2. The truth—
[As the Disciples might not be able to reconcile this with the ceremonial law, which appeared to prescribe other means of access to God, our Lord informed them that the legal sacrifices were only shadows, of which he was the substance; and figurative representations, of which he was the truth. There had been many persons raised up as saviours and deli- verers. Many different things also were intended to mark out the way of salvation : the manna from heaven ; the water from the rock ; the brazen serpent ; the daily sacrifices, with innumerable others ; but they all pointed at him as the one true source of reconciliation, of healing, of spiritual vigour, and of eternal salvation. He was the one scope and end of all, in whom all were united; from whom all derived their efficacy ; and by whom they all were both accomplished and annulled.]
3. The life- fit would have been to but little purpose to direct his
Disciples in what way to go, if he had not told them how they might obtain life and strength to walk in that way. They, as well as all others, were by nature dead in trespasses and sins. Jesus therefore added yet further, that he was " the life." By this we are not to understand merely that Jesus is the author and giver of life : but that he is really to the soul what the soul is to the body. Without the soul, the body is altogether motionless and senseless. It is the soul that animates, as it were, the different members, and enables them to perform their proper functions. So, without Christ, the soul has no spiritual motion or perception : it is from its union with Christ that it has a sufficiency for any thing that is good0. Christ must live in the soul, as the soul does in the body. If we live, it is not roe that live, but Christ that liveth in usd." Hence He both calls himself e, and is called by others f, " our life."]
This description will appear of the greatest import- ance, if we consider,
II. His declaration founded upon it —
Many are the ways which men have devised of coming unto God —
[Some have sought for mediators among their fellow- creatures. Others have trusted in their own repentances and reformations Innumerable are the refuges of lies in
c John xv. 5. 2 Cor. iii. 5. d Gal. ii. 20.
e John xi. 25. '" Col. iii. 4.