Colossians 1:13
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Delivered us from the power of darkness - Darkness is here personified, and is represented as having εξουσια, power, authority, and sway; all Jews and Gentiles, which had not embraced the Gospel, being under this authority and power. And the apostle intimates here that nothing less than the power of God can redeem a man from this darkness, or prince of darkness, who, by means of sin and unbelief, keeps men in ignorance, vice, and misery. Translated us into the kingdom, etc - He has thoroughly changed our state, brought us out of the dark region of vice and impiety, and placed us in the kingdom under the government of his dear Son, Υἱου της αγαπης αὑτου, the Son of his love; the person whom, in his infinite love, he has given to make an atonement for the sin of the world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
from--Greek, "out of the power," out of the sphere in which his power is exercised. darkness--blindness, hatred, misery [BENGEL]. translated--Those thus translated as to state, are also transformed as to character. Satan has an organized dominion with various orders of powers of evil (Eph 2:2; Eph 6:12). But the term "kingdom" is rarely applied to his usurped rule (Mat 12:26); it is generally restricted to the kingdom of God. his dear Son--rather as Greek, "the Son of His love": the Son on whom His love rests (Joh 17:26; Eph 1:6): contrasted with the "darkness" where all is hatred and hateful.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,.... That is, from the power of Satan; see Act 26:18, who, though once an angel of light, is now darkness itself, and is reserved in chains of darkness; he is a ruler of the darkness of this world; his kingdom is a kingdom of darkness; and he blinds the minds of them that believe not, keeps them in darkness, and increases the natural darkness of their minds; he delights in works of darkness, and tempts men to them; and his everlasting state and portion will be blackness of darkness: his power over men, in a state of unregeneracy, which he usurps, and is suffered to exercise, is very great; he works effectually in them, and leads them captive at his will; and nothing less than the power of God, who is stronger than the strong man armed, can deliver out of his hands; and which is at least one part of the mercy for which thanks are here given; See Gill on Luk 22:53; with the Jews, one of the names of Satan is "darkness" (e). Moreover, the darkness of sin, ignorance, and unbelief, with which God's elect, while in a state of nature, are surrounded, and, as it were shut up and imprisoned, so that they have not the least spark of true spiritual light and knowledge, may be also meant; under the power of which they are to such a degree, that they know nothing of God in Christ, of the way of salvation by him, or of the work of the Spirit on their souls, or of the doctrines of the Gospel in an experimental manner; and so they continue, till, by an almighty power, they are turned from darkness to light; when, by powerful grace, they are plucked as brands out of the burning, and delivered from wrath to come, and from that utter darkness of misery and destruction their ways of sin and darkness led and exposed them to. This deliverance is wrought out for them in the effectual calling, when they are internally called, and powerfully brought out of this darkness, by introducing light into them, revealing Christ in them, causing the prince of darkness to flee from them, and the scales of darkness and blindness to fall from their eyes; and which is both an instance or the wonderful grace of God, and of his almighty power, and in which lies in part the saints' meetness for the inheritance; for these words are, in some sort, explanative of the former; for so long as a person is under the power of darkness, he cannot be meet for an inheritance which is in light: it follows, as another branch of this mercy, for which thanks are given, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; not into the kingdom of glory; for though the saints are heirs of it, and rejoice in hope of it, they have not yet an entrance into it; which they will have abundantly when Christ shall introduce them into it, not only as his Father's, but as his own kingdom and glory: but the kingdom of grace is here meant, or that state of grace, light, and life, which such are brought into, when rescued out of Satan's hands, and recovered out of their former state of ignorance and infidelity; when they are by the drawings of the Father, by his powerful and efficacious grace, brought to Christ, and, in the day his power on their souls, are made willing to submit to his righteousness, and to embrace him as the alone Saviour and Redeemer, and be subject to him as King of saints, observing his commands, keeping his ordinances, and walking in his statutes and judgments with other saints, in a Gospel church state; which is Christ's kingdom here on earth, where he reigns as King over God's holy hill of Zion, being set there by his Father, from whom he has received this kingdom, and will deliver it to him, when it is complete and perfect. Now those whom Jehovah the Father snatches out of Satan's hands, and breaks in upon their souls with divine light and knowledge, he brings into such a state, and into this kingdom of Christ, who is called "his dear Son": or "the Son of his love"; or "his Son of love"; who being his Son by nature, of the same nature with him, and equal to him, always was, is, and will be, the object of his love, complacency, and delight; as he cannot be otherwise, since he is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person; and even as this Son of his is in an office capacity, as the Mediator between God and man, he is his elect, in whom his soul delights; and he is always well pleased with all the chosen ones in him, who are the sons of God through him, and always beloved in him. This clause is added, partly to distinguish the kingdom of Christ, into which the saints are brought in this life, from the kingdom of the Father, or the ultimate glory they shall possess hereafter; and partly to express the security of the saints, and their continuance in the love of God, being in the kingdom, and under the care and government of the Son of his love; and also to make way for what the apostle has further to discourse concerning the person, office, and grace of Christ, in the following verses, (e) Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 25. 4.
