John 15:14

Before Christ proceed to another evidence of his love and friendship, he takes occasion to apply this priviledge of his dying for his friends, to them, upon condition of their obedience: Hereby commending this his friendship, as worthy that they should assure themselves of an interest in it, by friendly carriage and obedience on their part; which makes way for the exhortation to mutual love in particular, which he afterward resumes. Whence learn, 1. Christs offers of friendship are never esteemed of as they ought, unlesse we be stirred up thereby to make sure an interest therein, on right tearms; Therefore doth he take occasion to urge them to make sure of such a priviledge. And indeed, even disciples are not rashly to lay hold on it, but upon sure grounds. 2. There is a real friendship made up betwixt Christ and beleevers, consisting in an intimate conjunction and unity, harmony and aggreement in minde and will, sympathy and fellow feeling, mutual delight in the fellowship of one another, communion in estates and conditions, &c. Therefore, saith he, ye are my friends. See 2 Chron. 20.7. Isa. 41.8. Sam 2.23. 3. Friendship with Christ doth not disengage his friends from dutie, nor will they so far miscarry, as to neglect obedience as bond-servants; for, these two will go together, to be my friends, and to do what I command you. 4. As friendship obligeth to obedience, so only friends to Christ can obey rightly; Friendship will carry them through the hardest of duties, and will make them cordial, cheerful, zealous, universal, and constant, in their obedience; for, in this respect, also, do these go together. 5. Albeit Christ will not over-drive his friends in his service, yet his dominion over them is unlimited, and he will have them to decline nothing which he shall be pleased to enjoyne; for, they must do whatsoever he commandeth. 6. Obedience unto God is a true evidence of friendship with him; And they who, having fled to Christ, do yet keep themselves in the posture of servants, and are willing to do service to him, he will esteeme of them as friends; for, ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. See Jam. 2.23.