1 Joh. 2.27 But the anointing that ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you c. Eph. 4.7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ And 1.23 The fulness of him that filleth all in all Acts 10.38 He is said to be anointed with the holy Ghost and with power having both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 given to him both might and authority Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh 1 Cor. 1.24 Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God And Col. 1.19 It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell that is admirable perfection of Grace he hath all worth in his person nothing is wanting in him that may compleat his peoples happiness some short view of the Graces wherewith he was filled we have Isa 11.2 3 4 5 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledg and of the fear of the Lord And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord and he shall not judg after the sight of his eyes neither shall reprove after the hearing of his ears 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 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins Rom. 15.12 And again Esaias saith There shall be a root of Jesse and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles in him shall the Gentiles trust And Col. 2.3 All the treasures of wisdom and knowledg not absolutely taken for infinite knowledg as the words relate to the human nature of Christ but relatively for a marvellous height of perfection of these things such as was requisite for his Mediatorship in order to our salvation Again Col. 2.9 it 's said of him The fulness of the Godhead dwells in him bodily i. e. personally by the union of the divine nature with the human in the unity of his person the perfect Deity of the Son with all his Attributes and not only in regard of particular gifts and graces as he dwelleth in the Prophets and Saints but as the soul dwelleth in the body personally or substantially in opposition to the shadows of the Old Testament But mainly by the anointing of Christ with the Holy Ghost we understand two things which we find joined with the Spirit promised to him 1. All the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit in copious and abundant measure and according to the highest pitch and degree that the human nature of Christ was capable to receive and so the Spirit put upon him is joined with the variety and eminency of excel-cellent gifts Isa 11.2 c. 2. The unutterable assistance and presence of the Spirit bearing his Human nature up in all that he was to do as Mediator that he should not serve on his own charges See Isa 42.1 2 Behold my servant whom I have chosen mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles He shall not cry nor lift up nor cause his voice to be heard in the street c. Psal 89.21 With whom my hand shall be established mine arm also shall strengthen him And both these the holy Human nature of Christ needed for these reasons 1. For the things which he was to suffer If Christ had nothing to do but active obedience the spirit of Adam or confirmed Angels might have done his turn but he had another work to do which would have crushed those excellent creatures to satisfie justice and lye under the infinite wrath of God and therefore needed more than they received Heb. 9.14 He is said to have offered up himself by the power of the eternal spirit which I take to signifie not only the Godhead which gave value to his suffering but the assistance of the Holy-Ghost whereby he was marvellously helped I mean his humane nature to go through those sufferings 2. Because his anointing was intended to run over to his people and the off-fallings of it was designed to fill them therefore it behoved to be without measure such a measure as cannot be comprehended by any other creature Joh. 1.16 Of his fulness do we receive Psal 133.2 It is like the precious oyntment upon the head that ran down upon the beard even Aarons beard that went down to the skirts of his garments Psal 68.18 Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord might dwell among them with Eph. 4.8 He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men Joh. 5.26 For as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself 3. Because God hath so contrived the business of Grace that no created thing can act without the spirit not Adam not the Angels not the holy humane nature of Christ that all creatures might be known to have no self-sufficiency but to be very depending things upon God and upon grace the assisting-grace of his Spirit that framed them and gave them being Mat. 3.15 And Jesus answering said unto him Suffer it to be so now for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever For a further clearing of this part of Christs Unction I lay down these four Positions 1. Concerning the Nature thereof that it was the same with the Unction of believers it was not one spirit which Christ received and another which believers receive grace in him and in them differ not in kind but in degrees See Joh. 1.14 16 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 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Psal 45.7 Thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Rom. 8.9 11 But ye are not in the flesh but in the spirit if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his But if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you For Consider the Unction of the
another whether Faith the eminent Gospel-condition or other Gospel-obedience required of us or to be performed upon our part all these were undertaken by Christ's act of Suretiship in the Covenant betwixt God and him and were ensured to him by Jehovah to be successfully performed See 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 2 Thess 2.13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth Isa 53.11 And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand 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 3. In personal Covenanting with God and the engaging of particular Souls to him in the way of the Covenant of Grace Christ's Suretiship is the ground of all proceeding till this be eyed and in some measure believed there is no possibility of advancing one step toward a new Covenant-state for how can fallen broken man who understands his condition to be such think of dealing with God unless he bring a Cautioner with him or how shall he bring to God Christ a surety of the better testament who hath not heard of and believed his eternal act of Suretiship Rom. 10.14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher This Covenant of Surtiship therefore must needs be the foundation of the Covenant of Grace and reconciliation hence 't is that David and Hezekiah flee to this act of Suretiship and lay the weight of their dealing with God on it Psal 119.122 Be surety for thy servant for good Isa 38.14 O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me 4. The Covenant made with us hath its stability from the Covenant of Suretiship made with Christ and therefore this must be the foundation of that I say upon the stability of the Covenant made with Christ doth depend the stability of the Covenant with us because that stands firm and sure therefore doth this stand fast also therefore the mercies of the Covenant with us are sure mercies and the promises of the Covenant are yea and amen because they are the sure mercies of David which were first promised to Christ Isa 55.3 and because the promises were made to us in him 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are amen Therefore the Covenant made with us is an everlasting Covenant because of the Covenant by which he was given to his people Isa 53.3 4 I make with you an everlasting Covenant even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness of the people a leader and commander of the people therefore our faith and perseverance and salvation are sure as sure as Heaven and Earth can make them because of the act of Christ's Suretiship and his undertaking for them because they hang upon Christ's fulfilling his Covenant of Suretiship with God and upon condition of his doing the work that his Father gave him to do Joh. 17.4 8.15.24 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am Mat. 16.18 And upon this rock will I build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it 5. The Holy Ghost's leading us so frequently in the Scriptures from the Covenant made with us in all the force efficacy stability eternity standing and perseverance thereof to look up to the Covenant of Suretiship made with Christ is a clear demonstration that this Covenant made with us depends upon the Covenant made with him and that the Covenant made with Christ is the foundation and ground of the Covenant made with us Read Ezek. 16.60 61 Nevertheless I will remember my Covenant with thee in the days of thy youth and I will establish unto thee an everlasting Covenant Then thou shalt remember thy ways and be ashamed when thou shalt receive thy Sisters thine elder and thy younger and I will give them unto thee for daughters but not by thy Covenant Where the efficacy of the Covenant made with us is hanged not upon that same Covenant but another to wit that made with Christ And Isa 22.22 23 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder for he shall open and none shall shut and he shall shut and none shall open and I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house c. Where under a type of Eliakim's trust the fixing of Christ in the Covenant is stated as the ground of all the gracious efficiency thereof and Psal 89.33 34 Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail 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 The establishment of the Covenant with Christ's sinful seed there spoke of by the name of David and his seed is reduced to the Covenant the sworn Covenant with Christ as the ground and foundation thereof whom God laid in Zion for a sure foundation to the intent that he who believeth may not make haste nor be suddenly removed from his Faith and steadfastness Isa 28.16 CHAP. II. Of the necessity of the Covenant of Redemption And 1. What kind of necessity for the being of this Covenant 2. In what Respects or to what Intents it is necessary WHen we speak of the necessity of the Covenant of Redemption or Suretiship we are cautiously to understand that necessity The School-men distinguish a threefold necessity Aquin. Sum. 1. Part. g. 19. Art 3 Estius in Sentent li. 1. d. 38. Sect. 7. 1. A most perfect and absolute necessity or a simple necessity when a thing is so that it cannot not be nor be otherwise and that by the power of any Agent whatsoever This necessity belongeth not to the Covenant of Redemption nor to any other the free acts of the will of God for if so it had pleased God he might have not entered that Covenant with his Son for it was not absolutely necessary that man should be redeemed God might have passed by man as he did the Apostate Angels which choice of objects to be redeemed by Christ is mentioned for aggravating God's
humane Nature of Christ 1. It was Created-grace wherewith he was anointed it was grace given upon the one part and received upon the other it was grace-poured out and infused in the same manner as believers receive grace Psal 68.18 Thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord might dwell among them Psal 45.2 7 Grace is poured into thy lips therefore hath God blessed thee for ever Thou lovest righteousness and hatest wickedness therefore God thy God hath anointed thee with oyl of gladness above thy fellows 2. It was grace which being finite did receive encrease Luk. 2.40 52 And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him And Jesus encreased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man as all his members do Eph. 4.13 Till all we 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 3. It must needs be of the same kind seeing our grace and Unction is part of his fulness Joh. 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace 1 Joh. 2.20 27 But ye have an unction from the holy one But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you Yet so as Christ is not degraded from his Soveraignty by his partners exaltation Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence 2. Concerning the measure of Christs Unction although his Unction differ not in kind from the Unction of believers yet the measure of it so far exceeds our measure that in respect thereof it is without measure and yet the humane Nature of Christ had not infinite grace for thereof it was not capable it is as the Ocean compared with the drop of a Bucket the spirit and grace was in him as water in the Fountain in us as water in the Cistern communication in regard of Christ is full and immediate grace is in him as the money in the treasure which is disbursed to us according to our need grace is in him as life and sense is eminently in the heart and head which is diffused into his members Joh. 5.26 For as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself Chap. 6. v. 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 Psal 45.2 7 Thou art fairer than the children of men grace is poured into thy lips God thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence 3. Concerning the time of Christs Unction whether he received the spirit without measure in that copious abundant effusion from the womb and first moment of his conception We say he was anointed even from the first union of his two Natures in his person the Godhead did sanctifie the huname Nature and make it holy undefiled and infused all graces as appears from Luk. 1.35 Therfore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Heb. 7.26 For such an High-priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heaven And from the glorious effects thereof which did early appear in him Luk. 2.42 to 49. Yet so as he did more fully receive the anointing and the spirit without measure when he was to appear publickly in the entire executing of his Offices which was about the thirtieth year of his age Luk. 3.23 with 4.1 22 And Jesus being full of the Holy-Ghost c. And all bare him witness and wondred at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth Which was typified in Davids being twice anointed once when he was first designed King 1 Sam. 16.13 And again when he was invested in the presence of the people 2 Sam. 2.4 Which was also held forth in the visible sign of the Holy-Ghost his descending upon him at his baptism Mat. 3.16 And was intimated to John before-hand Joh. 1.33 34 And I knew him not but he that sent me to baptize with water the same said unto me Vpon whom thou shalt see the spirit descending and remaining on him the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy-Ghost And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God i.e. That he who as man should receive the spirit should also as God yea as Mediator give the spirit to others 4. Concerning the extent of his Unction as it reacheth unto all the parts of his Mediatorship and the furnishing him for them 1. He was anointed to be a Prophet furnished with a dexterity to preach the Gospel Luk. 4.18 19 22 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty them that are bruised to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And all bare him witness and wondred at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth Isa 50.4 The Lord hath given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary Mat. 7.28 29 And it came to pass when Jesus had ended these sayings the people were astonished at his doctrine For he taught them as one having authority and not as the Scribes Joh. 6.63 The words that I speak unto you they are spirit and they are life Yea he was not only furnished with a spirit for that calling but also for prompting others and fitting them for it Eph. 4.8 11 And gave gifts unto men And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and some Teachers 2. He was anointed not only called but furnished for his Priestly Office for both the parts thereof furnished by the Spirit wherewith he was anointed both for offering his Sacrifice and for making his intercession Heb. 9.14 Who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God Chap. 5. v. 7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears c. 3. He was anointed and furnished for his Kingly Office with a spirit and gifts for Government for conquering his enemies and for ruling his people 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
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
universal is his Suretiship that it reacheth all possible emergent transgressions of his people upon whatsoever occasion Jer. 3.5 Will he reserve his anger for ever will he keep it to the end behold thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord if heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost 7. Among men the Surety being by a Legal substitution the Debtor the broken man he pays the Debt Jo. Calv. lex jurid p. 362. Fide jussores a pretis ita disserint quod hi sue proprio morbe laborant illi vero alieno tenentur c. but doth not yea cannot take away the blot evil sin and unjustice of the Debtors breach of Covenant of his borrowing and not paying again but still the Debtor when the Law is satisfied and the Debt payed he remains the unjust man carrying the blot of a person who violated his Covenant in borrowing and not paying again but Christ is a Surety who doth not only by paying the Debt remove the punishment due unto the Debtor for his unjustice but he removeth also the blot and the evil of sin by infusing inherent righteousness and holiness by expelling of sin out of its subject and introducing the contrary form to wit the habit of grace which no other Surety but he can do Tit. 2.14 Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works 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 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 8. Among men Justin ubi supra si quid autem fide jussor pro reo solverit ejusrecuperandi causa habet cum to mandati judicium the Surety hath repetition of the Debt payed and whatsoever satisfaction he hath made to the Creditor he is allowed repetition of that from the Debtor but Jesus the Surety of this Covenant hath no repetition of the satisfaction made by him for his people nay he never intended nor demanded any such satisfaction to be made to him by us as he made to God for us all the satisfaction desired by him from us is to accept of his free discharge and to thank him for it Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledg shall my righteous servant justific many for he shall bear their iniquities Who ever heard of such a Surety who payeth Debt and seeks no repetition of it no restitution of his losses but to thank him for it and not to frustrate the grace of God which he intendeth to make conspicuous in his free gift of his own satisfaction 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 Add that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and arose again Gal. 2.20 21 And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me I do not frustrate the grace of God for if righteousness come by the law then Christ is dead in vain 9. Among men usually the broken Debtors name stands still in the bond even after the responsal Surety hath intervened but here Jesus the Surety of the new Covenant when he put in his own name he puts out our names that the Law might reach him and might not at all reach us except in fo far as it is annexed to the new Covenant and established in the hands of a Mediator which hath no likeness to the old bloody bond he wrote himself the sinner Legally and wrote us the righteous persons 2 Cor. 5.21 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 Jer. 50.20 In those days and in that time saith the Lord the iniquitie of Israel shall be sought for and there shall be none and the sins of Judah and they shall not be found for I will pardon them whom I reserve 10. Among men the Surety hath a bond of relief from the Debtor to keep him harmless of all that may follow upon his obligation and undertaking as Surety but it is far otherwise in this Covenant for here the Surety hath no bond of relief from the Debtor but he hath a bond of relief from the Creditor Christ had his fathers bond of relief to keep him harmless in that undertaking he had as it were a back-bond that he should not succumb in his undertaking but that when he went into the prison he should come out again with honour and victory and so should be kept harmless from the hurt of the broken mans Debt Read it at length Isa 53.10 11 12 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he 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 by his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities 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 Isa 42.1 4 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgment in the earth and the Isles shall wait for his law Psal 16.10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption Psal 110 throughout 11. Among men usually the discharging and performance of the Sureties undertaking how willing soever is a burden Sureties after striking hands with the Creditor could willingly desire to be freed from the engagement Prov. 6.1 2 My Son if thou be Surety for thy friend if thou hast stricken hands with a stranger thou art snared with the words of thy mouth thou art taken with the words of thy mouth But it is not so in Christs undertaking who dischargeth his Suretiship as willingly and chearfully as he undertook it Heb. 10.7 Then said I Lo
Father glorifie thou me with thine own self But Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption 1. Efficiently or in regard of the efficient cause thereof the spring whence it came was Grace pure Grace and nothing else made it and gave it a being it was not only an act of will pleasure freedom and soveraignty but an act of gracious will and the good pleasure of his will that made it Eph. 1.5 Col. 1.19 2. Graciousness is attributed to this Covenant ultimately in regard that the ultimate end and scope thereof is the manifesting the glory of the richness and freeness of Grace t is a design of Grace that is driven and carried on in the Covenant of Redemption Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved 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 3. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was in it fundamentally the whole contrivance and dispensation of Grace is bottomed upon this eternal transaction and turns upon the hinge of this Compact betwixt Jehovah and Christ therefore all the mercies and faithfulness of the Lord that we are made to sing of within time are laid upon this foundation Psal 89.1 2 3 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations For I have said mercy shall be built up for ever thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens I have made a Covenant with my chosen 4. Graciousness may be attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was here originally for here the first draughts of pure soveraign free Grace and the unsearchable riches thereof were drawn and portrayed here is fountain-Grace and from thence came the streams here were the beginnings of that noble design of Grace laid and from hence did they come forth Col. 1.26 27 Even the mysterie which had been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to his Saints To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mysterie among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the hope of glory 5. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace is here comprehensively even all that God hath been driving and acting upon the spirits of his people by the Gospel-covenant and Ordinances thereof and the work of his Spirit since the beginning of the world and all that he shall do until the day that the ransomed and redeemed company be perfected even the whole plot of Grace is all comprised in this eternal transaction with Christ and to it are we led as the comprehension of all Covenant-grace and mercy Isa 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make with you an everlasting Covenant even the sure mercies of David 6. Graciousness is attributed to this Covenant because Grace is here eminently and indeed if the comparison might be fitly made pure Gospel free Grace is more in the Covenant of Redemption than in the Covenant of Reconciliation for 't is in the Covenant of Redemption principally as water is in the fountain and in the Covenant of Reconciliation by participation and consequentially because God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself by that Covenant therefore he is now in Christ reconciling the world to himself by this Covenant of reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.19 20 21 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trospasses 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 unto God for he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be the righteousness of God in him 7. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was therein exemplarily for hereby God did act Grace in Christ and made him a Samplar and the first copy of free Grace to all his brethren seed and heirs that they might share with him upon whom the first acts of eternal Covenant-love and Grace fell and that God might shew forth in him a pattern of Covenant-dealings and out letting of Covenant-favour and promises Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my father my God and the rock of my salvation With 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 Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together 3. Another Property of the Covenant of Redemption is Eternity For 1. Both the Parties are eternal the eternal God who is from everlasting to everlasting Deut. 33.27 and the eternal Son of God whose eternal power and Godhead Rom. 1.20 is equal with God his Father Phil. 2.6 And who shall declare his generation Isa 53.8 Joh. 1.1 2 In the beginning the word was and the word was with God and the word was God the same was in the beginning with God Rev. 1.8 I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end saith the Lord which is which was and which is to come 2. The union of the two natures in the Person of the Redeemer which was transacted in this Covenant is an eternal union I mean the humane nature which was from eternity designed unto a substantial union with God being once assumed stands in that substantial union for ever so that it is impossible that the personal union which was transacted in the Covenant of Redemption can be dissolved unto all eternity for 't is unquestionable that Christ shall stand glorified in our nature in heaven for ever for even there is a throne for the man Christ for the Lamb slain for ever Rev. 22.3 But the throne of God and of the lamb shall be in it Act. 17.31 3. The New Covenant-relations which were established betwixt Jehovah and Christ by this Covenant of Redemption are eternal relations which shall never cease 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 This Covenant-relation I say whereby God is the God and Father
