mh_parser/vol_split/47 - 2Corinthians/Chapter 5.xml

<div2 id="iiCor.vi" n="vi" next="iiCor.vii" prev="iiCor.v" progress="52.38%" title="Chapter V">
<h2 id="iiCor.vi-p0.1">S E C O N D   C O R I N T H I A N
S.</h2>
<h3 id="iiCor.vi-p0.2">CHAP. V.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiCor.vi-p1">The apostle proceeds in showing the reasons why
they did not faint under their afflictions, namely, their
expectation, desire, and assurance of happiness after death
(<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.1-2Cor.5.5" parsed="|2Cor|5|1|5|5" passage="2Co 5:1-5">ver. 1-5</scripRef>), and deduces an
inference for the comfort of believers in their present state
(<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.6-2Cor.5.8" parsed="|2Cor|5|6|5|8" passage="2Co 5:6-8">ver. 6-8</scripRef>), and another to
quicken them in their duty, <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.9-2Cor.5.11" parsed="|2Cor|5|9|5|11" passage="2Co 5:9-11">ver.
9-11</scripRef>. Then he makes an apology for seeming to commend
himself, and gives a good reason for his zeal and diligence
(<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.12-2Cor.5.15" parsed="|2Cor|5|12|5|15" passage="2Co 5:12-15">ver. 12-15</scripRef>), and
mentions two things that are necessary in order to our living to
Christ, regeneration and reconciliation, <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.16-2Cor.5.21" parsed="|2Cor|5|16|5|21" passage="2Co 5:16-21">ver. 16, to the end</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iiCor.vi-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5" parsed="|2Cor|5|0|0|0" passage="2Co 5" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiCor.vi-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.1-2Cor.5.11" parsed="|2Cor|5|1|5|11" passage="2Co 5:1-11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.5.1-2Cor.5.11">
<h4 id="iiCor.vi-p1.8">The Believer's Prospect beyond
Death. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.vi-p1.9">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.vi-p2">1 For we know that if our earthly house of
<i>this</i> tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.   2 For in
this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house
which is from heaven:   3 If so be that being clothed we shall
not be found naked.   4 For we that are in <i>this</i>
tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be
unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up
of life.   5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame
thing <i>is</i> God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the
Spirit.   6 Therefore <i>we are</i> always confident, knowing
that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the
Lord:   7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)   8 We
are confident, <i>I say,</i> and willing rather to be absent from
the body, and to be present with the Lord.   9 Wherefore we
labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
  10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ; that every one may receive the things <i>done</i> in
<i>his</i> body, according to that he hath done, whether <i>it
be</i> good or bad.   11 Knowing therefore the terror of the
Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I
trust also are made manifest in your consciences.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p3">The apostle in these verses pursues the
argument of the former chapter, concerning the grounds of their
courage and patience under afflictions. And,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p4">I. He mentions their expectation, and
desire, and assurance, of eternal happiness after death, <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.1-2Cor.5.5" parsed="|2Cor|5|1|5|5" passage="2Co 5:1-5"><i>v.</i> 1-5</scripRef>. Observe
particularly,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p5">1. The believer's expectation of eternal
happiness after death, <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.1" parsed="|2Cor|5|1|0|0" passage="2Co 5:1"><i>v.</i>
1</scripRef>. He does not only know, or is well assured by faith of
the truth and reality of the thing itself—that there is another
and a happy life after this present life is ended, but he has good
hope through grace of his interest in that everlasting blessedness
of the unseen world: "We know that we have a building of God, we
have a firm and well-grounded expectation of the future felicity."
