2 Peter 1:11
The sermon emphasizes the abundant supply of grace and strength that will carry believers through life's duties and trials, leading to an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
John Gill emphasizes that through abundant grace and strength, believers are equipped to navigate life's challenges and ultimately gain entry into the everlasting kingdom of Jesus Christ. This kingdom is not of this world but is a glorious and eternal state prepared for God's people, where they will reign with Him forever. Gill explains that this entrance is ministered abundantly, both at the moment of death and at the final judgment, highlighting the joy and comfort that accompany the faithful as they transition into eternal life. He reassures that despite the trials faced, the grace provided will lead to a rich and joyful admission into the heavenly kingdom.
Text
Ver. 11. For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly,....
An abundant supply of grace and strength shall be freely afforded, to carry you through all the duties and trials of life; and when that shall be ended, an admission will be granted
into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; meaning, not the Gospel dispensation, or the spiritual kingdom of Christ, which is not of this world, but lies among his people, who are called out of it, in whom he reigns by his Spirit and, grace, according to laws of his own enacting; nor his personal kingdom on earth with his saints, which will last only a thousand years, and not be for ever; but the kingdom of heaven, or the ultimate glory, which will be everlasting; and is called a kingdom, to denote the glory and excellency of that state; and an everlasting one, because it will never end; and the kingdom of Christ, because it is in his possession, for his people; it is prepared by him, and he will introduce them into it, when they shall be for ever with him, and reign with him for ever and ever.
Some copies read, "the heavenly kingdom". There is an entrance of separate souls into this kingdom at death; and which may be said to be ministered "abundantly" to them, or "richly" as the word signifies, when they depart out of this world with joy and comfort; triumphing over death, and the grave, in a full view by faith of their interest in the love of God, the grace of Christ, and the glories of another world; and there is an entrance into it at judgment, and which will be abundantly, when all the saints together, in their souls and bodies, shall be introduced by Christ into the full joy of their Lord.
As the saints enter the kingdom through many tribulations, the gate is strait, and the way is narrow, and they are scarcely saved, and many of them so as only by fire; but when the abundant grace given unto them by the way to heaven, the great consolation many enjoy in their last moments, and especially the free and full admission of them, both at death and at judgment, to eternal happiness, are considered, the entrance ministered may be said to be abundantly; or, as the Arabic version renders it, "with a breadth"; the entrance is large and broad.
Sermon Outline
- I. An Abundant Entrance into Eternal Life
- A. An entrance ministered abundantly unto you
- B. An abundant supply of grace and strength for life's duties and trials
- C. Admission into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
- II. The Kingdom of Heaven
- A. Not the Gospel dispensation or spiritual kingdom
- B. Not the personal kingdom on earth with saints
- C. The ultimate glory, which will be everlasting
- III. Entrance into the Kingdom
- A. At death, with joy and comfort, triumphing over death and the grave
- B. At judgment, with all saints together in their souls and bodies
Key Quotes
“An abundant supply of grace and strength shall be freely afforded, to carry you through all the duties and trials of life;” — John Gill
“The entrance is large and broad.” — John Gill
“When the abundant grace given unto them by the way to heaven, the great consolation many enjoy in their last moments, and especially the free and full admission of them, both at death and at judgment, to eternal happiness, are considered, the entrance ministered may be said to be abundantly;” — John Gill
Application Points
- We should seek to live a life that is characterized by an abundant supply of grace and strength, which will enable us to carry out our duties and trials with joy and comfort.
- We should look forward to our entrance into the kingdom of heaven with joy and anticipation, knowing that it will be a time of great celebration and triumph over death and the grave.
- We should seek to live a life that is pleasing to God, so that we may be admitted into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.