Tag: Corinthians

He that Judges

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1Corinthians 4:1-5 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. 

‘Stewards of the mysteries of God’ – administrators of gospel truths of God.

‘Mystery’ [Greek: musterion] something previously hidden, but now fully revealed. In the New Testament it always means any doctrine that has not, in former times, been made fully known to people. It is found 27 times in the New Testament and not once in the Old Testament. Eighteen mysteries of are noted in Scripture: The kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God (Matt. 13:11; Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10); Israel’s blindness (Rom. 11:25); salvation in Christ (Rom. 16:25); the wisdom of God (1Cor. 2:7); the doctrines of God (1Cor. 4:1; Col. 2:2; 1Tim. 3:16); the gospel (Eph. 6:19); gift of knowledge (1Cor. 13:2); speaking in tongues (1Cor. 14:2); the rapture of Christians (1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; John 14:1-3; 1Thess. 4:13-16); God’s will (Eph. 1:9); the body of Christ (Eph. 3:1-9; 5:32); Christ in people (Col. 1:26-27); doctrines of Christ (Col. 4:3); the spirit of lawlessness (2Thess. 2:7); the faith of the gospel (1Tim. 3:9); the seven candlesticks (Rev. 1:20); God’s delay in casting out of satan (Rev. 10:7; 12:7-17) and mystery Babylon (Rev. 17:5, 7).

‘Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.’ This is the 4th New Testament prophecy in 1Corinthians and is unfulfilled. The Lord is judge of all things and will render to every man according to his deeds (4:4-5).

‘Until the Lord come’ – this is the time of the judgment of believers. The coming here refers to the rapture, not the second coming (John 14:1-3; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; 1Thess. 4:13-16; Php. 3:20-21).

‘Who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.’ Three things God will do: Bring hidden things to light (3:13); reveal secrets of people (Rom. 2:16) and reward each man accordingly (3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10; Matt. 16:27; Rev. 22:12).

The Wise

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1Corinthians 3:18-23 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And you are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s. 

‘If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.’ This perhaps refers to some man in the congregation who wished to have pre-eminence.

‘He takes the wise in their own craftiness’ – Quoted from Job 5:13. The wisdom of the world is a craft, or subtle trade, which people carry on with others to benefit themselves.

‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.’ Quoted from Psalm 94:11. The wise of the world is always full of schemes and plans for earthly gain, all of which are empty and vain.

Eight characteristics of false wisdom: Bitter envying and strife in the heart (Jas. 3:14, 16). Glory in profession (Jas. 3:14). Earthly, having this life only in view and sensual, living only to satisfy the animal appetites. Devilish, inspired by demons (Jas. 3:15). Confusion and every evil work (Jas. 3:16).

‘Let no man glory in men’ – let no Christian join any human party or take up the cause of any man who divides the body of Christ (Rom. 16:17). Be alert for those who cause divisions and have no religious fellowship with them that the flock may be protected (Php. 3:17).

‘All are yours’ – the idea is that God will cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him, whether they be the world system, life or death, providence now and hereafter, or any other things (Rom. 8:28). While all things are working, God’s providence is working on behalf of those who love God and who walk obediently according to His purpose.

The Temple of God

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1Corinthians 3:16-17 Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 

‘Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?’ “Know you not” contains a gentle reproof and is used 14 times in the New Testament (3:16; 5:6; 6:3, 9, 15, 16, 19; 9:24; Mark 4:13; Rom. 6:3, 16; 7:1; Jas. 4:4; cp. 2Sam. 3:38; 2Chron. 32:13; Ezek. 17:12).

‘You are the temple of God.’ Believers are the temple of God for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The manner in which the Spirit dwells in believers is always in union, never through bodily entrance. The so-called doctrine of interpenetration, that is, persons entering physical into each other, is false. The Bible does speak of the Corinthians and Philippians being in Paul’s heart (2Cor. 7:3; Php. 1:7); God being in Christ (2Cor. 5:19); Christ being in God (John 14:20); God and Christ being in each other (John 14:10-11); men being in both the Father and the Son (1Jn. 2:24); men being in Christ (2Cor. 5:17); men and the Spirit being in each other (Rom. 8:9); Christ being in men (Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10); man and Christ being in each other (John 14:20); all creation being in God (Acts 17:28); and satan entering into men (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). However, these passages refer to being in union with, being consecrated to the same end – one in mind, purpose, and life. They do not teach physical entrance of one being into another. It may be best understood by a man and woman becoming one in life together, being in each other’s plans, life, etc.