Let us take notice, (1.) What heaven is in the eye and hope of a
believer. He looks upon it as a house, or habitation, a
dwelling-place, a resting-place, a hiding-place, our Father's
house, where there are many mansions, and our everlasting home. It
is a house in the heavens, in that high and holy place which as far
excels all the palaces of this earth as the heavens are high above
the earth. It is a building of God, whose builder and maker is God,
and therefore is worthy of its author; the happiness of the future
state is what God hath prepared for those that love him. It is
eternal in the heavens, everlasting habitations, not like the
earthly tabernacles, the poor cottages of clay in which our souls
now dwell, which are mouldering and decaying, and <i>whose
foundations are in the dust.</i> (2.) When it is expected this
happiness shall be enjoyed—immediately after death, so soon as
<i>our house of this earthly tabernacle is dissolved.</i> Note,
[1.] That the body, this earthly house, is but a tabernacle, that
must be dissolved shortly; the nails or pins will be drawn, and the
cords be loosed, and then the body will return to dust as it was.
[2.] When this comes to pass, then comes the house not made with
hands. The spirit returns to God who gave it; and such as have
walked with God here shall dwell with God for ever.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p6">2. The believer's earnest desire after this
future blessedness, which is expressed by this word,
<b><i>stenazomen</i></b>—<i>we groan,</i> which denotes, (1.) A
groaning of sorrow under a heavy load; so believers groan under the
burden of life: <i>In this we groan earnestly,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.2" parsed="|2Cor|5|2|0|0" passage="2Co 5:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. <i>We that are in this
tabernacle groan, being burdened,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.4" parsed="|2Cor|5|4|0|0" passage="2Co 5:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>. The body of flesh is a heavy
burden, the calamities of life are a heavy load. But believers
groan because burdened with a body of sin, and the many corruptions
that are still remaining and raging in them. This makes them
complain, <i>O wretched man that I am!</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Rom.7.24" parsed="|Rom|7|24|0|0" passage="Ro 7:24">Rom. vii. 24</scripRef>. (2.) There is a groaning of
desire after the happiness of another life; and thus believers
groan: <i>Earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house
which is from heaven</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.2" parsed="|2Cor|5|2|0|0" passage="2Co 5:2"><i>v.</i>
2</scripRef>), to obtain a blessed immortality, <i>that mortality
might be swallowed up of life</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p6.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.4" parsed="|2Cor|5|4|0|0" passage="2Co 5:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>), <i>that being found clothed, we
may not be naked</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p6.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.3" parsed="|2Cor|5|3|0|0" passage="2Co 5:3"><i>v.</i>
3</scripRef>), that, if it were the will of God, we might not
sleep, but be changed; for it is not desirable in itself to be
unclothed. Death considered merely as a separation of soul and body
is not to be desired, but rather dreaded; but, considered as a
passage to glory, the believer is <i>willing rather</i> to die than
live, <i>to be absent from the body, that he may be present with
the Lord</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p6.7" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.1" parsed="|2Cor|5|1|0|0" passage="2Co 5:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>),
to leave this body that he may go to Christ, and to put off these
rags of mortality that he may put on the robes of glory. Note, [1.]
Death will strip us of the clothing of flesh, and all the comforts
of life, as well as put an end to all our troubles here below.
Naked we came into this world, and naked shall we go out of it.
But, [2.] Gracious souls are not found naked in the other world;
no, they are clothed with garments of praise, with robes of
righteousness and glory. They shall be delivered out of all their
troubles, and shall have washed their robes and made them white in
the blood of the Lamb, <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p6.8" osisRef="Bible:Rev.7.14" parsed="|Rev|7|14|0|0" passage="Re 7:14">Rev. vii.
14</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p7">3. The believer's assurance of his interest
in this future blessedness, on a double account:—(1.) From the
experience of the grace of God, in preparing and making him meet
for this blessedness. He that hath <i>wrought us for the self-same
thing is God,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.5" parsed="|2Cor|5|5|0|0" passage="2Co 5:5"><i>v.</i>
5</scripRef>. Note, All who are designed for heaven hereafter are
wrought or prepared for heaven while they are here; the stones of
that spiritual building and temple above are squared and fashioned
here below. And he that hath wrought us for this is God, because
nothing less than a divine power can make a soul partaker of a
divine nature; no hand less than the hand of God can work us for
this thing. A great deal is to be done to prepare our souls for
heaven, and that preparation of the heart is from the Lord. (2.)
