2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death… In discoursing upon these words, it shall be my endeavour to show what Jesus Christ has effected — I. IN HIS OWN PERSON. Referring to the text, we find mention made of "Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death." It wilt, I doubt not, be readily admitted that, if the cause be removed, the resulting effects must necessarily cease. What, then, is the cause of death? It is a melancholy and humiliating reflection that man — the lord of this lower world, the vicegerent of the great Supreme on earth — should die, as do the brutes over whom he holds a delegated sway. Yet it is not more melancholy and humiliating than it is true — "His life is but as a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." Yet it was not always so. The mortality of man is the direful effect of sin. And when it is stated that Jesus Christ "hath abolished death," it cannot mean that we are consequently exempt from paying the debt of our fallen nature. By no means; "it is appointed unto all men once to die." The most merciless tyrants have, at some particular seasons, shown signs of a merciful and yielding disposition; and the tears of imploring loveliness have pierced even their hard and cruel hearts. But not all the fascinations of beauty can arouse one kindly feeling in the breast of the king of terrors, or make one single impression on his relentless nature. By the term "death" here, we are not to understand merely natural death, but the corruption and decomposition which take place in consequence of it; and, though we must allow it a short and momentary triumph, yet in the end it will be totally "abolished." And how has this been brought to pass? By Jesus Christ. By His righteousness and atoning sacrifice, satisfaction has been made for the sins of the whole world; by His resurrection and ascension, proof is given that the power and dominion of death must eventually terminate. Let us now proceed to consider what the same gracious Saviour has effected for us — II. BY MEANS OF THE GOSPEL. He has brought life and immortality to light. The literal translation of the original is: "He hath illustrated life and immortality by the gospel." This doctrine had never been illustrated and demonstrated before; it existed in promise, but had never been practically exhibited. But through what medium are we assured of this? It is the gospel alone which brings immortal life to light. It is this which rouses, extends, enlarges, and refines our limited views and sentiments. (T. Massey, A. B.) Parallel Verses KJV: But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: |
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