will at length be taken away. There is great darkness now, in those that have the greatest share of light and knowledge. IV. THAT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST SHALL AT LENGTH ARRIVE AT ITS FULL GROWTH IN GLORY, AS A MAN COME TO PERFECT AGE. Then shall it be perfect in parts, every member being brought in, and in degrees every member being at its full growth. How does the heir long till the time of his minority be overpast that he may get the inheritance in his hands. V. Then, and not till then, comes the Church to perfection, WHEN EVERY MEMBER THEREOF IS BROUGHT TO A PERFECT CONFORMITY WITH CHRIST, bearing a just proportion to Him, as members proportioned to the head. VI. AS IS OUR FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST, SO IS OUR GROWTH AND PERFECTION. It is the knowledge of Christ, that introduces us to the blessed state of perfection. The more we believe in, and know Christ, the nearer are we to perfection; and when these are come to their perfection, then are we at our full growth. (T. Boston, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: WEB: until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;