“Grace is poured into thy lips” (Psalm 45.2.)
Introduction. The poets of Scripture never mention the person of Jesus Christ without falling into rhapsodies at once. Their love scarcely knows how to find language to express itself.
(1) The Plenitude of his Grace. Doctrine dropped like rain from the prophets of old. But when Jesus spoke, grace poured from his lips, for all grace was given him. Imagination cannot conceive words more majestic in goodness, more tender in sympathy, more full of honey than the gracious words that proceeded out of the lips of Jesus Christ. With him is plenteous grace.
(2) The Nature of this Grace. Adam was created with inherent grace, yet he had too little to preserve the uprightness of his character. Ours was spoiled by Adam. Jesus had grace born into him. He was begotten of the Holy Spirit, made of a pure virgin. His body was without pollution; his soul was impeccable. Also, his manhood derived grace from his Godhood. And when Jesus Christ spoke, God the Holy Spirit assisted him; the Spirit was given to him without measure. Jesus Christ, as a preacher, was not as successful as Peter or Paul. Yet Jesus’ words were so full of the Spirit’s quickening power that all conversions are in his name and by his word.
(3) In what Offices Jesus Christ Proves that ‘Grace is Poured into his Lips.’ First, our Saviour is the eternal Surety of the covenant. Respecting salvation, God must be the justifier of the ungodly, and yet remain just. So someone must stand responsible for their obedience and suffer whatever penalties they incur. The Son promised to be that substitute; the Father then swore on his own name that all for whom the Son would atone should be delivered from death and hell. That covenant was spoken in eternity. When Jesus spake into his Father’s ear, the salvation of all saints was secure. Was not grace poured into those lips! Second, he is the greatest of all prophets and teachers. There was some grace on the lips of Moses, for the gospel was couched in the law of Levitical ceremonies. But no learning has in it such depths of wisdom as the wisdom of Christ. Interpret everything by his light. Third, he was the most eloquent of all preachers. His was pathos which could break the stony heart. “Never man spake like this man.” He had no need to ask attention, for ‘grace was poured into his lips.’ Fourth, he is the faithful Promiser. Turn to this promise: “When thou passest through the rivers I will be with thee.” Or this one: “No man shall pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” Fifth, he is the wooer and winner of his people’s hearts. Ah! Christian, do you not remember how sweetly he told you of your sinnership, and with the next word made known your redemption? O! is he not filled with grace as he wins the hearts of his people? Sixth, he is the comfort of all his people. When he draws near to comfort his people, the thickest darkness becomes a blaze of meridian splendor, for ‘grace is poured into his lips.’ Seventh, he is the great Intercessor. He stands before his Father’s throne, points to his breast, and shows his bleeding hands. Our prayers are broken; Jesus gives to the Father his emended edition. Eighth, he is the Counselor. When we stand before the judgment bar of God, Satan will gather evidences of our guilt. Jesus will say, ‘My client pleads guilty; but I have a full pardon signed by God’s own hand, purchased by my own blood.’ Oh! righteous Advocate, ‘grace is poured into thy lips’! Ninth, he is the great Judge of all at last. “Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.” You would not wish to hear those gracious lips utter such a sentence as that to you.
Selection from Conclusion. “Only believe in his name, thou sinner…Wilt thou put thy trust in him?”
