John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me. Life includes — 1. Appropriate activity. 2. Happiness. The life here intended is not natural and intellectual, but spiritual and eternal. Christ is the Life, as He is — I. ITS AUTHOR. 1. He saves us from death — (1) By His atonement, which satisfies the law. (2) By delivering us from the power of Satan. 2. He gives inward spiritual life, because — (1) He procures for us the gift of the life-giving Spirit. (2) He not only merits, but sends that Spirit. II. ITS OBJECT. 1. The exercises in which the Spiritual life consists terminate in Him. 2. The happiness involved consists in fellowship with Him. He is our life, as He is our joy, our portion, our everlasting inheritance. III. ITS END. It is Christ for us to live. While others live for themselves, their country, mankind, the believer lives for Christ. It is the great design of His life to promote Christ's glory, and to advance His kingdom. Inferences — 1. Test of character. The difference between the true and the nominal Christian lies here. The one seeks and regards Christ as his life only, as He delivers from death; the other as the object of his life. 2. The true way to grow in grace, and in vigorous spiritual life, is to get more of Christ. 3. The happiness and duty of thus making Christ our life. (C. Hodge, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. |
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