Ver. 19. The Power of God in Conversion.—1. The power God exercises in converting and carrying on the work of grace to glory is not only great, but exceeds all power that might impede that work, so that there is no power in the devil, the world, sin, or death which this power does not overcome nor any impotency in believers which this greatness of power will not help and strengthen. There is no more pregnant proof of God’s omnipotent power than in converting sinners from sin to holiness. 2. This mighty power of God extends to all times. It works in the first conversion of believers, preserves them in a state of grace, actuating their graces that they may grow, and continues till their graces are perfected. 3. The experimental knowledge of God’s way of working is to be carefully sought after, to make us thankful for His gracious working in us, in order that our knowledge of God may be increased and our faith and hope in Him strengthened.—Fergusson.

Ver. 20. The Future Life.

I. Our virtuous friends at death go to Jesus Christ.—Here is one great fact in regard to futurity. The good on leaving us here meet their Saviour, and this view alone assures us of their unutterable happiness. The joys of centuries will be crowded into that meeting. This is not fiction. It is truth founded on the essential laws of the mind. Their intercourse with Jesus Christ will be of the most affectionate and ennobling character. They are brought to a new comprehension of His mind and to a new reception of His Spirit. They will become joint workers—active, efficient ministers—in accomplishing His great work of spreading virtue and happiness. They retain the deepest interest in this world. They love human nature as never before, and human friends are prized as above all price.

II. Our virtuous friends go not to Jesus only, but to the great and blessed society which is gathered round Him.—The redeemed from all regions of earth. They meet peculiar congratulations from friends who had gone before them to that better world, and especially from all who had in any way given aids to their virtue. If we have ever known the enjoyments of friendship, of entire confidence, of co-operation in honourable and successful labours with those we love, we can comprehend something of the felicity of a world where souls, refined from selfishness, open as the day, thirsting for new truth and virtue, endowed with new power of enjoying the beauty and grandeur of the universe, allied in the noblest works of benevolence, and continually discovering new mysteries of the Creator’s power and goodness, communicate themselves to one another with the freedom of perfect love. They enter on a state of action, life, and effort. Still more, they go to God. They see Him with a new light in all His works. They see Him face to face, by immediate communion. These new relations of the ascended spirit to the universal Father, how near, how tender, how strong, how exalting! Heaven is a glorious reality. Its attraction should be felt perpetually. They who are safely gathered there say to us, “Come and join us in our everlasting blessedness!”—Channing.

Vers. 21, 22. The Supremacy of Jesus—

  1. Acquired by His resurrection power.
  2. Places Him above the highest created intelligences and potentates.
  3. Is expressed in a name that surpasses in dignity and greatness that which has ever been or can be celebrated in earth or heaven.
  4. Gives Him absolute control over all worlds.—“And hath put all things under His feet” (ver. 22).

Vers. 22, 23. Christ the Head of the Church.

  1. The Church depends on Him for life, guidance, activity, and development.—“Which is His body” (ver. 23).
  2. He governs all things in the interest of His Church.—“And gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church” (ver. 22).
  3. The Church is a revelation of the greatness and glory of Christ.—“The fulness of Him that filleth all in all” (ver. 23).

Ver. 22. The Headship of Christ.

  1. The extent of His headship.—1. Over all worlds. 2. Over the whole human race. 3. Over the Church.
  2. The subserviency of its administration to the interests of His Church.—1. For the edification of His Church. 2. For its defence. 3. For its increase.
  3. Its grounds.—1. His merit. 2. His qualifications. Whom do ye serve?—G. Brooks.