The <i>earnest of the Spirit</i> gave them this assurance: for an
earnest is part of payment, and secures the full payment. The
present graces and comforts of the Spirit are earnests of
everlasting grace and comfort.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p8">II. The apostle deduces an inference for
the comfort of believers in their present state and condition in
this world, <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.6-2Cor.5.8" parsed="|2Cor|5|6|5|8" passage="2Co 5:6-8"><i>v.</i> 6-8</scripRef>.
Here observe, 1. What their present state or condition is: they
<i>are absent from the Lord</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.6" parsed="|2Cor|5|6|0|0" passage="2Co 5:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>); they are pilgrims and strangers
in this world; they do but sojourn here in their earthly home, or
in this tabernacle; and though God is with us here, by his Spirit,
and in his ordinances, yet we are not with him as we hope to be: we
cannot see his face while we live: <i>For we walk by faith, not by
sight,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.7" parsed="|2Cor|5|7|0|0" passage="2Co 5:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. We
have not the vision and fruition of God, as of an object that is
present with us, and as we hope for hereafter, when we <i>shall see
as we are seen.</i> Note, Faith is for this world, and sight is
reserved for the other world: and it is our duty, and will be our
interest, to walk by faith, till we come to live by sight. 2. How
comfortable and courageous we ought to be in all the troubles of
life, and in the hour of death: <i>Therefore we are,</i> or ought
to be, <i>always confident</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p8.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.6" parsed="|2Cor|5|6|0|0" passage="2Co 5:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>), and again (<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p8.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.8" parsed="|2Cor|5|8|0|0" passage="2Co 5:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>), <i>We are confident, and willing
rather to be absent from the body.</i> True Christians, if they
duly considered the prospect faith gives them of another world, and
the good reasons of their hope of blessedness after death, would be
comforted under the troubles of life, and supported in the hour of
death: they should take courage, when they are encountering the
last enemy, and be willing rather to die than live, when it is the
will of God that they should <i>put off this tabernacle.</i> Note,
As those who are born from above long to be there, so it is but
being absent from the body, and we shall very soon be present with
the Lord—but to die, and be with Christ—but to close our eyes to
all things in this world, and we shall open them in a world of
glory. Faith will be turned into sight.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p9">III. He proceeds to deduce an inference to
excite and quicken himself and others to duty, <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.9-2Cor.5.11" parsed="|2Cor|5|9|5|11" passage="2Co 5:9-11"><i>v.</i> 9-11</scripRef>. So it is that well-grounded
hopes of heaven will be far from giving the least encouragement to
sloth and sinful security; on the contrary, they should stir us up
to use the greatest care and diligence in religion:
<i>Wherefore,</i> or because we hope to be present with the Lord,
<i>we labour</i> and take pains, <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.9" parsed="|2Cor|5|9|0|0" passage="2Co 5:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>.
