and adores the depth. Those who know most in this imperfect state, feel their own weakness most.
There is not only depth in the Divine counsels, but riches; abundance of that which is precious and
valuable. The Divine counsels are complete; they have not only depth and height, but breadth and
length, Eph 3:18, and that passing knowledge. There is that vast distance and disproportion between
God and man, between the Creator and the creature, which for ever shuts us from knowledge of
his ways. What man shall teach God how to govern the world? The apostle adores the sovereignty
of the Divine counsels. All things in heaven and earth, especially those which relate to our salvation,
that belong to our peace, are all of him by way of creation, through him by way of providence, that
they may be to him in their end. Of God, as the Spring and Fountain of all; through Christ, to God,
as the end. These include all God's relations to his creatures; if all are of Him, and through Him,
all should be to Him, and for Him. Whatever begins, let God's glory be the end: especially let us
adore him when we talk of the Divine counsels and actings. The saints in heaven never dispute,
but always praise.
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
Believers are to dedicate themselves to God. (1, 2)
To be humble, and faithfully to use their (3–8)
spiritual gifts, in their respective stations.
Exhortations to various duties. (9–16)
And to peaceable conduct towards all men, (17–21)
with forbearance and benevolence.Verses 1, 2
The apostle having closed the part of his epistle wherein he argues and proves various doctrines
which are practically applied, here urges important duties from gospel principles. He entreated the
Romans, as his brethren in Christ, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies as a living sacrifice
to Him. This is a powerful appeal. We receive from the Lord every day the fruits of his mercy. Let
us render ourselves; all we are, all we have, all we can do: and after all, what return is it for such
very rich receivings? It is acceptable to God: a reasonable service, which we are able and ready to
give a reason for, and which we understand. Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the
mind; a change, not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul. The progress of sanctification,
dying to sin more and more, and living to righteousness more and more, is the carrying on this
renewing work, till it is perfected in glory. The great enemy to this renewal is, conformity to this
world. Take heed of forming plans for happiness, as though it lay in the things of this world, which
soon pass away. Do not fall in with the customs of those who walk in the lusts of the flesh, and
mind earthly things. The work of the Holy Ghost first begins in the understanding, and is carried
on to the will, affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness