spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all Isa 53.8 For the transgressions of my people was he stricken 7. The Holiness of God is manifested in Christ his Holiness did appear in that holy Image which he put in Adam and the holy Law which he gave to him under a penalty but this holiness of the Image of God stamped on the creature was possible to be lost for both men and Angels were capable of sin and did fall but herein is a greater manifestation of Gods holiness that a Creature Christ-man Christ Mediator is made the Fountain of all Holiness Holiness cannot be lost in him yea it is derived from him Joh. 1.14 16 Full of grace and truth and of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Chap. 3. v. 34 For God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him This is spoken of Christ man of Christ Mediator for one of the persons of the Godhead cannot receive another O what an impression of Holiness is this what a communication and manifestation of the Holiness of God! The fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily in the man Christ Col. 2.9 Where there is the highest union there is the greatest communion there was never such another union as that personal union and therefore there could never be such a communication of God 8. The All-sufficiency of God appears more in Christ than ever before the declarative glory thereof shines in the restoring of lost man for whosoever can restore lost man can raise him to a higher happiness than he fell from he is All-sufficient and Almighty and is thereby declared to be so this did God in Christ the Mediator this is a declaration of Gods All-sufficiency and of Christs Gen. 17.1 I am God almighty 2 Cor. 8.9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be made rich Chap. 12.9 And he said unto me My grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me 9. The Patience and Long suffering of God was never heard of before until it was manifested in Christ God executed his Justice against the fallen Angels without exercising any Patience and Long-suffering towards them 2 Pet. 2.4 For if God spared not the Angels which fell but cast them down to hell But in Jesus Christ there is a discovery of the Patience of God and his bearing with sinners Isa 49.8 There is a Covenant to establish the earth that Justice do not ruine it Jesus Christ obtained pardon and reprival for some sinners that they should be spared Exod. 34.6 And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth In him the Lord proclaims himself merciful and gracious long-suffering c. 1 Tim. 1.16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting Yea and by way of concomitancy and for the Elects sake reprobates reap some benefit by the Patience of God thus manifested He suffers the creatures to mock him and say Where is the promise of his coming 2 Pet. 3.4 Rom. 9.22 Endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction 10. The Faithfulness of God is manifested in Christ he was known to be true and faithful in fulfilling the threatning and certification of the transgression of the first Covenant Gen. 2.17 In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die And in keeping the Covenant with all the creatures Gen. 8.22 While the earth remaineth seed-time and harvest-time and cold and heat and summer and winter and day and night shall not cease Jer. 33.20 Thus saith the Lord If ye can break my Covenant of the day and my Covenant of the night and that there should not be day and night in their season c. But this was but a small declaration of his faithfulness being compared with the manifestation of his Faithfulness in Christ which shines so brightly in keeping Covenant and Promises with him and with his people upon his account notwithstanding all your unfaithfulness to him hereby he is proclaimed to be the Lord abundant in truth Exod. 34.6 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are Amen Psal 89.34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David Mic. 7.18 20 Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob and the mercy to Abraham which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old 11. The Majesty of the Lord something whereof is manifested in the Creation Psal 19.1 The heavens declare the glory of the Lord and the firmament sheweth forth his handy-work But much more in restoring man if there be a Majesty in Angels Heb. 1.7 And of his Angels he saith who maketh his Angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire And in godly men which is but a little discovered here c. shall be more fully afterward 2 Thess 1.10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints O what excellent Majesty must there be in Jesus Christ Heb. 1.13 But to which of the Angels said he at any time sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool And what shall be revealed in him when he shall come in glory 2 Thess 1.7 When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels Col. 3.4 When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory You see then all the Attributes of God are made more bright and get a new lustre in Jesus Christ the Mediator he is the brightness of his Fathers glory and the express Image of his Person 2. The distinct Subsistences of the Persons of the Godhead and blessed Trinity are more brightly discovered in Jesus Christ than ever before God was but darkly seen before in the distinct Subsistences of the persons of the Trinity but in the Gospel through Jesus Christ there is a glorious manifestation thereof 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 1. The Eternal Son of God the second Person his taking on our nature doth clearly shew that there are distinct Subsistences or Persons in the Godhead There are two natures in one Subsistence or Person which illustrates the three Subsistencies in one nature or three Persons in the Godhead 2. By Jesus Christ from his own
Scriptures Yea so much was the Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Redemption for the glory of God even considered personally that thereby beside the glory that was common to all the three Persons there did accrue a peculiar glory to the distinct Persons of the Godhead in regard of their distinct offices and working in this business of Redemption a peculiar glory to the Father who gave Christ and who sent him upon this business and blessed us in him even a peculiar honour to the Father from the Lord Mediator and Redeemer Joh. 8.49 But I honour my Father saith Christ and a peculiar honour to the Father from the ransomed and redeemed People 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again into a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead A peculiar honour to the Son to Christ the Lord Mediator and that both upon earth and in heaven a peculiar glory to the Lamb that wrought the Redemption unto which his Father appointed him Joh. 5.22 23 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father which the Son claimeth Joh. 17.1 4 These words spoke Jesus and lift up his eyes to heaven and said Father the hour is come glorifie thy Son that thy Son also may glorifie thee I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And which is payed to him in heaven Rev. 7.10 Saying Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb. And 5.9 And they sing a new song saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation A peculiar glory unto the eternal Spirit by whom the Son of God offered himself without spot to God Heb. 9.14 and to whom the effectual application of the purchased Redemption by peculiar office belongs 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God Joh. 6.63 It is the spirit that quickeneth Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father 2. The good of the ransomed and redeemed people required that their Redemption should be transacted in a Covenant betwixt God and Christ and to this intent and for this end it was necessary 1. To introduce and usher in the new way of life thorow the Gospel-dispensation which could never have come to light nor have appeared upon the stage to act any thing if God had not by his eternal transactions with Christ in whom he found a ransome made way for the taking down the transient-time-dispensation of Law and Works which was only to continue and stand a Court of righteousness for a short space and so opened a door for free Grace to take the Theatre and to act its part more nobly than the Law-dispensation that was first upon the stage And this I say was ushered in and it was necessary that way should be made for it by God's Covenant-dealings with Christ in whom his Justice had a satisfaction else the Law-dispensation of Works and Nature had kept the Stage for ever and there had been no Court wherein Grace sits upon the throne and wherein Sinners might plead righteousness and life on Gospel-terms Christ's saying from eternity Lo I come to do thy will O God Psal 40.6 And deliver him from going down to the pit I have found a ransom Job 33.24 Which words are upon the matter and originally true of Christ's dealings with his Father Jo. Cocc Dâ— foed c. 5. Sect. 88. and by some Expositors applyed to him This I say ushered in and made way for the Gospel-dispensation of a Covenant of free Grace Hence it is that the Apostle states the rise of life and immortality that is brought to light by the Gospel upon the eternal foederal dealings that were betwixt God and Christ 2 Tim. 1.9 10 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ before the world began But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel Rom. 8.3 4 For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh 2. The Covenant of Redemption betwixt God and Christ was necessary for our good that the Covenant of life and righteousness to us in the way of this Gospel-dispensation might be pure soveraign Grace Now the more of Grace and God's gracious will and heart is in the business and the less of the Creatures will and acting the better for us the sweeter and the surer is the Covenant But here all is of the Lord and of his gracious will all is transacted betwixt God and Christ and man is not so much is present at the first transaction of the Covenant as he was at the Covenant of works here he is neither at the beginning nor end of it I mean that end which it had in God's foederal dealings with Christ where the Redemption and Salvation of the elect was a concluded business and the conclusion tarried not nor was suspended for man's consent sure this was pure Grace this was all Grace eminent Grace when there was nothing of the Creature no not so much as acting in a vital formal manner as now we act under the application of this Covenant by these gracious acts which are efficiently from God but there all was the gracious free will of God without any thing of the Creatures will surely that was eminent signal Grace and the better for us 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Eph. 2.10 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them Eph. 1.4 5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the Adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 3. A Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Salvation and Redemption was necessary that the business of our Salvation might be far advanced ere it come to our working at it with fear
pleased him since he was no more tyed to Men than to Angels to whom he sent no Saviour when they fell nor hath designed any of the fallen Angels unto Redemption 2 Pet. 2.4 For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto the day of Judgment Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took upon him the seed of Abraham It remains therefore that the Covenant of Redemption is an act of soveraignty and freedom upon God's part who designed a Redeemer and upon Christ's part who consented unto the designation 4. This Property of the Covenant of Redemption is further confirmed by the negation and removal of all things contrary to soveraign freedom 1. There was nothing from himself abstracting from his own decrees and love-designs that could trench upon the freedom of this eternal act of his will for there was no necessity of nature upon Jehovah nor upon the Son of God that did determine God to enter in this Covenant as is already cleared 2. There was nothing from without that could trench upon the freedom of this eternal act as nothing could necessarily determine so neither compel nor constrain God to lay such a service upon his own Son Christ nor him to undertake it For 1. This transaction having been from eternity it was a concluded bargain before the creatures had a being Prov. 8.23 I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was 2. Put case they had then had a being what could the being of Men and Angels and all the works of his hands have trenched upon the soveraign freedom of their Makers will and actings for who hath resisted his will hath not the potter power over the clay Rom. 9.19 21. 3. The Father and the Son were not only free from all natural necessity and outward compulsion but also from all hire allurement or motive from any thing without their own will there was nothing in man no not foreseen that could allure or move far less hire the Father to give Christ to engage him in this work nor Christ to engage his name in our bond since he well foresaw what it would cost him It 's true he values his seed as a satisfying return of his travel Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied but beside that there is no proportion betwixt his work and this poor wages was man a price for the Lord of glory to work for or was he a reward for him to wrestle for could he be hired for so low a wager if the soveraign freedom of his own will had not acted him Consider I say who gave this price to the Lord did man give himself to the Lord or did the Lord give his elect people to Christ from eternity and afterward he is the first giver also Now there can be no hire given by man to the Lord unless he were the first giver Rom. 11.35 For who hath first given to him and it shall be recompenced to him again 1 Chr. 29.14 Of thine own have we given thee Jer. 30.21 And I will cause him to draw neer and he shall approach unto me for who is he that engageth his heart to approach unto me saith the Lord 2. Another Property of this Covenant is Graciousness it is not only the Covenant transacted with us the Gospel-Covenant that is pure Grace but this also that was transacted betwixt Jehovah and Christ even while it was yet in his purpose and as it was the eternal act of his will is frequently called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Grace and his good pleasure or gracious pleasure Eph. 1.5 6 9. 2 Tim. 1.9 his purpose and grace Now Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption in a far other sense than 't is attributed to the Covenant of reconciliation For 1. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption in regard of both Parties transacting it was pure Grace that determined both the Parties and engaged them both the Father to send and the Son to come and this Grace was equally in both the Parties and did shine equally and by way of efficiency in them both Zech. 6.13 The counsel of peace was between them both But graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of reconciliation because of the shining glory and activity of the Grace of God through Jesus Christ that is therein manifested which Grace is in us subjectively and though the acts thereof be ours in a vital formal manner yet it is from God by way of efficiency and it is his Grace not ours from which the Covenant hath its name of Grace Tit. 2.11 1 Tim. 1.14 Eph. 1.6 7. And 2.5 7 8. 1 Cor. 15.10 2. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Reconciliation not only in regard of God's making such a Covenant with us but also in regard of the tenor of that Covenant and whole dispensation the promises conditions and reward therein is all pure Grace as the same is opposed unto and contra-distinguished from works which signifie nothing in that Covenant as it is a Court of Righteousness and Life Eph. 2.8 9 For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Not of works lest any man should boast But of this Covenant of Redemption Graciousness is a property thereof mainly because of the reasons following but not because the whole tenor thereof as well the conditions as promises were pure Grace considered as such and contra-distinguished from works For though pure Grace made this Covenant of Redemption yet the condition thereof upon both sides were works 1. Christ is a doer and fulfiller of the Covenant of works most exactly in all points both the command and the curse and penalty of the Covenant is satisfied by him this is works and this was the condition required upon his part Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us 2. Christ as a doer and obedient fulfiller of the Law hath a reward in Justice by the promise of this Covenant For I humbly conceive he had his reward of debt and merit having payed a condign price to the Justice of God therefore his reward is due to him by commutative Justice Phil. 2.7 8 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and is craved by him Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O
