Father glorifie thou me with thine own self But Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption 1. Efficiently or in regard of the efficient cause thereof the spring whence it came was Grace pure Grace and nothing else made it and gave it a being it was not only an act of will pleasure freedom and soveraignty but an act of gracious will and the good pleasure of his will that made it Eph. 1.5 Col. 1.19 2. Graciousness is attributed to this Covenant ultimately in regard that the ultimate end and scope thereof is the manifesting the glory of the richness and freeness of Grace t is a design of Grace that is driven and carried on in the Covenant of Redemption Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began 3. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was in it fundamentally the whole contrivance and dispensation of Grace is bottomed upon this eternal transaction and turns upon the hinge of this Compact betwixt Jehovah and Christ therefore all the mercies and faithfulness of the Lord that we are made to sing of within time are laid upon this foundation Psal 89.1 2 3 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations For I have said mercy shall be built up for ever thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens I have made a Covenant with my chosen 4. Graciousness may be attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was here originally for here the first draughts of pure soveraign free Grace and the unsearchable riches thereof were drawn and portrayed here is fountain-Grace and from thence came the streams here were the beginnings of that noble design of Grace laid and from hence did they come forth Col. 1.26 27 Even the mysterie which had been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to his Saints To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mysterie among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the hope of glory 5. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace is here comprehensively even all that God hath been driving and acting upon the spirits of his people by the Gospel-covenant and Ordinances thereof and the work of his Spirit since the beginning of the world and all that he shall do until the day that the ransomed and redeemed company be perfected even the whole plot of Grace is all comprised in this eternal transaction with Christ and to it are we led as the comprehension of all Covenant-grace and mercy Isa 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make with you an everlasting Covenant even the sure mercies of David 6. Graciousness is attributed to this Covenant because Grace is here eminently and indeed if the comparison might be fitly made pure Gospel free Grace is more in the Covenant of Redemption than in the Covenant of Reconciliation for 't is in the Covenant of Redemption principally as water is in the fountain and in the Covenant of Reconciliation by participation and consequentially because God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself by that Covenant therefore he is now in Christ reconciling the world to himself by this Covenant of reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.19 20 21 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trospasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled unto God for he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be the righteousness of God in him 7. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was therein exemplarily for hereby God did act Grace in Christ and made him a Samplar and the first copy of free Grace to all his brethren seed and heirs that they might share with him upon whom the first acts of eternal Covenant-love and Grace fell and that God might shew forth in him a pattern of Covenant-dealings and out letting of Covenant-favour and promises Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my father my God and the rock of my salvation With Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together 3. Another Property of the Covenant of Redemption is Eternity For 1. Both the Parties are eternal the eternal God who is from everlasting to everlasting Deut. 33.27 and the eternal Son of God whose eternal power and Godhead Rom. 1.20 is equal with God his Father Phil. 2.6 And who shall declare his generation Isa 53.8 Joh. 1.1 2 In the beginning the word was and the word was with God and the word was God the same was in the beginning with God Rev. 1.8 I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end saith the Lord which is which was and which is to come 2. The union of the two natures in the Person of the Redeemer which was transacted in this Covenant is an eternal union I mean the humane nature which was from eternity designed unto a substantial union with God being once assumed stands in that substantial union for ever so that it is impossible that the personal union which was transacted in the Covenant of Redemption can be dissolved unto all eternity for 't is unquestionable that Christ shall stand glorified in our nature in heaven for ever for even there is a throne for the man Christ for the Lamb slain for ever Rev. 22.3 But the throne of God and of the lamb shall be in it Act. 17.31 3. The New Covenant-relations which were established betwixt Jehovah and Christ by this Covenant of Redemption are eternal relations which shall never cease Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son This Covenant-relation I say whereby God is the God and Father
shall teach thee terrible things Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee A person in offices who had all judgment committed unto him who had power given him over all flesh Joh. 17.2 and all power in heaven and earth Mat. 28.18 this was he to whom all the honourable offices and absolute powers of his Father's house was promised that he might act and give orders and set up and put down and none to controul him 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 the vessels of flaggons 3. I say the Lord Mediator had all these offices and authorities by Covenant the Lord promised to him and covenanted with him to give him these offices for doing the work of Redemption therefore we read Psal 89. that Christ who there is called David is constituted a King by Covenant v. 3 4 and by what Covenant even by that Covenant whereby the help of God's elect people was laid upon him v. 19. and this was the Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption and in the same place we read of the standing fast of God's Covenant with him v. 28. even that Covenant whereby he was made higher than the Kings of the earth v. 27. And again we find the same Covenant whereby he had a lasting Kingdom sworn with him v. 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 To the same purpose also there is an oath interposed with the promise of his Priesthood to shew that he was in that office by a more unalterable Covenant than that which was made with Levi Mal. 2.5 My covenant with him was of life and peace compared with Heb. 7.21 For those Priests were made without an oath but this with an oath by him that said unto him the Lord sware and will not repent thou art a Priest for ever The second kind of Promises made to Christ are such as relate to the gifts endowments and habitual furniture which was necessary unto the man Christ for performing this great work he had an instrumental fitness for this extraordinary work Isa 11.2 3 4 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledg and of the fear of the Lord. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord and he shall not judg after the sight of his eyes neither reprove after the hearing of his ears But with righteousness shall he judg the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked And under this sort of Promises I comprehend 1. The Sanctification of our nature to be assumed by him and infusion of habitual Grace in the holy humane nature of Christ from the very first moment of his conception and of the personal union of the two natures Luk 1.35 Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Heb. 7.26 For such an high priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separated from sinners and made higher than the heavens 2. The growth of Grace whereof the man Christ was capable who was made in all things like his brethren except sin we must therefore conceive of his growth to have been without sinful weakness and to have been in experience and in physical intention and bendedness of acts of obedience which the Law does not require in like degree from the young as from the old Luk. 2.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man Heb. 5.8 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered Zech. 6.12 Behold the man whose name is 〈◊〉 â—ranch and he shall grow up out of his place and he shall build the temple of the Lord. 3. The annointing in its fulness without measure and above his fellows whereby the man Christ was full of Grace and had a fulness for this work whereof no other creature was capable Psal 45.2 7 Thou art fairer then the children of men Grace is poured into thy lips therefore God hath blessed thee for ever Thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Joh. 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth And 3. 34 for God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him 4. The overflowings of his fulness whereby the Spirit and All-saving Grace being placed in him as in a Store-house and Treasure not for himself only but for his elect people did run down and flow out from the Mediator from Christ God-man as water from a fountain and fresh spring as dropping showers from full clouds Joh. 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Col. 2.3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledg And 1.19 But it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell 5. The bodily inhabitation of the fulness of the God-head in him By vertue of that unconceivable mysterie of the personal union he had a personal fulness Col. 2.9 for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily The third kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ and covenanted to him were such as relate to his actual support in the execution of this office and performing of the work which he undertook for the man Christ being a creature needed more than habitual Grace and anointing with gifts for such a work there was a necessity that he should not act independently without influence from God And to this kind of promises may be referred the promises of heavenly influences to all the acts of his Mediatory-office and his Surety-obedience so that as the man Christ needed the Spirit and Influences these were ensured by Covenant unto him so that it was impossible that the man Christ could sin or come short in performing all his Father's pleasure as Adam sinned and fell short of the command having actual influences ensured unto him as well as habitual Grace hence he saith of himself Joh. 16.32 and 8.16 I am not alone it was impossâ—â—â— that he could be left alone of his Father and to him was the promise made Isa 11.12 The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the Spirit and heavenly influences were his constant companions Isa 50.4 He wakeneth
