Paul had known what it was to be strong in vain confidence and self-righteous hopes; to be strong in rage and persecution against Christ and his people: but his poor soul had severely smarted for all this. Now that Christ had taken possession of his heart, He was all in all to him; he thought he could never enough recommend Him and His grace to his dear friends. O let us imitate him.
"The grace that is in Christ Jesus:" Because of our low, scanty thoughts of his rich grace, we are low in courage against our enemies, and weak in the joy of our souls. There is much more in this than many suppose, as though Christ came into the world to procure some grace for us, then leaves us to be faithful to it, and thus to secure our own salvation. What kind of grace is this? Not saving grace: if this were all, it would end in our certain destruction; but the grace, or favor that is in Christ towards us, is nothing less than the everlasting love of God to us: an everlasting atonement for our sins: an everlasting righteousness to justify our persons: an everlasting salvation for our souls; and the everlasting consolations of the Holy Ghost, all promised to us in the everlasting Gospel, and enjoyed by faith.
Be strong in this grace: fortify your mind: fence yourself round with it: entrench yourself in it: let your confidence be strong in it against all opposing enemies; be bold in faith; strong in hope; firm in the grace of Christ: rest not in any degree of grace received; but be strong in the fulness of the grace that is in Christ. Are your lusts and corruptions strong? Oppose the almighty grace of Christ to them. Are your doubts and fears strong? Be strong in the precious promises which are in Christ Jesus yea and amen, to the glory of God. 2 Cor. 1:20. Are your conflicts, temptations, and distresses strong? Flee for refuge to Jesus, the hope set before you: there is strong consolation for you! God knowing our distress and dejection through the prevalence of unbelief, has graciously confirmed his council and promise by his oath. Can you, dare you think it possible for God to lie? Then, whatever in nature, sense and feeling oppose, "stagger not at the promise of God through unbelief;" but "be strong in faith, giving glory to God." Rom. 4:20.