<b><i>Philotimoumetha</i></b>—<i>We are ambitious,</i> and labour
as industriously as the most ambitious men do to obtain what they
aim at. Here observe, 1. What it was that the apostle was thus
ambitious of—<i>acceptance with God.</i> We labour that, living
and dying, whether present in the body or absent from the body,
<i>we may be accepted of him,</i> the Lord (<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.9" parsed="|2Cor|5|9|0|0" passage="2Co 5:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>), that we <i>may please him who
hath chosen us,</i> that our great Lord may say to us, <i>Well
done.</i> This they coveted as the greatest favour and the highest
honour: it was the summit of their ambition. 2. What further
quickening motives they had to excite their diligence, from the
consideration of the judgment to come, <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.10-2Cor.5.11" parsed="|2Cor|5|10|5|11" passage="2Co 5:10,11"><i>v.</i> 10, 11</scripRef>. There are many things
relating to this great matter that should awe the best of men into
the utmost care and diligence in religion; for example, the
certainty of this judgment, for we must appear; the universality of
it, for we must all appear; the great Judge before whose
judgment-seat we must appear, the Lord Jesus Christ, who himself
will appear in flaming fire; the recompence to be then received,
for things done in the body, which will be very particular (unto
every one), and very just, according to what we have done, whether
good or bad. The apostle calls this awful judgment <i>the terror of
the Lord</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p9.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.11" parsed="|2Cor|5|11|0|0" passage="2Co 5:11"><i>v.</i>
11</scripRef>), and, by the consideration thereof, was excited to
persuade men to repent, and live a holy life, that, when Christ
shall appear terribly, they may appear before him comfortably. And,
concerning his fidelity and diligence, he comfortably appeals unto
God, and the consciences of those he wrote to: <i>We are made
manifest unto God, and I trust also are made manifest in your
consciences.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="iiCor.vi-p9.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.12-2Cor.5.15" parsed="|2Cor|5|12|5|15" passage="2Co 5:12-15" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.5.12-2Cor.5.15">
<h4 id="iiCor.vi-p9.7">Apology for Seeming
Self-Commendation. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.vi-p9.8">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.vi-p10">12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you,
but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have
somewhat to <i>answer</i> them which glory in appearance, and not
in heart.   13 For whether we be beside ourselves, <i>it
is</i> to God: or whether we be sober, <i>it is</i> for your cause.
  14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus
judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:   15 And
<i>that</i> he died for all, that they which live should not
henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them,
and rose again.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p11">Here observe, I. The apostle makes an
apology for seeming to commend himself and his fellow-labourers
(<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.13" parsed="|2Cor|5|13|0|0" passage="2Co 5:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>), and tells
them, 1. It was not to commend themselves, nor for their own sakes,
that he had spoken of their fidelity and diligence in the <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.1-2Cor.5.11" parsed="|2Cor|5|1|5|11" passage="2Co 5:1-11">former verses</scripRef>; nor was he willing
to suspect their good opinion of him. But, 2. The true reason was
this, to put an argument in their mouths wherewith to answer his
accusers, who made vain boastings, and gloried in appearances only;
that he might give them <i>an occasion to glory on their
behalf,</i> or to defend them against the reproaches of their
adversaries. And if the people can say that the word has been
manifested to their consciences, and been effectual to their
conversion and edification, this is the best defence they can make
for the ministry of the word, when they are vilified and
reproached.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p12">II. He gives good reasons for their great
zeal and diligence. Some of Paul's adversaries had, it is likely,
reproached him for his zeal and fervour, as if he had been a
madman, or, in the language of our days, a fanatic; they imputed
all to enthusiasm, as the Roman governor told him, <i>Much learning
has made thee mad,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Acts.26.24" parsed="|Acts|26|24|0|0" passage="Ac 26:24">Acts xxvi.
24</scripRef>. But the apostle tells them, 1. It was for the glory
of God, and the good of the church, that he was thus zealous and
industrious: "<i>Whether we be beside ourselves, or whether we be
sober</i> (whether you or others do think the one or the other), it
is <i>to God,</i> and for his glory: and it is <i>for your
cause,</i> or to promote your good," <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.13" parsed="|2Cor|5|13|0|0" passage="2Co 5:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. If they manifested the greatest
ardour and vehemency at some times, and used the greatest calmness
in strong reasonings at other times, it was for the best ends; and
in both methods they had good reason for what they did. For, 2.
