manner of his death, and in his resurrection from the dead. He then comes to apply the subject to their hearts and consciences, combining all the tenderness of a brother with all the fidelity of an Apostle. In opening to you that part which we have just read, we shall notice,
I. The declaration made —
It had been said by our Lord after his resurrection, that " repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations*." And here St. Paul, executing his commission, declares that this way of salvation was,
1. Divinely appointed —
[There is no doubt or hesitation to be seen in his mode of expressing this truth : on the contrary, he speaks with most assured confidence; " Be it known to you, brethren, that through this man is the forgiveness of sins : " Be it known, that his death was a propitiation for sin, — that by that sacrifice, Divine justice has been satisfied,— -that through it God is reconciled to a guilty world, — and that he has committed to us the ministry of reconciliation, and sent us on purpose to preach to you the forgiveness of your sins in his nameb. These are truths of infinite importance to every child of man : and we declare them without even a shadow of doubt upon our own minds ; and desire that they may be embraced by you with the fullest assurance of your minds, and the liveliest gratitude of your soulsc.
Beloved brethren, we announce the same glorious truths to you. Who amongst you is not a sinner before God ? Who does not need such a Saviour ? Who has not reason to leap for joy at having such a method of forgiveness proposed to him? Know ye then, that " to you is the word of this salvation sentd;" and " we, as God's ambassadors, pray you in Christ's stead, Be ye reconciled to Gode."]
2. Universally effectual —
[There is no distinction now made between Jews and Gentiles: the word is no longer confined to one age or country; " it is gone forth unto the ends of the world." Nor is there now any distinction of sins, as far as relates to the forgiveness of them through the blood of Christ. Under the law, there were many sins for which no sacrifice whatever could be accepted. The adulterer and the murderer, for instance, were
a Luke xxiv. 47. b 2 Cor. v. 18, 19. c 1 Tim. i. 15.
(1 ver. 26. e 2 Cor. v. 20.