spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all Isa 53.8 For the transgressions of my people was he stricken 7. The Holiness of God is manifested in Christ his Holiness did appear in that holy Image which he put in Adam and the holy Law which he gave to him under a penalty but this holiness of the Image of God stamped on the creature was possible to be lost for both men and Angels were capable of sin and did fall but herein is a greater manifestation of Gods holiness that a Creature Christ-man Christ Mediator is made the Fountain of all Holiness Holiness cannot be lost in him yea it is derived from him Joh. 1.14 16 Full of grace and truth and of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Chap. 3. v. 34 For God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him This is spoken of Christ man of Christ Mediator for one of the persons of the Godhead cannot receive another O what an impression of Holiness is this what a communication and manifestation of the Holiness of God! The fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily in the man Christ Col. 2.9 Where there is the highest union there is the greatest communion there was never such another union as that personal union and therefore there could never be such a communication of God 8. The All-sufficiency of God appears more in Christ than ever before the declarative glory thereof shines in the restoring of lost man for whosoever can restore lost man can raise him to a higher happiness than he fell from he is All-sufficient and Almighty and is thereby declared to be so this did God in Christ the Mediator this is a declaration of Gods All-sufficiency and of Christs Gen. 17.1 I am God almighty 2 Cor. 8.9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be made rich Chap. 12.9 And he said unto me My grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me 9. The Patience and Long suffering of God was never heard of before until it was manifested in Christ God executed his Justice against the fallen Angels without exercising any Patience and Long-suffering towards them 2 Pet. 2.4 For if God spared not the Angels which fell but cast them down to hell But in Jesus Christ there is a discovery of the Patience of God and his bearing with sinners Isa 49.8 There is a Covenant to establish the earth that Justice do not ruine it Jesus Christ obtained pardon and reprival for some sinners that they should be spared Exod. 34.6 And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth In him the Lord proclaims himself merciful and gracious long-suffering c. 1 Tim. 1.16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting Yea and by way of concomitancy and for the Elects sake reprobates reap some benefit by the Patience of God thus manifested He suffers the creatures to mock him and say Where is the promise of his coming 2 Pet. 3.4 Rom. 9.22 Endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction 10. The Faithfulness of God is manifested in Christ he was known to be true and faithful in fulfilling the threatning and certification of the transgression of the first Covenant Gen. 2.17 In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die And in keeping the Covenant with all the creatures Gen. 8.22 While the earth remaineth seed-time and harvest-time and cold and heat and summer and winter and day and night shall not cease Jer. 33.20 Thus saith the Lord If ye can break my Covenant of the day and my Covenant of the night and that there should not be day and night in their season c. But this was but a small declaration of his faithfulness being compared with the manifestation of his Faithfulness in Christ which shines so brightly in keeping Covenant and Promises with him and with his people upon his account notwithstanding all your unfaithfulness to him hereby he is proclaimed to be the Lord abundant in truth Exod. 34.6 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are Amen Psal 89.34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David Mic. 7.18 20 Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob and the mercy to Abraham which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old 11. The Majesty of the Lord something whereof is manifested in the Creation Psal 19.1 The heavens declare the glory of the Lord and the firmament sheweth forth his handy-work But much more in restoring man if there be a Majesty in Angels Heb. 1.7 And of his Angels he saith who maketh his Angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire And in godly men which is but a little discovered here c. shall be more fully afterward 2 Thess 1.10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints O what excellent Majesty must there be in Jesus Christ Heb. 1.13 But to which of the Angels said he at any time sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool And what shall be revealed in him when he shall come in glory 2 Thess 1.7 When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels Col. 3.4 When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory You see then all the Attributes of God are made more bright and get a new lustre in Jesus Christ the Mediator he is the brightness of his Fathers glory and the express Image of his Person 2. The distinct Subsistences of the Persons of the Godhead and blessed Trinity are more brightly discovered in Jesus Christ than ever before God was but darkly seen before in the distinct Subsistences of the persons of the Trinity but in the Gospel through Jesus Christ there is a glorious manifestation thereof 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 1. The Eternal Son of God the second Person his taking on our nature doth clearly shew that there are distinct Subsistences or Persons in the Godhead There are two natures in one Subsistence or Person which illustrates the three Subsistencies in one nature or three Persons in the Godhead 2. By Jesus Christ from his own
Ceremonial Answ That the Law might reach him as the sinner legally as one that was made sin for us for if he had not been made under the Law he had been without the compass of it it could not have reached him nor taken hold of him as one who took our Law-place upon him and so we should not have been the better of him the taking on of our nature could not have profited us except he had also taken on our condition as we were sinful men liable to the sentence of the Law for the transgression thereof which is expressed Gal. 4.5 by our being under the Law that was our condition and that he might take it on him he is made under the Law More particularly 1. He was made under the Moral Law under the whole Law 1. Under the Directive part of it which he fulfilled and established he satisfied that part of the Law without breaking so much as one jot or tittle of it and established it to be a rule to all his that by the obedience thereof they should testifie their love to him 2. Cor. 5.14 15 For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judg that if one died for all then were all dead and that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again 2. He was made under the Forfeiture and penalty of the Law which he fulfilled and abolished to wit the Forfeiture which we had incurred and by Forfeiture had brought our selves under the penalty of death therein contained Col. 2.14 Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nailing it to his cross And this he satisfied by his obedience even to the suffering of death nostra vice in our stead or room and so he satisfied the Law fully and cancelled the sentence thereof 2. He was made under the Ceremonial Law Luk. 2.21 22 23 24 And when eight days were accomplished for the purification of the child his name was called Jesus c. Ceremonies fall under a threefold consideration 1. As they are Ordinances and so he was made under them to sanctifie them for Christ needed not circumcision nor baptism but by him they are sanctified 2. As they are types and so the whole Ceremonial Law was fulfilled in Christ Col. 2.17 Which are a shadow of things to come but the body is Christ 3. As they are burdens and so they are removed by Christ Act. 15.10 Now therefore why tempt ye God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear He was then made under the Ceremonial Law to fulfil and abolish it for if Christ had not come and been under it we had still remained under the burden of it but by his being a Jew made under the Law we enjoy these priviledges of freedom from that yoke which believers enjoy under the new Testament Quest 6. Why was the Son of God born of a Virgin and not of a married woman Answ That he might answer the type given of him by the Holy-Ghost in Melchisedecs Priesthood Heb. 7.3 15 Without father without mother without descent having neither beginning of days nor end of life but made like unto the Son of God abideth a Priest continually And it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another Priest 2. To answer the predictions of his miraculous conception Christs being manifested in the flesh was miraculous and foretold to be so and that it might be the better known to be so God will have his Son come into the world in a miraculous manner Dan. 2.45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands c. As also he went out of the world in like manner Act. 1.11 This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven Therefore also the Angels came down at his birth to waken up men unto the observation of that miracle Luk. 2.13 14 And suddenly there was with the Angels a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men It is a sign above nature Isa 7.14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign Behold A virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call his name Immanuel A matter that reason comprehendeth not faith only dealeth in it 3. Because Original sin at least the stain and filth thereof cometh to us by propagation therefore he must not come into the world in the ordinary way being that he must be separated from sinners and be that holy thing upon which the corruption of our nature cannot fall Heb. 7.26 Luk. 1.35 Being also conceived of the Holy-Ghost to sanctifie the seed of the woman Luk. 1.35 And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy-Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the highest shall over-shadow thee therefore also that Holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Quest 7. Why is Christ made man in the fulness of time and not sooner nor later Answ It may satisfie and content us that it is written Gal. 4.2 that was the time appointed of the Father It liked him to appoint that time yet for further satisfaction if further be necessary or attainable Consider 1. God will have the world to know their own condition to try their own wisdom and he will give them time to do so if the world can do any thing for themselves to deliver the creature from vanity and bondage unto which it was made subject by reason of corruption and when the world in so long time might see that they could do nothing for their own happiness and Redemption then God will send his Son and let out his wisdom in Christ that had been hid from the world ever since the fall when the Law of God written in mans heart was corrupted and all things out of order so that by the light of nature and rules of virtue no man could find out the way to happiness nor discover any thing of Christ 1 Cor. 1.20 21 Where is the wise where is the scribe where is the disputer of this world hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe 2. God will have his people to wait long and to be much exercised before he let out great mercies and fulfil great promises to them And so it is in this If in the fulfilling of the promise of bringing Abraham's seed to Canaan he would be so long waited on If in the destruction of Antichrist he will be so many years
a spirit Then 1. Let all his enemies be afraid and pack them out of his way and stand not in the way to hinder the work which he hath undertaken for his people he is of an unsubdued spirit and cannot be laid by pack you or he will ride over you Psal 110.1 5 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through Kings in the day of his wrath Rev. 6.2 And I saw and beheld a white horse and he that sate on him had a bow and a crown was given unto him and be went forth conquering and to conquer Psal 45.3 4 5. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh O most Mighty with thy glory and thy majesty and in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the Kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee 2. Believers comfort your selves in Christs Heroick spirit he cannot be laid by nor turned from his purpose neither by the opposition made by the enemies of your happiness nor by the discouragements received from your selves 1 Joh. 4.4 c. Isa 42.4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged See an eminent example of this in his dealing with the woman of Samaria Joh. 4.10 c. 3. Let us make some use of the whole Properties and Qualifications of our Mediator taking in also those which are peculiar to him Hence a threefold Exhortation First Be exhorted to know what a Mediator Christ is A Mediator and such a Mediator the Apostle Paul hath many hints in his Epistle to the Hebrews which is written to set forth Christ in his Offices whereby he layeth a deal of weight upon the qualities of our Mediator being such a person such a High-priest c. as the like was never heard of ch 1.4 and 3.1 and 4.14 15. and 5.11 and 7.16 24 26. and 8.1 2. and 9.11 24. The ignorance of this or not considering these things is the cause why Christs Mediatorship is so little comfortable to Believers study to know this better that you may be comforted by it that you have such a Mediator one whose office interests relations engagements to you and qualities before enumerated may assure you that you have a Friend in Heaven one to whom you may come for pity and help in all your miseries and distresses 2. Be exhorted to more boldness in coming to the Throne of Grace Believers you dishonour your Mediator who having so great a Favourite at the Court of Heaven should not with greater confidence come to God yet this boldness ought to be humble and awful keeping in sight your own unworthiness and the awe of Gods Majesty but be confident of the prevalency of Christs Mediation Heb. 4.14 15 16 Seeing then that we have a great High-Priest that is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession for we have not an High-Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without Sin let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need And 10.19 20 Having therefore Brethren boldness to enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated through the vale that is to say his flesh Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with open mouth Lay not weight upon your liberty but let the confidence you have in your Mediator give you boldness which would beget and draw forth liberty in Prayer for your selves and for others 1 Tim. 2.1 5 I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men for there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus 3. Be exhorted you who have the offer of so great salvation and of Christ Mediator to be a friend to you in Heaven to take heed that you slight it not Heb. 2.1 3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him And 12.25 29 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven For our God is a consuming fire And 10.26 29 39 For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledg of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing and hath done despight unto the Spirit of Grace But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the Soul There is no sin nor judgment comparable to sins against the Mediator and judgment that follow these sins Joh. 15.22 If I had not come and spoken to them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin Matth. 11.21 Wo unto thee Corazin wo unto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago in sackcloath and ashes CHAP. XVI Of Christs execution of the Office of Mediatorship IT remaineth now that something be spoken of Christs excution of the Office of Mediatorship into which he was called and for which he was fitted and furnished before I speak particularly how he carrieth on the work committed to him as Mediator I shall first lay down some general conclusions relating to his execution of the Office of Mediatorship Namely 1. That Christ executeth this Office of Mediatorship according to both natures 2. That he executed this Office from the beginning of the World before he came in the flesh 3. That he executeth this Office as well in the state of his exaltation as in the state of his humiliation And 1. Of that Question See Mr. Ball treat of the Covenant p. 266. And Mr. Brinsley of Christs Mediat p. 203. Aquin. 3. part quest 26. Act. 2. Bellarm. de Christ Mediat lib. 5. cap. 7. vid. etiam Bonavent Magistr sent August de Ovibus bom 12. Chamier de Mediat cap. 7. sect 2. Jun. contr l. 2. c. 5. not 29. paral l. 3. m. c. 9. ad Hebr. According to which Nature Christ is Mediator Whether according to his Divine Nature as God or according to his human Nature only as Man or according to both as God-man
Scriptures Yea so much was the Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Redemption for the glory of God even considered personally that thereby beside the glory that was common to all the three Persons there did accrue a peculiar glory to the distinct Persons of the Godhead in regard of their distinct offices and working in this business of Redemption a peculiar glory to the Father who gave Christ and who sent him upon this business and blessed us in him even a peculiar honour to the Father from the Lord Mediator and Redeemer Joh. 8.49 But I honour my Father saith Christ and a peculiar honour to the Father from the ransomed and redeemed People 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again into a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead A peculiar honour to the Son to Christ the Lord Mediator and that both upon earth and in heaven a peculiar glory to the Lamb that wrought the Redemption unto which his Father appointed him Joh. 5.22 23 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father which the Son claimeth Joh. 17.1 4 These words spoke Jesus and lift up his eyes to heaven and said Father the hour is come glorifie thy Son that thy Son also may glorifie thee I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And which is payed to him in heaven Rev. 7.10 Saying Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb. And 5.9 And they sing a new song saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation A peculiar glory unto the eternal Spirit by whom the Son of God offered himself without spot to God Heb. 9.14 and to whom the effectual application of the purchased Redemption by peculiar office belongs 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God Joh. 6.63 It is the spirit that quickeneth Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father 2. The good of the ransomed and redeemed people required that their Redemption should be transacted in a Covenant betwixt God and Christ and to this intent and for this end it was necessary 1. To introduce and usher in the new way of life thorow the Gospel-dispensation which could never have come to light nor have appeared upon the stage to act any thing if God had not by his eternal transactions with Christ in whom he found a ransome made way for the taking down the transient-time-dispensation of Law and Works which was only to continue and stand a Court of righteousness for a short space and so opened a door for free Grace to take the Theatre and to act its part more nobly than the Law-dispensation that was first upon the stage And this I say was ushered in and it was necessary that way should be made for it by God's Covenant-dealings with Christ in whom his Justice had a satisfaction else the Law-dispensation of Works and Nature had kept the Stage for ever and there had been no Court wherein Grace sits upon the throne and wherein Sinners might plead righteousness and life on Gospel-terms Christ's saying from eternity Lo I come to do thy will O God Psal 40.6 And deliver him from going down to the pit I have found a ransom Job 33.24 Which words are upon the matter and originally true of Christ's dealings with his Father Jo. Cocc Dâ— foed c. 5. Sect. 88. and by some Expositors applyed to him This I say ushered in and made way for the Gospel-dispensation of a Covenant of free Grace Hence it is that the Apostle states the rise of life and immortality that is brought to light by the Gospel upon the eternal foederal dealings that were betwixt God and Christ 2 Tim. 1.9 10 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ before the world began But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel Rom. 8.3 4 For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh 2. The Covenant of Redemption betwixt God and Christ was necessary for our good that the Covenant of life and righteousness to us in the way of this Gospel-dispensation might be pure soveraign Grace Now the more of Grace and God's gracious will and heart is in the business and the less of the Creatures will and acting the better for us the sweeter and the surer is the Covenant But here all is of the Lord and of his gracious will all is transacted betwixt God and Christ and man is not so much is present at the first transaction of the Covenant as he was at the Covenant of works here he is neither at the beginning nor end of it I mean that end which it had in God's foederal dealings with Christ where the Redemption and Salvation of the elect was a concluded business and the conclusion tarried not nor was suspended for man's consent sure this was pure Grace this was all Grace eminent Grace when there was nothing of the Creature no not so much as acting in a vital formal manner as now we act under the application of this Covenant by these gracious acts which are efficiently from God but there all was the gracious free will of God without any thing of the Creatures will surely that was eminent signal Grace and the better for us 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Eph. 2.10 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them Eph. 1.4 5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the Adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 3. A Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Salvation and Redemption was necessary that the business of our Salvation might be far advanced ere it come to our working at it with fear
