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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Second Corinthians V].</TITLE>
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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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<h3><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank">Back to Biblesnet.com Home Page</a>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>S E C O N D C O R I N T H I A N S.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. V.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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The apostle proceeds in showing the reasons why they did not faint
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under their afflictions, namely, their expectation, desire, and
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assurance of happiness after death
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:1-5">ver. 1-5</A>),
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and deduces an inference for the comfort of believers in their present
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state
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:6-8">ver. 6-8</A>),
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and another to quicken them in their duty,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:9-11">ver. 9-11</A>.
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Then he makes an apology for seeming to commend himself, and gives a
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good reason for his zeal and diligence
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:12-15">ver. 12-15</A>),
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and mentions two things that are necessary in order to our living to
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Christ, regeneration and reconciliation,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:16-21">ver. 16, to the end</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="2Co5_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Believer's Prospect beyond Death.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 57.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 For we know that if our earthly house of <I>this</I> tabernacle
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were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with
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hands, eternal in the heavens.
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2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon
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with our house which is from heaven:
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3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
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4 For we that are in <I>this</I> tabernacle do groan, being
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burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon,
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that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
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5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing <I>is</I> God,
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who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
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6 Therefore <I>we are</I> always confident, knowing that, whilst we
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are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
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7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
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8 We are confident, <I>I say,</I> and willing rather to be absent
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from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
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9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may
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be accepted of him.
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10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;
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that every one may receive the things <I>done</I> in <I>his</I> body,
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according to that he hath done, whether <I>it be</I> good or bad.
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11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;
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but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made
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manifest in your consciences.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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The apostle in these verses pursues the argument of the former chapter,
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concerning the grounds of their courage and patience under afflictions.
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And,</P>
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<P>
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I. He mentions their expectation, and desire, and assurance, of eternal
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happiness after death,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:1-5"><I>v.</I> 1-5</A>.
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Observe particularly,</P>
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<P>
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1. The believer's expectation of eternal happiness after death,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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He does not only know, or is well assured by faith of the truth and
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reality of the thing itself--that there is another and a happy life
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after this present life is ended, but he has good hope through grace of
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his interest in that everlasting blessedness of the unseen world: "We
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know that we have a building of God, we have a firm and well-grounded
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expectation of the future felicity." Let us take notice,
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(1.) What heaven is in the eye and hope of a believer. He looks upon it
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as a house, or habitation, a dwelling-place, a resting-place, a
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hiding-place, our Father's house, where there are many mansions, and
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our everlasting home. It is a house in the heavens, in that high and
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holy place which as far excels all the palaces of this earth as the
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heavens are high above the earth. It is a building of God, whose
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builder and maker is God, and therefore is worthy of its author; the
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happiness of the future state is what God hath prepared for those that
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love him. It is eternal in the heavens, everlasting habitations, not
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like the earthly tabernacles, the poor cottages of clay in which our
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souls now dwell, which are mouldering and decaying, and <I>whose
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foundations are in the dust.</I>
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(2.) When it is expected this happiness shall be enjoyed--immediately
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after death, so soon as <I>our house of this earthly tabernacle is
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dissolved.</I> Note,
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[1.] That the body, this earthly house, is but a tabernacle, that must
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be dissolved shortly; the nails or pins will be drawn, and the cords be
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loosed, and then the body will return to dust as it was.
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[2.] When this comes to pass, then comes the house not made with hands.
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The spirit returns to God who gave it; and such as have walked with God
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here shall dwell with God for ever.</P>
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<P>
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2. The believer's earnest desire after this future blessedness, which
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is expressed by this word, <B> <I>stenazomen</I></B>--<I>we groan,</I>
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which denotes,
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(1.) A groaning of sorrow under a heavy load; so believers groan under
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the burden of life: <I>In this we groan earnestly,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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<I>We that are in this tabernacle groan, being burdened,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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The body of flesh is a heavy burden, the calamities of life are a heavy
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load. But believers groan because burdened with a body of sin, and the
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many corruptions that are still remaining and raging in them. This
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makes them complain, <I>O wretched man that I am!</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+7:24">Rom. vii. 24</A>.