<i>The love of Christ constrained them,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.14" parsed="|2Cor|5|14|0|0" passage="2Co 5:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. They were under the sweetest
and strongest constraints to do what they did. Love has a
constraining virtue to excite ministers and private Christians in
their duty. Our love to Christ will have this virtue; and Christ's
love to us, which was manifested in this great instance of his
dying for us, will have this effect upon us, if it be duly
considered and rightly judged of. For observe how the apostle
argues for the reasonableness of love's constraints, and declares,
(1.) What we were before, and must have continued to be, had not
Christ died for us: <i>We were dead,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.14" parsed="|2Cor|5|14|0|0" passage="2Co 5:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. <i>If one died for all, then
were all dead;</i> dead in law, under sentence of death; dead in
sins and trespasses, spiritually dead. Note, This was the
deplorable condition of all those for whom Christ died: they were
lost and undone, dead and ruined, and must have remained thus
miserable for ever if Christ had not died for them. (2.) What such
should do, for whom Christ died; namely, that they should live to
him. This is what Christ designed, that <i>those who live,</i> who
are made alive unto God by means of his death, <i>should live to
him that died for them, and rose again</i> for their sakes also,
and that they should not live <i>to themselves,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.15" parsed="|2Cor|5|15|0|0" passage="2Co 5:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>. Note, We should not
make ourselves, but Christ, the end of our living and actions: and
it was one end of Christ's death to cure us of this self-love, and
to excite us always to act under the commanding influence of his
love. A Christian's life should be consecrated to Christ; and then
do we live as we ought to live when we live to Christ, who died for
us.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiCor.vi-p12.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.16-2Cor.5.21" parsed="|2Cor|5|16|5|21" passage="2Co 5:16-21" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.5.16-2Cor.5.21">
<h4 id="iiCor.vi-p12.7">Ministry of the Apostles. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.vi-p12.8">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.vi-p13">16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the
flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now
henceforth know we <i>him</i> no more.   17 Therefore if any
man <i>be</i> in Christ, <i>he is</i> a new creature: old things
are passed away; behold, all things are become new.   18 And
all things <i>are</i> of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world
unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath
committed unto us the word of reconciliation.   20 Now then we
are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech <i>you</i> by
us: we pray <i>you</i> in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
  21 For he hath made him <i>to be</i> sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p14">In these verses the apostle mentions two
things that are necessary in order to our living to Christ, both of
which are the consequences of Christ's dying for us; namely,
regeneration and reconciliation.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p15">I. Regeneration, which consists of two
things; namely, 1. Weanedness from the world: "<i>Henceforth we
know no man after the flesh,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.16" parsed="|2Cor|5|16|0|0" passage="2Co 5:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>. We do not own nor affect any
person or thing in this world for carnal ends and outward
advantage: we are enabled, by divine grace, not to mind nor regard
this world, nor the things of this world, but to live above it. The
love of Christ is in our hearts, and the world is under our feet."
Note, Good Christians must enjoy the comforts of this life, and
their relations in this world, with a holy indifference. <i>Yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet,</i> says the
apostle, <i>we know him no more.</i> It is questioned whether Paul
had seen Christ in the flesh. However, the rest of the apostles
had, and so might some among those he was now writing to. However,
he would not have them value themselves upon that account; for even
the bodily presence of Christ is not to be desired nor doted upon
by his disciples. We must live upon his spiritual presence, and the
comfort it affords. Note, Those who make images of Christ, and use
them in their worship, do not take the way that God has appointed
for strengthening their faith and quickening their affections; for
it is the will of God that we should not know Christ any more after
the flesh. 2. A thorough change of the heart: <i>For if any man be
in Christ,</i> if any man be a Christian indeed, and will approve
himself such, <i>he is,</i> or he must be, <i>a new creature,</i>
<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.17" parsed="|2Cor|5|17|0|0" passage="2Co 5:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>. Some read it,
<i>Let him be a new creature.</i> This ought to be the care of all
who profess the Christian faith, that they be new creatures; not
only that they have a new name, and wear a new livery, but that
they have a new heart and new nature. And so great is the change
the grace of God makes in the soul, that, as it follows, <i>old
things are passed away</i>—old thoughts, old principles, and old
practices, are passed away; and <i>all these things must become
new.</i> Note, Regenerating grace creates a new world in the soul;
all things are new. The renewed man acts from new principles, by
new rules, with new ends, and in new company.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p16">II. Reconciliation, which is here spoken of
under a double notion:—</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p17">1. As an unquestionable privilege,
<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.18-2Cor.5.19" parsed="|2Cor|5|18|5|19" passage="2Co 5:18,19"><i>v.</i> 18, 19</scripRef>.
