2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death… The vale of death is a road in which all men must travel; a path in which our fathers have gone before, and we ourselves must soon follow. It is therefore natural, and indeed of great importance, to inquire, whither it leads and where it will bring us. I. THE GOSPEL HAS CONFIRMED THE EVIDENCE AND ASSURED US OF THE CERTAINTY OF A FUTURE STATE. Our Saviour has done much more than merely confirmed the truth of a future state. II. As He has assured us of a life to come, so HE HAS REVEALED THE MANNER OF OUR DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH, BY A BLESSED AND A GLORIOUS RESURRECTION. This is the greatest and most important discovery that was ever made to the world. III. Our Saviour has revealed in the gospel not only the resurrection but also THE GLORIFICATION OF THE BODY. It is at present mortal, tending constantly to dissolution, and, at last, crumbling into dust; but it will be raised incorruptible, and capable of lasting through immortal ages, like the soul to which it is to be united. IV. Another important discovery made by the gospel IS THE GENERAL JUDGMENT BY JESUS CHRIST. This article of faith, as well as the two former, is matter of pure revelation. Whether God would sit in judgment Himself, or delegate that office to another; whether the judge would make a visible appearance, or remain invisible in judgment; and whether our fate should be decided by a particular trial of every person at death, or by a public and general judgment of the world, were unknown to mankind. To reveal these important circumstances was reserved for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light by the gospel. Our Saviour's information extends beyond the future judgment. V. HE HAS INTIMATED TO US THE GENERAL NATURE OF THE HEAVENLY FELICITY, and the principal sources from which it will spring. The gospel plainly intimates that in the heavenly state good men shall be delivered from the natural evils of this life, which fall heavy on some, and from which none are entirely exempted; that they shall be delivered from the injuries of evil men; nay, that they shall be delivered from the sufferings which they frequently bring upon themselves here, by the irregularity of their passions, and the folly of their own conduct. In the future state, the gospel informs us, the understanding will be enlarged, and made capable of extensive acquisitions; the heart will be completely purified, and rendered susceptible of the finest feelings, especially of love; and, to give scope to these affections, we shall be admitted into the noblest society, and enjoy a delightful intercourse with angels and saints, with Christ and God, with all that is great and good in the universe. VI. To complete the discoveries of the gospel, OUR SAVIOUR HAS INFORMED US THAT THE FUTURE HAPPINESS IS ETERNAL. As the joys of heaven are complete and satisfactory, so they are permanent and perpetual; subject to no abatement, to no interruption or decay; not only large as our wishes, but lasting as our immortal souls. (Andrew Donnan.) Parallel Verses KJV: But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: |
    |