2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest to God… I. THE ARGUMENT WHICH THE APOSTLE MAKES CHOICE OF TO PERSUADE MEN, which is, "The terror of the Lord." In the gospel we find a mixture of the highest clemency and the greatest severity. The intermixing of these in the doctrine of the gospel was necessary in order to the benefit of mankind. And we shall easily see what great reason there is that this judgment shall be called "the terror of the Lord," if we consider — 1. The terror of the preparation for it. 2. The terror of the appearance in it. 3. The terror of the proceedings upon it. 4. The terror of the sentence which shall then be passed. II. THE ASSURANCE HE EXPRESSETH OF THE TRUTH OF IT; "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." We have two ways of proving articles of faith, such as this concerning Christ's coming to judgment is — 1. By showing that there is nothing unreasonable in the belief of them. 2. That there is sufficient evidence of the truth and certainty of them. 3. The efficacy of this argument for the persuading men to a reformation of heart and life. There is great variety of arguments in the Christian religion to persuade men to holiness, but none more moving to the generality of mankind than this.Especially considering these two things — 1. That if this argument doth not persuade men, there is no reason to expect any other should. 2. That the condition of such persons is desperate, who cannot by any arguments be persuaded to leave off their sins. (Bp. Stillingfleet.) Parallel Verses KJV: Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. |
    |