Category: Doctrine

Godly Sorrow

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2Corinthians 7:8-10 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle had made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance: for you were made sorry after a godly manner, that you might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow work repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world work death. 

‘For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, thou I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle had made you sorry, though it were but for a season.’ Paul first regretted having written such a severe letter, but when he saw its effect he was glad.

‘Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance.’ He did not rejoice because they were made sorry, but he was glad that they sorrowed to repentance. They were made sorry after a godly manner so that no harm has been done, for godly sorrow always works to the salvation of those who exercise it (7:9-10).

‘That you might receive damage by us in nothing’ – their repentance prevented him from using his power for destruction so that they received no damage in anything.

‘Godly sorrow work repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world work death.’ Three kinds of sorrow here (7:8-10): Paul’s regret for the moment as he wondered whether he had made a mistake by being too severe in his letter (7:8). Godly sorrow that works repentance to salvation, changes the life and cleanses it from sin (7:8-10). Sorrow of the world that works death (7:10). This is unrepentant sorrow or pain over lost goods, lost friends, lack of pleasure and partial reaping of what has been sowed.

Examples of sorrow: Cain in punishment (Gen. 4:13-14). Hagar in homelessness (Gen. 21:17). Israel in bondage (Exo. 3:7-10). Jacob for Joseph (Gen. 37:34-35). Jacob for Benjamin (Gen. 43:14). Hannah in barrenness (1Sam. 1:15). Saul when rejected (1Sam. 15:24, 30). David for Absalom (2Sam. 18:33 – 19:8). Mary and Martha (John 11:19-40). Jesus (Isa. 53:3; Matt. 26:37-44). Judas in betrayal (Matt. 27:3-5). The Corinthians (2Cor. 7:8-12).

Let Us Cleanse Ourselves

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2Corinthians 7:1-7 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforted those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. 

‘These promises’ – the promises of 2Corinthians 6:16-18.

‘Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.’ Six conditions of the promises (6:14 – 7:1): Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers (6:14-16). Come out from among them (6:17). Be separate from them (6:17). Touch not the unclean thing (6:17). Cleanse self of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (7:1; Mark 7:19-21; Rom. 1:18-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-10). Perfect holiness in the fear of God (7:1; Eph. 1:4; 4:24; Gal. 5:24; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Heb. 12:12-15).

‘Receive’ [Greek: choreo] make room. Open your hearts to us (6:11-12). Three reasons: We have wronged no man in judgment. We have corrupted no man in doctrine. We have defrauded no man of property.

Your false teachers have beguiled you from the simple truth and corrupted your minds (11:3). They have brought you into bondage and exalted themselves and you suffer it (11:12-15, 20). I say this to open your eyes (7:2-3). So many people are guilty of the same things today, putting their trust in one person and following them instead of studying God’s Word for themself and are thus deceived. Trust no one with your eternal life.

‘Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.’ Paul has bragged about them in many places. His remembrance of them filled him with comfort and made his trouble light.

‘Were come into Macedonia’ – this was after leaving Troas (2:12-13). It was here that the second epistle was written.

‘Without were fightings’ – they had opposition of the pagans, Jews, and false brethren (11:26).

‘Within were fears’ – Paul was anxious to know the effects of his first epistle and their obedience to it. God settled his fears by the coming of Titus who brought the good news of their love for him and their obedience to him (7:5-7).

Come Out.. Be Separate.. Touch Not

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2Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, said the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, said the Lord Almighty. 

‘Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, said the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.’ This is the 3rd Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in 2 Corinthians (Isa. 52:11).

‘Comeout from among them, and be you separate’ – forty kinds of people not to have fellowship with: The ungodly (Ps. 1:1-6); scorners (Ps. 1:1-6); workers of iniquity (Ps. 6:8); vain persons (Ps. 26:4); evil workers (Ps. 26:5); criminals (Pro. 1:10-15); the foolish (Pro. 9:6; 14:17); the angry man (Pro. 22:24); an excommunicated congregation member (Matt. 18:17); those causing divisions (Rom. 16:17); backsliders (2Jn. 1:9-11); false teachers (1Tim. 6:3-5; 2Jn. 1:10); the disorderly (2Thess. 3:6); the disobedient (2Thess. 3:14-15); unbelievers (2Cor. 6:14); infidels (2Cor. 6:15); fornicators (1Cor. 5:9); covetous people (1Cor. 5:10); extortioners (1Cor. 5:10); idolaters (1Cor. 5:10); railers (1Cor. 5:11); drunkards (1Cor. 5:11); lovers of themselves (2Tim. 3:2); boasters (2Tim. 3:2); proud people (2Tim. 3:2); blasphemers (2Tim. 3:2); those who are disobedient to parents (2Tim. 3:2); unthankful people (2Tim. 3:2); unholy people (2Tim. 3:2); those without natural affection (2Tim. 3:3); trucebreakers (2Tim. 3:3); false accusers (2Tim. 3:3); incontinent (2Tim. 3:3); fierce people (2Tim. 3:3); despisers of those who are good (2Tim. 3:3); traitors (2Tim. 3:4); heady people (2Tim. 3:4); highminded people (2Tim. 3:4); those who love pleasure more than God (2Tim. 3:4); hypocrites – those who have “a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof” (2Tim. 3:5).

‘Unclean’ [Greek: akathartos] translated “unclean” and “foul”: Of unclean and foul spirits 24 times out of 30 (Luke 4:33); of children (1Cor. 7:14); of the homosexual (Eph. 5:5); of the unclean thing (2Cor. 6:17) All demonic, moral, and physical uncleanness must be cleansed from body and spirit if one wants the fulfilment of the promises of 2Corinthians 6:16-18.

‘And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.’ The same kind of promise as 2Samuel 7:14. This means that God will assume all responsibility of parental concern and give Himself to the eternal care of His family (Eph. 3:14; Matt. 7:11). At this point here, one is in God (He will receive us) and can then be called redeemed after following the steps of verse 17: Come out from among them, and be separate, and touch nothing unclean thing.

Be You not Unequally Yoked

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2Corinthians 6:14-16 Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 

‘Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.’ This is a military term – keep your own ranks; do not leave Christians and join with unbelievers – for any gathering (1Cor. 5:9-13; 1Jn. 2:15-17; 2Jn.1:9-11). It indicates that some Corinthians were joining with the heathen in idolatrous feasts and other practices that would lead to apostasy (1Cor. 8:3-13; 10:16-33).

‘For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?’ The answer to these questions is clear. Righteousness cannot mix with lawlessness; light can have no communion with darkness; Christ and Belial can not be of one accord; a believer cannot have part with an unbeliever, and there can be no agreement of the temple of God with idols. Forty Scriptures warn against having fellowship with certain people, of which this is one.

‘Belial’ – another name of satan. It is the equivalent of the Hebrew: beliya‛al, without profit, worthlessness, wickedness (Deut. 13:13; Jdg. 19:22; 20:13; 1Sam. 1:16; 2:12; 10:27; 25:17, 25:25; 30:22; 2Sam. 16:7; 20:1; 23:6; 1Kin. 21:10, 21:13; 2Chron. 13:7). In every reference in the Old Testament, it is used of evil people being sons of Belial in the same sense the New Testament speaks of them being children of the wicked one and of the devil (Matt. 13:38; Acts 13:10; 1Jn. 3:10).

‘You are the temple of the living God. Our bodies are the vessels through which the gospel must be manifested and we cannot use it for self-gain or to sin and serve satan in the process (1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20; 2Cor. 6:16).

‘Said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people’ this is the 2nd Old Testament prophecy (Lev. 26:12) fulfilled here as God made them (the Israelites who wanted to follow Him) His people. During the New Testament, it became clear that the Gentiles were always part of this program of God (Acts 15:12-20; Rom. 11:25).

