In the business of salvation, as it is God’s most glorious work, he is studious and jealous of having all the glory of it. Accordingly, eternal life is held out in the text as his “gift,” free on his part, and altogether unmerited by those to whom this blessing is communicated. We have no claim upon him even for the crumbs that fall from his table; much less for the glory of his everlasting kingdom; between which, and the obedience of the best, there is an infinite disproportion. All in earth or heaven, necessary to complete our happiness, is a gift. Christ himself, with all his unsearchable riches, is called the gift of God. The knowledge of him by faith, and the grace that calls, justifies, and sanctifies, come under the same denomination. He gives grace and glory. When the apostle takes a view of death, he calls it the _wages_ of sin. But he wisely and designedly alters his language when he speaks of eternal life. He does not say that _that_ is the _wages_ of human works, or to be earned by the merit of human obedience. No. It is the _gift_ of God through Jesus Christ our Lord,—through him, because he is the medium of all Jehovah’s gifts, and the purchaser of all the blessings of the new covenant. His atoning blood is the great channel of conveyance for every benefit on earth, and his righteousness the meritorious title to life eternal. The crown of salvation is the unrivalled claim of that adorable Saviour; and well doth he deserve, that it should be placed on his royal head, since There’s not a gift his hand bestows But cost his heart a groan.