‘Defile’ [Greek: phtheiro] to corrupt, spoil, ruin, waste, destroy. This (3:17) is a solemn warning against sexual sin, alcoholic drinks, tobacco, narcotics, etc. which destroy the body.

‘Him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.’ This is the 3rd New Testament prophecy in 1Corinthians and is unfulfilled until the judgment.

‘Temple of God’ – This refers to the body of man (1Cor. 6:19-20; Rom. 12:1; 2Cor. 7:1).

According to the Grace of God

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1Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he has built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 

‘Master-builder’ [Greek: architekton] architect. The plan belonged to God, but the execution of the plan was entrusted to Paul and the other apostles who were commissioned to write the Word of God so that we in this era can live according to it.

‘But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon.’ Let every man be careful to teach the same doctrines that Paul has preached and ask no practice contrary to them.

‘For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ Christ, not Peter, is the only foundation of His body upon which people must build (Eph. 2:19-22).

‘Gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble …’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in 1Corinthians and is unfulfilled. Works are compared to these materials – some become more pure in the fire and others are completely burned up by fire. Fire will try every man’s works. If his are gold, silver, and precious stones they will abide the fire and he will receive a reward for his works. If they are wood, hay, and stubble his works will be burned up, yet he himself will be saved from loss of his soul (3:12-15).

The judgment of believers’ works will consist of the following: Subjects: believers (Rom. 14:1-23; 2Cor. 5:10; Gal. 6:8; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24). Time: between the rapture and the second coming (Luke 14:14). Place: in heaven (9:24-27; Rom. 14:10; 2Cor. 5:10). Basis: works, both good and bad (3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10; Rom. 2:6; 14:1-23; Col. 3:1-25; Matt. 16:27; 2Tim. 4:14). Result: reward or loss of reward, but never the loss of one’s soul for any wrongdoings properly confessed and forgiven (3:11-15). This judgment deals with the believer as a servant (Rom. 14:1-23; 2Cor. 5:10, 11).

Believers will be judged concerning: Doctrines (Rom. 2:14-16; 14:1-23); conduct to others (Matt. 18:1-35; Rom. 14:1-23); carnal traits (Col. 3:1-25; Rom. 1-2; 8:1-13; 14:1-23); words (Matt. 12:32-37; Rom. 14:1-23); things that affect others: slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness (folly), dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings, etc. (Rom. 1:29-32; 12:1-21; 14:1-23; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:1-25; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33); things that affect themselves: neglected opportunities, talents wasted, loose living, lack of spirituality, etc. (Rom. 2:14-16; Heb. 2:1-4; Gal. 5:1-26; 6:1-10; Col. 3:1-25); things that affect God: refusal to walk in the light, disobedience, rejection, failure to cooperate and yield to the Spirit, etc. (Rom. 12:1-21; 1Cor. 12:1-31; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33). ‘He shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.’ A man will suffer loss if his works are burned (3:15), or not suffer loss if they are not burned (3:14). He himself will be saved, if he is in Christ, regardless of what happens to his works (3:13-15).

Receive His Own Reward

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1Corinthians 3:4-9 For while one said, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that plants any thing, neither he that waters; but God that give the increase. Now he that plants and he that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: you are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building. 

‘I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos.’ Four main parties in Corinth: Paulians – followers of Paul, because he founded the congregation (Acts 18:1-7), and because he was a special apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13). Apollonians – followers of Apollos, because of his eloquence (Acts 18:24-19:1). Cephians – followers of Peter, because he was the apostle to the Jews (Gal. 2:7-10). Christians – followers of Christ, because they would have nothing to do with parties that followed people (1Cor. 1:12)

‘God that give the increase’ – regardless of our talents and labours they will not be fruitful unless God gives the increase by His blessing. Three times here it is stated that God gives the increase (3:5, 6, 7).

