[Dec. 9th, 1866.]
Exposition of the passage.
Two views. 1. That (diatheke) here as elsewhere means a covenant. 2. That notwithstanding the context, it means a testament. In either case the passage teaches the same truths; first, the necessity of the death of Christ, and secondly, the benefits which it secures.
I. The Death of Christ was Necessary.—This necessity arises out of the nature of God. It is not a governmental necessity, or one of expediency, but absolute; because we are sinners and God is just. This is an important truth, teaching us that there is no other way in which men can be saved; that no other sacrifice is of any avail; that those who reject this have only a fearful looking for of judgment.
II. The other truth is that the Death of Christ secures us great blessings.
If viewed as a federal offering, it secures the blessings promised in the covenant. If viewed as the death of a testator, it secures to us the inheritance which he has acquired for us. If viewed as a sacrifice, it secures pardon and reconciliation with God.
These different views of the death of Christ are not inconsistent. The one does not exclude the other, as some theologians have assumed. They are only different ways of exhibiting the same truth.
The benefits which Christ has secured are,
- Justification. 2. Sanctification. 3. Reconciliation to God. 4. A title to eternal life. 5. Consequently all the exaltation and blessedness of heaven. Viewed as the death of a testator it secures us these benefits, because this is an inheritance which Christ has acquired for us. Viewed as a federal offering it ratifies the covenant in which these benefits are promised to his people. And viewed as a sin-offering it is a full satisfaction to the justice of God, and not only removes the difficulties in the way of the gift of all these benefits, but renders them certain.
The first and most obvious duty of all who hear the gospel, is to avail themselves of the offer of these benefits. The neglect or rejection of them through indifference or unbelief is the great condemning sin of the world.
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Gratitude and love to the adorable Redeemer, whose sufferings and death have secured to us such blessings.
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The consecration of ourselves to his service. The abiding purpose of consecrating all we have to the advancement of his cause and kingdom.
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Living conformably to the design of his, which was to save us from sin, to deliver us from the power of Satan and to make us fit for heaven.
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The desire and effort to bring others to the knowledge and enjoyment of the benefits of Christ’s death.
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