2 Corinthians 5:17
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature - It is vain for a man to profess affinity to Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in his heart and life, and dead in trespasses and sins; for he that is in Christ, that is, a genuine Christian, having Christ dwelling in his heart by faith, is a new creature; his old state is changed: he was a child of Satan, he is now a child of God; he was a slave of sin, and his works were death; he is now made free from sin, and has his fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. He was before full of pride and wrath; he is now meek and humble. He formerly had his portion in this life, and lived for this world alone; he now hath God for his portion, and he looks not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are eternal. Therefore, old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new - The man is not only mended, but he is new made; he is a new creature, καινη κτισις, a new creation, a little world in himself; formerly, all was in chaotic disorder; now, there is a new creation, which God himself owns as his workmanship, and which he can look on and pronounce very good. The conversion of a man from idolatry and wickedness was among the Jews denominated a new creation. He who converts a man to the true religion is the same, says R. Eliezer, as if he had created him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Therefore--connected with the words in Co2 5:16, "We know Christ no more after the flesh." As Christ has entered on His new heavenly life by His resurrection and ascension, so all who are "in Christ" (that is, united to Him by faith as the branch is In the vine) are new creatures (Rom 6:9-11). "New" in the Greek implies a new nature quite different from anything previously existing, not merely recent, which is expressed by a different Greek word (Gal 6:15). creature--literally, "creation," and so the creature resulting from the creation (compare Joh 3:3, Joh 3:5; Eph 2:10; Eph 4:23; Col 3:10-11). As we are "in Christ," so "God was in Christ" (Co2 5:19): hence He is Mediator between God and us. old things--selfish, carnal views (compare Co2 5:16) of ourselves, of other men, and of Christ. passed away--spontaneously, like the snow of early spring [BENGEL] before the advancing sun. behold--implying an allusion to Isa 43:19; Isa 65:17.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And all things are of God,.... A man's being brought into a Gospel church state is of God; the causing all old things to pass away, whether in the Jewish or Gentile world, is of God; the shaking of the heavens and the earth, and the removing of those things that are shaken, the abrogation of the ceremonial law, the putting an end to all the Mosaic rites and sacrifices, the ejection of Satan out of the Heathen temples, and the abolition of Gentilism, with every thing else that comes under the names of old, and new, are of God: it is he that causes old things to pass away, and makes all things new, see Rev 21:1. Moreover, as all things in the old creation are from him, all creatures owe their beings to him, are supported in them by him, and all are made for his pleasure, and his glory so all things in the new creation are of him; the work of renovation itself is his; all the grace that is implanted in regeneration comes front him: nothing is of the creature, or to be ascribed to it. All things in redemption are of him; he drew the plan of it, called his Son to be the Redeemer, appointed and sent him as such; and particularly that branch of it, reconciliation, is of him: who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ. The work of reconciliation, or making atonement for sin, is ascribed to the Father; not that he is the author of it, for it is properly Christ's work; but because he took the first step towards it: he formed the scheme of it; he set forth his Son in his purposes and decrees to be the propitiary sacrifice; he assigned him this work in council and covenant, in promise and in prophecy, and sent him to effect it; therefore he is said to do it "by" him; that is, by his blood and sacrifice, by his sufferings and death, to which, and to which alone, the Scriptures ascribe our peace and reconciliation: and this is made to "himself": as being the party offended, whose law was broken, against whom sin was committed, and whose justice required and demanded satisfaction: and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; which is the Gospel of peace, the word which preaches, publishes and declares, peace made by the blood of Christ; which is a gift to ministers, and a blessing to the people. The free grace of God greatly appears in this matter; God the Father sets this work of reconciliation on foot, Christ has brought it about, and the ministers of the Gospel publish it.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Ambassadors for Christ
16So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Crusade 1957
By Billy Graham44K09:05PSA 51:10PRO 6:18ISA 1:18JER 17:10EZK 36:26MAT 15:8MAT 22:37MRK 8:34ROM 3:232CO 5:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highlighting the need for repentance, humility, and a new heart through Christ. The message stresses the significance of acknowledging our sins, renouncing self, and accepting God's transformative power to experience forgiveness, new life, and a restored relationship with Him.
Modern American Christianity
By Paul Washer31K58:10False ConversionMAT 6:33MAT 7:13MAT 7:15MAT 7:192CO 5:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of lasting fruit in the Christian life. He challenges the notion that temporary emotional experiences can be considered as a great move of God. Instead, he highlights the significance of God's work in one's life, which can be recognized by the fruit produced. The speaker then delves into the analogy of building a house on either a rock or sand, explaining that it represents the choice between following the narrow way that leads to heaven or the broad way that leads to destruction. Ultimately, the sermon encourages listeners to examine their lives and determine which path they are on.
