June 2

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:6.

THE two great subjects of the Bible are man's ruin by sin, and his restoration by grace; on the one hand we behold the misery of the curse, and on the other the mercy of the cross. We have farther in these words

A TIMELY DELIVERANCE ACHIEVED. This is accomplished by the death of Christ, concerning which we may remark four things.

The fact of his death. "Christ died." The circumstances of his death were peculiarly affecting. Crucifixion was a mode of punishment inflicted on those who had been guilty of the most atrocious deeds, and was attended with the most exquisite pains.

The cause of his death. Our sins called for the wrath and vengeance of God, which he bore as our Surety; but it was love that prompted him to this act of unexampled philanthropy and disinterestedness. "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

The period of his death. "In due time:" because it was the period arranged in the covenant between the Father and the Son; because it accorded with the ancient predictions that foretold it; because it agreed with the many promises that insured it, and with regard to the awful condition of the world. It was now time that Messiah should put away sin by the sacrifice of himself; there was a general expectation for him as the promised Deliverer; many were looking for redemption in Jerusalem, and waiting for the consolation of Israel.

The effects of his death. These are glorious, both as it respects the perfections of God, and the interests of man. A way is opened for man to the holiest of all. The rolling clouds of incense and pillars of smoke no longer ascend towards heaven; the fire in the temple has gone out, and costly sacrifices, and blood of bulls and goats are no longer required; for that dispensation has passed away, and the Gospel temple has been dedicated, and the altar has been sprinkled with blood more precious than ever was shed by ancient priests in imposing attire, as they waited upon Jehovah in the holiest of all, within the veil.