John Macduff

The John Macduff Collection Volume II

How striking is the title, "the glorious gospel of the blessed God!" 1 Timothy 1:11. And it is as appropriate as it is striking; the most cursory view of its contents will show that it well deserves such a designation. That it is a glorious gospel appears from . . . the truths it reveals, the blessings it imparts, the effects it produces, the consolations it inspires, and especially the prospects it discloses. What would death be, without this divine and glorious gospel? Nothing but a leap in the dark. The passage from life would then be a gloomy one indeed; and the regions beyond the grave would be enveloped in impenetrable clouds and shadows! But in the glorious gospel, the veil which separates the present from the eternal state is, in a measure, drawn aside. It tells us of One who has abolished death, and by whom life and immortality have been brought to light. And not merely was the doctrine of our future existence promulgated by Him; but He Himself has opened the kingdom of Heaven to all believers. Into that kingdom He has himself entered; and by His entrance there, in connection with the work which He had previously accomplished - the celestial gates have been unlocked, and the everlasting doors have lifted up their heads - that the heirs of glory might gain free admittance there! They have now boldness to enter into the holiest, by the blood of Jesus, along the new and living way which He has consecrated for us.