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 wâââ 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 ãâã the mind of the Lord or who heth been his câuâseâââr ãâã Eph. 3.10 To the intent that now unto the prinly ãâ¦ã in heavenly places might be made known ãâ¦ã the manifold wisdom of God this is ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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
Office of the Mediator and 1. Of his calling to it p. 174. 2. By whom he was called by God the Father p. 175. 3. When he was called to it 1. In respect of his designation to the Office it is Eternal p. 176. 2. In respect of his Furniture for and being invested in his Office it is in time p. 177. Use 1. Wonder at Gods eternal Love in calling Christ and his voluntary submission to it Use 2. To establish our faith in the prevalency of Christs Mediation ibid. Use 3. Shews the necessity of receiving the Mediator Use 4. Is comfort to Believers Chap. XI Of Christs qualification for the Office of Mediatorship and 1. Of his taking our nature upon him p. 179. Where 1. Is to be considered the reality of it p. 180. 2. His condescending-love in it p. 181. 3. The exaltation of our Nature p. 183. 4. How Christ taking our Nature is the great qualification of him for his Mediatorship p. 185. 1. He must be God for man could not satisfie for sin p. 186. 2. He must be Man because he must stand in our stead and be one with us c. p. 187. 3. The reasons why he must be God and Man in one person p. 188. Chap. XII Several Questions resolved concerning Christs taking our Nature upon him Why God the Father or the Holy Ghost took not our Nature but the Son p. 189. 2. Why must the Son of God be not only Man but the Son of Man the seed of the Woman p. 191. 3 Why did not the Son of God take Adams nature in Innocency but when it was corrupted p. 192. 4. Why must our Mediator be born of the seed of Abraham and when p. 194. 5. Why must our Mediator be made under the Law p. 195. 6. Why was the Son of God born of a Virgin and not a married Woman p. 196. 7. Why is Christ made Man in the fulness of time and not sooner nor later p. 197. The Vses p. 198. Chap. XIII Of Christs Vnction another qualification of him for his Office the first part of which is his Anointing to these Offices of Prophet Priest and King p. 201. The necessity of them in him p. 202. The use of them in our Mediator p. 204. 3. The concurrence of them for the end of his Mediatorship p. 209. Vses p. 215. Chap. XIV The second part of Christs Vnction viz. as it relates to his qualifications for the work 1. Of his Vnction in general p. 221. 1. It was the same with the Vnction of Believers p. 224. 2. It was without measure p. 225. 3. As to the time of his Vnction it was from the first Vnion of his two Natures 4. The extent of his Vnction it reacheth to all the parts of his Mediatorship p. 226. Vses of it p. 227. Chap. XV. Of the Requisites in a Mediator which are eminently in Christ and 1. Of the Requisites of fitting him for his Trust as 1. A Mediator must be a person that must have interest in both parties 2. He must be trusted by both parties 3. He must be well affected to both parties p. 230. 4. He must have power over both parties 2 Requisites relating to the managing such a work As 1. He must be a condescending person p. 231. 2. He must be Mollifying p. 232. 3. He must be Affable p. 233. 4. Meek and long-suffering p. 234. 5. Merciful and tendr-hearted p. 235. 6. He must be potent enough to compass his undertaking p. 236. 7. Faithful to the interest of both parties in the Mediation p. 238. 8. He must be a wooer of both the parties to bring them in friendship together p. 239. 9. Couragious to undergo difficulties and oppositions p. 240. Some other properties in our Mediator qualifying him for his wrk not found in any other Mediator as 1. His Oneness with both parties between whom he mediates p. 242. 2. He never declines the work of Mediation for any 3. He is always at hand and ready p. 243. 4. A perpetual Mediator p. 244. Several Vses ibid. Chap. XVI Of Christs execution of the Office of a Mediator 1. He doth it according to both Natures proved by six Reasons p. 151. 2. Christ hath executed this Office ever since the beginning of the World p. 255. 3. Jesus the Mediator executeth his Office as well in his estate of Exaltation as Humiliation p. 257. A Question whether the Angels have any share in Christ Mediation Answered p. 259. The execution of Christs Mediatorship reduced to five Heads p. 262. 1. To prepare a way for mans covenanting with God p. 263. 2. To bring the Elect within the bond of the Covenant p. 264. 3. To enable whom he bringeth into the covenant of Grace to perform the Duty of the Covenant p. 266. 4. To keep them from falling away from that blessed Estate p. 207. 5. To bring them to the height of that blessedness he hath appointed for them p. 269. Chap. XVII Grounds of comfort and supports of Faith arising to Believers from Christs Mediatorship 1. To those who are convinc'd of enmity betwixt God and them and desire Reconciliation p. 272. 2. To Believers who are come to God through him p. 273. 3. It reacheth to all the evils wherewith Believers can be afflicted ibid. Grounds of comfort if we consider 1. The Person who mediates he is one with the Father 2. The Person with whom he mediates his relation to the Mediator and the persons he mediates for p. 277. 3. The Persons for whom he mediates our nearness to the Mediator and to God by him 4. The cause for which he mediates the righteousness and honourableness of it p. 278. Chap. XVIII Of the Relations that Christ sustaineth in the covenant of Grace viz. A witness of the Covenant 1. The Witness witnessed p. 299. 2. The Witness witnessing 1. An Eye-witness p. 302. 2. An acting Witness 3. He did declare all he saw heard and acted about it p. 303. Three Mysteries declared by him 1. The mysterie of the Gospel-covenant p. 304. 2. The mysterie of Christ p. 305. 3. The mystery of the Gospel-righteousness and the way of justifying Sinners p. 306. Several Mysteries in this Righteousness 1. The imputation of it 2. In the Instrument viz. Faith 3. In the imputation of it with reference to the Persons to whom it is imputed 4 Christ is the witness of the Covenant who confirmeth the truth of all that is contained in it p. 307. Viz. Commands Promises Conditions Threatnings Predictions and Exceptions p. 308. 5. Uses of this p. 313. Chap. XIX Another Relation Christ bears in the Covenant viz. the messenger of the Covenant p. 325. Where 1 The import of the name Messenger or Angel of the Covenant p. 326. 2 In what respects it is applicable to Christ p. 327. 1. In regard of the trust committed to him in the matters of the Covenant 2. In regard of his pains and travel in it p. 328. 3 Betwixt whom doth Christ travel as
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 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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
our nature upon him WE come to clear some doubts and Questions about this mystery of Christs taking our nature upon him Quest 1. If we may soberly make it a Question without curiosity See Rog. pract catech p. 2. p. 26. Bal. treatise of the Covenant pag. 266. and enquire a little after so much of the Reasons of it as God hath been pleased to reveal Why did not God the Father or the Holy Ghost take on mans nature to be our Mediator but the Son The second Person Answ It might suffice for an answer That so it pleased God in the deep and unsearchable counsel of the Will of all the three Persons to order it Psal 80.19 20 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy One and saidst I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people I have found David my servant with my holy oyl I have anointed him And although I know not another satisfying-reason that can be given or that should be curiously enquired after yet I shall soberly propose a few considerations which may help us to adore the unsearchable depth of the counsel of Gods Will in this part of the mystery of Christ 1. Consider That the world was made by the word Christ Heb. 1.2 Joh. 1.3 All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was not made And who was so fit to restore all things and to amend the world to create the new World as he that created all things he by whom the world was made Act. 3.21 The Redemption that came by Christ and is to be perfected at the day of his coming again is called by the Apostle the restitution of all things 2. Jesus Christ the Son of God the second Person of the Trinity is appointed Mediator and takes our nature upon him that the order of the three persons of the Godhead and their working might in this be manifested unto us The Father is the first Person and Fountain of divine operation he works by the Son and the Father and the Son work by the Holy Ghost Our Mediator must be a person who must give satisfaction to the Father for us and who must be able to send the Spirit for our sanctification and therefore must be the Son and second Person 3. Consider the things which we lost in Adam we lost the Image of God our Sonship and Inheritance and who so fit to restore the Image of God as he who is the Image of the invisible God the express image of his person Col. 1.15 Heb. 1.3 Who so fit to restore us to a Sonship as the only begotten Son Joh. 1.18 Mat. 3. last Who so fit to restore man to the inheritance as the heir of all things and first-born of every creature Heb. 1.2 Col. 1.15 4. Consider the Offices which our Mediator behoved to carry he must be a King a Priest and a Prophet and who so fit to be our King as the Power and Wisdom of God 1 Cor. 1.24 30 Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God Who of God is made unto us wisdom Col. 2.3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledg Who so fit to be our Priest as he who lieth in the bosome of the Father who can have such access to treat for us with God and such favour with him as he that lieth in the center and seat of love the beloved that lieth in the Fathers bosome Mat. 3. ââ This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Joh. 1.18 Who so fit to be a Prophet to us as he who is the word of God who only knoweth and revealeth all his Will Rev. 19.13 Joh. 1.8 Mat. 11.27 5. Consider that reason given by B. Andrews Because Adams sin was most directly against the second Person Gen. 3. â5 22. Man will be as God and have the knowledg and wisdom of God which is Christs prerogative Col. 2.3 And who so fit to pack up that injury as the second Person flesh would have been as the Word and the Wisdom and Word of God becomes flesh to raise up ruined man in a quite contrary way to his own sinful design a marvelous humble condescension to expiate so proud a plot Quest 2. Why must the Son of God be not only a man but the Son of man of the seed of the woman of the same lump with us Might not the taking of a created nature have fitted him to be our Mediator Gal. 4.4 He might have been man and yet had a body framed for him in heaven and not made of a woman Ans He must be of the same lump with us 1. The more to set forth his condescension and our exaltation in this his condescension was greater in taking a nature of the same lump with us than if he had taken our nature created as Adams was and the exaltation of our nature was the greater that Christs flesh was not only of the same kind but of the same lump with ours 2. That we might have the more comfort in his satisfaction for if he had taken a created nature that could have reached to a personal satisfaction only but he takes our nature and the flesh of our nature that he might satisfie for the sin of our nature and make a publick satisfaction for the sins of many The Covenant with Adam being with his nature not personal and his sin also being of the same kind the satisfaction must be in the same nature and by one of the same lump and not with a person having that kind of nature but not the same nature Heb. 2.14 9 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through âeath he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil that he by the grace of God should tast death for every man 3. That he might be a fit Mediator one between two he behoved to âraw as near to us in respect of his human nature as to God in respect of the Divine nature he must be a man and a man of the same lump that his brethren are of a Priest ordained for men and taken from among men Heb. 5.1 4. That the alliance with us might be the straiter and his right of Redemption the stronger for our Mediator behoved not only to be a Redeemer but a Goel one to whom belonged the right of Redemption Now this could not be except he were our own kinsman our brother of the same lump and stock Deut. 25.5 6 c. Christ came to raise up seed to his dead kinsman old Adam who dyed without issue of grace for ought that his seed had from him therefore he behoved to be our brother and kinsman and by this means Christ 1. as the kinsman not only may do it but he takes it on him as his duty v. 7 to perform the duty of a husbands brother
remission of their sins To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in the way of peace 3. He removeth the mistakes and prejudices whereby the alienation betwixt God and man is hightned and continued and this by imparting the true mind of the parties to each other Eph. 4.21 If so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him as the truth is in Jesus This is the nature and use of his prophetical Office which he executeth by his word and spirit causing light first to appear and then to shine into the hearts of his people The end of this Office and his exercising it after this manner is to promote his great design of reconciliation which is the end of his Mediation and this he doth by declaring the mind of the parties to each other removing mistakes which encrease alienation begetting a good understanding and thereby working a compliance betwixt the parties and in respect of this Office mainly he is called a Prophet Deut. 18.15 Acts 3.22 and by way of eminency the Prophet and that Prophet Joh. 6.14 and 7.40 and the Angel or Messenger of the Covenant who published and revealed it Mal. 3.1 and the Word John 1.14 Rev. 19.3 who revealeth the will of God whereof I have already spoken and a Witness or teacher and testifier of the will of God Isa 55.4 Rev. 3.14 and the Apostle of our profession Heb. 3.1 and the Wisdom of God 1 Cor. 1.24 Col. 2.3 2. Christ Mediator in his Priesthood travelleth 1. About Satisfaction 2. Intercession Isa 53.12 Because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressor And about both these in order to Reconciliation which is the great business belonging to the Mediators Office 1. I say the nature and use of that Office relates to satisfaction for sin because by virtue of that Office principally he performs the great work of satisfaction for our sins by offering up himself a sacrifice to death after he had given perfect obedience to the Law Heb. 9.26 But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself And this he did as our Surety he stood in the Elects room and Justice did strike him in their stead Isa 53.5 He was oppressed c. or rather according to the original he was exacted and answered that is God the Father required satisfaction for our sins and his Son as our Surety answered for us 2. Unto this Office belongeth his Intercession which is performed in the virtue of the satisfaction given by him to Divine Justice and the Sacrifice once offered up by him Isa 53.12 He poured out his soul unto death and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us And this according to the two parts of the High-Priests Office which were 1. The offering of sacrifice 2. The presenting of it in the Holy of Holies with prayer and intercession See Goodâ Christ set forth p. 12â 123. Rog. Cat. p. 2. p. 39. Gomar ad Heb. c. 3. that God would accept it for the sins of the people see Levit. 16. The excellency of this Priesthood of our Mediator was typified by Aarons Priesthood in these two parts of it and more eminently and excellently in Melchisedecks Priesthood which shewed also the continuance of Christs Priesthood for ever and the excellency of it above Aarons Psal 110. Heb. 5 and 7 chap. Concerning the nature and parts of this Office we shall only observe these three things 1. That Christ Mediator did and doth both the parts of this Office on earth and in Heaven but with this difference 1. On earth he eminently sacrificed and offered up himself Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God Yet he interceded also Heb. 5.7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and suppl cations with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he seared 2. In Heaven he eminently intercedes Heb. 7 25 Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Chap. 9.24 But into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us but he offereth up himself also by presenting the sacrifice and offering of himself which was once made Heb. 12.24 We are come saith the Apostle to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel 2. That all Christ's satisfaction and Priesthood would be ineffectual for our good if he did not continue in the exercise of it by his intercession in Heaven whereby he becometh the applying cause of salvation to us Heb. 5.10 11 Called of God an High-priest after the order of Melchisedec of whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered seeing ye are dull of hearing Rom. 5.10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life 3. That the design carried on by this Office is the same as in the former to wit Reconciliation which is promoted through this Office 1. By his giving satisfaction to Justice 2. By his application of that satisfaction and making Attonement for the sins of his people The nature and use of Christs Kingdom I lay down in these Assertions 1. That it is Dispensatory Christ Mediator is a King appointed a Viceroy and Deputy-governour in subordination to his Father Psal 2.6 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion John 5.23 That all men should honour the son even as they honour the father he that honoureth not the son honoureth not the father that sent him a Kingdom which is to be rendered up again to him who gave it to him 1 Cor. 15.24 Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God even the father when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power His Kingdom as Mediator is not regnum naturale which he hath as God co-essential with his Father but regnum oeconomicum which he hath by donation and unction from his Father 2. That it is very large yea universal for it is all power in heaven and earth Matth. 28.18 and it reacheth to the upholding all things by the word of his power Heb. 1.3 It is over all the creatures Eph. 1.22 And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church Over all Mankind Dan. 7.14 And
