Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has he quickened together with him… The physical order is a descent from life to death; the spiritual order an ascent from death to life. I. THE NATURAL CONDITION OF HUMANITY IS ONE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH. Man is in a condition of — 1. Spiritual insensibility. The dead know nothing, appreciate nothing; nor does the sinner of the things of God. 2. Moral corruption. "And the uncircumcision of your flesh." Death unbinds the forces that brace up the body in life, and leaves it a prey to the power of corruption. 3. Condemnation. (1) The Divine ordinances record an indictment against the transgressor. (a) Handwriting. The primary reference is to the Jews, who might be said to have signed the contract when they bound themselves, by a curse, to observe all the enactments of the law (Deuteronomy 27:14-267(b) Ordinances, though referring primarily to the Mosaic ordinances, include all forms of positive decrees in which moral or social principles are embodied or religious duties defined. Man everywhere is under law, written or unwritten; and he is morally obligated to obey it. (2) The Divine ordinances are hostile towards the transgressor. "Which was contrary to us." We are often painfully reminded of our broken bond, as the debtor is often reminded of his undischarged obligation. II. THE BELIEVER IS RAISED INTO A CONDITION OF SPIRITUAL LIFE. 1. This life begins in the consciousness of liberty. "Having forgiven you all trespasses." 2. It implies a freedom from all condemnation. III. THE TRANSITION OF THE SOUL FROM DEATH TO LIFE IS A DIVINE WORK. 1. God only can raise the dead. 2. He does so by a blessed union with Christ. 3. Which issues in immortal life. (G. Barlow.) Parallel Verses KJV: And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; |
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