Death of Christ

There are several thoughts in mens hearts about Christ's dying. 1. Some think of Christ's death as brought about by the wicked hands of sinners. This is a poor thought, if there be no more. This thought is natural to any that read the history of his death. Carnal men may hate Judas that betrayed him, Pilate that condemned him, the priests that cried Crucify Him, and the people that did it. If this be all, I may say, the devils have a higher thought of Christ's death, and that which comes nearer to the truth, than this sorry one. 2. Some go further, and think of Christ's death as it was a fulfilling of the purpose and word of God concerning him. This Christ teacher us in Luke xxi y. 26, 44, 46.; and the apostles frequently in their preaching of Christ. 3. There is a higher thought of Christ's death; and that is, That Christ died, by the stroke of God's law and justice, for his people. Justice roused itself against our Lord: Czech. xiii. 7. Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd. This sword was drawn and furbished, and did enter into his soul: Isaiah l iii. 5,, He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities. Better were it that a man had never heard of Christ and of his death, than to hear, and not to know that his death was for his sins. This is Paul's first doctrine he taught; and he is an ignorant and proud preacher (hat follows not this pattern: 1 Cor. xv. 3. For I delivered unto you first of all, that which also 1 received, that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures. Robert Traill

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