‘One’ – both Paul and Apollos were the same in doctrine, labour, design, spirit, and service. Both were consecrated to the same end in life and had no part in fostering party spirits in Corinth.

‘According to his own labour’ – all will be rewarded according to their works (3:8-15; 2Cor. 5:10; Matt. 16:27; Rom. 14:10-11). Rewards are not given according to success of labour, but according to motive and faithfulness in service (Matt. 6:2, 5, 16).

‘We are labourers together with God: you are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building.’ Ministers are co-labourers of God. Believers are God’s husbandry or farm. They are His building (Eph. 2:19-22).

Jesus Christ is the true foundation (1Cor. 3:11). The apostles and prophets have also been made part of the foundation of Christianity. Others are built into the structure of the first congregation at Jerusalem. All of them are the temple of God and a habitation of God through the Holy Spirit.

Christians can backslide, tearing down the foundation of repentance that is already laid. Should they ever again be admitted into Christ, they will have to build again the foundation of repentance and do their first works again (Heb. 2:1-4; 6:1-2; Rev. 2:5).

You Are Yet Carnal

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1Corinthians 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto you were not able to bear it, neither yet now are you able. For you are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men? 

‘Carnal’ [Greek: sarkinos] fleshly; natural; human (3:1-4; 9:11; 2Cor. 10:4; Rom. 7:14; 15:27; Heb. 7:16). Here it is the natural man acting in contrast to the spiritual man – living in the babyhood of Christian faith. Paul classes envying, strife, and divisions over preachers as carnality (3:3-4). It is perfectly natural and sinless carnality to have a preference in teachers; but when it gets to the point of envying, strife, and division it becomes sinful carnality. All carnality is not sinful. It is only natural to have preferences, to eat food, to sleep, and do many other normal things which in their moderation do not break the law of God. They become sinful carnality when carried to the point of breaking the law of God (1Jn. 3:4).

‘Babes in Christ’ – this term is used to describe the beginning stage of Christian living and that of living more in the natural than in the spiritual life.

‘Milk’ – a figurative statement of teaching the first principles of Christianity and the more simple truths of the faith (Heb. 5:11-14; 6:1).

‘Meat’ – this is figurative of stronger gospel truths and doctrines for those who advance as Christians (Heb. 5:11-14; 6:1).

‘Envying, and strife, and divisions’ – three sources of sin: Thoughts: envying, state of the soul; words: strife, contention in words and deeds: divisions, sin in conduct. The envying led to strife and evil speaking, and that led to divisions and fixed parties.

Envyings [Greek: phthonoi] Pain, ill will, and jealousy at the good fortune or blessings of another; the most base of all degrading and disgraceful passions (Gal. 5:21; Matt. 27:18; Mark 15:10; Rom. 1:29; Php. 1:15; 1Tim. 6:4; Tit. 3:3; Jas. 4:5; 1Pet. 2:1).

Strife [Greek: eritheia] Disputations; jangling; strife about words; angry contentions; contest for superiority or advantage; strenuous endeavour to equal or payback in kind the wrongs were done to one (Gal. 5:20; Rom. 2:8; 2Cor. 12:20; Php. 1:16; 2:3; Jas. 3:14, 16).

Seditions [Greek: dichostasia] Popular disorder; causing divisions; stirring up strife in religion, government, home, or any other place. (Gal. 5:20 Rom. 16:17; 1Cor. 3:3).

He That is Spiritual

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1Corinthians 2:12-16 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 

‘Words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches.’ Two kinds of words of wisdom: Words of man’s wisdom and words of Holy Spirit wisdom.

‘Comparing’ [Greek: sungkrino] to compound; put together; to compare (1Cor. 2:13; 2Cor. 10:12). It is used in the Septuagint of interpreting dreams (Gen. 40:8, 16, 22; 41:12-15).

