April 22

PART II.

LET us now contemplate the piercing of Christ's side, as it stands connected with the various parties concerned. It was in respect of Christ, a proof of his Messiahship, and of the reality of his death. The passages previously quoted, evidently referred to the Messiah, and their accomplishment at Christ's death, complete the evidence of his being the predicted Saviour, and truly the Son of God. Besides, thus was the reality of his death demonstrated. After the pericardium was pierced, and the fluid of life had flown from the orifice, had not the Saviour been dead already, humanly speaking, death must have instantly followed. So that the piercing of Christ's side, greatly establishes the reality of Christ's death; on the truth of which, the whole structure of redemption rests. On the soldier's part, it was a mere act of wanton cruelty. He thought of nothing, but gratifying a barbarous passion, of outvicing his fellows in malignant cruelty, towards the reputed deceiver. But however thoughtlessly he might have committed this outrage on Christ's sacred person, the matter to us is deeply affecting and instructive. The soldier was the mere instrument of this act. It was our sins that brought Jesus from heaven; that apprehended, condemned, and put him to death. And it was our sins too, that lifted up the spear, and thrust it in his precious heart. How then does it become us, to look upon him whom we have pierced, and mourn. Genuine repentance flows only from an awakened sense of the extreme evil of sin, and never was that so fully manifested, as in the death of the Son of God. But from this subject, we also derive instruction. We are guilty, and as an atonement for our sins, blood flowed from the Saviour's side. We have redemption through his blood. We are unholy, and for our sanctification, flowed water from the side of Christ. Thus were exhibited in two significant emblems, the means, both of our pardon, and purification.

"There is a fountain filled with blood, Drawn from Immanuel's veins, And sinners plung'd beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains."