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: I. THE CONSTRAINING MOTIVE — "The love of Christ." Consider it — 1. In its objects. (1) Our love is awakened by some excellency or worthiness which the object beloved has in our eyes. But wherein is this to be accounted of, that the Son of God should set His heart upon man? He is likened to a worm, to grass. His foundation is in the dust. How inconsiderable a being is man in comparison with these hosts of heaven. (2) Our love is called out by congeniality — where there is a oneness of mind, a similarity of feeling, a harmony of taste. But how opposite is the mind of Christ and of the sinner! (3) Love is attracted by beauty. But man's original beauty, as created in the image and reflecting the glory of God in righteousness, is wholly departed. And in place thereof, deformity only appears in him. (4) Love is drawn forth by love. Regard in one will produce it in another. But Christ's love found no originating cause in our love (John 15:16; 1 John 4:10). 2. In its properties. (1) It is a self-denying love. (2) It is a beneficial love. It enriches with righteousness, and peace, and grace, and liberty, and: service. (3) His is a cheering, gladdening love. Therefore the church says (Song of Solomon 1:4). (4) His is an intense, inextinguishable love (Song of Solomon 8:6, 7). (5) It is a boundless, incomprehensible love (Ephesians 3:18, 19). 3. In its effects. II. THE SPECIAL MANIFESTATION OF THIS LOVE. "We thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead." This is the great instance wherein the Lord Jesus demonstrates His love. III. WHERETO THIS LOVE CONSTRAINS. "He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for, them, and rose again." To live to ourselves, to seek our own, is the natural character of all. Self in some form is the predominant and guiding principle. 1. Let the subject humble us. The love of Christ is a powerful thing, being discerned, applied, and realised. 2. Let the subject also instruct us. Our obedience is not to be the result of feeling, but of judgment. 3. Let the subject stimulate us. 4. Let the subject comfort us. 5. Finally, let the subject admonish and persuade those. who are yet enemies to God, strangers to Christ and holiness. (J. T. Parker, 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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