Are You Well
By Major Ian Thomas15K38:45SoulGEN 1:27MAT 6:33JHN 14:9ROM 3:231CO 12:132CO 5:17TIT 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being a true representation of God in every aspect of their lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who was sinless and perfectly reflected God's character. The speaker explains that God has given us physical bodies to communicate what is happening inside us, just like animals communicate their behavior through their bodies. He urges believers to restore their relationship with God and become compelling examples of His presence to the world. The ultimate goal is for believers to live in such a way that everything they do, say, and wear reflects God's likeness and character.
Victory Over One's Worst Enemy
By Paris Reidhead15K36:50Overcoming SelfVictoryVictory in ChristJHN 10:10ROM 5:8ROM 6:6ROM 8:372CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 4:13COL 3:31JN 1:9Paris Reidhead emphasizes that our greatest enemy is ourselves, revealing his personal struggles with spirituality and critical attitudes during his missionary work in Africa. He shares his journey of disillusionment and the realization that true victory comes from recognizing our identity in Christ, being crucified with Him, and understanding that He died not just for our sins but to transform us from within. Reidhead encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, moving beyond mere intellectual knowledge to a heartfelt experience of His grace and power. He concludes with a call to embrace the resurrection life of Christ, which empowers us to overcome our negative traits and habits.
Accountability to God - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill14K25:24Accountability to GodAccountabilityPurity of HeartPSA 51:10MAT 5:8JHN 10:10ACT 15:8ROM 3:232CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:22HEB 12:141JN 1:9Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the critical need for accountability to God, illustrating the transformative power of genuine repentance and the pursuit of purity in the heart. He recounts a personal story of a woman who, after a deep cry for mercy, experienced true salvation, contrasting it with his own struggle with sin and misery. Ravenhill argues that the greatest sin is the desire to run one's own life apart from God, and he stresses that true Christianity is about allowing Christ to live within us, leading to a pure heart and a renewed spirit. He challenges the modern church's tendency to downplay sin and calls for a return to recognizing the need for deep, inward cleansing and the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek purity, as it is the foundation for true power in their lives and ministries.
(1 Peter - Part 3): Begotten Again Unto a Living Hope
By A.W. Tozer14K31:30Living HopeEZK 36:28JHN 1:122CO 5:171PE 1:31PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a young lady eagerly preparing for a long-awaited reunion with her loved one. However, unbeknownst to her, the ship he was on has sunk, and he is now floating lifeless in the sea. The preacher then discusses his preaching style, which focuses on uncovering the principles behind the text rather than simply preaching the words. He emphasizes the importance of supernatural grace and the miracles that are at the core of the Christian faith. The preacher also shares a story of a preacher who was forced out of a missionary society for emphasizing supernatural grace and the unexplainable experiences that believers have in Christ.
(1986 Prairie Series) 4 - Rediscovering Christ
By Major Ian Thomas12K1:19:19Resurrection PowerLiving in ChristPrairie SeriesLUK 22:32LUK 24:49JHN 5:39JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ROM 8:112CO 5:17GAL 2:201PE 1:181JN 1:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing Christ's resurrection in the life of believers, particularly through the experience of Peter. He illustrates how Peter's denial and subsequent conversion led to a profound understanding of the necessity of Christ's sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Thomas explains that true Christian living is not about self-effort but about allowing Christ to live through us, highlighting the importance of faith and divine empowerment. He encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ and to share His life with others, moving beyond mere religious activity to a genuine relationship with the risen Lord.
Beatitudes/clothed in Christ 1
By Paul Washer10K48:40BeatitudesMAT 5:48MAT 11:28ROM 7:182CO 5:17GAL 3:27PHP 1:6HEB 12:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and authority of true prophets of God. He highlights how the prophets in the Bible, including Paul, delivered strong and sometimes uncomfortable messages to Israel. However, the mark of a true prophet is that they also offer hope and redemption, inviting people to come to God for healing and restoration. The speaker then shifts to discussing the Christian life, emphasizing that true blessedness comes from experiencing the presence and glory of Jesus Christ. He encourages believers to focus on becoming more like Jesus and to prioritize character transformation over mere actions or accomplishments. The sermon concludes by examining the importance of Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the significance of Jesus opening his mouth to teach the disciples.
