Edward Dennett · CHAPTER 5. CHRIST OUR LIFE.

During His earthly sojourn, Christ had life in Himself as the Son of God; and hence, "as the Father raises up the dead and quickens them, even so the Son quickens whom He will" (John 5:21). For, indeed, as John tells us, "The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show to you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us" (1 John 1:2); and as He Himself said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Every one, therefore, who believed on Him then was quickened, even as the saints of the old dispensation were quickened — born again but "life more abundantly" could only be received after His death and resurrection; and hence the bestowal of everlasting life upon those who believe in the present dispensation is the fruit and consequence of His finished work. He Himself thus says, "Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: as Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him" (John 17:1-2).