1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels… I. GOD INTENDED THEREBY TO REVEAL HIMSELF MORE CLEARLY AND LOVINGLY TO MAN. II. THAT HE MIGHT UNITE CREATED BEINGS TO HIMSELF BY THE CLOSEST TIE, AND GIVE THE MOST AFFECTING PROOF OF HIS REGARD TO CREATED INTELLIGENCES LIKE OURSELVES. III. THAT HE MIGHT IN OUR NATURE, AND AS ONE OF OURSELVES, GIVE THE MOST DISINTERESTED AND DECISIVE TESTIMONIES THAT HE WAS IN THE RIGHT. IV. THAT HE MIGHT THEREBY GIVE THE STRONGEST EVIDENCE THAT THE DIGNITY AND HAPPINESS OF CREATURES WAS NOT ONLY COMPATIBLE WITH A STATE OF SUBJECTION, BUT THAT IT REALLY CONSISTED IN AN ENTIRE CONFORMITY TO THE DIVINE WILL. V. THAT GOD MIGHT SHOW MORE HATRED TO SIN BY PARDONING THE TRANSGRESSOR THAN BY PUNISHING HIM. VI. THAT HE MIGHT AFFORD THE FULLEST SECURITY OF HIS PEOPLE'S SALVATION. (John Hall.) Parallel Verses KJV: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. |
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