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The true principle of Christian benevolence rests on the identifications of Christ with His people; and in the transactions of the great judgment this principle is brought out and wielded by the Judge, to the surprise alike of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous, to their astonishment, hear themselves commended for loving services to the King, which they are quite unconscious of ever having rendered. The wicked, on the other hand, to their amazement and dismay, hear themselves condemned for having refused to the King services which they are quite unconscious of ever having had opportunities to render or refuse.

I. THE IDENTIFICATION OF CHRIST WITH HIS MEMBERS.

1. Christ for me.

2. Christ with me.

3. Christ in me.

II. ITS SURPRISING INFLUENCE ON THE JUDGMENT.

1. The plea of the unrighteous in exculpation seems to involve —

(1)  A professed ignorance of Christ and His people;

(2)  a complaint that if they had the opportunity it was not made plain and palpable;

(3)  a profession that had they seen their opportunity they would have embraced it.

2. The righteous' modest declinature of praise. It is to be explained on the grounds, on their part, of a certain want of —

(1)  Recollection;

(2)  Recognition;

(3)  Realization.

(M. Martin, M. A.)

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KJV: Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

WEB: Then the King will tell those on his right hand, 'Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;