Christ Jesus the Lord

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2Corinthians 4:3-6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

‘Hid’ [Greek: kalupto] to cover or veil (Matt. 8:24; 10:26; Luke 8:16; 23:30; 1Pet. 4:8) and hide (4:3; Jas. 5:20). The gospel is hidden from some people because they have willfully closed their eyes to it, as in 2Corinthians 3:13-16 and Matthew 13:14-16. If the heart of any man who hears the gospel is veiled it is definite that he is lost and fully under the power of sin and satan. Those who refuse to hear the gospel are proper subjects for satan’s work to increase the darkness and hardness of heart (4:3-4).

‘god of this world’ satan is currently the god of this world (Joh. 8:44; 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Eph. 2:2; 1Jn. 3:9; 5:18).

‘Lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.’ They are responsible (3:13-16; Matt. 13:14).

‘Glorious gospel’ – Gospel of the glory (cp. 1Tim. 1:11).

‘Image’ [Greek: eikon] a figure; image; likeness. Here it means outward and bodily image. That God has a body, a spirit body, like angels and other spirit beings is clear from Scripture. He is a person with a personal spirit body, a personal soul, and a personal spirit, like that of angels, and like that of man except His body is of spirit substance instead of flesh and bones (Job 13:8; Heb. 1:3). He has a personal spirit body (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); shape (John 5:37); form (Php. 2:5-7); image and likeness of a man (Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Ezek. 1:26-28; 1Cor. 11:7; Jas. 3:9). He has physical parts such as back parts (Ex. 33:23), heart (Gen. 6:6; 8:21), hands and fingers (Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 1:10; Rev. 5:1-7), mouth (Num. 12:8), lips and tongue (Isa. 30:27), feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps. 18:6), hair, head, face, arms (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19; Rev. 5:1-7; 22:4-6), loins (Ezek. 1:26-28; 8:1-4), and other physical parts. He has bodily presence (Gen. 3:8; 18:1-22) and goes from place to place in a body like all other persons (Gen. 3:8; 11:5; 18:1-5, 22, 33; 19:24; 32:24-32; 35:13; Zech. 14:5; Dan. 7:9-14; Tit. 2:13). He has a voice (Ps. 29:1-11; Rev. 10:3-4); breath (Gen. 2:7); and countenance (Ps. 11:7). He wears clothes (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); eats (Gen. 18:1-8; Ex. 24:11); rests (Gen. 2:1-4; Heb. 4:4); dwells in a mansion and in a city located on in Heaven (John 14:1-3; Heb. 11:10-16; 13:14; Rev. 21:1-27); sits on a throne (Isa. 6:1-13; Dan. 7:9-14; Rev. 4:1-5; 22:3-6); walks (Gen. 3:8; 18:1-8, 22, 33); rides (Ps. 18:10; 68:17; 104:3; Ezek. 1:1-28); and engages in other activities.

‘Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness’ – a reference to Genesis 1:3. The light of the gospel shining into our darkened hearts is like the bursting forth of the sun in the darkness of Genesis 1:2. ‘Face of Jesus Christ’ – in the personal presence of Jesus Christ.

We Have Received Mercy

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2Corinthians 4:1-2 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 

‘This ministry’ – this ministry of: Triumph in Christ in every place (2:14). Life unto life in the saved (2:16). Death unto the unsaved. Preaching the pure gospel (2:17). Making people epistles of Christ (3:3). The divine ability of the New Testament (3:6). Giving life. The Holy Spirit (3:8, 3:17-18). Righteousness (3:9). Excellent glory (3:10-11). Liberty and freedom (3:17). The transformation from glory to glory (3:18).

‘Ministry’ [Greek: diakonia] service rendered by a diakonos, a servant.

‘We faint not’ – Six duties in view of mercy and ministry: To faint not (4:1). To renounce the shameful secret things. Not walking in craftiness (4:2). Not handling the Word of God deceitfully. Manifesting the truth to all people. Maintaining a clear conscience before God and man.

‘Faint’ [Greek: ekkakeo] to be faint-hearted (4:1, 16; Luke 18:1; Gal. 6:9; Eph. 3:13).