Repent, Repent, Repent
By Leonard Ravenhill10K1:23:53RepentancePSA 51:3PRO 29:1MAT 6:16JHN 8:112CO 5:17HEB 12:11JN 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for the final judgment. He mentions preaching for three and a half hours on the judgment seat and expresses his fear and awe of it. The preacher also discusses the misconception about the apostle Paul's words in Romans 7, clarifying that it is a funeral march while Romans 8 is a wedding march. He shares a story about a man repenting during a sermon on adultery, highlighting the power of God's glory to expose the human heart. The sermon concludes with the preacher discussing the liberation and emancipation that comes from the Spirit of God.
Ye Must Be Born Again - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill10K46:04Born AgainObedience to GodRegenerationJHN 1:12JHN 3:3JHN 14:6ROM 8:92CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8TIT 3:51PE 1:231JN 5:12Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of being born again, arguing that mere morality is insufficient for true spiritual transformation. He critiques the modern church's focus on superficiality and calls for a deeper understanding of biblical regeneration, highlighting that true Christianity is about receiving Christ into one's life rather than just adhering to moral standards. Ravenhill illustrates his points with historical references and personal anecdotes, stressing that the essence of salvation is a radical change of heart and life, which is only possible through the Holy Spirit. He urges believers to seek a genuine baptism of obedience and to recognize the urgency of the gospel message in a world increasingly detached from God.
The New Birth - Part 2
By Derek Prince9.9K28:46New BirthMAT 6:33JHN 14:26ROM 6:232CO 5:17GAL 2:20PHP 4:131JN 5:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having the Son of God in one's life. He explains that according to the New Testament, becoming a Christian and receiving eternal life is through accepting Jesus as one's Savior. The preacher highlights Romans 6:23, which states that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. He clarifies that this gift of eternal life is found in Jesus Christ, and it is received through faith in His resurrection life. The preacher also emphasizes that Jesus came to give abundant life, contrasting this with the thief (the devil) who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He concludes by urging listeners to open their hearts and receive Jesus as their personal Savior for eternal life.
My Godly Father
By Keith Daniel9.6K1:16:49FatherMAT 7:7ROM 10:132CO 5:17In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of his father's journey towards salvation. As a young boy, his father had a strong desire to become rich and was willing to do whatever it took to achieve it. However, as he grew older, he realized the emptiness of his pursuit and the impact it had on his family. One day, a woman confronted his father about his lack of faith in God, pointing to the transformation in his sons' lives as evidence of God's power. This encounter led his father to spend hours in prayer, seeking God's forgiveness and guidance. Despite his efforts to build a decent life, the outbreak of World War II shattered his dreams and those of millions of others. The sermon emphasizes the importance of turning to God and finding hope and purpose in Him, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 1 (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill9.4K56:49Christ In YouMAT 6:33ROM 8:11CO 1:272CO 5:172CO 12:9GAL 2:20REV 2:18In this sermon, the preacher starts by discussing the story of Paul's shipwreck and how he cast four anchors into the sea when all hope seemed lost. He then shares a personal anecdote about a wealthy man who faced a terrifying experience during a storm on his yacht. The preacher emphasizes the importance of respecting the sea and relates it to the trials and challenges we face in life. He goes on to talk about the judgment day and how our works will be tested by fire, highlighting the significance of the quality rather than the quantity of our actions. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the Apostle Paul and his boldness in proclaiming the message of being a new creation in Christ.
Freedom From Bondage Romans 8 - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill9.0K47:29FreedomROM 8:92CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 2:81JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience as children and emphasizes the importance of their testimony and prayer life. He highlights the contrast between their past glory and current shame, suggesting that their actions have led to this change in perception. The speaker emphasizes the need to earn rewards through faithfulness and labor, rather than assuming salvation guarantees them. He also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in removing guilt and enabling believers to walk triumphantly in God's name, even in the face of challenges and opposition. The sermon concludes with a reference to Paul's prayer for believers to be steadfast and unmovable in their faith.
The Sacrifice That Is Pleasing to God
By Duncan Campbell7.7K57:03SacrificeGEN 32:24EXO 34:6PSA 145:9JER 2:23MAT 7:2MAT 22:372CO 5:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of God's second chance. He highlights that after death, there is no second chance, but in life, God gives us the opportunity to change and transform. The speaker refers to the story of Jacob and how God met him on his journey, symbolizing God's pursuit of us. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and facing one's past mistakes, as it leads to a deeper understanding of God's mercy and forgiveness.
A Message for Reformed Christian Rappers
By Paul Washer6.9K54:30RappingMAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 3:23ROM 6:232CO 5:171PE 1:151JN 2:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the gospel message in scripture. He highlights the need to disciple lost people and shares an example of a man who was on the verge of death and desperately seeking salvation. The preacher challenges the common approach of leading people through a series of steps and instead emphasizes the power of preaching the gospel and calling for repentance and belief. He shares how he spent hours with the dying man, going through scripture and praying until the man finally understood and accepted the message of salvation.
