servedly, but it is only through the one channel cf Christ's redemption. He that rejects Christ cuts himself off from God's love, and will perish evedastingly. — On the other hand, we must beware of narrow and contracted opinions. We must not hesitate to tel] any sinner that God loves him. It is not true that God cares for none but His own elect, or that Christ is not offered to any but those who are ordained to eternal life. There is a " kindness and love" in God towards all mankind. It was in consequence of that love that Christ came into the world, and died upon the cross. Let us not be wise above that which is written, or more systematic in our statements than Scripture itself. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. God is not willing that any should perish. God would have all men to be saved. God loves the world. (John vi. 32 ; Titus iii. 4 ; 1 John iv. 10 ; 2 Pet. iii. 9 ; 1 Tim. ii. 4 ; Ezek. xxxiii.
11.)
These verses show us, thirdly, the peculiar plan by which the love of God has provided salvation for sinners. That plan is the atoning death of Christ on the cross. Our Lord says to Nicodemus, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted I up, that Avhosoever believeth in Him should not perish, I but have eternal life."
By being " lifted up," our Lord meant nothing less than His own death upon the cross. That death. He would have us know, was appointed by God to be "the life of the w^orld." (John vi. 51.) It was ordained from all eternity to be the great propitiation and satisfaction for man's sin. It was the payment, by an Almighty Substitute and Representative, of man's enormous debt to God. When Christ died upon the cross, our many sins were laid upon Him. He was made " sin" for us. He was made " a curse" for us. (2 Cor. v. 21 ; Gal. iii. 13.) By His death He purchased pardon and complete redemption for sinners.