Reconciliation supposes a quarrel, or breach of friendship; and sin
has made a breach, it has broken the friendship between God and
man. The heart of the sinner is filled with enmity against God, and
God is justly offended with the sinner. Yet, behold, there may be a
reconciliation; the offended Majesty of heaven is willing to be
reconciled. And observe, 1. He has appointed the Mediator of
reconciliation. He has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ,
<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.18" parsed="|2Cor|5|18|0|0" passage="2Co 5:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>. God is to be
owned from first to last in the undertaking and performance of the
Mediator. All things relating to our reconciliation by Jesus Christ
are of God, who by the mediation of Jesus Christ has reconciled the
world to himself, and put himself into a capacity of being actually
reconciled to offenders, without any wrong or injury to his justice
or holiness, and does not impute to men their trespasses, but
recedes from the rigour of the first covenant, which was broken,
and does not insist upon the advantage he might justly take against
us for the breach of that covenant, but is willing to enter into a
new treaty, and into a new covenant of grace, and, according to the
tenour thereof, freely to forgive us all our sins, and justify
freely by his grace all those who do believe. 2. He has appointed
the <i>ministry of reconciliation,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p17.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.18" parsed="|2Cor|5|18|0|0" passage="2Co 5:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>. By the inspiration of God the
scriptures were written, which contain the word of reconciliation,
showing us that peace was made by the blood of the cross, that
reconciliation is wrought, and directing us how we may be
interested therein. And he has appointed the office of the
ministry, which is a <i>ministry of reconciliation:</i> ministers
are to open and proclaim to sinners the terms of mercy and
reconciliation, and persuade them to comply therewith. For,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.vi-p18">2. Reconciliation is here spoken of as our
indispensable duty, <scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.20" parsed="|2Cor|5|20|0|0" passage="2Co 5:20"><i>v.</i>
20</scripRef>. As God is willing to be reconciled to us, we ought
to be reconciled to God. And it is the great end and design of the
gospel, that word of reconciliation, to prevail upon sinners to lay
aside their enmity against God. Faithful ministers are Christ's
ambassadors, sent to treat with sinners on peace and
reconciliation: they come in God's name, with his entreaties, and
act in Christ's stead, doing the very thing he did when he was upon
this earth, and what he wills to be done now that he is in heaven.
Wonderful condescension! Though God can be no loser by the quarrel,
nor gainer by the peace, yet by his ministers he beseeches sinners
to lay aside their enmity, and accept of the terms he offers, that
they would be reconciled to him, to all his attributes, to all his
laws, and to all his providences, to believe in the Mediator, to
accept the atonement, and comply with his gospel, in all the parts
of it and in the whole design of it. And for our encouragement so
to do the apostle subjoins what should be well known and duly
considered by us (<scripRef id="iiCor.vi-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.5.21" parsed="|2Cor|5|21|0|0" passage="2Co 5:21"><i>v.</i>
21</scripRef>), namely, (1.) The purity of the Mediator: <i>He knew
no sin.</i> (2.) The sacrifice he offered: <i>He was made sin;</i>
not a sinner, but <i>sin,</i> that is, a sin-offering, a sacrifice
for sin. (3.) The end and design of all this: that <i>we might be
made the righteousness of God in him,</i> might be justified freely
by the grace of God through the redemption which is in Christ
Jesus. Note, [1.] As Christ, who knew no sin of his own, was made
sin for us, so we, who have no righteousness of our own, are made
the righteousness of God in him. [2.] Our reconciliation to God is
only through Jesus Christ, and for the sake of his merit: on him
therefore we must rely, and make mention of his righteousness and
his only.</p>
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