Colossians 1:13
Thanksgiving and Prayer
12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.13He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Binding the Strongman
By David Wilkerson11K53:12Binding The StrongmanPSA 37:40MAT 6:33LUK 1:74COL 1:13HEB 13:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the desire to see Jesus and have a personal encounter with Him. Jesus acknowledges this desire but redirects the attention to His impending crucifixion and the victory that will come through it. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus came out of the grave as a powerful and victorious shepherd, capable of overcoming any battle or temptation in our lives. The sermon also highlights the significance of the cross in delivering believers from the power of darkness and the kingdom of the devil, and emphasizes the importance of remembering this deliverance in our walk with Jesus.
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.
The Kingdom vs. Patriotism
By Art Katz3.0K54:48American PatriotismMAT 6:33ROM 13:12CO 10:3EPH 6:12COL 1:131PE 2:17REV 11:15The video is a sermon transcript discussing the book written by John ML Young, a missionary in Japan. The speaker describes Young as an evangelical, fundamental Christian missionary who had a deep understanding of Christianity but may not have been familiar with the realm of the spirit. The speaker highlights Young's ability to critique and examine topics, noting that this is often lacking in spirit-filled individuals. The sermon emphasizes the conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world, particularly in the context of Japan's Shinto militarism and the rise of nationalism.
God's Jealousy for His People
By George Warnock2.2K58:14JealousyGod's JealousySeeking God's WillEXO 34:14PSA 27:4ISA 62:6JHN 8:32COL 1:13George Warnock emphasizes God's deep jealousy for His people, urging them to seek the truth that leads to true freedom and deliverance. He explains that while deliverance from sin is essential, it is equally important to understand that God desires to bring His people into a deeper relationship with Him, symbolized by the journey from Egypt to Canaan. Warnock challenges listeners to align their desires with God's, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from knowing and wanting what God wants for their lives. He warns against the distractions and false desires that can lead believers away from God's purpose, encouraging them to seek a genuine relationship with Him.
Necessity of Seeing Jesus as King
By David Smithers1.9K1:00:51KingdomPSA 24:7PSA 47:2ISA 6:1MAT 6:33JHN 13:23COL 1:13REV 1:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of how surrendering their heart to God allowed the word of God to have a deeper impact on their life. They emphasize the importance of being subject to God in all areas of life in order for His word to be powerful. The speaker encourages the audience to seek a revelation of the King, which will reveal the state of their own hearts and bring about new understanding and needs. They also highlight the need to fully surrender to God as King in order to believe and stand on His promises. The sermon references Isaiah's vision of the Lord high and lifted up as an example of the awe and reverence we should have for God.
Two Kingdoms and a Miracle
By Ed Miller1.7K1:05:23NebuchadnezzarPRO 29:25DAN 3:11DAN 3:27MAT 6:33JHN 6:452CO 3:18COL 1:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that every trial in our lives is a missionary trial, meant to showcase God's redemption. The preacher highlights the importance of Christians walking in liberty with the Son of God, as it attracts others who are looking in. He also mentions Nebuchadnezzar's dream of two kingdoms, with the second part of the dream symbolizing the destruction of the worldly kingdom and the establishment of God's kingdom. The sermon encourages young Christians to resist the allure of the world and not bow down to its pressures.
