oncerning the kingdom of Christ, and the subjects of that
kingdom. (1-6) Concerning the King of that kingdom. (7-10)
Verses 1-6: We ourselves are not our own; our bodies, our souls, are
not. Even those of the children of men are God's, who know him
not, nor own their relation to him. A soul that knows and
considers its own nature, and that it must live for ever, when
it has viewed the earth and the fulness thereof, will sit down
unsatisfied. It will think of ascending toward God, and will
ask, What shall I do, that I may abide in that happy, holy
place, where he makes his people holy and happy? We make nothing
of religion, if we do not make heart-work of it. We can only be
cleansed from our sins, and renewed unto holiness, by the blood
of Christ and the washing of the Holy Ghost. Thus we become his
people; thus we receive blessing from the Lord, and
righteousness from the God of our salvation. God's peculiar
people shall be made truly and for ever happy. Where God gives
righteousness, he designs salvation. Those that are made meet
for heaven, shall be brought safe to heaven, and will find what
they have been seeking.
Verses 7-10: The splendid entry here described, refers to the solemn
bringing in of the ark into the tent David pitched for it, or
the temple Solomon built for it. We may also apply it to the
ascension of Christ into heaven, and the welcome given to him
there. Our Redeemer found the gates of heaven shut, but having
by his blood made atonement for sin, as one having authority, he
demanded entrance. The angels were to worship him, (Heb 1:6):
they ask with wonder, Who is he? It is answered, that he is
strong and mighty; mighty in battle to save his people, and to
subdue his and their enemies. We may apply it to Christ's
entrance into the souls of men by his word and Spirit, that they
may be his temples. Behold, he stands at the door, and knocks,
(Re 3:20). The gates and doors of the heart are to be opened to
him, as possession is delivered to the rightful owner. We may
apply it to his second coming with glorious power. Lord, open
the everlasting door of our souls by thy grace, that we may now
receive thee, and be wholly thine; and that, at length, we may
be numbered with thy saints in glory.
oncerning the kingdom of Christ, and the subjects of that
kingdom. (1-6) Concerning the King of that kingdom. (7-10)