The Pulpit Commentary — Colossians — Section 183

del\dening to things e11rthly which has its perfect ideal in absolute death. The world has ·not the attracUons for our deadened hearts that it once had. II. 'l'IIE REBURREOTION TO NEWNESS OF LIFE. (Ver. 1.) Simultaneously with the death to things earthly comes the resnrrection to newness of life. We are re"arded as rising along with Christ out of our grave in trespasses and in sins (Eph. ii. 2---5) and entering into a new life unto God. Our Lord's life after his resurrection is thus the type of our new life. As our Lord entered by resurrection into an immortal life such as he had not before he suffered, according to bis words, " I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for ernrmore;" so believers enter by resurrectiod into a new life essentially different from the old. We have passed by faith "from death unto life." "A resurrection," says Liddon, " is a transfer from one state to another. It is a passage from the darkness of the tomb to the sunshine of the upper air. It is an exchange of the coldness, stillness, corruption of death, for the warmth and move- ment and undecayed energies of life." We have in resurrection attained to "life eternal." III. THE ASCENSION INTO HEAVENLY RELATIONS. (Vers. 1, 2.) Not only does Paul regard believers as "raised together with Christ," but also as bound to ascend in spirit into heavenly relations. "'l'he things which are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God," are to concern us. Our mind is to be set upon these things instead of upon the things that are upon the earth. Having so risen with Christ, we are bound to show the reality of our resurrection by leading a new life and seeking the things that are above. " .As Christ did not break loose from the grave," says Hare, "to tarry on earth, but, having risen from the dead, ascended into heaven, so, instead of lingering among the things of earth, we too should ascend into heaven in heart and mind, and dwell there with him continually.'' Now, suppose we ascended into heaven and sat down with Christ upon his throne (Eph. ii. 6), what should we realize about our relations to heavenly things? 1. We should realize that Christ is our Life. 'l.'ho heavenly world depends consciously upon Jesus for its glorious existence. He is the Life of each and of all. As the source of lifo, he is there beyond the reach of change, an exhaustless Fountain. 2. We should realize that Christ is the Object of supreme affection. The celestial world not only traces all its life to Jesus, but centres all its love in him. 'fo love him with all the soul, heart, mind, and strength is deemed, not the duty merely, but the constant privilego of all. He is the Belovetl One who is loved beyon,l all conception. 3. We should realize that Christ's kingdom and reign are tho supreme concern of the whole heavmly world. .Angels and redeemed ones alike bend in rapturous interest over the progress of Christ's kingdom and inquire doubtless in what ways they can promote it. The heavenly life is thus a life of hope for the triumph of that sacred cnuso which centres in the Son of God. 4. We should realize that Christ's second ad·uent in glory is to be the date qf our glorification with him. The heavenly world not only nwaits Christ's triumph, but also his manifestation as the glorified Saviour. .And in that manifestation of the Son the other sons of God ar.e to share. So that the second advent of Christ into this world is a distinct matter of hope to the celestial inhabitants. Now, in all these ways we can in this life realize heavenly relations. We can regard Christ as our Life, hidden, doubtless, from the eye of sense, but palpable to faith, and rejoice in him as our Divine antl exhaustless Source of life. \Ve can set our heart's supreme affections on him, loving him and all he loves for his own dear sake. We can make his kingdom and reign our supreme concern, every othct· thought bein,., subsidiary and tributary to this. \Ve can, lastly, hope for and love his appearing as the time for the manifestation of the sons of God. 'l'hus shall we live the heavenly life on earth. Thus shall we show that we are more citizens of the other worltl thau of this and that we are contemplating the time of our emigration with satisfaction. we'have acquainttd ourselves with the nature of the country we are going to; we have studied the guide-book and consulted the faithful and truo Witness about heavenly things • the soil and climate of the better land are not altogether unknown. Its holy and fr~grant air, its religious and happy spirit, its bountiful conditions, we have tried to realize, and when we are transferred to it we feel persuaded we shall be at home.- H. M. E. Ycrs. 5-11,-Mortification ajltr death. P,rnl, having s11okon of our death to  180 THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS. [en. m. 1-25,