1. In the destruction of Satan's empire — [Satan, that " murderer," had introduced sin and death into the world : and by his continual agency he is carrying forward the work of death amongst the sinners of mankind ; and exulting in the multitudes which are daily subjected to his tyrannic sway. But Jesus, we are assured, came to weaken and destroy his empire : " For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the woi'ks of the devil"."
But the point particularly to be noticed is, that Jesus was to accomplish this victory by means of his own death : " By death he was to destroy him that had the power of death." By reason of sin, all the human race were subjected to everlasting- chains of darkness in the regions of despair. But Jesus, nailing to the cross the hand-writing that was against us, has cancelled it for ever. Satan thought, that, when he had so far prevailed as to secure the death of the Lord Jesus, he had gained his cause : but it was that very event which gave the death-blow to all Satan's power, in that it removed the only ground on which Satan could maintain his stand against the children of men. It was by that event that Jesus satisfied the demands
1 1 John xii. 31—33. "^ Luke xxiv. 21, 25—27, 44—46.
" 1 Pet. i. 11. ° 1 John iii. 8.
of Iciw and justice, and discharged the debt which had been contracted by mankind. And, that once discharged by our Surety, we can claim our release from all obligation to pay it ourselves. Hence we are told, that Jesus, whilst upon the cross, " spoiled principalities and powers, triumphing over them openly in itP." Yes, if Jesus had, as some have feigned, gone down himself to hell, and opened the prison-doors to those who were already there, he would not have more signally displayed his power, than he did in his death and resurrection, whereby he vanquished Satan and " led captivity itself captive."]
2. In the deliverance of his own people —
[Death being inflicted as the penalty of sin, and being a prelude to an unknown state, all men by nature dread it. Though many, through pride and thoughtlessness, may brave it on afield of battle, no man can behold its gradual approaches without an awful apprehension of its terrors. But the Lord Jesus would not sulfer that his people should remain in such bondage ; and by his death he has efiectually freed them from it. The sting of death is sin : but he by his death has cancelled sin, and blotted it out as a morning cloud. The offering which has satisfied the justice of the Deity, satisfies the sinner's conscience, and brings perfect peace into the soul. And it was one end of our Lord's death to effect this ; that his people might be brought into perfect liberty, and enjoy a very heaven upon earth. To them death is now become a friend, for whose arrival to look forward with eager desire i : it is numbered amongst their trea- sures also"^ ; and all fear, either of its present terrors, or future consequences, is removed. " The Son has made them free ; and they are free indeed."]
Address —
1. The captive sinner — [How lamentable is it that the effects of Jesus' death should be so limited, as we see they really are ! Though Satan is a vanquished enemy, there are but few who will " put their foot upon his neck." Many are his willing captives still : and love the chains wherewith he binds them^ O, beloved, what an awful thought is it, that to multitudes the incarnation and death of Christ are a curse, rather than a blessing ! " Had he never come to die ibr them, they had not (comparatively) had sin : but now they have no cloak for their sin : " and the state of Sodom and Gomorrha is less terrible than theirs. "When will ye lay this to heart, O ye who " walk according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of