and with them only See Psal 89.3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen 2 Thess 2.13 God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth 5. These Covenants of Redemption and Reconciliation agree in this that the principal ends of both are the same which were 1. The highest manifestation of all the Lords glorious attributes which were so manifested in Christ as they were never known before whereof in its proper place this was one of the principal ends which the Lord had before him both in the Covenant of Redemption and the Covenant of Reconciliation Eph. 3.9 10 11 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the Mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ 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. 2. The highest and nearest union of man with God was one of the Lords ends in both these Covenants to make up such an union betwixt God and Man as might be a ground and foundation of sutable communion Joh. 14.20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my father and you in me and I in you 1 Cor. 6.17 But he that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit 3. Another principal end which God had before him in his Covenant-dealings was the highest and fullest communication of himself to man this end was proposed in both these Covenants of Redemption and Reconciliation God would dispense nothing of himself unto the creatures but by his Son and through his Covenant with him and with us he purposed to communicate himself to us 1 Joh. 5.11 And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life and this life is in his Son And 1.3 And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 6. The Covenant of Suretiship made with Christ and the Covenant of Redemption and Grace made with sinners agree in this That the good and advantage of both these Covenants redounded unto us even as the honour of both accrues unto the Lord who after the opening of this subject of his Covenant-dealings with Christ and through him with us Isa 42.1 to 8 immediately subjoyns I am the Lord that is my name and my glory I will not give to another both these Covenants were transacted to the praise of the glory of his grace Eph. 1.6 But the profit and advantage of both is ours not his and if these words Psal 16.2 3 My goodness extendeth not unto thee but to the Saints that are in the earth and to the excellent in whom is all my delight be the words of Christ or relating to Covenant-transactions betwixt Jehovah and Christ as most part of that Psalm is Jâ— Coce Dâ— soed c. p. p. 106. and some Expositors apply it and I do not see why it may not more fitly be applied to Christ than to David I say if these words be Christ's they speak the point in hand fully Besides see Rom. 5.15 The grace of God and the gift by grace which is by one man Jesus Christ hath abounded unto many 2 Cor. 4.15 For all things are for your sakes that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God 7. They agree in this That there is exchange of places betwixt Christ and his elect redeemed seed in both these Covenants In the Covenant of Suretiship he taketh our Law-place and room and putteth himself in the sinners stead as hath been said Heb. 10.7 Lo I come to do thy will And again in the Covenant of Reconciliation we take Christ's Law-place or rather have bestowed upon us that place and room with God which the Law allowed to him that obeyeth the Law and satisfieth the Law to the full Hence 't is said that we are made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 This is our place by the Covenant of Reconciliation to have that high righteousness of our Surety unto which the God-head gave excellency and the righteousness of the Law is said to be fulfilled in us Rom. 8.4 to wit the passive righteousness thereof in suffering for the breach of the Law and how was this only by commutation and exchange of places with Christ our Surety who put himself in our place and put us in his 8. The Covenant of Redemption and the Covenant of Reconciliation agree in many properties both these Covenants are free gracious everlasting ordered in all things sure c. as may fully appear by what is already spoken of the properties of the Covenant of Suretiship and by the second part of this Treatise which relates to the properties of the Covenant of Grace 2. In the next place let us take notice of the difference between the Covenants of Redemption and Reconciliation whereby it may appear that these are two Covenants and not one and the same These Covenants differ 1. In the rise although they agree thus far in the rise See Mr. Rutherf Treat of the Covenant p. 2. c. 8. that both these Covenants had the rise from Grace as I have shewed yet they differ in this that the Covenant of Redemption and Suretiship did spring out of Grace in both the parties for therein did the Grace of Jehovah and the Grace of Jesus Christ appear it was the gracious pleasure and good will of both the parties which equally gave it the first rise But the Grace that giveth the rise to the Covenant of Reconciliation is not shared between the parties but it stands all upon one side Grace in God and in our Lord Jesus Christ without any gracious disposition or qualification upon our part till it be wrought in us by the Grace of Christ giveth the first rise to the Covenant of Reconciliation and Grace made with sinners Tit. 2.11 For the grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared unto all men 1 Joh. 4.10 19 Herein is love not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins We love him because he first loved us Rom. 5.6 8 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for us But God commendeth his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us 2. These Covenants differ in the property of eternity for although both are everlasting Covenants yet both are not eternal The Covenant of Redemption is eternal for the Lord does not begin in time to design Christ a Surety and Mediator nor does the Son begin in time to be a Consenter but we are to understand the Apostles saying he was made surety Heb. 7.22 by Christ's own saying I was set up from everlasting c. Prov. 8.23 1 Pet. 1.20 Who verily was
pillars therefore the Lord gives the Name to Christ a precious corner-stone a sure â—â—â—ndation Isa 28.16 Hence also the whole building of Covenant-mercy and faithfulness with us is joyned with God's Covenant with Christ Psal 89.2 3 For I have said Mercy shall be built up for ever thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens I have made a Covenant with my chosen Isa 59.21 As for me this is my Covenant with them saith the Lord My Spirit that is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever 2. By an infallible connexion whereby one thing doth necessarily and certainly follow upon another for supposing that God hath made a Covenant of Redemption with Christ and hath from eternity given a people to him to be redeemed by him it necessarily follows that this redeemed people shall come under Covenant-dealings with Christ by faith in him for if that go before this must needs follow 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 And 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 The reason is manifest because as nothing is here transacted in time which was not from eternity concluded in the counsel of God's Will so nothing is there concluded nothing agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ that can miss to take effect Act. 15.18 Known unto him are all his works from the beginning of the world And 4.27 28 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus whom thou hast anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done And 13.48 And as many as were ordained to life believed Isa 53.10 And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand 3. These two Covenants are conjoyned by an Insuperable connexion such as the strength of no opposition can overcome for the Covenant of Suretiship made with Christ hath such strong influence on the Covenant of Reconciliation made with us that it regardeth no opposition in the way of that work but the people who are given to Christ by that first Covenant to be redeemed by him he doth redeem them out of all Nations by the mighty efficacious power and working of his Spirit he bows their wills indeclinably to believe to hearken that their souls may live and to make with him an everlasting Covenant Isa 55.3 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 the force of this Covenant with Jehovah draws so that nothing can keep back the Sinner from coming Song 1.4 Draw me we will run after thee Matth. 16.18 Vpon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it Zech. 10.8 I will hiss for them and gather them for I have redeemed them 4. By a secret and hidden connexion which natural eyes and carnal minds cannot see nor take up This secret and mystery of the Covenant was long hid in God's breast even after it had a being betwixt him and Christ yea and how great a secret was it in the world even after it began to break forth first in Paradise Col. 1.26 Even the mysterie which hath been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to his Saints Psal 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant It is but one continued tract of Covenant-grace one current of the water of life that run along like a river under ground hidden in the secret counsel of God's Will and kept close betwixt God and Christ and at length brake out above ground in a Covenant of peace with believers 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 wherein 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 Joh. 17.7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee 5. These Covenants are conjoyned by a beautiful connexion which eminently shineth in the exact correspondency of the Covenant of Suretiship made with Christ and the Covenant of peace made with us which being laid together do perfectly quadrate and answer one another in all points O what a deal of beauty is to be seen in the connexion of the Covenants of Redemption and Reconciliation In the former all things relating to the Redemption and Salvation of Christ's elect seed were plotted and contrived in the latter the same things are executed by that Covenant they were ordered by this they are acted It is the same business in the hand of Christ by the Covenant of Reconciliation which was long before in his heart when he made a Covenant with Jehovah the same design of love acted him in both Now Christ negotiates the same business which was long before undertaken by his Suretiship Joh. 17.6 7 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 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me 2 Cor. 5.19 21 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation 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 Zech. 9.11 As for thee also by the blood of thy Covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water In a word there is such a connexion between the Covenant of Redemption made with Christ and the Covenant of Reconciliation made with us as is betwixt the cause and the effect God's Covenant with Christ is the cause his Covenant with us is the effect for it hath a proper efficiency in the producing of this such as is betwixt the root and the branch the fountain and the streams the Covenant made with us did
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 c. 1 Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which are Gods 3. By way of real influence the faith of Christs Suretiship hath real influence upon the believers heart to make him study to walk like the redeemed people if the threatnings of the Law and Gospel have some influence upon the spirit of man to make him obey the Law or Gospel 't is without doubt they have a moral influence and when accompanied with the spirit they have real influence Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Chap. 12. v. 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 Sure the gracious Covenant of Suretiship betwixt Jehovah and Christ the undertakings of Christ for the believer must much more have influences upon the believers spirit and really put him to it to walk like a ransomed soul Gal. 2.20 I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. CHAP. VII Of the Name Mediator what it signifieth and how it agreeth to Christ THat there is a Mediator of the Covenant of Grace and but one only even the Lord Jesus Christ doth clearly appear from Heb. 8.6 Chap. 9. v. 15. Chap. 12. v. 22 23 24. 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus The first Covenant which was of works had no Mediator for then there was no disagreement betwixt God and Man but this Covenant under which we stand by Grace hath a Mediator and needeth one as I shall shew by and by Concerning the Mediator of the new Covenant we shall consider 1. The Name what it signifieth and how it agreeth to Christ 2. The necessity of a Mediator in the new Covenant 3. The Person that is Mediator 4. The Office of Mediatorship and these things that belong unto it 5. The grounds of comfort and supports of faith arising to believers from Christs Mediation 1. The Name Mediator 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies a midler whether he be such in regard of his Person or Office one betwixt two Gal. 3.20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one but God is one And a Reconciler as the Hebrew word signifies Job 9.33 Neither is there any days-man betwixt us Grot. de satisf Christi chap. 8. that might lay his hand upon us both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mochjach a Triester one who interposeth for taking away differences betwixt disagreeing parties It signifies also one that declareth things betwixt parties internuntius interpres one that goes betwixt parties and carries the mind of each to other in which sense Moses was a typical Mediator betwixt God and the Children of Israel who carried the will of God to them and carried back their answer to God Gal. 3.19 20 with Exod. 19.3 Chap. 20. v. 19. Deut. 5.5 And although Socinus plead that the word Mediator Socin de servat lib. 1. cap. 2. signifies nothing in Scripture but an Interpreter the falshood whereof doth evidently appear from Heb. 9.15 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 c. 1 Tim. 2.5 6 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransome for all to be testified in due time Also he would have Christ to be a Mediator only in this last sense that is Gods Interpreter yet all the three significations of the word do agree to Christ and he is called the Mediator of the new Covenant with respect to all the three 1. He is one betwixt two that middle person God and man equally distant from both equally drawing near to both parties and so in a fit capacity to mediate and interpose Mat. 1.23 And they shall call his name Emanuel which being interpreted is God with us He is the days-man the Reconciler and triester of the difference who hath interposed and actually composed the difference Eph. 2.14 16 For he is our peace who hath made both one And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity thereby 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Col. 1.20 And having made peace by the blood of his cross to him to reconcile all things to himself 3. He is the Mediator in this sense also and Interpreter who published and declared the new Covenant and the peace Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh He went betwixt the parties and carried the offers of one and the acceptation of the other In which respect he is called the Messenger or Angel of the Covenant Mal. 3.1 And so much for a taste of the Name and signification of the word Mediator of the thing we shall speak when we come to speak of the Mediators Person and Office More particularly Why is Jesus called the Mediator of the new Covenant Heb. 12.24 Or in what respects does this Name agree to him and what may it import I will not trouble the Reader with the enumeration of how often and ordinarily he is sound in medio in the middle Gerard. loc com de person c. offic Christi loc 4. c. 3. he that pleaseth may read it elsewhere But I think he is called the Mediator of the new Covenant upon a foursold account 1. In respect of his Person because he was a middle person participating of both parties 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 having interest in both parties God-man Immanuel God with us or God us Mat. 1.23 2. In respect of his Office not only a middle-person but a middle officer designed for a middle-work for dealing betwixt God and man in the great transaction of Recconciliation Col. 1.20 2 Cor. 5.19 3. In respect of his fitness and qualifications to interpose betwixt God and man whereof more afterward at this time but a passing-word of it He was the only fit person to lay hands on both parties In Heaven or Earth there was not found