of our Lord Jesus Christ and whereby he hath a new Sonship 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Even this shall stand eternally therefore Christ speaking of the promised glorious state of his people in heaven doth four times own that Covenant-relation to his Father even with respect to his and their being together in his Kingdom Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God and he shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God which is new Jerusalem which cometh down out of heaven from my God and I will write upon him my new name And if our Covenant-relation to God which did spring out of his shall stand and not cease in our glorified state in heaven much more his Rev. 5.10 And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth There the redeemed Musicians that have the new Song in their mouths own their Covenant-relation to God and the Covenant-compellation our God is a note in their new Song 4. The offices which Christ did take on by this Covenant are eternal offices such as shall never cease and whereof he shall never be divested that his Mediatory-office his Kingdom and Priesthood are partakers of the eternity of this Covenant is plain Scripture Luk. 1.33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdom there shall be no end Heb. 1.8 But unto the Son he saith thy throne O God is for ever and ever a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom And 5.6 Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec And 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them The only question is whether or not this Covenant shall then cease and Christ's Mediatory-office shall then cease when Christ shall render up the Kingdom to the Father 1 Cor. 15.24 to 29. Concerning the full answer whereof Rutherf Treat of the Covenant p. 2. c. 12. p. 363. I refer the Reader to what is written by Mr. Rutherford upon that question For my part it satisfies me that I see vestiges in the Scripture 1. That after the last Judgment there shall be no use of such exercise and acts of Christ's Mediatory offices as King Priest and Prophet to his Church as we are now under in this last Oeconomy and dispensation of the Covenant of Grace because there shall be no sin then nor any enemy unsubdued Christ having perfected his people and presented them without spot to God Eph. 5.27 and having subdued all his foes and broken all opposition to his Kingdom and the elect people being brought out of danger so as they need no Temple or Ordinances Rev. 21.4.22 1 Cor. 15.25 2. That Christ Mediator shall unquestionably cease from and leave off such acts and exercise of his Mediatory-office as his body the Church hath no need of he shall be no Mediator of Reconciliation then because there shall be no sin then no Mediator to apply his death or to interceed for sinners for there shall be no sinners he shall be no Mediatory King then to beat down his foes and opposers of his offices for there shall be none when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power 1 Cor. 15.24 that is all Magistracy and Government that now is either in Church or State 3. It is manifest that after the last Judgment there shall be a change of the Oeconomick government and that Christ shall render the kingdom Oeconomick or dispensatory to his father but after what manner this change of government shall be I do not so clearly understand whether it shall be only by Christ's rendering an account to his Father of his deputed and delegated charge having now saved all the elect and subdued all the rebels or if it shall be by laying down his Commission no more to rule in the former way of government or whether the government shall be so changed as the Father Son and Spirit shall immediately govern the glorious Church which seems to be insinuated Rev. 21.22 23 And I saw no temple therein for the Lord God almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it And the City had no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it for the glory of God did lighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof 1 Cor. 15.28 that God may be all in all 4. That Christ shall not then leave off to reign as Mediator even when the fore-mentioned change is made yet he remains the substantial glorified head of his mystical glorified body for ever who shall appear eternally for us as a pledg of the satisfaction once given whose presence is a speaking token of the standing Confederacy and Peace betwixt God and us in whose righteousness we stand cloathed before God in whose transactions and acting in the work of Redemption God is eternally well-pleased and by whose Covenant we stand and reign with him eternally and indefectibly in a confirmed glorified state else 1. To what end shall Christ stand glorified in our nature in heaven for ever 2. Why is the Lambs throne in heaven eternal Rev. 22.3 3. Else what means the Lambs servants in heaven for ever Rev. 22.3 and the new Song that is to the Lamb in heaven for ever Rev. 5.12 and 7.10 4. Else what meaneth the Lambs being in the midst of the glorified company his leading them being a temple and a light unto them Rev. 7.17 and 21.22 23. Sure the Lord Mediator as a glorified head of his glorious body in heaven acteth as Mediator though not as he acteth now and though we cannot well determine what fort of leading and what dispensation of influences from him are there and no wonder if his union with us and headship over us even here be a mysterie the knowledg whereof is referred to his coming again Joh. 14.20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my father and you in me and I in you yet the Lambs throne there and his leading the redeemed and being a light and temple to them proves his peculiar headship to them â— The blessings purchased by this Covenant of Suretiship are partakers of eternity they are eternal blessings the Redemption obtained by the Mediator is eternal Redemption Heb. 9.12 and eternal â—â—beritance Heb. 9.15 and eternal life Tit. 1.2 eternal Salvation Heiv 5.9 eternal Glory 1 Pet. 5.20 You see then that eternigy 〈…〉 of the Covenant of Redemption and that many things belonging to it are partakers of eternityâ— In 〈◊〉 it is a Covenant which was transacted from eternity before the foundation of the world was laid it is as old as the Ancient of days so that we cannot reckon the beginning thereof Prov. 8.23 I was set up from
Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men Col. 2.15 And having spoiled principalities and powers he made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in it It was in the faith of these Promises made to Christ concerning his Father's standing by him in this work and crowning it with success in his hand that he put on that holy hardness against all opposition and walked as unconcerned who stood in his way since his Father was with him engaged by so solemn an act of promise and covenant made with him Isa 50.6 7 8 9 I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair I hid not my face from shame and spitting For the Lord God will help me therefore shall I not be confounded therefore have I set my face like a flint and I know that I shall not be ashamed He is neer that justifieth me who will contend with me let us stand together who is mine adversary let him come neer to me Behold the Lord God will help me who is he that shall condemn me lo they all shall wax old as a garment the moth shall eat them up The fifth kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ in the Covenant of Redemption were those that relate unto his Fathers acceptance of the travel of his Soul in this work of our Redemption And under this I comprehend 1. Whatsoever was spoken to him of his Father's delectation and taking pleasure in the person of Christ God-man and in his Mediatory-transactions all delight ariseth from sutableness and this from Christ's sutableness unto the Lords ends and the service unto which he was chosen and his sutable actings unto these ends Luk. 3.21 22 Now when all the people were baptized it came to past that Jesus also being baptized and praying the heaven was opened And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him and a voice came from heaven which said then art my beloved Son in thee I am well-pleased Prov. 8.30 Then I was by him as one brought up with him and I was daily his delight rejoycing always before him Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mune elect in whom my soul delighteth 2. The promise of gracious acceptance to whatsoever he should act or request on the behalf of his Redeemed ones within the time of Grace Isa 49.8 Thus saith the Lord in an acceptable time have I heard thee and in a day of salvation have I helped thee Joh. 11.41 42 Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me And I knew that thou hearest me always Heb. 5.7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up Prayers and Supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared 3. The Promises of Justification there was some sort of Justification covenanted to him which he eyeth and wherewith he encouraged himself under hard and reproachful usage Isa 50.8 He is near that iustifieth me who will contend with me and accordingly it is said of him 1 Tim. 3.16 he was justified in the spirit and though he was not capable of remission of sin and justification from intrinsecal guilt for he had none being holy harmless undefiled and separate from sinners Heb. 7.26 because he had done no violence neither was there any deceit in his mouth Isa 53.7 Yet justification is promised to him and he is said to be justified 1. Because he was a perfect doer and obeyer of the Law 1 Joh. 1.7 But if we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin Christ did in all things give consummate and perfect obedience to the Law and this is to be justified by a Law-justification and title to life which Adam should have had if he had obeyed the Law and Covenant of works 2. When his cause is justified he himself is formally justified in respect of these sins for which he undertook to satisfie the cause that he stood for in the Covenant of Redemption the action is win in Law that he stood for and that was his elect peoples cause for whom he stood when Justice smote him he is justified and acquitted from our sins though he had none of his own Rom. 6.9 knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him 3. He is justified as a publick person though in no private capacity as head of the party whom he represented and whose Law place he took upon him as one who personated and acted the part of another by allowance and warrant of Law Heb. 2.10.13 For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many Sons unto glory to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings And again I will put â—â—y trust in him and again Behold I and the children which God hath given me 4. He is justified declaratively in regard that he was declared by a Law act and Judicial-declaration to he Jesus the righteous 1. Joh. 2.1 who had fatisfied the Law Rom. 1.4 And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead he was declared justified by his resurrection even as he was declared condemned by his death 5. He is justified by cancelling his bond of Suretiship which he gave to Jehovah and now having compleatly satisfied for our debts which was the intent of that bond of Suretiship the right is cancelled according to the manner of the Creditor's delivering back the bond to the Debtor when it is satisfied And thus we are to conceive when he blotted out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us Col. 2.14 that he had then a discharge of his bond of Suretiship for our debt for his bond could not lye for our debt when ours was cancelled And though the precise scope of that Scripture and Context lead us to understand the cancelling there mentioned as firstly relative to the Ceremonial-Law yet I know no reason why we should restrict it to that only but we may extend it to the sins against and threatnings of the Moral Law also in so far as that is a writing against us especially since the words immediately before speak of Justification and remission of all sins as a fruit of Christ's death and the words following declare the extent of his death in this glorious conquest and triumph over all his peoples enemies 6. He is justified because it is acted and recorded in the volume of the book of the written word that he hath fulfilled what was written of his undertaking in the book of God's eternal Decrees and in this sense a person may be said to be justified who being acted in the record of a book to perform any
to make reconciliation for the sins of the people If you have any direction to receive from God if you have any blessing to receive you need a Mediator to procure it to you and to receive it for you If you have any service to offer to God any duty to perform you need a Mediator both to afford you strength to perform it and to offer it to God for you if you have any evil to deprecate you need a Mediator to avert it whether it be for sins before or after conversion 1. In all cases not only in thy deadness and indispositions for duties but when thy heart is in best frame thy tenderness and good frame cannot mediate for thee Dan. 9.3 17 And I set my face unto the Lord God to seek by prayers and supplications with fasting and sack-cloath and ashes Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake Isa 38.3 14 And Hezekiah wept sore Like a Crane or a Swallow so did I chatter I did mourn as a Dove mine eyes fail with looking upward O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Not only when thou art at distance with God and canst not find access but when thou art nearest to him and admitted to his presence to speak before his throne then thou needest a Mediator not only for establishing thee in that good condition but for covering the evil of thy best condition Isa 64.6 But we are all as an unclean thing and our righteousnesses are as filthy rags Chap. 6. v. 5 Then said I Wo is me for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips for mine eyes have seen the king the Lord of Hosts Vse 3. Study to carry as becometh those who need a Mediator and for this end take these directions 1. Take care to beat down self-confidence and self adoration even of every thing in you that is not Christ his gifts and graces and assistances not excepted put not a created grace in Christs room be not lifted up with these nor led away from the Mediator by them Phil. 3. â— 4 For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Though I might also have confidence in the flesh if any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh I more 2. When duties go well and a good frame of spirit is enjoyed watch that your hearts lay not the weight of your acceptation upon these things but that you keep them especially within sight of Christs Mediation as the ground of your confidence Phil. 3.7 But what things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ 3. Let your employing of him be as large as the extent of his mediation reaches to and that is to all things pertaining to God Heb. 2.17 Shut him not out of his office in any thing that is a matter betwixt God and you think not to put him to drudg at your burdens and to slight him in other things he will not be so dealt with 4. Let us beware of tempting Christ of grieving the Mediator if you carry about with you the fresh conviction of your need of him you will be very tender and wary of tempting him and sinning against him 1 Cor. 10.9 Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them also tempted and were destroyed of Serpents CHAP. IX Of the Person who is Mediator and of the great discoveries of God which are made to us in and through Christ IN the next place I shall speak something of the Mediators Person or of the Person who is Mediator and his fitness and qualification for this work When the person is known his fitness for the Mediatorship will appear for it is namely in order to that end that we speak here of the Person who is Mediator that his compleat qualifications for that Office and the discoveries which are made of God to us through him may be known And 1. Before we speak of the Mediators Office let us consider the Person who is Mediator of the new Covenant Jesus Christ Heb. 12.24 Chap. 8.6 1 Tim. 2.5 Chap. 3.17 Jesus Christ Mediator carries three Names which relate to three great discoveries and manifestations of God that are made to us in him 1. As he manifests the will of God he is called the word of God Rev. 19.13 2. As he manifests the nature and essence of God he is called the brightness of his glory Heb. 1.3 3. As he manifests the persons of the Godhead he is called the express Image of his Person I do not say these names relate only to these discoveries but mainly 1. The Person who is Mediator of the Covenant of grace is he whose name is called the word of God Rev. 19.13 and that both in relation to Creation and Redemption 1. He is the word by whom all things were made Eph. 3.9 Who hath creatred all things by Jesus Christ Heb. 1.2 By whom also he made the worlds Psal 33.6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth 2. He is the word in relation to the revealing all the will of God he is medium revelationis as well as reconciliationis There is a new discovery of God after the fâ—ll it s a discovery of him in Christ and this is a mystery which the Angels dive into with stupendious endeavours 1 Pet. 1.12 Which things the angels desire to look into Christ is the word of God that reveals this mystery Mal. 11.27 Neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosome of the Father he hath declared him 3. He is the word of God in relation to the fulfilling all the word of God and accomplishing his will especially that which relateth to himself this Name is given him in the time of the seventh Trumpet Rev. 11.15 with 19.13 When all the promises and threatnings are to be fulfilled then he shall be acknowledged to be the word of God The ordering of all things according to the word of God and the accomplishment of all his will since the fall is committed to the administration of Christ Mediator Joh. 5.22 23 For the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father It was Christ that brought the flood upon the world it was he that went down to Sodom and destroyed it 2 Pet. 2.5 6 Jehovah did it Gen. 7. and 21. The same name is given to Christ It was Christ the Angel of the Covenant that appeared in the Bush and delivered his people out
even as by the spirit of the Lord. 3. The way of Gods attaining his end and our attaining our happiness which are both one the way I say is also one it is in Christ the Mediator that God is manifested and in him do we see God the knowledg of his glory and our happiness are both in the face of Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 All the excellencies of God are manifested in Christ he revealeth the mysteries 1. Of his will as he is the Word 2. Of his nature as he is the brightness of his Glory 3. Of the subsistences and distinction of the Persons as he is the Image of his Person he only knows the Father and he only can reveal the Father Joh. 1.18 Col. 1.15 He is the image of the invisible God i.e. The excellencies of God otherwise invisible are revealed by him and to be seen in him These three things of God are discovered in Jesus Christ 1. The Attributes of God 2. The distinct subsistences of the persons of the God-head 3. The distinct offices of the three Persons 1. There is a full manifestation of the Attributes of God in Jesus Christ the Mediator of the new Covenant these Attributes that were never manifested before Mercy and Long-suffering are revealed in him and these that were manifested before shine mort brightly through Christ 1. The Wisdom of God there was great and infinite wisdom shewed in creating the world and ruling it by his wâ—â—â— providence but what is that to the wisdom that is shewed in Christ the wisdom that reconciled Justice and Mercy the wisdom that punished sin and pardoned the sinner how wonderful and unsearchable is that Wisdom that by the fall of man raised him to a greater height of happiness than ever he had before Rom. 11.33 34 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledg of God! how unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out For who hath 〈◊〉 the mind of the Lord or who heth been his câ—uâ—seâ—â—â—r 〈◊〉 Eph. 3.10 To the intent that now unto the prinly 〈…〉 in heavenly places might be made known 〈…〉 the manifold wisdom of God this is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the manifold wisdom of God which yet doth not fully express the Greek word which signifies the manifold and various wisdom or the wisdom of God that is full of admirable varieties so Beza Erasmus Zanchius Stephanus 2. The Goodness of God is manifested in Jesus Christ his goodness and love to man appeared much at first in making him of the rank of the highest creatures on earth and putting all the rest of the Creatures under his feet Psal 8.5 6 For thus hasâ— made him a little fower than the Angels and hast crowned him with glory and honour Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands thou hast put all things under his feet This was penned to magnitie the nature of man but in Christ our nature is more magnified as we shall shew by and by Heb. 1.6 And again when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world he saith And let all the Angels of God worship him This is a higher pitch of the love of God this is the goodness of God more manifested than ever before to give his Son Christ for man and his Son to become sin and a curse for man Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but haeve everlasting life 2 Cor. 5. last For he hath made him to be sin for us that knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us 3. The Mercy of God is eminently manifested in Jesus Christ man is made to rise by his fall Mercy never saw the light before it was never revealed but in Jesus Christ for it respects the creature in its misery Luk. 1.72 78 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy Covenant Through the tender mercy of our God whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us When all the posterity of Adam were as fuel for the fire mercy rescues and reserves some to be sons and heirs Rom. 9.23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory 4. The Power of God is manifested in Christ God shewed his power in the Creation as we read Isa 40.12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and meted out heaven with the span and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance c. Job 38 c. But what is this to the taking of our nature and uniting it in a personal union with the Son of God that God should become man the Ancient of Days become a Child the Incomprehensible to become comprehensible Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the God-head bodily The invisible God to become visible and to dwell here as in a tabernacle with men Joh. 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth 5. The Soveraignty of God is manifested in and through Christ great was the Soveraignty of God that was exercised in predestination in making of vessels of honour or dishonour according to the pleasure of his will Rom. 9.21 22 23 Hath not the potter power over the clay of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour and another unto dishonour What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had before prepared unto glory But all this was Soveraignty over the creature but that Jesus Christ the Son of God should be appointed a Mediator of the new Covenant made a Servant commanded to lay down his life this is greater Soveraignty Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me Chap. 10. v. 18 This commandment have I received of my Father 6. The Justice of God is manifested in Christ Justice was seen in casting off the Angels that fell without hope and in executing the sentence and curse of the first Covenant upon Adam for his transgression thereof but the world never heard of such manifestation of Justice as appears in the satisfaction of Christ to Justice That Christ the Son of God is made sin for us and being made so in obedience to his Fathers command Justice spares him not but he must be smitten to death that satisfaction may be made for sin in our nature Rom. 8.32 He that
mouth and in his carrying as Mediator there were many bright discoveries of this great mystery as we may read Mat. 3.16 17 And Jesus when he was baptized went up straight-way out of the waters and lo the heavens were opened unto him and he saw the spirit of God descending like'd dove and lighting upon him And lo a voice from heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Chap. 28. v. 28 Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy-Ghost Joh. 14.16 26 And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another comforter that he may abide with you for ever But the comforter which is the holy-Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name c. And many like testimonies were from him manifesting this glorious mystery 3. The distinct Offices of the three Persons or their ordered administration and working and the various and distinct acts of the Trinity in the work of redemption are brightly discovered in and by Jesus Christ the Mediator 2 Tim. 1.9 10 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel But because these may be gathered from what hath been spoken of the Covenant of Suretiship or Redemption I shall only touch upon them in this place And 1. The Acts of the Father plotting and making the Covenant with Christ Mediator 1. He had a purpose to raise man through a Mediator Eph. 1.5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 2. He chose the Son for the doing this work and us in him Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. He makes a Covenant with the Son Psal 89.3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen and promises were given to Christ and grace given to us in him before the world began Tit. 1.2 2 Tim. 19. 4. God the Father appoints who shall be saved and gives them to the Son that all that were written in Gods book may also be written in the lambs book of life Joh. 17.9 Them that thou hast given me for they are thine Rev. 20.12 15. Chap. 21. v. 27. 5. He appoints what measure of grace and glory every one of them shall have Eph. 4.7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ Mat. 20.23 But to fit on my right hand and on my left is not mine to give but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father 6. He commits all Government to the Son for the Elects sake that he may do according to this appointment Isa 9.6 And the government shall be upon his shoulder Joh. 5.22 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all Judgment to the Son 2. The Acts of Jesus Christ undertaking 1. He consents to the Covenant Psal 40.7 Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me 2. He engageth himself to take the Creature into union with his Person Heb. 10.5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me And to lay down his life according to his Fathers command Joh. 10.18 This commandment have I received of my Father 3. He undertakes to receive and keep and raise up at the last day all those given him by the Father Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Chap. 17. throughout 4. He undertakes the Government of the world and to Judg it at the last day Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Mat. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father Joh. 3.35 The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand 3. The Acts of the Spirit 1. He undertakes to unite the humane nature to Christ by a miraculous conception Luk. 1.35 The holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee 2. To joyn us with God in one spirit 1 Cor. 6.17 But he that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit 3. To be a Spirit of Unction first to Christ and then to us through him Joh. 3 34 For God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek 4. To act all our graces to blow upon them and to help our infirmities Song 4. last Awake O north-wind and come thou south blow upon my garden that the spices thereof may flow out Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered 5. To shed abroad the love of God in our hearts Rom. 5.5 Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy-Ghost which is given unto us 6. To set a Seal upon our hearts and to bear witness of all the work of God in us Eph. 1.13 In whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy spirit of promise Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God Now all these things are discovered and manifested to us in Jesus Christ the Mediator of the new Covenant CHAP. X. Of Christs Calling to the Office of Mediatorship THis being the Person who is Mediator of the new Covenant We come in the next place to speak of the Office And 1. Of Christs Calling to it 2. Of his qualification for it 3. Of his carriage in it And first we shall enquire after Christs Calling to the office of Mediatorship which we shall shortly dispatch by answering of these three Questions Q. 1. How came Christ to undertake this work A. He was called to it he did not intrude himself in the Mediators Office but was sent and employed in the work these things clear his calling to the work 1. Several of his Names import it Mal. 3.1 He is called the Angel or Messenger of the Covenant Because of his mission and Gods sending of him to do this work c. Isa 42.1 My servant and mine elect Because of his being called and employed by his Father he was called a Servant or chosen Officer formed for a special
