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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - 2 Corinthians 5:15 - 5:15
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If one died for all, then were all dead. Some understand it of a death in sin; all were in a state of sin and death when Christ died for them. Others understand it mystically, when Christ died for all, all were then dead; that is, dead in Christ unto sin; intimating, that when Christ died, all believers were dead in him to sin and the world. As Christ died for sin, so ought all to die unto sin.
Farther, Christ dying once for all, proveth the verity of his satisfaction, and the sufficiency of his satisfaction. What virtue was there in that death which merited life for all! And what love was there in our God to appoint one for all, and to accept one for all! That some so worthy in himself, that one so dear to God, should die, should die so willingly, should die so painfully, should die so shamefully, should die under a curse, to absolve from guilt, and discharge from condemnation! Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us!
Observe next, The great end and design of Christ in his death and resurrection for us; namely,
1. Negatively declared, that we should not live unto ourselves, to our own ease, profit, or honour; gratifying our own wills, inclinations, and corrupt desires, serving our own interests and ends: but, positively, to live unto him, according to his word and will, in obedience to his commands, and with an eye at this glory, who died for our sins, and rose again for our justification.
Had Christ only died for us, the favour had been inexpressible and unrequitable, and required us to live to his name and glory; but when he not only died for us, but rose again, and lives forever in heaven, to pour down fresh benefits upon us, and to do good offices daily and hourly for us, how endearing are our obligations to love him, and to live unto him!
Learn hence, 1. That by virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, Christians are both obliged to, and have obtained the grace of, newness of life, and holiness of conversation.
Learn, 2. That it is the duty, and will be the endeavour, of all those that are quickened by the Spirit of Christ unto newness of life, to refer all their actions not to themselves, but unto him: none can do both, live to Christ and self together. His we are already; by creation, by redemption, by sanctification, by voluntary resignation, we live by him. Our spiritual life is from him; we expect hereafter to live with him; let us therefore now live unto him, even unto him that died for us, and rose again.