"Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart." --- 2 Corinthians 3:3.
The image is beautiful and instructing:- "The epistle of Christ written, not in tables of stone," not on a stony heart, but on a heart of flesh; a heart softened by grace, and made capable of good impressions; the heart, the seat of vital religion." So runs the gracious promise, --- Jeremiah 31:33.
The word read and preached is not effectual without the operation of the Spirit of God. By the Spirit, Christians are cast into the gospel mould; thereby get evangelical, spiritual, and heavenly dispositions; Their resemblence to Christ is gradually increased; they have the witness in themselves; have the comfortable experience that they are Christ's, when they can read his image on their hearts. They are manifestly declared to others, that they are the epistles of Christ, by their good conduct and conversation in the world, confessing him before men, and speaking forth his praise. "Holiness to the Lord," is written with lovely characters on this epistle. They also resemble one another in mutual love, and in love to all that bear their Master's image. They are the epistles of Christ, as sealed by his Spirit to the day of redemption; are enabled to show forth the truth, reality and power of religion in times of affliction, and often at a dying hour.
Am I an epistle of Christ? Do I read the epistles of Christ in my Bible, and find them written in my heart? Do I see the finger of God in this Divine book, and feel the finger of his Spirit renewing and reviving my soul? Do I read the mind of God there, and heartily appove of his mind? O blessed discovery! What condescending grace! The great God, by his Spirit, to dictate epistles so loving and kind! the great God, Whom I have offended, to send me pardon, not only in his word, but by his Son also! Do I read the word of reconciliation in his gospel? Do these glad tidings of great joy revive my drooping spirit? I would read this epistle from heaven over and over again. Oh, how much do I find in it, while the Spirit opens my understanding to understand the Scriptures!
Lord, write thy law upon my heart,
For thine epistle I would be;
But write it well on every part,
And make me all resemble thee.