2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell… I. DELIVERANCE FROM THE DEADLY CURSE WHICH SIN ENTAILS (Romans 8:1). In Noah's ark there was no deluge; in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation. II. EVERLASTING LIFE. Of this Christ is the single source. Paul addresses the Church at Rome as "alive unto God in Christ Jesus our Lord." The Master said, "Because I live ye shall live also." "It is not I," said Paul, "but Christ that liveth in me." If the nurseryman inserts the graft of a golden pippin into an apple tree, that graft might say truly, It is not I that live, but the whole tree liveth in me. So Divine a thing is this life that it is described as — III. A NEW CREATION. This word "new" signifies also what is fresh, and unimpaired, and unworn, like a bright garment from its maker's hand. How imperative is it that we keep this unspotted by the world! Not for ornament merely is it given, but for use. IV. ACCEPTANCE IN THE BELOVED. If we are received into favour, it is solely for Christ's sake. V. PEACE (Philippians 4:7). VI. FULNESS OF SPIRITUAL SUPPLY (Colossians 2:10). "Ye are filled full in Christ." Why need I hunger when in my father's house and in my Saviour's heart are such wealth beyond a whole universe to drain? VII. TRIUMPH "Thanks be unto God who always causeth us to triumph in Christ!" This is the believer's battle-cry and paean of victory. Jesus gives the victory, and will bring us off more than conquerors. (T. L. Cuyler, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. |
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