John 17:24

In this verse is contained another sute put up by Christ in behalfe of all his people; Wherein, having prayed for their spiritual union among themselves, and for union with him and with the Father through him; he now prayeth for their union in place with himselfe in heaven at last, and describeth the blessed estate of beleevers in heaven. 1. From their company, that they shall be with him where he is. 2. From their exercise, which shall be to behold that glory given unto him, which is further commended from the fountain cause thereof, even the Fathers eternal love to him. Of this glory of Christ compare v. 1, 5. Doct. 1. It is a sweet way to keep our hearts fresh and lively in prayer, when we have many thoughts of that tender relation betwixt God, to whom we pray, and us; Therefore Christ, who began his prayer with the sweet stile of Father, v. 1. doth so often repeat the same, v. 11, here, and v. 25. that the thoughts of that relation might sweeten his heart, and renew his ardour and affection. 2. The thoughts and hope of eternal life ought and will warne beleevers hearts toward God, and excite much alacrity and affection in them; for, so much also doth Christs practice reach, who beginning to speak of his glory flowing from the Fathers love, and of heaven and eternal life to be conferred upon all his followers, his heart warmeth, and he breaketh out with that sweet compellation, Father. 3. While Christ expresseth his petition in these tearmes, I will, it doth not import any imperious commanding way, repugnant to his former way of humble supplication; But it only imports that in this his supplication, he was making his latter Will and Testament and leaving his legacies, which he was sure would be effectual, being purchased by his effectual merits, and prosecuted by his affectionate and earnest requests and intercession, all which are imported in this expression. And so it teacheth us, That as all these things sought in this prayer, are beleevers duty to study after them; So are they Christs legacies, purchased and earnestly prayed for by him, which will certainly be forth-coming to them: for saith he concerning them, I will that they be. 4. Christ is very desirous and much taken up with his peoples fellowship and company, so that before he remove his bodily presence from them, his heart is upon meeting and fellowship again; As here we see in his prayer before his departure. And this he maketh evident from day to day, in that, until that time of meeting come, two or three are not gathered in his name, but he is in the midst of them. 5. Spiritual communion with Christ, will, at last, end in glory, and in communion with him in place in heaven: Christ will never rest satisfied till their begun communion be thus perfected; And however the world and our hearts do, oft-times, look on spiritual communion but as a fancy; Yet heaven shall confirme the reality thereof, and that it was to good purpose to beleeve and wait on: And what difficulties we finde in entertaining communion here, shall then be removed, and we shall get Christ conversed with without an impediment. Therefore, unto the former way of union among themselves, and with him, v. 22, 23. this union in place is subjoyned. 6. Such as have attained to spiritual communion with Christ, and are growing therein, will long after the compleating thereof in heaven, and after union in place with him; As here Christs practice and method doth teach, who after praying for the former, doth ascend higher, to pray for this also. 7. As it is only the elect who are given to Christ, that do attain salvation, and all they do certainly attain it; So whatever preparations Christ work in them in order to their salvation; Yet as free love is the fountain, so it is also the perfecter of their salvation, and grace will be as free in a saved mans account, the last hour, as the first; Therefore, in this sute, Christ doth only designe them, they whom thou hast given me, to intimate, not only, that only such and all such do attain salvation, but also that this is to be looked to as the great cause and fountain of their salvation, as well as of their conversion, Chap. 6, 37. So much also doth he intimate by his praying for their salvation, as well as for their conversion. 8. The glory and happinesse of heaven to the Elect will consist much in being in Christs company, in whom they belight so much on earth; to follow the Lamb whither soever he goeth, and to enjoy him fully, without separation any more; for, so is heaven here described in Christs prayer, that they may be with me where I am, though not secluding the Father in this nor in what followeth, with whom we are through the Son. 9. Christ, the Head of beleevers, is now truly glorious and highly exalted in heaven; His glory being openly declared as God, and he put in possession of glory as man: for, saith he, there is my glory which thou hast given me. 10. Whatever wayes of Christs glory be made manifest, to beleevers on earth, in his Church and his manifestations to them; yet it cannot be fully seen on this side of time, so transcendent and infinite is it; for, it is not till they be with me where I am, that they shall behold my glory. 11. The day is coming wherein beleevers shall be compleatly happy in a sight of Christs glory, when he shall be conspicuously glorified and admired in his Saints, 2 Thes. 1.10. and glorified by them; and when, all veils being laid aside, and they fitted for a more full fruition, shall visibly and immediatly behold and enjoy him; Therefore is their condition in heaven described as consisting in this, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me. 12. Spiritual and heavenly mercies are then rightly seen and acknowledged, when Gods love, as the fountain thereof, affects their heart; for, so much doth Christs practice teach us, who speaking of the glory given him, doth fall out in a commendation of that love whence it flowed, for thou lovedst me. 13. Christ the Mediator is beloved of the Father with an everlasting love, evidenced in his exalting of him in glory, that so sinners may expect to be accepted in him; for, saith he, Thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.