The Tabernacle of the Most High
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K40:02LEV 11:44ZEP 3:17MAT 21:132CO 6:15EPH 2:22COL 1:131PE 2:5In this sermon, the speaker highlights the contrasting aspects of God's nature and how he reveals himself in different settings. The speaker uses examples such as a professor who is stern in the classroom but gentle with his child at home, and a king who appears majestic in public but is just like any other person at home. The speaker emphasizes that God also reveals different aspects of himself in different settings, particularly in his church. The speaker describes God's love and affection for his church, comparing it to a father with his children, and even mentions a passage in the Bible where God is represented as singing over his church.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 8
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K49:33ChristPSA 22:1PSA 23:1PSA 68:18EPH 4:8COL 1:13REV 5:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of Christ being the horizon of God's interests and activities. They explain that God designated his Son, Jesus Christ, to be the focal point of all his plans and purposes. The speaker emphasizes that through Jesus, believers are redeemed from the authority of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God. They also highlight the significance of Jesus' ascension, stating that it is just as important as his birth, death, and resurrection.
(Through the Bible) Acts 26-27
By Chuck Smith1.5K1:10:48MAT 25:34ACT 26:18ACT 26:23EPH 1:11COL 1:13In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Paul's journey on a ship in the Book of Acts. The ship encounters a violent storm, and the crew loses hope of being saved. However, Paul encourages them to be of good cheer, assuring them that no one will lose their life. Eventually, the ship reaches land, but it gets stuck and breaks apart. The soldiers on board consider killing the prisoners to prevent them from escaping, but the centurion, who wants to save Paul, stops them. In the end, everyone on the ship safely reaches land. The speaker also briefly mentions another incident where Paul hears a voice speaking to him and is called by God.
(Colossians) 06 True Knowledge-Christ Himself
By Bob Utley1.4K40:15ColossiansCOL 1:13In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the search for truth in various world religions and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the truth found in the gospel. He highlights the power of materialism and how it blinds people to the true wealth found in the gospel. The speaker then delves into the interpretation of a specific passage in the Bible, expressing the need for proper biblical interpretation and the dangers of ignorance in the church. Lastly, he commends the churches for their discipline and stability in the face of false teachings and encourages them to continue on this solid foundation.
Fren-11 Leroyaume Des Cieux (The Kingdom of Heaven)
By Art Katz1.3K1:05:29Kingdom Of Heaven2SA 7:11MAT 4:17MAT 6:33LUK 1:1ACT 1:3COL 1:13HEB 12:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking a true relationship with God and the kingdom of heaven. They highlight the need for the glory of God to fall upon people, especially the Jewish community, in order to bring them to their knees. The speaker also discusses the central theme of God throughout the prophets and the New Testament, explaining why God needs to uproot and destroy earthly things. They emphasize that God is not seeking to improve or amend what already exists, but rather to completely transform it. The sermon concludes with a reminder to approach God with reverence and awe, as He is a consuming fire.
The Conversion of Ninevah
By Charles E. Fuller1.3K56:29NinevahMAT 4:1MAT 8:16MAT 10:1MRK 1:21LUK 10:17COL 1:13In this sermon, Dr. Fuller focuses on the Book of Jonah, specifically Chapter 3. He explains that Jonah was a prophet who reluctantly delivered a message from God to the pagan city of Nineveh. Dr. Fuller emphasizes that when a person who is spiritually dead hears the Gospel and repents, they are set free from the power of darkness and become a new creation in Christ. He also discusses how Jesus, as the captain of our salvation, confronts and defeats Satan and his works of unrighteousness, including demons, disease, and death. Dr. Fuller encourages listeners to study and understand the teachings of the Bible regarding Satan and demons.
Stand Fearless for God
By Erlo Stegen1.2K50:53CourageDAN 3:19DAN 3:28MAT 7:21MAT 7:23EPH 6:12COL 1:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of true freedom, which comes from a relationship with God, rather than political freedom. The preacher highlights the courage of these three men who refused to bow down to an image and only worshiped their God. Despite facing the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace, they remained steadfast in their faith, trusting that God would save them. The sermon also draws parallels to the New Testament, mentioning the apostles Peter and John who also chose to obey God rather than man.