making the Soul close with God in a Covenant 3. By making us receive Christ himself in the promises 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 For as Faith hath for the object of it the whole Word of God so especially the promises and more especially Christ in the promises 4. By making us give up our selves to be Christs and no more our own Isa 44.5 One shall say I am the Lords and by making us subject our Consent unto him as the Wife doth to the Husband in a Marriage-Covenant 2 Cor. 9.13 And all this is the Mediators work and the execution of his Office For 1. It is he that offers the Covenant Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh 2. It is he that shapeth the heart for acceptation of the offer Ezek 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you 3. It is he that engageth the heart to God by a Covenant Jer. 30.21 And I will cause him to draw near and he shall approach unto me for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me saith the Lord Joh. 12.32 And I if I be lifted up from the Earth will draw all men unto me 4. It is he that maketh us give up our selves to him Ezek. 36.27 28 And I will put my Spirit into you and cause you to walk in my wayes And ye shall be my people and I will be your God The third part of the Mediators work in the execution of his Office is to enable them whom he bringeth into the Covenant of Grace to perform the duty of the Covenant according to his undertaking to his Father on their behalf and for this effect 1. He circumciseth their hearts and taketh away the stone and natural aversness and rebellion against Covenant-duties Deut. 30.6 And the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart and the heart of thy seed to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul that thou maist live Ezek. 36.26 And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh 2. He engraffeth a new inward principle in their hearts of compliance with and propension unto their duty Jer. 31.33 I will put my Law into their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people And 32.40 I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me 3. He affordeth strength to them for performing the duties of the Covenant and maketh his Grace effectual in them for that end see Ezek 36.37 And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my Statutes and ye shall keep my Judgments and do them He craveth his Rent and filleth the hand wherewith to pay it Psal 1.11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God 2 Cor. 9.8 And God is able to make all grace abound towards you that ye alwayes having all-sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work 4. He breathes upon the graces of his people and acteth them by daily fresh and quickening assistances Song 4.16 Awake O North wind and come O South blow upon my Garden that the spices thereof may flow out Yea he worketh in us and for us all that which we take upon us as duty in the Covenant of Grace Isa 26.12 For thou also hast wrought all our works in us Phil. 2.13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure The fourth part of the Mediators work in executing this Office is to keep those whom he bringeth into the Covevenant from falling away from that blessed estate If it were not for the Mediators travelling in this work the reconciliation once made could not stand if he did not continue for ever Mediator of the New Covenant we should not for ever continue in that Covenant-state Heb. 7.24 25 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them And for keeping believers in this Covenant Christ the Mediator beside his contriving the Covenant so that breaches shall not make it void Psal 89.30 33 If his Children forsake my Law and walk not in my Judgments Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Jer. 31.34 I will forgive their iniquity and will remember their sin no more 1. He gifteth them with and conveyeth to them an immortal and everlasting principle of Grace that cannot dye nor utterly perish Joh. 4.14 But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a Well of water springing up into everlasting life 1 Joh. 3.9 His seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 2. He keepeth life by his intercession in that engaging principle of Faith that it fail not Luke 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not But all this could not effect the business being but our gripe of him therefore 3. Consider how he keepeth a gripe of them he engageth his Father to keep his people and he himself employeth all the power credit and interest that he hath in Heaven and Earth to keep them in that blessed state Joh. 17.11 12 And now I am no more in the World but these are in the World And I come to thee holy Father keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one as we are While I was with them in the world I kept them through thy name those whom thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the Son of perdition that the Scripture might be fulfilled 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Joh. 10.28 29 And I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand My Father which gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand Deut. 33.27 The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath is the everlasting arms Isa 40.29 He giveth power to them that are faint and to them that have no might he encreaseth strength 4. He maintaineth the peace and agreement that he made through his own being in Heaven a constant and ordinary Agent to apear in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 Who lieth there of purpose that the Covenant betwixt God and his people may continue and that league never be broken for so long as Christ appeareth in Heaven there shall be peace and friendship for
the Covenant as a nail in a sure place and as a foundation and corner-stone which cannot be removed therefore stability and firmness is in the Covenant Isa 22.23 Because the Covenant made with him is sure therefore the Covenant made with us is sure Psal 89.33 34. And because Christ is given for a Covenant of the people therefore stability is given to that Covenant as an essential property thereof 5. The perfection of the Covenant of Grace is comprised in Christ it is a perfect Covenant and he is a perfect and compleat Christ a Saviour made perfect to be the author of a compleat Salvation to his people Heb. 5.9 and to save to the utmost Heb. 7.25 Yea the Covenant is a perfect Covenant because Christ is in it in whom we are compleat Col. 2.9 10. And in whom dwelleth perfect fulness and all desirable perfections If Christ had not been in it perfection had not been in it nor should that Covenant have been able to perfect us for ever but it had left us as the first Covenant did But because God gave Christ for a Covenant of the people therefore perfection is in it and came to us by it 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption 6. The satisfactoriness of the Covenant of grace is comprised in Christ it is a Soul-satisfying Covenant and he is a Soul-satisfying Christ 2 Sam. 23.5 For this is all my salvation and all my desire although he make it not to grow Song 5.16 His mouth is most sweet yea he is altogether lovely This is my beloved and this is my friend O Daughters of Jerusalem Psal 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee Yea Christ is the foundation of that satisfaction which the souls of the saints find by being within the Covenant of grace he is the desire of all nations Hag. 2.7 It is in and for him that it is satisfying if Christ were not in the Covenant the soul of a Saint could nevery say of it This is all my desire but because he is in it therefore the spirits of men by imbracing it find a satisfaction Psal 16.2 5 6 O my soul thou hast said unto the Lord thou art my Lord the Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly heritage And because Christ is given for a Covenant of the people therefore satisfaction is in it 6. Christ is the sum of all Covenant-blessings they are all abridged in him Col. 3.11 But Christ is all and in all 1. Eminently because he is the chief blessing of the Covenant he is the marrow and fatness of the whole bargain Joh. 4.10 14 Jesus answered and said unto her If thou knewest the gift of God and who it is that saith unto thee Give me to drink thou wouldst have asked of him and he would have given thee living water But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son 2. Comprehensively because in him as in a store house all Covenant-blessings are treasured up Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the God-head bodily Joh. 1.14 16 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace 3. Vltimately because he is that Covenant-blessing for which the whole bargain is sought after and all other things are but sought for him Mat. 13.44 45 Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field the which when a man hath found he hideth and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that field Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearls c. 4. Virtually because when God giveth Christ the whole Covenant is reckoned to be performed Luk. 1.72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant 5. Consequentially because all other Covenant-blessings follow him as accessories follow any principal thing Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him freely give us all things Prov. 8.35 For whosoever findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Vse 1. If Christ be all the Covenant or the sum and marrow of all which God hath given to his people by the Covenant of grace this speaketh sad reproof 1. To those who seek something else the strength of whose indeavours is laid forth upon something inferiour something beside the chief good Isa 55.2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread and your labour for that which satisfieth not hearken deligently unto me and eat ye that which is good and let your soul delight itself in fatness To such belongs that warning Isa 50.11 Behold all ye that kindle a fire that compass your selves about with sparks walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks that ye have kindled This shall ye have of mine hand ye shall lie down in sorrow 2. To such as seek and follow after some thing more than Christ who is all the Covenant sure there are not a few who think they have not a full blessing in Christ Christ alone without other things of this world cannot content them Gen. 30.1 This evil under the sun hath reached some of those who have been within the Covenant of Grace Gen. 15.1 2 After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision saying Fear not Abram I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward And Abram said Lord God what wilt thou give me seeing I go childless and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus To such belongs that warning Jer. 45.5 And seekest thou great things for thy self seek them not for behold I will bring evil upon all flesh saith the Lord but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest 3. It speaks reproof to those who seek something less than Christ there being among those who are not of the worst sort of people whom life and salvation could satisfie a creaated heaven without Christ could answer their desires after happiness Mat. 19.16 And behold one came and said unto him Good master what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life Something of this also may overtake the children of Grace among their fevers and fits of distempers Mark 9.5 6 And Peter answered and said to
acceptance of his work p. 101. 6. Those that relate to his reward for his work p. 104. 7. Those that relate to Interest p. 107. 8. Those that relate to the whole design and intent of his Suretiship p. 108. Chap. V. The harmony of the covenant of Suretiship made with Christ and the covenant of Reconciliation and Grace made with sinners They agree together 1. In their rise from Free-grace p. 113. 2. In their design the redemption of lost people p. 114. 3. In that Christ is the grand Instrument of both ibid. 4. They are both commensurable with Gods election of the parties with whom he made the Covenants p. 115. 5. The principal ends of both are the same ibid. 6. The advantage of both redounds to us the honour to the Lord. 7. There is exchange of places between Christ and his redeemed seed in both p. 116. 8. In many properties free gracious sure p. 117. They differ 1. In their rise one came from grace in both parties the other not p. 117. 2. In the property of Eternity 3. The parties are different in one Jehovah and Christ in the other Father Son and Spirit and lost sinners p. 118. 4. The covenant of Redemption is equal that of Reconciliation unequal p. 119 5. In the covenant of Redemption there was no Mediator in that of Reconciliation there is 6. The Promises of the two Covenants are different p. 120. 7. Threatnings are annexed to the covenant of Reconciliation 8. The commands and conditions of them are different p. 121. 9. The covenant of Redemption tarried not for our consent to make it an actual covenant the other does p. 122. The two Covenants are conjoyn'd together by a five-fold connection 1. By an inseparable connection p. 123. 2. By an infallible connection 3. An insuperable connection p. 124. 4. By a secret and hidden connection 5. By a beautiful connection p. 125. Their connection illustrated by a Similitude p. 127. Chap. VI. The grounds of comfort resulting from the covenant of Suretiship to those who are in the covenant of Reconciliation 1. The original of Gods covenanting with us is an eternal compact between Jehovah and Christ p. 128. 2. The same love of the Father and Christ now drawing thee into the New Covenant hath been in action for thee in Eternity 3. Our Redemption and Salvation hath little of our Will and much of Gods gracious Will in it p. 129. 4. By the covenant of Suretiship the fountain of life and salvation lay out of our selves in Christ 5. By the covenant of Suretiship our Rights and Charters the Promises are in a surer hand than our own p. 130. 6. By the covenant of Suretiship Christ and the Believer are in a manner in one Writ p 131. 8. By the covenant of Suretiship all the hard conditions lay upon Christ p. 135. 9. That in the covenant of Suretiship the Believer is undertaken for by both the parties Jehovah and Christ p. 136. 10. The Believer is in a sure and confirmed Estate p. 137. 11. Whatever Christ did in that Covenant it was for us and we did it in him p. 138. 12. By that Covenant besides all other Attributes the Justice of God is for the Believers salvation This 1. Is an argument to answer all temptations from our frailty inconstancy c. p. 140. 2. Admire and study the depths of Love in Gods Covenant p. 142. 3. Learn how needful the knowledg and perswasion of Christs Suretiship for us is p. 143. 4. Nothing more necessary to engage our hearts to study faith and hololiness p. 144. Chap. VII Concerning the Mediator of the New Covenant and 1. Of his Name what it signifies p. 145. Christ called Mediator on a four-fold account 1. In respect of his Person 2. Office 3. Fitness and qualification 4. His actual interposing p. 147. 1. Through him was the Covenant first moved 2. Through him was the business begun and ended in the Councel of God 3. Through him were we represented in his transaction with his Father p. 148. 4. Through him God did strike hands with us 5. Through him the Covenant is fulfilled 6. Through him came the news of it 7. Through him is the Mystery made manifest in the hearts of his people p. 149. 8. He paid the price to Justice for us 9. Through him is peace made 10. Through him the blessings of the Covenant are applyed to us 11. Through him we receive these blessings p. 150. 12. Through him was the Covenant with us confirmed 13. Through him are our hearts engaged to the bargain p. 151. 14. Through him is the Covenant made firm and stable Uses 1. The misery of those under the covenant of Works 2. The blessedness of Believers under the covenant of Grace 3. Since Christ is Mediator he must be employed and acknowledged p. 152. Chap. VIII Concerning the necessity of a Mediator and the reasons why the Covenant is establish'd in the hands of a Mediator of three sorts p. 153. 1 Respecting Gods Glory 1. The glory of his Honour 2. The glory of his Wisdom 3. The glory of his Goodness p. 154. 4. The glory of his Justice p. 155. 2 Reasons respecting Christ 1. In respect of his Offices King Priest and Prophet ibid. 2. His Power 3. In respect of the dependance we have on him 4. In respect of his sole working the whole business p. 156. 3 Sort of reasons respecting the creatures good negatively and affirmatively Negatively 1. Without the Mediator we could have had no saving-knowledg of God p. 156. 2. No union between God and man 3. No communion with God 4. No conformity to God Affirmatively 1. A foundation is laid for a higher happiness to be recovered in Christ than was lost in Adam p. 157. 2. There is a better security of that happiness 3. Solid grounds of Consolation Uses 1. This clears one difference between the covenant of Grace and that of Works wherein was no Mediator p. 158. 2. From the necessity of a Mediator be convinced of your need of a Mediator p. 159. 3. Carry it as those that need a Mediator p. 160. Chap. IX Concerning the person of the Mediator of the New Covenant p. 161 called 1. The Word of God p. 162. 2. The brightness of his Fathers glory p. 163. 3. The express Image of his Fathers person p. 164. 1. Christ hath in him a glorious resemblance of the excellency and Attributes of the Father 2. It is by Christ that all those Excellencies of God are revealed to us p. 164. Three things in God are discovered in Jesus Christ. 1. The Attributes of God Wisdom Goodness Mercy Power Soveriagnty Justice Holiness All-sufficiency Patience Faithfulness Majesty p. 166. 2. The distinct subsistences of the persons of the Godhead p. 171. 3. The distinct Offices of the three Persons 1. The Acts of the Father plotting and making the covenant with Christ Mediator 2. The Acts of Jesus Christ undertaking 3. The Acts of the Spirit Chap. X. Concerning the