submission to it He knew well enough it would be too late to wait for our call He knew that we might dye in our sin before we sent for the Physician he did well foresee our slowness and backwardness to give him employment for making our peace and therefore he prevented us John 8.27 Heb. 10.9 2. This may establish our hearts in the faith of the weight and prevalency of Christs Mediation he being no Usurper but a called chosen person set in lawful Authority all whose travels receive weight from his Place and Calling for because he was sent and had a commandment to travel in the work of his peoples Redemption therefore the work that was set him to do must prosper and his travels with both the parties must prevail Joh. 10.36 Say ye of him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent unto the world Thou blasphemest because I said I am the Son of God Isa 53.10 11 By his knowledg shall my righteous Servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied 3. This should bear upon us a necessity of receiving the Mediator in his travels about Reconciliation He is in his Office and called to travel with you about this work take heed how you entertain and answer his propositions of peace now he is making proposals of peace to you by virtue of this Office which he bears 2 Cor. 6.2 Behold now is the accepted time behold now is the day of salvation Ch. 5. v. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God Heb. 2.1 3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Your slighting of the Gospel beside the neglect of so great salvation brought to you in the offer hath also in it great slighting of a chosen Officer and of a Person called and put in high authority by God to travel with you in the business of your peace Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven 4. This speaks comfort to believers Christ is Mediator betwixt God and you by an eternal call from God his Father he needs not much entreaty to be about the Office whereunto he is called of God although it be no less your duty to entreat his favour as the Disciples did than if he had no other calling to it but your invitation Luke 24.29 But they constrained him saying Abide with us for it is towards evening and the day is far spent and he went in to tarry with them If you should at any time apprehend that he would refuse your entreaties which you have no ground to think yet he will not he cannot shake off his Father's calling to mediate for you he dealeth betwixt God and you by virtue of an Office which having taken upon him by voluntary submission the duties of that Office lye upon him through a blessed necessity as is written of the High-Priest who was a type of him That by reason hereof to wit of his Office he ought to offer for sins Heb. 5.3 And 8.3 For every High-priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer Comfort your selves believers in Christ that besides all the supports of your faith which you may have from his union of nature with you and his unction from his propriety in you and consanguinity with you from his gracious qualifications for that work you have this moreover That he is your Mediator by Calling by Office and can no more decline any thing that may be for your good than he can be unanswerable to his Fathers Calling or unfaithful in his Office and in the performing the duties thereof which is impossible CHAP. XI Of Christs taking onr nature upon him which is his grand qualification for the Office of Mediatorship CHrists qualification and fitness for this Office of Mediatorship may be considered 1. In his taking our nature upon him wherein consists the grand qualification and fundamental fitness of Christ for being Mediator of the New Covenant And 2. In other qualifications which result from the union of the two natures in him Or we may consider Christs qualifications for this Office in the union of these two natures in him 2. In his unction And 1. of Christs coming in the flesh and taking our nature upon him which I call the chief and grand qualification of him for Mediatorship This is a fundamental truth and yet a great mystery We think we know this so well that it is below us to study it to preach it and to hear of it but you are not at the bottom of your unbelief and ignorance if you know not that this mystery is little known and believed God manifested in the flesh seen of Angels with study and delight 1 Tim. 1.16 with 1 Pet. 1.10 11 12. We shall consider 1. The reality of his human nature and the assuming of it 2. The transcendent love and condescention shewed by the Son of God in the taking our nature upon him 3. The honour and exaltation of our nature yea and of us by Jesus Christ his taking it into a personal union with the Divine nature 4. How or in what respects the taking of our nature upon him did qualifie him to be Mediator of the New Covenant 5. Something for the clearing of some questions relating to this Mystery And 1. He took our nature really upon him Jesus Christ became truly man as kindly a man as ever lived verus sed non merus homo true man but not meer man That word Rom. 8.3 similitude of flesh is put for sameness as Augustine observes Non quia caro non erat caro sed quia peccati caro non erat Christs manhood was a true nature yet no sinful nature but had only the similitude or likeness of sinful flesh because he bare all our infirmities in which we lay through sin And it may appear thus 1. Jesus Christ hath taken mans nature upon him Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took upon him the seed of Abraham 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he catched at it took hold of it it properly signifies to catch one who is running away or falling in a pit to fetch back or recover again the same word that 's used of Christ's catching hold of Peter when he was like to sink Mat. 14.31 it is answerable to the word used Gen. 19.16 of the Angels laying hold on Lot's hand So did Christ in taking our nature upon him 2. He took all the parts of a man body and
waited on before he fulfil his promise What wonder that he will be waited on for the promise of Christ longer even till the fulness of time this being the greatest promise that ever he made to his people He will have the consolation of Israel waited for and redemption in Jerusalem looked for Luke 2.25 38. Before we proceed to speak of Christs unction and his qualifications for his Mediatorship refulting thence let us first make some use of this union of the two natures in Christ this great fundamental qualification of him for the Office of our Mediator that he is God and Man that for his due qualification he hath taken our flesh into his person therein to subsist In the union of the two natures in the Person of our Mediator 1. As it holds forth his condescending who stooped to be made manifest in the flesh 1. Let us admire and wonder at his love It was love that made him condescend it hath been and will be the admiration of Angels Luke 2.13 14 And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men 1 Pet. 1.12 Which things the Angels desire to look into And how is it that we want affections and admirations Beside what I have before said these things wonderfully set out Christs love 1. That he would not entrust our Redemption to Angels but he would come himself and work it Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee 2. That for the payment of our debt and in order to his being in a capacity to do so he would be in the same condition of clay with us a worm and not a man Psal 22.6 3. That he would not buy us at a base ransom but at a great price he would breathe out his life for us 1 Pet. 1.18 19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ 4. That he would condescend thus singularly to love man to love him so as that he loved not any other creature that sinned against him Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham 2. Let this raise up our hearts to thankfulness when we think of Christs Incarnation 1. This is the greatest demonstration of his readiness to save sinners the principal errand Christ had unto the world and in taking our nature was to save sinners Mat. 9.13 I am not come to call the righteous but sinnâ—rs to repentance You may therefore be assured of his readiness to receive such when they come unto him 2. This is the Fountain of all the promises of the Covenant of Grace the three greatest promises in all the Covenant flow from Christs Incarnation I will be your God I will give you my Son and I will give you my Spirit All these and all the rest too flow from this Fountain for neither the Father the Son nor the Spirit are given to us but through a Mediator and through his assuming of our nature Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ 2. As the union of the two natures in our Mediator holds out the exaltation of our nature Hence 1. Let us wonder what is man thus to be exalted the eighth Psalm is written for this end that we may wonder at mans exaltation not in Creation only but in Redemption as Vers 2 shews which is applied to Christ Mat. 21.16 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise how should this provoke to admiration that in our nature the fulness of the Godhead should dwell bodily Col. 2.9 2. Let us take Christs coming in the flesh and the exalting of our nature by the personal union with the Godhead for a pledg of the fulfilling of all other promises and granting all other mercies and salvation to us the root and body of the promises is come the branches will follow also 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are Amen Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things This pledg was used by Isaiah as a confirmation from God and a ground of assurance for delivering the Church from Ashur Isa 7.11 14 Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God ask it either in the depth or in the height above Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign Behold A virgin shall conceive and bare a Son and shall call his name Immanuel And shall we distrust him for granting any other petition or deliverance who hath granted the main one 3. Let us take boldness to come to God through Christs flesh the great Courtier in Heaven is of our kindred take courage and improve the favour and friendship that our brother hath in Heaven Heb. 10.19 20 21 22 Having therefore brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say his flesh And having an High-priest over the house of God let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith 3. As the union of the two natures in our Mediator holds out his due qualification and fitness for his office 1. Behold in him a general fitness to receive each Person whose nature he beareth I say a fitness to receive them even all sorts of persons without exception there is none who needs him and cometh to him needs to distrust him Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 2. Let this encourage such as are afraid to draw near to God for union and reconciliation with him because of their estrangement from him through loss of his Image Lo he is willing to unite himself to thee and hath given assurance of it in his Son by vertue of his union with our nature Rom. 8.3 3. When we find difficulty to draw near to God or languishing in the life of our faith toward God Let us draw near to God the flesh of our our Mediator for influences and searn to come to God through the vail of his flesh Heb. 10.20 Jesus Christ is not strange he is near to us and his graces cannot be far off Rom. 10.6 8 Say not in thine heart Who shall ascend into heaven The word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach But it is with many and even with the most part as with the ten Tribes who pleaded kindred and blood to David yet
