CHRIST’S CONFLICT AND TRIUMPH
Isaiah 63:1-4. Who is this that cometh from Edom, &c.
I. THE UNDERTAKING OF CHRIST FOR THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF OUR REDEMPTION. We have here three leading features of it—
1. His deep and solitary suffering.
2. The glorious principles on which He suffered to redeem others. “The year of my redeemed is come.” Here, then, we distinctly recognise the great doctrine of Atonement—a doctrine as full of comfort to the contrite sinner as it is essential to the harmony and perfection of the Christian system.
3. The glory of the conquest He obtained. This the predominant character of the text.
II. THE MOMENTOUS RESULTS FLOWING FROM HIS FINISHED UNDERTAKING. These are threefold—
1. The honours of Divine justice secured and rendered compatible with the salvation of man.
2. The judicial division of the human race into two great classes—Christ’s enemies and His redeemed. To one of these we all belong.
3. The certain salvation of the one, and the fearful overthrow of the other, guaranteed by our Lord’s success and supremacy.—Samuel Thodey.
Isaiah 63:1. The peculiarities of Eastern imagery. The undertaking of Christ the most striking event in the dispensations of God to our lower world, &c. This great work as the text teaches is the great theme of prophecy. Viewing the text in this light, we select two points for meditation.
I. THE CONFLICT OF CHRIST in sustaining and carrying on the great work of human redemption.
1. This supposes that there were great difficulties and obstacles to be overcome before man could be restored to God’s favour.
2. The text teaches that Christ was every way equal to the undertaking. They were no common resources that He brought into the field, &c.
3. That in the prosecution of this conflict He endured great and overwhelming suffering. Their solitariness.
II. THE TRIUMPH OF CHRIST. It was a triumph of great principles over their opposites. The problem to be solved was whether sin or holiness, with their infinite results, should prevail, &c. This problem was solved on the Cross.
2. Really accomplished in the nature that sinned.
3. Made more illustrious by the seeming humiliation and discomfiture with which it was attended.
4. Effected by the single and unaided influence of the Captain of our salvation.—Samuel Thodey.
A great and glorious—I. Person. Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:11-15). II. Work.
1. To save, &c.
2. Performed entirely of Himself.
3. Will bring more glory to God than creation. III. Salvation.—Studies for the Pulpit, Part II. pp. 149–152.