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
procuring his peoples peace with his Father he never giveth over dealing in the business until it be done and ended and the treaty be closed and signed until he have finished the work Joh. 17.4 24. and have said unto his people Peace I give unto you Joh. 14.27 Eph. 2.14 15 16 For he is our peace who hath made both one and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us Having abolished in his flesh the enmity even the law of commandments contained in ordinances for to make in himself of twain one new man so making peace And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity thereby 8. A Mediator must be a Wooer of both the parties to bring them in friendship together The Mediator of the new Covenant did this eminently he wooed God for us and wooed us for God which none of the parties had access to do immediately without his interposing betwixt them and this he doth several ways 1. By praising and commending both the parties and speaking good of each of them to the other as it were behind their backs he commendeth God to us Joh. 6.39 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 Chap. 14. v. 2 In my Fathers house are many mansions if it were not so I would have told it you I go to prepare a place for you Chap. 16. v. 17 For the Father himself loveth you And he commendeth us to God Joh. 17.8 25 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 O righteous Father the world hath not known thee but I have known thee and these have known that thou hast sent me 2. By praying and requesting both the parties to be at peace he entreateth his Father to be at peace with us Joh. 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them that thou hast given me for they are thine And he entreats and requests us to be reconciled with his Father 2 Cor. 5.20 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 3. By engaging and becoming Surety to both parties for all that he speaketh in the name of any of the parties unto the other Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made surety of a better Testament He maketh saith and undertaketh that we shall find God as good as the commendation which he puts upon him and he maketh faith to God-ward that he shall make us answer his promises in our name and what we do not he shall do for us 9. A Mediator must be of a Couragious and unsubdued spirit to go through difficulties discouragement and opposition without being layed by in his work else in dealing for reconciliation betwixt parties that are at a great distance he should be soon discouraged Christ is eminently such a person he goeth on in the work of redemption and reconciliation saving his people and subduing his enemies and though there be many enemies to this peace and many discouragements be cast in his way from some of the parties themselves yet doth he go on in his work with a heroick and undaunted spirit he can neither be bowed nor broken nor laid by Psal 42.4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgment in the earth and the Isles shall wait for his law 1. He was not broken nor discouraged by the weight of the work which he had undertaken his duty broke him not but he went on in it till he had ended his work Joh. 17.4 I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do We read indeed that he wept sometimes Luke 19.41 Heb. 5.7 but he was not discouraged then but went on to do his work the courage of faith of his victory was not shaken nor crushed 2. His enemies and all the opposition they could make to him did not break him nor lay him by he would go up to Jerusalem where they sought to kill him Luke 9.51 And it came to pass when the time was come that he should be received up he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem And 13.32 And he said unto them Go ye and tell that Fox Behold I cast out Devils and I do cures to day and to morrow and the third day I shall be perfected He would walk on his twelve hours he knew not what unbelieving fear was 3. His sufferings did not break him nor lay him by from his work when he sweat blood and when he suffered on the Cross even then he set about his duty and intermitted it not but minded sinners more than himself often in prayer caring for his Mother preaching to the thief c. Mat. 26. Mark 14. Luke 22 chapters 4. His cold and bad entertainment which he got from his people when he was about his work did not break him nor lay him by John 1.10 11 He was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not He came unto his own and his own received him not And the many scoffs and the slighting carriage of his people and the grieving his spirit and breaking his heart every day yet doth not discourage him nor lay him by from his work and from endeavours for their reconciliation with God Rom. 10. last But unto Israel he saith All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people Luke 19.41 42 And when he was come near he beheld the City and wept over it saying If thou hast known even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy peace but now they are bid from thine eyes 5. The displeasure and wrath of both the parties which he knew he behoved to go through brake him not laid him not by but he ventured to take on the displeasure of both that he might agree them and take away the difference Zech. 13.7 Awake O sword against my shepherd and against the man that is my fellow saith the Lord of Hosts Smite the shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered and I will turn my hand upon the little ones Luke 19.14 But his Citizens hated him Mat. 21.38 This is the heir come let us kill him and let us seize on his inheritance 6. The fair offers of the world and smiles of temptation from it laid him not by nor took him off the work which he came to do Joh. 6.15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force and make him a King he departed again into a mountain himself alone Mat. 4.8 9 Again the Devil taketh him up unto an exceeding high Mountain and sheweth him all the kingdoms
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
Most part of the Popish Writers hold that Christ performeth the Office of Mediatorship not according to his Divine Nature but according to his Human Nature only as Man Orthodox Divines hold that Christ is Mediator according to both Natures and doth not execute that Office only as God nor only as Man but as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God-man For clearing whereof I shall premise a few things 1. The Question is not whether there be in the Mediator the concurrence of both natures in the unity of his Person for that is confessed by all But whether both Natures concur in the Works of Mediation or in the execution of that Office 2. Nor is the Question Whether the two Natures in Christ be distinct in their essence and properties and so in their operations for we yeild that the Human Nature doth that which pertaineth to the Humanity and the Divine Nature that which pertaineth to the Divinity yet so as the Natures being united in one Person so the operations concur to make up one Work of a Mediator the Human and Divine Natures concurring to produce one act or work of Mediatorship 3. Nor is the Question Whether all the Works of Christ the Mediator were the Works of both Natures For it is certain some of them were the Works of his Humanity some of his Divinity in respect of the thing done but Whether there were not a concurrence of both Natures acting jointly although distinctly in the performing of them 2. That Both Natures concur in Christs performing the Office of Mediatorship and what he doth as Mediator he doth as God-man may be confirmed by these reasons 1. According to what Nature Christ is the King Priest and Prophet of his Church accordingly he is Mediator for he carried these Offices as he was Mediator but according to both Natures Christ is King Priest and Prophet of his Church for according to the approved rule Names of Office which are given to Christ they agree to him according to both Natures therefore Christ executes the Office of Mediatorship as God-man according to both Natures 2. If the Godhead of Christ concurred with the Manhood in all the acts of Mediatorship then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediator as Man only but as God-man but we find the Godhead interested in every act which Christ did or doth as Mediator It is evident from the several acts of each of his Offices from his Obedience Suffering Resurrection Intercession Heb 9.14 How much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your Conscience from dead works to serve the living God 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 Eph. 1.19 20 According to the working of his power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places None of which could be performed by his Human Nature alone without concurrence of his Godhead True it is indeed we may conceive some Acts wherein the Humanity of Christ did not concur with his Divinity viz. Those that he wrought before his Incarnation but none wherein his Humanity acted without his Divinity It followeth therefore that Christ performeth this Office as God-man 3. If many chief essential acts of Christs Mediation are from the Deity of Christ as from the next proper formal and immediate cause then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediator as Man only but as God-man but many chief essential acts of Christs Mediation are from his Deity as the next proper formal immediate cause Ergo c. The Minor is proved by these instances The Incarnation of Christ is from the Deity which did assume the Humanity which when it was not could not assume it self The manifestation of God was a work truly divine which was from the Deity as the true cause though from the Humanity as an Instrument Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him Matth. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father and no man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father fave the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Christ as Man teacheth as an Instrument and Christ the Word teacheth as Mediator the works of Authority and Power were all performed by the Divine Nature 4. If Christ as Mediator performed many divine acts which cannot be from his Humanity alone Then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediatorship as Man only but as God also But Christ as Mediator performeth many Divine acts which cannot be from his Humanity alone such as his rising from the dead which was by the power of his Deity Rom. 1.4 And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurection of Jesus from the dead And 8.3 4 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 Eph. 1.19 20 Christ as Mediator hath power and authority to forgive sins and send the holy Spirit to enlighten the understandings to soften the hearts of men and that not only meritoriously but efficiently which are the proper works of God Mar. 2.10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins 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 testify of me And 16.7 But if I depart I will send him unto you 5. If none of the works performed by Christ as Mediator whether the works of Ministry that were performed by him in the Nature of man or the works of Authority and Power performed by the Divine Nature were performed without the concurring of the other Nature in Christ Then Christ performeth the Office of Mediator not as God alone nor as Man only but according to both Natures as God-man but the former is true Ergo c. The Major is proved by parts 1. The works of Ministry which were performed in the Nature of man and were the works of Christs Humanity such as were his death upon the Cross c. yet the Divine Nature was concurring in these not only to support and sustain the Human but the thing done had its efficacy dignity and value from his Divinity in that they were the works of him that is God It was the Son of God the Lord of life that died on the Cross but it was the Nature of Man not of God wherein he died yet it was the Divine Nature that did support him and gave worth to his sacrifice 2. The works of authority and power such as the remitting of sins