Messenger of the Covenant p. 330. 1. Christ is in some respect a Messenger betwixt God and all the visible multitude to whom the Covenant is offer'd and the Gospel preached p. 331. 2. More specially between God and his chosen 3. To many Hypocrites and Reprobates p. 332. 4. To the multitudes unto whom the Gospel is preached p. 333. 4 Whose Messenger whether of one or both parties in respect of delegation and mission and subordination but of one in respect of his business labour in it and Ambassage about it and correspondence with both he is a Messenger of both parties ibid. 5 About what business he is Messenger viz. all things appertaining to the Covenant 1. As to the making it p. 335. 2. The maintaining and preserving it p. 336. 3. The renewing and establishing of it p. 337. 6 Consider the Properties of the Angel of the New Covenant 1. He is faithful p. 338. 2. An active diligent Messenger 3. A sweet Messenger p. 339. 4. An accurate Reporter of his Message 5. Mortified to his own honour and credit p. 340. Two Vses of this ibid. Chap. XX. Another Relation Christ bears in the Covenant is that of a Servant p. 349. To understand this consider 1 In what respects this name is given to Christ 1. In regard of his Office 2. In regard of his condition of Humiliation 3. In regard of his Trust 4. In regard of his Work 5. In regard of his Wages 6. In regard of his Spirit of Fear he was subject to p. 350. 2 How he came under this Covenant-Relation 1. The Lords choice or Call 2. His own Love 3. His free Consent 4. His compact and Covenant engaged him p. 353. 3 Whose Servant Christ was in the business of the Covenant 1. Gods 2. Ours 3. Servant to both with some differences p. 354. 4 What kind of service belongs to Christ by his Covenant-relation 1. The greatest ever was put on man Redemption and Salvation 2. The hardest piece of work p. 356. 3. An honourable Service he served as King 4. The most kindly service from Love p. 357. 5 What was the service Christ did in the business of the Covenant it was all that Christ had in commission to do in our Nature from the time of his receiving a Commission to be the Mediator of the Covenant to the time of his delivering up the Kingdom to his Father p. 358. Two Vses of this p. 360. Chap. XXI Christ the Surety of the Covenant p. 368. To open this it is considered 1 Of the name and thing the several significations of the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ghnarab p. 369 which answers to the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 371. and Sponsor p. 372. The nature of this Suretiship 1. It is a ground of Trust p. 372. 2. It imports several things 1. Obligement for another and that 2. Voluutary 3. Vnion of parties p. 373. 4. Communion between the Debtor and Cautioner 5. The substitution of one in the room of another 6. A conjunct Obligation of Surety and Debtor to the Creditor p. 374. 7. Imports either irresponsableness in the Debtor or distrustfulness between Creditor and Debtor 3 Suretiship of divers kinds among men perfectly resembling Chists Suretiship p. 375. Assertions for clearing the Covenant Relation p. 379. 1. Man considered in the second Covenant hath as much need of a Surety as a Saviour 2. Christs suretiship was not only a voluntary act but an act also of absolute Soveraignty p. 379. 3. When man was broken Christ unrequested undertook for him to satisfie his Creditor 4. Christ died not only for our good but in our stead p. 380. 5. Christ the Surety and broken man the Debtor are one in Law p. 381. 6. Neither the Creditor nor Law can exact satisfaction of Surety and Debtor p. 382. 7. Christs suretiship was a mixture of justice and grace 8. Christs suretiship was not private 9. Christ in his undertaking had his Fathers Bond of relief and warrandize p. 383. 10. All Christs Offices are founded on his suretiship p. 384. 3 How came he to be surety of the Covenant God made him so which imports 1. Something in God viz. his decree 2. His anointing him 3. Investing him p. 385. 2. Something on Christs part viz. His condescending 2. His engaging his faith to do what he agreed 3. His performance of these things p. 387. From this suretiship of Christ for his people ariseth a fourfold Relation founded on it 1. A natural Relation 2. A legal Relation 3. A foederal Relation 4. A mystical Relation p. 388. 4 For whom Christ is engaged as Surety of the Covenant some premisses to the Answer p. 393. Answer 1. Negatively Not for all mankind 2. Nor for all those within the visible Church p. 395. Affirmatively Christ undertakes for the Elect only 5 For what Christ is engaged by his Suretishp Some distinctions speaking the extent of his undertaking 1. Christ is Surety for his people in his state and in his actions p. 397. 2. He was so in earth and is so in heaven p. 398. 3. In our stead and in our behalf p. 401. 4. On Gods part to man and mans part to God p. 402. 1. For God to man engaging to make good all the promises thereof to us p. 402. 2. For mans part to God which lies in three things The first relates to the violation of the Law and broken covenant of Works p. 404. which comprehends two things 1. His surrogation in ourplace 2. His satisfaction p. 405. The 2. Relates the condition and commands of the New Covenant 1. He is surety to God for our performance of the Commands of the New Covenant p. 406. 2. He is an engager to make these things that are required of us possible and certain in the performance p. 408. 3. He is engaged to give habitual Grace and actual Influences p. 409. 1. Bowing our will 2. To preserve these Habits p. 410. 3. For our exercising habitual Grace 4. For the liveliness of our Graces 5. For the increase of the habits of Grace p. 411. 6. To stir us up when heavy Five assertions clear this that Christ is engaged for our obeying the preceptive part of the Law p. 412. The third part of Christs Suretiship for man to God relates to his undertaking for the persons of the Elect 1. For the indempnity of all the Elect p. 418. 2. For their good behaviour 3. For their appearing before God at last 4. For compleating whatever concerns their salvation p. 419. 5. For compleatly delivering them 6 Some things that commend Christs Suretiship 1. That he rendered himself their Surety before they needed him 2. That he entred on it so freely 3. The great danger of his undertaking p. 420. 4. That he engaged for a party which deserved no pity p. 421. 5. That he engaged for a people he could expect no satisfaction from p. 421. 7 Wherein Christs Suretiship differeth from bonds of cautionry among men in eleven
in the volume of the boook it is written of me to do thy will O God Concerning these Scriptures let us observe some things for clearing the point in hand to wit Christ's consent and agreement unto Proposals made to him by Jehovah And 1. It is manifest that the words are Christ's words for the Apostle makes Christ not David to be the speaker here Heb. 10.5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith i. e. Christ saith for it is of Christ's sacrifice and his offering himself that the Apostle hath been speaking 2. 'T is as manifest that Christ speaketh these words to God to Jehovah therefore he saith Psal 40.8 and Heb. 10.7.9 O God and O my God 3. The words presuppose something spoken and propounded by God to Christ unto which these words are an answer there are four words in the Text which carry this plainly that there was something that he i. e. Jehovah desired and required as a pleasing satisfaction to him above all typical Sacrifices something which Christ calls his fathers will and his command thy will O God thy law O God to which he gave an answer then I said c. 4. That the thing concerning which he makes answer to God here was upon the matter 1. Some Proposal for the performance whereof God had prepared and fitted him by his Incarnation and assuming our nature A body thou hast prepared me or fitted me and by his taking on a will that might bow to the will of God Mine ears thou hast opened 2. 'T is an answer to the Proposal of a business unto which Christ was called which was the fathers will and command to him to do thy will and thy law O God 3. 'T is an answer and return to God concerning something that was concluded and agreed betwixt God and Christ before-hand and therefore is said to be written in the volume of thy book 4. 'T is something which however it was contracted and recorded before yet was not to be fulfilled until the due time when he cometh into the world not till the time of his Incarnation 5. 'T is something that divine Justice required for a satisfaction and which no Sacrifices could amount unto which is held forth in the opposition of this command to the negation of all satisfaction by other Sacrifices Sacrifice thou hast not required but c. and this was no other but the obedience of his own Son and the giving his Soul an offering and Sacrifice for sin to satisfie the Justice of God Isa 53.10 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 hands 5. Consider the answer that Christ gives here how it amounts unto a plenary consent and agreement unto the will and proposal of his father unto him which is a Covenant of Redemption or Suretiship i. e. that he will undertake and do the work of our Redemption according to his fathers will 1. I say Christ's answer bears a consent a willing consent Lo I come Christ sists himself before God in readiness to do his Father's will to be our Surety and Saviour 't is an expression not unlike these of Isaiah and Samuel whereby they expressed their free consent and readiness to obey the call of God Isa 6.8 Then said I here am I send me in the Original it is behold me or lo me which is equivolent to Lo I come or I sist my self ready to obey thy command to do thy will to run thy errand 1 Sam. 3.10 Speak Lord for thy servant heareth i. e. doth sist himself ready to obey 2. Christ's answer bears a submissive humble consent Mine ear hast thou opened or bored there seems to be an allusion to a Ceremony that was used toward the Servant that would not have his liberty but loved his Master so that he would not go out free from his Service when he might according to Law in the seventh year whereof see Deut. 15.12 to 17. Exod. 21.6 So the opening or boring of the ear is not only a sign of hearkening and obedience as the Phrase is used concerning Christ Isa 50.5 The Lord God hath opened mine ear and I was not rebellious neither turned away back But it notes also his taking on the form of a Servant such as had their ears bored in token of their submission to serve when they might have been free In place of this Phrase the Apostle says A body thou hast prepared me giving a perspicuous interpretation of the opening of the ear that it related to Christ's Incarnation and the principal end thereof which was that he might be found in the form of a Servant to obey and do the will of his father as one who by his own consent was nailed and pinned to his Service in the work of Redemption 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 3. Christ's answer bears a consent given in contemplation of a satisfaction to divine Justice and therefore he mentions the Law of God and the things that God required and offers himself to undergo these for this he did propose to himself that offended divine Justice might have an honourable satisfaction and that the Law might have obedience in him 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 Zech. 13.7 Awake O sword against my shepherd and against the man that is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts smite the shepherd Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us 4. Christ's answer bears a compleat and plenary consent which is every way apted unto the Proposals made to him for he offers himself to fulfil the Law to which he voluntarily subjected himself in the exact rigour thereof in every thing that is written in the bookk of the law Gal. 3.10 he offers himself to perform the utmost degree of obedience to the Will of God to do thy will O God yea to do not only according to what is written in the book of the Law but according to the indenture and contract betwixt God and him to which I understand the volume of the book here mentioned chiefly to relate supposing the agreement betwixt God and Christ about the work of man's Redemption and all his undertakings to be written as it were in a Book or Roll in that sense that the Scripture speaks of a book of life and the Lambs book of life and the writings therein Rev. 13.8 15.8 21.27 5.