The Promises of God - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman6.6K30:08PromisesJHN 1:12JHN 3:3ROM 8:9ROM 10:92CO 5:17EPH 1:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the current state of the nation and emphasizes the importance of knowing one's worth and the worth of others. The speaker shares their personal belief in staking everything on Jesus, whom they have never seen but have witnessed his transformative power in the lives of people. They describe the greatest miracle as the transformation of a life and give examples of individuals who have been lifted out of despair and given new purpose through their faith in Jesus. The speaker concludes by highlighting the significance of the spiritual birth and the ability of Jesus to bring about a complete change in a person's life.
Did You Know That You're in the Bible?
By Paul Washer6.6K38:54Judgment Seat Of ChristMAT 7:12CO 5:17PHP 4:3REV 20:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of our thoughts, deeds, and words. He highlights the idea that if our lives were exposed for all to see, we would be ashamed and run away. The sermon also addresses the deception of believing oneself to be a Christian without true evidence of a transformed life. The preacher challenges the notion of reducing salvation to a mere prayer and emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and obedience to God's commandments. Additionally, the sermon discusses the sobering reality of death and the importance of recognizing that it is not the end, urging listeners to prioritize the eternal over worldly distractions.
Almost Persuaded
By Carter Conlon6.4K44:33King AgrippaMAT 13:22ACT 26:22ACT 26:282CO 5:172TI 4:7HEB 12:1REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude and praise to God. He then addresses a specific person, a girl he met on the street who was carrying a baby, and emphasizes that Jesus died for her. The preacher highlights the sacrifice and love of Jesus, stating that even if she was the only one to receive Him, He would still have come and suffered. The sermon also includes references to the apostle Paul's testimony and the importance of accepting Christ before it is too late. The preacher warns about the consequences of rejecting Jesus and urges the audience to seek salvation while the opportunity is still available.
Dating: God's Way
By Joshua Harris5.7K48:412SA 11:1PSA 51:10ECC 3:1JHN 4:14JHN 13:352CO 5:171PE 2:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of living differently in order to avoid negative consequences in relationships. He shares a story about a young boy who cheats a girl out of her candy by hiding his favorite marbles. The boy feels guilty and struggles with his actions throughout the night. The speaker also shares a personal story about a broken engagement and the pain it caused. He emphasizes the need for commitment to purity and living differently to achieve different outcomes in relationships.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 12
By Paris Reidhead5.5K20:50Cost Of DiscipleshipMAT 25:35ROM 8:102CO 5:17GAL 2:20In this sermon, the speaker explains that when we open our hearts to receive Jesus Christ, we close the gap between us and God. Through faith, we can connect with God and receive His blessings. The speaker emphasizes that when we receive Jesus, we receive the broadcast from Calvary, where our sins are forgiven and we have peace with God. The sermon also shares a powerful story of a man named Karga who, despite the pain of his father's murder, chose to share the message of Christ with the people responsible. Through his testimony, many people came to know Jesus and a church was established. The sermon concludes by highlighting the mystery of the Trinity and the fact that God is present in every aspect of our lives.
A Sound Mind
By Don McClure5.2K53:39PSA 103:12ISA 43:18MAT 6:332CO 5:17PHP 3:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of encountering Jesus and how it can transform lives. He shares a story of a woman who had a troubled past and was rejected by society. However, when she encountered Jesus at a well, she was completely transformed and became a witness for Him. The speaker also contrasts this with the teachings of Freud, who believed that people are shaped by their past experiences. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes the importance of letting go of the past and finding freedom in Jesus.
Disciple Making, Fruit of Being a Christian and David Platt
By Francis Chan4.9K07:24MAT 4:19MAT 7:21LUK 9:232CO 5:17JAS 2:17This sermon delves into the essence of true discipleship and the transformation that should accompany genuine belief in Christ. It emphasizes the need for visible life change when the Holy Spirit dwells in a person, contrasting it with mere religious activities. The speaker highlights the importance of surrendering to Jesus, following Him wholeheartedly, and becoming disciple-makers as a natural outcome of being a disciple. The message also addresses the critical distinction between claiming to be a Christian and truly living a surrendered life to Christ, urging believers to examine their commitment and lifestyle in light of Scripture.