with Christ's seed c. Ans We are not to conceive of the Covenant of Redemption in such an abstracted consideration and notion as if the things transacted in that Covenant made with Christ had no relation to nor connexion with the Covenant made with us but upon the contrary we are still to keep in mind the great affinity and connexion that is between these two Covenants and as the Apostle reasons from the one to the other 2 Cor. 6.2 For he saith I have heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee Where he looks upon what God said to Christ concerning us and the hearing of him for us as spoken for our encouragement to apply to him in the improvement of the day of Grace Yet I say of this Scripture 1. Here is nothing spoken of Christ's seed and people as parties with whom God deals in this Covenant and upon whom he layeth any commands nor to whom directly he maketh any promises except what may be gathered consequenter in obliquo which things must needs be in the Covenant of reconciliation 2. Whatsoever is spoken here concerning Christ's seed and people 't is only of the force of the Covenant made and sworn with Christ having influence towards the establishment of friendship with them and toward their perseverance in a Covenant-state because of God's transactions with Christ wherein they were comprehended and by which they and their interests were disposed of The third Proof I take from these Scriptures which hold forth all the essentials and requisites for making up a formal Covenant to be betwixt God and Christ which Texts though they speak not explicitely of the name of a Covenant yet they do explicitely hold forth the thing The Argument in form is this Where all things necessarily required unto the essence and being of a Covenant for matter and form are to be found there must needs be a Covenant But betwixt God and Christ in the matter of our Redemption all things necessary unto the essence of a Covenant are to be found Therefore there must needs be a Covenant betwixt God and Christ about the work of Redemption which we call the Covenant of Suretiship or Redemption The major is manifest and undeniable I come therefore to confirm the minor Concerning which I shall first tell you what are the necessary requisites unto the essence of a Covenant and then give plain Scripture-proof that these were betwixt God and Christ 1. It is generally acknowledged by the Doctors of the Law that the agreement or consent of two or more Parties upon the same thing maketh a Paction and that Proposals upon the one part Ulpian de Pollicit L. Pactum L. 1. F. de Pact and a consent upon the other makes a formal Covenant though there were no condition or restipulation Cic. 2. de invent Panormit 2a parte super Primo tit de Pact Cap. Antigonus But more particularly and above all question where there are Proposals Commands or Promises upon the one part with conditions required upon the other and a consent unto Panormit ubi supra Azor. instit Moral p. 3. l. 11. de Pollicit c. 1. l. 6. c. 3. or acceptation of these Proposals with the conditions required upon the other part or where there is a restipulation of conditions upon the other part there must needs be a Contract or Covenant not only materially and virtually because there is all the essentials of a Covenant but formally and explicitly because there are all the formalities of explicite Covenanting 2. It is manifest that all these things are to be found betwixt Jehovah and Christ concerning the work of Redemption 1. There is a consent and agreement betwixt God and Christ about this very thing which amounteth to a Paction Zech. 6.13 The Lord speaking of that ineffable mysterious Oeconomy and dispensation of the business of man's Redemption and Salvation as the same is transacted in the counsel of God's Will biddeth him tell us that the counsel of peace shall be between them both to wit See Pemble on Zech. 6.13 Jo. Cocc de foedere c 5. Sect. 88. between the Lord of Hosts and the man whose name is the Branch v. 12 betwixt them was the business plotted consulted and concluded to the same purpose are these Scriptures that tell us of the agreement of the Lord's Will and Christ's Will in this affair it was his Father's Will to send him Joh. 6.40 And this is the will of him that sent me And Act. 3.26 Vnto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him c. and it was Christ's Will to be sent Heb. 10.9 Then said he Lo I come to do thy will Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me it was his Father's will that he should lay down his life and it was his will also Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all Joh. 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again This Commandment have I received of my father it pleased the Lord to bruise him Isai 53.10 and it pleased him to be bruised Isai 50.6 I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair I hid not my face from shame and spitting Still there was an agreement 2. We find clear vestiges in the Scripture of Proposals made by Jehovah unto Christ concerning his Will about the work of our Redemption and of a consent and agreement upon Christ's part unto these Proposals whereby he declares his will to be consenting to his Father's Will The first to wit Proposals made by God to Christ we read Psal 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool and Psal 2.7 8 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession That these Scriptures contain Proposals is manifest and that they are Proposals made by Jehovah to Christ appears by the Holy Ghosts asserting it Act. 13.33 God hath confirmed the same unto us their children in that he hath raised up Jesus again as it is also written in the second Psalm Thou art my Son this day have I begâtten thââ ãâã 1â5 For ãâã which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Sân this day have I begotten thee But all the difficulty is to make it appear that these Proposals belong to the eternal transaction and Covenant of Redemption To this end 't is to be observed 1. That whatsoever is revealed in these Scriptures concerning the things that were between God and Christ
God said and propounded it unto Christ long before his coming in the flesh and therefore it must needs relate to such transactions as were betwixt God and Christ in the counsel of his Will from all eternity 2. Though the accomplishment of these things be applyed by the Holy Ghost unto the resurrection of Christ Act. 13.33 and to the exaltation of him in his humane nature Heb. 1.5 that doth not make against the transacting of them by an eternal Covenant where first these Proposals were made but on the contrary it doth streng then what is here asserted because the accomplishment of these things is declared to be that which God had revealed in the old Testament to have been said long before by him to Christ Therefore also the same Scripture is brought as an evidence of Christ's being consecrated by his Father unto the offices which he did bear for the worâ of our Redemption Heb. 5.5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high Priest but he that said unto him thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee c. So that the declaration of the Sonship of Christ this day I have begotten thee is not to be understood of an hodie aternitatis a day of eternity and of the counal generation of the Son of God as many of the Ancients and of the Schoolmen understand it and indeed if it should be vielded to be spoken of an eternal Sonship I should understand it of that eternal adoption and designation of Christ by his own consent in the counsel of God's Will to a new Sonship for the work of Redemption whereby he voluntarily became the first born of many brethren and an obe ient Son even unto death Phil. 2.8 and whereby he consented to take a new Covenant-âight unto God as his Father and his Gââ by Covenant Heb. 1.5 I will be to him a father ãâã be shall be to me a son And we know it is not unusual in Scripture to stile adoption unto a succession in office by a Sonship and a begetting therefore Salathiel is said to be begotten by Jethoniah Mat. 1.12 because he succeeded him in the Kingdom But since the Holy Ghost applies it distinctly to Christ's resurrection Act. 13.33 and to the exaltation of him in his humane Nature when he had humbled himself as an obedient Son unto the death of the Cross and having by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high Heb. 1.3 4 5. 't is safest for us to hold close to that meaning of the words This day have I begotten thee which was the accomplishment of that which God had said to Christ long before in the transaction of the Covenant of Redemption when Christ was set up from everlasting before his works of old c. Prov. 8.22 23. and when the Decree was passed which was not declared till long after Ps 2.7 Now this day of Christ's exaltation in his humane Nature at his resurrection which was the fulfilling of what God said to him when he was by eternal destination and decree called and set a part unto the work of Redemption and unto the offices which as Lord Mediator he did bear is fitly called the day wherein he was begotten upon several accounts 1. Because in this day he was declared to be the Son of God Rom. 1.4 And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã The Syriack reads it Qui cognitus est the word signifies demonstrated Chrysost Hom. in Rom. Esthi in locum Eras Beza c. manifested or defined to be the Son of God as most Learned men render it Though Bellarmine's rendering of the word with the vulgar Latine for which he contends would also fit our purpose who was predestinated to be the Son of God which must be meant of such a Sonship as he took upon him in time or rather of the execution of God's Decree containing his being manifested in the flesh by the terms of the Covenant of Suretiship if we read it predestinated and not of his eternal generation because as Esthius says upon the place Predestination does not relate unto that which was from eternity but to future things only 2. Because on this day of his resurrection there was in respect of Christ's humane nature a second entrance into life the Grave being a second womb See Dr. Haââmond Annot. on Ps 2. from which he came forth unto life as his Mothers womb was the first from which he came forth unto life in respect of his humane nature so he was begotten or brought forth in this day by a new birth out of the womb of the grave hence the resurrection is called ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã renascentia a new or second birth See Gerhard Hârm in locum Matth 19.28 3. Because the day of Christ's resurrection was the day of vesting inaugurating and installing him in his Regal Office and Authority in our nature this is the day whereof it 's said Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee because this was a Coronation-day a day of exaltation of him in his humane nature and of constituting him and setling him in his offices in a most glorious manner against all opposition as the context of that Psalm bears v. 6 7 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion I will declare the decree And Heb. 1.3 4 5 When he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high Being made so much better than the Angels as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee It was a custom among the Romans that the Emperors had two Natales or birth-days kept the one was Natalis Imperatoris the birth-day of the Emperor to commemorate his coming into the world The other was Natalis Imperii the birth-day of the Empire to commemorate his advancement to the Imperial Dignity The feast of commemorating the building of Rome was called Palilia and this title was by decree given of Caius the Emperor Sueton in Calig c. 26. his advancement to the Empire Decretum est ut dies quo cepisset imperium Palilia vocaretur There is also mention made of anothers Spartianus in Adriano Natalis adoptionis the day of his adoption i. e. his civil birth-day V. id Aug. and then of Natalis Imperii the birth-day of his Empire III. id Aug. And of Vespasian 't is recorded Tacitus Hist lib. 2. that Primus principatus dies in posterum celebratus the first day of his Empire was celebrated afterwards 3. 'T is to be observed concerning the Proposals before-mentioned which I said are made by Jehovah to Christ that the Scriptures cited do distinguish betwixt the propounding of these things which
Trusts Powers and Authorities that Christ Mediator had concerning the work of his peoples Redemption how came his name to be in our bond and he to take upon him to perform the condition of the Covenant of works how came he to be under the Law and to fulfil the Law Sure it was not by nature nor by any necessity of nature but by divine appointment and by his own voluntary yielding to it which is Compact so Jesus was made surety Heb. 7.22 and made under the law Gal. 4.4 how came he to have the disposing of the eternal interests of all men Sure he had this trust and authority by agreement with his Father who laid it upon him and he freely received it Joh. 5.22 for the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him How came the keys of the house of David to lye upon his shoulder the great trust and management of all affairs relating to his Church and People undoubtedly this was by Compact with Jehovah who laid this trust upon him Isa 22.23 24 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder so he shall open and none shall shut and he shall shut and none shall open And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place and he shall be for a glorious throne to his fathers house And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his house the offspring and the issue all vessels of small quantity from the vessels of cups even to all the vessels of flagons Rev. 3.7 He that hath the key of David he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth 3. I affirm the same also of Christ's Covenant-relations to God and to his people Though God the Father was the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ by eternal generation and he is the natural Son of God yet who can declare how God is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ but by Covenant 1 Pet. 1.3 God foretold this Covenant-Interest of Christ's Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my Father my God and the rock of my Salvation with Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son And Christ frequently owns that Covenant-compellation Mat. 27.46 My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God and he shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the City of my God which is new Jerusalem which cometh down out of heaven from my God and I will write upon him my new name Joh. 20.17 Jesus saith unto her touch me not for I am not yet ascended to my Father but go to my brethren and say to them I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and your God From all which I draw but this one Argument Christ who did bear all these offices employments trusts and relations for the work of our Redemption he had all these things I say either by some necessity that could not stand with his own free consent or else he did bear these offices employments trusts and relations by his own willing consent and they were of his own voluntary taking up Now 't is sure he was not Mediator nor Surety nor Messenger of the Covenant nor a servant in that affair by any necessity that was repugnant to his own free consnt I say no necessity that was repugnant to his own free consent because there was 1. Some kind of necessity that Christ should travel in this work in regard of the DEcree of God and Divine Predetermination that a satisfaction should be made unto his Justice and that man should not be saved without this satisfaction interveening which decree is in order of nature and in that kind of priority that is in our way of conceiving of God's eternal decrees antecedaneous to God's Covenant with Christ Therefore the Scripture giveth us ground to say that God first chose Christ to this work of Redemption and then made a Covenant with him Psal 89.3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen 2. We find that Christ having taken upon him these offices trusts employments c. before-mentioned was under a blessed holy necessity to fulfil the things belonging to his offices and trusts and therefore the Scripture saith it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren Heb. 2.17 and it behoved Christ to suffer Luk. 24.46 and he must needs go thorow Samaria Joh. 4.4 I must work the works of him that sent me Joh. 9.4 But neither of these necessities was any ways repugnant to his own free confent and willingness to bear these offices and trusts For the first necessity in regard of the decree of God that decree being the counsel of his own will as well as his Fathers there was not thereby any necessity upon him repugnant to his own free consent And the second necessity of doing the works of him that sent him being a necessity which he voluntarily took upon him by his willing undertaking the trust of being Lord Mediator there was not thereby any imposing upon his free consent Joh. 10.17 18 Therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life that I might take it again No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself unto death even the death of the Cross Yet I say there was not upon Christ any necessity repugnant to his free and willing acting in the taking upon him these offices trusts relations c. 1. Because there was no compellingnecessity such as is upon a man bound hand and foot there was no such necessity upon the Lord to send Christ and to lay these offices upon him for he is a most free foveraign Agent above counsel and much more above compulsion Isa 40.13 Who hath directed the spirit of the Lord or being his Counsellour hath taught him Psal 135.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in heaven and in earth in the seas and all deep place And he was not bound to change the Law-dispensation into a new one of Grace Therefore is the thing that was laid upon Christ so often called the will of him that sent him Joh. 6.39 40. Neither was there any such necessity upon Christ to take these offices and employments he could not be compelled to lay down his life Joh. 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to
take it again this Commandment received I of my Father Phil. 2.6.8 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross 2. There was no natural uecessity such as that of the Sun to give light and the fire heat sure there was no such necessity of God's sending of Christ God did not by any natural necessity send forth Christ nor was the Son of God under any natural necessity to undertake the work of our Redemption for God might have done otherwise he might in Justice have prosecuted the Covenant of works yea there was no kind of necessity upon God to send or upon Christ to go this errand abstracting from his own Decrees and the purpose of his Will Eph. 1.5 6 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of Children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Rom. 9.20 21 Nay but O man who art thou that replyest against God shall the thing formed say to him that formed it why hast thou formed me thus Hath not the potter power over the clay of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour and another unto dishonour 3. There was no moral necessity not so much as any command motive or inducement without himself either upon God to lay this employment upon Christ or upon Christ to take it upon him and to undergo the work for God might have sent his Son or not sent him as pleased him there was not so much as a moral cause inducing him to it Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life Rom. 5.6 8 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly But God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us And Christ might have refused to undertake the work or he might have agreed as pleased him for who could have laid a command upon him if the design of love that was in his heart had not acted him to a consent Phil. 2.6 8 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself unto death even the death of the Cross It rests therefore that all these offices employments trusts authorities and Covenant-relations that Christ did bear were undertaken and undergone by his own free consent and if they were by his free consent this consent was either his own motion without the consent and agreement of Jehovah concurring in councel with him for the carrying on the work of our Redemption or this was transacted and done in the counsel of God by the knowledg will consent and agreement of God with Christ Now the Scripture is plain and express that all the offices trusts authorities employments and Covenant-relations which Christ did bear were not usurped were not taken upon him without divine ordination and appointment without his Father's consent and command but that he was designed chosen and called thereunto See Prov. 8.23 I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was Joh. 5.22 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son Isa 42.1 6 Behold my servant whom I uphold I the Lord have called thee in righteousness And 49.1 3 The Lord hath called me from the womb from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name Thou art my servant O Israel in whom I will be glorified Heb. 5.5 6 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec Act. 3.26 Vnto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless you in turning away every one from his iniquities Psal 40.6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire mine ears hast thou opened burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required c. I conclude therefore that all these offices trusts powers and Covenant-relations which Christ did bear being upon him by mutual agreement and consent betwixt Jehovah and Christ all and every one of them doth prove a Compact and Covenant betwixt Jehovah and Christ He who desireth more proofs of this Covenant and to have further light therein let him read Jo. Cocc Summa doctrinae de foedere ch 5. and Mr. Rutherf Treat of the Covenant Part 2. ch 6. And Fr. Robert's Gods Covenants with Man Book 2. ch 2. Sect. 3. Now that this Covenant betwixt Jehovah and Christ was the foundation of the Covenant made with us may be evinced by these particulars 1. If this Covenant of Suretiship had not been concluded betwixt Jehovah and Christ there could never have been any Covenant-dealing with us upon terms of Grace for suppose this Covenant had not been the Lord should then have prosecuted the Covenant of works and followed a course of Justice against all Mankind the dore should have been shut for ever against all condescensions and all Gospel ways of Grace Therefore we find the Apostle reckons the change of Law-dispensation and life by the tenor of the Covenant of works into a new way of Grace to have its foundation original and rise from Gods gracious eternal transaction with Christ 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 2. God's Covenant-dealing with us upon the terms of Grace is nothing else but the execution of that which was from eternity decreed transacted and concluded by God's Compact with Christ and therefore the Covenant of Suretiship must needs be the foundation of the Covenant with us even as all Decrees and Laws are the foundation of the execution following thereupon this will appear more fully and clearly when we come to speak of the tenor of the Covenant of Redemption and the things therein transacted at present this may suffice 1. That whatsoever Covenant-favour and Grace is tendered to us by the Gospel-Covenant and effectually applyed unto us by the Spirit of the Lord that was promised to Christ and to us in him yea and plighted in him for our account by the Covenant made betwixt Jehovah and him as appears from the Scripture before-mentioned 2 Tim. 1.9 According to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ before the world began with Tit. 1.2 In hope of eternal life which God that cannot lye promised before the world began 2. Whatsoever Covenant-Conditions of one kind or