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(2.) There is a groaning of desire after the happiness of another life;
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and thus believers groan: <I>Earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with
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our house which is from heaven</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>),
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to obtain a blessed immortality, <I>that mortality might be swallowed
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up of life</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>),
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<I>that being found clothed, we may not be naked</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
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that, if it were the will of God, we might not sleep, but be changed;
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for it is not desirable in itself to be unclothed. Death considered
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merely as a separation of soul and body is not to be desired, but
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rather dreaded; but, considered as a passage to glory, the believer is
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<I>willing rather</I> to die than live, <I>to be absent from the body,
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that he may be present with the Lord</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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to leave this body that he may go to Christ, and to put off these rags
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of mortality that he may put on the robes of glory. Note,
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[1.] Death will strip us of the clothing of flesh, and all the comforts
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of life, as well as put an end to all our troubles here below. Naked we
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came into this world, and naked shall we go out of it. But,
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[2.] Gracious souls are not found naked in the other world; no, they
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are clothed with garments of praise, with robes of righteousness and
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glory. They shall be delivered out of all their troubles, and shall
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have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+7:14">Rev. vii. 14</A>.</P>
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<P>
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3. The believer's assurance of his interest in this future blessedness,
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on a double account:--
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(1.) From the experience of the grace of God, in preparing and making
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him meet for this blessedness. He that hath <I>wrought us for the
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self-same thing is God,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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Note, All who are designed for heaven hereafter are wrought or prepared
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for heaven while they are here; the stones of that spiritual building
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and temple above are squared and fashioned here below. And he that hath
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wrought us for this is God, because nothing less than a divine power
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can make a soul partaker of a divine nature; no hand less than the hand
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of God can work us for this thing. A great deal is to be done to
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prepare our souls for heaven, and that preparation of the heart is from
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the Lord.
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(2.) The <I>earnest of the Spirit</I> gave them this assurance: for an
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earnest is part of payment, and secures the full payment. The present
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graces and comforts of the Spirit are earnests of everlasting grace and
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comfort.</P>
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<P>
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II. The apostle deduces an inference for the comfort of believers in
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their present state and condition in this world,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:6-8"><I>v.</I> 6-8</A>.
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Here observe,
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1. What their present state or condition is: they <I>are absent from
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the Lord</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>);
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they are pilgrims and strangers in this world; they do but sojourn here
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in their earthly home, or in this tabernacle; and though God is with us
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here, by his Spirit, and in his ordinances, yet we are not with him as
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we hope to be: we cannot see his face while we live: <I>For we walk by
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faith, not by sight,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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We have not the vision and fruition of God, as of an object that is
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present with us, and as we hope for hereafter, when we <I>shall see as
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we are seen.</I> Note, Faith is for this world, and sight is reserved
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for the other world: and it is our duty, and will be our interest, to
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walk by faith, till we come to live by sight.
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2. How comfortable and courageous we ought to be in all the troubles of
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life, and in the hour of death: <I>Therefore we are,</I> or ought to
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be, <I>always confident</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>),
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and again
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>),
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<I>We are confident, and willing rather to be absent from the body.</I>
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True Christians, if they duly considered the prospect faith gives them
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of another world, and the good reasons of their hope of blessedness
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after death, would be comforted under the troubles of life, and
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supported in the hour of death: they should take courage, when they are
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encountering the last enemy, and be willing rather to die than live,
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when it is the will of God that they should <I>put off this
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tabernacle.</I> Note, As those who are born from above long to be
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there, so it is but being absent from the body, and we shall very soon
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be present with the Lord--but to die, and be with Christ--but to close
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our eyes to all things in this world, and we shall open them in a world
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of glory. Faith will be turned into sight.</P>
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<P>
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III. He proceeds to deduce an inference to excite and quicken himself
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and others to duty,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:9-11"><I>v.</I> 9-11</A>.