soul Mat. 26.38 Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death Heb. 10.5 A body hast thou prepared me Luke 24.39 Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my self handle me and see for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have 3. He hath all the names of a man Adam Enosh Ish Geber whereof see Zech. 6.12 and 13.7 Dan. 7.13 4. He took upon him all the affections of a man fear and sorrow and love and anger c. Mat. 26.38 My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death Heb. 5.7 And was heard in that he feared Joh. 11.33 35 36 He groaned in the spirit and was troubled Jesus wept Then said the Jews Behold how he loved him Mat. 10.14 Aud when Jesus saw it he was much displeased Mat. 21.12 5. He took upon him all the sinless infirmities of a man to hunger thirst be weary â—afflicted tempted die c. Heb. 2.18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted Chap. 4. v. 15 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Chap. 5. v. 2 For that he himself also is compassed with infirmity Mat. 8.17 Himself took our iniquities and bare our sicknesses Chap. 4. v. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights he was afterwards an hungred 2. Consider in Christs taking our nature upon him his condescending love union betwixt God and man was the great design intended through the Mediator this is brought about by his condescension and our exaltation where love is it will stoop and the greater condescension the greater love These things hold forth infinite condescending in Christs taking our nature upon him 1. Consider who condescends thus The higher that the person be who condescends the more love is in his condescension if it be a great condescending for God to look down upon things here below Psal 113.46 The Lord is high above all nations and his glory above the heavens who humbleth himself to behold the things in the heaven and in the earth What then must it be for the Son of God to take upon him the form of a Creature Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man That he that made the world should be made of a woman That the immortal God should become mortal flesh it were a great condescension that the soul of a man should enter into a worm or that all the Angels should become worms yet that were nothing to Christs stooping to take our nature upon him 2. Consider what he took upon him not our person but our nature Heb. 2.15 16 The seed of Abraham our flesh and blood that is our nature many can be content to take upon them the persons of men to represent them who yet would not be willing to take their nature but Christ took our nature 3. The end wherefore he took our nature upon him sheweth yet more of his condescending 1. It was that he might suffer and that he might die for us in that nature Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto the death even the death of the cross Non ad gloriam sed ad ignominiam to be abased in our nature 2. It was for our good not for any thing that it could profit him Gal. 4.5 To redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons 4. He took our nature upon him not for a day or a short time but to continue so It may be a Prince at a Masque for a little time might be moved to take the form of a servant upon him but to continue so he would not be moved but here is infinite condescension Christ takes our nature upon him and keeps it still he will come again in our nature to judg the world Act. 1.11 This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven Chap. 17. v. 31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained Though he doth nothing now in Heaven but acts of Majesty being a Priest set upon the right hand of the throne of Majesty Heb. 8.1 Yet he will do those acts in our nature yea when he shall deliver up the kingdom See Chap. 6. the Kingdom which he hath received as Mediator he will not lay down our nature 1 Cor. 15.24 5. Consider the time when he took our nature upon him not when our nature was a virgin but when it was defiled not mans nature in innocency but in his sinful corrupted condemned accursed estate Rom. 8.3 In the likeness of sinful flesh Chap. 5. v. 10 When we were enemies and when all the Creatures did hate us when we were not worth the following then he did thus condescend to love us and follow us 6. Consider the manner of his taking our nature upon him 1. He doth not personate our nature but is made flesh Joh. 1.14 2. He does it voluntarily and chearfully and with earnest desire when we were not following him but fleeing away from him he himself rose out of his place and followed after us and caught our nature as the words signifies Heb. 2.7 And took upon him the form of a servant Psal 40.7 Then said he Lo I come 3. He takes our nature upon him with all the infirmities of it Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren Chap. 4. v. 15 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin He would condescend so far that in all things he would be like us sin only excepted and even in that though he took not the corruption of sin yet he took upon him the guilt of our sin 2 Cor. 5. last For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin He was legally the sinner though not intrinsecally and the punishment thereof Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us He was content to be numbred with the transgressors Isa 53.12 He was content to be punished for our sins even by God his Father And which is yet wonderful that he might come as near to us as possible he was content to condescend to be tempted to the thing wherewith it was impossible that he could be tainted Mat. 4.2 To be tempted of the Devil to sin and yet the Prince of the world had nought in him Joh. 14.20 7. Consider the comparison instituted by the Holy-Ghost which doth yet
remission of their sins To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in the way of peace 3. He removeth the mistakes and prejudices whereby the alienation betwixt God and man is hightned and continued and this by imparting the true mind of the parties to each other Eph. 4.21 If so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him as the truth is in Jesus This is the nature and use of his prophetical Office which he executeth by his word and spirit causing light first to appear and then to shine into the hearts of his people The end of this Office and his exercising it after this manner is to promote his great design of reconciliation which is the end of his Mediation and this he doth by declaring the mind of the parties to each other removing mistakes which encrease alienation begetting a good understanding and thereby working a compliance betwixt the parties and in respect of this Office mainly he is called a Prophet Deut. 18.15 Acts 3.22 and by way of eminency the Prophet and that Prophet Joh. 6.14 and 7.40 and the Angel or Messenger of the Covenant who published and revealed it Mal. 3.1 and the Word John 1.14 Rev. 19.3 who revealeth the will of God whereof I have already spoken and a Witness or teacher and testifier of the will of God Isa 55.4 Rev. 3.14 and the Apostle of our profession Heb. 3.1 and the Wisdom of God 1 Cor. 1.24 Col. 2.3 2. Christ Mediator in his Priesthood travelleth 1. About Satisfaction 2. Intercession Isa 53.12 Because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressor And about both these in order to Reconciliation which is the great business belonging to the Mediators Office 1. I say the nature and use of that Office relates to satisfaction for sin because by virtue of that Office principally he performs the great work of satisfaction for our sins by offering up himself a sacrifice to death after he had given perfect obedience to the Law Heb. 9.26 But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself And this he did as our Surety he stood in the Elects room and Justice did strike him in their stead Isa 53.5 He was oppressed c. or rather according to the original he was exacted and answered that is God the Father required satisfaction for our sins and his Son as our Surety answered for us 2. Unto this Office belongeth his Intercession which is performed in the virtue of the satisfaction given by him to Divine Justice and the Sacrifice once offered up by him Isa 53.12 He poured out his soul unto death and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us And this according to the two parts of the High-Priests Office which were 1. The offering of sacrifice 2. The presenting of it in the Holy of Holies with prayer and intercession See Goodâ— Christ set forth p. 12â— 123. Rog. Cat. p. 2. p. 39. Gomar ad Heb. c. 3. that God would accept it for the sins of the people see Levit. 16. The excellency of this Priesthood of our Mediator was typified by Aarons Priesthood in these two parts of it and more eminently and excellently in Melchisedecks Priesthood which shewed also the continuance of Christs Priesthood for ever and the excellency of it above Aarons Psal 110. Heb. 5 and 7 chap. Concerning the nature and parts of this Office we shall only observe these three things 1. That Christ Mediator did and doth both the parts of this Office on earth and in Heaven but with this difference 1. On earth he eminently sacrificed and offered up himself Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God Yet he interceded also Heb. 5.7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and suppl cations with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he seared 2. In Heaven he eminently intercedes Heb. 7 25 Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Chap. 9.24 But into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us but he offereth up himself also by presenting the sacrifice and offering of himself which was once made Heb. 12.24 We are come saith the Apostle to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel 2. That all Christ's satisfaction and Priesthood would be ineffectual for our good if he did not continue in the exercise of it by his intercession in Heaven whereby he becometh the applying cause of salvation to us Heb. 5.10 11 Called of God an High-priest after the order of Melchisedec of whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered seeing ye are dull of hearing Rom. 5.10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life 3. That the design carried on by this Office is the same as in the former to wit Reconciliation which is promoted through this Office 1. By his giving satisfaction to Justice 2. By his application of that satisfaction and making Attonement for the sins of his people The nature and use of Christs Kingdom I lay down in these Assertions 1. That it is Dispensatory Christ Mediator is a King appointed a Viceroy and Deputy-governour in subordination to his Father Psal 2.6 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion John 5.23 That all men should honour the son even as they honour the father he that honoureth not the son honoureth not the father that sent him a Kingdom which is to be rendered up again to him who gave it to him 1 Cor. 15.24 Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God even the father when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power His Kingdom as Mediator is not regnum naturale which he hath as God co-essential with his Father but regnum oeconomicum which he hath by donation and unction from his Father 2. That it is very large yea universal for it is all power in heaven and earth Matth. 28.18 and it reacheth to the upholding all things by the word of his power Heb. 1.3 It is over all the creatures Eph. 1.22 And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church Over all Mankind Dan. 7.14 And
parts of that Office not being yet the Man Christ 1 Tim. 2.5 but after his Incarnation he was a Compleat Mediator Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not but a body hast thou prepared me Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the Book it is written of me to do thy will O God 3. Before his Incarnation he was secretly and invisibly a Mediator in Heaven after his Incarnation he did visibly act that part upon Earth and then went into the holiest to continue in the exercise of this Office Heb. 9.24 Now to appear in the presence of God for us Vse This also should contribute to establish our faith while ur Mediator is absent from us or rather while we are absent from him and he is out of our sight If this Office was effectual for the good of believers before he actually offered sacrifice or interceded how much more when he hath actually done both these Have we any better support of Faith if his Mediation was effectual before he was a compleat Mediator and had not yet taken our nature upon him shall we not believe now the efficacy thereof after he is the Man Christ If his Mediation was effectual while he had not yet come down from Heaven to act visibly here on Earth how much more when he hath finished the work and is now returned and gotten his Fathers welcome Believe it he is at Court though he be out of our sight Conclusion 3. That Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant executeth this Office as well in the state of his Exaltation as Humiliation Heb. 7.24 25 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood Wherefore he is able also to save them to the utmost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them But with some observable difference which is to be seen 1. In his exercising the three Offices which were parts of his Mediatorship And 2. In the distinct parts of these Offices 1. It was mainly his Priestly Office which the Mediator discharged here on Earth in his state of Humiliation his entry upon his Kingly Administration being eminently reserved to the state of Exaltation Heb. 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high And 8.1 We have an High-priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the Heavens Phil. 2.8 9 And being found in fashion he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth But his Prophetical Office was excercised by him in both these states of his Humiliation and Exaltation Luke 24.47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his Name among all Nations beginning at Jerusalem Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on Earth much more shall we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven 2. His Priesthood which he dischargeth in both parts thereof as well in his Exaltation as Humiliation Yet eminently he sacrificed here and eminently he intercedeth in Heaven Heb. 9.24 26 Now to appear in the presence of God for us Now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself His Kingdom which was reserved for his Exaltation understand it by way of eminency also Matth. 28.18 And Jesus came and spoke unto them saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth Rev. 5.6 And I beheld and lo in the midst of the Elders stood a Lamb For he was a King when he was here on Earth and carried matters in a Princely way although his glory was over-clouded by his leaving the Throne for a time that he might sit down in it afterward in greater honour Phil. 2.6 8 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name His Prophetical Office which was exercised in both states yet was in his Humiliation visible and in his own person Joh. 1.10 He was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not Heb. 1.1 2 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in the time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son Luke 24.27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things that concerned himself But in his Exaltation it is done by his Messengers or more secretly by his Word and Spirit Eph. 4.11 12 And gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying the Body of Christ. Joh. 14.26 But the Comforter which is the holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you 1 Joh. 2.27 But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you all things and is truth and is no lye and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him Vse Believers think not that Christ is out of his Office when he is out of your sight or that the height of honour unto which he is now exalted at the right hand of God doth abate any thing from his carefulness and condescendency for sinners behoof but be you rather comforted from this As high as the Mediator is now upon his Throne he yet carrieth that Office and is made high for your advantage and consolation Heb. 4.14 16 Seeing then that we have an High-priest that is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God Let us hold fast our profession Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need And 10.21 22 And having an High-priest over the House of God let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water You may come as familiarly and boldly to him now as when he was in his humbled condition conversant among men seeing he is about the same work and exercising the same Office now as then Heb. 13.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever It is a Question not unfitly moved Quest Whether the Angels have any share in Christs Mediation Answ Two Scriptures seem to appropriate the benefit of Christs Mediation to Mankind Yet I conceive they may admit one native interpretation without straining the word which doth not shut out the
accessio principalis obligationis Justinian ubi supra So Christs Suretiship is not a binding of himself and loosing of his people from all obligation but still the Debt lieth on the sinner till Christ make actual satisfaction for it and till he apply the satisfaction and report a relief to the poor creatureâ— And in other parts of the obligement Christ and the believer stand both under a conjunct obligation for the believers duty that the broken man who was bought from the hands of Justice shall serve for love all his days Rom. â— 31 Do we then make void the law through faith God forbid yea we establish the law Luk. 1.74 That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our â—â—emâ—â—â— â—ight seâ—â—e him without fearâ— 7. Suretiship in the nature of it imports either irresponsalness in the Debtor or distrustfulness betwixt the Creditor and Debtor or it imports both Sure however it be in other cases there is in this case where Christs Suretiship intervenes both an irresponsalness on the one part broken man not being solvendâ— able to pay his Debtâ— and there is a distrustfulness betwixt the parties God deservedly distrusting impotent perfidious man 〈…〉 creature who had deboshed his stock and 〈◊〉 his Covenant And man causlesly distrusting God till Christs Suretiship intervened to take away both these evils which kept the parties at distance Heb. 8.7 For if that first covenant had been faultless then should no placeâ— have been sought for the second Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen ouâ— of the people 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yeaâ— and in him Amen unto the glory of God by us 3. It is to be remembred that Suretiship among men is of divers kinds all which can be but an imperfect resemblance of Christs Suretiship 1. Suretiship is 〈◊〉 according to the time of the Sureties intervening and it is either before or after the obligation of the principal Debtor Fide jussor pracedire obligationeâ— sequi potâ—st Justinian ib. There is something of both these in Christâ— Suretiship for his Suretiship being a deed 〈◊〉 grace concluded in the counsel of God before the beginning of the world in that respect it was before our obligation yeaâ— and before our beingâ— 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us 〈…〉 us with an â—oâ—y â—alling not according to our works buâ— according to his own purpose and grace which was given 〈◊〉 in Christ Jâ—sâ—â— before the world began Prov. 8 2â— I 〈◊〉 set up from 〈◊〉 from the 〈◊〉 or ever the 〈…〉 But in another respect he being Surety of this never and 〈◊〉 Covenantâ— and so man being considered in this Covenant as a broken irresponsal creature who could not fulfil his obligation to God in this respect Christs Suretiship may be considered as subsequent to mans obligation understand it in order of nature not of time for his Suretiship and the Covenant wherein he was made Surety presupposeth the first Covenant broken and man thereby became a bankrupt creature Heb. 8.9 10 Because they continued not in my covenant and I regarded them not saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord. 2. Suretiship is distinguished according to its extent and here is a double distinction of Suretiship 1. A Surety is either more particular when he doth not undertake for all that may follow upon the obligation of the principal Debtor but hath his Suretiship restricted it may be to a particular bond and not to all the persons Debt or to the principal sum and not to all the penalties and interests thereof or he is a more universal Surety Calv. ubi supra called by the Jurists Fide jussor in omnem causam qui in id omne quod ex ea obligatione cui accedit nâ—stri pâ—test sâ— obligat And this kind of Suretiship extends as far as the obligation of the principal Debtor Our Lord Jesus was a Surety both for a particular debt and obligation to satisfie the violated Law and Covenant of works Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth Such a particular Surety was Judah Gen. 43.9 and 44.32 Christ was also such a Surety as this last sort who took upon him the Debt and all that could follow upon the broken mans obligation who said unto God that he did become good for his people for all the Debt which they owed and for all the penalties which they had incurred let all that might follow them by vertue of their obligation be upon him Heb. 10.5 10. 2. In respect of the extent Suretiship is either for one of the parties Covenanting or for both which is a rare case among men yet Christs Suretiship was of this last sort for he was such a Surety as was Umpire and Mediator and is nearly related to both the parties and hath power with them both and therefore he is an undertaker for God to man 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen unto the glory of God by us And for man to God Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith â—ail not Whereof more particularly when we come to speak of what he is engaged unto by this Covenant-relation Suretiship is distinguished according to the manner of assurance granted by the Surety or according to the way of his making faith for his undertaking He that interposeth and undertaketh for another is properly a Surety quocunque modo intercesserit which way soever he doth interpose for another whether it be by stipulation explicite by promise or by bond or if it be by a person acting himself in the books of any court for another person or if it be by giving any pledg pawn or hostage for the thing undertaken Our Lord Jesus had something of all these ways in his Suretiship for his people He acted himself in the court of Heaven and book of God Heb. 10.7 Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God He did expresly give his promise and bond for his people unto all effects whereof afterward Ezek. 36.27 31 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them Then shall ye remember your own evil ways and your doings that were not good and shall loath your selves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations Which is ascribed to Christ Heb. 8. He did give himself his own blessed person to the prison and to justice as a pledg and hostage to God for the fulfilling of this Covenant a precious and worthy pledg to lie Surety for the Debt of all his broken people Isa 53.8 12 He was taken from prison