which was offended and doth receive the satisfaction 2. Christ God-man in one person having man's nature that offended united into a personal union with the Godhead was thereby fitted so to stand in our place and upon our side as a party different from God that he might therein satisfie wrath and therein merit by making a full and real compensation to offended Justice 3. Christ God-man who makes the satisfaction as he is God being one with the Father while he satisfies the Father's Justice he satisfies his own but as he is God-man being a party different from the Father he is by the Soveraignty of free Grace given to be a Surety and the satisfaction which he makes in our Nature as our Surety is accepted by his Father as by another party Assert 4. Christ was chosen and predestinated Lord Mediator and we are chosen in him before he is a party covenanting with Jehovah about the work of our Redemption I say 1. He is first in order in the eternal purpose of God designed and set apart to do this work before he gave an actual consent unto the Covenant of Suretiship This followeth necessarily upon the former Assertion for if the Covenant be made with Christ God-man with Christ Mediator betwixt God and man then he must needs be Mediator by some eternal act of the counsel of God antecedent in order of nature to this Covenant with him which is made with him considered as God to be made manifest in the flesh 2. I say not only Christ is chosen but we also are chosen in him unto the fruit of that great labour and service which he was designed to undergo for a Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption does not only suppose a Redeemer and Surety predestinated to be undertaker for a lost people but also a people designed to be partakers of the Redemption which he was to work So that I say this Covenant that was made with Christ God-man does suppose Christ's headship and our membership by eternal predestination and by a co-ordination which may be express'd in this order first the chosen head and then the body God did not not first chuse a body and then had a head to seek for them nor did he chuse a head to be without a body or as one that knew not of a body for that head but Election which was the first act of God's love in eternity fell first upon Christ whom God did chuâ—â— to be the head of his body the Church and the Captain of Salvation to all the chosen company and having chosen him he chused us in him as our head and as the first-born of the elect house and family Rom. 8.29 For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son that he might be the first born among many brethren Eph. 1.4 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 CHAP. IV. Of the Tenor Articles and Subject-matter of the Covenant of Redemption or of the Commands Conditions and Promises thereof THE Subject-matter and Articles of the Covenant of Suretiship which were agreed and concluded betwixt Jehovah and Christ by an eternal Compact which also may be divided into commands conditions and promises of that Covenant were mainly these seven Who should be the Redeemed Who the Redeemer What his work When to be done How to be applied What his reward And what assurance given betwixt the parties for mutual performance Now because some of these Articles may seem to be the same upon the matter which I have before asserted to be supposed as antecedent in order of nature to the Covenant of Redemption Let it be remembred that they may well be supposed in our manner of conceiving thereof as antecedent in God's purpose and yet be Articles of this Covenant and fall under Christ's actual consent which makes a closed Covenant about them for it is not repugnant that the same thing be concluded in the eternal purpose of God's Will and in his eternal agreement with Christ 1. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ God-man who should be the Redeemed people there was a definite certain number of Redeemed ones agreed upon for whom Christ should pay a price he was not Surety and undertaker for all Mankind nor for all the visible Church to whom the Gospel shall be preached for his undertaking is no wider nor larger than his dying purchasing Redemption bearing Iniquity Praying c. these being of equal extent and efficacy for whom Christ was undertaker to his Father for them he dyed and purchased Redemption by his death for them he did pray and make intercession c. Now 't is manifest that he did not purchase Redemption and make intercession for all Mankind but for a chosen people Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance Joh. 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them that thou hast given me for they are thine Neither was Christ undertaker for a people under any general notions or qualifications such as them that should believe in him or the like not knowing definitely who the persons were but he was Surety and undertaker only for the elect and for a definite number of people who were by number and name given to him by his Father and received by him to be redeemed by his blood which doth plainly appear by the description of the Redeemed people who are ordinarily called those whom the Father gave unto Christ Joh. 17.3 6 9 11. 6.37 39. and who were chosen in him Eph. 1.4 and whose names are written in the book of life and in the Lambs book of life as if the Father who gave them to Christ had kept one record of their number and names and the Lord Mediator who undertook for them had kept another Rev. 20.12 and 21.27 2. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ who should be the Redeemer I say it was agreed who should be the person to undertake this great work of Redemption and Salvation for these elect people for although we may conceive that Christ was predestinated unto this work before his actual consent yet we must conceive the agreement is by his own actual consent and compact with God See the agreement and consent of both the parties that Christ shall be the Lord Jehovah his servant in this work Isa 49.5 6 And now saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob again to him though Israel be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength And he said it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my
even as by the spirit of the Lord. 3. The way of Gods attaining his end and our attaining our happiness which are both one the way I say is also one it is in Christ the Mediator that God is manifested and in him do we see God the knowledg of his glory and our happiness are both in the face of Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 All the excellencies of God are manifested in Christ he revealeth the mysteries 1. Of his will as he is the Word 2. Of his nature as he is the brightness of his Glory 3. Of the subsistences and distinction of the Persons as he is the Image of his Person he only knows the Father and he only can reveal the Father Joh. 1.18 Col. 1.15 He is the image of the invisible God i.e. The excellencies of God otherwise invisible are revealed by him and to be seen in him These three things of God are discovered in Jesus Christ 1. The Attributes of God 2. The distinct subsistences of the persons of the God-head 3. The distinct offices of the three Persons 1. There is a full manifestation of the Attributes of God in Jesus Christ the Mediator of the new Covenant these Attributes that were never manifested before Mercy and Long-suffering are revealed in him and these that were manifested before shine mort brightly through Christ 1. The Wisdom of God there was great and infinite wisdom shewed in creating the world and ruling it by his wâ—â—â— providence but what is that to the wisdom that is shewed in Christ the wisdom that reconciled Justice and Mercy the wisdom that punished sin and pardoned the sinner how wonderful and unsearchable is that Wisdom that by the fall of man raised him to a greater height of happiness than ever he had before Rom. 11.33 34 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledg of God! how unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out For who hath 〈◊〉 the mind of the Lord or who heth been his câ—uâ—seâ—â—â—r 〈◊〉 Eph. 3.10 To the intent that now unto the prinly 〈…〉 in heavenly places might be made known 〈…〉 the manifold wisdom of God this is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the manifold wisdom of God which yet doth not fully express the Greek word which signifies the manifold and various wisdom or the wisdom of God that is full of admirable varieties so Beza Erasmus Zanchius Stephanus 2. The Goodness of God is manifested in Jesus Christ his goodness and love to man appeared much at first in making him of the rank of the highest creatures on earth and putting all the rest of the Creatures under his feet Psal 8.5 6 For thus hasâ— made him a little fower than the Angels and hast crowned him with glory and honour Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands thou hast put all things under his feet This was penned to magnitie the nature of man but in Christ our nature is more magnified as we shall shew by and by Heb. 1.6 And again when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world he saith And let all the Angels of God worship him This is a higher pitch of the love of God this is the goodness of God more manifested than ever before to give his Son Christ for man and his Son to become sin and a curse for man Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but haeve everlasting life 2 Cor. 5. last For he hath made him to be sin for us that knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us 3. The Mercy of God is eminently manifested in Jesus Christ man is made to rise by his fall Mercy never saw the light before it was never revealed but in Jesus Christ for it respects the creature in its misery Luk. 1.72 78 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy Covenant Through the tender mercy of our God whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us When all the posterity of Adam were as fuel for the fire mercy rescues and reserves some to be sons and heirs Rom. 9.23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory 4. The Power of God is manifested in Christ God shewed his power in the Creation as we read Isa 40.12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and meted out heaven with the span and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance c. Job 38 c. But what is this to the taking of our nature and uniting it in a personal union with the Son of God that God should become man the Ancient of Days become a Child the Incomprehensible to become comprehensible Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the God-head bodily The invisible God to become visible and to dwell here as in a tabernacle with men Joh. 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth 5. The Soveraignty of God is manifested in and through Christ great was the Soveraignty of God that was exercised in predestination in making of vessels of honour or dishonour according to the pleasure of his will Rom. 9.21 22 23 Hath not the potter power over the clay of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour and another unto dishonour What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had before prepared unto glory But all this was Soveraignty over the creature but that Jesus Christ the Son of God should be appointed a Mediator of the new Covenant made a Servant commanded to lay down his life this is greater Soveraignty Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me Chap. 10. v. 18 This commandment have I received of my Father 6. The Justice of God is manifested in Christ Justice was seen in casting off the Angels that fell without hope and in executing the sentence and curse of the first Covenant upon Adam for his transgression thereof but the world never heard of such manifestation of Justice as appears in the satisfaction of Christ to Justice That Christ the Son of God is made sin for us and being made so in obedience to his Fathers command Justice spares him not but he must be smitten to death that satisfaction may be made for sin in our nature Rom. 8.32 He that
soul Mat. 26.38 Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death Heb. 10.5 A body hast thou prepared me Luke 24.39 Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my self handle me and see for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have 3. He hath all the names of a man Adam Enosh Ish Geber whereof see Zech. 6.12 and 13.7 Dan. 7.13 4. He took upon him all the affections of a man fear and sorrow and love and anger c. Mat. 26.38 My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death Heb. 5.7 And was heard in that he feared Joh. 11.33 35 36 He groaned in the spirit and was troubled Jesus wept Then said the Jews Behold how he loved him Mat. 10.14 Aud when Jesus saw it he was much displeased Mat. 21.12 5. He took upon him all the sinless infirmities of a man to hunger thirst be weary â—afflicted tempted die c. Heb. 2.18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted Chap. 4. v. 15 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Chap. 5. v. 2 For that he himself also is compassed with infirmity Mat. 8.17 Himself took our iniquities and bare our sicknesses Chap. 4. v. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights he was afterwards an hungred 2. Consider in Christs taking our nature upon him his condescending love union betwixt God and man was the great design intended through the Mediator this is brought about by his condescension and our exaltation where love is it will stoop and the greater condescension the greater love These things hold forth infinite condescending in Christs taking our nature upon him 1. Consider who condescends thus The higher that the person be who condescends the more love is in his condescension if it be a great condescending for God to look down upon things here below Psal 113.46 The Lord is high above all nations and his glory above the heavens who humbleth himself to behold the things in the heaven and in the earth What then must it be for the Son of God to take upon him the form of a Creature Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man That he that made the world should be made of a woman That the immortal God should become mortal flesh it were a great condescension that the soul of a man should enter into a worm or that all the Angels should become worms yet that were nothing to Christs stooping to take our nature upon him 2. Consider what he took upon him not our person but our nature Heb. 2.15 16 The seed of Abraham our flesh and blood that is our nature many can be content to take upon them the persons of men to represent them who yet would not be willing to take their nature but Christ took our nature 3. The end wherefore he took our nature upon him sheweth yet more of his condescending 1. It was that he might suffer and that he might die for us in that nature Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto the death even the death of the cross Non ad gloriam sed ad ignominiam to be abased in our nature 2. It was for our good not for any thing that it could profit him Gal. 4.5 To redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons 4. He took our nature upon him not for a day or a short time but to continue so It may be a Prince at a Masque for a little time might be moved to take the form of a servant upon him but to continue so he would not be moved but here is infinite condescension Christ takes our nature upon him and keeps it still he will come again in our nature to judg the world Act. 1.11 This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven Chap. 17. v. 31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained Though he doth nothing now in Heaven but acts of Majesty being a Priest set upon the right hand of the throne of Majesty Heb. 8.1 Yet he will do those acts in our nature yea when he shall deliver up the kingdom See Chap. 6. the Kingdom which he hath received as Mediator he will not lay down our nature 1 Cor. 15.24 5. Consider the time when he took our nature upon him not when our nature was a virgin but when it was defiled not mans nature in innocency but in his sinful corrupted condemned accursed estate Rom. 8.3 In the likeness of sinful flesh Chap. 5. v. 10 When we were enemies and when all the Creatures did hate us when we were not worth the following then he did thus condescend to love us and follow us 6. Consider the manner of his taking our nature upon him 1. He doth not personate our nature but is made flesh Joh. 1.14 2. He does it voluntarily and chearfully and with earnest desire when we were not following him but fleeing away from him he himself rose out of his place and followed after us and caught our nature as the words signifies Heb. 2.7 And took upon him the form of a servant Psal 40.7 Then said he Lo I come 3. He takes our nature upon him with all the infirmities of it Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren Chap. 4. v. 15 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin He would condescend so far that in all things he would be like us sin only excepted and even in that though he took not the corruption of sin yet he took upon him the guilt of our sin 2 Cor. 5. last For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin He was legally the sinner though not intrinsecally and the punishment thereof Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us He was content to be numbred with the transgressors Isa 53.12 He was content to be punished for our sins even by God his Father And which is yet wonderful that he might come as near to us as possible he was content to condescend to be tempted to the thing wherewith it was impossible that he could be tainted Mat. 4.2 To be tempted of the Devil to sin and yet the Prince of the world had nought in him Joh. 14.20 7. Consider the comparison instituted by the Holy-Ghost which doth yet
further and more significantly express this condescending-love Heb. 2.16 It was a favour which he denied to the Angels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not at all or not in any wise he neither looked after nor sent nor went after the Angels he neither followed them nor took hold of their nature nor suffered them to take hold of him though these glorious spirits were incomparably far above us that Christ would manifest himself not in the most glorious Creatures but in our flesh was strange condescension 3. In Christs taking our nature we are to consider the honour and exaltation of our nature and of us in that union And 1. That it may appear what honour is conferred upon our nature by Christ assuming it into the personal union with the Godhead Consider 1. The nearer that any Creature is to God the greater honour is put upon it It is the honour of people that are under ordinances that they have God near to them Deut. 4.7 For what nation is there so great who hath God so nigh unto them as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for It is a more especial honour of those that have offices in the house of God Heb. 5.4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself Now there is a threefold union 1. Moral so were men and Angels united before the fall 2. Mystical so are Believers united amongst themselves and with Christ 3. Hypostatical so is our nature united with the divine nature in the Person of Christ there is a personal union of our nature with God this is the nearest union and therefore the highest honour and exaltation Heb. 1.4 Being made so much better than the Angels as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name then they 2. Consider the Sonship that Christ hath as Mediator whereby our nature is also highly exalted the Son of God and our nature have but one Sonship for siliatio est personae Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son 3. Consider the glorious communion that our nature hath by this union with the Son of God 't is a high and great communion that Angels and the spirits of just men are made perfect have with God but the communion that our nature hath with Christ is far higher Joh. 3.13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came down from heaven even the Son of man which is in heaven Even the man Christ is Gods fellow Zech. 13.7 This is high communion indeed whereby all the will of God is known to him and so to our nature Col. 1.19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell 4. What honour is it that our nature should be the Treasury and Store-house of all the good which God intends to dispense to men and Angels Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Divines call the humane nature Canalis gratiae Eph. 1.22 And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church 5. What honour is it that all the Creatures should worship God in our nature Heb. 1.6 And again when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world he saith And let all the Angels of God worship him Phil. 2.9 10 11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Willingly or unwillingly by consent or by constraint all shall bow to the Lord Mediator to God in our nature even to the Son of man 6. What honour is it to our nature that God in the humane nature should dispose of the eternal estates of men and Angels for God shall even judg the world by the man Christ Act. 17.31 Joh. 5.27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also because he is the Son of man Yea by Christs taking our nature upon him not only our nature but we our selves are honoured 1. We have a nearer union with Christ than man in his innocency had with God a nearer union than the Angels have for believers make up one body with Christ he is the head and they are the members Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church Eph. 1.22 23 And gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his body Heb. 2.11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren 2. We are not beholden to one of another nature not to the Angels nor any other Creature you are independent of them all you have Salvation by one of your own nature Heb. 2.16 17 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people 4. Let us consider how Christs taking our nature upon him or taking it into the union of his Person is the great qualification of him for the Office of Mediatorship Our Mediator behoved to be God manifested in the flesh to make way for clearing this I shall premise 1. That the Angels Covenant if any Covenant was made with the Angels as some think it was not made with the whole Angelical nature it was personal some of them fell and some of them stood and all fell not in them that fell Mans first Covenant was with his Nature and in Adam all fell 2. When Man and Angels fell God intended to raise the one and not to raise but to destroy the other 3. God will not restore man without a fit satisfaction to his Justice 4. There is an eternal impotency in man to give to God a fitting satisfaction the command of the Law man cannot obey the curse of the Law he cannot bear to his own advantage so as to make way thereby to his own restitution Here is obedience required that cannot be performed by man and a guiltiness contracted that cannot be taken away by man Therefore a Mediator must be had and he must be God and man in one person 1. He must be God for man could not make satisfaction to God for sin It was the union of the Divine nature with the human that made all Christs sufferings meritorious that made his shoulder fit for the burden and weight of the work of satisfying Divine Justice Psal 89 19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty I say therefore that it was absolutely necessary
our Mediator must be God 1. Because these evils which he was to expiate could never be taken away by any person that was not God sin done against an Infinite Majesty must have an equal satisfaction 2. Because the things with which he was to wrestle and the Enemies which he was to subdue could not be wrestled with nor subdued by any person who was not God Could a meer man wrestle with the infinite wrath of God subdue Satan and Death No the only human nature of Christ which in it self is finite and mortal could not bear up with that except the person had been God 3. Because the good things which he was to purchase could never have been purchased by any person who was not God a happiness far above Adam's eternal righteousness the image of God and communion with him in glory only the infinite worth of Christ the Son of God could compass that 2. He must not be God only for a Mediator is not a Mediator of one but he must be God manifested in the flesh He must be man 1. Because his name is to be put in our Bond he is to stand in our stead and to put his Soul in our souls room therefore he must be something else than God for God will have satisfaction to Justice of man the soul that sinneth shall die 2. Our Mediator must be a Mediator of satisfaction A Mediator of intercession may exalt grace and mercy by entreaties but cannot satisfie Justice this will not do the turn the Debt must be payed the principal Debt to obey the command he must be subject to the Law and the forfeiture must be satisfied he must bear the curse and die for without blood there is no remission he must then be a man and must have a body and soul the nature of Angels will not suffice Heb. 10.5 9 A body hast thou prepared me Then said he Lo I come to do thy will O God 3. He must be one with us else what he doth cannot be imputed to us as there must be an imputation of our sin to him so of his righteousness to us now imputation imports an union for union is the ground of imputation and it must be an union in nature and Covenant the Angels sin was not imputed to man but Adams was with whom we were one in nature and Covenant 4. Our Mediator must receive the Spirit without which we cannot be sanctified Joh. 17.19 And for their sakes I sanctifie my self that they also might be sanctified through the truth Chap. 3. v. 35 The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand Now the Father cannot receive the graces of the Spirit neither the Son as God for unto that which is infinite nothing can be added therefore our Mediator must have mans nature which is capable of receiving that which our Mediator must have 5. Our Mediator must convey to us the Adoption of sons and therefore must receive it himself and so become a man that he may receive it Gal. 4.4 5 6 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 because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Christ is the natural Son of God Luk. 1.35 That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God He is also as man a Son as is evident from the original Greek where the article is not prefixed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. 4.3 And when the tempter came to him he said If thou be the Son of God Gr. if thou be a Son of God Because Christ owns us as brethren therefore God is not ashamed to own us as Sons Heb. 2.11 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 He must be of our kindred for if Christ had not been our born brother we could not have been Gods Children 6. Our Mediator must be such a Person from whom we may receive the inheritance he must therefore be man for it is from Christ-man as he is an heir appointed Heb. 1.2 that we receive the inheritance for the natural inheritance of Christ cannot be communicated Gal. 4.5 7 To redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of Sons Wherefore thou art no more a servant but a son and if a son then an heir of God through Christ Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Covenant they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 3. Our Mediator must be God and man in one Person Immanuel Isa 7.14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 both God and man sometimes denominated from one nature sometimes from another 1. That the great design and end of the Mediators Office might first be accomplished and made manifest in the Mediators own person union betwixt God and man was the design of a Mediator and this was done 1. In Christs Person for in him the houses of Heaven and Earth are allied 2. That he might be a person duly qualified for his Office he must be a Person equally distant from and equally drawing near unto both the parties this could not be a Person who was either God alone or man alone but God-man is a Person at some distance and in some nearness with both the parties having interest in both and participating of the natures of both he is a fit days-man to lay his hands on both Job 9.33 3. That he might have access to both parts of his work as Mediator he had two great transactions to go about 1. He was to deal with God for man 2. He was to deal for God with man unto these he could not have access without partaking of both the natures 1. That he may deal effectually with God for man he must be God for who can have access to deal with God but a Person who is God to deal with an angry God 1 Sam. 1.25 2. That he may deal with man from God and for God he must be man for man cannot endure the voice and presence of God immediately man unreconciled man without a Mediator cannot speak with God 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 die Heb. 12.20 21 For they could not endure that which was commanded And so terrible was the sight that Moses said I exceedingly fear and quake But of this more when I shall come to speak of the Requisites of a Mediator CHAP. XII Several Questions resolved concerning Christs taking
1 Joh. 2.27 But the anointing that ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you c. Eph. 4.7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ And 1.23 The fulness of him that filleth all in all Acts 10.38 He is said to be anointed with the holy Ghost and with power having both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 given to him both might and authority Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh 1 Cor. 1.24 Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God And Col. 1.19 It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell that is admirable perfection of Grace he hath all worth in his person nothing is wanting in him that may compleat his peoples happiness some short view of the Graces wherewith he was filled we have Isa 11.2 3 4 5 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledg and of the fear of the Lord And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord and he shall not judg after the sight of his eyes neither shall reprove after the hearing of his ears But with righteousness shall he judg the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins Rom. 15.12 And again Esaias saith There shall be a root of Jesse and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles in him shall the Gentiles trust And Col. 2.3 All the treasures of wisdom and knowledg not absolutely taken for infinite knowledg as the words relate to the human nature of Christ but relatively for a marvellous height of perfection of these things such as was requisite for his Mediatorship in order to our salvation Again Col. 2.9 it 's said of him The fulness of the Godhead dwells in him bodily i. e. personally by the union of the divine nature with the human in the unity of his person the perfect Deity of the Son with all his Attributes and not only in regard of particular gifts and graces as he dwelleth in the Prophets and Saints but as the soul dwelleth in the body personally or substantially in opposition to the shadows of the Old Testament But mainly by the anointing of Christ with the Holy Ghost we understand two things which we find joined with the Spirit promised to him 1. All the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit in copious and abundant measure and according to the highest pitch and degree that the human nature of Christ was capable to receive and so the Spirit put upon him is joined with the variety and eminency of excel-cellent gifts Isa 11.2 c. 2. The unutterable assistance and presence of the Spirit bearing his Human nature up in all that he was to do as Mediator that he should not serve on his own charges See Isa 42.1 2 Behold my servant whom I have chosen mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles He shall not cry nor lift up nor cause his voice to be heard in the street c. Psal 89.21 With whom my hand shall be established mine arm also shall strengthen him And both these the holy Human nature of Christ needed for these reasons 1. For the things which he was to suffer If Christ had nothing to do but active obedience the spirit of Adam or confirmed Angels might have done his turn but he had another work to do which would have crushed those excellent creatures to satisfie justice and lye under the infinite wrath of God and therefore needed more than they received Heb. 9.14 He is said to have offered up himself by the power of the eternal spirit which I take to signifie not only the Godhead which gave value to his suffering but the assistance of the Holy-Ghost whereby he was marvellously helped I mean his humane nature to go through those sufferings 2. Because his anointing was intended to run over to his people and the off-fallings of it was designed to fill them therefore it behoved to be without measure such a measure as cannot be comprehended by any other creature Joh. 1.16 Of his fulness do we receive Psal 133.2 It is like the precious oyntment upon the head that ran down upon the beard even Aarons beard that went down to the skirts of his garments Psal 68.18 Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord might dwell among them with Eph. 4.8 He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men Joh. 5.26 For as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself 3. Because God hath so contrived the business of Grace that no created thing can act without the spirit not Adam not the Angels not the holy humane nature of Christ that all creatures might be known to have no self-sufficiency but to be very depending things upon God and upon grace the assisting-grace of his Spirit that framed them and gave them being Mat. 3.15 And Jesus answering said unto him Suffer it to be so now for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever For a further clearing of this part of Christs Unction I lay down these four Positions 1. Concerning the Nature thereof that it was the same with the Unction of believers it was not one spirit which Christ received and another which believers receive grace in him and in them differ not in kind but in degrees See Joh. 1.14 16 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Psal 45.7 Thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Rom. 8.9 11 But ye are not in the flesh but in the spirit if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his But if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you For Consider the Unction of the
sharp in the heart of the kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee Isa 11.2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledg and of the fear of the Lord c. Vse 1. Behold how well furnished our Mediator is set out for his work there is a fulness in him to meet with all our emptiness yea his fulness was given to him for this very end that sinners which cannot come where the fulness of God lieth to receive from him immediately may receive it out of Christs fulness Consider then I say 1. What a fulness is in him what a running-over Unction he received this is a work above us and matter beyond our expression wherein we may more easily lose our selves even in this depth than express our selves by this Unction he is full of God Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Full of the spirit the Holy-Ghost Luk. 4.1 And Jesus being full of the Holy-Ghost full of grace and truth Joh. 11.4 Full of light and of life Joh. 1.4 In him was life and the life was the light of men c. Full of saving grace and sanctified gifts Isa 11.2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him c. 2. Consider for what end all this fulness was given unto him he was full of the spirit that he might fill us with his spirit Joh. 16.7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away the comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you Eph. 3.19 That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God He was full of grace that we might receive of his fulness Joh. 1.16 That his Unction might run down upon us 1. Joh. 2.27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you That his grace might work mightily in us Col. 1. last He received gifts for our use to give them to men to the worst of men even to the rebellious gifts to be measured out again Psal 68.18 with Chap. 4. v. 8. Vse 2. Let his fulness and compleat Unction be improved 1. For convincing such as continue so empty when Christ is so full Ah that we should be so poor when Christ is so rich when we have so full an anointed one that we should never taste of his Unction some have nothing and some have little but very few are filled with the fulness of Christ and made to run over-with his Unction the fault is in us that he is so wet and we are so dry John 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life 2. For alluring and gaining the hearts of empty creatures Things allure as there is much of precious furniture in them but this is sad when God hath anointed Christ with the Spirit above measure that empty creatures care nothing for him that his fulness and furniture is propounded and offered every day in the Gospel and we are not allured by it Song 1.3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth therefore the virgins love thee 3. For comforting believers all this fulness of the Spirit of gifts and graces wherewith Christ was anointed it is yours it was not only for your use but it is your property 1 Cor. 3.22 23 All are yours and ye are Christs and Christ is Gods You may use it as your own you may come to the Fountain to the Treasure to the store-house of Christs fulness when-you will you may comfortably and confidently hold up your Cisterns till they be filled and run over Isa 12.3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of Salvation Phil. 4.18 19 But I have all and abound I am full But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ CHAP. XV. Of the Requisites in a Mediator which are eminently to be found in Christ the Mediator of the New Covenant IN the next place I come to speak more particularly of this part of Christs Unction or his Furniture for the work of Mediatorship by laying open the Requisites in a Mediator which are all eminently to be found in Christ and may be reckoned as so many properties or qualifications in the Mediator of the New Covenant The Requisites in a Mediator or Reconciler that dealeth betwixt two parties are of two sorts 1. Some Requisites which more directly relate to the qualifying a person for such an Employment 2. There be other Requisites which look more directly to the managing of that trust both the one and the other are eminently to be found in Christ And 1. Of the Requisites fitting a Person for this trust 1. A Mediator must be such a Person that hath Interest in both the parties else he should be suspected either by one party or other yea his interposing should not be admitted of by the parties without this Requisite Christ hath this Requisite most eminently he is such a Person who is not only of Kindred to both parties but by that rare conjunction of the two Natures in his Person who is God man he is equally distant from and drawing near to both parties whereof I spoke before when I treated of the Union of the two Natures and therefore will not insist here 2. A Mediator must be a Person trusted by both parties one to whom they can confidently intrust their Interests such a person is Christ to whom God hath entrusted and committed whatsoever relateth to his Honour and Interest John 5.22 27 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son And hath given him authority to execute judgment also because he is the Son of man He is a Person a Trustee to whom we may commit all our Interests yea Believers have done so and will do so 1 Pet. 4.19 Commit the keeping of your souls to him in well doing as unto a faithful Creator 2 Tim. 1.12 And I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day Yea he is the person to whom our Interests were committed by God before we were born and before we were capable to dispose of our own interests When we were Minors yea before we were John 17.6 Thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word 3. A Mediator must be a Person which is well-affected to and which seeketh the welfare of both parties one who desires their union and agreement else he were not fit to deal betwixt them such a person is Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant one who desireth and endeavoureth Gods honour and our happiness one who carrieth on his Fathers Honour in the promoting of our happiness and one who carrieth on our
giving the Spirit raising the dead c. which were the works of his Divine Nature yet were not done without an instrumental concurrence of the Nature of man 6. If the end of the Personal union of the two Natures of Christ be the fitting and qualifying of him for the Office of Mediatorship as is before cleared then the two Natures do and must necessarily concur in the works of mediation at least after these were united else the union of the two Natures had not been necessary in Christ for the same necessity is for the concurring of the proper works of the two Natures in the Mediators work that is for the union of the two Natures in his person the end of that union being to fit him to act in this Office as a qualified person Object 1 Tim. 2.5 The Mediator is called the man Christ Jesus Hence some infer that he is Mediator according to his Human Nature only Answ There is a vast difference betwixt these two the man Christ is Mediator and he is Mediator only as Man the man Christ is that person not any other man not any meer man that person who was God and Man in one person and stood as a fit middle betwixt both the parties so that Man is not here taken naturaliter but personaliter not naturally but personally it being most usual to name the person of Christ from either nature 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a communication of Properties see 1 Cor. 2.8 For had they known it they would not have Crucified the Lord of Glory Act. 20.28 The Church of God which he hath purchased with his own Blood Joh. 3.13 And no man hath ascended up to Heaven but he that came down from Heaven even the Son of man which is in Heaven See Mr. Ball and Mr. Brinsley ubi supra But there are better reasons assigned why the Mediator is called the man Christ than to point out that nature according to which he is Mediator See Brnisley of the Mediat p. 208. Object Paul here distinguisheth betwixt God and this Mediator And therefore Christ is not Mediator as God Object but as Man only To this Cham. de Med. c. 5. sect 6.7 Answer hath been made by learned men 1. That the Word of God is there not to be taken essentially but personally as denoting the Father betwixt whom and mankind Christ the Son is said to be a Mediator 1 Joh. 2.1 And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous So it s taken Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself 2. The naming of God in the first place doth not hinder that it should be understood in the second also see Joh. 14.1 Ye believe in God believe also in me See more to this purpose Jun. Animad in Bell. contr lib. 5. cap. 3. Ball on the Covenant p. 270. Brinsley of the Mediator p. 210. c. And of the illustration of the Word God-man Brins p. 220. Vse If Christ be Mediator according to both Natures Then Believers may be comforted in the prevalency of his mediation and in the condescendency thereof Your Mediator is God-man 1. Your Mediator acts as God he carries his matters very strongly and effectually 2. He acts as a man also very tenderly and condescendingly Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them With 2.17 18 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succor them that are tempted Psal 2.7 8 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Ask of me and I shall give thee the Heathen for thine Inheritance and the utmost parts of the Earth for thy possession Conclus 2. That Christ hath executed this Office ever since the beginning of the World ever since the first Covenant was dissolved and broken since enmity entered betwixt God and man as well before his being made manifest in the flesh as after as well before and under the Law as in the dayes of the New Testament For although he be called Mediator of the New Covenant or New Testament Heb. 12.24 which is to be understood 1. by way of opposition to the first Covenant whereof he was not Mediator 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because he was then exhibited and then he perfected the work of Redemption Yet did Christ enter upon the execution and execrise of this Office of Mediatorship to which he was before designed from the time that fallen man was at variance with God the execution of this Office extends to the first ages of the World from the time that the promise made to our first parents while they were yet in Paradice took place Gen. 3.15 It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Heb. 13.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever Gal. 3.17 And this I say that the Covenant that was before confirmed of Christ the Law which was Four hundred and thirty years after cannot disannul that it should make the promise of none effect Rev. 13.8 he is called the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world As in respect of Gods destination being designed before time to be offered up in time so also in respect of the efficacy of his sacrifice and mediation which extended to the first ages of the world For 1. From that time there was need of a Mediator 2. From that time begun the works of the Devil to be destroyed Gen. 3.15 And I will put enmity between thee and the Woman and between thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel 1 Joh. 3.8 He that commiteth sin is of the Devil for the Devil sinneth from the beginning for this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil 3. From that time were some sinners saved by the Messiah that was to come Therefore from thence we must reckon the exercise of his Mediatorship Understand this with three distinctions 1. That before Christs Incarnation he was a Mediator virtually and undiscernedly i. e. the virtue and efficacy of that Office to which he was designed did extend to the first ages of the world though the way of his acting in that Office before his Incarnation transcend our understanding but after his Incarnation when he had taken our nature upon him then he was manifestly an actual Mediator 2. Before his Incarnation he was not Compleatly fitted for all the
not given A treasure of the mysteries of intelligence and secrets of correspondence about what is doing in Heaven and Earth Psal 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant Gen. 8.17 And the Lord said shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do A treasure of the mysteries of duty or of the approving commanding will of God in all cases Isa 8.20 To the law and to the testimony If they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them Psal 119.9 Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to thy word A treasure of the mysteries of dispensations whereby we may know the most unknown footsteps of providence in dark dispensations Psal 77.19 And thy footsteps are not known with Psal 73.17 Vntil I went unto the sanctuary of God then understood I their end A treasure of the mysteries of the secret Counsels and will of God as it 's acted upon the hearts of men Eph. 1.9 Having made known unto us the mysterie of his will according to his good pleasure which he had purposed in himself 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 A treasure of mysterious paradoxes and seeming contradictions wherewith the Gospel-Covenant is filled Gal. 2.20 I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me 2. The mystery of Christ Eph. 3.4 Whereby when ye read you may understand my knowledg in the mystery of Christ Col. 2.2 To the acknowledgment of the mystery of God and of the father and of Christ There is a complication of mysteries in him he is all secrets which had never been known unless himself had witnessed and declared them the wisest nutural Politicians are stupid here 1 Cor. 2.8 Which none of the princes of this world knew for had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory Hence it is that he is so often spoken of with a Behold There is a mysterie in his name all his names need an Interpreter need his own declaration and witnessing Jer. 23.6 And this is his name whereby he shall be called The Lord our righteousness Rev. 19.13 And his name is called the word of God Matt. 1.23 Behold a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son and they shall call his name Emmanuel which being interpreted is God with us There is a mysterie in his person a high mysterie in his natures the union of two natures in that blessed person 1 Tim. 3.16 And without controversie great is the mysterie of godlyness God was manifest in the flesh justified in the Spirit seen of Angels preached unto the Gentiles believed on in the world received up into glory A mysterie that cannot be throughly understood in this life There is a mysterie in his offices in his bearing them and in his exercising them Heb. 5.11 Of whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered seeing ye are dull of hearing 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 of the throne of the Majesty in the Heavens A mysterie in his union with his Church and his inhabitation in them which are referred to be throughly understood till the day when Christ shall come again Eph. 5.32 This is a great mysterie But I speak concerning Christ and the Church Col. 1.27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mysterie among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the hope of glory Joh. 14.20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my father and you in me and I in you 3. The mystery of the Gospel-righteousness and way of justifying and saving sinners This is the mystery upon which many wise learned men have stumbled because it hath not been revealed unto them by the witness of the Covenant Rom. 9.31 32 33 But Israel which followed after the law of righteousness hath not attained to the law of righteousness wherefore because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the works of the law for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone as it is written behold I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone and rock of offence and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed 1 Cor. 1.20 23 Where is the wise where is the scribe where is the disputer of this world hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world But we preach Christ crucified unto the Jews a stumbling-block and unto the Greeks foolishness You may observe several great mystries concerning the Gospel-righteousnes There is 1. A mystery in the imputation of it to us what greater mystery than that a real Righteousness should come to us by the imputation of the righteousness of another 2 Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him 2. There is a mystery in the instrument apprehending this righteousness I mean in Faith 1 Tim. 3.9 Holding the mystery of the faith Which is a mysterious hidden grace in the manner of its life and acting Col. 3.3 For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God 3. There is a mystery in the persons to whom it is imputed or rather in the imputation of it with reference to the persons unto whom it is imputed a passing by of the worthiest in the worlds acount and imputing it to the nothings of the earth Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham 1 Cor. 1.26 27 For ye see your calling brethren how that not many wise men after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are called but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty Which hath been matter of wonder unto many 2 Sam. 7.18 Then went King David in and sate before the Lord and he said Who am I O Lord God and what is my house that thou hast brought me hitherto All these and many things more concerning the Covenant had never been known if the Witness of the Covenant had not revealed them and testified of them Joh. 17.6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world 4. Christ is the Witness of the Covenant who establisheth and confirmeth the truth of all that is contained in it Christ the true and faithful witness hath sworn it and testified all the Articles of the Covenant upon Oath Rev. 3.14 These
And to meddle or to have dealing and commerce see Prov. 20.19 Therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips Prov. 24.21 And meddle not with them that are given to change And indeed Christs Suretiship was a mixing and mingling with his people it was such a mingling with us as the like was never heard of a mingling of natures if I may use the word by a wonderful personal union two natures meeting in one person and yet remaining distinct and a mystical union whereby he is in us and we are in him a mingling of interests his interests are ours and our interests are his whereby in some respect he cometh in our place and we come in his place See Joh. 17.21 22 23 That they all may be one as thou father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that they may be one even as we are one I in them and thou in we that they may be made perfect in one 2 Cor. 5 1â— 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ be is a new Creature For he hath made him to be sin for as who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Isa 5.8 For she was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people was he stricken Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus And his medling and dealing in our matters is such as hath laid the whole weight of them upon him Isa 9.6 For unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given and the godeiâ— went shall be upon his shoulder And hath drawn on an everlasting coâ—â—â—erce eommunion and exchange of commodities Betwixt him and his people 2 Cor. 6.16 18 For ye are the temple of the living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them and I will be their God and they shall be my people And will be a father unto you and ye shall be by sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty Again 2. This word signifieth to engage See Jer. 30.21 For who is this that engageth his heart Arr. Mont. reads it Dilatavit alii obligavit accommodavit Hierom qui applicet cor And in this sense Christs Sureriship is the enlargement of his heart to a voluntary engagement for his people unto which there was no necessity lying upon him 'T is the offering of himself willingly to undertake for them Heb. 10.9 Then said he Lo I come to do thy will O God Joh. 10.11 18 The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to bay it down and I have power to take it again Joh. 18.8.3 This word signifieth also to be Surety to undertake because he that becomes Surety for another doth so mix with him that in some respect he is substitute in his place and room so 't is frequently used Gen. 43.9 I will be surety for him of my hand shalt thou require him if I bring him not unto thee and set him before thee then let me bear the blame for even Gen. 44. â—2 For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father saying c. Prov. 6.1 and 11.15 and 22.26 Isa 38 14. Bsal 119.122 which is well rendered by the learned Expositors spende side jube pro servo tâ—o be furety for thy servant In this sense also Christ is the Surety who did undertake for his people that what should be required of them he should answer for it and what should be wanting of their account the burden and blame of it should lie on him as Jâ—â—â—lh spoke in the place dited See Joh. 17. throughout 4. This word signified to give pledges which is a kind of Suretiship Isa 36.8 Now therefore give pledges I pray thee to my master the king of Assyria and I will give thee two thousand horses if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them 2 Kings 18.23 Da vadem sponsionem fac Hence cometh that word Arrhabo which is originally an Hebrew word and came from Phenica into Greece as is observed by Grotius Grotius in 2. ad cor c. 1. v. 22. that which we call the earnest and arles of any bargain 2 Cor. 1.22 Who hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the spirit in our hearts In this sense also Christ is made Surety of the Covenant he who gave himself pledg and hostage for his people he who not only did undertake and give bond but also put his person in prison until the Debt of his people should be paid and until all things promised in their name were made good he being the pledg which lay for the whole price Isa 53.8 He was taken from prison and from judgment and who shall declare his generation for he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people was he stricken Rom. 8.32 he that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all 5. This word signifieth to strike hands for so were Covenants made and Sureties engaged Prov. 22.26 Be not thou among them that strike hands to wit side juâ—enad as Mont. supplieth and the LXX renders it by the same Greek word that 's used Heb. 7.22 give not thy self 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as a Surety and in this sense also was Christ made a Surety of the Covenant he did strike hands with God he did Covenant with us and for us by striking hands with God Psal 40.7 Then said I Lo I come 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 The Greek word used for a Surety Heb. 7.22 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spensor side jussor I do not read elsewhere in the new Testament though the LXX use it sometimes for aneut the Hebrew word that signifies a Surety Prov. 6.1 and 17.19 and 20.19 Whether we take it to be from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appropinquo or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 prope or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spondeo prom to which comes from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in manibus it seemeth to import the nearness of the Surety and the Debtor and to answer well the Hebrew word Christus nobis conjunctissimus propinquns ridimens By natural mystical and voluntary relations Brinst of the Mediator p. 115 c. which importeth mixing together it importeth that Christs Suretiship made him near to us and did mix him and us by a conjunction of blood for by it he plighted his faith and truth to take on our nature and our condition in law and so became our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
overlasting life He is the most precious stone in all the Jewel Mat. 13.44 45. All other things in the Covenant Righteousness Life Pardon Peace c. are but the garnish of this Jewel Song 5.10 My beloved is white and ruddy the chiefest among ten thousand He is the most sweet and ripest Berry in all the cluster of Promises which grow together in the Covenant nay he is the cluster himself Song 1.14 My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things He is the fairest and most bright-shining star in all that constellation Rev. 22.16 The bright and morning-star He is the fairest stone in all the building none like unto him Isa 28.16 Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone a tried stone a precious corner-stone a sure foundation 1 Pet. 2.4 To whom coming as unto a living stone disallowed indeed of men hut chosen of God and precious Psal 118.22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head-stone of the corner He is the fairest tree in all the garden of God like the tree of Life in the midst of Eden Song 2.3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood so is my beloved among the sons Rev. 22.2 In the midst of the streets of it and of either side of the river was there the tree of life which bare twelve manner of fruits and yielded her fruit every month and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations 4. Christ is the Covenant virtually or equivalently he is the just value of all the bargain he is of as much worth as all that is promised and contracted to believers in the Covenant of grace so that if the value of it were asked how much is it worth it could not be answered otherwise than so 'T is of as much value as Christ is and when the Promises are fulfilled to the utmost they amount not beyond the giving of Christ to believers Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Col. 1.27 Which is Christ in you the hope of glory Col. 3.11 Christ is all 5. Christ is the Covenant exemplarily the very sample and first pattern of the Covenant and of the design of grace carried on by the Covenant was in the union of the two natures in Christ the Mediators person For consider I pray the great design of favour carried on by the Covenant of grace is an union of man with God a restoring of man to the first state of friendship with God and in Christ Mediator his person was the samplar and original pattern of all the business to wit 1. Of Gods infinite condescension and stooping so far towards a nearness a union with man Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 2. Of the unspeakable exaltation of our nature toward an union with God Heb. 2.11 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren 3. Of the union and conjunction of God and man which is the result of Gods condescension and our exaltation and which is the summary of the second Covenant Mat. 1.23 Immanuel which being interpreted is God with us Rev. 21.3 And God himself shall be with them and be their God So then Christ is the Covenant in this respect also the first samplar of the union and agreement of the parties covenanting Eph. 2.14 For he is our peace who hath made both one Zech. 6.13 And the counsel of peace shall be between them both 6. Christ is the Covenant comprehensively or summarily he is the very compound or abridgment of the Covenant in the Mediators person there is a little sum of the whole Covenant Consider this how the parties articles mutual stipulations promises properties and blessings of the Covenant are all some way abridged in Christ and summed up in his person And 1. Christ is all the parties of the Covenant of grace or rather both the parties are comprehended in the Mediators person he is both the parties in three respects 1. Because of the union of the two natures in his blessed person he is God-man God made manifest in the flesh 1 Tim. 3.16 Who took not upon him our nature in its primitive innocency and virgin integrity But came in the likeness of sinful flesh Rom. 8.3 He took upon him the nature of fallen man but sanctified for and by the union with the divine nature Luk. 1.35 Heb. 7.26 And so he is both the parties the Covenant being betwixt God and man not innocent but fallen man yet believing and renewed man 2. Because the person who is Mediator is upon both sides of the Covenant as being one with the Father and holy Ghost he is on Gods side of the Covenant 1 Joh. 5.7 For there are three that bear record in heaven the father the word and the holy Ghost and these three are one 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorifie God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ And as he is one with us he is on our side of the Covenant Heb. 2.11 13 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren Behold I and the children which God hath given me 3. He is not only upon both sides of the Covenant but he contracts for both the parties carrying the relation of a party both upward to God and downward to us he treateth and covenanteth for God with us and he treateth and covenanteth for us with God which upon the matter is to carry as having the representation and sum of both parties in his person 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me And as it is said of Jacobs representing the people that came out of his Ioins Hos 12.4 He found him in Bethel and there he spake with us So it may be said of Christs representing his people for God spoke with us in him 2. The sum of all the articles of the Covenant is in Christ Consider I pray what is the sum of the Articles even this I will be your God and ye shall be my people you find the articles of the Covenant frequently summed up in these two words Ezek. 37.23 Rev. 21.3 Now this is in Christ Jesus 1. In regard of the conjunction of relations in him to wit God owning the people
Jesus Master it is good for us to be here and let us make three tabernacles one for thee and one for Moses and one for Elias For he wist not what to say for they were sore afraid Such should remember Peters words at another occasion Joh. 6.68 Then Simon Peter answered him Lord to whom shall we go thou hast the words of eternal life Which import that a created Heaven would not be significant if Christ were not there see also Psal 73.25 Whom have 〈◊〉 in heaven but thee and there is none upon the earth that I desire besides thee 4. It speaks reproof to those who wrangle about circumstances to the prejudice of Christ the substance and marrow of the Gospel-Covenant those who seek some things of Christ to the prejudice of other things of Christ that be the more weighty matters of the Gospel as put case Forms to the prejudice of substance Order to the prejudice of edification Uniformity to the prejudice of union c. And this whether by extolling of the highest and most weighty things of Christ to the prejudice of other things which are also his Ordinances or by the depressing and decreeing of other more subordinate things of Christ and circumstantial to the prejudice of the weightiest matters of the Gospel for although no Ordinance of Christ be a little one and to be set at nought yet without controversie there be some of them more weighty than others Vse 2. For discovery how far we fall short in practical giving to Christ his own place in the Covenant There be very few even of those who dare not knowingly slight Christ who yet do give him his own room in the Covenant Consider it but a little 1. He is the root and original of the Covenant have you acknowledged and imployed him as such have your soul-transactions with God been grounded upon Christs transactions with him or have you not in point of Soul-covenanting with God dealt as if the Covenant had its first rise then when it first entered in thy heart Consider I pray where you have pitched the original rise and foundation of that blessed transaction 2. He is the principal party with whom the Covenant was made at the first hand do you always give that place to Christ do you put him foremost or do you not rather drudg him after you I fear nay I doubt not we deal in many things with God as if we were the principal party covenanting in matter of Gospel-promises as if we were the principal Creditor to whom a performance of these things were due and in matter of Gospel-commands as if we were the principal Debtors from whom a performance of Duty could be expected 3. Christ is the chief blessing of the covenant have you sought him as such or hath any other blessing of the Covenant had his room in thy heart have you sought life and salvation in the promises as the chief blessing contained in them or have you seen something in the promises better and more desirable than these even Christ who is in every promise and is the best thing in the promise 4. He is valuable above all things else contained in the Covenant he is the full price of the whole bargain have you put this value upon him have you made him your all your treasure for which you treated in this bargain and bought the field 5. He is the samplar and first copy of the Covenant did you ever consider how the peace and union was first made in his person have you followed that blessed copy to have this your Covenant with God the Divine Nature coming down to you and you brought up to meet with God in Christ and with him and in him to have mystical union 6. He is the sum of the Covenant have you studied this compend well how to reduce all the Covenant to Christ to find it all in him and to make all the Covenant praise him Vse 3. For tryal whether you be in the Covenant of Grace or not whether you have taken hold of the Covenant as the Prophet speaks Isa 65.4 Know it by this if thou art in Christ thou art in the Covenant if thou hast taken hold of him thou hast taken hold of the Covenant Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Eph. 2.12 That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world To be without Christ and to be strangers to the Covenant of promise are equivalent if the Covenant be given Christ is given and if Christ be given the Covenant is given for you are in so far in the Covenant of Grace as you have any thing of Christ in you Col. 1.27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the hope of glory 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your own selves Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates If you have no right to Christ then none to the Covenant try therefore your standing sinners where are you under the first husband or married to another are you in Christ or not and consequently in the Covenant of Grace or without it Rom. 7.4 Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God Try this 1. By your divorcement from Idols and all other lovers this Covenant breaks all former ingagements whether they have been to lusts or to creatures henceforth if thou be in Christ and ingaged with him through this Covenant all these former ingagements must be so far cast loose that hatred must be to lusts instead of former love Gal. 5.24 And they that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Mark 9.43 And if thy hand offend thee cut it off it is better for thee to enter into life maimed than having two hands to go into hell into the fire that never shall be quenched where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched c. And half a love to the creatures or limited subordinate secondary regular submissive love to them instead of old heart ingagements Ezek. 36.25 From all your filthiness and from all your Idols will I cleanse you Psal 45.10 11 Hearken O daughter and consider and incline thine ear forget also thine own people and thy fathers house So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty for he is thy Lord and worship thou him Josh 24.23 Now therefore put away said he the strange gods which are among you and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel Hos