It is the Spirit that quickeneth; it was the spiritual, not the literal meaning of his words, which would profit them. The literal eating of his flesh would not benefit them. It was only the spiritual meaning, understood, believed, and obeyed, that would be the means of spiritual life to their souls.

They are spirit-they are life; they contain spiritual food and life; for by receiving them, you receive me. The words of Christ have a spiritual meaning, and it is the right apprehension and cordial reception of this meaning which is life-giving to the soul. Men naturally do not receive this meaning, because such is their wickedness that they have not spiritual discernment. Hence the propriety of praying, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law; quicken thou me according to thy word." Psalms 119:18; Psalms 119:25; 1 Corinthians 2:14.

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Old Testament