things p. 422. 8 The advantages believers have by Christs Suretiship 1. Exemption from the Law and hand of Justice p. 427. 2. the New and better Covenant-state 3. Our perseverance and stability in ii p. 428. 4. An ability to perform the conditions of the Covenant p. 429. 5. Boldness in distresses to lay our weight on him 6. In respect of temptations preventing standing against or delivering from them Uses 1. Ground of Comfort p. 431. 2. Use Expostulation with believers and unbelievers p. 432. 3. Use Tryal whether Christ hath undertaken for you p. 434. 4. Use This Doctrine confirms many Articles of Faith 1. Free Election p. 435. 2. The Soveraignty of Grace 3. Perseverance p. 436. 5. Use Serves to answer all temptations discouragements and doubtings in believers p. 437. 6. Use Exhortation to believers p. 440. 7. Use Put not any thing in Christs place as Surety for you Chap. XXII Of Christs being the Testator in the Covenant of Grace where 1. Of the name and relation It imports a person dying 2. A person invested with possession and right to some estate p. 445. 3. A power in him to dispose of what he possesseth 4. A Deed. 5. An actual disposing of his goods p. 446. 2 What was the design of his being Testator in the Covenant 1. That he might add a new title to believers 2. To declare his free Grace 3. To ratifie believers titles to Covenant-blessings 4. To make way to the possession of them p. 447. 3 How this design is accomplisht in Christs bearing this relation in the several instances p. 448. 4. Vses made of this p. 450. Chap. XXIII Besides the relations Christ bears in the Covenant he is the Covenant it self which imports 1. The abridging the whole Covenant in Christ Mediator 2. The committing the whole business by God to him p. 453. Christ is all the Covenant 1. Originally p. 454. 2. Primarily 3. Eminently p. 455. 4. Virtually 5. Exemplarily p. 456. 6. Comprehensively p. 457. 2 The sum of the Articles of the Covenant is in Christ p. 458. 3 The sum of the mutual stipulation is in Christ p. 459. 4 Christ is the sum of all the Promises p. 460. 5 Christ the sum of all the properties of the Covenant p. 461. 1. Freeness 2. Everlastingness 3. Of the order of it 4. It 's stability 5. It 's perfection 6. It 's satisfactoriness p. 463. 6 Christ the sum of all Covenant-bleffings 1. Eminently 2. Comprehensively 3. Vltimately p. 465. 4. Virtually p. 466. Use 1. Of reproof 1. To those who seek something else 2. To those that seek something more than Christ p. 466. 3. To those that seek something less 4. To those that wrangle about circumstances to the prejudice of the marrow of the Gospel p. 467. Use 2. To discover how we fall short of giving Christ his place in the Covenant p. 467. Use 3. Of tryal whether you are in the covenant of Grace p. 468. Try this 1. By your divorcement from Idols p. 469. 2. By consenting to the mutual tye of the Covenant 3. By your subjection and submission to Christ p. 470. 4. By your satisfaction with and acceptation of the whole bargain 5. By accounting duties your priviledges 6. By your equal endeavours after holiness and heaven p. 471. 7. By being humbled and provoked to holiness by the knowledg of your being in Christ 8. By your valuing of Christ p. 472. Use 4. To teach us to observe more of Christ in whatever we see appertaining to the Covenant p. 473. Use 5. For commending Christ to you 1. See the necessity of him 2. Learn the way how to come to God p. 474. 3. Be perswaded to take him that is given for a Covenant of the people p. 475. 4. Take him and make use of him for all the Covenant p. 476. Use 6. For comfort to believers ibid. CHAP. I. Of the Foundation of the Covenant of Grace or of the Covenant of Redemption Where 1. 'T is proved that there is such a Covenant with Christ 2. That this is the foundation of the Covenant made with us AS the Covenant of Grace hath its rise from God only and from Grace so 't is founded and bottomed upon nothing in us but upon God's Covenant with Christ whom he gave for a Covenant of the people Isa 49.8 whom he layed in Zion for a foundation a sure foundation Isa 28.16 The Covenant made with us did spring out of the Covenant made with Christ and as 't is commonly distinguished the Covenant of reconciliation whereby we are actually recovered and reconciled unto God is bottomed upon the Covenant of Redemption or as others speak the Covenant of suretiship whereby the recovery redemption and restitution of fallen man was transacted betwixt God and Christ I shall therefore speak a little of the Covenant of Redemption to make way for the better understanding of the whole Treatise of the Covenant of Grace and particularly what relates to Christ the Mediator And 1. That there is a Covenant betwixt God and Christ though the name of this mysterious transaction which we call the Covenant of Redemption and Suretiship be not found in the Scripture in so many words which may be among the reasons why most Writers have been silent about the thing yet the thing it self being so evidently held forth in the Scripture F. Socinus de Servats l. 2. cap. 16. that the Socinians who enervate and study to make void the Suretiship of Christ yet do not deny a Covenant wherein he is Surety or Mediator Saltmarsh of free-Grace Obs 6. 38. as they understand his Suretiship And the Antinomians Who upon the matter do own no Covenant of Grace properly so called D. Crisp Tom. 1. Serm. 6. made with us yet they do acknowledg a Covenant betwixt God and Christ Ja. Arm. Orat. de Sacerd. Christi p. 16 17. The Arminians also acknowledg the same though in a sense different from ours Mr. Ruthtry Treat Of â—b Covenant p. â— c. 6. The Scriptures I say being so very pregnant in this proof I shall the more briefly dispatch it E. Bulk Gosp Covenant p. 29. and refer the Reader to what is written of it by others every way more fit to open this mysterie than I am The first proof I take from Isa 59.20 21 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob Jo. Cocc Summa doctrinae de soedere c. 5. saith the Lord As for me this is my Covenant with them saith the Lord c. Where we read of a Covenant betwixt the Lord and the Redeemer that was to come unto Zion which can be no other but the Covenant of Redemption For clearing of this Consider 1. That he to whom the Lord speaks there most be Christ and no other For 1. 'T is he only whose seed have the Spirit and Word ensured unto them for the seed of no Church-Society upon earth hath the Spirit
with Christ's seed c. Ans We are not to conceive of the Covenant of Redemption in such an abstracted consideration and notion as if the things transacted in that Covenant made with Christ had no relation to nor connexion with the Covenant made with us but upon the contrary we are still to keep in mind the great affinity and connexion that is between these two Covenants and as the Apostle reasons from the one to the other 2 Cor. 6.2 For he saith I have heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee Where he looks upon what God said to Christ concerning us and the hearing of him for us as spoken for our encouragement to apply to him in the improvement of the day of Grace Yet I say of this Scripture 1. Here is nothing spoken of Christ's seed and people as parties with whom God deals in this Covenant and upon whom he layeth any commands nor to whom directly he maketh any promises except what may be gathered consequenter in obliquo which things must needs be in the Covenant of reconciliation 2. Whatsoever is spoken here concerning Christ's seed and people 't is only of the force of the Covenant made and sworn with Christ having influence towards the establishment of friendship with them and toward their perseverance in a Covenant-state because of God's transactions with Christ wherein they were comprehended and by which they and their interests were disposed of The third Proof I take from these Scriptures which hold forth all the essentials and requisites for making up a formal Covenant to be betwixt God and Christ which Texts though they speak not explicitely of the name of a Covenant yet they do explicitely hold forth the thing The Argument in form is this Where all things necessarily required unto the essence and being of a Covenant for matter and form are to be found there must needs be a Covenant But betwixt God and Christ in the matter of our Redemption all things necessary unto the essence of a Covenant are to be found Therefore there must needs be a Covenant betwixt God and Christ about the work of Redemption which we call the Covenant of Suretiship or Redemption The major is manifest and undeniable I come therefore to confirm the minor Concerning which I shall first tell you what are the necessary requisites unto the essence of a Covenant and then give plain Scripture-proof that these were betwixt God and Christ 1. It is generally acknowledged by the Doctors of the Law that the agreement or consent of two or more Parties upon the same thing maketh a Paction and that Proposals upon the one part Ulpian de Pollicit L. Pactum L. 1. F. de Pact and a consent upon the other makes a formal Covenant though there were no condition or restipulation Cic. 2. de invent Panormit 2a parte super Primo tit de Pact Cap. Antigonus But more particularly and above all question where there are Proposals Commands or Promises upon the one part with conditions required upon the other and a consent unto Panormit ubi supra Azor. instit Moral p. 3. l. 11. de Pollicit c. 1. l. 6. c. 3. or acceptation of these Proposals with the conditions required upon the other part or where there is a restipulation of conditions upon the other part there must needs be a Contract or Covenant not only materially and virtually because there is all the essentials of a Covenant but formally and explicitly because there are all the formalities of explicite Covenanting 2. It is manifest that all these things are to be found betwixt Jehovah and Christ concerning the work of Redemption 1. There is a consent and agreement betwixt God and Christ about this very thing which amounteth to a Paction Zech. 6.13 The Lord speaking of that ineffable mysterious Oeconomy and dispensation of the business of man's Redemption and Salvation as the same is transacted in the counsel of God's Will biddeth him tell us that the counsel of peace shall be between them both to wit See Pemble on Zech. 6.13 Jo. Cocc de foedere c 5. Sect. 88. between the Lord of Hosts and the man whose name is the Branch v. 12 betwixt them was the business plotted consulted and concluded to the same purpose are these Scriptures that tell us of the agreement of the Lord's Will and Christ's Will in this affair it was his Father's Will to send him Joh. 6.40 And this is the will of him that sent me And Act. 3.26 Vnto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him c. and it was Christ's Will to be sent Heb. 10.9 Then said he Lo I come to do thy will Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me it was his Father's will that he should lay down his life and it was his will also Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all Joh. 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again This Commandment have I received of my father it pleased the Lord to bruise him Isai 53.10 and it pleased him to be bruised Isai 50.6 I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair I hid not my face from shame and spitting Still there was an agreement 2. We find clear vestiges in the Scripture of Proposals made by Jehovah unto Christ concerning his Will about the work of our Redemption and of a consent and agreement upon Christ's part unto these Proposals whereby he declares his will to be consenting to his Father's Will The first to wit Proposals made by God to Christ we read Psal 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool and Psal 2.7 8 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession That these Scriptures contain Proposals is manifest and that they are Proposals made by Jehovah to Christ appears by the Holy Ghosts asserting it Act. 13.33 God hath confirmed the same unto us their children in that he hath raised up Jesus again as it is also written in the second Psalm Thou art my Son this day have I begâ—tten thâ—◠〈◊〉 1â—5 For 〈◊〉 which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Sâ—n this day have I begotten thee But all the difficulty is to make it appear that these Proposals belong to the eternal transaction and Covenant of Redemption To this end 't is to be observed 1. That whatsoever is revealed in these Scriptures concerning the things that were between God and Christ
and trembling and if our working out that which is left to be done by us for our own Salvation be with fear and trembling when by this Covenant of Suretiship we are set beyond the possible reach of actual perishing O what should our working for Salvation have been without this Covenant of Suretiship but endless fruitless toiling with desparation but by the Covenant of Redemption our Salvation is far advanced before our little finger be at the work nay it is in some respect finished all the hard labour is over Justice is satisfied the strength of opposition is broken and we have only broken forces and a beaten adversary to deal with we have little more to do but to stand and see him work Salvation for us and apply his purchased Redemption and yet we have work enough to keep us in continual exercise about the duties of holiness and faith Psal 2.12 2 Cor. 7.1 2 Pet. 1.5 10. Joh. 17.4 I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And 16.11 of judgment because the Prince of this world is judged Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith 4. A Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Salvation was necessary that the spring and fountain of the life of Salvation to us might lie out of our selves by the Covenant of works the spring of life and blessedness to man lay in himself all his treasure and store was in his stock of habitual Grace but now by this Covenant of Suretiship the water-cock is indeed within our own hearts I mean Faith by which we draw life and vertue out of Christ and through which he conveys it unto us but the fountain and well-head lyes on high for by the Covenant of Redemption God was carrying on a design of love to his elect people and this was part of the contrivance that our Covenant-state through Christ's Suretiship might be Fountain-Love and Grace a state of favour setled and bottomed in the fountain of life and grace Christ Whereas Adam's first Covenant-state was but Cistern-Grace that did not run continually with a spring of live waters to afford fresh supplies the stock of habitual Grace was to him like water in the Pitcher or Cistern but by Christ's Covenant of Suretiship Grace is to us as water in the Fountain that can never run dry Joh. 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace And 4.14 But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life And 14.19 because I live ye shall live also 2 Cor. 9.8 And God is able to make all grace abound towards you that ye always having alsufficiency in all things may abound to every good work 5. This Covenant of Suretiship was necessary for our establishment under this new dispensation that our Rights might be in a surer hand than our own Man is a mutable thing and free-will is a tottering uncertain thing as experience hath taught but Christ is a sure foundation and holding of him or rather in him is a sure renure the Rights and Charters that are under his custody are well kept And therefore God who instituted this dispensation did for the better securing of the believers interests enter into Covenant with a mighty responsal person even Christ and consolidates our Covenant-right in Christ our head and did trust to his keeping and answering all the intents of the Magna Charta the great Charter of the Gospel-covenant hence it is that the Covenant of peace made with us is a sure Covenant because 't is thus ordered Christ acted that business in the Covenant of Redemption there were mutual assurances given between the Father and the Son which makes all Covenant-dealing with us sure and holds all fast Psal 89.34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Hence 't is that the blessings and mercies of the Gospel-covenant are sure mercies because there was concluded-Articles about them in this Covenant of Suretiship when Christ treated for his heirs and children not yet born nor created Isa 55.3 4 And I will make an everlasting Covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me Joh. 6.39 40 And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day And this is the will of him that sent me that every one which seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day O what strong and everlasting consolation hath God allowed upon his people from these immutable and everlasting grounds Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us 2 Thess 2.16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even our father which hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace c. 6. This Covenant with Christ was necessary not only for the enfuring our blessedness by this new Gospel-dispensation but for the bettering of that blessedness and glorious state unto which we are advanced by this Covenant I say the blessedness the glory the heaven of the redeemed people of the many Sons who are by the force of this Covenant brought to glory Heb. 2.10 is better than the reward and crown of blessedness which man should have enjoyed by the tenor of the Covenant of works and this bettering it hath from Christ's Covenant of Suretiship with God which was the chief cause why this Gospel-dispensation is a better Covenant than that of the Law of works and the promises thereof are better promises and the crown and heaven thereof a better crown even because Christ is in this Covenant and the foundation of it was laid in his Suretiship by this means the blessedness and heaven of this Covenant is bettered For 1. It is the glory of new heavens created of purpose for the residence of the redeemed in the company of him that redeemed them by his own blood 2 Pet. 3.13 Nevertheless we according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness Rev. 21.1 5 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away and there was no more sea And he that sate upon the throne said Behold I make all things new Jh. 14.2 3 In my Father's house are many
mansions c. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also Mr. Ball Treat of the Covenant c. 2. p. 10. Camer de tripl foed Thes 9. Mr. Baxt. Aphorism p. 5. Whereas the blessedness and glory of man by the Law-Covenant if it was any thing beyond an immortality of blessedness and enjoyment of God in an earthly Paradise which is questioned by some should yet have been in this old or first heavens not in these new ones 2. It is the glory of a Paradise wherein is the tree of life and the river of the water of life which were not Ingredients of the Law-glory neither were placed in the first Paradise Rev. 2.7 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God And 7.17 and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters And 22.1 2 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life clear as cristal proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it and of either side of the river was there the tree of life which bare twelve manner of fruits and yielded her fruit every month and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the Nations 3. It is a heaven and glory where the new Song is sung and where the Musitians are all redeemed and where the meeting of these redeemed ones to sing together is the sweeter that they once were all lost and that they came out of tribulation and a Land of sighing Isa 35.10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away Rev. 5.9 And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation But there should not have been any new Song nor redeemed Musicians in the glory and heaven of Law-dispensation 4. It is a heaven and glory wherein all the Inhabitants wear crowns for Christ hath made them kings unto God and to his Father Rev. 1.6 And 2.10 Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life but there should have been no crowns worn in the first Paradise nor should the happiness thereof have amounted so high as a crown and a throne there being no occasion for it nor any promise to that effects 5. It is a heaven and glory where the Inhabitants are all conquerors each hath a palm in his hand in sign of his victory Rev. 7.9 cloathed with white robes and palms in their hands this Garland should not have been in the first Covenant-glory where there was no fighting there could be no victory at least over the world and sin and death 6. It is a heaven and glory where all the Inhabitants are cloathed with long white robes and with fine linnen clean and white Rev. 7.13 What are these which are arrayed in white robes and whence came they And 19.8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linnen clean and white for the linnen is the righteousness of Saints but there should have been no such robes in the Law-heaven whatsoever shining-beauty and whiteness should have been on Adam's skin yet there should have been there no garments of glory no righteousness should have been worn there but that which should have been of our own working 7. It is a heaven wherein there is a throne for the Lamb where the man Christ in our nature is upon the throne where the greatest beauty of all the Kingdom and the most highly exalted person is the man Christ where the Lord Mediator is the glorious light of all the Land Rev. 3.7 he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth And 21.22 23 And I saw no temple therein for the Lord God almighty and the lamb are the temple of it And the City had no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it for the glory of God did lighten it and the lamb is the light thereof And 5.12 Worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and glory and honour and blessing there was no such glory in the first Covenant nor in the heaven thereof which no doubt should have made it less glorious and speaks forth the greater glory of this latter Covenant-happiness 8. It is a heaven that was purchased at a dear rate that was the price of blood for which Christ payed a condign price 1 Pet. 1.18 19 For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed will corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot but the Law-heaven and glory should have been obtained at an easier rate working without the price of blood should have done that business the different price shews the different value 9. It is a heaven wherein is a lovely and numerous assembly a fair mystical body whereof Christ is the head and whereof each redeemed Soul is a member O so lovely a Company with the Captain of their Salvation so glorious a body with their glorious head so beautiful a bride with so fair a husband such a lovely couple such a body corporate such a compleat society when Christ mystical is perfected and all the members compacted together and joyned unto their glorious and blessed head Eph. 4.13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ And 5.27 That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Heb. 12.23 To the general assembly and church of the first born which are written in heaven and to God the Judg of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect and to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant Rev. 19.7 Let us be glad and rejoyce and give honour to him for the marriage of the Lamb is come and his wife hath made her self ready But there should have been no such body-corporate in the law-Law-heaven no such mystical body of Christ no marriage of the Lamb nor any melodious rejoycing at that solemnity I conclude therefore that the glory and crown and heaven of the Covenant of Redemption is better and far more glorious than should have been the lot of man by Law-righteousness and works without Christ's Suretiship 7. This Covenant was necessary for having in readiness a Physitian before we should be sick God foresaw and had decreed man's fall and his rising again and
