It should seem that Zaccheus was under
soul-distress but a little while; perhaps (says Guthrie, in his book entitled, The
Trial Concerning A Saving Interest In Christ) not above a quarter of an
hour. I add, perhaps not so long: for, as one observes, sometimes the Lord
Jesus delights to deliver speedily. God is a sovereign agent, and works upon
his children in their effectual calling, according to the counsel of his
eternal will. It is with the spiritual, as natural birth: all women have not
the like pangs; all Christians have not the like degree of conviction. But all
agree in this, that all have Jesus Christ formed in their hearts: and those who
have not so many trials at first, may be visited with the greater conflicts
hereafter; though they never come into bondage again, after they have once
received the spirit of adoption. “We have not, (says Paul) received the spirit
of bondage again unto fear.” We know not what Zaccheus underwent before he
died: however, this one thing I know, he now believed in Christ, and was
justified, or acquitted, and looked upon as righteous in God's sight, though a
Publican, chief among the Publicans, not many moments before. And thus it is
with all, that, like Zaccheus, receive Jesus Christ by faith into their hearts:
the very moment they find rest in him, they are freely justified from all
things from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses; “for by
grace are we saved, through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of
God.”
Say not within yourselves, this is a
licentious Antinomian doctrine; for this faith, if true, will work by love, and
be productive of the fruits of holiness. See an instance in this convert
Zaccheus; no sooner had he received Jesus Christ by faith into his heart, but
he evidences it by his works; for, ver. 8,
we are told, “Zaccheus stood forth, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the
half of my goods I give unto the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any
man by false accusation, I restore him four- fold.”
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