“THERE is therefore” (note the “therefore,” the divine reason for the security of God’s people) “now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:11There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1).) Observe that all true believers are in Christ Jesus―it is the common standing for them.
IN CHRIST, MADE NIGH.
“In Christ Jesus ye” ―note the ye and we in the Epistle, the ye being the Gentile, the we the Jew― “who sometimes were afar off” (absolute strangers to God) “are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Observe the “in Christ,” who is in heaven, and the means whereby we are made nigh―His blood shed on earth.)
IN CHRIST, A NEW CREATION.
“If any man” (some might be religious, some profane) “be in Christ, he is a new creature.” (2 Cor. 5:1717Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17).) He is not an improved creature, an amended creature, but a new one.
IN CHRIST, CREATED UNTO GOOD WORKS.
“We are His workmanship” ―not our own formation― “created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” (Eph. 2:1010For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10).) We might have thought the text would end, “created unto glory!” No: to walk here even as Christ walked; to fulfil our little pathway even as God has preordained.
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THE INFLUENCE OF THE JESUITS IN ENGLAND.
“STILL more disturbing, perhaps, [to Cardinal Manning] was the fear of the Jesuits. To promote higher studies was their special work and mission. They had ample means at their command. They were a well-organized and powerful body . . . already their influence over the more educated Catholic laity of England was firmly established ... Other bishops did not share his prejudice. . . .” See “The Life of Cardinal Manning” —Purcell, Vol. II., p. 495.