ends which God hath before him in the work of our Redemption The glory of God the glory of Christ and the good of his people 1. Some Reasons there are which most directly respect God himself and his glory 2. Others respect Christ and his honour as Mediator in this employment The third sort respect the Creatures good and happiness And 1. The Reasons of establishing this Covenant in the hands of a Mediator which respect God himself and his glory may be 1. For the glory of his Greatness and Majesty it is his glory to be dealt with like himself throughout the whole business of our Salvation 1. It was for his honour that he should carry like a Superiour wronged it became the Majesty of the Lord to keep at a distance with sinners and not to be dealt with immediately by the parties who had done him the wrong but by the Mediation and Intercession of another great Person Mal. 1.14 For I am a great king saith the Lord. Heb. 7.25 Men must therefore come to God by him by a Mediator 2. It became the Majesty and Honour of God to be dealt with only by his own Son he being the greatest Courtier in Heaven and who knew most of his fathers mind Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosome of the father he hath declared him 2. For the glory of his Wisdom This was a plot becoming the wisdom of God and much for the honour of it to find out this way of making up an union betwixt God and man Again by bringing down God to man and bringing up man to God and treisting both to meet in a Mediator wonderful did the wisdom of God appear in the Reconciling Justice and Mercy and making them meet together in this business in punishing sin and setting the sinner free in making a Covenant with us through a Mediator when there could be none without a Mediator Eph. 3.10 11 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 3. It was for the glory of Gods Goodness and Free-grace that grace may be acknowledged and dealt with like Free-grace therefore there must be a Mediator who throughout the accomplishment of our Salvation shall deal with grace by way of entreaty and requests and shall obtain our Salvation as freely by requests as if there had been no purchase made of it through satisfaction to Justice Heb. 5.17 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared Chap. 7. v. 25 Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 4. It was for the glory of his Justice which must be dealt with in a way of satisfaction grace will be dealt with by requests salva justitia which must be dealt with by a satisfaction therefore the Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator who may tell down a price to Justice 1 Tim. 2.6 Who gave himself a ransome for all to be testified in due time These two the Apostle joyns Rom. 3.24 25 26 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus The highest Justice and the freest grace met together in the Mediator to save us by paying a price as fully as if there had been no grace and entreating of favour in the matter of our Salvation and yet as much entreaty and request is made to grace as if Justice had received no satisfaction Secondly Other Reasons respect Christ the Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator for the glory of the Mediator in this employment whose honour and glory God had in his eyes as well as his own Joh. 5.23 That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father And 16.14 He shall glorifie me for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you Now the constituting and appointing Christ Mediator of the new Covenant is for his honour 1. In respect of the honourable offices which are laid upon him as Mediator for it is as Mediator that he is constituted a King a Priest and a Prophet to his people Heb. 1 and 7 Chap. throughout which are honourable offices Heb. 5.4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron Joh. 5.22 23 But hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father 2. In respect of the exceeding great power which is put in his hand as Mediator no less than the administration of the whole affairs in Heaven and Earth and that every knee should bow to him Phil. 2.10 And the government shall be upon his shoulder Isa 9.6 Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth Rev. 3.7 He that hath the key of David he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth 3. In respect of the great dependance that shall be upon Christ Mediator by many supplicants resorting to him and waiting on him for the representing and offering of their requests Joh. 15.16 Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name he shall give it you Zeph. 3.10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my supplicants even the daughter of my dispersed shall bring mine offering 4. In respect of his sole and absolute working of the whole business of our Salvation from beginning to end every part of it being immediately from him as the Fountain and store-house and Great Lord Treasurer of all the blessings of the Covenant Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Act. 2.33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Ghost he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear The third sort of Reasons respecting the creatures good and happiness may be holden forth 1. Negatively 2. Affirmatively 1. Without Christ the Mediator we should have had no knowledg of God which is saving for since the fall God dealeth not with man immediately nor can man see him or hear him speak without a Mediator This was typified Exod. 20.19 And they said unto Moses Speak thou with us and we will hear but let not God speak with us lest we
further and more significantly express this condescending-love Heb. 2.16 It was a favour which he denied to the Angels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not at all or not in any wise he neither looked after nor sent nor went after the Angels he neither followed them nor took hold of their nature nor suffered them to take hold of him though these glorious spirits were incomparably far above us that Christ would manifest himself not in the most glorious Creatures but in our flesh was strange condescension 3. In Christs taking our nature we are to consider the honour and exaltation of our nature and of us in that union And 1. That it may appear what honour is conferred upon our nature by Christ assuming it into the personal union with the Godhead Consider 1. The nearer that any Creature is to God the greater honour is put upon it It is the honour of people that are under ordinances that they have God near to them Deut. 4.7 For what nation is there so great who hath God so nigh unto them as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for It is a more especial honour of those that have offices in the house of God Heb. 5.4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself Now there is a threefold union 1. Moral so were men and Angels united before the fall 2. Mystical so are Believers united amongst themselves and with Christ 3. Hypostatical so is our nature united with the divine nature in the Person of Christ there is a personal union of our nature with God this is the nearest union and therefore the highest honour and exaltation Heb. 1.4 Being made so much better than the Angels as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name then they 2. Consider the Sonship that Christ hath as Mediator whereby our nature is also highly exalted the Son of God and our nature have but one Sonship for siliatio est personae Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son 3. Consider the glorious communion that our nature hath by this union with the Son of God 't is a high and great communion that Angels and the spirits of just men are made perfect have with God but the communion that our nature hath with Christ is far higher Joh. 3.13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came down from heaven even the Son of man which is in heaven Even the man Christ is Gods fellow Zech. 13.7 This is high communion indeed whereby all the will of God is known to him and so to our nature Col. 1.19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell 4. What honour is it that our nature should be the Treasury and Store-house of all the good which God intends to dispense to men and Angels Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Divines call the humane nature Canalis gratiae Eph. 1.22 And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church 5. What honour is it that all the Creatures should worship God in our nature Heb. 1.6 And again when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world he saith And let all the Angels of God worship him Phil. 2.9 10 11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Willingly or unwillingly by consent or by constraint all shall bow to the Lord Mediator to God in our nature even to the Son of man 6. What honour is it to our nature that God in the humane nature should dispose of the eternal estates of men and Angels for God shall even judg the world by the man Christ Act. 17.31 Joh. 5.27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also because he is the Son of man Yea by Christs taking our nature upon him not only our nature but we our selves are honoured 1. We have a nearer union with Christ than man in his innocency had with God a nearer union than the Angels have for believers make up one body with Christ he is the head and they are the members Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church Eph. 1.22 23 And gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his body Heb. 2.11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren 2. We are not beholden to one of another nature not to the Angels nor any other Creature you are independent of them all you have Salvation by one of your own nature Heb. 2.16 17 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people 4. Let us consider how Christs taking our nature upon him or taking it into the union of his Person is the great qualification of him for the Office of Mediatorship Our Mediator behoved to be God manifested in the flesh to make way for clearing this I shall premise 1. That the Angels Covenant if any Covenant was made with the Angels as some think it was not made with the whole Angelical nature it was personal some of them fell and some of them stood and all fell not in them that fell Mans first Covenant was with his Nature and in Adam all fell 2. When Man and Angels fell God intended to raise the one and not to raise but to destroy the other 3. God will not restore man without a fit satisfaction to his Justice 4. There is an eternal impotency in man to give to God a fitting satisfaction the command of the Law man cannot obey the curse of the Law he cannot bear to his own advantage so as to make way thereby to his own restitution Here is obedience required that cannot be performed by man and a guiltiness contracted that cannot be taken away by man Therefore a Mediator must be had and he must be God and man in one person 1. He must be God for man could not make satisfaction to God for sin It was the union of the Divine nature with the human that made all Christs sufferings meritorious that made his shoulder fit for the burden and weight of the work of satisfying Divine Justice Psal 89 19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty I say therefore that it was absolutely necessary
waited on before he fulfil his promise What wonder that he will be waited on for the promise of Christ longer even till the fulness of time this being the greatest promise that ever he made to his people He will have the consolation of Israel waited for and redemption in Jerusalem looked for Luke 2.25 38. Before we proceed to speak of Christs unction and his qualifications for his Mediatorship refulting thence let us first make some use of this union of the two natures in Christ this great fundamental qualification of him for the Office of our Mediator that he is God and Man that for his due qualification he hath taken our flesh into his person therein to subsist In the union of the two natures in the Person of our Mediator 1. As it holds forth his condescending who stooped to be made manifest in the flesh 1. Let us admire and wonder at his love It was love that made him condescend it hath been and will be the admiration of Angels Luke 2.13 14 And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men 1 Pet. 1.12 Which things the Angels desire to look into And how is it that we want affections and admirations Beside what I have before said these things wonderfully set out Christs love 1. That he would not entrust our Redemption to Angels but he would come himself and work it Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee 2. That for the payment of our debt and in order to his being in a capacity to do so he would be in the same condition of clay with us a worm and not a man Psal 22.6 3. That he would not buy us at a base ransom but at a great price he would breathe out his life for us 1 Pet. 1.18 19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ 4. That he would condescend thus singularly to love man to love him so as that he loved not any other creature that sinned against him Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham 2. Let this raise up our hearts to thankfulness when we think of Christs Incarnation 1. This is the greatest demonstration of his readiness to save sinners the principal errand Christ had unto the world and in taking our nature was to save sinners Mat. 9.13 I am not come to call the righteous but sinnâ—rs to repentance You may therefore be assured of his readiness to receive such when they come unto him 2. This is the Fountain of all the promises of the Covenant of Grace the three greatest promises in all the Covenant flow from Christs Incarnation I will be your God I will give you my Son and I will give you my Spirit All these and all the rest too flow from this Fountain for neither the Father the Son nor the Spirit are given to us but through a Mediator and through his assuming of our nature Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ 2. As the union of the two natures in our Mediator holds out the exaltation of our nature Hence 1. Let us wonder what is man thus to be exalted the eighth Psalm is written for this end that we may wonder at mans exaltation not in Creation only but in Redemption as Vers 2 shews which is applied to Christ Mat. 21.16 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise how should this provoke to admiration that in our nature the fulness of the Godhead should dwell bodily Col. 2.9 2. Let us take Christs coming in the flesh and the exalting of our nature by the personal union with the Godhead for a pledg of the fulfilling of all other promises and granting all other mercies and salvation to us the root and body of the promises is come the branches will follow also 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are Amen Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things This pledg was used by Isaiah as a confirmation from God and a ground of assurance for delivering the Church from Ashur Isa 7.11 14 Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God ask it either in the depth or in the height above Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign Behold A virgin shall conceive and bare a Son and shall call his name Immanuel And shall we distrust him for granting any other petition or deliverance who hath granted the main one 3. Let us take boldness to come to God through Christs flesh the great Courtier in Heaven is of our kindred take courage and improve the favour and friendship that our brother hath in Heaven Heb. 10.19 20 21 22 Having therefore brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say his flesh And having an High-priest over the house of God let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith 3. As the union of the two natures in our Mediator holds out his due qualification and fitness for his office 1. Behold in him a general fitness to receive each Person whose nature he beareth I say a fitness to receive them even all sorts of persons without exception there is none who needs him and cometh to him needs to distrust him Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 2. Let this encourage such as are afraid to draw near to God for union and reconciliation with him because of their estrangement from him through loss of his Image Lo he is willing to unite himself to thee and hath given assurance of it in his Son by vertue of his union with our nature Rom. 8.3 3. When we find difficulty to draw near to God or languishing in the life of our faith toward God Let us draw near to God the flesh of our our Mediator for influences and searn to come to God through the vail of his flesh Heb. 10.20 Jesus Christ is not strange he is near to us and his graces cannot be far off Rom. 10.6 8 Say not in thine heart Who shall ascend into heaven The word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach But it is with many and even with the most part as with the ten Tribes who pleaded kindred and blood to David yet
there was given him dominion and glory and a kingdom that all people nations and languages should serve him Rev. 17.14 He is lord of lords and king of kings Over the Reprobate as well as the Elect Psalm 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool Over all ages and generations of men Dan. 7.14 his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed Although it be more special and he be a King more peculiarly to the Church and the elect World Psalm 2.6 8 9 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel And that both outwardly by appointing them Laws Ordinances and Officers Psalm 9.6 7 For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellour the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of peace of the encrease of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with justice and with judgment from henceforth and for ever And inwardly by ruling in their hearts Luke 17.21 Neither shall they say lo here or lo there 〈◊〉 behold the kingdom of God is within you Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye stall keep my judgments and do them Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their bearts And his Kingdom is over other creatures but for the cause and behoof of the Elect Eph. 1 22 And gave him to be the head over all things to the Church 3. It is Spiritual over the souls and consciences of men to awe and over-rule the hearts of men to captivate their affections Rom. 14.17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Joh. 18.36 Jesus answered and said My kingdom is not of this world Chap. 6.15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force to make him a King he departed again into a mountain himself alone To break in pieces his enemies with an iron Rod to rule and slay them with the words of his mouth Psalm 110.2 Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies Isa 11.4 But with righteousness shall he judg the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked 4. It is everlasting Dan. 2.44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed and the kingdom shall not be left to other people but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand for ever Chap. 7.14 His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed Heb. 1.8 But unto the Son he saith Thy throne O God is for ever and ever and although it be said 1 Cor. 15.24 he shall give the kingdom to his Father yet his Kingdom shall not then cease for I take that to be in regard of the manner of administration of it by Ordinances Officers c. for then all his Saints shall be perfected and all his enemies subdued whereof something hath been already spoken 5. In the kingdom of Christ Mediator he doth all things with authority and power and yet it is wholly ruled by his Word and Spirit He doth all things in his Kingdom not by outward secular force but by his influences upon the spirits of men and determining them in a secret way whether providentially or by saving and sanctifying influences Zech. 4.6 Not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord of Hosts Psalm 110.1 2 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies 2 Thess 2.8 And then shall that wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming 6. The great work of his Kingly Power is to imploy it for saving of his people and subduing his and their enemies to bring to pass his purpose of the one and the other either without or against all-contradiction Psalm 110 throughout Psalm 2 throughout Phil. 2.9 10 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth 7. The great and special end of Christs Kingly Office is to make his other Offices effectual for the saving of his Elect to support his Priesthood and Prophecy and to give vigour and efficacy to them for except Christ had been a Prince that had power over his friends and foes his other Offices could never have been made effectual to the Elect nor he a Captain of Salvation to them Heb. 2.10 Therefore also he is set forth as a Priest upon a Throne who carrieth all things as a King with power Heb. 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high It is his Kingdom which effects that Reconciliation which is the end of a Mediator that which his Prophecy teacheth and his Priesthood and Sacrifice hath purchased he sits as a King and conveys the power of it into the soul 2 Cor. 10.4 5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds and casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 3. The Harmony and Consent of these three Offices in our Mediator and how they do concurr for the end of his Mediatorship to wit the triesting of the difference betwixt God and man by making a reconciliation and binding up friendship by a new Covenant Here observe the sweet concurrence of the three Offices in the Mediator Christ 1. All these Offices level at one end to wit Reconciliation and Salvation which is the great business wherefore a Mediator was appointed 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself but with
giving the Spirit raising the dead c. which were the works of his Divine Nature yet were not done without an instrumental concurrence of the Nature of man 6. If the end of the Personal union of the two Natures of Christ be the fitting and qualifying of him for the Office of Mediatorship as is before cleared then the two Natures do and must necessarily concur in the works of mediation at least after these were united else the union of the two Natures had not been necessary in Christ for the same necessity is for the concurring of the proper works of the two Natures in the Mediators work that is for the union of the two Natures in his person the end of that union being to fit him to act in this Office as a qualified person Object 1 Tim. 2.5 The Mediator is called the man Christ Jesus Hence some infer that he is Mediator according to his Human Nature only Answ There is a vast difference betwixt these two the man Christ is Mediator and he is Mediator only as Man the man Christ is that person not any other man not any meer man that person who was God and Man in one person and stood as a fit middle betwixt both the parties so that Man is not here taken naturaliter but personaliter not naturally but personally it being most usual to name the person of Christ from either nature 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a communication of Properties see 1 Cor. 2.8 For had they known it they would not have Crucified the Lord of Glory Act. 20.28 The Church of God which he hath purchased with his own Blood Joh. 3.13 And no man hath ascended up to Heaven but he that came down from Heaven even the Son of man which is in Heaven See Mr. Ball and Mr. Brinsley ubi supra But there are better reasons assigned why the Mediator is called the man Christ than to point out that nature according to which he is Mediator See Brnisley of the Mediat p. 208. Object Paul here distinguisheth betwixt God and this Mediator And therefore Christ is not Mediator as God Object but as Man only To this Cham. de Med. c. 5. sect 6.7 Answer hath been made by learned men 1. That the Word of God is there not to be taken essentially but personally as denoting the Father betwixt whom and mankind Christ the Son is said to be a Mediator 1 Joh. 2.1 And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous So it s taken Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself 2. The naming of God in the first place doth not hinder that it should be understood in the second also see Joh. 14.1 Ye believe in God believe also in me See more to this purpose Jun. Animad in Bell. contr lib. 5. cap. 3. Ball on the Covenant p. 270. Brinsley of the Mediator p. 210. c. And of the illustration of the Word God-man Brins p. 220. Vse If Christ be Mediator according to both Natures Then Believers may be comforted in the prevalency of his mediation and in the condescendency thereof Your Mediator is God-man 1. Your Mediator acts as God he carries his matters very strongly and effectually 2. He acts as a man also very tenderly and condescendingly Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them With 2.17 18 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succor them that are tempted Psal 2.7 8 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Ask of me and I shall give thee the Heathen for thine Inheritance and the utmost parts of the Earth for thy possession Conclus 2. That Christ hath executed this Office ever since the beginning of the World ever since the first Covenant was dissolved and broken since enmity entered betwixt God and man as well before his being made manifest in the flesh as after as well before and under the Law as in the dayes of the New Testament For although he be called Mediator of the New Covenant or New Testament Heb. 12.24 which is to be understood 1. by way of opposition to the first Covenant whereof he was not Mediator 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because he was then exhibited and then he perfected the work of Redemption Yet did Christ enter upon the execution and execrise of this Office of Mediatorship to which he was before designed from the time that fallen man was at variance with God the execution of this Office extends to the first ages of the World from the time that the promise made to our first parents while they were yet in Paradice took place Gen. 3.15 It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Heb. 13.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever Gal. 3.17 And this I say that the Covenant that was before confirmed of Christ the Law which was Four hundred and thirty years after cannot disannul that it should make the promise of none effect Rev. 13.8 he is called the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world As in respect of Gods destination being designed before time to be offered up in time so also in respect of the efficacy of his sacrifice and mediation which extended to the first ages of the world For 1. From that time there was need of a Mediator 2. From that time begun the works of the Devil to be destroyed Gen. 3.15 And I will put enmity between thee and the Woman and between thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel 1 Joh. 3.8 He that commiteth sin is of the Devil for the Devil sinneth from the beginning for this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil 3. From that time were some sinners saved by the Messiah that was to come Therefore from thence we must reckon the exercise of his Mediatorship Understand this with three distinctions 1. That before Christs Incarnation he was a Mediator virtually and undiscernedly i. e. the virtue and efficacy of that Office to which he was designed did extend to the first ages of the world though the way of his acting in that Office before his Incarnation transcend our understanding but after his Incarnation when he had taken our nature upon him then he was manifestly an actual Mediator 2. Before his Incarnation he was not Compleatly fitted for all the