‘The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God.’ Two kinds of people (1Cor. 2:14-15): (1) The natural man [Greek: psuchikos] soulish (1Cor. 2:14; 15:44-46; Jas. 3:15; Jude 1:19). This is man living under the control of the fleshly passions, the sensual and depraved part of man in contrast with the rational part (Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 1:29-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Col. 3:5-10). He is the animal man as opposed to the spiritual man. He has no sense of spiritual values and no relish for them. He counts it the highest wisdom to live for this world and carnal pleasures. Spiritual things are foolish to him. He cannot see their supreme excellence due to animal appetites and being spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1-9). (2) The spiritual man [Greek: pneumatikos] spiritual (1Cor. 2:15; 3:1; 9:11; 14:37; 15:44-46; Gal. 6:1). This man is living under the control of the Holy Spirit and minds the things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:1-13; Gal. 5:16-26). He has the mind of Christ and discerns and esteems spiritual things above the sensual (1Cor. 2:15-16). He is a new creature and resurrected from death in trespasses and sins (2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 2:1-9; 4:22-24). The lower animal passions have been crucified (Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 2:20; 5:24) and put off (Eph. 2:22-24; Col. 3:5-10).

Twelve spiritual things are noted in the Word: Man who follows the things of the Holy Spirit (2:15; 3:1; 14:37; Gal. 6:1; Hos. 9:7); the gifts of the Spirit (1:7; 12:1; 14:1, 12; Rom. 1:11); things (2:13; 9:11; Rom. 15:27); the resurrected body (15:44-46); blessings of the Spirit (Eph. 1:3); religious songs (Eph. 5:19); wisdom and knowledge (Col. 1:9); spiritual people = house (1Pet. 2:5); sacrifices (1Pet. 2:5); the Law, because it typified the spiritual thing of the New Testament (Rom. 7:14); meat and drink, typifying Christ the Spiritual Rock of 1Corinthians 10:3-4 and wickedness, because it is of evil spirit origin (John 8:44; Eph. 2:2; 6:12).

‘Spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.’ The spiritual man examines, convinces, and reproves the natural man of his evil ways, yet no one is able to find fault with the godly man.

‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instrust him?’ Who of the natural men that live in the carnal passions can know the mind of the Lord that he may instruct the spiritual man? Quoted from Isaiah 40:14. ‘But we have the mind of Christ’ – we mind the same things that Christ did. We have the same Spirit.

The Wisdom of God

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1Corinthians 2:6-11 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. 

‘Perfect’ [Greek: teleios] mature and complete. Here it is used of full growth, as men, and not children, in Christian knowledge – thoroughly instructed and deeply experienced, as in 2 Corinthians 2:6; 14:20; Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28; James 1:4; 3:2; Hebrews 5:14 and 1 John 4:18.

‘Wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.’ The wisdom of God – the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was hidden up to the time of its revelation and which God ordained before this age for us. None of the rulers of this world knew this revelation. If they had known it they would not have crucified the Lord. Prophets searched diligently to understand what they prophesied about it, and even angels themselves desired to comprehend it (1Pet. 1:10-13). Such mystery is now made clear through the preaching of the apostles and the revelation of the Scriptures of the New Testament (Rom. 1:1-5; 16:25-26; 1Cor. 2:9-16; Gal. 1:12, 16; Eph. 3:1-8; Heb. 8:6; 2Pet. 3:16).

‘Ordained’ [Greek: proorizo] predetermine. God simply determined to bring about His plan for the good of all who would believe and conform to it.

‘Eye has not seen, not ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.’ This is the 4th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in 1 Corinthians (Isa. 64:4).

‘The things which God has prepared.’ Seven “things” of 1Corinthians 2:9-14: The things prepared by God (2:9); the deep things of God (2:10); the things of man (2:11); the things of God (2:11); things freely given by God (2:12); spiritual things (2:13); the things of the Spirit of God (2:14).

‘For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?’ This defines the human spirit as that part of man which knows – the intellect, mind, and will.

‘The spirit of man’ – three different spirits: The spirit of man; the Spirit of God (2:11); the spirit of the world (2:12).

In the Power of God

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1Corinthians 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 

‘Excellency’ [Greek: huperoche] pre-eminence.

‘Testimony of God’ [Greek: marturion] Always rendered testimony (except in Mat. 24:14; Acts 4:33; 7:44; Jas. 5:3). In these passages, it is translated as “witness.” It refers to the gospel of Christ which Paul had confirmed to people in all places by the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:18-19, 29; Acts 15:4, 12; 19:11).