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So it is that well-grounded hopes of heaven will be far from giving the
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least encouragement to sloth and sinful security; on the contrary, they
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should stir us up to use the greatest care and diligence in religion:
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<I>Wherefore,</I> or because we hope to be present with the Lord, <I>we
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labour</I> and take pains,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
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<B><I>Philotimoumetha</I></B>--<I>We are ambitious,</I> and labour as
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industriously as the most ambitious men do to obtain what they aim at.
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Here observe,
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1. What it was that the apostle was thus ambitious of--<I>acceptance
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with God.</I> We labour that, living and dying, whether present in the
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body or absent from the body, <I>we may be accepted of him,</I> the
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Lord
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>),
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that we <I>may please him who hath chosen us,</I> that our great Lord
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may say to us, <I>Well done.</I> This they coveted as the greatest
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favour and the highest honour: it was the summit of their ambition.
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2. What further quickening motives they had to excite their diligence,
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from the consideration of the judgment to come,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:10,11"><I>v.</I> 10, 11</A>.
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There are many things relating to this great matter that should awe the
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best of men into the utmost care and diligence in religion; for
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example, the certainty of this judgment, for we must appear; the
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universality of it, for we must all appear; the great Judge before
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whose judgment-seat we must appear, the Lord Jesus Christ, who himself
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will appear in flaming fire; the recompence to be then received, for
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things done in the body, which will be very particular (unto every
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one), and very just, according to what we have done, whether good or
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bad. The apostle calls this awful judgment <I>the terror of the
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Lord</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>),
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and, by the consideration thereof, was excited to persuade men to
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repent, and live a holy life, that, when Christ shall appear terribly,
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they may appear before him comfortably. And, concerning his fidelity
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and diligence, he comfortably appeals unto God, and the consciences of
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those he wrote to: <I>We are made manifest unto God, and I trust also
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are made manifest in your consciences.</I></P>
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<A NAME="2Co5_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="2Co5_15"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Apology for Seeming Self-Commendation.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 57.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you
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occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to
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<I>answer</I> them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
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13 For whether we be beside ourselves, <I>it is</I> to God: or
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whether we be sober, <I>it is</I> for your cause.
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14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus
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judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
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15 And <I>that</I> he died for all, that they which live should not
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henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for
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them, and rose again.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here observe, I. The apostle makes an apology for seeming to commend
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himself and his fellow-labourers
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>),
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and tells them,
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1. It was not to commend themselves, nor for their own sakes, that he
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had spoken of their fidelity and diligence in the
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:1-11">former verses</A>;
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nor was he willing to suspect their good opinion of him. But,
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2. The true reason was this, to put an argument in their mouths
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wherewith to answer his accusers, who made vain boastings, and gloried
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in appearances only; that he might give them <I>an occasion to glory on
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their behalf,</I> or to defend them against the reproaches of their
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adversaries. And if the people can say that the word has been
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manifested to their consciences, and been effectual to their conversion
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and edification, this is the best defence they can make for the
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ministry of the word, when they are vilified and reproached.</P>
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|
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|
<P>
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|
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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>
|
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+26:24">Acts xxvi. 24</A>.
|
|
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But the apostle tells them,
|
|
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|
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,"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
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|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="2Co5_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Co5_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Co5_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Co5_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Co5_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="2Co5_21"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Ministry of the Apostles.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 57.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
I. Regeneration, which consists of two things; namely,
|
|
|
|
1. Weanedness from the world: "<I>Henceforth we know no man after the
|
|
flesh,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
II. Reconciliation, which is here spoken of under a double notion:--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. As an unquestionable privilege,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:18,19"><I>v.</I> 18, 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
2. Reconciliation is here spoken of as our indispensable duty,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
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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