if ye believe not that I am he ye shall die in your sins 5. There are Predictions and Prophesies in the Gospel-Covenant I mean especially these which concern Eternity the last Judgment Hell and Heaven which are the things that are least believed of all that ever men heard tell of Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth also that these things are true the Covenant telleth us that this world shall have an end and time shall be no more Eternity is coming Psal 102.26 They shall perish but thou shalt endure yea all of them shall was old like a garment as a vesture shalt thou change them and they shall be changed 2 Pet. 3.10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with fervent heat the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth and sweareth that is true Rev. 10.5 6 And the Angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lift up his hand to Heaven and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever who created Heaven and the things that therein are and the earth and the things that therein are and the sea and the things which are therein that there should be time no longer The Covenant saith that God hath appointed a day wherein Christ shal judg the world and all shall bow to him Act. 17.31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained And this witness of the Covenanant testifieth and confirmeth that with an Oath Rom 14.10 11 12 We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ for it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall how to me and every tongue shall confess to God so then every one of us shall give account of himself to God The Covenant saith there is a Hell and a Heaven there is a resting-place prepared for the people of God and a place of torment for all the wicked 1 Cor. 2.9 10 But as it is written eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither hath entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit for the spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God Luk. 16.23 And in Hell he lift up his eyes being in torment and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosome Rev. 14.10 11 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in presence of the holy Angels and in the presence of the lamb and the smoak of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever The Witness of the Covenant testifieth that these things are true for he was both in Hell and Heaven i. e. he saw both and tasted of the things that are in them Psal 16.10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in Hell Luk. 23.43 Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee to day thou shalt be with me in paradise Joh. 17.5 And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was 6. There are Exceptions and Reservations of the crosses and afflictions in several cases by the Covenat Psal 89.30 32. If his Children forsake my law then will I visit their transgressions with the rod. The Witness of the Covenant testifieth it is true and confirmeth it by making it an express Reservation and Exception in all his dealings with his people Luk. 9.23 And he said unto them all If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me Luk. 14.27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my Disciple Mat. 16.24 Then said Jesus unto his Disciples if any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me 2. The Covenant may be said to be established and confirmed by Christ the Witness in regard that it is his witness that putteth an end to controversies about all things pertaining to the Covenant for in him they have a double establishment they are sure in themselves and they are sure unto us 1. All which is contained in the Covenant is firm and sure in Christ 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen unto the glory of God by us Act. 13.34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead now no more to return to corruption he said on this wise I will give you the sure mercies of David His Witness makes it certain that there are such things and that these things are irrevocable and unalterable not to be done away nor broken because the Oath of God and witness of his Christ is in this Covenant which was not in the first Covenant Psal 89.34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David 2. His witness maketh them sure to us as well as sure in themselves for it is that which puts the business of our salvation beyond doubting at least should put it beyond doubting because we have Christs testimony for it he hath made it a sworn article of the Covenant Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an Oath to wit the Promise and Covenant made and confirmed with Abraham by the Angel of the Covenant that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hoâ— set before us 1 Joh. 5.9 If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater For application of this Let us first reflect upon our selves and the way of our hearts with the Lord that we may be convinced how much we have slighted this Covenant-relation of Christs how little use we have made of him as the witness of the Covenant and how small weight we have laid upon his testimony That this may appear Consider 1. He hath not been employed by us to witness in all things wherein we have wanted certainty in the matters pertaining to the Covenant such as the revealing the secret of his Covenant the certifying us of his Covenant love and our Covenant-state and interest in him c. How often have we fled unto and trusted in means and marks for the attaining of these things and have not employed him who was given for a witness to declare and assure of these things Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any
time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the futher he hath declared him Psal 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God â— He hath come and spoken and hath testified of things which concern our Covenant-state by his spirit and by his work in us and we have not heard nor taken notice that it was the Witness of the Covenant testifying the things that concern himself and his Kingdom Heb. 1.2 God hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things Heb. 3.1 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession Christ Jesus Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they oscaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven Joh. 16.5 1 Joh. 5.6 8 c. 3. His Witness and testimony hath been heard and observably discerned and yet not received sometimes we have known that it was Christ speaking and that it could be no other and yet we have not received his restimony Joh. 21.12 And none of the Disciples durst ask him who art thou knowing that it was the Lord. Joh. 1 3â— He came unto his own and his own receive him not He doth sometimes speak and we will not believe that it is he Luk. 24.37 41 But they were terrified and affrighted and supposed thâ—â— they had seen a spirit And while they yet believed not for joy and wondred be said unto them have ye not here any meat 4. At other times we receive and believe his testimony and witnessing and by and by upon the smallest temptation to unbelief we fall a quarrelling and disputing with the testimony which we received and straight-way we reject it as a delusion Luk. 24.21 But we trusted that it had been be which should have redeemed Israel and besides all this to day is the third day since these things were done Vse 2. Consider what manner of Witness he is and what manner of witnessing his testimony is that you may lay weight upon whatsoever the witness of the Covenant saith Christ the witness of the Covenant may be commended in order to the weight and credit of his testimony from these properties of the Witness and the manner of his witnessing 1. He is an Eye-witness of the Covenant who was present and heard and sâ—w all the Covenant transacted yea he was an actor in it throughout as hath been said before this testimony he taketh to himself Prov. 8.22 to 32 And the same is given him also by such as were sent to witness of him Joh. 1.7 18 The same came for a witness to bear witness of the light that all men through him might believe no man hath seen God at any time The only begotten Son which is in the besome of the father he hath declared him 2. He is the true and-faithful witness Rev. 1.5 3.7 14 which cannot lye and is not capable of being byassed from the truth for any respect for he is the truth it self Joh. 14.10 3. He is a Witness above all exception there can be no exception laid against him yea all the great witnesses which God hath made use of in declaring this Gospel from the beginning do bear witness of him Act. 3.24 Yea and all the Prophets from Samuel and these that follow after at many as have spoken have likewise foretold of these days Act. 10.43 To him give all the prophets witness 4. His Witness is greater than the testimony of men 1 Joh. 5. â— If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater Not only in respect of the Authority of him who witnesseth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but in respect of the weight and impression of his testimony For 1. His Witneâ—â— speaks to the heart 2. It ends the controversie there needs no further witnessing after he speaks Hos 2.14 Therefore behold I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness and speak comfortably into her Hebr. speak to her heart Mat. â— 8 The centurion answered and said Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof but speak the word only and my servant shall be healed 5. Of all these various things which he hath witnessed from the beginning of the world until now there hath not failed one word neither of one kind nor another Jos 21.45 23.14 15. with Isa 63.9 Act. 7.30 1 Cor. 10.9 1 Kings 8.15 24 56 Isa 38.15 Luk. 24.44 Rom. 22.6 And he said unto me These sayings are faithful and true And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his â—ingâ—t to shew unto his seâ—uants the things which must shortly be done Zech. 1.5 6. Your fathers where are they and the prophets do they live for ever but my words and my statutes which I commanded my servants the prophets did they not take hold of your fathers And they returned and said Like as the Lord of hosts thought to do unto us according to our ways and according to our doings so hath he dealt with us Vse 3. Be exhorted to receive him under this Covenant-relation as he is given of God for a Witness to the people Under this I comprehend these particulars 1. If you would make use of Christ as the Witness of the Covenant then in all matters doubtful appeal to his testimony for decision if you have any doubt about any matter of saith or salvation about any duty about any thing pertaining to God or unto your own Covenant state and interest in him make his testimony and witness your Judg in that matter go familiarly and boldly to him that he may determine the question and resolve your doubt Isa 8.20 To the law and to the testimony 2 Pet. 1.9 We have also a more sure word of prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts As his Disciples did upon all occasions Joh. 13.21 22 25 14.5 8 22. 2. Hear and give ear to whatsoever he witnesseth and take it off his hand Luk. 9.35 This is my beloved Son bear him And look carefully that you neither neglect to hear what he will say and witness of you and to you of your way 〈◊〉 state or present fit and temper for you or against you nor interrupt his witnessing but let him speak out nor that you stop the ear against it These are marked in Scripture as manifest sins against and rejecting of his witnessing Act. 24.25 Go thy way for this time when I have a convenient season I will call for thee Zech. 7.7 11 Should ye not hear the words which the Lord hath cryed by the former Prophets But they refused
be not afraid 1 Cor. 1.9 God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 5. It is a controversie to the doubting believer whether his Salvation be sure or not whether he shall be saved and inherit Life-eternal Psal 88.11 12 Shall thy loving-kindness be declared in the grave or thy faithfulness in destruction shall thy wonders be known in the dark and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness But Christ hath interposed his Witness to decide that controversie Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Joh. 3.15 16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Eternal life For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Psal 35.3 Say unto my soul I am thy Salvation 6. It is a controversie to believers whether they shall ever be Victorious over their Lusts and prevail against their temptations when they seel the strength and working of corruption in themselves as Paul did Rom. 7.14 15 But I am carnal sold under sin For that which Ido I allow not for what I would that I do not but what I hate that I do Many a time they utter that language Lam. 3.18 And I said my strength and my hope is perished from the Lord. But the Witness of the Covenant testifieth in this also and decides the controversie in their favours 1 Joh. 4.4 Ye are of God little children and have overcome them because greater is he that is in you then he that is in the world 1 Joh. 5.4 5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith who is he that overcometh the world but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God Rom. 16.20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly 7. It is a controversie to doubting-believers whether they shall persevere to the end or shall not rather fall away finally Psal 51.11 Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holy spirit from me But Christ hath decided the controversie Joh. 17.12 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Joh. 10.28 And I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand Joh. 14.19 Because I live ye shall live also 8. It is a controversie to the doubting-believer whether it be good for him to be so dealt with to be afflicted deserted tempted c. Psal 42.9 I will say unto my God my rock why hast thou forgotten me why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy Psal 73.13 14 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in Innocency For all the day long I have been plagued and chastened every morning Christ hath decided this controversie also not by his verdict only of the matter but by his Witness in his peoples hearts Joh. 16.7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away the comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to his purpose 1 Pet. 1.6 Wherein ye greatly rejoyce though now for a season if need be ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations Psal 119.71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy statutes It is a controversie to the doubting-believer while he reaps not the present fruit of his seeking God whether it be in vain to serve God and to follow duties Psal 73.13 Verily have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocency But it is the Witness of the Covenant who only can decide this and he hath done it Isa 45.19 I said not unto the seed of Jacob seek ye me in vain I the Lord speak righteousness I declare things that are right Psal 73.28 But it is good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works Vse 5. This Covenant-relation of Christs layeth grounds of comfort to believers 1. That you want not a Witness to testifie unto you concerning all things which are dark and doubtful Isa 55.4 Behold I have given him for a witness to the people 1 Joh. 5.8 9 10 And there are three that bear witness in earth the spirit and the water and the blood and these three agree in one If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself he that believeth not God hath made him a lyar because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son So that if you be doubtful and in the dark about any thing pertaining to God and to the matters of your Salvation you know how to have that witnessed and plainly made out unto you by Christ the Witness of the Covenant and if you continue under your doubting blame your selves Isa 42.6 And I give thee for a Covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles 2. Another ground of comfort resulting from this Covenant-relation is that we not only have a Witness but that we have such a Witness him for a Witness that God who might have given us other witnesses and have denyed this Witness hath given him for a Witness Heb. 1.1 2 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom he also made the worlds Act. 14.17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness in that he did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness So fit a Witness 1 Joh. 1.2 3 who heard and saw and acted all the business of the Covenant Prov. 8.22 to 32. So saithful a Witness that will not lye that cannot lye Rev. 1.5 and 3.14 So great a Witness a person of such Authority being God 1 Joh. 5.9 Luk. 9.35 So compassionate a Witness who can pity his doubting-people Heb. 5.2 So condescending a Witness who can stoop to teach and perswade the weaklings of the people Isa 40.11 Joh. 9.39 as all his carriage did prove while he was upon the earth So convincing a Witness whose testimony can put an end to all strife if he will only speak the word Mat. 8.8 And all this is for the stronger consolation of Believers Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing
his travels in that business and may hold forth a pattern to all the inferiour Messengers of the Covenant and Angels of the Churches 1. He is a faithful Messenger and true to the trust committed unto him one who varied not and departed not from his commission in a tittle in any thing of his fathers will and the welfare of his people I do not say the will of his people for though he be very condescending to satisfie them yet he not holding his commission of them he is constrained for their good to cross their will sometimes that he may be faithful to him who appointed him Heb. 3.1 2 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling confider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession Christ Jesus who was faithful to him that appointed him as also Moses was faithful in all his house Joh. 6.38 39 40 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day And this is the will of him that sent me that every one which seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day A Messenger who kept close to his instructions 2. He is an active diligent Messenger who did never deal with a slack hand in any matter of the Covenant whether committed unto him by his father or wherein he was employed by his people his heart did lay so much to the business that it is impossible he should not be active and stirring in it yea his Soul-travelled so diligently in that trust that he could take no rest until it was done Isa 53.11 He shall see the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Yea so careful was he of that Message that it made him forget his refreshments and his rest as appears in his unwearied pains for converting the woman of Samaria even while he was wearied with his journey Joh. 4.6 Yea it was refreshment to him to be about that business Joh. 4.34 Jesus saith unto them My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work Yea it made him some way forget his relations here on earth Luk. 2.49 And he said unto them how is it that ye sought me wist ye not that I must be about my fathers business Mat. 12.46 49 50 While he yet talked to the people behold his mother and his brethren stood without desiring to speak with him Behold my mother and my brethren for whosoever shall do the will of my father which is in heaven the same is my brother and sister and mother 3. He is a swift Messenger who in all the matters of the Covenant which are committed unto him loveth to make good dispatch he is commended for this Mal. 3.1 And the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple even the messenger of the covenant whom ye delight in And we may take notice of it in the word of the Prophet Isa 18.2 though spoken in another sense O so swift a messenger and speedy as he was when he was sent to lay down his life Luk. 19.28 And when he had thus spoken he went before ascending up to Jerusalem c. he made haste to die Joh. 13.27 And after the sop Satan entred into him then said Jesus unto him That thou doest do quickly And he made haste to arise again Joh. 20.1 12 The first day of the week early yet when it was dark He made haste to shew himself to his friends after he rose Joh. 20 and Luk. 24 and he maketh haste to come again to his people Joh. 14.3 18 And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 come unto you 4. He is an Accurate reporter of the Message which he beareth a Messenger who never failed to bring a return of his errant both upward to God and downward to his people Joh. 13.3 Jesus knowing that the father had given all things into his hands and that he was come from God and went to God Joh 14.2 3 I go to prepare a place for you And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also 5. He is a Messenger who was hugely mortified if I may use that word and denyed to his own honour and credit for all the while he travelled up and down here about the Message of the Covenant he did not regard how he was used so that his Message were taken off his hand Heb. 12.2 Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God Mat. 20.28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransome for many Joh. 4.9 10 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him how is it that thou being a Jew askest drink of me which am a woman of Samaria for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans Jesus answered and said unto her If thou knewest the gift of God and who it is that saith unto thee give me to drink thou wouldst have asked of him and he would have given thee living water Vse 1. Take heed how you receive and entertain the Messenger of the Covenant Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Heb. 3.1 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession Christ Jesus c. This is the more of your concernment 1. Because the entertainment and usage given unto the Messenger of the Covenant redoundeth upon him that sent him whether you use him honourably or disrespectively Joh. 12.26 If any man serve me let him follow me and where I am there shall also my servant be If any man serve me him will my father honour Luk. 10.16 He that heareth you heareth me and he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me 2. Because great weight is laid upon the unworthy using of the Messenger of the Covenant insomuch as no sin nor aggravation of sin carrieth liâ—e stress as is laid upon it Joh. 3.36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Joh. 15.22 If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had
miracles before them yet they believed not on him Joh. 15.23 24 He that hateth me hateth my father also but now have they both seen and hated both me and my father Luk. 7.30 But the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves being not baptized of him Psal 81.11 But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me Mat. 22.5 6 But they made light of it and went their ways one â—o his fâ—rm another to his merchandise and the remâ—unt took his servants and intreated them spitefully and slow them Mat. 23.37 O Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the prophets and stonest them which aâ—e sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not Isa 49.4 Then I said I have laboured in vain I have spent my strength for nought and in vain Mat. 11.17 And saying we have piped unto you and ye have not danced we have mourned unto you and ye have not lamented Shall the Messenger of the Covenant have no good report to make of you like that which he made of his Disciples Joh. 16.27 For the father himself loveth you because ye have loved me and believed that I came out from God At least let him have that to say of you that he roported of Ephraim That you have lamented the frowardness of your own hearts under all his pains and travel Jer. 31.18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoak c. Vse 2. Suffer me from this Covenant-relation of Christs to exhort you 1. To employ him in that which is his trust he is the Messenger of the Covenant if there be any thing which you have to do with God relating to the making maintaining or renewing a Covenant with him there is a messenger appointed for negotiating in that matter and one who is willing to be employed by you Mat. 20.28 The Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no ways cast out Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people 2. Beware that you usurp not his employment neither intrude upon it take heed that you attempt not to send any Message to God and not by the Messenger of the Covenant Heb. 12.29 For our God is a consuming fire See that you go not any errant of the Covenant without him See that you send not your prayers and other performances to God or any Message without him in their own strength or by the hand of another Messenger beside the Angel of the Covenant Rev. 8.3 And another angel came and stood at the altar having a golden censer and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne Joh. 16.23 Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the father in my name he will give it you 3. Acknowledg Christ in this Covenant-relation and in the execution of it That ever you heard of the Covenant that it hath been declared revealed and interpreted to you you are debtors for that to the Messenger of the Covenant if he had not travelled in that business you had never heard of it Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh Mat. 13.11 Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven but to them it is not given Much more you are his Debtors if the Covenant be acted upon your hearts Heb. 8.6 10 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Mat. 16.17 And Jesus answered and said unto him Blessed art thou Simon Bar-Jona for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my father which is in heaven Joh. 17.6 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me 4. Be requested to take notice and to listen what Message the Messenger of the Covenant bringeth to you it is the Message of a Covenant of a good and sure bargain that you would join your selves to the Lord and take hold of his covenant Isa 56.4 6. Whereunto if you would but listen it should prove a life-giving motion Isa 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Joh. 1.38 39 They said unto him Rabbi which is to say being interpreted Master where dwellest thou he saith unto them come and see they came and saw where he dwelt and abode with him that day It 's a Message of peace you need not stare at it nor be afraid of what we have in commission 2 Cor. 5 19 20 21 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God for he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Luk. 2.10 14 And the Angel said unto them fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men Isa 60.17 For brass I will bring gold and for iron I will bring silver and for wood brass and for stones iron I will also make thine officers peace and thine exactors righteousness It 's a Message of love of the Fathers love and of the Sons 1 Joh. 3.1 Behold what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not Joh. 15.13 Greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life for his friends It 's a Message of
