Sketches of Sermons John 3:36 He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life… od: — I. WHAT IS THIS BELIEVING ON THE SON? 1. This believing on the Son, as here mentioned, supposes a distinct knowledge of Him — of His person, natures, and offices. 2. It includes assent to the record that God the Father has given of Him. 3. It includes, in consequence of both the knowledge of Him, and assent to the testimony of God concerning Him, our hearty approbation of Him, as every way qualified, able, faithful, and willing, to save to the uttermost all that believe (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 2:17; John 6:37). 4. Chiefly it includes a cordial acceptance of Christ, as offered in the gospel. II. SHOW IN WHAT RESPECTS TRUE BELIEVERS IN CHRIST MAY BE SAID TO HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE. 1. They have it in title and right of purchase. 2. They have the blessedness of the heavenly state in the promises of it; therefore it is called "eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, has promised" (Titus 1:2). 3. Believers have the eternal happiness of heaven in their glorified Head and forerunner. He, as their Forerunner, is entered into heaven for them (Hebrews 6:20); has taken, as it were, possession in their name. 4. They have everlasting life in the first-fruits of it. They have already received some part of their future blessedness in the graces and comforts of the Holy Spirit, which are therefore called the "first-fruits of the Spirit" (Romans 8:23), and the "earnest of the heavenly inheritance" (Ephesians 1:14). (Sketches of Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. |
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