ends which God hath before him in the work of our Redemption The glory of God the glory of Christ and the good of his people 1. Some Reasons there are which most directly respect God himself and his glory 2. Others respect Christ and his honour as Mediator in this employment The third sort respect the Creatures good and happiness And 1. The Reasons of establishing this Covenant in the hands of a Mediator which respect God himself and his glory may be 1. For the glory of his Greatness and Majesty it is his glory to be dealt with like himself throughout the whole business of our Salvation 1. It was for his honour that he should carry like a Superiour wronged it became the Majesty of the Lord to keep at a distance with sinners and not to be dealt with immediately by the parties who had done him the wrong but by the Mediation and Intercession of another great Person Mal. 1.14 For I am a great king saith the Lord. Heb. 7.25 Men must therefore come to God by him by a Mediator 2. It became the Majesty and Honour of God to be dealt with only by his own Son he being the greatest Courtier in Heaven and who knew most of his fathers mind Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosome of the father he hath declared him 2. For the glory of his Wisdom This was a plot becoming the wisdom of God and much for the honour of it to find out this way of making up an union betwixt God and man Again by bringing down God to man and bringing up man to God and treisting both to meet in a Mediator wonderful did the wisdom of God appear in the Reconciling Justice and Mercy and making them meet together in this business in punishing sin and setting the sinner free in making a Covenant with us through a Mediator when there could be none without a Mediator Eph. 3.10 11 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 3. It was for the glory of Gods Goodness and Free-grace that grace may be acknowledged and dealt with like Free-grace therefore there must be a Mediator who throughout the accomplishment of our Salvation shall deal with grace by way of entreaty and requests and shall obtain our Salvation as freely by requests as if there had been no purchase made of it through satisfaction to Justice Heb. 5.17 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared Chap. 7. v. 25 Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 4. It was for the glory of his Justice which must be dealt with in a way of satisfaction grace will be dealt with by requests salva justitia which must be dealt with by a satisfaction therefore the Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator who may tell down a price to Justice 1 Tim. 2.6 Who gave himself a ransome for all to be testified in due time These two the Apostle joyns Rom. 3.24 25 26 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus The highest Justice and the freest grace met together in the Mediator to save us by paying a price as fully as if there had been no grace and entreating of favour in the matter of our Salvation and yet as much entreaty and request is made to grace as if Justice had received no satisfaction Secondly Other Reasons respect Christ the Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator for the glory of the Mediator in this employment whose honour and glory God had in his eyes as well as his own Joh. 5.23 That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father And 16.14 He shall glorifie me for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you Now the constituting and appointing Christ Mediator of the new Covenant is for his honour 1. In respect of the honourable offices which are laid upon him as Mediator for it is as Mediator that he is constituted a King a Priest and a Prophet to his people Heb. 1 and 7 Chap. throughout which are honourable offices Heb. 5.4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron Joh. 5.22 23 But hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father 2. In respect of the exceeding great power which is put in his hand as Mediator no less than the administration of the whole affairs in Heaven and Earth and that every knee should bow to him Phil. 2.10 And the government shall be upon his shoulder Isa 9.6 Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth Rev. 3.7 He that hath the key of David he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth 3. In respect of the great dependance that shall be upon Christ Mediator by many supplicants resorting to him and waiting on him for the representing and offering of their requests Joh. 15.16 Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name he shall give it you Zeph. 3.10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my supplicants even the daughter of my dispersed shall bring mine offering 4. In respect of his sole and absolute working of the whole business of our Salvation from beginning to end every part of it being immediately from him as the Fountain and store-house and Great Lord Treasurer of all the blessings of the Covenant Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Act. 2.33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Ghost he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear The third sort of Reasons respecting the creatures good and happiness may be holden forth 1. Negatively 2. Affirmatively 1. Without Christ the Mediator we should have had no knowledg of God which is saving for since the fall God dealeth not with man immediately nor can man see him or hear him speak without a Mediator This was typified Exod. 20.19 And they said unto Moses Speak thou with us and we will hear but let not God speak with us lest we
part is voluntary humbling of himself Joh. 13.13 14 Ye call me master and Lord and ye say well for so I am If I then your Lord and master have washed your feet ye also ought to wash one anothers feet Phil. 2.7 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 3. He is God's Servant not for love only to the work wherein he Serveth but for wages as I have already shewed but he is our Servant for no wages nor reward which he could expect from us but purely for love Joh. 13.1 Having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end Joh. 15.13 Greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life for his friends 4. He is God's Servant as a Son serveth his father yea as a Servant serveth his Master Mal. 1.6 A son honoureth his father and a servant his master Phil. 2.7 And took upon him the form of a servant Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me But he is our Servant as a friend serveth his friend Joh. 15.14 Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you And as a man Serveth one whom he loveth and wooeth which he doth neither for fear nor reward but being wholly acted and determined to do so from a principle of love and a design of love within himself Joh. 3.29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom but the friend of the bridegroom which standeth and heareth him rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegrooms voice Song 5.2 It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh saying open to me my sister my love my dove my undefiled 4. What kind of Service is it which belongeth to Christ by this Covenant-relation Answ 1. It was the greatest piece of Service and trust that ever was put upon man no less then the whole work of our Redemption and Salvation the weight of the lost World and of all the elect was upon his shoulders in this Service Isa 22.24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his fathers house the off-spring and the issue all vessels of small quantity from the vessels of cups even to all the vessels of flaggons Joh. 17.2 3 4 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do 2. It was the hardest piece of Service that ever was laid upon any person O what a hard Service was it to destroy the works of the Devil to bind the strong man and to spoil his house to fall into his quarters and to bring off the prisoners yea to go into the prison and to set open the dores and let the prisoners go free to enter his person in prison for them to pay the debt of so many broken men to bear their transgressions and the chastisement of their peace to endure the stroak of the wakened up sword of Divine Justice in our stead Heb. 2.14 Mat. 12.29 Isa 61.1 2. Zech. 9.11 Act. 2.24 Col. 2.15 1 Cor. 15.55 Isa 53. throughout It was the hardship of this Service that made him heavy and grieved that made him pray and cry and weep and sweat blood Joh. 13.21 Joh. 26.22 42 Heb. 5.7 Luk. 22.24 The Service of no labouring man of no slave that serveth for hire as a stranger in another country is to be compared with the hardship of his Service 3. This Service was an honourable place and Service he served as a King Heb. 8.1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum we have such an High-priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens Joh. 5.22 23 For as the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the father He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the father which hath sent him Isa 22.23 24 And he shall be for a glorious throne to his fathers house And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his fathers house the off-spring and the issue Yea It 's a greater place than to be a King for by it the man Christ is exalted far above all principality and constituted Judg and Ruler of the Nations Prince of the Kings of the Earth head of the Church and King of Saints Phil. 2.8 9. Eph. 2.20 21 22. Col. 1.28 Isa 9.6 Act. 17.31 Rev. 15.3 and 17.14 4. It was the most kindly Service that ever was done by man for it was the Service of love the design of love that was in his heart made him with good will to serve Jer. 31.3 The 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 He Served not only as a hired man and a stranger in a far Country and as a King and great Lord Ambassador whose Service was a Rule and Government but he served also as a lover because of the design of love and of eternal enjoyment of his chosen people which was in his heart he wearied not to serve his father who had promised to give him the people whom he loved with an everlasting love and he wearied not to serve his people that he might court and woo them to himself he did serve for the satisfaction that he promised to himself in the enjoyment of the people upon whom he had set his heart and as low a price as poor sinners are yet he counted them worthy to be compassed with so high a design he reckoned them a wager and recompence for all his Service Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of of his soul and shall be satisfied Heb. 12.2 Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God His Service is not unfitly resembled by Jacobs who Served for a Wife whom he loved Gen. 29.15 21 27 And Laban said unto Jacob Because thou art my brother shouldst thou therefore serve me for nought tell me what shall thy wages be And Jacob said unto Laban Give me my wife for my days are fulfilled Fulfil her week and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years 5. What was the Service which Christ did in the business of the Covenant though this cannot be sufficiently answered by us who have not yet come to know and understand half of that which he hath done for his people 1 Cor. 2.9 But as it is written Eye hath not seen nor ear heard
ascribed to his intercession which he is now performing in heaven and therefore he must intercede in Heaven as Surety of the better Testament Heb. 7.22 to 25. with Rom. 5.10 and Rom. 8.34 Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us 3. Consider that unless he were a Surety in Heaven and acted therein that Covenant-relation by his intercession all his other actings as Surety of the Covenant would be to little purpose for our behoof for it is this part of his Suretiship that maketh his satisfaction to the Law effectual for the good of the Elect this is it which putteth life in the death of him who died in our stead and room and without this the blood of the Surety had been shed in vain For this is the very application of it and sprinkling the blood of the Covenant upon us Heb. 9.19 20 24 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law he took the blood of Calves and Goats with water and scarlet wool and Hysop and sprinkled both the book and all the people saying this is the blood of the Teestament which God hath enjoined unto you For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 7.22 25. By so much was Jesus made Surety of a better Testament Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 1 Joh. 2.1 2 My little children these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins 4. Consider that as his soul and his life was at the stake and was pawned for that part of his Suretiship that was to be performed on earth to wit the paying of a price to Justice so his honour lies yet at the stake and in pawn for that part of his engagement which is to be performed in heaven by his intercession so that as it behoved him to have lien in prison for ever and the soul to have been left in the grave unless he had payed his Debt and made satisfaction to Justice his Soul being in our souls stead as a Surety so his honour I say lieth still at the stake for all his peoples compleat Salvation insomuch that Heaven cannot hold him if he bring not them there he shall not have the glory of a perfected Saviour and Surety if he perform not his engagement to save them to the utmost yea he must quit heaven if he bring not his people thither for whom he undertook See Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Joh. 17.1 4 12 24 Glorifie thy son that thy son also may glorifie thee I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do While I was with them in the world I kept them in thy name those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition that the scripture might be fulfilled Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Heb. 2.10 For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings He speaks for his brethren as Judah did for little Benjamin Gen. 43.9 3. Christ is a Surety in our stead and in our behalf 1. I say in most things which Christ did as a Surety of the Covenant he did them in our stead and room he did them as a person representing us and we did them in him by vertue of that communion that is betwixt the Surety and the Debtor when he died he died in our stead and we died in him there we paid the Debt when he arose and ascended he rose in our stead and we rose and ascended in him there we had a discharge and liberation when he had it c. Rom. 6.6 8 Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin Now if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with him 1 Cor. 15.22 For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive Eph. 2.5 6 Even when we were dead in sins he hath quickened us together with Christ by grace ye are saved and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus 2. Yet there are some things which Christ the Surety performed wholly for us indeed and on our behalf but he cannot be said to perform them in our stead or to act our part in them that is to act these things as that which we should have done such was his incarnation and taking of our nature upon him and the taking of our Law-place upon him which were acts of Christ the Surety of the Covenant and unto which he had voluntarily engaged himself by his Covenant of Suretiship with God See Mr. Tho. Goodwin Christ set forth Sect. 5. c. 4. pag. 149. Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Yet he cannot be said properly to have done these things in our stead though he did them on our behalf and wholly for us for these were the very foundation of all that he acted in our stead and opened the way to his acting as our Surety in our stead by these acts he put himself in our stead that he might act our part being found in our nature state and condition Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men Such also is his intercession in heaven for though he intercede as a Surety in Heaven and on our behalf yet he doth it
When we value Christ out of love not out of necessity only as the manner of those is who come to him only in their exigency as men use Physicians Psal 116.1 I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplication 3. When the excellencies of Christ do affect the heart to take pains to seek him proportionably as we seek after other things Song 5.6 9 10 I opened to my beloved but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone my soul failed when he spake I sought him but I could not find him I called him but he gave me no answer What is thy beloved more than another beloved O thou fairest among women what is thy beloved more than another beloved that thou dost so charge us my beloved is white and ruddy the chiefest among ten thousand 4. When we are not easily offended at him Mat. 11.6 And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me Song 5.7 8 The watch-men that went about the city found me they smote me they wounded me the keepers of the walls took away my vail from me I charge you O daughters of Jerusalem if ye find my love that ye tell him that I am sick of love There is nothing that argueth more clearly a low esteem of Christ than a readiness to be soon and easily stumbled at him or something in his way with us or attending the way of seeking him and on the other hand nothing argueth a higher esteem of him than not to be easily offended at him let him do what he will yet will I go after him let me meet with what can be imagined which stumbleth others yet will I hold on my way is the thoughts and heart-language of one that valueth Christ above all Job 13.15 Though he slay me yet will I trust in him Vse 4. To teach us whatsoever things appertaining to this Covenant we cast our eyes upon to observe more of Christ in it for if we look upon it aright there is no part of the Covenant but we may behold Christ ingraven upon it he is the precious subject-matter of the whole and of every part of the Covenant whether they be 1. Things covenanted by God to us Christ is ingraven upon every promise and blessing and priviledg of the Covenant the righteousness and life whereunto we are restored are the righteousness and life of Christ Jer. 23.6 And this is his name whereby he shall be called The Lord our righteousness Gal. 2.20 Yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the fiesh I live by the faith of the Son of 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 Col. 3.2 3 Set your affection on things above and not on things on the earth For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God The Sonship the spirit the grace the title to God they are our partnership of Christs Sonship his spirit his grace his Covenant-right to God 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 Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent out the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father 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 Or 2. Whether they be things re-stipulated by us to God as conditions of the Covenant or as duties of the confederate people upon every condition and duty of the Covenant Christ is ingraven the faith accepting Covenant-grace and blessings is the faith of the Son of God Gal. 2.20 The holiness and worthy walking whereunto we are called is that same thing whereunto we are chosen and created in Christ Jesus Eph. 2.10 and 1.4 Vse 5. For commending Christ to you 1. See the necessity of receiving Christ and of being in him without which we can have no right to the Covenant nor to any thing contained in it he is given for a Covenant if it were possible for you to receive all that is in the Gospel-offers and not to receive Christ all these things without him could not change your Covenant-state Eph. 2.12 If you continue without Christ you are still without the Covenant therefore is that expression so frequently used to denote one in Covenant with God they that are in Christ Rom. 8.1 2 Cor. 12.2 2. Learn the way how the confederate people should come to God it is not enough that we should come to God and bring Christ with us as a third person but we must also come to God as being in Christ as being one with him Joh. 15.2 And this is to come to God through Christ Heb. 7.25 3. Be perswaded to take him who is given of God for a Covenant of the people make Christ your own and you make all the bargain your own for he is the Covenant of the people and he is all saith the Apostle Col. 3.11 And whoso findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord saith he himself Prov. 8.35 We beseech you receive the gift which draweth all the Covenant along with it Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name If you ask When do we receive Christ 1. When we receive the very bonds of the word and that which doth most cross our corruption and straiten the loosness and liberty of our flesh 1 Thess 1.6 And ye became followers of us and of the Lord having received the word in much affliction with joy of the holy Ghost 2 Cor. 10.4 5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 2. When we imbrace and kiss the promises that is when we love them dearly and welcome them kindly for the good that is in them for the things which they carry forth unto us Heb. 11.13 These all died in faith not having received the promises but having seen them afar off and were perswaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth So did those Worthies who obtained a good report through faith verso 390 3. When we find and receive something sweeter and better in the promises than salvation even Christ himself 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 A temporary may receive the word with joy and the promises of
acceptance of his work p. 101. 6. Those that relate to his reward for his work p. 104. 7. Those that relate to Interest p. 107. 8. Those that relate to the whole design and intent of his Suretiship p. 108. Chap. V. The harmony of the covenant of Suretiship made with Christ and the covenant of Reconciliation and Grace made with sinners They agree together 1. In their rise from Free-grace p. 113. 2. In their design the redemption of lost people p. 114. 3. In that Christ is the grand Instrument of both ibid. 4. They are both commensurable with Gods election of the parties with whom he made the Covenants p. 115. 5. The principal ends of both are the same ibid. 6. The advantage of both redounds to us the honour to the Lord. 7. There is exchange of places between Christ and his redeemed seed in both p. 116. 8. In many properties free gracious sure p. 117. They differ 1. In their rise one came from grace in both parties the other not p. 117. 2. In the property of Eternity 3. The parties are different in one Jehovah and Christ in the other Father Son and Spirit and lost sinners p. 118. 4. The covenant of Redemption is equal that of Reconciliation unequal p. 119 5. In the covenant of Redemption there was no Mediator in that of Reconciliation there is 6. The Promises of the two Covenants are different p. 120. 7. Threatnings are annexed to the covenant of Reconciliation 8. The commands and conditions of them are different p. 121. 9. The covenant of Redemption tarried not for our consent to make it an actual covenant the other does p. 122. The two Covenants are conjoyn'd together by a five-fold connection 1. By an inseparable connection p. 123. 2. By an infallible connection 3. An insuperable connection p. 124. 4. By a secret and hidden connection 5. By a beautiful connection p. 125. Their connection illustrated by a Similitude p. 127. Chap. VI. The grounds of comfort resulting from the covenant of Suretiship to those who are in the covenant of Reconciliation 1. The original of Gods covenanting with us is an eternal compact between Jehovah and Christ p. 128. 2. The same love of the Father and Christ now drawing thee into the New Covenant hath been in action for thee in Eternity 3. Our Redemption and Salvation hath little of our Will and much of Gods gracious Will in it p. 129. 4. By the covenant of Suretiship the fountain of life and salvation lay out of our selves in Christ 5. By the covenant of Suretiship our Rights and Charters the Promises are in a surer hand than our own p. 130. 6. By the covenant of Suretiship Christ and the Believer are in a manner in one Writ p 131. 8. By the covenant of Suretiship all the hard conditions lay upon Christ p. 135. 9. That in the covenant of Suretiship the Believer is undertaken for by both the parties Jehovah and Christ p. 136. 10. The Believer is in a sure and confirmed Estate p. 137. 11. Whatever Christ did in that Covenant it was for us and we did it in him p. 138. 12. By that Covenant besides all other Attributes the Justice of God is for the Believers salvation This 1. Is an argument to answer all temptations from our frailty inconstancy c. p. 140. 2. Admire and study the depths of Love in Gods Covenant p. 142. 3. Learn how needful the knowledg and perswasion of Christs Suretiship for us is p. 143. 4. Nothing more necessary to engage our hearts to study faith and hololiness p. 144. Chap. VII Concerning the Mediator of the New Covenant and 1. Of his Name what it signifies p. 145. Christ called Mediator on a four-fold account 1. In respect of his Person 2. Office 3. Fitness and qualification 4. His actual interposing p. 147. 1. Through him was the Covenant first moved 2. Through him was the business begun and ended in the Councel of God 3. Through him were we represented in his transaction with his Father p. 148. 4. Through him God did strike hands with us 5. Through him the Covenant is fulfilled 6. Through him came the news of it 7. Through him is the Mystery made manifest in the hearts of his people p. 149. 8. He paid the price to Justice for us 9. Through him is peace made 10. Through him the blessings of the Covenant are applyed to us 11. Through him we receive these blessings p. 150. 12. Through him was the Covenant with us confirmed 13. Through him are our hearts engaged to the bargain p. 151. 14. Through him is the Covenant made firm and stable Uses 1. The misery of those under the covenant of Works 2. The blessedness of Believers under the covenant of Grace 3. Since Christ is Mediator he must be employed and acknowledged p. 152. Chap. VIII Concerning the necessity of a Mediator and the reasons why the Covenant is establish'd in the hands of a Mediator of three sorts p. 153. 1 Respecting Gods Glory 1. The glory of his Honour 2. The glory of his Wisdom 3. The glory of his Goodness p. 154. 4. The glory of his Justice p. 155. 2 Reasons respecting Christ 1. In respect of his Offices King Priest and Prophet ibid. 2. His Power 3. In respect of the dependance we have on him 4. In respect of his sole working the whole business p. 156. 3 Sort of reasons respecting the creatures good negatively and affirmatively Negatively 1. Without the Mediator we could have had no saving-knowledg of God p. 156. 2. No union between God and man 3. No communion with God 4. No conformity to God Affirmatively 1. A foundation is laid for a higher happiness to be recovered in Christ than was lost in Adam p. 157. 2. There is a better security of that happiness 3. Solid grounds of Consolation Uses 1. This clears one difference between the covenant of Grace and that of Works wherein was no Mediator p. 158. 2. From the necessity of a Mediator be convinced of your need of a Mediator p. 159. 3. Carry it as those that need a Mediator p. 160. Chap. IX Concerning the person of the Mediator of the New Covenant p. 161 called 1. The Word of God p. 162. 2. The brightness of his Fathers glory p. 163. 3. The express Image of his Fathers person p. 164. 1. Christ hath in him a glorious resemblance of the excellency and Attributes of the Father 2. It is by Christ that all those Excellencies of God are revealed to us p. 164. Three things in God are discovered in Jesus Christ. 1. The Attributes of God Wisdom Goodness Mercy Power Soveriagnty Justice Holiness All-sufficiency Patience Faithfulness Majesty p. 166. 2. The distinct subsistences of the persons of the Godhead p. 171. 3. The distinct Offices of the three Persons 1. The Acts of the Father plotting and making the covenant with Christ Mediator 2. The Acts of Jesus Christ undertaking 3. The Acts of the Spirit Chap. X. Concerning the
man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name There is a reciprocation of Covenant-performances 5. There is betwixt Jehovah and Christ asking and giving the Father asketh a satisfaction to his Justice for the sins of all the Elect Isa 53.10 It pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief and the satisfaction which his Father asked was that he should make his soul an offering for sin and Christ yieldeth and giveth the satisfaction which was asked Psal 40.6 Lo I come saith he to do thy will Isa 53.5 But he was wounded for our transgressions and he was bruised for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed Again Christ asketh of his Father a reward and satisfaction for the travel of his Soul in that great work of our Redemption and Salvation And his Father gives it him according to the encouraging-Proposals whereby he had invited him to the undertaking so great a work Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was This kind of asking and giving on both sides amounteth to a formal explicite Covenant here is emptio venditio which is a Covenant strictly so called 6. There is betwixt Jehovah and Christ work and wages there is working propounded upon the one part and undertaken upon the other and a reward promised upon the one part and expected upon the other craved upon the one part and payed upon the other and this is a formal Covenant strictly so taken Ad similitudinem contractus inter operarium locatorem operis inter herum servum not unlike the manner of Covenants betwixt the work-man and work-master betwixt the Servant and his Lord. Here is indeed do ut faoias facio ut des I give this upon condition you do that and I do this upon condition you give that I fay there was working and rewarding 'twixt God and Christ and that by no necessity of nature but by a voluntary compact his work and reward are both propounded to him Isa 53.11 12 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 iniquity 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 transgressours and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressours And 49.3 6 And said unto me Thou art my servant O Israel in whom I will be glorified And he said it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou maist be my salvation unto the end of the earth And agreed unto by him Joh. 10.17 Therefore doth my father love me because I lay down my life that I might take it again Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Therefore we find upon the one part and the other God promising a reward and Christ expecting it Isa 53.12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great with Isa 49.4 Surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Again we find God proposing the reward for Christ's encouragement in so hard a work and Christ eying the reward under all discouragements Psal 110.7 He shall drink of the brook in the way therefore shall he lift up the head with Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God We find also Christ craving his reward and challenging it as due to him Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And his Father paying the promised reward Phil. 2.8 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him c. The fourth Proof of a Covenant betwixt Jehovah and Christ I take from the Offices Imployments Trusts Powers Authorities and Relations which Christ did bear and wherewith he was vested for doing the work of his peoples Redemption All and every of these prove strongly an eternal Covenant and Compact betwixt Jehovah and Christ I put these together that the proofs may be more ponderous than numerous I shall therefore 1. Reckon up some particulars that fall under this head each whereof might afford a particular proof and then draw an argument from them 1. His Offices and Employments Christ is Lord Mediator of the New Covenant Heb. 8.6 9.15 He is Lord Ambassador and Messenger of the Covenant Mal. 3.1 He is the Lord's Shepherd and his Servant in the work of Redemption Zech. 13.7 Isa 42.1 Not by nature but by condescension and agreement to be in these employments Christ Mediator is a King not by nature but by Covenant and Agreement he receives a dispensatory Kingdom Psal 2.6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill Zion Act. 2.36 God hath made the same Jesus both Lord and Christ Heb. 1.2 whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he made the worlds Psal 89.27 Also I will make him my first born higher than the kings of the earth Christ is a Prophet and a Teacher of his people not by nature but by appointment Act. 3.22 For Moses truly said unto the Fathers a Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Isa 55.4 Behold I have given him for a witness to the people Christ is a Priest not by nature but by divine appointment and that in the way of agreement and consent Heb. 5.4 5 6 And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec And 7.21 The Lord sware and will not repent thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec 2. The like I say of the
Trusts Powers and Authorities that Christ Mediator had concerning the work of his peoples Redemption how came his name to be in our bond and he to take upon him to perform the condition of the Covenant of works how came he to be under the Law and to fulfil the Law Sure it was not by nature nor by any necessity of nature but by divine appointment and by his own voluntary yielding to it which is Compact so Jesus was made surety Heb. 7.22 and made under the law Gal. 4.4 how came he to have the disposing of the eternal interests of all men Sure he had this trust and authority by agreement with his Father who laid it upon him and he freely received it Joh. 5.22 for the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son 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 How came the keys of the house of David to lye upon his shoulder the great trust and management of all affairs relating to his Church and People undoubtedly this was by Compact with Jehovah who laid this trust upon him Isa 22.23 24 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder so 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 fathers house And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his house the offspring and the issue all vessels of small quantity from the vessels of cups even to all the vessels of flagons Rev. 3.7 He that hath the key of David he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth 3. I affirm the same also of Christ's Covenant-relations to God and to his people Though God the Father was the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ by eternal generation and he is the natural Son of God yet who can declare how God is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ but by Covenant 1 Pet. 1.3 God foretold this Covenant-Interest of Christ's 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 And Christ frequently owns that Covenant-compellation Mat. 27.46 My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God and he shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the City of my God which is new Jerusalem which cometh down out of heaven from my God and I will write upon him my new name Joh. 20.17 Jesus saith unto her touch me not for I am not yet ascended to my Father but go to my brethren and say to them I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and your God From all which I draw but this one Argument Christ who did bear all these offices employments trusts and relations for the work of our Redemption he had all these things I say either by some necessity that could not stand with his own free consent or else he did bear these offices employments trusts and relations by his own willing consent and they were of his own voluntary taking up Now 't is sure he was not Mediator nor Surety nor Messenger of the Covenant nor a servant in that affair by any necessity that was repugnant to his own free consnt I say no necessity that was repugnant to his own free consent because there was 1. Some kind of necessity that Christ should travel in this work in regard of the DEcree of God and Divine Predetermination that a satisfaction should be made unto his Justice and that man should not be saved without this satisfaction interveening which decree is in order of nature and in that kind of priority that is in our way of conceiving of God's eternal decrees antecedaneous to God's Covenant with Christ Therefore the Scripture giveth us ground to say that God first chose Christ to this work of Redemption and then made a Covenant with him Psal 89.3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen 2. We find that Christ having taken upon him these offices trusts employments c. before-mentioned was under a blessed holy necessity to fulfil the things belonging to his offices and trusts and therefore the Scripture saith it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren Heb. 2.17 and it behoved Christ to suffer Luk. 24.46 and he must needs go thorow Samaria Joh. 4.4 I must work the works of him that sent me Joh. 9.4 But neither of these necessities was any ways repugnant to his own free confent and willingness to bear these offices and trusts For the first necessity in regard of the decree of God that decree being the counsel of his own will as well as his Fathers there was not thereby any necessity upon him repugnant to his own free consent And the second necessity of doing the works of him that sent him being a necessity which he voluntarily took upon him by his willing undertaking the trust of being Lord Mediator there was not thereby any imposing upon his free consent Joh. 10.17 18 Therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life that I might take it again No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself unto death even the death of the Cross Yet I say there was not upon Christ any necessity repugnant to his free and willing acting in the taking upon him these offices trusts relations c. 1. Because there was no compellingnecessity such as is upon a man bound hand and foot there was no such necessity upon the Lord to send Christ and to lay these offices upon him for he is a most free foveraign Agent above counsel and much more above compulsion Isa 40.13 Who hath directed the spirit of the Lord or being his Counsellour hath taught him Psal 135.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in heaven and in earth in the seas and all deep place And he was not bound to change the Law-dispensation into a new one of Grace Therefore is the thing that was laid upon Christ so often called the will of him that sent him Joh. 6.39 40. Neither was there any such necessity upon Christ to take these offices and employments he could not be compelled to lay down his life Joh. 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to