Marriage-love of a match proposed to your Souls Psal 45. Song 1 c. Come and hear Christ commend Christ come and hear the Messenger of the Covenant commend the bargain commend the Covenant commend God commend Heaven and the lot of Saints and it became him well to do so his praise is savoury even in his own mouth Joh. 6.48 and 8.14 23 24. and 10.11 29. and 14.2 and 15.1 Song 2.1 Prov. 9.1 c. with Song 3. last 5. Be perswaded to receive the Messenger himself if it were possible to receive his Message and not to receive himself that could not avail you consider with your selves 1. What huge unkindness it were not to receive such a Messenger who hath travelled so far and through so much hardship and for this one errant To make offer of his love to you Joh. 13.1 Having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end Song 5.2 Saying open to me my sister my love my dove my undefiled for my head is filled with dew and my locks with the drops of the night 2. Consider how unexcusable before God this one act shall make you and how much it shall leave upon your selves and bind upon your selves your own blood and damnation Joh. 15.22 If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin Joh. 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life Joh. 3.19 And this is the condemnation that light is come into the world and men have loved darkness rather then light because their deeds were evil 3. Consider what high and excellent priviledges the receiving of the Messenger of the Covenant bringeth with it See Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his name Rev. 3.20 If any man hear my voice and open the dore I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me Joh. 14.23 Jesus answered and said unto him if any man love me he will keep my words and my father will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him Isa 56.7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people 4. Consider how near God hath brought Heaven and Salvation unto you by the Messenger of the Covenant it is even come down to meet you and brought to your dore to knock for entry Rev. 21.3 4 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying Behold the tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them and be their God and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes Luk. 10.9 And say unto them the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you Isa 46.13 I bring near my righteousness it shall not be far off and my salvation shall not tarry and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory Rom. 13.11 And that knowing the time that now it is high time to awake out of sleep for now is our salvation nearer then when we believed 5. Consider that the Messenger of the Covenant is the jewel and precious stone of that ring he himself is the chief thing that is in the Covenant and much better than Salvation and Heaven Mat. 13.44 45 Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field the which when a man hath found he hideth and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that field Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant-man seeking goodly pearls c. 1 Pet. 2.7 Vnto you therefore which believe he is precious 6. Consider that he desireth no more satisfaction for all the travel of his Soul in this Message but that he may see some fruit of his travel through his peoples receiving his Message and making the Messenger of the Covenant welcome and it is a pity to refuse him so reasonable a desire Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Luk. 19.41 42 And when he was come near he beheld the city and wept over it saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy peace but now they are hid from thine eyes 7. Consider that if you receive not the Messenger of the Covenant you miss the whole bargain for he is all the Covenant Isa 42.6 And I will give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles 6. By all means take heed how you entertain the Messenger of the Covenant 1 Cor. 10.9 Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them also tempted and were destroyed of serpents If you use him kindly he will indeed deal well with you and be easily entreated Exod. 23.20 22 Behold I send an angel before thee to keep thee in the way and to bring thee in the place which I have prepared But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice and do all that I speak Then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies and an adversary unto thine adversaries Rev. 3.20 Behold I stand at the dore and knock if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me Joh. 14.23 Jesus answered and said unto him If any man love me he will keep my words and my father will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him Luk. 24.29 But they constrained him saying Abide with us for it is towards evening and the day is far spent and he went in to tarry with them But if you provoke him and slight him O you had need to beware of him he will not bear with it Exod. 23.21 Isa 61.2 3. 1 Cor. 16.22 CHAP. XIX Christ a Servant in the Covenant THE fifth relation which Christ sustaineth in the Covenant is He is a Servant in the business of the Covenant Many Scriptures point at Christ under this Covenant-relation Isa 42.1 and 49.3 5 6. and 52.13 and 53.11 Ezek. 34.23 24. and 37.24 25. Zech. 3.8 Mat. 12.18 Luk. 22.27 Mark 10.45 Rom. 15.8 For the better understanding whereof let us a little enquire in these six Particulars 1. In what respects this name is given to Christ 2. How he came under this Covenant-relation 3. Whose Servant he is 4. What kind of Service this is which lyeth upon Christ by this Covenant-relation 5. What doth pertain to his office as Servant in the Covenant and what was the Service he did in the business of the Covenant 6. Some things in his Service which commend his acting in this Covenant-relation And 1. This Name which is a name not only of
subordination and subjection as is the name Messenger but of the lowest and most abject condition of subordination I say 1. This name is given to Christ not in regard of his nature but in regard of his office as Mediator as he took upon him a Service this name is not a name of nature for in regard of his Divine nature he hath another style My Son is his name not my Servant Mat. 3.17 This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased And in regard of his Humane nature though the man Christ is by nature Gods Servant yet he is not by nature a common Servant to both the parties in the Covenant nor a Servant of the Covenant but a Free-man Mat. 17.26 Jesus saith unto him then are the children free Therefore I say it is not the name of the natural only begotten Son of God nor the name of the man Christ as it importeth any thing peculiar and not common to the rest of the creatures but it is the name of Christ Mediator God-man Heb. 12.24 2. This name is given to Christ mainly and eminently in regard of the state and condition of his humiliation Phil. 2.7 8 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross For though now when God hath highly exalted him he be still a Priest upon a Throne Heb. 8.1 and consequently promoting the same Trust and Service about which he was sent to the earth yet his way of carrying on that Service is so Princely as he carryeth condescendingly to men Phil. 2.9 10 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earrh and things under the earth If we should yet name him by this Covenant-relation we behoved to look upon him as a kinged and crowned Servant who for performing that notable Service that was committed unto him hath been exalted to a Glorious Throne and yet for all his preferment is as humble and affable and easie to be spoke with as when he was upon the earth for he beareth the same heart toward his people Heb. 4.15 16 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 3. The name of Servant in the business of the Covenant is given to Christ in regard of his trust because the greatest trust that ever was put upon man was put upon him by the Covenant of Redemption he was entrusted with a rare piece of Service the saving of sinners the carrying through the work of Redemption the weight of the lost World being laid upon his shoulders Isa 49.6 And he said it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Joh. 5.22 For as the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son 4. This name is given to Christ in regard of his work for it is a name of work as well as of trust because he served a great Service in the business of the Covenant I have elsewhere shewed that the whole business of Redemption was his work therefore you find he speaks often of his work and labour and spending his strength and of the travel of his Soul Isa 49.4 Then I said I have laboured in vain I have spent my strength for nought and in vain Isa 53.10 11 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his Soul an offering for sin 〈◊〉 shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied Joh. 4.34 Jesus saith unto them My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Joh. 8.29 And he that sent me is with me the father hath not left me alone for I do always those things that please him 5. This name is given to Christ in regard of his wages and reward which redounded unto him by this great Service which he performed unto God by saving the elect world which yet must be understood of no servile reward for his love could not be hired but we read of a reward promised and compacted unto him Isa 53.11 12 He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession A reward expected and eyed by him Isa 49.4 5 Yet surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Though Isreal be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength A reward craved by him Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was A reward payed unto him as the fruit of his labours Phil. 2.8 9 And being found in fashon as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even unto the death of the cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name Heb. 12.2 6. The name of Servant is given to him in regard of the spirit of fear unto which he did subject himself for a season while he was here in our nature in the shape of a Servant I say though there were always in the heart of Christ a design of love which made him run and serve in the business of the Covenant yet there was something of the spirit of a Servant in the man Christ made under the law and having taken upon him our condition as well as our nature which yet must be understood
fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to hring them out of the land of Egypt which my covenant they break although I was an husband to them saith the Lord. But this shall be my covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after these days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inwards parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people Joh. 17.6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word And this is as sad news to many of you who heard this Gospel as it is glad news to these who receive it and believe in Christ wo to them who have not this undertaker for them for the Law must have a satisfaction by the eternal undoing of all these 5. Let us consider for what Christ is engaged by his Suretiship That this may appear we shall take notice of some distinctions which speak the extent of his undertaking for his people He was a Surety and undertaker 1. In his state and in his actions 2. In Earth and in Heaven 3. In our stead and in our behalf 4. To us-ward and to God-ward 1. I say Christ is a Surety for his people in his state and in his actions that is 1. In whatsoever state and condition Christ was in that state and condition he doth sustain our persons and is surrogate in our place and condition for so much his Suretiship doth import as I have already shewed when he was in a state of humiliation here upon the earth in that low condition he did sustain the persons and bear and represent the state and condition of his poor broken people he was surrogated a Surety to sustain their Legal state or the state wherein they are by the violation of the Law and Covenant of works Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Again in his exaltation Christ doth sustain the persons and represent the condition of the Elect unto the which they are advanced by the Covenant through him and therefore the Scripture holds him forth in his resurrection and ascension c. as representing the state of the Elect He is in heaven this day saith the Scripture for us sustaining our state and glorified condition till we come there taking possession of our inheritance unto which he hath acquired for us a right Heb. 6.20 Whither the fore-runner is for us entred even Jesus Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us 2. In his actions he acted our parts especially in what he did or in what befel him here upon the earth for it was his end of coming down into this world to act our parts and to have acted upon him what should have been done to us he died as our Surety and he arose as our Surety Justice smote him as our Surety he was taken into prison and to judgment and was condemned as our Surety being numbred among transgressors and again he was taken from the prison and judgment as our Surety being justified when he payed the Debt and by vertue of that communion which we had with him in all these actions of his he being our Surety and sustaining our Law-place and room by a just law these things are reckoned unto our account whose persons he sustained and whose parts he acted Isa 53 throughout Rom. 4. last Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God And to this purpose is that instance and parallel of Adams sustaining the condition of all men Christ set forth Sect. 3. cap. 4. and therein being a type of Christ 1 Cor. 15.22 48. and Rom. 5.14 Fitly and at large applied by Mr. Thomas Goodwin 2. Christ was a Surety on Earth and he is a Surety still in Heaven Christ is as well a Surety in his intercession as he was in his death for beside all that Christ did upon earth for discharging his undertaking unto God for his people he stands yet engaged in Heaven as an undertaker for them and shall not be acquitted of all his engagements until he have brought all the Elect company as safe there as he came himself Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Therefore the Apostle Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made Surety of a better Testament After he hath made mention of the Suretiship of Christ he instanceth in his intercession and continuing a Priest for ever vers 23 24 25. Shewing that because he is engaged as a Surety therefore he intercedes to save to the utmost That this may be yet more plain consider 1. That the Suretiship of Christ as it was acted in a free Covenant and transaction betwixt Jehovah and Christ doth not only relate unto the justification of the Elect but also to their Salvation Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Rom. 5.9 10 Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be shall be saved by his his life And therefore as long as the persons of any for whom he died remain still unsaved he is not acquitted of this Suretiship and engagement but after that he hath payed a price to justice for them there remains an obligation upon him to bring these for whom he died to glory Heb. 2.10 For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings 2. Consider that the being part of his Covenant of Suretiship to be performed as long as the persons of any of the Elect are yet unsaved to the utmost the performance of that which is behind of his engagements is
ascribed to his intercession which he is now performing in heaven and therefore he must intercede in Heaven as Surety of the better Testament Heb. 7.22 to 25. with Rom. 5.10 and Rom. 8.34 Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us 3. Consider that unless he were a Surety in Heaven and acted therein that Covenant-relation by his intercession all his other actings as Surety of the Covenant would be to little purpose for our behoof for it is this part of his Suretiship that maketh his satisfaction to the Law effectual for the good of the Elect this is it which putteth life in the death of him who died in our stead and room and without this the blood of the Surety had been shed in vain For this is the very application of it and sprinkling the blood of the Covenant upon us Heb. 9.19 20 24 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law he took the blood of Calves and Goats with water and scarlet wool and Hysop and sprinkled both the book and all the people saying this is the blood of the Teestament which God hath enjoined unto you For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 7.22 25. By so much was Jesus made Surety of a better Testament Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 1 Joh. 2.1 2 My little children these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins 4. Consider that as his soul and his life was at the stake and was pawned for that part of his Suretiship that was to be performed on earth to wit the paying of a price to Justice so his honour lies yet at the stake and in pawn for that part of his engagement which is to be performed in heaven by his intercession so that as it behoved him to have lien in prison for ever and the soul to have been left in the grave unless he had payed his Debt and made satisfaction to Justice his Soul being in our souls stead as a Surety so his honour I say lieth still at the stake for all his peoples compleat Salvation insomuch that Heaven cannot hold him if he bring not them there he shall not have the glory of a perfected Saviour and Surety if he perform not his engagement to save them to the utmost yea he must quit heaven if he bring not his people thither for whom he undertook See Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Joh. 17.1 4 12 24 Glorifie thy son that thy son also may glorifie thee I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do While I was with them in the world I kept them in thy name those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition that the scripture might be fulfilled Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Heb. 2.10 For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings He speaks for his brethren as Judah did for little Benjamin Gen. 43.9 3. Christ is a Surety in our stead and in our behalf 1. I say in most things which Christ did as a Surety of the Covenant he did them in our stead and room he did them as a person representing us and we did them in him by vertue of that communion that is betwixt the Surety and the Debtor when he died he died in our stead and we died in him there we paid the Debt when he arose and ascended he rose in our stead and we rose and ascended in him there we had a discharge and liberation when he had it c. Rom. 6.6 8 Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin Now if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with him 1 Cor. 15.22 For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive Eph. 2.5 6 Even when we were dead in sins he hath quickened us together with Christ by grace ye are saved and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus 2. Yet there are some things which Christ the Surety performed wholly for us indeed and on our behalf but he cannot be said to perform them in our stead or to act our part in them that is to act these things as that which we should have done such was his incarnation and taking of our nature upon him and the taking of our Law-place upon him which were acts of Christ the Surety of the Covenant and unto which he had voluntarily engaged himself by his Covenant of Suretiship with God See Mr. Tho. Goodwin Christ set forth Sect. 5. c. 4. pag. 149. Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Yet he cannot be said properly to have done these things in our stead though he did them on our behalf and wholly for us for these were the very foundation of all that he acted in our stead and opened the way to his acting as our Surety in our stead by these acts he put himself in our stead that he might act our part being found in our nature state and condition Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men Such also is his intercession in heaven for though he intercede as a Surety in Heaven and on our behalf yet he doth it
53.5 But he was wounded for our transgressions he was bruised for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed 3. You are in his Debt for the fair acquittance and discharge which he hath obtained and received for you when he was justified in the spirit 1 Tim. 3.16 Rom. 4.25 And for his reporting of that unto you Luk. 7.48 And he said unto her Thy sins are forgiven And giving you an extract of it in your bosome to bear about with you and helping you to read it Eph. 1.13 In whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy spirit of promise Isa 50.8 He is near that justifieth me who will contend with me let us stand together who is mine adversary let him come near to me Rom. 8.33 34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect it is God that justifieth who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us 4. You are in his Debt for all that he hath wrought in you from the time that first he bowed your will to believe unto this day for every piece of your obedience for all you fruit for every duty performed by you for all the influences of his spirit upon you c. you owed all these to Christs Suretiship Phil. 2.13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure Rom. 9.16 So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy Hos 14.8 I am like a green fir-tree from me is thy fruit found Phil. 1.11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Christ Jesus unto the glory and praise of God Joh. 15.4 5 Abide in me and I in you as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the vine no more can ye except ye abide in me I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing 1 Cor. 15.10 But by the grace of God I am what I am and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain but I laboured more abundantly then they all yet not I but the grace of God which was with me Jer. 30.21 And I will cause him to draw near and he shall approach unto me for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me saith the Lord 3. Believers learn to deal with God in all things pertaining to his Covenant as having a cautioner whether you be under any doubtsulness about the promises or in any difficulty and perplexity about the commands and duties of the Covenant Let your dealing in these things declare that there is a Surety and this doth call for 1. More confidence and boldness 1. In your dealings with God and applications to him you need not flee from his face and presence as from a hard master since there is a Surety in the Covenant and he is content to take of his hand what you cannot afford when you are ashamed to be seen in his presence and cannot be seen where God is do but present Christ in your place and room present a Surety and he is satisfied Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us Present him to God and come to God through him and command him in a manner ask and have all your will Isa 45.11 Thus saith the Lord the holy one of Israel and his maker Ask me of things to come concerning my sons and concerning the work of my hands command ye me 2. In your dealings with Christ come unto him as unto a person already engaged for you as unto a Surety who hath already come under an act of cautionry for his people and consequently as unto one whose honour lieth at the stake for a performance of all things whatsoever are contained in the Covenant and do not come unto him and make use of him with doubtsulness whether he will do for you and work in you these things for which he stands already engaged by his Suretiship Heb. 10.19 22 Having therefore brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water Heb. 4.14 16 Seeing then that we have a great High-priest that is passed into the heavens let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 3. In your dealings with your duty and with the Law which commandeth it you are not to flee the command as the divour Debtor fleeth the face of his Creditor as these which are not Law-biding but you are now through the Suretiship of Christ to welcom every command and charge of the Law as being in some near capacity to speak with it and to give it some satisfying answer Psal 119.97 O how love I thy law Isa 60.17 I will also make thine officers peace and thine exactors righteousness 2. This doth also call for more quietness of mind in you you are often disquietted anxiously that you do not reap the fruit of Covenant-promises and that Gospel-commands do not find that obedience in you which is acknowledged to be due unto them you have covenanted obedience to the Gospel and you are as an unjust Debtor through the non-performance of your Covenant and promises and this is your affliction and makes you walk in heaviness every day I say that Christs Suretiship doth call for quieting your minds and to lay more weight upon his free undertakings and less upon your own slippery performances be it spoken without giving any colour to slack your hand in the best and utmost endeavours after duty 1. Because what obedience the Gospel hath not yet had in you it shall have since he is engaged for it Psal 138. last The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me thy mercy O Lord endureth for ever forsake not the works of thine own hands Isa 26.12 Lord thou wilt ordain peace for us for thou also hast wrought all our works in us 2. What the Law and Gospel cannot find in you they shall have in him and 't is enough if it be sound either in the Surety or the Debtor Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Gal. 4.4 5 But when the fulness of the time
