2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: This text is a summary of Christian faith and practice. I. THE CONDITION TO WHICH SIN HAS REDUCED MAN. 1. Its peculiar wretchedness — "then were all dead." Our souls have lost their spiritual life, and are become incapable of spiritual employments and delights. 2. Its hopelessness. We are not like a tree which, though withered, may be brought into a situation where the sun may shine and the rain descend on it and revive it. II. THE INTERPOSITION OF CHRIST ON THE BEHALF OF MAN. Observe — 1. Who it is that is here said to have had compassion on man: the eternal Son of God. 2. How this Being interposed for man: "He died." 3. For whom this death was endured: all men. But the interposition of Christ on behalf of man was not confined to dying for him. He rose again to complete the work which He had begun. III. THE PRINCIPLE OR MOTIVE FROM WHICH THE INTERPOSITION OF CHRIST ON OUR BEHALF PROCEEDED. It was not an act of justice: we had no claim on the compassion of Christ. Nor did it proceed from a regard to His own honour only. He was "glorious in holiness " and "fearful in praises" long before we were created. It was free and unmerited love alone. To this Divine attribute all the blessings of redemption must be traced. This is the attribute which shines with the brightest lustre in the gospel of Christ. Matchless wisdom devised the stupendous plan, and infinite power executed it; but it was love which called this wisdom and this power into exercise. IV. THE END WHICH CHRIST HAD IN VIEW IN DYING AND RISING AGAIN FOR MAN (ver. 15). This implies that by nature we are all living to ourselves. The selfish and independent principle within us, is one of the sad fruits of our depravity. It is directly opposed to our happiness, and is in the highest degree hateful to God. It is an act of rebellion. Now the design of Christ was to root out this selfish principle. He has bought us with a price; He therefore deems us His own, and calls upon us to glorify Him "in our body and in our spirits which are His." Shall we, then, rob the blessed Jesus of the purchase of His blood? V. THE INFLUENCE WHICH THIS INTERPOSITION OF CHRIST HAS ON HIS PEOPLE. It "constraineth" them. This signifies to bear away, to carry on with the force and rapidity with which a torrent hurries along whatever it meets with in its course. Christ's love — 1. Lays hold of the affections. 2. Influences the conduct. It changes the life as well as affects the heart.Conclusion: These truths suggest various inferences. 1. The conduct of a Christian is closely connected with his principles. 2. They are not Christians whom the love of Christ does not influence. They may call themselves after the name of the Saviour, but they are not living "unto Him which died for them." This devotedness to Christ is essential to the Christian character. Nothing can supply the place of it; no correct system of opinions, no zeal for doctrines, no lively feelings, no tears or prayers. 3. The superior excellence of the religion of Christ, not only as it saves the soul, but as it affords to man a new, a nobler, and a more powerful motive of obedience. This motive is love to a dying Lord; a motive unheard of in the world before the publication of the gospel, but one which appeals to the finest feelings of the soul, and whose efficacy is stronger than that of all other motives combined. (C. Bradley, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: |
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