Genesis 32:28 And he said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince have you power with God and with men… I. THE SYMBOL OF THE NEW LIFE. He was no longer to be called Jacob, but Israel. In this change of name was intimated an entire change of character. He was sent back in recollection over the years to the time when he had been a wicked man; and then he was sent forward in anticipation across the years, under the command that he should begin a fresh career. From that night onward, he was to leave off his worldly cunning, and surrender his craft. He must become a new man, and, above all, a true man. His early and continuous sins might now be forgiven; but he must lead an altered life. II. THE REACH TO WHICH THIS NEW LIFE EXTENDS. 1. When once a believer is truly in Christ, his standing with God is entirely changed. Every barrier is broken down. God's displeasure is over, and man's enmity is ended. 2. Not only in state but in character is the true believer a new man. If he be in Christ, he will grow assuredly to resemble Christ. 3. The new creation of a believer in Christ extends even to his experience, as well as to his state and character. (1) Confidence. (2) Freedom. (3) Contentment. (C. S. Robinson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. |
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