but He is coming, whose fan is in his hand, and who will thoroughly purge his floor. Those that,
by their own sin and folly, make themselves as chaff, will be found so before the whirlwind and
fire of Divine wrath. The doom of the ungodly is fixed, but whenever the sinner becomes sensible
of this guilt and misery, he may be admitted into the company of the righteous by Christ the living
way, and become in Christ a new creature. He has new desires, new pleasures, hopes, fears, sorrows,
companions, and employments. His thoughts, words, and actions are changed. He enters on a new
state, and bears a new character. Behold, all things are become new by Divine grace, which changes
his soul into the image of the Redeemer. How different the character and end of the ungodly!
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Threatenings against the enemies of Christ's (1–6)
kingdom.
Promise to Christ as the Head of this (7–9)
kingdom.
Counsel to all, to espouse its interests. (10–12)Verses 1–6
We are here told who would appear as adversaries to Christ. As this world is the kingdom of
Satan, unconverted men, of every rank, party, and character, are stirred up by him to oppose the
cause of God. But the rulers of the earth generally have been most active. The truths and precepts
of Christianity are against ambitious projects and worldly lusts. We are told what they aim at in
this opposition. They would break asunder the bands of conscience, and the cords of God's
commandments; they will not receive, but cast them away as far as they can. These enemies can
show no good cause for opposing so just and holy a government, which, if received by all, would
bring a heaven upon earth. They can hope for no success in so opposing so powerful a kingdom.
The Lord Jesus has all power both in heaven and in earth, and is Head over all things to the church,
notwithstanding the restless endeavours of his enemies. Christ's throne is set up in his church, that
is, in the hearts of all believers.
Verses 7–9
The kingdom of the Messiah is founded upon an eternal decree of God the Father. This our
Lord Jesus often referred to, as what he governed himself by. God hath said unto him, Thou art my
Son, and it becomes each of us to say to him, Thou art my Lord, my Sovereign'. The Son, in asking
the heathen for his inheritance, desires their happiness in him; so that he pleads for them, ever lives
to do so, and is able to save to the uttermost, and he shall have multitudes of willing, loyal subjects,
among them. Christians are the possession of the Lord Jesus; they are to him for a name and a