Those that live in unbelief, are for ever undone, if they die in unbelief. The Jews belonged to
this present evil world, but Jesus was of a heavenly and Divine nature, so that his doctrine, kingdom,
and blessings, would not suit their taste. But the curse of the law is done away to all that submit to
the grace of the gospel. Nothing but the doctrine of Christ's grace will be an argument powerful
enough, and none but the Spirit of Christ's grace will be an agent powerful enough, to turn us from
sin to God; and that Spirit is given, and that doctrine is given, to work upon those only who believe
in Christ. Some say, Who is this Jesus? They allow him to have been a Prophet, an excellent Teacher,
and even more than a creature; but cannot acknowledge him as over all, God blessed for evermore.
Will not this suffice? Jesus here answers the question. Is this to honour him as the Father? Does
this admit his being the Light of the world, and the Life of men, one with the Father? All shall know
by their conversion, or in their condemnation, that he always spake and did what pleased the Father,
even when he claimed the highest honours to himself.
Verses 30–36
Such power attended our Lord's words, that many were convinced, and professed to believe in
him. He encouraged them to attend his teaching, rely on his promises, and obey his commands,
notwithstanding all temptations to evil. Thus doing, they would be his disciples truly; and by the
teaching of his word and Spirit, they would learn where their hope and strength lay. Christ spoke
of spiritual liberty; but carnal hearts feel no other grievances than those that molest the body, and
distress their worldly affairs. Talk to them of their liberty and property, tell them of waste committed
upon their lands, or damage done to their houses, and they understand you very well; but speak of
the bondage of sin, captivity to Satan, and liberty by Christ; tell of wrong done to their precious
souls, and the hazard of their eternal welfare, then you bring strange things to their ears. Jesus
plainly reminded them, that the man who practised any sin, was, in fact, a slave to that sin, which
was the case with most of them. Christ in the gospel offers us freedom, he has power to do this,
and those whom Christ makes free are really so. But often we see persons disputing about liberty
of every kind, while they are slaves to some sinful lust.
Verses 37–40
Our Lord opposed the proud and vain confidence of these Jews, showing that their descent from
Abraham could not profit those of a contrary spirit to him. Where the word of God has no place,
no good is to be expected; room is left there for all wickedness. A sick person who turns from his
physician, and will take neither remedies nor food, is past hope of recovery. The truth both heals
and nourishes the hearts of those who receive it. The truth taught by philosophers has not this power
and effect, but only the truth of God. Those who claim the privileges of Abraham, must do Abraham's
works; must be strangers and sojourners in this world; keep up the worship of God in their families,
and always walk before God.
Verses 41–47
Satan prompts men to excesses by which they murder themselves and others, while what he
puts into the mind tends to ruin men's souls. He is the great promoter of falsehood of every kind.