that to be of force through his death as a valid Legal right that they also may now possess and injoy with him Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they may be where I am And in Heaven he appears for us and upon our account in the force of the Testators death Heb. 17.23 24. 3. The Testator who before possest the inheritance upon his own right and title does now possess the inheritance by a title super-added to that to wit upon our account as our Attorney as one representing the Elect and having wrought for their heaven Joh. 17.4 and come to heaven to be vested with a possession in their name and for their account for now he appears in heaven in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 And by the Testators being in Heaven God hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus Eph. 2.6 And he as a fore-runner is for us entered Heb. 6.20 4. The Testator surrogates his spirit in his absence and after his death to see his Will executed in all points and to give real and actual possession of his Testament-blessings unto those to whom he left them Joh. 15.26 But when the comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the father he shall testifie of me and Joh. 16.7 8. Which accordingly is fulfilled and our possession quo ad exequnta is ascribed to this Executor surrogate by the Testator and doing his will in his name 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are washed but ye are sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God the Executor of the Lord Testators will Vse 1. This Covenant-relation does exceedingly magnifie the riches of the grace and love of Christ Jesus the Testator 1. That the king immortal 1 Tim. 1.17 should become a man subject to mortallity Heb. 2.17 2. That he should act any thing in contemplation of mortality and be a Testator even he who was to see no corruption Psal 16.11 with Act. 2.31 Joh. 13.1 3. That he who could not see corruption yet never theless should die and give up the Ghost for conveying a title and possession of life and immortality to his people Gal. 2.20 Vse 2. Let the friends and Legators of this blessed Testator know that your holding is of absolute grace and of the meer pleasure of the Testator your right and title is testamentary and you have your mercies by Christs will of favour you are Legatories and he is the Testator Joh. 5.21 The Son quickeneth whom he will And yet you are not left at uncertainty for there is nothing sure to changeable creatures but what is pure Grace and hangs upon the free will of God and the motions of his heart Rom. 4.16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed Mal. 3.6 For I am the Lord I change not therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed You may say to him as he said to his father upon your account Mat. 11.25 26 I thank thee O father And even so father because so it seemed good in thy sight Vse 3. Comfort to believers in Christ whose names are written in this Testament 1. That our Lord Jesus died not untested and without a plain declaration of his Will to whom he left his goods and what the things be which he left unto them Act. 13.34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead now no more to return to corruption he said on this wise I will give you the sure mercies of David Joh. 14.27 Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you Joh. 13.1 Now before the feast of the passeover when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end Joh. 15.11 13 14 15. and 16.33 2. That your right is testamentary the Covenant betwixt God and Christ being turned unto a testament betwixt him and you the blessings thereof are the absolute will of the Testator Joh. 14.27 Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me 3. That there is force and strength in his latter Will by vertue of his death that we can bring his Will as a valid deed of Law now after his death and can plead it with God Heb. 9.15 17 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance For a testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth 4. That he hath left one to execute his Will that the Testator wants not an Executor of his Testament Joh. 14.26 But the comforter which is the Holy-ghost whom the father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Joh. 15.26 But when the comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the father even the spirit of truth which proceedeth from the father he shall testifie of me Vse 4. For Exhortation both to consider of the design of Grace that lyes wrapt up in this Covenant-relation and to search into the experimental knowledg of the vertue and efficacy of Christs being the Testator of the new Covenant 1. I say study the design of grace which is wrapt up in this Covenant-relation as it super-adds a new title to Covenant blessings as it declares the absolute freeness of Covenant-mercies as it ratifies Christs will of grace and as it makes way for our possession of the things bequeathed unto us in Christs Testament wherof we have spoken 2. Search I say after the experimental knowledg of vertue of Christs Testatorship 1. Quo ad executionem in the force and efficacy of it that through the Testators death his Testament hath been executed and fulfilled as to thee Heb. 9.17 For a testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth Zech. 9.11 As for thee also by the blood of thy covenant I have sent out thy prisoners out of the pit wherein there is no water 2. Quo ad executa in the latitude of his Legacies that nothing disposed and bequeathed to believers in Christs Testament hath escaped thee that no part of his goods which is the portion of his people be wanting with thee 2 Pet. 1.5 And besides this giving all diligence add to your faith vertue and
Jesus Master it is good for us to be here and let us make three tabernacles one for thee and one for Moses and one for Elias For he wist not what to say for they were sore afraid Such should remember Peters words at another occasion Joh. 6.68 Then Simon Peter answered him Lord to whom shall we go thou hast the words of eternal life Which import that a created Heaven would not be significant if Christ were not there see also Psal 73.25 Whom have 〈◊〉 in heaven but thee and there is none upon the earth that I desire besides thee 4. It speaks reproof to those who wrangle about circumstances to the prejudice of Christ the substance and marrow of the Gospel-Covenant those who seek some things of Christ to the prejudice of other things of Christ that be the more weighty matters of the Gospel as put case Forms to the prejudice of substance Order to the prejudice of edification Uniformity to the prejudice of union c. And this whether by extolling of the highest and most weighty things of Christ to the prejudice of other things which are also his Ordinances or by the depressing and decreeing of other more subordinate things of Christ and circumstantial to the prejudice of the weightiest matters of the Gospel for although no Ordinance of Christ be a little one and to be set at nought yet without controversie there be some of them more weighty than others Vse 2. For discovery how far we fall short in practical giving to Christ his own place in the Covenant There be very few even of those who dare not knowingly slight Christ who yet do give him his own room in the Covenant Consider it but a little 1. He is the root and original of the Covenant have you acknowledged and imployed him as such have your soul-transactions with God been grounded upon Christs transactions with him or have you not in point of Soul-covenanting with God dealt as if the Covenant had its first rise then when it first entered in thy heart Consider I pray where you have pitched the original rise and foundation of that blessed transaction 2. He is the principal party with whom the Covenant was made at the first hand do you always give that place to Christ do you put him foremost or do you not rather drudg him after you I fear nay I doubt not we deal in many things with God as if we were the principal party covenanting in matter of Gospel-promises as if we were the principal Creditor to whom a performance of these things were due and in matter of Gospel-commands as if we were the principal Debtors from whom a performance of Duty could be expected 3. Christ is the chief blessing of the covenant have you sought him as such or hath any other blessing of the Covenant had his room in thy heart have you sought life and salvation in the promises as the chief blessing contained in them or have you seen something in the promises better and more desirable than these even Christ who is in every promise and is the best thing in the promise 4. He is valuable above all things else contained in the Covenant he is the full price of the whole bargain have you put this value upon him have you made him your all your treasure for which you treated in this bargain and bought the field 5. He is the samplar and first copy of the Covenant did you ever consider how the peace and union was first made in his person have you followed that blessed copy to have this your Covenant with God the Divine Nature coming down to you and you brought up to meet with God in Christ and with him and in him to have mystical union 6. He is the sum of the Covenant have you studied this compend well how to reduce all the Covenant to Christ to find it all in him and to make all the Covenant praise him Vse 3. For tryal whether you be in the Covenant of Grace or not whether you have taken hold of the Covenant as the Prophet speaks Isa 65.4 Know it by this if thou art in Christ thou art in the Covenant if thou hast taken hold of him thou hast taken hold of the Covenant Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Eph. 2.12 That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world To be without Christ and to be strangers to the Covenant of promise are equivalent if the Covenant be given Christ is given and if Christ be given the Covenant is given for you are in so far in the Covenant of Grace as you have any thing of Christ in you Col. 1.27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the hope of glory 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your own selves Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates If you have no right to Christ then none to the Covenant try therefore your standing sinners where are you under the first husband or married to another are you in Christ or not and consequently in the Covenant of Grace or without it Rom. 7.4 Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God Try this 1. By your divorcement from Idols and all other lovers this Covenant breaks all former ingagements whether they have been to lusts or to creatures henceforth if thou be in Christ and ingaged with him through this Covenant all these former ingagements must be so far cast loose that hatred must be to lusts instead of former love Gal. 5.24 And they that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Mark 9.43 And if thy hand offend thee cut it off it is better for thee to enter into life maimed than having two hands to go into hell into the fire that never shall be quenched where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched c. And half a love to the creatures or limited subordinate secondary regular submissive love to them instead of old heart ingagements Ezek. 36.25 From all your filthiness and from all your Idols will I cleanse you Psal 45.10 11 Hearken O daughter and consider and incline thine ear forget also thine own people and thy fathers house So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty for he is thy Lord and worship thou him Josh 24.23 Now therefore put away said he the strange gods which are among you and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel Hos
overlasting life He is the most precious stone in all the Jewel Mat. 13.44 45. All other things in the Covenant Righteousness Life Pardon Peace c. are but the garnish of this Jewel Song 5.10 My beloved is white and ruddy the chiefest among ten thousand He is the most sweet and ripest Berry in all the cluster of Promises which grow together in the Covenant nay he is the cluster himself Song 1.14 My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things He is the fairest and most bright-shining star in all that constellation Rev. 22.16 The bright and morning-star He is the fairest stone in all the building none like unto him Isa 28.16 Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone a tried stone a precious corner-stone a sure foundation 1 Pet. 2.4 To whom coming as unto a living stone disallowed indeed of men hut chosen of God and precious Psal 118.22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head-stone of the corner He is the fairest tree in all the garden of God like the tree of Life in the midst of Eden Song 2.3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood so is my beloved among the sons Rev. 22.2 In the midst of the streets of it and of either side of the river was there the tree of life which bare twelve manner of fruits and yielded her fruit every month and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations 4. Christ is the Covenant virtually or equivalently he is the just value of all the bargain he is of as much worth as all that is promised and contracted to believers in the Covenant of grace so that if the value of it were asked how much is it worth it could not be answered otherwise than so 'T is of as much value as Christ is and when the Promises are fulfilled to the utmost they amount not beyond the giving of Christ to believers Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Col. 1.27 Which is Christ in you the hope of glory Col. 3.11 Christ is all 5. Christ is the Covenant exemplarily the very sample and first pattern of the Covenant and of the design of grace carried on by the Covenant was in the union of the two natures in Christ the Mediators person For consider I pray the great design of favour carried on by the Covenant of grace is an union of man with God a restoring of man to the first state of friendship with God and in Christ Mediator his person was the samplar and original pattern of all the business to wit 1. Of Gods infinite condescension and stooping so far towards a nearness a union with man Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 2. Of the unspeakable exaltation of our nature toward an union with God Heb. 2.11 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren 3. Of the union and conjunction of God and man which is the result of Gods condescension and our exaltation and which is the summary of the second Covenant Mat. 1.23 Immanuel which being interpreted is God with us Rev. 21.3 And God himself shall be with them and be their God So then Christ is the Covenant in this respect also the first samplar of the union and agreement of the parties covenanting Eph. 2.14 For he is our peace who hath made both one Zech. 6.13 And the counsel of peace shall be between them both 6. Christ is the Covenant comprehensively or summarily he is the very compound or abridgment of the Covenant in the Mediators person there is a little sum of the whole Covenant Consider this how the parties articles mutual stipulations promises properties and blessings of the Covenant are all some way abridged in Christ and summed up in his person And 1. Christ is all the parties of the Covenant of grace or rather both the parties are comprehended in the Mediators person he is both the parties in three respects 1. Because of the union of the two natures in his blessed person he is God-man God made manifest in the flesh 1 Tim. 3.16 Who took not upon him our nature in its primitive innocency and virgin integrity But came in the likeness of sinful flesh Rom. 8.3 He took upon him the nature of fallen man but sanctified for and by the union with the divine nature Luk. 1.35 Heb. 7.26 And so he is both the parties the Covenant being betwixt God and man not innocent but fallen man yet believing and renewed man 2. Because the person who is Mediator is upon both sides of the Covenant as being one with the Father and holy Ghost he is on Gods side of the Covenant 1 Joh. 5.7 For there are three that bear record in heaven the father the word and the holy Ghost and these three are one 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorifie God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ And as he is one with us he is on our side of the Covenant Heb. 2.11 13 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren Behold I and the children which God hath given me 3. He is not only upon both sides of the Covenant but he contracts for both the parties carrying the relation of a party both upward to God and downward to us he treateth and covenanteth for God with us and he treateth and covenanteth for us with God which upon the matter is to carry as having the representation and sum of both parties in his person 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me And as it is said of Jacobs representing the people that came out of his Ioins Hos 12.4 He found him in Bethel and there he spake with us So it may be said of Christs representing his people for God spoke with us in him 2. The sum of all the articles of the Covenant is in Christ Consider I pray what is the sum of the Articles even this I will be your God and ye shall be my people you find the articles of the Covenant frequently summed up in these two words Ezek. 37.23 Rev. 21.3 Now this is in Christ Jesus 1. In regard of the conjunction of relations in him to wit God owning the people
and the people owning him he being the only person in heaven or earth who doth bear or is capable to bear the relation of God towards the people and again of the people towards God for he is God with us Mat. 1.23 He is God and the people united and owning one another and in some things he doth represent and carry forth God to us as ours 2 Cor. 5.19 And in other things he doth represent and carry in the people of God and present them before him as his own people Heb. 9.24 and 2.13 Eph. 2.6 2. In regard of causality for although Christ be not the cause of Gods love to the Elect but the effect thereof Joh. 3.16 yet he is the cause of the effects and acts whereby it runneth forth towards us Christ is the bottom of the relation betwixt God and his people for by his taking a new Covenant-right unto God as his God and Father by Covenant he is lay the foundation of Gods being our God by Covenant and of our being the people of God by Covenant which had never been were it not for Christs new Covenant-right Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me Thou art my father my God and the rock of my salvation Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee and again I will be to him a father and he shall be to me a son 3. In regard of conveyance or of the manner and way how we have access to this priviledg and Covenant-state to have God to be our God God is our God in Christ and we are Gods people in and through Christ and without an existence in Christ and union with him God is not ours neither are we his Eph. 2.12 That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world For Covenant-relations as well as blessings come to us through Christ we come to God in Christ and God cometh to us and becometh ours in him 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 3. The sum of the mutual stipulation is in Christ there are some mutual conditions and stipulations in this as in other Covenants But Christ may be well called the whole stipulation 1. Because 't is he who obtaineth the consent of both parties and receiveth in their Amen to that blessed transaction of friendship and union the consent of the one from everlasting Prov. 8.22 23 30. with 2 Tim. 1.9 Tit. 1.2 and of the other when we believe Joh. 6.37 Rev. 22.17 20. 2. Because the Covenant was given to him to be fulfilled on both sides by him it was fulfilled upon Gods side for he is the person which was sent to perform all that God had promised to his people Luk. 1.69 70 72 73 74 And hath raised up an horn to salvation for us in the house of his servant David as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been since the world began to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant the oath which he sware to our father Abraham that he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear By him it was fulfilled upon our part for he is the person upon whom our help was laid even to perform whatsoever is required of us by the Covenant Psal 89.17 19 For thou art the glory of their strength Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one and saidst I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. Because upon the matter Christ is the very thing which is mutually stipulated upon both sides Consider I pray God stipulates to give us Christ and that is the sum of what he stipulates Isa 55.3 4 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people And again we restipulate to give Christ to God for all that the Covenant requires of us 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith For this is the nature of the Gospel-Covenant it craveth conditions and duties from us but filleth the hand with Christ wherewith to pay the masters rent and we do answer all that is craved with Christ which maketh the craving gentle Isa 60.17 I will also make thine officers peace and thine exactors righteousness 4. Christ is the sum of all the promises and blessings of the Covenant Isa 42.6 And give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles This doth appear 1. From the first discovery of this Covenant which had but one promise in it and that was the promise of Christ Gen. 3.15 The seed of the woman 2. This appears from Gods explicating the sum of the promises and Covenant when it was more explicitely held forth to be Christ gifted to his people Gen. 12.3 And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed Isa 55.3 4 And I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people 3. This appears from the holy Ghosts accounting Christs coming to be the performing of the whole Covenant and promises Luk. 1.69 72 73 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant the oath which he sware to our father Abraham c. 5. Christ is the sum of all the properties of the Covenant not only because whatsoever these properties speak forth of the nature of that transaction that is to be found in him but also and chiefly because Christ is the foundation of all these properties as may appear by a short recapitulation of the particular properties thereof which are all comprised in Christ And 1. The freeness of the Covenant is comprised in him The Covenant of grace is free and indeed Christ is a free Christ or Christ freely given to his people is the sum of the free Covenant Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever