William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Mark 9:43

In the former verse our Saviour dissuaded from the sin of scandal, or giving offence to the serious and sincere Christians, threatening. very grievous judgment against such as should any ways offend them; now in these six verses he prescribes. remedy against that and all other sins, namely, by avoiding all occasions that lead to sin.

Here observe, 1. The admonition or warning given by Christ unto us, to remove far from us all occasion of sin, though ever so dear unto us. We are not to understand the command literally as if it was our duty to maim our bodily members; but metaphorically to cut off all occasions that may betray us into sin.

Hence note, That as sin may be avoided, it is our duty to avoid whatever leads unto it, or may be the instrument and occasion of it.

Observe, 2.. reason enforcing the admonition: this is drawn from the benefit and advantage that will come by cutting off such occasions of sin. It will further us in our attainment of eternal life, and prevent our being cast into hell-fire. Now our Saviour affirms, that it is better for. man to enter into life with the loss of all those things that are dear and precious to him in this world, rather than to go into hell with the fruition and enjoyment of them.

Learn hence, That. diligent and daily care to avoid sin, and all occasions that lead unto it, will be. special means to escape the torments of hell, and further us in our attainments of heaven and eternal life.

Observe, 3. The description which our Saviour gives of the torments of hell;

First, by its extremity; it is like. gnawing worm, and. consuming fire.

Secondly, and by its eternity,. worm that never dieth, and. fire that is never quenched.

Where note, That the remembrance of things past, the experience of things present, and expectation of things to come, are the bitings of the worm of conscience, at every bite whereof damned souls give. dreadful shriek; such as will not hear the voice of conscience, shall feel, and that to purpose, the sting of conscience.

Learn hence, That there is most certainly. place and state of punishment and torment of the wicked men to suffer in, upon the score of sin committed in this world.

Secondly, That the punishment and torments of the wicked in hell are intolerable and interminable, of exquisite pain, and endless duration: Their worm never dieth, and their fire is not quenched.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Mark 9:43

Old Testament

New Testament