‘Determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.’ Paul was determined not to cultivate any other knowledge, or esteem any other doctrine as worthy of notice, save Jesus Christ and the benefits of the cross are: Deliverance from enemies (Luke 1:71, 74; 1Jn.  5:18); the mercy from God (Luke 1:72; Tit. 3:4-5; Eph. 2:4-9); justification by faith (Luke 1:72-73; Gal. 3:6-15); peace with God (Luke 1:74; Rom. 5:1-11; Eph. 2:14-18); holiness and righteousness (Luke 1:75; Eph. 4:24; Tit. 2:11-12); reconciliation to God (Luke 1:77; 2Cor. 5:14-21; Col. 1:20); light and guidance (Luke 1:79; 1Jn 1:7; John 16:7-14).

‘Weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling’ – This weakness could be physical, or an expression of utter dependence on God. If physical, it was no doubt the result of Paul’s stoning, beatings, and other sufferings of 2Corinthians 11:24-27 and Galatians 4:13. The fear and trembling could be a state of mind, dreading lest he should grieve God and bring reproach upon truth (1Cor. 9:27; cp. 2Cor. 7:15; Eph. 6:5). ‘Enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.’ Persuasive doctrines of human wisdom. I used none of the means of great orators to sway people. I preached under the anointing and power of the Spirit and confirmed what I preached with signs following (Rom. 15:18-19, 29; Acts 19:11). I used this method so that your faith might be in the power of God, not in human wisdom (1Cor. 2:4-6).

Glory in the Lord

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1Corinthians 1:30-31 But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord. 

‘Made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.’ Things Christ is made to us: The power of God (1:24); the wisdom of God (1:24, 30); the righteousness of God, the holiness of God and the redemption of God (1:30).

Things he was made for us: He was made flesh (John 1:14); He was made of a woman (Gal. 4:4); He was made of the seed of David (Rom. 1:3); He was made in the likeness of man and of no reputation (Php. 2:7); He was made lower than angels (Heb. 2:7); He was made under the law (Gal. 4:4); He was made a curse for us (Gal. 3:13) and He was made sin for us (2Cor. 5:21).

‘Righteousness’ – the righteousness of God is that righteousness which has been fully met and maintained in the atoning work of Christ on the cross, by which God is now able to save sinners and still be righteous in doing so (Rom. 1:17; 3:5, 21-22; 10:3). Under the law, God required righteousness from man, but the law, instead of giving it to many, only demonstrated that he was destitute of it and needed God’s righteousness, which He now freely gives under Grace.

‘Sanctification’ [Greek: hagiazo] to separate from a profane to a sacred use; to consecrate self wholly to God and His service. The primary meaning is separation, not making holy. It means to make holy only when the person or thing sanctified needs to be cleansed from sin or defilement in order to be fit to be separated unto God and His service.

‘Redemption’ – is explained best by looking at what the Redeemer did to redeem the world: by His sacrifice, the penalty for sin was paid, the sentence of the law was upheld, the offender was propitiated, the offended was satisfied, and His honour and Word were justified, the holy demands were met, man and God were reunited, the usurper was destroyed, and the whole creation was delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. This work of God and His only begotten Son was entirely a work of grace – unmerited favour, for the ruined race who possessed no legal standing or merit at all.

‘He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.’ The 3rd Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in 1 Corinthians (Jer. 9:23-24). Glorification is used of man giving glory to God. When applied to God it is not the adding of anything to His essential glory, for He is perfect and complete in glory. It means to ascribe to Him the glory that is due Him (Mt. 5:16; Lk. 23:47; Rom. 4:20; 1Cor. 6:20; 1Pet. 4:16; Rev. 4:11). Things men should glory in: That they understand and know God and that He exercises loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in earth and that these things delight God instead of human wisdom, power, and riches. Knowing God is the basis of all blessings of life, here and hereafter. It is the condition of trust in God; one who is unknown cannot be trusted at all. Lack of this knowledge led to universal corruption of the Gentiles (Rom. 1:28), and to Israel’s fall and dispersion (Isa. 1:3; Luke 19:42-43).