GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES.

Vers. 4–7. Formalism tested and found wanting

  1. The best that formalism can do for man, in religious lineage, reputation, zeal, and strictest outward observances, has been experimentally exemplified (vers. 5, 6).
  2. The most distinguished champion of formalism has confessed its utter inadequacy to satisfy the soul (ver. 4).
  3. The highest advantages of formalism are worthless compared with Christ (ver. 7).

Ver. 8. The Excellent Knowledge of Christ—

I. Is extensive.—Apprehends Him in all those notions and respects wherein the Gospel principally discovers Him.

II. Appropriating.—Christ Jesus my Lord.

III. Effectual.—Has a powerful efficacy both upon heart and life, both upon judgment, affection, and practice.

IV. Fiducial.—It brings the soul to rest upon Christ and His righteousness alone for pardon, acceptance, salvation.

V. Useful.—He that has it studies to improve Christ, to make use of Him for those blessed and glorious purposes for which he knows Christ is given.

VI. Christ Himself is most excellent.—1. There is nothing in Him but what is excellent. 2. All excellencies in the creatures are eminently to be found in Christ. 3. All these excellencies are in Him in a more excellent manner; perfectly, without any shadow of imperfection; infinitely, without any bounds or limits; eternally and unchangeably, they ebb not, they wane not, they are always there in the full, they alter not, they decay not. 4. Not only all that are in the creatures, but innumerable more excellencies than are in all the creatures together, are in Christ alone.