Angels The first Scripture is that 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the Man Christ Jesus which seems to set forth the object of Christs Mediation to be men not Angels but consider that there is a twofold Mediation of Christ the one of Redemption or Reconciliation the other of Preservation or confirmation Christ is only a Mediator of Redemption betwixt God and man for he never undertook for the fallen Angels Matth. 25.41 Then shall he say unto them on his left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Jude ver 6 And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day And of this Mediation speaks that Text 1 Tim. 2.5 A Mediation which had a ransom and propitiation in it that Christ died only for man not for the Angels The other Scripture is that Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Which will indeed prove and speaketh it plainly that when fallen men and Angels were before him sinking into their misery he took hold of the one not of the other And so that none of the fallen Angels have benefit by Christs Mediation It will prove that herein Christ expressed his love more to Men than Angels in that he saved some of the fallen men but none of the Angels and would carry this Office not in their Nature but in ours Yet I conceive it will not prove that the elect Angels have no benefit by Christs Mediation I incline therefore to think it most probable that the elect Angels are not to be excluded from the benefit of Christs Mediation whether they had need of a Mediator or not as Calvin upon Col. 1.20 laboureth to prove I shall not debate but these two things only I shall speak of 1. I shall shew that the good Angels have benefit by Christ which is certain 2. That there are probable grounds to judg that they have this benefit through Christs Mediation 1. By Christ the Angels have knowledg of the mysteries of our Salvation even a glorious addition of knowledg by this new discovery and bright manifestation of God in all his Atributes that have shined forth in Christ Eph. 3.10 To the intent that now unto the Principalitics and Powers in Heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God 1 Pet. 1.12 Which things the Angels did desire to look into 2. By Christ they have an honourable Office they became Principalities and Powers in governing the world and Ministring Spirits that Christ may be honoured in the Church Col. 1.16 For by him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in Earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him Heb. 1.14 Are they not all ministring Spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of Salvation And therefore when Christ shall give up his dispensatory Kingdom then shall all rule be put down which is not only to be understood of the being of no Magistracy and no Ministry but even of the Angels Principalities and Powers 3. By Christ the Angels have joy at the conversion of sinners Luke 15.10 Likewise I say unto you there is Joy in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner that repenteth Matth. 18.10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones For I say unto you that in Heaven their Angels do alwayes behold the face of my Father which is in Heaven Luke 2.13 And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God By Christ the Angels have a more perfect and firm union with God a kind of econciliation Col. 1.20 And having made peace by the blood of his Cross by him to reconcile all things to himself by him I say whether they be things on Earth or things in Heaven Where by things in Heaven is understood Angels who are said to be reconciled to God not properly for where there is no breach there can be no reconciliation this is peculiar unto man but improperly and annalogically they may be said to be reconciled by confirming and establishing them in the grace and favour of God Tollendo peccata hominum possibilitatem peccandi in Angelis taking away all possibility of defection in them 2. These benefits which the Angels certainly have by Christ they may be probably conceived to have them by Christs Mediation 1. Because Christ is a head to the elect Angels as well as to elect men and they are part of his mystical body Col. 2.10 And ye are compleat in him which is the head of all Principality and Power Eph. 1.10 That in the Dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in Heaven and which are on Earth even in him they are reckoned a part of the Catholick Church and inhabitants of the Heavenly Jerusalem Heb. 12.23 24 Now if Christ be head of the Church as he is Mediator then whatsoever benefit they as part of his Body have from Christ the Head I do not see how we can avoid to say they must have it through his Mediation For how can it be conceived that one part of Christs Body hath benefit from Christs Mediation and another part of it hath benefit by him and yet another way than by his mediation 2. Because whatsoever benefit the Angels have by Christ they were elected unto it 1 Tim. 5.21 I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels Now Christ being the head of the election in whom all that are elect are elected Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world And the benefits unto which we are elected in Christ coming through his Mediation to all the elect these must come so to the elect Angels also Eph. 1.4 5 10 According as he hath chosen us in Christ 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. That in the dispensation of the fulness of time he might gather together in one all things in Christ 3. Because whatsoever creature is not under a possibility of sinning Aquin. part 1. Qâ—ust 63. Art 1. it hath that not by the condition of its nature but by grace Now the elect Angels being freed from all possibility of sinning this they must have by Grace which cometh not only from Christ but through his Mediation Joh. 1.17 For the Law was given by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ being some other thing supervenient beside the good of their natural condition wherein
she should be arrayed in fine linnen clean and white for the fine linnen is the righteousness of Saints CHAP. XVII Of the grounds of Comfort and supports of Faith arising to Believers from Christs Mediatorship I Shall shut up this part of the Doctrine of Christs Mediatorship with some grounds of Comfort and supports of Faith which arise thence 1. There is Comfort here and support for Faith to all who are convinced of enmity betwixt God and them and do desire reconciliation with him Lo here are glad tidings there is a Mediator a Peace-maker betwixt God and men 1 He is already long ago designed and appointed for this Office 2. He hath already done the work he hath purchased and proclaimed the Peace even to Rebels who will come in and accept of it Eph. 2.16 17 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the Cross having slain the enmity thereby and came and preached Peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh and being now removed out of our sight he hath appointed it to be done by his messengers Rom. 10.15 How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace and bring glad tidings of good things 3. He is now ready to accept of and make intercession for all those that shall come in and declare their acceptance of his offer 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 Joh. 6.37 And him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Why then do you haesitate Why stand you off What aileth you Is there not here encouragement and support of Faith Is there not comfort against the selt-enmity and feared-wrath to come Joh. 1.29 Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the Sin of the World 2. There is comfort and support for Faith from Christs Mediatorship namely to Believers and to those who have come to God through him 1. To all forts of Believers 2. In all the variety of their several conditions 3. Against all their fears and evils wherewith they are afflicted 1. To all Believers I mean sound Believers 1 Pet. 1.1 to the weak as well as the strong to them who have like precious Faith with the Apostles although they have not like perfect and strong Faith he is not a Mediator for the strong only but for all that believe on him 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 And 17.20 Neither pray I for these alone but for them also that shall believe on me through their word Goodwin Christ set forth And it is well observed by Mr. Goodwin â—â—om Heb. 17.25 that the comfort and encouragement proposed there from Christs Intercession is fitted for a Recumbents Faith the proper act whereof as 't is distinguished from the Faith of Assurance is a coming to Christ he is a Mediator for all that have cast themselves on him in their way of coming to God though their Faith be not yet grown up to assurance 2. To all Believers in their several conditions he is Mediator and does the Office of a Mediator not only when Believers can act faith and employ him but when their Faith is well-near failed like a worn week when they are at the weakest and at the worst Luke 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not Not only when his elect people are doing him service but when they are ignorantly opposing him as many times they do especially before their Conversion Act. 9.5 6 I am Jesus whom thou persecutest And he trembling and astonished said Lord what wilt thou have me to do And the Lord said arise and go into the City and it shall be told thee what thou must do Luke 23.34 And Jesus said Father forgive them for they know not what they do Not only when they are in his way but when they are out of the way Heb. 5.2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way Not only when they can pray and wrestle for themselves Rev. 8.3 And another Angel came and stood at the Altar having a Golden Censor 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 but when they cannot utter their heart before the Lord Rom. 8.26 27 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 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Isa 59.16 And he saw that there was no man and wondred that there was no Intercessor therefore his arm brought salvation unto him and his righteousness it sustained him Not only when all is well and at peace and when nothing is charged against them but when they are under Challenges and condemning-things are laid to their charge 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 Not only in time of peace but when wrath and destruction is gone forth against his people Ezek. 9.4 And the Lord said unto him Go through the midst of the City the midst of Jerusalem and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof Zech. 1.12 Then the Angel of the Lord answered and said O Lord of Hosts how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the Cities of Judah against which thou hast had indignation these Threescore and ten years Not only at their first coming but in all their after-addresses to God through 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 With 4.14 16 Seeing then that we have an 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. The Comfort and support of Faith flowing from Christs Mediatorship reacheth to all the evils wherewith Believers can be afflicted Namely 1. It may comfort against the daily infirmities wherewith believers are compassed these shall not make a breach betwixt God and us for as much as Christs Mediation is intended to prevent that 1 Joh. 2.1 2 And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation
be established in the faith of our Covenant-relation to God But I come to speak of the second which I take to be chiefly meant Christ is the Witness witnessing or the person who beareth witness of all that is contained in the Covenant For opening of this consider these four particulars Christ is the Beholding-witness the Acting-witness the Declaring-witness the Confirming-witness of the Covenant 1. Christ is an Eye-witness of the Covenant that is he was present and heard and saw the whole transaction of the Covenant from the beginning to the end in which respect the Scriptures call persons present at any thing and beholders of it witnesses 1 Tim. 6.12 2.22 1 Joh. 1.2 3 because they are fit to bear witness in that thing having certain grounds of knowledg of it Thus was our Lord Jesus a fit witness of the Covenant for he was present at the very first motion of it and heard and saw all the convey of it Prov. 8.22 23 30 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way before his works of old I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was then I was by him as one brought up with him and I was dayly his delight rejoycing always before him 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 So that we may say of him in reference to the Covenant-transaction that which John saith of him with reference to creation Joh. 1.2 3 The same was in the beginning with God all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Nothing was done in that business without him neither indeed could it be he being not only present but the alone party with whom God had first dealing with reference to this Covenant 2. Christ is an Acting-witness of the Covenant who not only was present and did-see the whole transaction of that business but had an active hand in it yea it was acted upon his person when before Pontius Pilate he witnessed a good confession 1 Tim. 6.13 and in this sense it is that the Apostle Peter 1 Ep. 5 calleth himself a Witness of the sufferings of Christ because he had experience of them in his own person he was partaker of them and had them acted upon him 'T is beyond question that Christ was such a witness of the Covenant he had an active hand in it from beginning to the end in the making of it and in the fulfilling of it he was a prime actor and undertaker from eternity Hence it is that the Apostle Heb. 8.10 11 ascribes the making of the new Covenant to Christ for it s of him and his Ministry that the Apostle speaks in that place so Joh. 17.2 6 c. As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him 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 Joh. 15.15 for all things that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you yea I say the whole Covenant was acted upon him the union of the contrary disagreeing parties was acted upon his person the bringing of man near to God and Gods coming near to man the paying of the ransome and the acceptation of it it was acted upon him it was a bloody act upon his person Isa 53 throughout Zech. 13.7 Awake O sword against my shepherd and against the man that is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts smite the shepherd 2 Cor. 5.10 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them 3. Christ is the witness of the Covenant who did declare and reveal the great secret of the Covenant even all that he heard and faw and acted about it he doth witness and declare even the whole Counsel of God concerning his Covenant his purpose and will of grace concerning his people which things we had never known had not the witness of the Covenant revealed and declared them Psal 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant 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 Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were near The reason is manifest because Natures light which can shew something of God yet it 's utterly blind concerning Christ and the Covenant of grace 1 Cor. 2.7 8 12. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory which none of the princes of this world knew For had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory Now we have received not the spirit of the world but the spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God Mat. 13.11 He answered and said unto them because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven but to them it is not given And in this sense it is that the Ministers of the Gospel who reveal and declare that mystery are called witnesses Act. 1.8 Rev. 11.3 10. There be three great mysteries and secrets of the Gospel and Kingdom of Heaven which had never been known unless Christ the witness of the Covenant had declared them but by him they are revealed and discovered unto us 1. The mystery of the Covenant the Gospel-Covenant is one of the greatest mysteries that ever the world heard of Eph. 6.19 To make known the mystery of the Gospel Col. 1.26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to his saints It 's a treasure of hidden mysteries of science and knowledg truly so called Psal 19.7 8 knowledg of God and of our selves Joh. 17.6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world Job 42.5 6 But now mine eye seeth thee wherefore I abhor my self and repent in dust and ashes A treasure of mysteries of commerce and trade with the Land that is afar off I mean with Heaven Col. 3.1 2 3 If ye then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God set your affection on things above not on things on the earth for ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God A treasure of the mysteries of State of the Kingdom of Heaven Matt. 13.11 He answered and said unto them Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven but to them it is
â—0 10 For then with not leave my Soul in Hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption Luk. 23.43 Verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Joh. 13.1 3. 14.2 Luk. 16.23 24 25. Heb. 12.23 24. 2 Thes 1.9 Rev. 21. 2â— 5. It 's a controversie to the world whether there be a God or a Providence that ruleth the world Psal 14.1 The fool hath said in his heart there is no God Isa 29.15 And they say who seeth us and who knoweth us The Witness of the Covenant hath decided this controversie Joh. 20.17 I ascend unto my father and 〈◊〉 father and to my God and your God Joh. 6.57 As thâ—◠〈◊〉 father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that â—ateth me even he shall live by me Dan. 5.21 23 Till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men and that he hath appointed over it whomsoever he will And the God in whose hand thy breath is and whose are all thy ways hast thou not glorified Rev. 15.3 4 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the lamb saying Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God Almighty just and true are thy ways thou king of saints Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest 6. It 's a controversie with the world yea and sometimes also with the saints whether the people of God or the wicked of the world have the better lot Psal 73.3 12 For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked Behold these are the ungodly who prosper in the world they increase in riches But this also is decided by the Witness of the Covenant Psal 49.18 19 Though whiles he lived he blessed his Soul and men will praise thee when thou doest well to thy self He shall go to the generation of his fathers they shall never see light Joh. 3.18 36 He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God 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 Isa 3.10 11 Say ye to the righteous it shall be well with hem for they shall eat the fruit of their doings Wo unto the wicked it shall be ill with him for the reward of his hands shall be given him Rev. 21.4 And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes and there shall be no mor death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for theâ—â—former things are passed away Again it is a controversie to doubting believers whether God hath chosen them and loved them with an everlasting love Psal 88.4 14 I am counted with them that go down to the pit Lord why castest thou off my Soul This controversie is decided by the Witness of the Covenant who giveth that double certainty of all these things whereby they are not only made sure in themselves because he 〈◊〉 â—â—ified them but are also made sure unto us Jer. 31.3 〈◊〉 Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee Heb. 8.10 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after these 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 Where the sayings of Jeremy are applied to Christ who made the Covenant Joh. 15.13 16 19 Greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life for his friends Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain But because ye are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you Joh. 6.69 And we believe and are sure than thou art that Christ the Son of the living God 2. It is a controversie to doubting believers whether they be the Children of God and whether they be effectually called by the Grace of Christ Psal 22.6 But I am a worm and no man a reproach of men and despised of the people Christ decides the controversie by interposing his Testimony Joh. 13.35 By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye have love one to another Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirits that we are children of God Isa 43.1 Fear not for I have redeemed thee I have called thee by thy name thou art mine 3. It is a controversie to doubting-believers whether they shall ever see Christ and meet with him again when he doth but a little withdraw out of their sight Isa 49.14 But Sion said the Lord hath forsaken me and my Lord hath forgotten me Whether they shall at any time again be comforted with his presence but he decides the controversie and witnesseth clearly that he and they shall meet again Joh. 16.22 And ye now therefore have sorrow but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man taketh from you Joh. 14.18 I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you Isa 54.8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a momeni but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy redeemer Isa 49.15 Can a woman forget her sucking-child that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb yea they may forget yet will I not forget thee 4. It 's a controversie to the doubting-believer whether there be any reality in his presence and in the fellowship of his company both when they enjoy it and when they want it Luk. 24.21 37 41 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel and beside all this to day is the third day since these things were done But they were terrified and affrighted and supposed that they had seen a spirit And while they yet believed not for joy and wondred 2 Chron. 6.18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth But by his Witness he decides that controversie Luk. 24.38 39 40 42 And he said unto them why are ye troubled and why do thoughts arise in your hearts 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 And when he had thus spoken he shewed them his hands and his feet And they gave him a piece of a broyled fish and of an hony-comb Joh. 6.20 But he saith unto them it is I
is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts And his own people smote him and used him very ill Mat. 21.38 But when the husbandmen saw the Son they said among themselves This is the heir come let us kill him and let us seize on his inheritance Joh. 1.11 He came unto his own and his own received him not Isa 53.3 He is despised and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our faces from him he was dispifed and we esteemed him not Yet his love did bear him through all this cold encouragement 3. Consider how you entertain his Service 2 Cor. 6.1 We then as workers together with him beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain Do not slight it do not refuse it upon whatsoever pretext but if he will do you Service and condescend to do you good suffer him to do it 't is no presumption to let him take his will of you he took it ill to be otherwise dealt with Joh. 13.6 8 And Peter saith unto him Lord dost thou wash my feet Peter saith unto him Thou shalt never wash my feet Jesus answered him If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me And no wonder he take it very ill to have his Service slighted and refused for his Service is the heighth of his love which he â—annot endure to have slighted his Service offered is slighted â—y all those who will not give their consent to let him do unto them all the good offices which are mentioned in the Gospel by all who do not subject their consent unto it Joh. 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life Mat. 22.5 But they made light of it and went their ways one to his farm another to his merchandise 4. Consider what advantages we have by his Service 1. His condescension was the cause of our exaltation if he had not served we had not reigned if he had not come down to the footstool we should never have come up to the Throne Heb. 5.8 9 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect he became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together 2. It was the hardship of his Service which makes ours so easie he left us little to do when he was made under the law he did bear away the bondage of our Service and Duties 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 He did hear the hard and insupportable yoke and left us nothing to do but to serve for love he brake the force and power of the adversary and left us only a broken party and routed forces to deal with 1 Cor. 15.55 O death where is thy-sting O grave where is thy victory Yea he hath not left us alone to deal with these 3. By his Service we have our liberty and can be no more Servants but Friends and Children of the house See Gal. 4.4 5 6 7 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of Sons And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father wherefore thou art no more a servant but a Son and if a Son then an heir of God through Christ Joh. 8.36 If the Son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed Joh. 15.15 Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all thinâ—s that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you Rom. 8.2 For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death Gal. 4.31 So then brethren we are not children of the bond-woman but of the free We were slaves and condemned under perpetual bondage married unto an angry tyrant so was the law become to transgressors but by his becoming a Servant under the law by his putting on our condition we became sharers of his liberty and Sonship 4. By his Service we have wages and a reward for our Service even for our poor worthless endeavours after duty about which there are so many questionings in the hearts of believers whether they shall be accepted and but few thoughts of a recompence I say our Service could never have been rewarded but for his Service this brought with it not acceptation only but a reward to ours upon his account being done in his name Luk. 17.10 So likewise ye when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you say We are unprofitable servants we have done that which was but our duty to do Heb. 11.6 And that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Isa 45.19 I said not unto the seed of Jacob Seek ye me in vain Isa 56.6 7 Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it and taketh hold of my covenant 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 5. By his Service we have that honourable marriage with him which was the price of the travel of his Soul even to have our Souls engaged to him for the Service of love which he served that he might have his people for his reward as Jacob served for the Wives that were given him in Laban his house Gen. 29.20 28 29. Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied 5. Consider what this relation calleth for at our hands That Christ was a Servant in the business of the Covenant this calleth us 1. To yield our selves to be his Servants upon the terms of that Covenant wherein he served even to subject our consent to serve him in â—â—ke relations 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorified God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were but yield your selves unto the Lord Isa 56.6 2. His Service calleth us to serve all his interests and relations his people especially the people who are nearly related to him Mat. 12.40 50 And he stretched forth his hand toward