glory and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created Whereas natural necessity excludes freedom both in the principle of action and the act it self Having now shewed what kind of necessity there was for the being of the Covenant of Redemption betwixt God and Christ and that the necessity does mainly respect the final cause and ends which God had purposed in himself Let us in the next place consider particularly to what intents and purposes it was necessary that God should enter into a Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption with his own Son Christ These intents and purposes may be reduced to two chief heads supposing that God had purposed in himself to glorifie his mercy and Justice in procuring our Salvation the Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption was necessary for both these ends and purposes 1. For the honour of God 2. For the salvation and good of his chosen people both which were attained through the Covenant made betwixt God and Christ 1. For the honour and glory of God I mean the declarative glory of God that shines ad extra or the manifestation of his glory as the same is shewed forth and manifested in his dealings with the Creatures whereof see Psal 19.1 The heavens declare the glory of God Exod. 15.11 Who is like unto thee O Lord amongst the Gods who is like thee glorious in holiness fearful in praises doing wonders Not his essential glory that shines ad intra whereby he was infinitely and eternally glorious before any the works of Creation and Providence and should have been glorious eternally though these had never been Prov. 8.22 30 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way before his works of old Then I was by him as one brought up with him and I was daily his delight rejoycing always before him I say the being of this Covenant of Redemption was necessary for the declarative glory of God whether we consider God essentially or personally 1. For the glory of God considered essentially or in regard of his glorious nature and essence or his natural essential attributes I mean his wisdom goodness justice mercy faithfulness c. And that 1. For glorifying these universally even all and every one of his attributes all which received a new and glorious lustre through the Covenant of Redemption and God's sending of Christ to do that work which should never have been known nor manifested on Earth nor in Heaven but in the face of Jesus Christ and by virtue of God's Covenant-dealings with him about our Redemption therefore saith the Apostle 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who commanded light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ Therefore also Christ is called the brightness of his glory Heb. 1.3 Christ Mediator is the brightness of the glory of God in and through whom his glorious attributes and nature was made conspicuous and the declarative glory thereof had a more glorious lustre than by all the works of Creation and Providence beside upon the same account also Christ is called the Image of the invisible God Col. 1.15 because the glorious excellencies of God otherwise invisible are gloriously revealed by him and to be seen in him I pass this here in a word referring a more particular consideration thereof to that part of this subject-matter that concerns the Mediator's person and office 2. For the glorifying of these harmoniously that the harmony of attributes in God might be manifested in this transaction to wit how sweetly mercy justice did meet when peace and righteousness Law-demands and Gospel-condescentions Law-severity and Gospel-lenity did meet together and were made friends by this Covenant Psal 85.10.11 Mercy and truth are met together righteousness and peace have kissed each other c. For by this means God brought forth to heaven and earth and all the Creatures the glorious harmony of Justice Truth Mercy Power Wisdom Grace Rev. 5.12 13 Saying with a loud voice worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and wisdom and riches and strength and honour and glory and blessing And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea and all that are in them heard I saying Blessing honour glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne and unto the lamb for ever and ever 2. This Covenant of Redemption was necessary for the glory of God considered personally and that 1. In regard of the distinct subsistences and glorious persons of the blessed Trinity 2. In regard of the distinct offices of the three persons all which were gloriously manifested in God's Covenant-dealings with Christ I say the greatest declarative glory and clearest manifestation of the distinct subsistences and Persons of the Godhead and of the distinct offices of these Persons in the ever-glorious and blessed Trinity that ever the world saw or heard of was in God's Covenant-dealings with Christ about the work of our Redemption for where are there any such clear discoveries of these great mysteries to be found as in God's foederal dealings with Christ and the Scriptures which reveal the same God was but darkly known in the distinct subsistences and offices of the Persons of the Trinity till this light of his Covenant with Christ did break forth but in Gods sending his Son and the Son 's undertaking and offering himself willingly to his Father to do this work and the Holy Ghost's exercising the power of the Godhead fitting and enabling him the man Christ Jesus to do the work there was a glorious manifestation of the distinction of Persons in the Godhead and of the offices of these Persons whereof also more particularly afterward See Isa 42.1 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 Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God And 10.7 Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Psal 2.7 8 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Joh. 14.26 But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Mal. 3.16 17 And he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him And lo a voice from heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased and such like
he well knew that it would be a wretched hopeless condition for man to provide a Physitian to himself and to have him to seek when his sickness should be desparate he therefore by a foresight and providence of pure soveraign free transcendent Grace did provide one and indeed it was necessary for our good that it should be so for had man fallen sick of sin before this Covenant for sending a healer to him he had died ere the cure could come 8. This Covenant was necessary for cutting off all matter and occasion of self-gloriation from man in his own Redemption and Salvation for if the business of our Redemption and Salvation was transacted concluded done and ended betwixt Jehovah and Christ without our knowledg or consent before we had a Being what have we to boast of If the agreement ahout the price to be payed and accepted tarried not for man wherein can we glory that we have contributed to our own happiness 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Eph. 2.10 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them 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 CHAP. III. Of the Nature Properties and Parties of the Covenant of Redemption THE general Nature of this Covenant is common to it with all other Covenants whatsoever different peculiarity they have this is essential and common to all Covenants they are Agreements and this is an eternal transaction and agreement betwixt Jehovah and the Mediator Christ about the work of our Redemption The peculiar propriety of its nature will appear by enquiring a little into 1. The various eternal acts of the will of God that concurred to make up this agreement 2. The distinction and order of these eternal acts of his will and the right manner of our conceiving of them 1. Supposing as we have said before that God purposed in himself not to save man without a satisfaction to his Justice These eternal acts of the will of God or rather the things which we conceive under these various acts and their denominations among men for we need to multiply acts in this matter but for the helping our own understanding did concur and meet together in this agreement 1. The designation of a Person to do this work there must needs have been a Person set apart and designed from eternity unto the doing of the work of Redemption and this Person was the Son only not the Father not the Spirit 1 Pet. 1.20 Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world but was manifested in these last times for you 2. The preparation and fitting of the Person set apart to take our Law-place and room that Justice might smite him in our stead which also was by an eternal act of the will of God decreed that the Son of God should be Immanuel God with us or God made manifest in the flesh Isa 7.14 1 Tim. 3.16 and unto this incarnation of the Son of God his own words have reference as unto the grand qualification whereby he was destinated before-hand that he might be in a capacity to do this work Heb. 10.5 A body hast thou prepared me 3. The calling of the Person designed calling is an act different from designation 't is something further Christ was by an eternal act of God's will called to this work and that long before he came into the world Psal 89.19 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy One and saidst I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people And Isa 42.6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand and will keep thee and give thee for a Covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles Heb. 5.5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee 4. The investing of the Person designed with offices powers and authorities for the doing of this work such as his Mediatory-office and the powers and authorities thereunto belonging which was not suspended until the time of his actual discharge of the offices of King Priest and Prophet but by an eternal act of the will of God he was set up and vested with these offices and powers from everlasting and had the glory of the designed called invested Mediator as he plainly insinuates Prov. 8.23 I was set up from everlasting saith Wisdom several Expositors render it I was called or I was annointed Joh. 17.5 And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was 5. The mission of the Son Christ designed sitted called invested for this work was also by an eternal act in the counsel of God sent to do this work he had a solema eternal authoritative mission a command to go and was bidden go he had the will of God by an eternal act or commission given out to him concerning all this work long before he was actually made under the Law to which he hath respect when he saith Lo I come to do thy will O God Heb. 10.7 even that will of God that was in the book of his eternal decrees Joh. 6.39 And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me And 10.18 This Commandment have I received of my Father But in all these we do not so much multiply the distinction of acts as we take notice of the distinction and difference of Phrase used by the Holy Ghost speaking of this mysterie in the Scriptures Upon the other part there concurred unto this agreement an eternal personal consent and compliance upon Christ's part unto all these eternal acts of the will of God for Christ God equal with the Father does not begin to consent and agree unto any thing in time nor can the eternal Son of God will any thing in time which he did not will and consent unto from eternity But Christ was present with the Father and did from eternity consent and agree to these eternal acts 1. To the designation of himself to be the person that should satisfie the Justice of God he heartily acquiesced and offered himself he said Lo I come to do thy will Heb. 10.5 7. He poured out his Soul unto death Isa 53.12 2. He consented unto the putting himself in that low capacity that the working of this work required Heb. 2.7 Thou madest him a little lower than the Angels to leave the throne of glory and come down to his footstool there to be in disgrace the Lord of the Law to be made under
they are subordinate These I say are posterior in this kind of order among the decrees of God and eternal acts of his will but this rule holds also in respect of that subordination that may be conceived among these acts of the will of God about the creation and fall of man and the sending of Christ which are co-ordinate means in respect of the supream end before-mentioned yet because one of these may have the place of an end with respect to another of these same co-ordinate means which may be also a means for carrying on some next immediate end as well as the supream ultimate end as the Salvation of the elect is a mean subservient to the great end of glorifying Grace and yet may be and is also an end of God's sending Christ so that the sending of Christ is both a mean subordinate to the glory of Grace and the Salvation of God's elect people Now I say which way soever we look upon the acts of God's will about the glorifying of his justice and mercy on Mankind we are still to conceive of the eternal acts of his will that respect the ends which he has proposed to himself both supream and subordinate as first in order and these acts of his will that relate to the means as last for God first purposed the end then the means that lead to it By this time it may appear that there is no great cause to contend for the order and distinction of these eternal acts of the will of God that concurred to the making up this eternal transaction betwixt Jehovah and the Mediator since they are all co-ordinate acts of the counsel of his will and means for the carrying on the glory of his mercy and justice in saving man This much is manifest 1. That the Covenant of Redemption made with Christ doth suppose other eternal acts of the will of God about the saving of man in the way of satisfaction to justice c. whereof I have spoken before Chap. 2. 2. That the designation calling and eternal mission of the Son of God to do this work must in order be before the person designed and called gave his actual consent and closed the bargain from eternity And if any will contend about the order of these eternal acts before-mentioned I do not see why we may not fitly conceive of them in this order designing calling fitting investing sending of Christ these were the eternal acts of the will of God which were entertained by the Son of God with consent and delectation The Properties of the Covenant of Redemption are See Mr. Rutherf Treat of the Covinant p. 2. c. 12. Freedom Graciousness Eternity Equality Order and Stability 1. The Covenant that was transacted betwixt Jehovah and Christ was a most free Covenant it was an act of meer liberty and soveraign freedom There was eminent freedom upon both sides in both the parties Covenanting 1. Upon the Father's side abstracting from his own decrees and purposes it was free to Jehovah to have followed a strict Law-course according to the rigour of the Covenant of works or to follow a Gospel-way of mitigation and condescension as pleased him it was free to him to send or not to send a Saviour to suffer for man to take a satisfaction by a Surety or only in the Soul that sinned as pleased him 2. Upon Christ's part it was as free to him to be a suffering Redeemer and Surety or not as pleased him to undertake the work of our Redemption or not to undertake it to humble himself unto this service or not to go this errand or not as pleased him Hence 't is observed Jo. Cocc Summum Doct. de soed c. 5. Sect. 90. that it was otherwise with the second Adam than with the first for it was not free to Adam to withdraw from or to deny subjection to the first Covenant neither could he withdraw himself from the Law of Nature nor slight the promise thereof without the violation of that Law but the Son of God was free and tyed by no Law antecedent to his own consent This Property of the Covenant of Redemption is established and confirmed 1. From these Scriptures which attribute this transaction to the free pleasure and soveraign freedom of both parties the Father and Christ therefore the Scripture speaking of God's eternal transactions with Christ about our Redemption doth so frequently call them deeds and acts of will and of the Father's pleasure and that the whole procedure was according to his good pleasure and the pleasure of his will Eph. 1.5.9 And Col. 1.19 It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell 2 Tim. 1. 〈◊〉 according to his purpose and grace c. And upon the other part Christ's concessions in this matter are attributed to his meer will and liberty Phil. 2.6 7 8 Who being in the form of God having the very same divine essence which the father hath thought it not robbery to be equal with God counted it no usurpation to carry himself as God equal with the Father made himself of no reputation freely and of his own accord he hionbled himself not using nor manifesting the glory that was competent to him and took upon him the form of a servant he took upon him a real service in the assumption of the humane nature for the ends he assumed it and was made in the likeness of men and in this service he did behave himself as other men and sutably to that employment and not as equal with God which was his natural condition and while he was in that habit and condition he obeyed unto the death of the Cross All this he acted with eminent freedom in time and consented to with like freedom from eternity where he freely took upon him whatsoever he acted within time 2. If it was free with God whether he would give to man a Being and whether he would conclude this in the counsel of his will from eternity or not as pleased him sure it was also free to God whether he would send a Saviour to him when he should be lost or not as pleased him Now 't is manifest that it was free with God whether he would so much as give to man a being for he was under no necessity to create the World or Men or Angels all which are for his pleasure and therefore are whatsoever they are by his pleasure Rev. 4.11 Thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created 3. If it was free to God from eternity whether he would chuse objects in Mankind to magnifie his Grace and Mercy upon when he had purposed to create Angels and men or whether he would let them all perish and not take any of their natures upon him then the Covenant of Suretiship hath this property of freedom but it is manifest that it was free with God from eternity whether he would recover any of the race of fallen man or not as
shall be satisfied c. but more particularly his reward and wages which was all his own asking comprised these three things which speaks these particulars to have been much upon his heart and in his design 1. That he should have a seed and a people that for all his labour he might have a redeemed people when he had his reward and satisfaction at his own asking he made the redeemed ones his end his asking his satisfaction this was the result of his transcendent love that he might be Immunuel God with us that he might enjoy his poor worthless people Isa 53.10 11 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his Soul an offering for sin 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 2. That he might have a Crown to himself I mean a peculiar glory of being Lord Mediator and Redeemer and of working this great work and this he had in Heaven before the foundation of the world even since the eternal designation and destination of him unto this work for thenceforward he was the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world Rev. 13.8 And was set up from everlasting Prov. 8.23 and was glorified with the Father not only with the essential glory that is common to all the three persons which was obscured in his humiliation for the work of Redemption but also with a peculiar glory as Lord Mediator which he had with him before the world began Joh. 17.5 and this glory he shall have in Heaven throughout eternity even after the last Judgment there shall be in Heaven a peculiar throne and glory following and a peculiar song to the Lamb whereof read Rev. 22.3 and 7.10 17. and 5.9 3. That he might have a crown and throne for each of these redeemed ones whom he took for a satisfaction to his Soul their crown and throne and robes was part of the reward and wages that he wrought for and asked of his Father Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me And 14.3 I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also Luk. 12.32 Fear not little flock for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom Rev. 3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit in my throne with me even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne 7. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt the parties what should be the mutual assurances given betwixt the parties for the performance of the Articles agreed upon There needed no Solemnities betwixt parties who knew one another and trusted one another so perfectly but for our sakes that we might be helped to conceive of this eternal inviolable transaction Therefore upon the one part 1. Jehovah giveth his word and faithful promise unto Christ Psal 110.1 The Lord said to my Lord and not his faithful promise only but his oath also Psal 89.35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Heb. 7.21 For those priests were made without an oath but this with an oath by him that said unto him The Lord swore and will not repent Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedee 2. Upon the other part Christ does not only give his word of promise and consent to do this work Psal 40.6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire mine ears hast thou opened burnt offering and sin-offering hast thou not required c. But he also comes under a Judicial and Law-act of Suretiship whereby he did from eternity act himself in the volume of the book of God's eternal Records that he would fulfil all his undertaking Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God And under this act of Suretiship I comprehend 1. His eternal consent to take our Nature and Law-condition upon him 2. His plighting of his faith and truth to act our part and to answer the Law and Demands of Justice in our Law-place and condition 3. His eternal agreement that by his own consent a Judicial act should be put upon him and stand in record for ever in Heaven and in the volume of books that are there that this person had voluntarily undertaken and promised by striking hands with Jehovah to answer all demands of Law and Justice against his elect people Having offered the before-mentioned sum of the Articles concluded and agreed upon the Covenant of Redemption betwixt Jehovah and Christ I come in the next place to distribute and divide that sum and the things comprised under it into the reciprocal and mutual engagements of the parties covenanting to wit 1. What were the commands and conditions laid upon Christ and voluntarily yielded unto by him in the Covenant of Redemption 2. What the promises and engagements that were given to Christ by the same Covenant And 1. Concerning the commands conditions and engagements which were required of Christ Mediator by the Covenant of Suretiship I shall in these eight Assertions open the nature of them and what they were Assert 1. All the commands of the Covenant of Redemption are conditions and are to be considered as such when they are laid upon Christ who came not under commands but upon terms and conditions It is not so in God's Covenant-dealings with us all the commands of the Gospel are not to us conditions of righteousness and life unless we understand conditions in a very large and improper sense neither is it of the essence of commands laid upon us to be conditions for God oweth nothing to our obedience nor is he obliged to make any promises to it but the commands of the Covenant of Redemption are all of them conditions of that same Covenant For 1. They are commands to the obedience whereof promises are made Isa 53.12 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 2. They are commands unto which Christ yielded upon terms Phil. 2.7 8 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross therefore God hath highly exalted him Assert 2. All the conditions of the Covenant of Redemption both these more general of obeying the Law and fulfilling all righteousness Mat. 3.15 For thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteausness
the doing and suffering of so excellent a person who was God-man and so all these being acts so excellent and so undue except by voluntary condescension they must needs be such conditions as were part of the price payed by him 4. The obedience of Christ and all that he did in obedience to the Law being performed by him in the state of his humiliation in which he was whatsoever he was for us 2 Cor. 8.9 for your sakes he became poor all these must have respect of conditions of his Covenant with Jehovah which he performed for us Assert 7. The conditions of the Covenant of Redemption required from Christ and performed by him were meritorious that is they were not consequent conditions which denote only a connexion and order betwixt the thing promised and the condition required but they were antecedent conditions when the condition is the cause of the thing promised as in contracts of Justice where one thing is given for another So the conditions of this Covenant performed by Christ did by order of strict Justice and jure emptionis claim the reward that was promised and covenanted with him to be given to himself the head and to his elect people in whose stead he satisfied Justice by paying their debt with a price of blood hence it is that he craves the reward to be given and that in Justice for the work he had done Joh. 17.4 5 24 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold thy glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Hence it is also that his Advocation is grounded upon Justice and he stands in Heaven Jesus the righteous 1 Joh. 2.1 who being now justified and acquitted of the debt that he took upon him by his bond of Suretiship whereby he was made sin and made a curse for us 2 Cor. 5.21 Gal. 3.13 He pleads now the merit of blood Assert 8. The condition of the Covenant of Suretiship is either more general and adequate or more special and forwal and accordingly we must answer the question when 't is asked what was the condition of this Covenant Answ 1. The general adequate condition of the Covenant of Suretiship can be no narrower than Christ's whole undertaking so that whatsoever he undertook to do whether in his own person or in his people for carrying on and perfecting the word of Redemption from beginning to end must be part of the conditions required at his hand whereof read Psal 40.6 to 11. compared with Heb. 10.5 to 11 all which may be summed up in six comprehensive heads 1. Christ's accepting the grand charge of this work of Redemption even the Mediatory office that was put upon him he receives the keys of the house of David the trust and weight of the lost but elect world and all the burthen and care of them is devolved upon him with this office Isa 22.22 24. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder so he shall open and none shall shut and he shall shut and none shall open And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his Father's house the off-spring and the issue all vessels of small quantity from the vessels of cups even to all tho vessels of flaggons 2. His taking out nature upon him and that not in its primitive virgin integrity but when it was at the worst it was a condition of this Covenant that Christ should humble himself to take on him the likeness of sinful flesh Rom. 8.3 that he should take the same nature that offended divine Justice even the same flesh and blood whereof the children are partakers and no other Heb. 2.14 3. His taking our Law-place was another condition not our nature only but our Law-place and room that is to put his Soul in our Soul's stead that the Law of God might reach him who otherwise could not be reached by the Law and that Divine Justice executing the curse and penalty of the Law might smite him as the guilty man being by his own consent and his bond of Suretiship become legally the debtor and sinner though not intrinsecally Gal. 4.4 made under the Law and made sin for us 2 Cor. 5.21 though he knew no sin 4. His acting our part not in a scenick but in a real manner he came upon the stage to represent our person and in our nature and Law-place he really acted our part and this was another condition required of him who perfectly obeyed the command of the Law and suffered the threatning thereof for us even all that Justice had threatned to inflict upon the offender and transgressour of the Law Gal. 3.13 he was made a curse for us Isa 53.5 the chastisement of our peace was upon him c. 5. His taking a new Covenant-right unto God his own Father and not to God only but to heaven and glory and all the New-covenant blessings whereby the Covenant-right and rites of his redeemed people might be consolidated in him as their head and whereby he might for ever carry their names and interests before his Father as being there represented by him Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my Father my God and the rock of my Salvation Heb. 2.11.13 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren And again I will put my trust in him and again behold I and the children which thou hast given me And 9.24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us 6. His effectual application of the Redemption purchased by his Suretiship unto all his redeemed ones And under this I comprehend Christ's undertaking for the pouring out of the Spirit to send to them his Spirit to draw them to him to cause them to believe receive his Surety-righteousness to keep them in his favour and love to cause them to persevere to present them perfected and without spot to God Joh. 15.26 But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testifie of me Joh. 12.32 And if I be lifted up from the earth I will draw all men unto me 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. 6.39 40 And this is the Father's will that hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day And this is the will of him that sent me that
and glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed 5. The promise of glory a peculiar glory in heaven throughout eternity to the Lord Mediator and Redeemer to the Lamb that was slain who wrought this great and glorious work of our Redemption this glory he craveth as his wages Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self This glory he eyed when he was at hard labour about the work Isa 49.4 5 Surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Though Israel be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength Heb. 12.2 Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross This glory was promised to him Zech. 6.13 He shall build the temple of the Lord and he shall bear the glory Isa 22.24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his Father's house this glory is actually payed to him in heaven where the Lamb has a throne Rev. 22.3 But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it And 7.17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them where there is a new Song sung unto the Lamb Rev. 5.9 10 And they sung a new Song saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth Yea and a crown and glory for his redeemed seed was part of the reward promised to him and for which he wrought Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me Luk. 12.32 Fear not little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom 2 Pet. 5.4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory The seventh kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ were these that relate to interest I mean the new contracted interests Covenant-interests that were promised to him as part of this agreement betwixt Jehovah and Christ Mediator out of which did spring all the new Covenant-interests and relations that we have to God And such were 1. The interest in God as his God by Covenant for to him was the great Mother promise of the Covenant made I will be his God Psal 80.26 He shall cry to me thou art my God This interest is bound up with him in the Covenant of Suretiship 2. The interest in God as his Father by Covenant to Christ was promised and with him was bound up a new Sonship and Covenant-title to God as his Covenanted Father Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my Father Heb. 1.5 I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son and these Covenant-relations and interests and the compellations arising from them we find Christ own and acknowledg Joh. 20.17 I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and to your God Hence he calleth us brethren children of the same Father who have one Covenant-relation with him to the same God Hell 2.12 I will declare thy name unto my brethren hence God is called the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1. 3. The interest of Saviourship for to the man Christ 't is promissed that Jehovah shall be the rock of his Salvation Psal 89.26 he shall cry to me Thou art my God and the rock of my Salvation hence he cryed Father save me from this hour Joh. 12.27 Jehovah was a Saviour to the man Christ from the things that he suffered as our surety he saveth the head and body therefore it is said Heb. 5.7 that he cryed to him that was able to save him from death 4. The interest of headship when Christ was given to be head of his body the Church he took upon him the man Christ the Mediator took upon him a new relation to God as his head which is founded and bound up in the Covevenant of Suretiship by which this comely order was established that Christ should be a head to his Church and God should be a head to the man Christ In this respect it is said that Christ is God's 1 Cor. 3.23 and how As ye are Christs and all things are yours that is in a subordination to do service 1 Cor. 11.3 and the head of Christ is God the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ must be the head of Christ a head by union to which Christ is united by bonds of union not natural only but foederal Joh. 10.30 I and my father are one Joh. 1.1 And the word was with God a head by influence of Spirit and Grace to the man Christ who liveth by the Father Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father a head by way of order who is over Christ Mediator and to whom the man Christ is subject 1 Cor. 15.28 Then shall the Son also himself be subject to him that put all things under him 5. The interest of hearing Prayer Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me this is bound up among the Covenant-interests which he took upon him by his Suretiship and by this relation when Christ should humble himself to pray Jehovah promiseth to hear him and he hath hearing by Covenant as his seed also have it Isa 49.8 In an acceptable time have I heard thee Joh. 11.41 42 Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me And I knew that thou hearest me always Heb. 5.7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up Prayers and Supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared These and the like interests and relations were covenanted to Christ and out of these Covenant-interests engaged unto him did our Covenant-relations spring The last kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ were these which relate to the whole design and intent of his Suretiship And the great and publick effects which it should produce in the whole frame of the creation for the elect redeemed peoples sake And such were 1. The promise of delivery of the whole creation from bondage and vanity unto which it was made subject for man's Sin and whereof the whole world is sick like a woman travelling in birth Rom. 8.20 21 22 For the creature was made subject unto vanity not willingly but by reason of him that hath subjected the same in hope Because the creature it self also shall be delivered from
die But in the Mediator we see Gods face and know him savingly Joh. 17.3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent 2 Cor. 4.6 To give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2. Without Christ the Mediator there could be no union betwixt God and man the distance was so great that the parties could not come near to one another Eph. 2.13 But now in Chrisi Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ 3. Without the Mediator there could not have been any communion with God union is the foundation of communion without Christ the Creature should everlastingly have lost the fruition of God Without Christ and without God go together Eph. 2.12 4. Without the Mediator we could never had any conformity with God we lost the Image of God but could never have regained it but in Christ it is restored more excellently 2 Cor. 3.18 But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the spirit of the Lord. In a word without a Mediator no part of mans spiritual or everlasting good should have been brought to pass forasmuch as all the good which God had from eternity decreed to do to man was decreed to come to him in and through a Mediator hence we are said to be chosen and ordained unto adoption holiness obedience perseverance c. in and through him Eph. 1.3 4 5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiriritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 1 Pet. 1.2 Through sanctification of the spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Christ But by establishing the Covenant in the hands of a Mediator mans good is advanced For 1. There is a foundation laid of a higher happiness to be recovered in Christ than was lost in Adam for there is much more of God manifested and revealed in Jesus Christ than was in the creation for now we may behold his face as in a glass 2 Cor. 3.18 throughout Christ who is the brightness of his Fathers glory Heb. 1.3 Therefore this is a better Covenant which hath better promises in it laid to our hand in a Mediator Heb. 8.6 2. Not only a higher happiness and a better Covenant in that respect but also through the Mediator there is a foundation laid of a better security for that happiness a surer Covenant and standing in it than was before a Covenant that cannot be disannulled as was the first this being established and ordained in the hands of a Mediator Gal. 3.15 17 19. 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 laws in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people Chap. 33. v. 20 21. A happiness that cannot be forefaulted Psal 89.33 34 35. 3. Through the establishing of this Covenant in the hands of a Mediator there is strength and height of confidence and consolation answerable to the security granted and the solid grounds of confidence and comfort that are laid in this Covenant the sum whereof is That all shall go well notwithstanding all things in us that speak the contrary because there is a Mediator in this Covenant 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 for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world 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 Chap. 2. v. 17 That he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people And truly if there had not been a Mediator in the Covenant of grace in whose hand it was ordained through whom it is established with us it had been as weak ineffectual and unprofitable to give righteousness and life as the first Covenant proved Vse 1. The necessity of a Mediator in this Covenant cleareth one of the main differences betwixt the Covenant of Grace and the first Covenant which was of Works wherein there was no Mediator nor need of a Mediator the parties being friends and in fitness to deal immediately Vse 2. From the necessity of a Mediator in this Covenant be convinced of your need of a Mediator 1. Let natural men be convinced of this you have none to deal for you you must stand or fall by your own righteousness without any mending of it you must do for your selves or be undone for there is no Mediator of that Covenant under which you stand you must do so or of necessity come to Christ the Mediator that you may partake in a better Covenant 2. Let believers be convinced of this It is not natural men only that need a Mediator to make their peace and to change their Covenant-state but you also need a Mediator 1. At all times before and after justification Rom. 5.6 10 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life In making your peace and maintaining it before and in and after your conversion you will need a Mediator till you be in over the threshold of glory till you have put off the body of sin Joh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the father which sent me draw him Song 1.4 Draw me we will run after thee Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not 2. To all intents and purposes as well relating to your Covenant-state as to your duties not only for your persons to make your peace but also for your performances to procure their acceptance Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ 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 3. In all things pertaining to God whatsoever you have to do if it be a thing that relates to God Heb. 2.17 That he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God
of Egypt Exod. 3.2 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush and he looked and behold the bush burned with fire and the bush was not consumed Act. 7.30 An Angel of the Lord in a flame of fine in a bush It was he that brought all these Judgments on them in the Wilderness 1 Cor. 10.9 Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them also tempted and were destroyed of Serpents It was he that brought them to Canaan and out of Babylon and built the Temple and filled it after their return Isa 63.9 By the angel of his presence he saved them Zech. 6.12 Behold the man whose name is the Branch and he shall grow up out of his place and he shall build the temple of the Lord. Chap. 9. v. 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 Hag. 2.7 And I will shake all nations and the desire of all nations shall come and I will fill this house with glory saith the Lord of hosts And this contributes to make Christ a fit Mediator and to support the faith of Gods people that the making of all things the revealing of the will of God and the fulfilling of it even the whole government is upon his shoulders which may assure our hearts that the work which he undertaketh shall be accomplished 2. This is he who is called the brightness of his Fathers glory Heb. 1.3 As Christ is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so he manifests Gods will here he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so he manifests the nature of God And here let us 1. See what the glory is I take it to be meant not of the essential glory which he had with the Father from all Eternity but of the manifestative Glory and Majesty of the Lord which shined forth in Christ for it is of Christ Mediator that the Apostle is here speaking it is the excellencies of God as they shine forth in the Mediator which otherwise had been invisible and could not have been seen discovered nor looked upon 2 Cor. 3.18 But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord. Therefore the end of Christs being constitute Mediator is for this manifestative glory whereof we read Joh. 11.4 When Jesus heard 〈◊〉 he said This sickness is hot unto death â—â—ut for the glory of God that the Son of God might be glorified thereby Chap. 5. v. 22 23 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father 2. The brightness or sent-forth Light here spoken of is a similitude taken from the Sun wherein there is the body of the Sun there is the light of the Sun and the shining splendor or beams of the Sun Interpreters think this to be an expression of the eternal generation of the Son proceeding from the Father as light from the Sun I take it rather to be the manifestation of the Father in Christ the Mediator who is otherwise invisible as the Sun is manifested by its own light so that if you would light all the Torches in the world you cannot see the Sun by the light of these without its own light No more can you see God but in Christ Jesus who is the brightness of his Glory the light whereby his excellencies are manifested Joh. 1.9 That was the true light which-lighteth every man that cometh into the world Mat. 11.27 Neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him 3. This is he who is called the express Image of his Fathers Person Heb. 1.3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the imprinted form this similitude relates to the persons of the Godhead as the former did to the Divine Essence and Nature It is borrowed from the signets impression which represents all the lineaments of the Seal the Character is the perfect expressed Image Mark Christ is called the Image of Gods Person not of his Essence for he is the same Essence not the same Person There is in the God-head essentia subsistentia the Essence is but one but the Subsistences or Persons are different as is expressed in Scripture 1 Joh. 5.7 For there are three that bear record in heaven the Father the Word and the holy-Ghost I take not this to be meant of Christ as God principally for so he is the same in Nature Names and Atrributes rather than the Image of God but I understand it of Christ as Mediator in whom there is a full and perfect resemblance of the Fathers Attributes and Excellencies And here for our knowledg of the person who is Mediator I lay down two conclusions from that comprehensive description of him 1. That Jesus Christ hath in him a glorious resemblance and a perfect Character of all the glorious Excellencies and Attributes of the Father Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily 2 Cor. 3.18 But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord. 2. That it is by Christ Mediator that all the glorious excellencies of God are revealed unto us 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who commanded light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ Consider 1. That Gods great end in all his goings forth towards the Creature in Predestination Creation Providence c. is his own glory and the manifestation of his excellency Prov. 16.4 The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for evor Rev. 4. last Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created But more especially this is his end in Redemption Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do 2. That which is Gods end is our happiness even to have God manifested to us to see him and to have discoveries made to us of his excellencies Joh. 17.3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Mat. 5.8 Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God 1 Joh. 3.2 But we know when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is To see him and be transformed by that sight 2 Cor. 3.18 But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory
of the world and the glory of them and saith unto him All these things will I give thee if thou will fall down and worship me Besides all these Requisites in a Mediator which shine forth so eminently in Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant there are also some other Properties in our Mediator qualifying him for that Office which are peculiar to his Mediation and are not to be found in any other Mediator among men namely 1. His Oneness and Sameness with both the parties betwixt whom he mediates There have been mediators among men who have had some interests and relations to both parties but never any like to this one and only Mediator of the New Covenant who is perfectly one with both the parties which stand at so great distance Phil. 2.6 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren And therefore he is so much engaged to make them one in him he is nearly concerned in the union of these two parties 1. In point of Interest he gaineth by it his Fathers honour is gain to him and so is our happiness also John 16.14 15 He shall glorifie me for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you All things that the Father hath are mine therefore said I that he shall take of mine and shall shew it unto you Isa 59.16 Therefore his arm brought salvation unto him 2. In point of Faithfulness he hath undertaken it and will do it for he is faithful and true Rev. 1.5 and 3.14 and 19.11 3. In point of Honour 't is a Crown to him to make the agreement betwixt God and man Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was Isa 53.12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Psal 110. last He shall drink of the brook in the way therefore shall he lift up the head 4. In point of Satisfaction it 's comfort to him to see this union Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied 2. Christ is a Mediator who never declined to mediate in the business of all those who have any dealing with the King and Court where he lies being a potent accessible Mediator to all who will employ 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 Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come unto me and him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out 3. A Mediator who is always at hand never absent from the Court never missing when sinners have any business with God He is a constant Agent who lieth always in heaven to make the Address of his people to his Father 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 Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us But Mediators among men are oft-times far to seek and ill to find 2 Sam. 14.29 as Joab was when Ahsolom would have sent him to the King who when he was sent for the first and second time would not come to him 4. A perpetual Mediator who neither dieth nor layeth down his Office Moses who was a typical mediator and Joseph who dealt with Pharoah for Israel died and then it went hard with Israel But Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant continueth for ever Heb. 7.23 24 And they truly were many priests because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood Let us shortly hint some Uses of these things And 1. of the Qualifications fitting Christ for this Employment Vse 1. If Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant be a person interested in both parties Then there can be no ground to suspect him of partiality but to look upon all that he propoundeth in the Gospel in order to the reconciliation of God with sinners as coming from one who is nearly interested and well affected to both parties it is our sin that we look upon Christ and the things propounded by him in the Gospel as if he were for God only and not for us also Joh. 17.19 And for their sakes I sanctifie my self that they also might be sanctified through the truth Vse 2. If the Mediator be so trusty a Person Then let us entrust to him the managing of our everlasting interests know him to be such that you may without fear and jealousie confidently commit to him what ever you have to do with God 2 Tim. 1.12 For I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day Vse 3. If the Mediator be marvellously affected towards the union of God and sinners for the good of both parties Then bear with his way of promoting your happiness so as he may honour his Father for he must have both in his eye and therefore will make your peace and will make you happy by humbling you and making you seek his peace and by making you holy c. Eph. 1.4 5 6 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved And 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 And think not that any way that Jesus Christ will have his Father honoured in you is contrary to your happiness Vse 4. If Christ have power with both the parties betwixt whom he is a Mediator then you must needs let him dispose of you and command you wherein he will for making your peace with his Father and whatever power you yeild to him over you with your own consent believe it he will improve it for your advantage and he hath credit with his Father to effectuate the business for his
if ye believe not that I am he ye shall die in your sins 5. There are Predictions and Prophesies in the Gospel-Covenant I mean especially these which concern Eternity the last Judgment Hell and Heaven which are the things that are least believed of all that ever men heard tell of Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth also that these things are true the Covenant telleth us that this world shall have an end and time shall be no more Eternity is coming Psal 102.26 They shall perish but thou shalt endure yea all of them shall was old like a garment as a vesture shalt thou change them and they shall be changed 2 Pet. 3.10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with fervent heat the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth and sweareth that is true Rev. 10.5 6 And the Angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lift up his hand to Heaven and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever who created Heaven and the things that therein are and the earth and the things that therein are and the sea and the things which are therein that there should be time no longer The Covenant saith that God hath appointed a day wherein Christ shal judg the world and all shall bow to him Act. 17.31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained And this witness of the Covenanant testifieth and confirmeth that with an Oath Rom 14.10 11 12 We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ for it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall how to me and every tongue shall confess to God so then every one of us shall give account of himself to God The Covenant saith there is a Hell and a Heaven there is a resting-place prepared for the people of God and a place of torment for all the wicked 1 Cor. 2.9 10 But as it is written eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither hath entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit for the spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God Luk. 16.23 And in Hell he lift up his eyes being in torment and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosome Rev. 14.10 11 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in presence of the holy Angels and in the presence of the lamb and the smoak of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever The Witness of the Covenant testifieth that these things are true for he was both in Hell and Heaven i. e. he saw both and tasted of the things that are in them Psal 16.10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in Hell Luk. 23.43 Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee to day thou shalt be with me in paradise Joh. 17.5 And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was 6. There are Exceptions and Reservations of the crosses and afflictions in several cases by the Covenat Psal 89.30 32. If his Children forsake my law then will I visit their transgressions with the rod. The Witness of the Covenant testifieth it is true and confirmeth it by making it an express Reservation and Exception in all his dealings with his people Luk. 9.23 And he said unto them all If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me Luk. 14.27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my Disciple Mat. 16.24 Then said Jesus unto his Disciples if any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me 2. The Covenant may be said to be established and confirmed by Christ the Witness in regard that it is his witness that putteth an end to controversies about all things pertaining to the Covenant for in him they have a double establishment they are sure in themselves and they are sure unto us 1. All which is contained in the Covenant is firm and sure in Christ 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen unto the glory of God by us Act. 13.34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead now no more to return to corruption he said on this wise I will give you the sure mercies of David His Witness makes it certain that there are such things and that these things are irrevocable and unalterable not to be done away nor broken because the Oath of God and witness of his Christ is in this Covenant which was not in the first Covenant Psal 89.34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David 2. His witness maketh them sure to us as well as sure in themselves for it is that which puts the business of our salvation beyond doubting at least should put it beyond doubting because we have Christs testimony for it he hath made it a sworn article of the Covenant Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an Oath to wit the Promise and Covenant made and confirmed with Abraham by the Angel of the Covenant that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hoâ— set before us 1 Joh. 5.9 If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater For application of this Let us first reflect upon our selves and the way of our hearts with the Lord that we may be convinced how much we have slighted this Covenant-relation of Christs how little use we have made of him as the witness of the Covenant and how small weight we have laid upon his testimony That this may appear Consider 1. He hath not been employed by us to witness in all things wherein we have wanted certainty in the matters pertaining to the Covenant such as the revealing the secret of his Covenant the certifying us of his Covenant love and our Covenant-state and interest in him c. How often have we fled unto and trusted in means and marks for the attaining of these things and have not employed him who was given for a witness to declare and assure of these things Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any
Heb. 6.17 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath Eph. 1.9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which he had purposed in himself 4. Whose Messenger is Christ in this Covenant-relation whether of one of the parties or of both Answ 1. In some respects he is only the Messenger of one of the parties I mean as the name doth import a Mission Delegation and Subordination so he is only Gods Messenger because Christ Mediator the Angel of the Covenant had his commission only from God and is to give an account of that honourable trust and employment to him only Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth Joh. 5.22 For as the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son c. 1 Cor. 15.24 Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God even the father Yea even in these things which he acteth upward toward his father as Messenger of the Covenant put case his negotiating with God for his people he hath his Mission and Delegation from God for that special effect Joh. 1.2 24 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me 2. In some respects he is the Messenger of both the parties as namely 1. In respect of the business about which he is employed his Message is about matters of huge concernment to both the parties of the Covenant for his fathers honour and his peoples happiness lay equally in the business about which he is employed Joh. 17.2 4 That he should give eternal life to as many as thou bast given him I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do 2. In respect of the travels of his soul in that business and Message he did it cordially and condescendingly did he run the Errants of both the parties he came his fathers Errant to us and he went our Errant to his father Joh. 13.3 Jesus knowing that the father had given all things into his hands and that he was come from God and went to God Joh. 14.2 12 I go to prepare a place for you because I go unto my father Joh. 16.5 28 But now I go my way to him that sent me and none of you asketh me whither goest thou I came forth from the father and am come into the world again I leave the world and go to the father 3. In respect of his Ambassage and Agency he was an Ambassador and Agent on Gods part while he was here upon the earth he was his Messenger who came to declare and to confirm the Covenant 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ recanciling the world unto himself Gal. 4.4 5 But when the fulness of the 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 he is now our Agent he is Messenger and Lieger in Heaven on our part in regard of his constant residence there for our business Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us Act. 3.21 Whom the heavens must receive until the times of restitution of all things 4. In respect of his correspondency with both parties he is correspondent with God for his people 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 And these have known that thou hast sent me And he is correspondent with us for God Joh. 6.38 39 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day Luk. 12.32 Fear not little flock for it is your fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom He is correspondent betwixt the confederate parties 5. About what busmess is he Messenger and what is the special subject matter of his employment Answ His Name and Covenant-relations do declare the business he is Messenger of the Covenant Legatus faederis Mal. 3.1 His Message is as large and broad as all things pertaining to the Covenant Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people So that there is nothing which doth any way relate to the Covenant betwixt God and believers which falleth not under this Covenant-relation a sum whereof may be comprehended under these three heads 1. Whatsoever appertaineth to the making of the Covenant he is Messenger betwixt God and his people for that effect whether it be any thing which belongeth to the courting and wooing of his peoples hearts by commending his father and making offers of himself and of his love unto them Joh. 14.2 In my fathers house are many mansions if it were not so I would have told you Joh. 15.1 I am the true Vine Joh. 16.27 For the father himself loveth you Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son Joh. 10.14 29 I am the good shepherd my father which gave them me is greater then all Wisdom cryeth who will have Christ Prov. 9.1 Wisdom hath builded her house she hath hewn out her seven Pillars c. Joh. 7.37 38 In that last day that great day of the feast Jesus stood and cried saying if any man thirst let him come unto me and drink He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water Mat. 11.28 Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Hos 2.14 Therefore behold I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness and speak comfortably unto her Song 2.1 I am the rose of Sharon and the lillie of the vallies Or whether it be any thing which belongeth to the engaging the hearts of his people in determining them by his grace and acting the Covenant upon their hearts he is Messenger also for that to command Souls to engage with him and to arise and go after him and to forsake all for him Ezek. 20.37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod and I will
subordination and subjection as is the name Messenger but of the lowest and most abject condition of subordination I say 1. This name is given to Christ not in regard of his nature but in regard of his office as Mediator as he took upon him a Service this name is not a name of nature for in regard of his Divine nature he hath another style My Son is his name not my Servant Mat. 3.17 This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased And in regard of his Humane nature though the man Christ is by nature Gods Servant yet he is not by nature a common Servant to both the parties in the Covenant nor a Servant of the Covenant but a Free-man Mat. 17.26 Jesus saith unto him then are the children free Therefore I say it is not the name of the natural only begotten Son of God nor the name of the man Christ as it importeth any thing peculiar and not common to the rest of the creatures but it is the name of Christ Mediator God-man Heb. 12.24 2. This name is given to Christ mainly and eminently in regard of the state and condition of his humiliation Phil. 2.7 8 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross For though now when God hath highly exalted him he be still a Priest upon a Throne Heb. 8.1 and consequently promoting the same Trust and Service about which he was sent to the earth yet his way of carrying on that Service is so Princely as he carryeth condescendingly to men Phil. 2.9 10 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earrh and things under the earth If we should yet name him by this Covenant-relation we behoved to look upon him as a kinged and crowned Servant who for performing that notable Service that was committed unto him hath been exalted to a Glorious Throne and yet for all his preferment is as humble and affable and easie to be spoke with as when he was upon the earth for he beareth the same heart toward his people Heb. 4.15 16 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 3. The name of Servant in the business of the Covenant is given to Christ in regard of his trust because the greatest trust that ever was put upon man was put upon him by the Covenant of Redemption he was entrusted with a rare piece of Service the saving of sinners the carrying through the work of Redemption the weight of the lost World being laid upon his shoulders Isa 49.6 And he said it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Joh. 5.22 For as the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son 4. This name is given to Christ in regard of his work for it is a name of work as well as of trust because he served a great Service in the business of the Covenant I have elsewhere shewed that the whole business of Redemption was his work therefore you find he speaks often of his work and labour and spending his strength and of the travel of his Soul Isa 49.4 Then I said I have laboured in vain I have spent my strength for nought and in vain Isa 53.10 11 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his Soul an offering for sin 〈◊〉 shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied Joh. 4.34 Jesus saith unto them My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Joh. 8.29 And he that sent me is with me the father hath not left me alone for I do always those things that please him 5. This name is given to Christ in regard of his wages and reward which redounded unto him by this great Service which he performed unto God by saving the elect world which yet must be understood of no servile reward for his love could not be hired but we read of a reward promised and compacted unto him Isa 53.11 12 He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession A reward expected and eyed by him Isa 49.4 5 Yet surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Though Isreal be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength A reward craved by him Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was A reward payed unto him as the fruit of his labours Phil. 2.8 9 And being found in fashon as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even unto the death of the cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name Heb. 12.2 6. The name of Servant is given to him in regard of the spirit of fear unto which he did subject himself for a season while he was here in our nature in the shape of a Servant I say though there were always in the heart of Christ a design of love which made him run and serve in the business of the Covenant yet there was something of the spirit of a Servant in the man Christ made under the law and having taken upon him our condition as well as our nature which yet must be understood
fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to hring them out of the land of Egypt which my covenant they break although I was an husband to them saith the Lord. But this shall be my covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after these days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inwards parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people Joh. 17.6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word And this is as sad news to many of you who heard this Gospel as it is glad news to these who receive it and believe in Christ wo to them who have not this undertaker for them for the Law must have a satisfaction by the eternal undoing of all these 5. Let us consider for what Christ is engaged by his Suretiship That this may appear we shall take notice of some distinctions which speak the extent of his undertaking for his people He was a Surety and undertaker 1. In his state and in his actions 2. In Earth and in Heaven 3. In our stead and in our behalf 4. To us-ward and to God-ward 1. I say Christ is a Surety for his people in his state and in his actions that is 1. In whatsoever state and condition Christ was in that state and condition he doth sustain our persons and is surrogate in our place and condition for so much his Suretiship doth import as I have already shewed when he was in a state of humiliation here upon the earth in that low condition he did sustain the persons and bear and represent the state and condition of his poor broken people he was surrogated a Surety to sustain their Legal state or the state wherein they are by the violation of the Law and Covenant of works Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Again in his exaltation Christ doth sustain the persons and represent the condition of the Elect unto the which they are advanced by the Covenant through him and therefore the Scripture holds him forth in his resurrection and ascension c. as representing the state of the Elect He is in heaven this day saith the Scripture for us sustaining our state and glorified condition till we come there taking possession of our inheritance unto which he hath acquired for us a right Heb. 6.20 Whither the fore-runner is for us entred even Jesus Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us 2. In his actions he acted our parts especially in what he did or in what befel him here upon the earth for it was his end of coming down into this world to act our parts and to have acted upon him what should have been done to us he died as our Surety and he arose as our Surety Justice smote him as our Surety he was taken into prison and to judgment and was condemned as our Surety being numbred among transgressors and again he was taken from the prison and judgment as our Surety being justified when he payed the Debt and by vertue of that communion which we had with him in all these actions of his he being our Surety and sustaining our Law-place and room by a just law these things are reckoned unto our account whose persons he sustained and whose parts he acted Isa 53 throughout Rom. 4. last Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God And to this purpose is that instance and parallel of Adams sustaining the condition of all men Christ set forth Sect. 3. cap. 4. and therein being a type of Christ 1 Cor. 15.22 48. and Rom. 5.14 Fitly and at large applied by Mr. Thomas Goodwin 2. Christ was a Surety on Earth and he is a Surety still in Heaven Christ is as well a Surety in his intercession as he was in his death for beside all that Christ did upon earth for discharging his undertaking unto God for his people he stands yet engaged in Heaven as an undertaker for them and shall not be acquitted of all his engagements until he have brought all the Elect company as safe there as he came himself Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Therefore the Apostle Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made Surety of a better Testament After he hath made mention of the Suretiship of Christ he instanceth in his intercession and continuing a Priest for ever vers 23 24 25. Shewing that because he is engaged as a Surety therefore he intercedes to save to the utmost That this may be yet more plain consider 1. That the Suretiship of Christ as it was acted in a free Covenant and transaction betwixt Jehovah and Christ doth not only relate unto the justification of the Elect but also to their Salvation Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Rom. 5.9 10 Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be shall be saved by his his life And therefore as long as the persons of any for whom he died remain still unsaved he is not acquitted of this Suretiship and engagement but after that he hath payed a price to justice for them there remains an obligation upon him to bring these for whom he died to glory Heb. 2.10 For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings 2. Consider that the being part of his Covenant of Suretiship to be performed as long as the persons of any of the Elect are yet unsaved to the utmost the performance of that which is behind of his engagements is
I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Luk. 22.15 And he said unto them With desire have I desired to eat this passeover with you before I suffer Joh. 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again this commandment have I received of my father He did voluntanly fulfil his act of cautionry and not through constraint of Law and Justice yea it was not accounted grievous to him but was rather his satisfaction and delight thus to make the glory of his grace conspicuous Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Psal 40.8 I delight to do thy will O my God yea thy law is within my heart In the last place let us consider the advantages which believers have by Christs Suretiship which are so many that they cannot be reckoned we shall instance upon some few 1. By Christs Suretiship we have our exemption and liberation from the Law and the hand of Justice our divorcement from the Law and Covenant of works as a husband in which respect it is now dead and extinct though it live for other ends and uses 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 So that now the believer cannot be pursued at Law or if pursued cannot be made to undergo the sentence of the Law Justice being satisfied by a Surety Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Heb. 2.14 15 That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil and deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage In a word we owe to Christs Suretiship our delivery from the sentence from the pursuit from the Covenant from the terror from the rigour from the irritation of the Law yea from the perfect obedience of the Law it will now accept less and from all obedience to it as a possible way of life Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Heb. 12.18 22 24 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched and that burned with fire nor unto blackness and darkness and tempest But ye are come unto mount Sion and unto the city of the Living God the heavenly Jerusalem And to Jesus the Mediator of the new covevant 2. By his Suretiship we have this new and better Covenant-state wherein we stand we owe our being in Christ and in the Covenant of Grace unto his Suretiship who did undertake to bring about that bond of engagement betwixt God and us for if Christ had not acted himself to do this it had never been done Joh. 17.2 6 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. 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 3. By Christs Suretiship we have our perseverance and stability in this Covenant-state I say not our being only but our continuing in this blessed state that we do not depart from God and utterly forsake him in a divorcement even when we go a whoring from him and that he doth not cast us off and discovenant us for all that we have done this advantage we have by Christs Suretiship that there can be no reversing annulling or repealing of Gods Covenant with his people and if it were not for that a divorce should follow upon the whorings and treacherous dealings of our hearts every day Psal 89.30 33 34 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments c. 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 lie unto David Jer. 3.1 14 22 They say If a man put away his wife and she go from him and become another mans shall he return unto her again shall not that land be greatly polluted but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers yet return again to me saith the Lord. Turn O back-sliding children saith the Lord for I am married unto you and I will take you one of a city and two of a family and I will bring you to Zion Return ye backsliding children and I will heal your back-slidings behold we come unto thee for thou art the Lord our God 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. 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 and 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 4. We owe to Christs Suretiship very much upon the head of the conditions of the new Covenant as namely 1. The possibility of Gospel-conditions and commands that they are not as unprofitable to us as the keeping of the whole Law Deut. 30.11 14 For this commandment which I command thee this day it is not hidden from thee neither is it far off But the word is very nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy heart that thou mayest do it Rom. 10.6 8 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise say not in thine heart who shall ascend into heaven that is to bring Christ down from above But what saith it the word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach 2. The certainty of a performance of these conditions that believers have any ground to expect that there shall not be a misgiving in them as was in the 〈◊〉 ands of the first Covenant Joh. 6.37 All that the father goveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out 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 3. The
that to be of force through his death as a valid Legal right that they also may now possess and injoy with him Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they may be where I am And in Heaven he appears for us and upon our account in the force of the Testators death Heb. 17.23 24. 3. The Testator who before possest the inheritance upon his own right and title does now possess the inheritance by a title super-added to that to wit upon our account as our Attorney as one representing the Elect and having wrought for their heaven Joh. 17.4 and come to heaven to be vested with a possession in their name and for their account for now he appears in heaven in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 And by the Testators being in Heaven God hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus Eph. 2.6 And he as a fore-runner is for us entered Heb. 6.20 4. The Testator surrogates his spirit in his absence and after his death to see his Will executed in all points and to give real and actual possession of his Testament-blessings unto those to whom he left them Joh. 15.26 But when the comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the father he shall testifie of me and Joh. 16.7 8. Which accordingly is fulfilled and our possession quo ad exequnta is ascribed to this Executor surrogate by the Testator and doing his will in his name 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are washed but ye are sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God the Executor of the Lord Testators will Vse 1. This Covenant-relation does exceedingly magnifie the riches of the grace and love of Christ Jesus the Testator 1. That the king immortal 1 Tim. 1.17 should become a man subject to mortallity Heb. 2.17 2. That he should act any thing in contemplation of mortality and be a Testator even he who was to see no corruption Psal 16.11 with Act. 2.31 Joh. 13.1 3. That he who could not see corruption yet never theless should die and give up the Ghost for conveying a title and possession of life and immortality to his people Gal. 2.20 Vse 2. Let the friends and Legators of this blessed Testator know that your holding is of absolute grace and of the meer pleasure of the Testator your right and title is testamentary and you have your mercies by Christs will of favour you are Legatories and he is the Testator Joh. 5.21 The Son quickeneth whom he will And yet you are not left at uncertainty for there is nothing sure to changeable creatures but what is pure Grace and hangs upon the free will of God and the motions of his heart Rom. 4.16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed Mal. 3.6 For I am the Lord I change not therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed You may say to him as he said to his father upon your account Mat. 11.25 26 I thank thee O father And even so father because so it seemed good in thy sight Vse 3. Comfort to believers in Christ whose names are written in this Testament 1. That our Lord Jesus died not untested and without a plain declaration of his Will to whom he left his goods and what the things be which he left unto them Act. 13.34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead now no more to return to corruption he said on this wise I will give you the sure mercies of David Joh. 14.27 Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you Joh. 13.1 Now before the feast of the passeover when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end Joh. 15.11 13 14 15. and 16.33 2. That your right is testamentary the Covenant betwixt God and Christ being turned unto a testament betwixt him and you the blessings thereof are the absolute will of the Testator Joh. 14.27 Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me 3. That there is force and strength in his latter Will by vertue of his death that we can bring his Will as a valid deed of Law now after his death and can plead it with God Heb. 9.15 17 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance For a testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth 4. That he hath left one to execute his Will that the Testator wants not an Executor of his Testament Joh. 14.26 But the comforter which is the Holy-ghost whom the father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Joh. 15.26 But when the comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the father even the spirit of truth which proceedeth from the father he shall testifie of me Vse 4. For Exhortation both to consider of the design of Grace that lyes wrapt up in this Covenant-relation and to search into the experimental knowledg of the vertue and efficacy of Christs being the Testator of the new Covenant 1. I say study the design of grace which is wrapt up in this Covenant-relation as it super-adds a new title to Covenant blessings as it declares the absolute freeness of Covenant-mercies as it ratifies Christs will of grace and as it makes way for our possession of the things bequeathed unto us in Christs Testament wherof we have spoken 2. Search I say after the experimental knowledg of vertue of Christs Testatorship 1. Quo ad executionem in the force and efficacy of it that through the Testators death his Testament hath been executed and fulfilled as to thee Heb. 9.17 For a testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth Zech. 9.11 As for thee also by the blood of thy covenant I have sent out thy prisoners out of the pit wherein there is no water 2. Quo ad executa in the latitude of his Legacies that nothing disposed and bequeathed to believers in Christs Testament hath escaped thee that no part of his goods which is the portion of his people be wanting with thee 2 Pet. 1.5 And besides this giving all diligence add to your faith vertue and
believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Joh. 4.10 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 Isa 42.6 And give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things Yea 't is in and for Christ that the Covenant is a free Covenant for the same righteousness and life and Covenant-blessings which are freely promised and offered to us at the first hand were purchased by Christ and a satisfaction given to the justice of God for them and because he payed a price for them therefore they are free gifts to us he made all Covenant-mercies free to us by Covenant because they were bought by him in the Covenant that was made between God and Christ 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 Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was I do not say that Christ was the cause of Gods eternal transaction which he purposed in himself but that he is the cause of these effects of Covenant-graces which come freely to us for his sake who bought them with a great price 1 Pet. 1.19 20 21 But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish without spot Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world but was manifest in these last times for you who by him do believe in God that raised him up from the dead and gave him glory that your faith and hope might be in God 2. The everlastingness of the Covenant is comprized in Christ the Covenant is an everlasting Covenant and he is God everlasting yea an everlasting Mediator who was set up from everlasting and shall endure to everlasting Isa 9.6 For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulders and his name shall be called wonderful councellor the mighty God the everlasting father the prince of peace Prov. 8.23 I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was 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 Yea it is in and through and for Christ that the Covenant of grace hath everlastingness in it whether we consider it as everlasting a parte ante it could not have been an eâ—â—â—lasting Covenant in this respect unless there had been anâ—â—â—â—r everlasting party for the everlasting God to deal 〈…〉 and there was not another party of this kind but 〈…〉 in whom grace was given to us and promises of life 〈…〉 made to us before the world began 2 Tim. 1.9 Tit. 1. 〈…〉 8.23 Or if we consider the Covenant as everlasting 〈…〉 parte post Christ is the foundation of that and it is 〈…〉 for Christ that the Covenant is an everlasting Coveâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 and because he is given for a Covenant of the people 〈…〉 everlastingness is given to that Covenant Psal 89. â—◠〈…〉 5 I have made a covenant with my chosen I have sworn unto David my servant 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 Isa 59.21 As for me this is my covenant with them saith the Lord my spirit which 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 Isa 53.10 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 3. The order of the Covenant is comprised in Christ the Covenant is a well ordered Covenant and the order of the whole treaty of reconciliaton and of this Covenant-transaction is summed up in Christ in whom the parties meet together in this order God coming down to us in Christ and we coming up to God in Christ 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Mat. 1.23 God with us Yea all things that are ordered and disposed concerning Covenant-grace and blessings are ordered in him and for him and by him for the methods and ways of Gods dispensing and ordering Covenant-blessings are through him and in him as the channel and conveyance thereof and for him as the cause and by him as the great Administrator who is over all that business for the managing thereof Eph. 1.3 4 5 6 Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all the spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us into the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Eph. 2.6 10 And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them 4. The stability of the Covenant is comprised in Christ the Covenant of Grace is a sure Covenant and he is a firm and sure Christ who fails not and changes not Heb. 13.8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to day and for ever Yea he is the very stability of the Covenant of Grace 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen unto the glory of God by us The sure foundation upon which it is established Isa 28.16 Because Christ is in