And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to
us-ward
who believe
The objects of the divine power here intended, are believers in
Christ; which distinguishes this power from that which was put
forth in creation, and from that which will be displayed in the
resurrection of the dead, and from the power of divine wrath,
which will appear in the damnation of sinners; and shows, that
this power is that which is exerted in the implantation of faith,
and in the continuance of it, and in the finishing of that work;
and that this is a great power, an exceeding great one, a super
eminent one; which is attended with energy and efficacy, and is
irresistible and insuperable: the greatness of this power as
displayed in the work of conversion and faith appears, if it be
considered what the work itself is called, a creation, a
resurrection from the dead, a regeneration, and a transformation
of the man into another man, which must needs require almighty
power; as well as what is then done, some things are removed,
Satan is dispossessed, the stony heart is taken away, the enmity
is slain, the old man is put down from his throne, and put off
with his deeds; and there are some things wrought, Christ is
formed in the soul, his grace is implanted, his image is stamped
on, a new heart is given, and principles of light and life, of
grace and holiness are put; the understanding is enlightened, the
will is subdued, the affections are set on other objects, and the
mind and conscience are cleansed and purified; and the means of
this are the ministers, and ministry of the word, which are weak,
foolish, and contemptible, in the eyes of men; to which may be
added, the opposition made both from within and from without,
from a sinful heart, a tempting devil, and an ensnaring,
reproaching, and persecuting world: so that this work of faith
cannot be ascribed to anything short of the exceeding greatness
of divine power; and which is seen in supporting faith when it is
wrought, under great discouragements; in delivering believers out
of divers temptations; in assisting them to discharge their duty,
and in their final perseverance: and to increase the idea of this
power it is added,
according to the working of his mighty power,
or "according to the energy of the might of his power": the
strength of his power, in all the mighty energy of it, is exerted
towards and upon believers; and which they should know, own, and
acknowledge, to the glory of the grace of God: and this is in
proportion, and agreeably to that power.