consequently, if once endured by us, could never be remitted. But, when it was impossible for us to restore ourselves to God's favour, we were reconciled to him by Christ's obedience unto death"; and to effect this reconciliation was the very end for which he laid down his life0.]
2. To the enjoyment of his presence in this world —
[The holy of holies was inaccessible to all except the high-priest ; nor could even he enter into it except on the great day of annual expiation?. But at the very instant of our Lord's death, while the Jews were worshipping in the temple, the vail was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, and the most holy place was opened to the view of all q. This was intended to declare, that from henceforth all might have the freest and most intimate access to Godr. All are now made priests unto Gods; and, in this new and living way, may come to his mercy-seat to behold his glory, and to enjoy his love1.]
3. To the possession of his glory in the world to come —
[It was not only to save us from condemnation, but to exalt us to everlasting happiness, that Jesus died. The salva- tion which he procured for us, is a " salvation with eternal glory u." The robes in which the celestial spirits are arrayed, were washed in his bloodx; and all the ransomed hosts unite in ascribing to him the felicity they enjoy y. Nothing short of this could answer the purposes of his love z ; and the accom- plishment of this was the ultimate end of all he suffered'"1.]
Before we conclude this subject, let us contemplate —
1. How great is the love of Christ to our fallen raceb!
2. How cheerfully should we endure sufferings for his sakec!
3. How inexcusable will they be who continue still at a distance from their Godd!
" Col. i. 21, 22. Rom. v. 10. ° Eph. ii. 16.
p Heb. ix. 7, 8. i Matt, xxvii. 50, 51. r Eph. ii. 13, 18.
s Rev. i. 6. * Heb. x. 19—22. and xii. 18—24.
11 2 Tim. ii. 10. x Rev. vii. 14. y Rev. v. 9, 10, 12.
z John xvii. 24. a Heb. ii. 9, 10.
b Who would do any thing like this for a fellow-creature ? Rom. v. 7, 8. Neither Moses, Exod. xxxii. 32 ; nor St. Paul, Rom. ix. 3. thought of any thing like this. See the Discourse on Rom. ix. 1 — 5.
c Compare ver. 14. with the text, and Heb. xiii. 12, 13. ana Acts v. 41. d John xv. 22. a fortiori, and Heb. ii. 3.
,.;s 1 PETER, III. 21. [2404.