Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. 1. The love of Christ may be said to "pass knowledge," inasmuch as, in its measure and its intensity, occupying and influencing the heart of a Being, whose nature is infinite, it can only be comprehended by His equals. It also "passeth knowledge," as I have said, as connecting, associating our rescue with the Divine complacency, blessedness, and glory. It "passeth knowledge" in the invisible transmission of its benefits, and in the hidden power of its operations. It "passeth knowledge" in the extent of its provisions, and in the necessity of its sacrifices — the whole doctrine of the Atonement being one profound mystery. Again, this love "passeth knowledge" in its imputations of Christ's righteousness, and in its gifts of the Holy Spirit. It "passeth knowledge" in the constant wonder, the daily miracle of its forbearance. 2. The love of Christ, in a general sense, "passes the knowledge" of the worldly-minded. They may hear of it, but in no wise comprehend it. They know nothing truly of its source; they know nothing truly of its agency; they know nothing truly of its doctrines; they know nothing truly of its covenants; they know nothing experimentally of its promises. They know nothing of the variety of its offices, or the suitableness of its provisions, as applying to themselves. They know nothing of its indwelling power. 3. But, even with believers themselves, the love of Christ "passeth knowledge." 4. But the love of Christ, I would observe, transcends even the very knowledge of angels. 5. There is an inducement to the acquisition of this knowledge in its surpassing excellency. What is all knowledge compared with it? What but the mere "dust in the balances"? 6. Another inducement is supplied in our own interests. "To know the love of Christ" is to know what He has done for our souls. 7. Another inducement presents itself in the suggestion of gratitude. What! hath God made such mighty sacrifices for me? hath He wrought such marvels of deliverance for me? — and shall not I, as the object of His love, respond to it? 8. Another inducement prompts in the facility, the ease, with which we may possess this knowledge. (T. J. Judkin, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. |
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