282. JOH 10:10. THE GRACIOUS DESIGN OF CHRIST’S COMING

Joh_10:10. The Gracious Design of Christ’s Coming

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."’97Joh_10:10.

The text contains the good design of Christ’s manifestation in the flesh. It it supposed that mankind were dead, and Jesus came expressly to give them life, yea, to give it them more abundantly.

Let us notice, I. The Blessing referred to. And, II. The Source of its Communication.

I. The Blessing referred to.

"Life." A life suited to man’s state and circumstances.

1. A life of justification.

In opposition to man’s guilty and condemned condition. Rom_5:18,Rom_8:2.

2. A life of regeneration.

In opposition to that spiritual death which has come upon mankind through the fall. Joh_3:4-8.

3. A life of adoption.

In opposition to man’s alien estate. By which we become the acknowledged sons and heirs of God. Gal_4:5.

4. A life of glory everlasting.

In opposition to eternal death. Joh_10:28; Rom_6:23; 1Jn_5:11.

Observe,

II. The Source of its Communication.

"I am come that ye might have life," &c. Now Jesus is the great source’97the author of life. Jesus,

1. Came to reveal it.

It had partially been made known before. But Christ "brought life and immortality to light." 2Ti_1:10. He explained all things of importance connected with it. Showed in what it consisted. Made known the way to obtain it, &c.

2. He came to offer it.

Hence, his invitations and addresses related to it. He published it, "If any man thirst," &c. "I am the resurrection and the life," &c. He expostulated, "Ye will not come," &c.

3. He came to procure it.

And, hence he laid down his lite for the world. Joh_6:51. "He was the propitiation," &c. By his blood he gave a ransom, &c. 1Ti_2:6. "He died for us." "Wounded for our transgressions," &c.

4. He came to bestow it.

We are justified by his merits. Regenerated by his Spirit. Adopted by his grace. Glorified by him, and with him, &c. He is the only communicator either of the life of grace, or of life eternal. Exalted for this purpose, &c.

5. He came to bestow it more abundantly.

An abundance of life exists in him Infinite exhaustless life. He has an abundance of life to impart’97ever, to the whole world,’97to every creature. Number cannot diminish it. It is offered abundantly. No restriction, or limitation’97"More" abundantly; Once limited to the Jews now published to all mankind.

Application

1. Christ has come and brought life near unto us, and we can only obtain it by coming near unto him He must be received; and in receiving him, we receive life.

2. This life must be maintained’97perpetuated, by adhering to Christ. His grace and Spirit must preserve and keep us to eternal life.

3. Rejectors of the Gospel. Necessarily exclude themselves from this life, and must therefore be the victims of eternal death The end of the ministry is to warn, exhort, &c., that they may flee from the wrath to come.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS