Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc00/v02800

Text File | 1994-03-02 | 7KB | 121 lines

02804
 #13-25 The fear of man brings many into this snare, that they
 will do an unjust thing, against their consciences, rather than
 get into trouble. Pilate declares Jesus innocent, and has a mind
 to release him; yet, to please the people, he would punish him
 as an evil-doer. If no fault be found in him, why chastise him?
 Pilate yielded at length; he had not courage to go against so
 strong a stream. He delivered Jesus to their will, to be
 crucified.

02817
 #26-31 We have here the blessed Jesus, the Lamb of God, led as a
 lamb to the slaughter, to the sacrifice. Though many reproached
 and reviled him, yet some pitied him. But the death of Christ
 was his victory and triumph over his enemies: it was our
 deliverance, the purchase of eternal life for us. Therefore weep
 not for him, but let us weep for our own sins, and the sins of
 our children, which caused his death; and weep for fear of the
 miseries we shall bring upon ourselves, if we slight his love,
 and reject his grace. If God delivered him up to such sufferings
 as these, because he was made a sacrifice for sin, what will he
 do with sinners themselves, who make themselves a dry tree, a
 corrupt and wicked generation, and good for nothing! The bitter
 sufferings of our Lord Jesus should make us stand in awe of the
 justice of God. The best saints, compared with Christ, are dry
 trees; if he suffer, why may not they expect to suffer? And what
 then shall the damnation of sinners be! Even the sufferings of
 Christ preach terror to obstinate transgressors.

02823
 #32-43 As soon as Christ was fastened to the cross, he prayed
 for those who crucified him. The great thing he died to purchase
 and procure for us, is the forgiveness of sin. This he prays
 for. Jesus was crucified between two thieves; in them were shown
 the different effects the cross of Christ would have upon the
 children of men in the preaching the gospel. One malefactor was
 hardened to the last. No troubles of themselves will change a
 wicked heart. The other was softened at the last: he was
 snatched as a brand out of the burning, and made a monument of
 Divine mercy. This gives no encouragement to any to put off
 repentance to their death-beds, or to hope that they shall then
 find mercy. It is certain that true repentance is never too
 late; but it is as certain that late repentance is seldom true.
 None can be sure they shall have time to repent at death, but
 every man may be sure he cannot have the advantages this
 penitent thief had. We shall see the case to be singular, if we
 observe the uncommon effects of God's grace upon this man. He
 reproved the other for railing on Christ. He owned that he
 deserved what was done to him. He believed Jesus to have
 suffered wrongfully. Observe his faith in this prayer. Christ
 was in the depth of disgrace, suffering as a deceiver, and not
 delivered by his Father. He made this profession before the
 wonders were displayed which put honour on Christ's sufferings,
 and startled the centurion. He believed in a life to come, and
 desired to be happy in that life; not like the other thief, to
 be only saved from the cross. Observe his humility in this
 prayer. All his request is, Lord, remember me; quite referring
 it to Jesus in what way to remember him. Thus he was humbled in
 true repentance, and he brought forth all the fruits for
 repentance his circumstances would admit. Christ upon the cross,
 is gracious like Christ upon the throne. Though he was in the
 greatest struggle and agony, yet he had pity for a poor
 penitent. By this act of grace we are to understand that Jesus
 Christ died to open the kingdom of heaven to all penitent,
 obedient believers. It is a single instance in Scripture; it
 should teach us to despair of none, and that none should despair
 of themselves; but lest it should be abused, it is contrasted
 with the awful state of the other thief, who died hardened in
 unbelief, though a crucified Saviour was so near him. Be sure
 that in general men die as they live.

02835
 #44-49 We have here the death of Christ magnified by the wonders
 that attended it, and his death explained by the words with
 which he breathed out his soul. He was willing to offer himself.
 Let us seek to glorify God by true repentance and conversion; by
 protesting against those who crucify the Saviour; by a sober,
 righteous, and godly life; and by employing our talents in the
 service of Him who died for us and rose again.

02841
 #50-56 Many, though they do not make any show in outward
 profession, yet, like Joseph of Arimathea, will be far more
 ready to do real service, when there is occasion, than others
 who make a greater noise. Christ was buried in haste, because
 the sabbath drew on. Weeping must not hinder sowing. Though they
 were in tears for the death of their Lord, yet they must prepare
 to keep holy the sabbath. When the sabbath draws on, there must
 be preparation. Our worldly affairs must be so ordered, that
 they may not hinder us from our sabbath work; and our holy
 affections so stirred up, that they may carry us on in it. In
 whatever business we engage, or however our hearts may be
 affected, let us never fail to get ready for, and to keep holy,
 the day of sacred rest, which is the Lord's day.
02848
 * The resurrection of Christ. (1-12) He appears to two disciples
 on the way to Emmaus. (13-27) And makes himself known to them.
 (28-35) Christ appears to the other disciples. (36-49) His
 ascension. (50-53)

 #1-12 See the affection and respect the women showed to Christ,
 after he was dead and buried. Observe their surprise when they
 found the stone rolled away, and the grave empty. Christians
 often perplex themselves about that with which they should
 comfort and encourage themselves. They look rather to find their
 Master in his grave-clothes, than angels in their shining
 garments. The angels assure them that he is risen from the dead;
 is risen by his own power. These angels from heaven bring not
 any new gospel, but remind the women of Christ's words, and
 teach them how to apply them. We may wonder that these
 disciples, who believed Jesus to be the Son of God and the true
 Messiah, who had been so often told that he must die, and rise
 again, and then enter into his glory, who had seen him more than
 once raise the dead, yet should be so backward to believe his
 raising himself. But all our mistakes in religion spring from
 ignorance or forgetfulness of the words Christ has spoken. Peter
 now ran to the sepulchre, who so lately ran from his Master. He
 was amazed. There are many things puzzling and perplexing to us,
 which would be plain and profitable, if we rightly understood
 the words of Christ.