How to Handle Adversity
By Manley Beasley1.2K33:57AdversityROM 11:36COL 1:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding and handling adversity in the Christian life. He emphasizes that all adversity is permitted by God and has a purpose in our lives. The preacher refers to the story of Joseph from the Bible as an example of how God used adversity to bless and shape Joseph's life. He also highlights that God often speaks to us through our family, finances, and health, and that when we experience adversity in these areas, it is a sign that we need to pay attention to our spiritual condition.
Worthy Is the Lamb - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.1K25:28PSA 51:17ISA 53:5MAT 10:1LUK 12:32LUK 15:17ROM 8:17EPH 6:12PHP 2:9COL 1:13REV 5:9This sermon delves into the power of darkness and the need for deliverance, highlighting the contrast between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of God. It emphasizes the importance of breaking generational curses and the impact of family dynamics on spiritual bondage. The narrative includes a powerful testimony of confronting demonic forces and the authority believers have in Christ to overcome evil. The message underscores the significance of recognizing our unworthiness and embracing the worthiness of Christ, urging a deeper commitment to living in the fullness of God's kingdom.
Oh Boy, There They Go Again
By Greg Locke99338:58MAT 6:33JHN 8:441CO 6:192CO 5:172CO 6:142CO 6:17COL 1:13In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the Bible and its significance in our daily growth. He emphasizes the importance of having a humble and obedient attitude towards God. The preacher highlights the transformation that occurs when one becomes a new creature in Christ, leaving behind their old sinful ways. He also discusses the concept of holiness and separation, emphasizing that it does not mean isolating oneself but rather living differently and reflecting the light of Christ.
Church - Part 2
By Milton Green96403:00MAT 6:33JHN 15:121CO 12:7EPH 4:11COL 1:131PE 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a mature and complete man in the eyes of God. He explains that as believers, we start out as children and are called to possess the land, which symbolizes spiritual growth and maturity. The preacher emphasizes the commandment given by Jesus to love one another as He loved us, and highlights the role of true apostles, pastors, and teachers in leading by example and encouraging the flock. He also emphasizes the importance of being in covenant with God for protection and warns against being deceived by false teachings and manifestations of power. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the need for holiness and righteousness in our lives and the importance of following after Jesus.
The Kingdoms
By G.W. North7031:19:50KingdomMAT 6:33LUK 7:28LUK 12:31LUK 18:17COL 1:132TH 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of receiving the kingdom of God with childlike faith. He warns against relying on external actions such as fasting and praying, and emphasizes that being born again is a result of God's grace. The preacher encourages the audience to study the Bible themselves and not depend on specialists to understand the truths of God's kingdom. He also mentions the concept of being translated into the kingdom of the Son of God's love and references a passage from Paul's letter to the Thessalonians.
From Faith to Faith - Part 1
By Lance Lambert63959:58GEN 1:2MAT 17:20JHN 10:27ROM 1:16ROM 14:232CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8COL 1:13HEB 11:6This sermon emphasizes the foundational truth of the necessity of living, active faith in the Christian life, highlighting the importance of faith as the key to every aspect of life. It delves into the power of God through faith, the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel, and the transformative nature of being in Christ. The speaker urges listeners to cultivate and utilize the mustard seed faith given by God to move mountains and grow deeper in their relationship with the Lord.
Joy and Rejoicing Under Persecution by the State
By John Piper62841:28ROM 6:221CO 7:221CO 9:19PHP 3:20COL 1:131PE 2:11This sermon emphasizes the invincible joy and freedom found in Christian faith, highlighting the eternal citizenship in heaven that transcends earthly institutions and governments. It explores the radical Christian freedom that stems from being children of God, free from inherent authority in the state, and debtors to all people. The message underscores the importance of prioritizing heavenly citizenship over earthly allegiances and engaging in relentless good deeds despite conflicts with societal norms.
