Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. Christ's death and resurrection are firmly believed, and often considered by us; but too little attention is paid to the end of both. I. WHAT IS THIS END? 1. That He, as man, might be the lawful possessor of the dead and living. Man has, by sin, forfeited all he has and is, into the hands of justice. Christ, by His death, has satisfied justice, and purchased us for Himself: and in consequence of His resurrection He rescues us, both the living and the dead (Philippians 2:6-10). 2. That He might be their Deliverer, Protector, and Ruler, defending them from their enemies, and reigning in and over them. 3. That He might be their Master, that they might obey His will, and promote His glory: His sufferings and death supply the greatest inducement to this, and procure grace for us: His resurrection confers that grace, and enables us to live to Him. 4. That He might be the Head and Husband of the dead and living. Lord sometimes means husband. His death manifests His love to His spouse, the Church (Ephesians 5:25): His being raised, makes Him able to fulfil the part of a husband (Romans 7:4), including union (1 Corinthians 6:17), communion, maintenance, guidance, government. Hence it appears that the dead are not dead: He will not be the Husband of the dead. 5. That He might be the Judge of the dead and the living (vers. 10-13; Acts 17:31). This honour is conferred upon Him as a fit reward of His sufferings and death: He rose to give full assurance of it: He is thereby capacitated to exercise it. II. THE USE WE SHOULD MAKE OF THIS DOCTRINE. Did He die and rise again — 1. That He might be our Owner? Then let us give Him His own (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). 2. That He might be our Governor? Then let us be subject to Him in heart and life, and dependent on His protection. 3. That He might be our Master? Then let us live to Him (2 Corinthians 5:14, 15); this is our duty, in justice and gratitude. 4. That He might be our Husband? Then how great the honour and happiness He designs for us! Let us immediately embrace it. 5. That He might be our Judge? Then let us keep the awful day in view, and prepare for it. (J. Benson.) Parallel Verses KJV: For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. |
    |