And one who by faith has been restored to life, shall, by the exer- cise of the same faith, be preserved even to the end : no enemy shall
prevail against him, or separate him from the Redeemer's love
His body may die even as others : but his soul shall live for ever ; and his body too be raised again to be partaker of its bliss.]
II. The interrogation founded upon it — This may be understood as put to Martha,
1. In a way of inquiry —
[Even she might profitably examine whether her faith in him was genuine. And much more does a similar inquiry become us. Let it not be supposed that all who are called Christians possess this
faith : in truth, but few possess it Yet is it that alone which
will ensure to us eternal life.]
2. In a way of reproof —
[Her grief on this occasion, though natural, was, on the whole, carried to excess : and the question, thus put to her, might intimate, that her principles were not operative to a just extent. The proper office of faith was to compose her mind under all trials, and to elevate her above all the things of time and sense. Are any of you then greatly agitated, and sinking under the weight of your trials ? Re- member how unsuitable this is to your high calling : and beg of God that your faith and patience may have their proper work.]
3. In a way of encouragement —
[What can any person want, who has such a Saviour to go unto, and such privileges to enjoy ? Surely in him there is all fulness for a supply of all our wants : and in our prospects of eternal life all other things should, as it were, be lost, like the stars before the rising sun. Brethren, behold your Saviour possessed of " all power in heaven and in earth." Behold him engaged for you, and exercising all his powers for you. He is " the Resurrection," that you may rise ; " the Life," that you may live. Through him you do live : through him you shall live. Nor need you be afraid of death : for to you it shall be the gate of heaven, the commencement of a glorious and everlasting life.]
N. B. The references in the former will afford suitable quotations for the illustration of this. And if it were a Funeral Discourse, the two latter heads might be profitably addressed to the surviving friends.