Revelation 21:5-8 And he that sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.… I. The first prejudice which we intend to attack is this: A life spent in ease and idleness is not incompatible with salvation, if it be free from great crimes. Against this we oppose this part of our text, "He that overcometh shall inherit." In order to inherit, we must overcome. Here vigilance, action, and motion are supposed. II. The second prejudice is this: A just God will not impute to His creatures sins of infirmity and .constitution, though His creatures shall be subject to them during the whole course of their lives. Against this we oppose these words of the apostle, "The fearful and whoremongers shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." III. The third prejudice is this: Speculative errors cannot be attended with any fatal consequences, provided we live uprightly, as it is called, and discharge our social duties. Against this we oppose this word, the "unbelieving." The unbelieving are put into the class of the miserable. IV. The fourth prejudice is this: Religions are indifferent. The mercy of God extends to those who live in the most erroneous communions. Against this we oppose the word "idolaters." Idolaters are considered among the most criminal of mankind. V. The last prejudice in this: None but the vulgar ought to be afraid of committing certain crimes. Kings will be judged by a particular law: the greatness of the motive that inclined them to manage some affairs of state will plead their excuse, and secure them from Divine vengeance. Against this we oppose these words, "abominable," "sorcerers," and "all liars," which three words include almost all those abominations which are called illustrious crimes. (J. Saurin.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. |
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