[VI.] [There are three very distinct aspects of the death of Christ which, to apprehend clearly, is of unspeakable value to the soul.
1st. That which is typified in the blood of the paschal lamb on Israel's doors in Egypt. This is the judgment of God against the sinner in the person of the Substitute provided for him. Rom. iii. 23-27 applies to this.
It brings peace to the soul who believes, for his judgment is passed. Christ has borne it in our stead.
2nd. As revealed at the passage of the Red Sea. There it is fully manifested that God is _for_ His people; He has completely overcome their enemy and freed them from his power forever. The prince and his hosts, who ruled over them unto death, are drowned in the sea. God's people have passed out of his dominions, and can now go on with God in perfect freedom. No condemnation remains. Henceforth, to faith, Satan is a vanquished foe. God's people are delivered; they can now, in settled peace, worship, praise, and serve their God. Blessed, holy deliverance and service! Rom. vi.-vii. gives the full teaching of this aspect of the death of Christ.
3rd. As seen in the passage of Jordan. There is no judgment to escape there; no foe pressing behind. It is a question of entering the good land which is just across. It is the death of Christ here as _the ending of His people's history_ _as children of Adam_; that, by resurrection, He may now introduce them, as having died and risen with Him, into the place of glory where He has gone. By this it can be said, "As He is, so are we in this world" (I John iv. 17)
Col. ii. 10-iii. 4, is the New Testament doctrine of this precious truth. ED.]