Revelation 1:4-9 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be to you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come… I. SOME OF THE GREAT GENERAL CHARACTERS OF THE LOVE OF CHRIST. 1. An everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3; Psalm 103:17; Isaiah 54:7, 8; Ephesians 1:4, 5; Ephesians 3:11; Revelation 13:8). Does not this lead us to contemplate the glory of an infinite God, as it shines in this everlasting love? 2. Free and unmerited love (Psalm 8:4; Psalm 144:3; Job 7:17). 3. Unsolicited love (1 John 4:10; Romans 5:10). There is something infinitely more noble and generous in extending mercy to the miserable without waiting for their request, than when it is hardly procured, or as it were extorted by importunity or solicitation. 4. A distinguishing love, which must greatly enhance the obligation of those who are the objects of it. 5. An expensive love. 6. A most generous and disinterested love. It was giving to those from whom He could receive nothing. 7. A most fruitful, active, and beneficent love. II. PRACTICAL IMPROVEMENT OF THE SUBJECT. 1. If so great are the obligations of believers to the love of Christ, how dreadful must be the condition of those who die in their sins. 2. Learn that the great and leading motive to obedience under the gospel, is a deep and grateful sense of redeeming love. 3. The necessity of a particular application of the truths of the gospel to ourselves, and the reliance of every believer upon them as the foundation of his own hope. 4. This leads me to invite every sinner to accept of Christ as his Saviour and to rely upon Him as He is offered in the gospel. (J. Witherspoon, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; |
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