The Death of Christ and its Results
J. Brown, D. D. John 12:31-33 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.… I. THE DEATH OF CHRIST. 1. The fact of His death predicted. It was a wonderful thing that He should die, for death is the penalty of sin. and He was sinless, and can only take effect on humanity, whereas He was Divine. 2. The manner of His death described — crucifixion. The mystery thickens. If He must die, surely it should be naturally and peacefully, or if not, gloriously, as a hero, and amidst the blessings of His race. No, He must die as a felon, a death — (1) profoundly humiliating; (2) excruciatingly painful. 3. The nature of His death unfolded. Its manner partly indicates its nature. (1) It was penal. He suffered under Roman and Divine law, but how differently. (2) It was vicarious, since He was innocent. (3) It was expiatory (Isaiah 53:5, 6). II. ITS RESULTS. 1. The judgment of the world. (1) What this means. In the Scriptures to judge means to govern. Hence the "Judges." As King and Ruler the Messiah is frequently predicted as Judge. This interpretation agrees with the context. The Son of Man is glorified by being made King of the world; how, therefore, is the world to be judged by being ruled by Him? A new order of Divine administration has been commenced, having for its object the subjection of the world to God. (2) How is this judgment the result of Christ's death? (a) It was the promised and richly-merited reward of His death (Isaiah 53:10-12; Philippians 2:5-11). (b) It is the necessary means of His carrying into accomplishment the great design of His death, the salvation of His chosen people (John 17:2). 2. The expulsion of the prince of this world (John 14:30; John 16:8-11; Ephesians 2:2). (1) Who is he? (a) A real personal existence. (b) A potentate. (c) Exercising dominion over this world. (d) But not independently and uncontrolled, but largely as the executioner of Divine justice, and limited in power by the duration of "this world."(2) What is his expulsion? His being cast out — (a) From the human heart. (b) From the religious and civil institutions he had controlled. (3) How is he cast out? (a) Christ bore the penalty of that for which he held men in bondage, and men paid their debt and suffered their punishment in Christ their substitute. (b) By the power of the Spirit, by which men can resist the devil and make him flee. 3. This drawing of all men to Christ. (1) What this drawing is. (a) All men, without exception, become the subjects of His mediatorial government. (b) All men, without distinction, become the objects of the invitations of His gospel. (c) All whom the Father has given Him, an innumerable company out of every kindred, etc., are put in possession of the blessings of His salvation. (2) How it is connected with His lifting up. Had not atonement been made there could have been no salvation to offer, or give or receive. Christ's death removed all obstacles to this, and secured the effectual agency of the Spirit. (J. Brown, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. WEB: Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out.