Summarising:

Flavel, J. The Method of Grace, ch. 1

1 Cor 1:30 “—Christ Jesus, whom God has made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.’

Just as the plaster must be applied to the wound, the coat must be worn, the cordial received, so Christ must himself be applied to the heart.

In this text we have,

(a) an enumeration of the chief privileges of believers:

• wisdom, which answers to man’s natural ignorance
• righteousness, which answers to our guilt
• sanctification, which answers to our pollution
• redemption, which answers to the whole range of the effects of sin

(b) the method by which we come into these privileges: _,(i) by receiving the person of Christ

• by personal application
• by the work of God
• Christ’s work is suitable to our needs

Hence: ‘The Lord. Jesus, with all his precious benefits, becomes ours by God’s especial and effectual application.’

1. The application of Christ to us includes not only our justification, but also regeneration, vocation, sanctification, and conversion.

1 Thess 1:5-9 ‘Our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and, with full conviction … You became an example … you turned to God from idols…’

2. The application of Christ is the great end of God’s provision of ordinances and gospel ministries. Eph 4:11,15.

3. All of God’s work in redemption is unavailing without this. So,

• The Father’s election
• The Son’s sufferings, are both alike ineffectual without
• The Spirit’s application

4. The application of Christ makes the first internal difference and distinction among^. men.

• Even the elect, before conversion, are ‘children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.’
• But when Christ is applied, there is a new creation, 2 Cor 5_:17.

5. The application of Christ yields all refreshment and joy in him. The joy of the worldling is passing, and unreal, but the pleasure of the believer is pure and lasting.

6. The application of Christ is a progressive thing.

Prov 4:18 ‘The path of the righteous is like the light of the dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until the full day.’

7. The several blessings entailed in the application of Christ are communicated in different ways.

• Our righteousness is that of Christ’s imputed to us
• Our wisdom and sanctification are imparted to us by the Spirit
• Our redemption is made ours when we are glorified.

Inferences

1. That a naked, destitute, empty thing a sinner is, while unregenerate. He lacks all true wisdom, righteousness, etc.

2. None can claim to be justified (counted righteous) but those who are sanctified.

Tit 5:8  ‘…those have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds.’

3.  How unreasonable and foolish is the sin of infidelity.