The Way to Victory
By Basilea Schlink60804:35Radio ShowPSA 103:3MAT 6:33JHN 8:36ROM 8:292CO 3:18COL 1:131JN 3:8In this sermon, Vasilya Schlink encourages believers who may be struggling with recurring sins and problems despite their commitment to Jesus Christ. She emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate victor over the devil and has already won the battle. However, our redemption is a process of transformation, as our old nature still affects us. Schlink uses the analogy of a prisoner of war being released and experiencing the initial joy of freedom, but still having to deal with the consequences of their imprisonment. Similarly, believers are freed from sin through Jesus' sacrifice, but the effects of sin still linger and need to be gradually healed through daily praise and faith in Jesus' victory on the cross.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 45
By Don Courville32730:22Radio ShowMAT 12:43ACT 17:11ROM 8:37COL 1:13JAS 4:71JN 2:151JN 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of resisting Satan and not giving him any ground in our lives. He quotes James 4:7 and explains that giving ground to Satan is a serious matter because it goes against the blood of Christ that has redeemed us. The preacher also highlights the need for revival in churches, as many have given ground to Satan and are unable to live godly lives while being friends with the world. He references Colossians and other Bible verses to remind the audience that God has delivered us from the power of darkness and we have victory through Christ Jesus. The sermon concludes with a warning about the danger of not reclaiming the ground given to Satan, as it can lead to a worse state than before.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 124
By Don Courville31929:08Radio ShowROM 8:14COL 1:13COL 1:23HEB 9:27REV 20:12REV 21:27In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of life and hope he sees in people's eyes, emphasizing that the only source of hope is Jesus Christ. He warns that missing Jesus means missing out on life and facing judgment. The speaker urges listeners to accept Jesus as their Savior and not to ignore the Holy Spirit's attempts to lead them to Him. He concludes by emphasizing that Jesus is the missing ingredient in their lives and encourages them to invite Him in.
The Light of the World
By Mariano Di Gangi2732:59Following JesusJesusLight Of The WorldPSA 119:105ISA 9:2MAT 5:14JHN 3:19JHN 8:12EPH 5:8COL 1:131TI 6:161JN 1:5REV 21:23Mariano Di Gangi emphasizes that Jesus is the light of the world, contrasting the darkness of sin and ignorance with the illuminating truth and guidance that comes from following Him. He recounts the story of the woman caught in adultery to illustrate Jesus' mercy and the call to leave a life of sin. Di Gangi explains that true faith involves a commitment to follow Jesus, which leads to spiritual enlightenment and moral clarity. He warns against the temptation to prefer darkness over light, highlighting the consequences of ignoring Christ's guidance. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace the light of life that Jesus offers, leading to freedom from sin and a relationship with God.
The Majesty of Jesus
By Michael Koulianos2437:52The Majesty of JesusLiving in God's PresenceJesusCOL 1:13Michael Koulianos emphasizes the unparalleled majesty of Jesus, asserting that true fulfillment comes from living in His presence. He encourages believers to cultivate a deep intimacy with God through prayer and worship, highlighting that knowledge of Scripture is essential for a victorious Christian life. Koulianos shares personal experiences of God's power and compassion, illustrating the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and healing. He stresses that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, the source of all blessings, and the reason for our worship. The sermon calls for a renewed focus on Jesus, urging the church to embrace joy and intimacy with Him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Delivered us from the power of darkness - Darkness is here personified, and is represented as having εξουσια, power, authority, and sway; all Jews and Gentiles, which had not embraced the Gospel, being under this authority and power. And the apostle intimates here that nothing less than the power of God can redeem a man from this darkness, or prince of darkness, who, by means of sin and unbelief, keeps men in ignorance, vice, and misery. Translated us into the kingdom, etc - He has thoroughly changed our state, brought us out of the dark region of vice and impiety, and placed us in the kingdom under the government of his dear Son, Υἱου της αγαπης αὑτου, the Son of his love; the person whom, in his infinite love, he has given to make an atonement for the sin of the world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