Covenant under the first consideration are all those who are within the visible Church whether Elect or Reprobate and their seed professing obedience to the Gospel-ordinances under which they are as I have at length proved else-where Psal 147.19 20 He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and his Judgments unto Israel He hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not known them But the parties contracters with God in the Covenant considered in the second respect are only the Elect of Christ to whom the spirit is given as well as the ordinances to whom the promise of the new heart is made and in whom it is fulfilled Isa 59.21 As for me this is my covenant with them saith the Lord My spirit that is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever 3. We are to distinguish betwixt Christs act of Suretiship and undertaking and some benefits which by concomitancy redound to them for whom he never was made Surety for many hypocrites and reprobates that have the Gospel preached by concomitancy because they are mixed with the Elect in the habitable parts of the earth and Societies of men where these have their abode yet Christ was never undertaker for them nor doth the preaching of the Covenant come to them from Christ as their Surety but this benefit they have by Christs undertaking and Suretiship for the elect that are among them and for the Elects sake concerning whom Christ undertook to preach the Covenant to them and to fulfil it in them therefore he is a light to the Gentiles Isa 49.6 with Act. 13.26 Men and brethren children of the stock of Abraham and whosoever among you feareth God to you is the word of this salvation sent 2 Cor. 4.15 For all things are for your sakes that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God Joh. 17.19 And for their sakes I sanctifie my self that they also might be sanctified through the truth These things premised we answer to the question 1. Negatively 1. Sure he was not made Surety Cat. Racov. de Prophet Ch. munere Christ did not undertake for all Mankind in whom was ever the breath of life the Reprobate as well as the Elect Cain as well as Abel Judas as well as Paul as Socinians and Arminians tell us for the Apostle's all 1 Tim. 2.6 Jac. Arm. Orat. sacdotio Christi pag. 16 17. Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time can be no more than Christ's many Mat. 20.21 And to give his life a ransom for many Heb. 9.28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation 2. Davenant dissect de morte Christi cap. 4. p. 48. Sure he was not Surety nor did undertake for all these who are within the visible Church or within the Covenant externally for many of these were neither given to him by the father nor undertaken for by him 1 Joh. 2.19 They went out from us but they were not of us for if they had been of us they would no doubt have continued with us but they went out that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us Mat. 22.14 For many are called but few are chosen 3. He was not made Surety for all men conditionally to wit if they should believe for 1. His Suretiship was an absolute act of his own will and grace and doth not depend upon our will over which Christ hath the dominion 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 Zech. 10.8 I will hiss for them and gather them for I have redeemed them 2. It was part of his undertaking to purchase by the meirt of his death grace to bow our will and to heal our nature Heb. 10.10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all Isa 42.4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgment in the earth and the Isles shall wait for his law 3. God knew them all particularly whom he gave to Christ to be ransomed by him and Christ knew them all by name for whom he did undertake therefore we read of names written in the lambs book of life Rev. 21.27 2. We answer affirmatively That Christ undertakes in his bargain of Suretiship only for the Elect Christ from eternity came under an act of cautionry for all these and no other For 1. No other were given to him by the Father but these were given unto him and without question he became Surety for none but these who were given to him by his father Joh. 17.2 19 That he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him And for their sakes I sanctifie my self 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 Joh. 10.28 29 And I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand My father which gave them me is greater then all and no man is able to pluck them out of my fathers hand 2. He became Surety for none but for those for whom he died and in whose stead he answered the demands of the Law and satisfied the Justice of God now he died only for the Elect 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 Joh. 10.11 I am the good shepherd the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep 3. He did undertake for these only for whom he doth pray and intercede with God and these were only the Elect Joh. 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast given me for they are thine 4. He did undertake for these only for whose believing his father did undertake to him and these were only the Elect Isa 53.10 11 And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand 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 5. He did undertake for these only in whom the Covenant is fulfilled upon whose hearts it is really acted so that a new heart is given to them and life eternal and these were only the Elect Jer. 31.32 33 Not according to the covenant that I made with their
thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost 2. Again by this part of Christs Suretiship he is undertaker and engager to make all these things which are required of us both possible and certain in the performance 1. To reveal and manifest the way of righteousness and life through the new Covenant Joh. 17.6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world 2. To make the condition of the new Covenant possible and practicable which considered with relation to our own strength are as impossible to man now as the conditions of the first Covenant are Joh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the father which hath sent me draw him 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Joh. 15.5 For without me ye can do nothing And this part of Christs Suretiship doth put his people in such condition by the power which they shall receive from the grace of Christ as Adam was in by the power which he received from God by nature and this is done by healing our nature and creating and infusing new habitual grace whereby he makes the conditions of the new Covenant practicable and possible to man through the power of grace received from Christ as it was possible for Adam to have performed the conditions of the first Covenant by the power which he received by nature Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me But this is not all 3. Christ as Surety for man to God engageth not only to make the conditions of this Covenant possible as the conditions of the first Covenant were to Adam but also to make them Sure he undertaketh to ensure his peoples performance of the things required of them by the Covenant of grace whether they be such things as are required of them by meer commands which hold forth the Duties of the confederates or if they be required of them by commands which are also conditions of the Covenant by the obedience or disobedience whereof they must live or die such as the command of believing 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 Act. 16.31 And they said Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house 1 Joh. 3.23 And this is his commandment that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another as he gave us commandment And this which Christ engageth that his people shall receive of him through grace is much more than Adam received by nature for he had not his performance of the conditions of that Covenant and his standing ensured to him he had but a possibility to have performed conditions that were commanded him but no certainty Now we know that things may be possible both considered in themselves and considered with relation to the Agent which notwithstanding from some other cause and defect may resolve in a non-futurition yea for all that it may be certain that they shall never be and come to pass as was Adams standing and performing the conditions of the Covenant of works But now by Christs Suretiship for his people he is engaged for their standing and for their actual performance of the conditions of that Covenant of grace they are not only put into a possibility of standing but they are put into such a certainty by the Suretiship of Christ that they are exempted from the possibility of non-performance of the conditions of this Covenant Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not Mat. 16.18 And upon this rock will I build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Jer. 32.39 40 And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them of their children after them And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me 3. By this part of Christs Suretiship for man to God and in order to the making the conditions and commands of the new Covenant possible and certain in the issue he is engaged for giving habitual grace and for giving actual influences 1. Habitual grace Christ as Surety of the Covenant did undertake to give to his people the immortal seed of God to repair that defaced Image of God in man by a new creation of the habits of grace in him he is engaged to give a new stock of grace to man who had once before banquered out a stock that shall thrive in his hand and wherewith he shall never henceforth play the bankrupt this is the new heart and the new spirit promised by Christ who made the Covenant and engaged to fulfil and to act it upon the hearts of his people Ezek. 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will 〈◊〉 put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh 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 hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people Heb. 8.6 10 11 12. 2. Christ is engaged and hath undertaken for actual influences Ezek. 36 27 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 Isa 44.3 For I will pour water upon them that are thirsty and floods upon the dry ground I will pour my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thine off-spring Because God hath contrived the business so that no created thing should act independently of him without the spirit without influences not Adam in his integrity not the Angels not the holy humane nature of Christ Isa 42.1 2 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles He shall not cry nor lift up nor cause his voice to be heard in the street And since habitual created grace can neither preserve it self nor act it self nor encrease it self without influences therefore Christ as Surety for man to God did engage for actual influences whereby habitual grace might be acted unto a performance and fulfilling of these things which are conditions or commands in the Covenant upon our part and by this he stands engaged 1. For actual bowing of our wills and determining our hearts to
grievous Mat. 11.30 For my yoke is easie and my burden is light 2. Why should broken men and diver Debtors think to pay this Debt or to perform their duty without the help of their cautioner do you not often attempt this to make amends to God for your faults and to be more forth-coming in your performances even you alone without Christ your Surety 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 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Rom. 10.3 and 9.31 But these did better who would do nothing without their Surety Isa 38.14 Mine eyes fail with looking upward O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Psal 110.32 122 I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge mine heart Be surety for thy servant for good let not the proud oppress me Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me 3. Why do you question and suspect the Covenant of God and the grounds of faith and assurance granted therein is there not a Surety in the Covenant which shall make it stand fast and in whom it shall stand fast with you so that there is no ground left for doubting and fears that it may be shaken Psal 89.28 35 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore and my covenant shall stand fast with him Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David 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 4. Why do you lean upon any thing and seek relief from that which God hath not made the Surety of the Covenant why do you take caution from your own hearts for any thing commanded in the Covenant can your resolutions be caution and Surety to God for you can your stock of gifts or grace be Surety for your performance of any thing commanded or set as a condition in the Gospel Nay sure they cannot 1 Cor. 1.13 as the Apostle saith These were not crucified for you these never became Surety to God for you and if so wherefore do you trust in them and lean upon them Vse 3. For tryal whether Christ hath undertaken and come under an act of Suretiship for you This being among Gods eternal secrets and immutable counsels it is to be found out by the effects thereof whereby God hath shewed to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel Heb. 6.17 Then 1. If you be in the Covenant of grace or if you be reached by any of these qualifications by which he describes those persons who are comprehended in his Testament then hath Christ undertaken for you for he is Surety of the new Covenant and better Testament Heb. 7.22 and 8.6 And consequently hath undertaken for all those who are comprehended in it Isa 56.6 Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it and taketh hold of my covenant Joh. 13.8 Jesus answered him If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me Joh. 15.2 15 16 And every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain that whatsoever ye shall ask of the father in my name he may give it you Joh. 17.6 7 8 2. If he hath acted the Covenant upon your hearts according as it is commanded in the Gospel and according as it s foretold that he will fulfill it effectually in his people then hath he undertaken for you and hereby you may know it for a certainty Jer. 31.33 I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people Ezek. 11.19 And I will give them one heart and I will put a new spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them an heart of flesh Ezek. 