The Kingdom of God - Part 1
By B.H. Clendennen4.8K09:45MAT 5:14MAT 6:10MAT 12:28JHN 3:3JHN 18:361CO 4:202CO 5:17EPH 2:8COL 1:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of being born again to truly experience the kingdom of God. It highlights the need for a genuine transformation where Christ is birthed in individuals, leading to a desire to be in God's presence and a deep understanding of the fall and redemption. The message stresses that Christianity is not about religious rituals but about having a personal relationship with Christ and living in His kingdom of light and power.
Are You a Soul Winner
By Keith Daniel4.8K48:22Soul WinningPRO 11:30MAT 28:192CO 5:17PHP 2:15In this sermon, Brother Denny shares his personal testimony of his father's transformation through God's grace. He describes how his father, who was once broken and miserable, turned to alcohol to cope with his sorrows. However, in one moment, his father was completely delivered and filled with joy and peace through God's salvation. This transformation had a profound impact on Brother Denny and his family, leading them to realize the reality and permanence of God's work in their lives. Brother Denny emphasizes that when we are in Christ and experience this transformation, we are given the ministry of reconciliation and the responsibility to share the message of salvation with others.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature - It is vain for a man to profess affinity to Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in his heart and life, and dead in trespasses and sins; for he that is in Christ, that is, a genuine Christian, having Christ dwelling in his heart by faith, is a new creature; his old state is changed: he was a child of Satan, he is now a child of God; he was a slave of sin, and his works were death; he is now made free from sin, and has his fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. He was before full of pride and wrath; he is now meek and humble. He formerly had his portion in this life, and lived for this world alone; he now hath God for his portion, and he looks not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are eternal. Therefore, old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new - The man is not only mended, but he is new made; he is a new creature, καινη κτισις, a new creation, a little world in himself; formerly, all was in chaotic disorder; now, there is a new creation, which God himself owns as his workmanship, and which he can look on and pronounce very good. The conversion of a man from idolatry and wickedness was among the Jews denominated a new creation. He who converts a man to the true religion is the same, says R. Eliezer, as if he had created him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Therefore--connected with the words in Co2 5:16, "We know Christ no more after the flesh." As Christ has entered on His new heavenly life by His resurrection and ascension, so all who are "in Christ" (that is, united to Him by faith as the branch is In the vine) are new creatures (Rom 6:9-11). "New" in the Greek implies a new nature quite different from anything previously existing, not merely recent, which is expressed by a different Greek word (Gal 6:15). creature--literally, "creation," and so the creature resulting from the creation (compare Joh 3:3, Joh 3:5; Eph 2:10; Eph 4:23; Col 3:10-11). As we are "in Christ," so "God was in Christ" (Co2 5:19): hence He is Mediator between God and us. old things--selfish, carnal views (compare Co2 5:16) of ourselves, of other men, and of Christ. passed away--spontaneously, like the snow of early spring [BENGEL] before the advancing sun. behold--implying an allusion to Isa 43:19; Isa 65:17.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And all things are of God,.... A man's being brought into a Gospel church state is of God; the causing all old things to pass away, whether in the Jewish or Gentile world, is of God; the shaking of the heavens and the earth, and the removing of those things that are shaken, the abrogation of the ceremonial law, the putting an end to all the Mosaic rites and sacrifices, the ejection of Satan out of the Heathen temples, and the abolition of Gentilism, with every thing else that comes under the names of old, and new, are of God: it is he that causes old things to pass away, and makes all things new, see Rev 21:1. Moreover, as all things in the old creation are from him, all creatures owe their beings to him, are supported in them by him, and all are made for his pleasure, and his glory so all things in the new creation are of him; the work of renovation itself is his; all the grace that is implanted in regeneration comes front him: nothing is of the creature, or to be ascribed to it. All things in redemption are of him; he drew the plan of it, called his Son to be the Redeemer, appointed and sent him as such; and particularly that branch of it, reconciliation, is of him: who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ. The work of reconciliation, or making atonement for sin, is ascribed to the Father; not that he is the author of it, for it is properly Christ's work; but because he took the first step towards it: he formed the scheme of it; he set forth his Son in his purposes and decrees to be the propitiary sacrifice; he assigned him this work in council and covenant, in promise and in prophecy, and sent him to effect it; therefore he is said to do it "by" him; that is, by his blood and sacrifice, by his sufferings and death, to which, and to which alone, the Scriptures ascribe our peace and reconciliation: and this is made to "himself": as being the party offended, whose law was broken, against whom sin was committed, and whose justice required and demanded satisfaction: and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; which is the Gospel of peace, the word which preaches, publishes and declares, peace made by the blood of Christ; which is a gift to ministers, and a blessing to the people. The free grace of God greatly appears in this matter; God the Father sets this work of reconciliation on foot, Christ has brought it about, and the ministers of the Gospel publish it.