‘Hidden things of dishonesty’ – Literally, the secret things of shame; the things that wicked people do and which they are ashamed to have known.

‘Dishonesty’ [Greek: aischune] translated “shame” elsewhere (Luke 14:9; Php. 3:19; Heb. 12:2; Jude 1:13; Rev. 3:18).

‘Craftiness’ [Greek: panourgia] to play the villain; act like a rogue; to do holy deeds in an unholy way. Translated “craftiness” (4:2; Luke 20:23; 1Cor. 3:19; Eph. 4:14); and “subtilty” (11:3). The false teachers at Corinth were clever, cunning, and capable of any thing harmful to a foe.

‘Deceitfully’ [Greek: doloo] to beguile, ensnare; to counterfeit; adulterate; disguise. ‘Manifestation’ [Greek: phanerosis] making visible. Used here and in 1Corinthians 12:7 where it speaks of the use of the spiritual gifts. These gifts are the means God has chosen to make visible the truth of the gospel. Paul confirmed and made visible his preaching by a demonstration of it in signs, wonders, different miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:11; Rom. 15:18-19, 29; Heb. 2:3-4).

Done Away in Christ

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2Corinthians 3:12-18 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remained the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 

‘Abolished’ – being done away as in 2Corinthians 3:7, 11, 14 [Greek: katargeo] make of no effect (Rom. 3:3; 4:14; Gal. 3:17; 5:4); come and bring to naught (1Cor. 1:28; 2:6); done away (1Cor. 13:10; 2Cor. 3:7, 11, 14); fail (1Cor. 13:8); cease (Gal. 6:11); vanish away (1Cor. 13:8); make void (Rom. 3:31); cumber (Luke 13:7); deliver (Rom. 7:6); loose (Rom. 7:2); put away (1Cor. 13:11); put down (1Cor. 15:24); destroy (Rom. 6:6; 1Cor. 6:13; 15:26; 2Thes. 2:8; Heb. 2:14); and abolish (2Cor. 3:13; Eph. 2:15; 2Tim. 1:10).

It is clear from these passages that whatever is abolished is completely null and void. What is it here that is abolished? It is the law of commandments in decrees or the law of dogmatic commandments. The word for ordinances is dogma translated as “decree” (Luke 2:1; Acts 16:4; 17:7) and “ordinance” (Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14). The law was made to expose sin (Rom. 3:19-20; 7:13; Gal. 3:19-25) and to keep the Jews a distinct people until Christ came. After that, it was no longer needed. This means by His death the law was abolished (Eph. 2:14-15; Col. 2:14-17; 2Cor. 3:6-15).

‘Blinded: for until this day remained the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.’ By resting in the letter and shutting their eyes to the light, they became blind to the fact that the old covenant was abolished and done away with.

‘It shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in 2 Corinthians. ‘Turn to’ [Greek: epistrepho]. Translated “turn to, return, turn again and converted. When the heart shall turn to God this blindness will be taken away. Conversion is turning again to God, and if it is needful to turn to Him more than once, it can be done, as is clear in these passages.

‘Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty’ the freedom we have in Christ is that from sin, sickness and satan. It all starts in our spirits (thoughts) through His Spirit that will always remind us of His Word, as well as reprove us of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-14). We do not receive liberty to stay in the bondage of sin as some proclaim, but to be free of all bondage (Rom. 6; 1Jn. 3). ‘With open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord.’ The law was veiled in types and shadows of good things to come (Heb. 10:1). The gospel has practically no ceremonies in comparison. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only two outward rituals. The gospel is in such simplicity that there can be no confusion as to its terms and blessings.

The Ministration of Death

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2Corinthians 3:7-11 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excells. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious. 

‘Written and engraven in stones’ – the Ten Commandments, in particular, were abolished along with the whole law of Moses (Acts 15; Gal. 1:6; 3:1-5; 5:4). The only ones of the law of Moses that were brought into and made a part of the new covenant are for Christians to obey. The ten commandments were the only part of the law of Moses written on the tables of stone (Ex. 24:12; 31:18; 34:1-4; Deut. 4:13; 5:22; 9:9-11; 10:1-3).

From Galatians 1:6 we see that the Galatians turned back away from Christ to serve the law again – here it was called another gospel which: couldn’t justify (Gal. 2:16; 3:11; 5:4); brings only the curse (Gal. 3:10); is not of faith (Gal. 3:12); cannot give an inheritance (Gal. 3:18); was added only to make sin sinful (Gal. 3:19; Rom. 3:19-20; 7:13; 1Jn. 3:4); was given only until Christ came (Gal. 3:19, 23-25; Heb. 7:28; 9:9-10; Luke 16:16); could not give life nor righteousness (Gal. 3:21); was a schoolmaster to lead to Christ (Gal. 3:24-26; Matt. 11:11; Luke 16:16); is not in force for Christians (Gal. 3:19-25; Acts 15); makes servants, not sons (Gal. 4:1-3); brings bondage (Gal. 4:9, 24; 5:1); was a religion of days, etc. (Gal. 4:10); could not give the new birth (Gal. 4:28-30); was cast out (Gal. 4:21-31); demanded circumcision (Gal. 5:2-3); if observed, cancels grace (Gal. 5:4).

‘Glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance.’ Moses talked to Israel veiled, but when he went unveiled into the tabernacle to talk to God (Ex. 34:33-34). ‘By reason of the glory that excells’ – the reason the new covenant excels the old is that the old was only for a time (2Cor. 3:7; Gal. 3:19, 25; 4:30; Heb. 9:9-10), a place – Palestine (Deut. 5:16; 11:9; 28:8; 31:13), and a people – the Jews (Deut. 5:3; Rom. 2:12-16). The new covenant is for all time, all lands, and all people (Matt. 26:28; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:47; John 3:16; Acts 1:8; Rom. 10:9-14; 1Cor. 12:13).

The New Testament

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2Corinthians 3:1-6 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. 

‘Need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you’ – are we so destitute of divine abilities as to need letters of commendation from other congregations? You are our epistle written on our hearts so that we speak of your gifts and graces in all places (3:2).

‘The epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God.’ You are not only our epistle (3:2), but the epistle of Christ ministered by us through the Holy Spirit. Through their personal examples l

‘And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward’ – We have faith in you through Christ that you are the work of God and that our ability to win you to Christ is of God (3:4-5).

‘New testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.’ The Old Covenant contrasts the New Covenant as follows: it is called the Old Testament (3:14) and the first covenant (Heb. 8:7; 9:1); it came by Moses (John 1:17) and is thus called the law of Moses (Acts 13:38-39), the law of works (Rom. 3:26-31) that works wrath (Rom. 4:15); the law of sin (Rom. 7:23; 8:2) the law of the flesh (Rom. 7:5-6); not of faith (Gal. 3:12); was the yoke of bondage (Gal. 5:1); ended by Christ (Rom. 10:4); it brought death (3:7); it made guilty (3:9) it was a shadow (Col. 2:14-17); it is fulfilled (Matt. 5:17-18); it demanded righteousness (Luke 10:28); made nothing perfect (Heb. 7:19) while it was glorious (3:7) it was powerless to save (Heb. 9:9; 10:4); many animal sacrifices where needed (Heb. 9:12-13); ratified by animal blood (Heb. 9:16-22); it was a sinful ministry (Heb. 5:1-4); had temporary priests (Heb. 7:23); the Aaronic priesthood and was of Levi (Heb. 7:11); yearly atonement that remembered sins (Heb. 10:3); had an earthly tabernacle (Heb. 9:2); a sinful mediator (Gal. 3:19); offered no inheritance (Rom. 4:13); it could not redeem (Heb. 10:4) nor satisfied (Isa. 1:13-14); it had no miracle power (Heb. 7:18) and its abolishment was predicted (Hos. 2:11). The New Covenant however that was also known as the second covenant (Heb. 8:7; 10:1-9); and the New Testament (3:6); came by Christ (Heb. 8:6; 9:15) and was started by Christ (Heb. 8:6; 10:9). It was thus also called the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2), the law of righteousness (Rom. 9:31), the law of the Spirit (Rom. 8:2), the law of faith (Rom. 3:27), the law of liberty (Jas. 1:25), and the law of grace (John 1:17) that saves from wrath (Rom. 5:9) and redeems (Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:12-15). It brought life (Rom. 8:2; Gal. 3:1-29) and was the reality (Heb. 10:1-18); it makes free (Gal. 5:1; John 8:1-59), and is now in force (Heb. 8:6; 10:9). It gives righteousness (John 1:17; 3:16), makes perfect (Heb. 7:19), it is more glorious (2Cor. 3:8-10). Saves to uttermost (Heb. 7:25), had one human sacrifice (Heb. 9:14-28; 10:12), that was ratified by the blood of Christ (Matt. 26:28) and forgets sins (Heb. 8:12; 10:17). It has an eternal priest through the tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:14, 17), from the order of Melchisedek (Heb. 5:5-10; 7:21) with eternal atonement (Heb. 10:14) and it is a sinless ministry (Heb. 7:26). It has a heavenly tabernacle (Heb. 8:2) a sinless mediator (1Tim. 2:5), offers an eternal inheritance (Heb.9:15). It does satisfy God (Heb. 10:15-18) had miracle power (Gal. 3:1-5; John 14:12) and its establishment was predicted (Heb. 8:7).

