Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

no longer, "know God after the flesh;" for even if we have known Jesus
Christ after the flesh, we are to know him so no more.
"God is love:" and in this an infinity of breadth, length, depth, and
height is included; or rather all breadth, length, depth, and height are lost
in this immensity. It comprehends all that is above, all that is below, all
that is present, all that is past, and all that is to come. In reference to
human beings, the love of God in its breadth is a girdle that encompasses
the globe, or a mantle in which it is wrapped up. Its length reaches from
the eternal purpose of the mission of Christ, to the eternity of blessedness
which is to be enjoyed by the pure in heart in his ineffable glories. Its
depth reaches to the lowest-fallen of the sons of Adam, and to the deepest
depravity of the human heart; and its height to the infinite dignities of the
throne of Christ.
Whatever is good is from God; whatever is evil is from man himself.
As from the sun, which is the father or fountain of light, all light comes;
so from GOD, who is the infinite Fountain, Father, and Source of good,
all good comes. And whatever can be called good, or pure, or light, or
excellence of any kind, must necessarily spring from him, as he is the
only source of all goodness and perfection.
God dispenses his benefits when, where, and to whom he pleases. No
person can complain of his conduct in these respects, because no person
deserves any good from his hand. God never punishes any but those who
deserve it; but he blesses incessantly those who deserve it not. The reason
is evident: justice depends on certain rules; but beneficence is free.
Beneficence can bless both the good and the evil; justice can punish the
latter only. Those who do not make this distinction must have a very
confused notion of the conduct of divine Providence among men.
Philanthropy is a character which God gives to himself: while human
nature exists, this must be a character of the divine nature. God loves
man: he delighted in the idea when formed in his own infinite mind; he
formed man according to that idea, and rejoiced in the work of his hands.