198 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.

The meaning of this promise is, that the power of Satan shall never destroy the people of Christ. He that brought sin and death into the first creation^ by tempting Eve, shall never bring ruin on the new creation, by over- throwing believers. The mystical body of Christ shall never perish or decay. Though often persecuted, afflicted, distressed, and brought low, it shall never come to an end. It shall outlive the wrath of Pharaohs and Koman Emperors. Visible churches, like Ephesus, may come to nothing. But the true Church never dies. Like the bush that Moses saw, it may burn, but shall not be con- sumed. Every member of it shall be brought safe to glory. In spite of falls, failures, and short-comings — in spite of the world, the flesh, and the devil — no member of the true Church shall ever be cast away. (John x. 28.)