A Sweet Savour of Christ

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2Corinthians 2:12-17 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always cause us to triumph in Christ, and make manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 

‘Troas to preach Christ’s gospel’ Paul visited Troas on his second journey (Acts 16:6-8) and perhaps during his third journey (Acts 18:23).

‘To triumph in Christ, and make manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.’ Triumph in Christ means complete mastery over satanic powers (Col. 2:14-17; Eph. 2:14-15). The triumph here is like that of the Romans in which a public and solemn honour was conferred upon a victorious general, by allowing him a magnificent procession through the city of Rome. This was not granted by the senate unless he had gained a very decisive victory or conquered a province. On such occasions, the general was clad in purple and gold woven in figures setting forth his achievements. He wore a crown and in one hand held a branch of laurel, the emblem of victory. In the other, he carried his staff. He rode a magnificent chariot, adorned with ivory and plates of gold, and drawn by white horses. To keep him humble in the midst of all this a slave rode at his back, casting railings and reproaches and enumerating his vices and failures. Musicians led the procession; young men led sacrifices to be offered; then came loads of spoil, followed by the kings, princes, and generals that were taken captive. After these came the triumphal chariot before which people strewed flowers and shouted triumphant cries. Following this came the senate, priests, and the rest of the parade.

‘Savour’ [Greek: osme] aroma (2Cor. 2:14, 16; John 12:3; Eph. 5:2; Php. 4:18). Such a triumph in Christ as described here makes manifest the aroma of His saving knowledge by triumphant ministers wherever they serve.

‘Sweet savour’ [Greek: euodia] sweet perfume (2Cor. 2:15; Eph. 5:2; Php. 4:18). Not the same word in 2Corinthians 2:14. Righteous Christians are a sweet perfume unto God through Christ in all that are saved and unsaved. To the saved, they are an aroma of life unto life. To the unsaved, they are an aroma of death unto death. This is another way of saying, whoever receives the gospel will be saved and whoever rejects it will be lost. The gospel saves saints and damns sinners.

‘And who is sufficient for these things?’ Are the false apostles that lead you astray able to do these things?

‘Corrupt’ [Greek: kapeleuo] adulterate. The idea here is that the false apostles who were disturbing the Corinthians (2Cor. 11:13-15) were mixing the Word of God with their own inventions and were explaining it away to accommodate their hearers to get gain. Much of the Word of God is being adulterated today in many parts of Christendom (2Tim. 4:1-4). ‘Sincerity’ here refers to keeping the Word of God pure, and to delivering it in its purity to mankind.