us:a Christ gave himself up as our surety, on purpose to redeem us from itb : it shall have no more power over us than a dead man over the wife that survives himc. Sin also shall be cast down from the throne which it has erected within us ; nor, though it may renew its assaults, shall it ever regain its dominion d. Christ will never suffer this great end of his death to be frustrated e. Satan himself too shall yield to the all-conquering arm of Jesus f, and flee from the face of the very meanest of his saints; g Nor shall death appear any longer formidable as an enemy h ; it shall be accounted our gain, and numbered amongst our treasures1.]
2. He will introduce us to a state of perfect free- dom—
[There is " a glorious liberty into which God's children shall be brought." Christ will pour into their hearts a spirit of adoption k, and admit them to the most intimate fellowship with himself1. The most difficult duties also he will render pleasant to their soulsm; nor will he confine his blessings to this present life. To all eternity shall his redeemed delight themselves in him : their capacity of enjoyment shall be in- conceivably enlarged ; and every power be freely exercised in its proper functions.]
Inferences —
1. How glorious a Saviour is Jesus Christ! [There is no bond-slave whom he will not liberate. He
offers too this liberty " without money, and without price." He even esteems himself glorified in conferring it upon us. Let us all admire and adore his goodness, and by faith apply to him for this perfect freedom.]
2. How just will be the condemnation of those that perish !
[None ever perish but through their own fault ; their condemnation is the consequence of their obstinate attachment to the bonds in which they are held". O that men would reflect how they will one day condemn themselves ! Let it be remembered that such offers of mercy will never be made to us in the eternal world. This is a day of grace ; but there will come a day of vengeance °. Let every one then lay the blame where it is justly due, and follow without delay the salutary advice of David p — ]
a Rom. viii. 1. b Gal. hi. 13. c Rom. vii. 1 — 4.
d Rom. vi. 6—14. e Tit. ii. 14. » Rom. xvi. 20.
s Contrast 2 Tim. ii. 26. with Jam. iv. 7. h 1 Cor. xv. 55.
1 Phil. i. 23. 1 Cor. hi. 22. " * Rom. viii. 15.
1 Rev. hi. 20. m Ps. cxix. 32. n John hi. 19.
0 Isai. lxi. 2. p Ps. ii. 12.