from--Greek, "out of the power," out of the sphere in which his power is exercised. darkness--blindness, hatred, misery [BENGEL]. translated--Those thus translated as to state, are also transformed as to character. Satan has an organized dominion with various orders of powers of evil (Eph 2:2; Eph 6:12). But the term "kingdom" is rarely applied to his usurped rule (Mat 12:26); it is generally restricted to the kingdom of God. his dear Son--rather as Greek, "the Son of His love": the Son on whom His love rests (Joh 17:26; Eph 1:6): contrasted with the "darkness" where all is hatred and hateful.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,.... That is, from the power of Satan; see Act 26:18, who, though once an angel of light, is now darkness itself, and is reserved in chains of darkness; he is a ruler of the darkness of this world; his kingdom is a kingdom of darkness; and he blinds the minds of them that believe not, keeps them in darkness, and increases the natural darkness of their minds; he delights in works of darkness, and tempts men to them; and his everlasting state and portion will be blackness of darkness: his power over men, in a state of unregeneracy, which he usurps, and is suffered to exercise, is very great; he works effectually in them, and leads them captive at his will; and nothing less than the power of God, who is stronger than the strong man armed, can deliver out of his hands; and which is at least one part of the mercy for which thanks are here given; See Gill on Luk 22:53; with the Jews, one of the names of Satan is "darkness" (e). Moreover, the darkness of sin, ignorance, and unbelief, with which God's elect, while in a state of nature, are surrounded, and, as it were shut up and imprisoned, so that they have not the least spark of true spiritual light and knowledge, may be also meant; under the power of which they are to such a degree, that they know nothing of God in Christ, of the way of salvation by him, or of the work of the Spirit on their souls, or of the doctrines of the Gospel in an experimental manner; and so they continue, till, by an almighty power, they are turned from darkness to light; when, by powerful grace, they are plucked as brands out of the burning, and delivered from wrath to come, and from that utter darkness of misery and destruction their ways of sin and darkness led and exposed them to. This deliverance is wrought out for them in the effectual calling, when they are internally called, and powerfully brought out of this darkness, by introducing light into them, revealing Christ in them, causing the prince of darkness to flee from them, and the scales of darkness and blindness to fall from their eyes; and which is both an instance or the wonderful grace of God, and of his almighty power, and in which lies in part the saints' meetness for the inheritance; for these words are, in some sort, explanative of the former; for so long as a person is under the power of darkness, he cannot be meet for an inheritance which is in light: it follows, as another branch of this mercy, for which thanks are given, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; not into the kingdom of glory; for though the saints are heirs of it, and rejoice in hope of it, they have not yet an entrance into it; which they will have abundantly when Christ shall introduce them into it, not only as his Father's, but as his own kingdom and glory: but the kingdom of grace is here meant, or that state of grace, light, and life, which such are brought into, when rescued out of Satan's hands, and recovered out of their former state of ignorance and infidelity; when they are by the drawings of the Father, by his powerful and efficacious grace, brought to Christ, and, in the day his power on their souls, are made willing to submit to his righteousness, and to embrace him as the alone Saviour and Redeemer, and be subject to him as King of saints, observing his commands, keeping his ordinances, and walking in his statutes and judgments with other saints, in a Gospel church state; which is Christ's kingdom here on earth, where he reigns as King over God's holy hill of Zion, being set there by his Father, from whom he has received this kingdom, and will deliver it to him, when it is complete and perfect. Now those whom Jehovah the Father snatches out of Satan's hands, and breaks in upon their souls with divine light and knowledge, he brings into such a state, and into this kingdom of Christ, who is called "his dear Son": or "the Son of his love"; or "his Son of love"; who being his Son by nature, of the same nature with him, and equal to him, always was, is, and will be, the object of his love, complacency, and delight; as he cannot be otherwise, since he is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person; and even as this Son of his is in an office capacity, as the Mediator between God and man, he is his elect, in whom his soul delights; and he is always well pleased with all the chosen ones in him, who are the sons of God through him, and always beloved in him. This clause is added, partly to distinguish the kingdom of Christ, into which the saints are brought in this life, from the kingdom of the Father, or the ultimate glory they shall possess hereafter; and partly to express the security of the saints, and their continuance in the love of God, being in the kingdom, and under the care and government of the Son of his love; and also to make way for what the apostle has further to discourse concerning the person, office, and grace of Christ, in the following verses, (e) Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 25. 4.