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will no wise cast out 3. If Christ hath taken your name out of the Law-writ and curse and hath put your name in the Gospel-writ and written you blessed in that little book or pronounced you such by any thing contained in it then hath he undertaken for you Rom. 4.7 8 Saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin Gal. 3.9 13 29 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us and if ye be Christs then are ye Abrahams seed and heirs according to the promise 4. If you can go out of your selves and find in your heart to engage him for you and to lay the weight of your eternal interests upon him your righteousness and salvation and of all things commanded in the Gospel in order to these then hath he undertaken for you for he doth not give such a heart to any but to them for whom he came under an act of Suretiship Phil. 3.3 For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Isa 38.14 O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Psal 119.32 35 122 I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart Make me to go in the path of thy commandments for there in do I delight be surety for thy servant for good Vse 4. The Doctrine of Christs Suretiship doth confirm many articles of our faith As 1. The particularity and freeness of election for if Christ had the Elect given to him by a Covenant and did from eternity undertake
the Covenant as a nail in a sure place and as a foundation and corner-stone which cannot be removed therefore stability and firmness is in the Covenant Isa 22.23 Because the Covenant made with him is sure therefore the Covenant made with us is sure Psal 89.33 34. And because Christ is given for a Covenant of the people therefore stability is given to that Covenant as an essential property thereof 5. The perfection of the Covenant of Grace is comprised in Christ it is a perfect Covenant and he is a perfect and compleat Christ a Saviour made perfect to be the author of a compleat Salvation to his people Heb. 5.9 and to save to the utmost Heb. 7.25 Yea the Covenant is a perfect Covenant because Christ is in it in whom we are compleat Col. 2.9 10. And in whom dwelleth perfect fulness and all desirable perfections If Christ had not been in it perfection had not been in it nor should that Covenant have been able to perfect us for ever but it had left us as the first Covenant did But because God gave Christ for a Covenant of the people therefore perfection is in it and came to us by it 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 6. The satisfactoriness of the Covenant of grace is comprised in Christ it is a Soul-satisfying Covenant and he is a Soul-satisfying Christ 2 Sam. 23.5 For this is all my salvation and all my desire although he make it not to grow Song 5.16 His mouth is most sweet yea he is altogether lovely This is my beloved and this is my friend O Daughters of Jerusalem Psal 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee Yea Christ is the foundation of that satisfaction which the souls of the saints find by being within the Covenant of grace he is the desire of all nations Hag. 2.7 It is in and for him that it is satisfying if Christ were not in the Covenant the soul of a Saint could nevery say of it This is all my desire but because he is in it therefore the spirits of men by imbracing it find a satisfaction Psal 16.2 5 6 O my soul thou hast said unto the Lord thou art my Lord the Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly heritage And because Christ is given for a Covenant of the people therefore satisfaction is in it 6. Christ is the sum of all Covenant-blessings they are all abridged in him Col. 3.11 But Christ is all and in all 1. Eminently because he is the chief blessing of the Covenant he is the marrow and fatness of the whole bargain Joh. 4.10 14 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 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son 2. Comprehensively because in him as in a store house all Covenant-blessings are treasured up Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the God-head bodily Joh. 1.14 16 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 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace 3. Vltimately because he is that Covenant-blessing for which the whole bargain is sought after and all other things are but sought for him 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. 4. Virtually because when God giveth Christ the whole Covenant is reckoned to be performed Luk. 1.72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant 5. Consequentially because all other Covenant-blessings follow him as accessories follow any principal thing Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him freely give us all things Prov. 8.35 For whosoever findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Vse 1. If Christ be all the Covenant or the sum and marrow of all which God hath given to his people by the Covenant of grace this speaketh sad reproof 1. To those who seek something else the strength of whose indeavours is laid forth upon something inferiour something beside the chief good Isa 55.2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread and your labour for that which satisfieth not hearken deligently unto me and eat ye that which is good and let your soul delight itself in fatness To such belongs that warning Isa 50.11 Behold all ye that kindle a fire that compass your selves about with sparks walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks that ye have kindled This shall ye have of mine hand ye shall lie down in sorrow 2. To such as seek and follow after some thing more than Christ who is all the Covenant sure there are not a few who think they have not a full blessing in Christ Christ alone without other things of this world cannot content them Gen. 30.1 This evil under the sun hath reached some of those who have been within the Covenant of Grace Gen. 15.1 2 After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision saying Fear not Abram I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward And Abram said Lord God what wilt thou give me seeing I go childless and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus To such belongs that warning Jer. 45.5 And seekest thou great things for thy self seek them not for behold I will bring evil upon all flesh saith the Lord but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest 3. It speaks reproof to those who seek something less than Christ there being among those who are not of the worst sort of people whom life and salvation could satisfie a creaated heaven without Christ could answer their desires after happiness Mat. 19.16 And behold one came and said unto him Good master what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life Something of this also may overtake the children of Grace among their fevers and fits of distempers Mark 9.5 6 And Peter answered and said to
14.8 Ephraim shall say What have I to do any more with idols Gen. 12.1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram Get thee out of thy countrey and from thy kindred and from thy fathers house unto a land that I will shew thee 2. Try it by your consenting to the mutual tye which the Covenant bringeth with it for it doth not only hold forth what God will be to you but what you must be to him it obligeth you to be the Lords as well as it maketh him yours Hos 3.3 It saith Thou shalt not be for another man so will I also be for thee If then you consent as willingly to be Christs as to have him made yours by this reciprocation and eccho of affection and ingagement to him you may know your being in him and so in the Covenant Rev. 22.17 20 And the spirit and the bride say come and let him that heareth say come Surely I come quickly Amen Song 2.16 My Beloved is mine and I am his 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were but yield your selves unto the Lord and enter into his sanctuary which he hath sanctified for ever and serve the Lord your God that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you 3. Try it by your subjection and submission to Christ for they that are in Christ they do not only consent to be his but there is a subjection of their consent unto him as unto their Head Husband Lord and King as Wives and Subjects do in their Covenants with their Husbands and Kings 2 Cor. 9.13 The subjection of your consent There must be a through compliance with Christ in all his offices and in every part of each of his office for we must not comply with Christ as a Priest only but also as a witness a leadeer and commander of the people Isa 55.4 since he is given for these ends as well as for the former Neither must we submit only to that part of his Priesthood whereby he offered sacrifice and slight his internession Heb. 5.1 7. and 9.24 26. Nor only to the external part of his Prophetical and Kingly offices by subjecting our selves to ordinances as the manner of formal hypocrites is but to the soveraignty of his inward teaching and ruling also Jer. 31.33 34 I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will he their God and they shall be my people And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying Know the Lord. Nor to his inward teaching and ruling only as despisers of Ordinances pretend but to the external administration of his Covenant by Ordinances of worship and government also so long as his tabernacle is with men which must be till Christs giving up the kingdom Rev. 21.3 22 23. with Ezek. 43.11 4. Try it by your satisfaction with and acceptation of the whole bargain without division diminution addition or alteration of any clause in it Isa 55.3 Jer. 31.32 c. Those who are in Christ and so within the Covenant of Grace do not divide the promises of the Covenant from the condition and commands thereof neither do they reject any thing which God hath put in that bargain but on the contrary they close with it as it stands in the offer of the Gospel without bogling and skaring at the reservation of the cross and with a soul-satisfaction found in the offer 2 Sam. 23.5 saying with David this is all my desire And Psal 16.5 6 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly heritage Psal 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee 5. Try it by your accounting duties your priviledg which other men account their burden 1 Joh. 5.3 For this is the love of God that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not grievous Mat. 11.30 For my yoke is easie and my burden is light By your experiencing that holy facility in duties which springeth from love to Christ and delight in God 2 Cor. 5.14 For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judg that if one died for all then were all dead Whereby it cometh to pass that the very work of believers is wages and hire in their hands that I say is demonstrative of one being in Christ and so of a new-Covenant-estate 6. Try it by your equal endeavours after holiness and heaven after conformity unto Christ and communion with him if thy endeavours after sanctification be as vigorous as after salvation if thou wouldst as gladly be made holy as be in heaven if thou desirest as really to be made like Christ as to have fellowship with him this speaketh thy being in him and if so thy being in the Covenant 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filâ—hiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God 1 Joh. 3.3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure 7. Try it by your being humbled and provoked to holiness by the knowledg of your being in Christ and your reflections upon this great priviledg with humbling admiration for after this manner hath it wrought upon Gods children Rom. 3.27 Where is boasting then it is excluded by what law of works nay but by the law of faith Ezek. 16.36 That thou mayest remember and be confounded and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done saith the Lord God 1 Tim. 1.13 14 Who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor and injurious But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief and the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus Joh. 14.22 Lord how is it that thou wilt manifest thy self to us and not unto the world 8. Try it by your superlative valuing of Christ the weakest faith which is precious doth value Christ above all 1 Pet. 2.7 To you therefore which believe he is precious Prov. 3.15 She is more precious than rubies and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her Christ is superlatively valued 1. When Christ alone without all other comforts is looked upon as enough when the soul taketh satisfaction in this portion Psal 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee Psal 16.5 6 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly heritage When the soul reckons it self eternally made up in him and blesseth it self in him Lam. 3.24 The Lord is my portion saith my soul therefore will I hope in him 2.