should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the Adoption of children by Jesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will I say then his suppositis these and such like things being supposed God enters in a Covenant with Christ Quest 2. But supposing that it is decreed that divine justice shall be satisfied and that the truth of the threatning of the Covenant of works should be verified upon man offending or upon a sufficient surety supposing also that Christ is designed in the counsel of God unto this work of redeeming lost man by performing a satisfaction to the justice of God It is yet a question What needed the Covenant of Redemption or Suretiship betwixt God and Christ Might not the work have been done without any Compact Covenant or Agreement betwixt the Father and the Son Answ I shall only here give a short answer referring the more full and particular satisfaction of this question unto the latter part of this Chapter wherein I have purposed the handling of the particular ends and intents for which the Covenant of Redemption is necessary For present I say 1. It might suffice that God decreed and plainly revealed that the satisfaction which his justice will have for sin and which Christ has given was agreed betwixt them by a Covenant and so in respect of infinite wisdom which worketh by deep counsel and doth nothing without a reason it was necessary because God thought fit that it should be so he pitched upon this way But beside this 2. Whatsoever necessity was in regard of infinite wisdom that lost man should be redeemed sin should not be pardoned without a satisfaction that Christ should be our Redeemer and should come and give that satisfaction the same necessity also requires a Covenant betwixt God and Christ for carrying on that work in the way of Agreement so that if a Mediator a Saviour and Redeemer a Surety a ransom were necessary in regard of infinite wisdom which found out this Gospel-dispensation and new way of life then was a Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption necessary also in the same respect 3. The work of Redemption performed by Christ was such as could not be undertaken and performed without a Covenant for it required commanding and obeying sending and going asking and receiving working and rewarding all which import and suppose superiority and inferiority or subordination which could not be betwixt the Father and the Son who is equal with God Phil. 2.6 unless that by Agreement Compact Consent and Covenant the Son of God had humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 The work of Redemption unto which Christ was designed in the counsel of God required several offices employments trusts and relations to be sustained by him whereof I hinted something in the foregoing Chapter which not being essential to the Son of God nor belonging to him by any natural absolute or immutable necessity upon supposal of the decree of God that the Son should do the work of Redemption there was a necessity of Consequence that there should be a Covenant of Redemption and Suretiship that by the Father's calling and command and by the Sons consent and agreement making up a voluntary Compact the Son of God might bear these offices and trusts and relations which otherwise he should not have born Isa 42.1.6 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand Psal 2.7 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Heb. 5.5 6 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeo Quest 3. Whether did this Hypothetical necessity of God's entering in Covenant with Christ to pay a ransom or as others speak this necessity of consequence flow only from a finall cause to wit God's ends which he purposed in himself or from the efficient cause also to wit from justice in God that could not remit sin without satisfaction Answ 1. Concerning the necessity of God's covenanting with Christ in respect of the ends which he purposed in himself there is no question Which were 1. The supream end to glorifie his mercy and justice I mean his declarative glory that shines ad extra not the essential glory of God whereby he was infinitely glorious from eternity and should eternally be essentially glorious though neither Man nor Angel nor any other object of his glory had been created This is the glory spoken of in these Scriptures Prov. 16.4 The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved 2. The subordinate end which also is a medium or means for advancing the supream end the Redemption and Salvation of his elect people to be brought about in such manner as might manifest and declare the glory of justice and mercy both in saving some not all and passing by others upon whom he had purposed to declare his justice and in saving these whom he purposed to redeem in such a way as justice might be satisfied and mercy also entreated Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ Eph. 1.7 In whom we have Redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace It is manifest I say that in regard of these great ends the Covenant of Redemption made with Christ was necessary God having purposed in procuring our Salvation to glorifie his mercy and justice a Mediator and Surety behoved to be engaged and there being in regard of infinite wisdom which determined it none so fit as the Son of God he must needs be engaged by his own consent and by a Covenant-agreement with Jehovah Q. But here is the question about the necessity of the Covenant of Suretiship in regard of the efficient cause to wit whether or not there was any necessity of nature or natural essential justice in God which required this way of Suretiship and Redemption necessarily in regard that he could not pardon sin without a satisfaction A. Concerning this question two reasons mainly prevail with me to be sparing in the agitation of it Pisc amica col cum vorst Lubbert 99. Error Vorst Par. in c. 2. Gen. 9. Ad Rom. dub 12. Brotb animed in Vorst Martin de Pers Christi Steg Photin p. 506 507. 1. The great difference of Judgment that is among the Orthodox in this point Several Learned men holding God's Justice in punishing and correcting sin to be so natural that he cannot but punish it
Scriptures Yea so much was the Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Redemption for the glory of God even considered personally that thereby beside the glory that was common to all the three Persons there did accrue a peculiar glory to the distinct Persons of the Godhead in regard of their distinct offices and working in this business of Redemption a peculiar glory to the Father who gave Christ and who sent him upon this business and blessed us in him even a peculiar honour to the Father from the Lord Mediator and Redeemer Joh. 8.49 But I honour my Father saith Christ and a peculiar honour to the Father from the ransomed and redeemed People 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again into a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead A peculiar honour to the Son to Christ the Lord Mediator and that both upon earth and in heaven a peculiar glory to the Lamb that wrought the Redemption unto which his Father appointed him Joh. 5.22 23 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father which the Son claimeth Joh. 17.1 4 These words spoke Jesus and lift up his eyes to heaven and said Father the hour is come glorifie thy Son that thy Son also may glorifie thee I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And which is payed to him in heaven Rev. 7.10 Saying Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb. And 5.9 And they sing a new song saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation A peculiar glory unto the eternal Spirit by whom the Son of God offered himself without spot to God Heb. 9.14 and to whom the effectual application of the purchased Redemption by peculiar office belongs 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God Joh. 6.63 It is the spirit that quickeneth Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father 2. The good of the ransomed and redeemed people required that their Redemption should be transacted in a Covenant betwixt God and Christ and to this intent and for this end it was necessary 1. To introduce and usher in the new way of life thorow the Gospel-dispensation which could never have come to light nor have appeared upon the stage to act any thing if God had not by his eternal transactions with Christ in whom he found a ransome made way for the taking down the transient-time-dispensation of Law and Works which was only to continue and stand a Court of righteousness for a short space and so opened a door for free Grace to take the Theatre and to act its part more nobly than the Law-dispensation that was first upon the stage And this I say was ushered in and it was necessary that way should be made for it by God's Covenant-dealings with Christ in whom his Justice had a satisfaction else the Law-dispensation of Works and Nature had kept the Stage for ever and there had been no Court wherein Grace sits upon the throne and wherein Sinners might plead righteousness and life on Gospel-terms Christ's saying from eternity Lo I come to do thy will O God Psal 40.6 And deliver him from going down to the pit I have found a ransom Job 33.24 Which words are upon the matter and originally true of Christ's dealings with his Father Jo. Cocc Dâ foed c. 5. Sect. 88. and by some Expositors applyed to him This I say ushered in and made way for the Gospel-dispensation of a Covenant of free Grace Hence it is that the Apostle states the rise of life and immortality that is brought to light by the Gospel upon the eternal foederal dealings that were betwixt God and Christ 2 Tim. 1.9 10 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ before the world began But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel Rom. 8.3 4 For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh 2. The Covenant of Redemption betwixt God and Christ was necessary for our good that the Covenant of life and righteousness to us in the way of this Gospel-dispensation might be pure soveraign Grace Now the more of Grace and God's gracious will and heart is in the business and the less of the Creatures will and acting the better for us the sweeter and the surer is the Covenant But here all is of the Lord and of his gracious will all is transacted betwixt God and Christ and man is not so much is present at the first transaction of the Covenant as he was at the Covenant of works here he is neither at the beginning nor end of it I mean that end which it had in God's foederal dealings with Christ where the Redemption and Salvation of the elect was a concluded business and the conclusion tarried not nor was suspended for man's consent sure this was pure Grace this was all Grace eminent Grace when there was nothing of the Creature no not so much as acting in a vital formal manner as now we act under the application of this Covenant by these gracious acts which are efficiently from God but there all was the gracious free will of God without any thing of the Creatures will surely that was eminent signal Grace and the better for us 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Eph. 2.10 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them Eph. 1.4 5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the Adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 3. A Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Salvation and Redemption was necessary that the business of our Salvation might be far advanced ere it come to our working at it with fear
and trembling and if our working out that which is left to be done by us for our own Salvation be with fear and trembling when by this Covenant of Suretiship we are set beyond the possible reach of actual perishing O what should our working for Salvation have been without this Covenant of Suretiship but endless fruitless toiling with desparation but by the Covenant of Redemption our Salvation is far advanced before our little finger be at the work nay it is in some respect finished all the hard labour is over Justice is satisfied the strength of opposition is broken and we have only broken forces and a beaten adversary to deal with we have little more to do but to stand and see him work Salvation for us and apply his purchased Redemption and yet we have work enough to keep us in continual exercise about the duties of holiness and faith Psal 2.12 2 Cor. 7.1 2 Pet. 1.5 10. Joh. 17.4 I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And 16.11 of judgment because the Prince of this world is judged Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith 4. A Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Salvation was necessary that the spring and fountain of the life of Salvation to us might lie out of our selves by the Covenant of works the spring of life and blessedness to man lay in himself all his treasure and store was in his stock of habitual Grace but now by this Covenant of Suretiship the water-cock is indeed within our own hearts I mean Faith by which we draw life and vertue out of Christ and through which he conveys it unto us but the fountain and well-head lyes on high for by the Covenant of Redemption God was carrying on a design of love to his elect people and this was part of the contrivance that our Covenant-state through Christ's Suretiship might be Fountain-Love and Grace a state of favour setled and bottomed in the fountain of life and grace Christ Whereas Adam's first Covenant-state was but Cistern-Grace that did not run continually with a spring of live waters to afford fresh supplies the stock of habitual Grace was to him like water in the Pitcher or Cistern but by Christ's Covenant of Suretiship Grace is to us as water in the Fountain that can never run dry Joh. 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace And 4.14 But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life And 14.19 because I live ye shall live also 2 Cor. 9.8 And God is able to make all grace abound towards you that ye always having alsufficiency in all things may abound to every good work 5. This Covenant of Suretiship was necessary for our establishment under this new dispensation that our Rights might be in a surer hand than our own Man is a mutable thing and free-will is a tottering uncertain thing as experience hath taught but Christ is a sure foundation and holding of him or rather in him is a sure renure the Rights and Charters that are under his custody are well kept And therefore God who instituted this dispensation did for the better securing of the believers interests enter into Covenant with a mighty responsal person even Christ and consolidates our Covenant-right in Christ our head and did trust to his keeping and answering all the intents of the Magna Charta the great Charter of the Gospel-covenant hence it is that the Covenant of peace made with us is a sure Covenant because 't is thus ordered Christ acted that business in the Covenant of Redemption there were mutual assurances given between the Father and the Son which makes all Covenant-dealing with us sure and holds all fast Psal 89.34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Hence 't is that the blessings and mercies of the Gospel-covenant are sure mercies because there was concluded-Articles about them in this Covenant of Suretiship when Christ treated for his heirs and children not yet born nor created Isa 55.3 4 And I will make an everlasting Covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me Joh. 6.39 40 And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day And this is the will of him that sent me that every one which seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day O what strong and everlasting consolation hath God allowed upon his people from these immutable and everlasting grounds Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us 2 Thess 2.16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even our father which hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace c. 6. This Covenant with Christ was necessary not only for the enfuring our blessedness by this new Gospel-dispensation but for the bettering of that blessedness and glorious state unto which we are advanced by this Covenant I say the blessedness the glory the heaven of the redeemed people of the many Sons who are by the force of this Covenant brought to glory Heb. 2.10 is better than the reward and crown of blessedness which man should have enjoyed by the tenor of the Covenant of works and this bettering it hath from Christ's Covenant of Suretiship with God which was the chief cause why this Gospel-dispensation is a better Covenant than that of the Law of works and the promises thereof are better promises and the crown and heaven thereof a better crown even because Christ is in this Covenant and the foundation of it was laid in his Suretiship by this means the blessedness and heaven of this Covenant is bettered For 1. It is the glory of new heavens created of purpose for the residence of the redeemed in the company of him that redeemed them by his own blood 2 Pet. 3.13 Nevertheless we according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness Rev. 21.1 5 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away and there was no more sea And he that sate upon the throne said Behold I make all things new Jh. 14.2 3 In my Father's house are many
he well knew that it would be a wretched hopeless condition for man to provide a Physitian to himself and to have him to seek when his sickness should be desparate he therefore by a foresight and providence of pure soveraign free transcendent Grace did provide one and indeed it was necessary for our good that it should be so for had man fallen sick of sin before this Covenant for sending a healer to him he had died ere the cure could come 8. This Covenant was necessary for cutting off all matter and occasion of self-gloriation from man in his own Redemption and Salvation for if the business of our Redemption and Salvation was transacted concluded done and ended betwixt Jehovah and Christ without our knowledg or consent before we had a Being what have we to boast of If the agreement ahout the price to be payed and accepted tarried not for man wherein can we glory that we have contributed to our own happiness 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Eph. 2.10 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them 1 Joh. 4.10 19 Herein is love not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins We love him because he first loved us CHAP. III. Of the Nature Properties and Parties of the Covenant of Redemption THE general Nature of this Covenant is common to it with all other Covenants whatsoever different peculiarity they have this is essential and common to all Covenants they are Agreements and this is an eternal transaction and agreement betwixt Jehovah and the Mediator Christ about the work of our Redemption The peculiar propriety of its nature will appear by enquiring a little into 1. The various eternal acts of the will of God that concurred to make up this agreement 2. The distinction and order of these eternal acts of his will and the right manner of our conceiving of them 1. Supposing as we have said before that God purposed in himself not to save man without a satisfaction to his Justice These eternal acts of the will of God or rather the things which we conceive under these various acts and their denominations among men for we need to multiply acts in this matter but for the helping our own understanding did concur and meet together in this agreement 1. The designation of a Person to do this work there must needs have been a Person set apart and designed from eternity unto the doing of the work of Redemption and this Person was the Son only not the Father not the Spirit 1 Pet. 1.20 Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world but was manifested in these last times for you 2. The preparation and fitting of the Person set apart to take our Law-place and room that Justice might smite him in our stead which also was by an eternal act of the will of God decreed that the Son of God should be Immanuel God with us or God made manifest in the flesh Isa 7.14 1 Tim. 3.16 and unto this incarnation of the Son of God his own words have reference as unto the grand qualification whereby he was destinated before-hand that he might be in a capacity to do this work Heb. 10.5 A body hast thou prepared me 3. The calling of the Person designed calling is an act different from designation 't is something further Christ was by an eternal act of God's will called to this work and that long before he came into the world Psal 89.19 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy One and saidst I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people And Isa 42.6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand and will keep thee and give thee for a Covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles Heb. 5.5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee 4. The investing of the Person designed with offices powers and authorities for the doing of this work such as his Mediatory-office and the powers and authorities thereunto belonging which was not suspended until the time of his actual discharge of the offices of King Priest and Prophet but by an eternal act of the will of God he was set up and vested with these offices and powers from everlasting and had the glory of the designed called invested Mediator as he plainly insinuates Prov. 8.23 I was set up from everlasting saith Wisdom several Expositors render it I was called or I was annointed Joh. 17.5 And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was 5. The mission of the Son Christ designed sitted called invested for this work was also by an eternal act in the counsel of God sent to do this work he had a solema eternal authoritative mission a command to go and was bidden go he had the will of God by an eternal act or commission given out to him concerning all this work long before he was actually made under the Law to which he hath respect when he saith Lo I come to do thy will O God Heb. 10.7 even that will of God that was in the book of his eternal decrees Joh. 6.39 And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me And 10.18 This Commandment have I received of my Father But in all these we do not so much multiply the distinction of acts as we take notice of the distinction and difference of Phrase used by the Holy Ghost speaking of this mysterie in the Scriptures Upon the other part there concurred unto this agreement an eternal personal consent and compliance upon Christ's part unto all these eternal acts of the will of God for Christ God equal with the Father does not begin to consent and agree unto any thing in time nor can the eternal Son of God will any thing in time which he did not will and consent unto from eternity But Christ was present with the Father and did from eternity consent and agree to these eternal acts 1. To the designation of himself to be the person that should satisfie the Justice of God he heartily acquiesced and offered himself he said Lo I come to do thy will Heb. 10.5 7. He poured out his Soul unto death Isa 53.12 2. He consented unto the putting himself in that low capacity that the working of this work required Heb. 2.7 Thou madest him a little lower than the Angels to leave the throne of glory and come down to his footstool there to be in disgrace the Lord of the Law to be made under
pleased him since he was no more tyed to Men than to Angels to whom he sent no Saviour when they fell nor hath designed any of the fallen Angels unto Redemption 2 Pet. 2.4 For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto the day of Judgment Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took upon him the seed of Abraham It remains therefore that the Covenant of Redemption is an act of soveraignty and freedom upon God's part who designed a Redeemer and upon Christ's part who consented unto the designation 4. This Property of the Covenant of Redemption is further confirmed by the negation and removal of all things contrary to soveraign freedom 1. There was nothing from himself abstracting from his own decrees and love-designs that could trench upon the freedom of this eternal act of his will for there was no necessity of nature upon Jehovah nor upon the Son of God that did determine God to enter in this Covenant as is already cleared 2. There was nothing from without that could trench upon the freedom of this eternal act as nothing could necessarily determine so neither compel nor constrain God to lay such a service upon his own Son Christ nor him to undertake it For 1. This transaction having been from eternity it was a concluded bargain before the creatures had a being Prov. 8.23 I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was 2. Put case they had then had a being what could the being of Men and Angels and all the works of his hands have trenched upon the soveraign freedom of their Makers will and actings for who hath resisted his will hath not the potter power over the clay Rom. 9.19 21. 3. The Father and the Son were not only free from all natural necessity and outward compulsion but also from all hire allurement or motive from any thing without their own will there was nothing in man no not foreseen that could allure or move far less hire the Father to give Christ to engage him in this work nor Christ to engage his name in our bond since he well foresaw what it would cost him It 's true he values his seed as a satisfying return of his travel Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied but beside that there is no proportion betwixt his work and this poor wages was man a price for the Lord of glory to work for or was he a reward for him to wrestle for could he be hired for so low a wager if the soveraign freedom of his own will had not acted him Consider I say who gave this price to the Lord did man give himself to the Lord or did the Lord give his elect people to Christ from eternity and afterward he is the first giver also Now there can be no hire given by man to the Lord unless he were the first giver Rom. 11.35 For who hath first given to him and it shall be recompenced to him again 1 Chr. 29.14 Of thine own have we given thee Jer. 30.21 And I will cause him to draw neer and he shall approach unto me for who is he that engageth his heart to approach unto me saith the Lord 2. Another Property of this Covenant is Graciousness it is not only the Covenant transacted with us the Gospel-Covenant that is pure Grace but this also that was transacted betwixt Jehovah and Christ even while it was yet in his purpose and as it was the eternal act of his will is frequently called ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Grace and his good pleasure or gracious pleasure Eph. 1.5 6 9. 2 Tim. 1.9 his purpose and grace Now Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption in a far other sense than 't is attributed to the Covenant of reconciliation For 1. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption in regard of both Parties transacting it was pure Grace that determined both the Parties and engaged them both the Father to send and the Son to come and this Grace was equally in both the Parties and did shine equally and by way of efficiency in them both Zech. 6.13 The counsel of peace was between them both But graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of reconciliation because of the shining glory and activity of the Grace of God through Jesus Christ that is therein manifested which Grace is in us subjectively and though the acts thereof be ours in a vital formal manner yet it is from God by way of efficiency and it is his Grace not ours from which the Covenant hath its name of Grace Tit. 2.11 1 Tim. 1.14 Eph. 1.6 7. And 2.5 7 8. 1 Cor. 15.10 2. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Reconciliation not only in regard of God's making such a Covenant with us but also in regard of the tenor of that Covenant and whole dispensation the promises conditions and reward therein is all pure Grace as the same is opposed unto and contra-distinguished from works which signifie nothing in that Covenant as it is a Court of Righteousness and Life Eph. 2.8 9 For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Not of works lest any man should boast But of this Covenant of Redemption Graciousness is a property thereof mainly because of the reasons following but not because the whole tenor thereof as well the conditions as promises were pure Grace considered as such and contra-distinguished from works For though pure Grace made this Covenant of Redemption yet the condition thereof upon both sides were works 1. Christ is a doer and fulfiller of the Covenant of works most exactly in all points both the command and the curse and penalty of the Covenant is satisfied by him this is works and this was the condition required upon his part Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us 2. Christ as a doer and obedient fulfiller of the Law hath a reward in Justice by the promise of this Covenant For I humbly conceive he had his reward of debt and merit having payed a condign price to the Justice of God therefore his reward is due to him by commutative Justice Phil. 2.7 8 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and is craved by him Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O
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
of our Lord Jesus Christ and whereby he hath a new Sonship 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Even this shall stand eternally therefore Christ speaking of the promised glorious state of his people in heaven doth four times own that Covenant-relation to his Father even with respect to his and their being together in his Kingdom Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God and he shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God which is new Jerusalem which cometh down out of heaven from my God and I will write upon him my new name And if our Covenant-relation to God which did spring out of his shall stand and not cease in our glorified state in heaven much more his Rev. 5.10 And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth There the redeemed Musicians that have the new Song in their mouths own their Covenant-relation to God and the Covenant-compellation our God is a note in their new Song 4. The offices which Christ did take on by this Covenant are eternal offices such as shall never cease and whereof he shall never be divested that his Mediatory-office his Kingdom and Priesthood are partakers of the eternity of this Covenant is plain Scripture Luk. 1.33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdom there shall be no end Heb. 1.8 But unto the Son he saith thy throne O God is for ever and ever a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom And 5.6 Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec And 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them The only question is whether or not this Covenant shall then cease and Christ's Mediatory-office shall then cease when Christ shall render up the Kingdom to the Father 1 Cor. 15.24 to 29. Concerning the full answer whereof Rutherf Treat of the Covenant p. 2. c. 12. p. 363. I refer the Reader to what is written by Mr. Rutherford upon that question For my part it satisfies me that I see vestiges in the Scripture 1. That after the last Judgment there shall be no use of such exercise and acts of Christ's Mediatory offices as King Priest and Prophet to his Church as we are now under in this last Oeconomy and dispensation of the Covenant of Grace because there shall be no sin then nor any enemy unsubdued Christ having perfected his people and presented them without spot to God Eph. 5.27 and having subdued all his foes and broken all opposition to his Kingdom and the elect people being brought out of danger so as they need no Temple or Ordinances Rev. 21.4.22 1 Cor. 15.25 2. That Christ Mediator shall unquestionably cease from and leave off such acts and exercise of his Mediatory-office as his body the Church hath no need of he shall be no Mediator of Reconciliation then because there shall be no sin then no Mediator to apply his death or to interceed for sinners for there shall be no sinners he shall be no Mediatory King then to beat down his foes and opposers of his offices for there shall be none when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power 1 Cor. 15.24 that is all Magistracy and Government that now is either in Church or State 3. It is manifest that after the last Judgment there shall be a change of the Oeconomick government and that Christ shall render the kingdom Oeconomick or dispensatory to his father but after what manner this change of government shall be I do not so clearly understand whether it shall be only by Christ's rendering an account to his Father of his deputed and delegated charge having now saved all the elect and subdued all the rebels or if it shall be by laying down his Commission no more to rule in the former way of government or whether the government shall be so changed as the Father Son and Spirit shall immediately govern the glorious Church which seems to be insinuated Rev. 21.22 23 And I saw no temple therein for the Lord God almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it And the City had no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it for the glory of God did lighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof 1 Cor. 15.28 that God may be all in all 4. That Christ shall not then leave off to reign as Mediator even when the fore-mentioned change is made yet he remains the substantial glorified head of his mystical glorified body for ever who shall appear eternally for us as a pledg of the satisfaction once given whose presence is a speaking token of the standing Confederacy and Peace betwixt God and us in whose righteousness we stand cloathed before God in whose transactions and acting in the work of Redemption God is eternally well-pleased and by whose Covenant we stand and reign with him eternally and indefectibly in a confirmed glorified state else 1. To what end shall Christ stand glorified in our nature in heaven for ever 2. Why is the Lambs throne in heaven eternal Rev. 22.3 3. Else what means the Lambs servants in heaven for ever Rev. 22.3 and the new Song that is to the Lamb in heaven for ever Rev. 5.12 and 7.10 4. Else what meaneth the Lambs being in the midst of the glorified company his leading them being a temple and a light unto them Rev. 7.17 and 21.22 23. Sure the Lord Mediator as a glorified head of his glorious body in heaven acteth as Mediator though not as he acteth now and though we cannot well determine what fort of leading and what dispensation of influences from him are there and no wonder if his union with us and headship over us even here be a mysterie the knowledg whereof is referred to his coming again Joh. 14.20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my father and you in me and I in you yet the Lambs throne there and his leading the redeemed and being a light and temple to them proves his peculiar headship to them â The blessings purchased by this Covenant of Suretiship are partakers of eternity they are eternal blessings the Redemption obtained by the Mediator is eternal Redemption Heb. 9.12 and eternal ââberitance Heb. 9.15 and eternal life Tit. 1.2 eternal Salvation Heiv 5.9 eternal Glory 1 Pet. 5.20 You see then that eternigy ãâ¦ã of the Covenant of Redemption and that many things belonging to it are partakers of eternityâ In ãâã it is a Covenant which was transacted from eternity before the foundation of the world was laid it is as old as the Ancient of days so that we cannot reckon the beginning thereof Prov. 8.23 I was set up from
everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was and which shall endure throughout eternity for the righteousness of this Covenant even the Surety-righteousness of Christ the Redeemer shall be worn in glory for evermore by all the redeemed people and through the force and vertue of the blood thereof shall the glorious Church stand and reign for ever Rev. 19.8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linnen clean and white for the fine linnen is the righteousness of Saints And 5.9 And they sung a new song saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation 4. Another Property of the Covenant of Redemption is equality They who distinguish Covenants into equal and unequal Covenants by equal Covenants they understand such wherein there is equality in the parties or conditions when the parties stand in equal terms and do agree upon equal or like conditions No Covenant betwixt God and meer Man ean properly and strictly be called an equal Covenant neither the Covenant of works made with man in his integrity nor the Covenant of Grace made with fallen man for beside the infinite distance and inequality of the parties there is no proportion betwixt the terms and conditions given and required in these Covenants And upon strict examination there are but few equal Covenants betwixt man and man for it is rare to find the condition and affairs of Parties entering in Covenant in such an equal poise as that the inequality of their condition and the moment and exigent of their affairs does not influence the terms and conditions of their Covenants so as to render them unequal But sure the Covenant betwixt Jehovah and Christ is an equal Covenant 1. This Covenant was betwixt parties equal I do not say that the Man Christ or Christ Mediator was equal with God for in this respect there was an inferiority and subordination unto which Christ humbled himself by giving his actual consent in this Covenant unto the designation of him to be the Person that should do the work of our Redemption but considering Christ as the eternal Son of God and antecedently to his actual consent to humble himself yea and after that consent too considering Christ the second Person as the natural Son of God the parties transacting this Covenant though not quatenus as they were considered in this Covenant-transaction were equal in Power Greatness Wisdom Honour c. as hath been before shewed from Phil. 2.6 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God Joh. 10.29 30 My Father which gave them me is greater than all I and my Father are one 2. This Covenant was betwixt equal parties when they stood in equal terms and were at a perfect freedom to chuse or refuse to give consent to this Covenant or refuse it as pleased either party there may be sometimes equality betwixt parties covenanting yet the inequality of the condition and freedom at the time of transacting may render the Covenant betwixt them unequal as when the one party is not at freedom is concluded by some pressure or necessity that is not upon the other party hence often the terms are unequal but in the Covenant of Suretiship whatsoever inequality and subordination was subsequent by the tenor of this Covenant at the time when it was transacted from eternity the parties stood both on equal terms and were at perfect freedom to transact or not as pleased either as I have already proved there was nothing in the condition of either party abstracting from the purpose of the parties own will and the design that acted them which was common to both that could conclude either party to enter into such a Covenant If I may call a transaction that had no beginning by the name of entering a Covenant in regard of our manner of conceiving thereof for this Covenant was not only consented to by Christ a person equal with God but by him being in the form of God Phil. 2.6 7 that is while he stood in equal terms with God and was under no necessity to be found in the form of a servant till he humbled himself and made himself of no reputation c. 3. The design that acted both parties in this transaction was equal for it was one and the same a design of love acted both the Father and the Son the carrying on a purpose of Grace and design of love which God had laid upon his elect people acted Jehovah in sending Christ to do this work of Redemption and in making him Surety for his people and the same design also acted Christ in his consenting to take our Law-place and in his coming accordingly to act our part 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 have everlasting life With Gal. 2.20 I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me Even this Love-design which took up the delight and the thoughts of both the patties equally and wherewith both parties were solacing themselves in the works without themselves when as yet there was no world nor Inhabitants thereof created Prov. 8.31 Rejoycing in the habitable part of his earth and my delights were with the sons of men 4. This Covenant of Suretiship was made upon equal or like conditions and terms there was an equality betwixt the stipulation and restipulation the conditions promised to Christ and these required from him by this Covenant not that worthless man was a wager for God to work for for he was far below the price that love put upon him But understand it thus 1. There was an equality of Justice betwixt the conditions on the one part and the other punitive Justice could exact no more of man by the curse of the broken Covenant than that which Christ suffered as his Surety Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us and remunerative Justice could give no less to his perfect obedience unto the Law of works than the righteousness and life which he purchased Rom. 8.4 That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us 2. There was an equality of proportion or merit betwixt the conditions required from and performed by Christ by vertue of this Covenant and the conditions promised and performed unto Christ by this Covenant Not a merit and satisfaction upon Christ's part de congruo as the Schoolmen speak whereby the friendship and love of the party injured doth accept of that which is not equivalent to the offence Durand lib. 3. dist 21. quest 2. which Vorstius calleth God's Divine acceptilation which properly had no place here though the friendship and love betwixt God and Christ be such as renders any thing done by him
by my holiness that I will not lye unto David His seed shall endure for ever and his throne as the Sun before me Isa 55.3 4 I will make an everlasting Covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people 5. This Covenant is above the possible reach of all causes of occasions whatsoever that render Covenants unstable and uncertain for here 1. There can be no place in either of the parties for unskilfulness nor rashnese in contriving or entering this eternal Compact being the deed of parties whose understanding cannot be searched out Isa 40.28 the depths whereof are to be admired Rom. 11.33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledg of God whose foolishness is wiser than men 1 Cor. 1.25 who doth all his matters by counsel and eternal deliberation Eph. 1.11 who worketh all things after the counsel of his will Nor 2. Is there place in either of the parties for unrighteousness Rom. 3.5 6 Is god unrighteous God forbid nor for inconstancy or unfaithfulness as is already proved or any other thing that is contrary to Covenant-keeping 3. Nor is there any weakness or wearying in either of the parties to perform their undertaking against discouragement and opposition that stands in the way of performing what is mutually engaged no such thing is incident to Jehovah Luk. 1.37 For with God nothing shall be impossible Isa 40.28 The creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not neither is weary Nor can Christ Mediator be impeached of such things Isa 42.4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgment on the earth and the Isleâ shall wait for his Law And 63.1 travelling in the greatness of his strength I that speak in righteousness mighty to save The Parties in this eternal transaction about the work of Redemption were Jehovah on the one part and the only Son of God on the other part That these were the parties and these only is generally acknowledged and it is plain Scripture Psal 89.3 I have made a covenant with my chosen Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son And 5.5 6 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest but he that said unto him thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec And 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh unto the world he saith sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will The only difficulty lyeth in the right understanding how these parties are to be considered for clearing whereof I shall lay down four Assertions Assert 1. Although God be on both sides of this Covenant yet God is not to be the same way considered upon both parts of the Covenant for upon the one part God is to be considered essentially and it is opus essentiale an act common to all the three Persons of the Godhead The one party covenanting is Jehovah God is common to all the three upon the other part the Son of God is to be considered personally an act peculiar to the Son of God the second Person else there could be no distinction of parties no distinction of consents and consequently no Covenant of Redemption no compact about that work and according to this distinction we are to understand the Scriptures before-mentioned Assert 2. The Covenant of Redemption is transacted with Christ personal not with Christ mystical not with the elect Company but singly with the Captain of Salvation not with the head and body the Church but with the chosen head unto whom God promised and had appointed a numerous seed that should become a body to him It was made with Christ not as a publick person representing many but as an eminent chosen person chosen out among his brethren Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people Heb. 5.1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sin for though the mystical body of Christ were to reap the benefit of this transaction yet they were not parties in the transacting their own Redemption The Covenant of peace kindness reconciliation and life was indeed made with Christ mystical head and members with him as a publick person representing all his seed and heirs that were chosen in him but the Covenant of Redemption was not so These things confirm this Assertion 1. The work and business transacted by this Covenant was peculiar to Christ's person the satisfying divine Justice by paying a price the act of Suretiship and taking the broken-man's Law-place c. Sure this was peculiar to Christ personal 2. It was he to whom a seed of his own begetting comprehending all the elect was promised to whom a bride and a body whereof he should be head and husband with whom this Covenant was transacted Now this was Christs personal for it could not be that God promised this seed to the seed he did not promise a people to themselves but to Christ their chosen head 3. By this Covenant God did promise and give the headship to Christ over that body and did vest him with powers and authorities sutable even with all power in Heaven and Earth Now the headship and these great Authorities were neither promised nor given to the head and body to Christ mystical but to Christ personal 4. Christ plainly claims the work of this Covenant to himself singly and personally considered and leaving out all others even his own body as having no accession to this that he was singly engaged in Heb. 2.10 For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many Sons to glory to make the Captain of their Salvation perfect through suffering And 5.9 And being made perfect he became the Author of eternal Salvation unto all them that obey him Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Isa 63.3 I have trodden the wine press alone and of the people there was none with me Assert 3. The Covenant of Redemption which was transacted with Christ personally considered even with the only Son of God the second person was not made with Christ God but with Christ God-man the person transacting with Jehovah was not the Son of God considered as God as the natural Son of God but considered as God-man as Mediator this Covenant was stricken with Christ ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã not ãâã ãâã ãâã
ãâã ãâã And 1. That it was not made with Christ God or considered as the natural only Son of God is manifest For 1. Christ God could not be under the Law 2. Nor represent man and take his Law-place 3. Nor can Christ God suffer and pay a price of blood 4. Nor could Christ God receive a Mission and Mandates he could not be a Messenger nor be sent if we speak properly 5. Nor to Christ God could there be promises made or any reward given c. These and many such instances may serve for establishing the negative part of this Assertion to wit that the Covenant of Redemption was not made with Christ God beside that this will receive further confirmation by establishing the affirmative part of the Assertion 2. The Covenant of Redemption was made with Christ God-man For 1. In this respect only Christ could make a party distinct from the other party covenanting to wit Jehovah it could not have been a Covenant except there had been two parties agreeing together Now Christ God the second person could not constitute a party covenanting distinct from God considered essentially as common to all the three Father Son and Spirit Joh. 10.30 I and my Father are one It was therefore Christ God-man that made the Covenant of Redemption 2. Christ had a will distinct from Jehovah's will only as he was God-man for as God his will is one and the same with his Father's will and undistinguished from it Joh. 1.13 Not of the will of man but of God Now where there is a Conant betwixt two there must be two wills else how can there be any agreement or consent of two for consent is an act of the will It follows therefore that the Covenant was made with Christ God-man since in this respect only there are two wills meeting consenting and agreeing on the same thing 3. In what respect only Christ had a will capable of howing yielding and obeying in that respect he is to be considered in the Covenant of Redemption whereby he voluntarily yielded to do these things which no natural necessity obliged him to Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Now it is evident that Christ only as he was God man had a will capable of howing and yielding Mat. 26.30 Nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt for the will of Christ as God was not capable of bowing and yielding for who hath resisted his will Rom. 9.19 the Govenant therefore was made with Christ God-man 4. In what respect Christ was inferiour to God or subordinate to him and did receive offices trust mission commands c. and did obey In that respect only was the Covenant of Redemption stricken with him for by the tenor of that Covenant he did all these things Joh. 10.18 This commandment have I received of my Father And 6.38 39 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me And this is the fathers will that hath sent me And it is manifest that in this respect only Christ as God-man is inferior to God Joh. 14.28 My Father is greater then I for Christ God is equal with his Father Psal 2.6 It follows therefore necessarily that the Covenant of Redemption was made with Christ God-man 5. In this consideration only as Christ is God-man the conditions and satisfaction performed by him are performed by one party and accepted by another in this respect only there is sending and coming asking and receiving commanding and obeying giving satisfaction and receiving it for if Christ be considered as God then there could be no performing and accepting of satisfaction for so the party giving and receiving sending and going working and rewarding being the same all satisfaction is taken away for the party the same every way cannot be the giver and receiver of the satisfaction so all distinction of parties is taken away and consequently all Covenant-dealings enervated 6. The Covenant of Redemption must be with Christ God-man in regard that the satisfaction required upon God's part to be performed by Christ and undertaken by him was such as might stand in Law for our sin Now it is not imaginable how the satisfaction of Christ God could meet with the curse of the Law of works that had gone forth against man Gal. 4.4 5 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law that we might receive the Adoption of Sons It rests therefore that it was a satisfaction undertaken by God-man in the Covenant of Redemption 7. In that consideration that Christ was Surety for his people and Mediator betwixt God and man in the same consideration was the Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption made with him for he could not he a Surety in one respect and act himself unto it in another but it is plain Scripture that it was not Christ God that was Mediator and Surety but Christ God-man 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made surety of a better testament 8. In what consideration Christ did perform the Covenant of Redemption in the same respect he is to be considered as a party undertaker for no man can probably think that one party undertook and another performed but it is above question that Christ God-man did perform this Covenant and fulfil the conditions therein required 1 Tim. 3.16 And without controversie great is the mysterie of Godliness God was manifested in the flesh justified in the spirit seen of angels weached unto the gentiles believed on in the world received up into glory Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the draw Rom. 8.3 For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh I conclude therefore that with Christ God man was the Covenant of Redemption made Besides these arguments many more might be framed from the particular commands conditions and promises of the Covenant of Redemption which are competent only to Christ God-man and no ways to Christ God From this which hath been said of Christ considered as God and as God-man we may answer the question How the Justice of God can have a satisfaction from and by a person or party who is God Ans 1. If Christ God had been the party with whom the Covenant of Redemption had been transacted then indeed the party giving and the party receiving the satisfaction had been the same But the Covenant being made with Christ God-man a person different from offended God essentially considered so it is another party that makes the satisfaction than the party
servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayst be my salvation unto the end of the earth And under this part of the agreement I comprehend 1. The designation of the person who shall be the redeemer that it shall be the second person the Son of God only not the Father nor the Spirit Isa 59.20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob saith the Lord. Act. 3.26 Vnto you first God having raised up his Son sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from his Iniquities 1 Joh. 4.9 God sent his only begotten Son unto the world that we might live through him 2. The constituting of that Person Surety and Mediator to take that place upon him which the work of our Redemption did require Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament 3. The consent and agreement of Christ to both these to be the person that shall work this work and to be substitute in this place for doing the work Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God thus did the Creditor and the Cautioner strike hands together 3. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ What should be the Redeemer's work or what should be the price that he should pay and the satisfaction that he should make to divine Justice for the sins of the elect that were given to him under this I take in 1. The concluding betwixt the parties that Christ shall take upon him our Law-place and room and in order to that his taking our nature upon him that Justice might reach him in our stead and place Gal. 4.4 God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law 2. That Christ as our Surety should dye and lay down his life for us that he should pay for us the whole sum that was owing even all that the Law and Justice could exact of the broken man Joh. 10.18 No man taketh is from me but I lay it down of my self Rom. 8.3 God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us this is at length held forth Isa 53.5 6 7 10 12. 3. That the payment and satisfaction that should be made to Justice by our Surety in our nature and in our room should be accepted as our payment and as a condign price for our right to Heaven Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 4. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ what should be the term of paying this price and making this satisfaction to Justice A time and term-day is condescended upon such as seemed fit to infinite wisdom to appoint Gal. 4.2 4 until the time appointed of the Father but when the fulness of the time was come Heb. 9.10 11 until the time of reformation But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come Dan. 9.26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off but not for himself I say though the price was agreed upon from eternity yet God in his wisdom thought fit to put off the time of actual paying this price till the Redeemer that should come out of Zion should be long waited for Luk. 2.38 and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem but though the payment was suspended till the fulness of time yet neither Christ's acting as Mediator nor the force of the blood of this Covenant but in contemplation of the price to be payed at the time appointed by the Father he was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Rev. 13.8 5. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ how the Redemption wrought by him should be applyed to his elect people And under this I comprehend 1. The eternal appointment of the Gospel-Ordinances especially the Covenant of Grace and Reconciliation as means by divine appointment fitted to give the knowledge of the Redeemer and of the Redemption and Salvation wrought by him Luk 1.77 78 79 To give knowledg of Salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins Through the tender mercy of our God whereby the day-spring from an high hath visited us To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in the way of peace 2. The conclusion that the Gospel should be preached to all Nations that for the Elect's sake it might come unto all the Societies of men in the world among whom there are any of the redeemed ones Psal 110.2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies 3. The appointment of the times and seasons and of the particular Instruments that should carry the Gospel to the bounds of each elect Soul's habitation that it might meet with them Act. 17.26 27 And hath determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation That they should seek the Lord if haply they might feel after him and find him though he be not far from every one of us According as we see it brought to pass in the execution so it was concluded from eternity Act. 8.29 and 2.6 17. and 9.15 and 18.9 10. 4. The pouring out of the Spirit to make the Gospel-ordinances and means of Salvation effectual to the Redeemed people this also was comprehended under this Article of the agreement that this should be procured by him for his elect people Joh. 16.7 8 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 And when he is come he will reprove the world of fin and of righteousness and of judgment Psal 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning 6. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ what should be the reward and wages that he should have for this great Service for working the work of our Redemption his reward and wages in the general Notation thereof was ask and have it was a grant of whatsoever he would ask of God for so great a work and service his recompence was at his own asking Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give thee c. and according to his own heart full content and satisfaction Isa 53.11 He
and glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed 5. The promise of glory a peculiar glory in heaven throughout eternity to the Lord Mediator and Redeemer to the Lamb that was slain who wrought this great and glorious work of our Redemption this glory he craveth as his wages Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self This glory he eyed when he was at hard labour about the work Isa 49.4 5 Surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Though Israel be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength Heb. 12.2 Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross This glory was promised to him Zech. 6.13 He shall build the temple of the Lord and he shall bear the glory Isa 22.24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his Father's house this glory is actually payed to him in heaven where the Lamb has a throne Rev. 22.3 But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it And 7.17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them where there is a new Song sung unto the Lamb Rev. 5.9 10 And they sung a new Song saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth Yea and a crown and glory for his redeemed seed was part of the reward promised to him and for which he wrought Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me Luk. 12.32 Fear not little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom 2 Pet. 5.4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory The seventh kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ were these that relate to interest I mean the new contracted interests Covenant-interests that were promised to him as part of this agreement betwixt Jehovah and Christ Mediator out of which did spring all the new Covenant-interests and relations that we have to God And such were 1. The interest in God as his God by Covenant for to him was the great Mother promise of the Covenant made I will be his God Psal 80.26 He shall cry to me thou art my God This interest is bound up with him in the Covenant of Suretiship 2. The interest in God as his Father by Covenant to Christ was promised and with him was bound up a new Sonship and Covenant-title to God as his Covenanted Father Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my Father Heb. 1.5 I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son and these Covenant-relations and interests and the compellations arising from them we find Christ own and acknowledg Joh. 20.17 I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and to your God Hence he calleth us brethren children of the same Father who have one Covenant-relation with him to the same God Hell 2.12 I will declare thy name unto my brethren hence God is called the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1. 3. The interest of Saviourship for to the man Christ 't is promissed that Jehovah shall be the rock of his Salvation Psal 89.26 he shall cry to me Thou art my God and the rock of my Salvation hence he cryed Father save me from this hour Joh. 12.27 Jehovah was a Saviour to the man Christ from the things that he suffered as our surety he saveth the head and body therefore it is said Heb. 5.7 that he cryed to him that was able to save him from death 4. The interest of headship when Christ was given to be head of his body the Church he took upon him the man Christ the Mediator took upon him a new relation to God as his head which is founded and bound up in the Covevenant of Suretiship by which this comely order was established that Christ should be a head to his Church and God should be a head to the man Christ In this respect it is said that Christ is God's 1 Cor. 3.23 and how As ye are Christs and all things are yours that is in a subordination to do service 1 Cor. 11.3 and the head of Christ is God the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ must be the head of Christ a head by union to which Christ is united by bonds of union not natural only but foederal Joh. 10.30 I and my father are one Joh. 1.1 And the word was with God a head by influence of Spirit and Grace to the man Christ who liveth by the Father Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father a head by way of order who is over Christ Mediator and to whom the man Christ is subject 1 Cor. 15.28 Then shall the Son also himself be subject to him that put all things under him 5. The interest of hearing Prayer Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me this is bound up among the Covenant-interests which he took upon him by his Suretiship and by this relation when Christ should humble himself to pray Jehovah promiseth to hear him and he hath hearing by Covenant as his seed also have it Isa 49.8 In an acceptable time have I heard thee Joh. 11.41 42 Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me And I knew that thou hearest me always Heb. 5.7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up Prayers and Supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared These and the like interests and relations were covenanted to Christ and out of these Covenant-interests engaged unto him did our Covenant-relations spring The last kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ were these which relate to the whole design and intent of his Suretiship And the great and publick effects which it should produce in the whole frame of the creation for the elect redeemed peoples sake And such were 1. The promise of delivery of the whole creation from bondage and vanity unto which it was made subject for man's Sin and whereof the whole world is sick like a woman travelling in birth Rom. 8.20 21 22 For the creature was made subject unto vanity not willingly but by reason of him that hath subjected the same in hope Because the creature it self also shall be delivered from
the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travelleth in pain together until now 2. The promise of restoring all things to their primitive perfection all things were broken defaced and marred by man's sin insomuch that the beauty of them all is gone and nothing remains upon these inferiour creatures but the old ruines of glory but there shall come a time of the restitution of all things Act. 3.21 and who shall do this Christ mends and makes all things new again by his Surety-covenant that were broken by the rupture of the Covenant of works Rev. 21.15 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away and there was no more sea And he that sate upon the throne said behold I make all things new 2 Pet. 3.13 Nevertheless we according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness 3. The promise of restoring the broken league that was betwixt man and the rest of the creatures in their original condition when all obeyed Adam and were dependers upon him after the violation of which there was continual war and jarring betwixt man and the rest of the creatures sin did make a breach in the whole creation when man sinned all the creatures became enemies to him and one to another but now in Christ all the creatures are reconciled Eph. 1.10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heaven and which are on earth even in him Hos 2.18 And in that day will I make a Covenant for them with the beast of the field and with the fowls of heaven and with the creeping things of the ground and I will break the bow and the sword and the battel out of the earth and I will make them to lye down safely By Christ's Suretiship and the Covenant-promises through him the creatures are brought in a new league with man Job 5.23 For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee Psal 121.6 The Sun shall not smite thee by day nor the Moon by night 4. The promise of removing the Law-curse out of all dispensations and writing the Gospel-blessing upon them that all and every of them may be blessings in Christ to his Redeemed people Deut. 28.4 5 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body and the fruit of thy ground and the fruit of thy cattel and the encrease of thy kine blessed shall be thy basket and thy store that even the rods and chastisements which are curses of the Law to the wicked Deut. 28.15 16 But it shall come to pass if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God to observe to do all his commandments and statutes which I command thee this day that all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee Cursed shalt thou be in the city and cursed shalt thou be in the field c. should be covenanted-mercies and written in the book of the Covenant of Grace to God's elect people Psal 89.30 31 33 If his children forsake my Law and walk not in my judgments If they break my statutes and keep not my commandments then will I visit their iniquity with the rod. Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Heb. 12.6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth 5. The promise of establishing and setling all things that were set a reeling by the breach of the Covenant of works it is promised that Christ shall be the repairer it is he that establishes the earth so that the creatures that are for man's use are not destroved for Justice did require as speedy vengeance upon men as it did upon the Angels and the Sentence had been executed immediately had not the Covenant of Suretiship prevented it and in this respect the very reprobate have some temporal advantage by way of Concomitancy and for the elects sake Isa 49.8 Thus saith the Lord in an acceptable time have I heard thee and in a day of Salvation have I helped thee Col. 1.17 And by him all things consist Heb. 1.3 Vpholding all things by the word of his power All these and promises of like nature were made to Christ the first heir whom God appointed heir of all things Heb. 1.2 and for his sake they redounded unto them who shall be heirs of Salvation Heb. 1.14 and it is upon this very account that the whole Creation are commanded to sing because Christ the restorer of all things is come to the throne Psal 96.11 12 13 Let the heavens rejoyce and let the earth be glad let the sea roar and the fulness thereof Let the field be joyful and all that is therein then shall all the trees of the wood rejoyce before the Lord for he cometh for he cometh to judg the earth he shall judg the world with righteousness and the people with his truth And 98.7 8 9 Let the sea roar and the fulness thereof the world and they that dwell therein Let the floods clap their hands let the hills be joyful together before the Lord for he cometh to judg tht earth with righteousness shall he judg the world and the people with equity 6. The promise of the respecitive eminent change of the Government from the sole essential Government of Jehovah to the dispensatory Government of the Mediator Joh. 5.22 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son 1 Cor. 15.25 For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet for supposing that the Covenant of works shall be broken the world cannot now any more be ruled according to the rules of that Covenant to wit by God the Father immediately for then he must destroy man therefore together with the change of the Covenant there must needs be a change of the Government Christ as Mediator must govern the world Isa 9.6 The government shall be upon his shoulder and he must judg the world in our nature Act. 17.31 The man whom God hath appointed and he reigns not only over the Church but also though in a far different way over all the Kingdoms of the world and all things in the world for the Churches sake Eph. 1.21 22 Far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church Heb. 2.5 7.8 For unto the Angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come whereof we speak Thou madest him a little lower than the Angels and thou crownedst him with glory and honour
and didst set him over the works of thy hands Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet for in that he put all in subjection under him he left nothing that is not put under him But now we see not yet all things put under him 7. The promises of the service of all the world and of all the creatures God promiseth and will have the services of all the creatures brought about first to Christ and then to him by Christ he hath the service of all the world promised him and indeed he payed for it for he bought it with a price the service of some as Sons to live with him and enjoy him for ever Psal 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning and the service of others as slaves Psal 2.9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel And 72.9 11 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him and his enemies shall lick the dust Yea all kings shall fall before him and all nations shall serve him The whole vessels of this great house the world whether they are vessels of honour or dishonour Men or Angels elect Men or Reprobate elect Angels or Devils yet all must be for the Master's use 2 Tim. 2.20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver but also of wood and of earth and some to honour and some to dishonour Prov. 16.4 The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil CHAP. V. Of the Harmony of the Covenant of Suretiship made with Christ and the Covenant of Reconciliation and Grace made with Sinners 1. Wherein they agree 2. Wherein they differ 3. What Conjunction and Connexion is betwixt these Covenants THere is a great affinity between the Covenant of Redemption made with Christ and the Covenant of Reconciliation made with Sinners but it is not the same Covenant that is made with Christ which is made with us We are therefore to take heed to two extreams That we neither confound nor divide these two Covenants There is a likeness betwixt them but not a sameness there is an union here but not an evenness there is here a distinction but not a division a conjunction but not a confusion Let us therefore look upon these two Covenants 1. As agreeing in many things yet not being the same but still to be distinguished 2. Differing in many things yet not to be divided nor separated 3. Connected and conjoyned many ways yet not to be confounded 1. The Covenants of Redemption and Reconciliation agree together beside these things that are essential and so common to all Covenants which I do not here mention in the first rise of both pure soveraign free Grace was the fountain of both hence did both these Covenants spring There was no cause reason motive nor allurement from without nor any necessity of nature within that made Jehovah upon the one part nor Christ upon the other enter into this agreement of Suretiship it was his meer good and gracious pleasure as is already proved See Eph. 1.9 Having made known unto us the mysterie of his will according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself 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 And the same is the fountain-cause the first spring and rise of God's Covenant of Reconciliation with us it is not from any reason cause or motive in us nor from any necessity upon God but meerly his gracious pleasure Eph. 1.7 In whom we have Redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Deut. 7.7 8 The Lord did not set his love upon you nor chuse you because ye were more in number than any people But because the Lord loved you and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers Mat. 11.25 I thank thee O father Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes even so father for so it seemed good in thy sight 2. These two Covenants agree in this That it is the same design and business that is carried on in both The Redemption of a lost or lapsed elect people or as the Apostle calls it Heb. 2.10 The bringing many sons to glory This was the business that Christ did undertake by the Covenant of Suretiship and which he doth prosecute and perfect by the Covenant of Reconciliation This was the thing that was treated and agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ and is now over again treated and agreed betwixt Christ and us Tit. 1.2 In hope of eternal life which God that cannot lye promised before the world began 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed to us the word of Reconciliation Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do 3. These two Covenants agree in this That the grand Instrumentality of doing the work in both these Covenants is upon Christ he was to be the main Instrument of action in the work of these two Covenants and is therefore as for other reasons so also upon this account called the man of God's right hand Psal 80.17 whose instrumentality and service God did use from beginning to end in all this business both of Redemption and Reconciliation Eph. 1.7 In whom we have redemption through his blood Col. 1.20 And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things to himself 4. They agree in this that both these Covenants are commensurable with Gods election of the parties with whom he made the Covenants He first chused Christ and by an eternal destination elected him to be the only person that should work the great work of Redemption and be the Captain of Salvation to his people and with him only he makes the Covenant of Redemption Psal 89.19 I have exalted one chosen out of the people Again he makes choice of an elect Company to follow this Captain to be a people saved by the Lord and with this elect company only chosen in Christ he makes a Covenant of peace and reconciliation in him Luk. 1.68 69 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed his people And hath raised up an horn of Salvation for us in the house of his servant David In both I say the Covenant is commensurate to God's election the parties with whom God made both these Covenants were first chosen he first chuseth and then covenanteth with the elect head and with the elect body and members
and with them only See Psal 89.3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen 2 Thess 2.13 God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth 5. These Covenants of Redemption and Reconciliation agree in this that the principal ends of both are the same which were 1. The highest manifestation of all the Lords glorious attributes which were so manifested in Christ as they were never known before whereof in its proper place this was one of the principal ends which the Lord had before him both in the Covenant of Redemption and the Covenant of Reconciliation Eph. 3.9 10 11 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the Mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2. The highest and nearest union of man with God was one of the Lords ends in both these Covenants to make up such an union betwixt God and Man as might be a ground and foundation of sutable communion Joh. 14.20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my father and you in me and I in you 1 Cor. 6.17 But he that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit 3. Another principal end which God had before him in his Covenant-dealings was the highest and fullest communication of himself to man this end was proposed in both these Covenants of Redemption and Reconciliation God would dispense nothing of himself unto the creatures but by his Son and through his Covenant with him and with us he purposed to communicate himself to us 1 Joh. 5.11 And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life and this life is in his Son And 1.3 And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 6. The Covenant of Suretiship made with Christ and the Covenant of Redemption and Grace made with sinners agree in this That the good and advantage of both these Covenants redounded unto us even as the honour of both accrues unto the Lord who after the opening of this subject of his Covenant-dealings with Christ and through him with us Isa 42.1 to 8 immediately subjoyns I am the Lord that is my name and my glory I will not give to another both these Covenants were transacted to the praise of the glory of his grace Eph. 1.6 But the profit and advantage of both is ours not his and if these words Psal 16.2 3 My goodness extendeth not unto thee but to the Saints that are in the earth and to the excellent in whom is all my delight be the words of Christ or relating to Covenant-transactions betwixt Jehovah and Christ as most part of that Psalm is Jâ Coce Dâ soed c. p. p. 106. and some Expositors apply it and I do not see why it may not more fitly be applied to Christ than to David I say if these words be Christ's they speak the point in hand fully Besides see Rom. 5.15 The grace of God and the gift by grace which is by one man Jesus Christ hath abounded unto many 2 Cor. 4.15 For all things are for your sakes that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God 7. They agree in this That there is exchange of places betwixt Christ and his elect redeemed seed in both these Covenants In the Covenant of Suretiship he taketh our Law-place and room and putteth himself in the sinners stead as hath been said Heb. 10.7 Lo I come to do thy will And again in the Covenant of Reconciliation we take Christ's Law-place or rather have bestowed upon us that place and room with God which the Law allowed to him that obeyeth the Law and satisfieth the Law to the full Hence 't is said that we are made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 This is our place by the Covenant of Reconciliation to have that high righteousness of our Surety unto which the God-head gave excellency and the righteousness of the Law is said to be fulfilled in us Rom. 8.4 to wit the passive righteousness thereof in suffering for the breach of the Law and how was this only by commutation and exchange of places with Christ our Surety who put himself in our place and put us in his 8. The Covenant of Redemption and the Covenant of Reconciliation agree in many properties both these Covenants are free gracious everlasting ordered in all things sure c. as may fully appear by what is already spoken of the properties of the Covenant of Suretiship and by the second part of this Treatise which relates to the properties of the Covenant of Grace 2. In the next place let us take notice of the difference between the Covenants of Redemption and Reconciliation whereby it may appear that these are two Covenants and not one and the same These Covenants differ 1. In the rise although they agree thus far in the rise See Mr. Rutherf Treat of the Covenant p. 2. c. 8. that both these Covenants had the rise from Grace as I have shewed yet they differ in this that the Covenant of Redemption and Suretiship did spring out of Grace in both the parties for therein did the Grace of Jehovah and the Grace of Jesus Christ appear it was the gracious pleasure and good will of both the parties which equally gave it the first rise But the Grace that giveth the rise to the Covenant of Reconciliation is not shared between the parties but it stands all upon one side Grace in God and in our Lord Jesus Christ without any gracious disposition or qualification upon our part till it be wrought in us by the Grace of Christ giveth the first rise to the Covenant of Reconciliation and Grace made with sinners Tit. 2.11 For the grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared unto all men 1 Joh. 4.10 19 Herein is love not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins We love him because he first loved us Rom. 5.6 8 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for us But God commendeth his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us 2. These Covenants differ in the property of eternity for although both are everlasting Covenants yet both are not eternal The Covenant of Redemption is eternal for the Lord does not begin in time to design Christ a Surety and Mediator nor does the Son begin in time to be a Consenter but we are to understand the Apostles saying he was made surety Heb. 7.22 by Christ's own saying I was set up from everlasting c. Prov. 8.23 1 Pet. 1.20 Who verily was
fore-ordained before the foundation of the world but was manifest in these last times for you But the Covenant of Reconciliation is no more eternal than all other things which come to pass in time which were from eternity decreed with God Act. 15.18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world for although the Covenant of Reconciliation was decreed from everlasting yet it had no being as a Covenant nor could have any till first there were objects created to deal with in the way and terms of a Covenant till first the Covenant of works were entered with man and broken too till first man by his breach of the first Covenant and his fall into sin and enmity with God became a qualified object for reconciliation and the Grace that is peculiar to this Covenant Then came the news and knowledg of a Redeemer to Adam immediately after his fall for the Grace and love of Christ which longed for this opportunity to be made manifest made haste when man was now a qualified object then tidings came in all haste to lost man of a Saviour when he was lying sick unto death of his fall Tit. 1.2 3 In hope of eternal life which God that cannot lye promised before the world began But hath in due time manifested his word through preaching then came the ransom to be testified in due time 3. The Parties are different In the Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption the Parties are Jehovah and his only Son Christ as is before proved but in the Covenant of Reconciliation the Parties are God the Father Son and Spirit and lost Sinners 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them The one is stricken betwixt God and Christ God-man a person that is not meer man considered in the precise notion of Reconciliation as betwixt God and meer men 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus The one is a Covenant betwixt God and his only begotten natural Son Heb. 5.5 the other is betwixt God and many Sons even his adopted Sons Heb. 2.10 the Covenant of Redemption is made with Christ personal as hath been proved the Covenant of Grace as it comprehends the whole business of Grace from beginning to end with Christ mystical head and body Heb. 2.13 with him and the children whom God hath given to him the Covenant of Suretiship is made with Christ as a peculiar chosen person Psal 89.19 I have exalted one chosen out of the people who did by that Covenant take upon him a publick capacity wherein he did ever thereafter act in heaven and earth but the Covenant of Grace is made with Christ as a publick person representing many with Christ as the second Adam who stood and covenanted for all his seed Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me Rom. 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous Gal. 3.16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made he saith not and to seeds as of many but as of one and to thy seed which is Christ The Covenant of Redemption was betwixt God and the man who is his fellow Zech. 13.7 the Covenant of Reconciliation is betwixt God and Men who are the work of his hands not his equals but his subjects his servants c. and these of the lowest rank and degree Heb. 2.6 7 What is man that thou art mindful of him or the Son of man that thou visitest him Thou madest him a little lower than the Angels The Covenant of Redemption is betwixt God and his Son in favour and friendship with him who never offended him Mat. 3.17 This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased but the Covenant of Reconciliation is betwixt God and his enemies sinners at variance and enmity with God and it 's made with Christ only as he took the sinners place Rom. 5.8.10 But God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us for when we were enemies we were reconciled to God 4. The Covenant of Redemption is an equal Covenant but the Covenant of Reconciliation is unequal This difference is in the Nature of these Covenants I say the Covenant of Redemption is an equal Covenant being betwixt equal parties and upon equal terms and conditions as I have already shewed But the Covenant of Reconciliation made with sinners is an unequal covenant where there is 1. Infinite unequality betwixt the parties betwixt Man and his Maker God who worketh and who shall let it Isa 43.13 and man who layd in the ballance is altogether lighter then vanity Psal 62.9 Betwixt God who giveth conditions to his creatures but taketh none from them and man who giveth no conditions to God but is bound to accept what conditions he is pleased to give 2. There is a vast disproportion and unequality in the terms and conditions of this Covenant betwixt that which is promised upon God's part and that which is required upon man's part betwixt the condition of the Covenant of Reconciliation and the promises and blessings thereof O what vast unequality and disproportion betwixt our little faith and of low stature and the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that is promised to the believer 2 Cor. 4.18 5. There was no Mediator in the Covenant of Redemption neither was there need of any the parties covenanting being so near to one another and in so good terms Prov. 8.30 Then was I by him as one brought up with him and I was daily his delight rejoycing always before him Neither could there be any Mediator in this Covenant for who could interpose betwixt the Father and the Son Joh. 10.30 I and my Father are one and from whence should the Mediator be taken when that eternal transaction was made when Christ was set up from everlasting before his works of old Prov. 8.22 23. But in the Covenant of Reconciliation there is a Mediator the need whereof we shall shew in its proper place there is a days-man a person who interposeth betwixt the parties who are at variance and travelleth in the peace 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus Heb. 12.24 And to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant 6. The Promises of these two Covenants are different 1. There be many promises in the Covenant of Reconciliation made to us that cannot agree to Christ and whereof he was not capable such as the promises of a new heart of cleansing from all filthiness and Idols the promises of repentance remission of sins and the like Ezek. 36. 2. There were promises made to Christ in the Covenant of Redemption that were peculiar to himself that were peculiar for the preheminency of the Head and Captain of our Salvation and whereof we
spring out of that fountain did grow out of that root for Covenant-grace is in God's dealings with us as sap is in the branch and water in the cistern but it is in his Covenant-dealings with Christ as sap is in the root and water in the fountain There is such a connexion betwixt these two Covenants as betwixt decree and execution deliberation and action promise and performance suretiship and satisfaction bond and payment c. for the Covenant with Christ was in the decree of God with us it is the execution of that eternal decree there it was deliberated and consulted here 't is acted there the promises were made the suretiship acted the bond given but in God's Covenant-dealings with us the promises made betwixt God and Christ are performed his act of suretiship satisfied and actual payment and satisfaction made of all obligements which he took on The connexion of the Covenants of Redemption and Reconciliation may be illustrated by a similitude or two It is as if a deed of favour were drawn for children and heirs not yet born and the whole conveyance setled how that deed of favour shall redound unto the benefit of children not yet born which in due time by the wisdom of the contriver takes place and becomes actually profitable to those for whom it was intended The Covenant of Redemption is the wise contrivance of this deed of favour to a seed given to Christ but not yet created and the Covenant of Reconciliation is the conveyance by which the favour intended for this elect people takes place Or as if a Marriage were concluded by a wise father betwixt his only son and a person wholly under his power at his disposing but now under-age not marriageable nor capable to give consent to such a contract as were drawn up but the knowledg of this is kept up from the bride a great while but at last the bridegroom makes proposals according to his fathers concluded contract and gains the brides heart and consent to the intended match this matter is all of a piece and every part of it connected with another but the first part is the work of the Covenant of Redemption betwixt Jehovah and Christ And the latter part is the work of the Covenant of Reconciliation betwixt God and Sinners Or as if a King upon paction with his Son should grant a fair Charter with many priviledges to persons who yet know nothing of the King's favour the actual communication of these priviledges being suspended till the King's Son actually own these persons for his Subjects and they actually own him for their Lord. The Covenant made with Christ is the fair Charter the Covenant made with us is the mutual owning betwixt the King's Son and the persons to whom the favours and priviledges of the great Charter of Redemption was intended CHAP. VI. Of the Grounds of assurance and comfort and supports of Faith resulting from the Covenant of Suretiship unto all those who are in the Covenant of Reconciliation and Grace I Shall shut up the Doctrine of the Covenant of Redemption and Suretiship with a collection of some grounds of comfort and supports of Faith which arise from it 1. That the original and foundation of God's Covenant-dealings with us is an eternal compact betwixt Jehovah and Christ and had not its beginning and rise from our first thoughts of that business when we begun to entertain the news of a Saviour and of Redemption by him it bred not in our breasts but was under deliberation betwixt God and Christ long before ever it entred into our hearts yea it was there transacted the heirs of Salvation were fore-ordained unto their lot and inheritance with them who are sanctified when the Captain of Salvation was destinate unto this work 2 Thes 2.13 God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth And it is only the manifestation of this to us and our consent to it that is of yesterday and but lately transacted Joh. 17.8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his will comfirmed it by an oath That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us O how comfortable and strengthening is this to the weak believer that eternal Covenant-love Covenant-dealings and Covenant-relations and engagements begin at the head Christ fall first upon him and descend to his redeemed seed Eph. 1.3 4 Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world c. 2. That the same love of the Father and of Christ which now hath appeared and broken forth in drawing thee into this new Covenant-state Jer. 31.3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee hath been in action for thee and about thee in eternity when thou wast not Prov. 8.23 31 I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was Rejoycing in the habitable part of his earth and my delights were with the sons of men How should that support faith and comfort and assure our hearts that the love of God and of Christ did provide a rich inheritance for us when we were not yet created and did provide a physician before we fell sick who had a Redeemer in readiness before the fall of Man which he foresaw who provided a Surety before he was needed to be in readiness to strike hands for our Debt that Christ spoke kindly for us when we were not present that he took our case in hand undesired that he undertook for us when we had neither being nor action nor vote nor knowledg of his undertaking 3. That our Redemption and Salvation hath so very little of our will in it and so much of Gods Will and that of Grace so much of his gracious Will or of the good pleasure of his Will Eph. 1.5 Being now by the Covenant of Suretiship the will of the Father and of Christ without our knowledg or consent or any act of our will Joh. 6.3 9 And this is the fathers will that hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day With 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am And there is now no more of our will in all the business but so much as is captivated bowed and carried
is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference 5. There is not only a commutation but a community of Writs betwixt Christ and the Believer for one Writ and Promise-wreats God the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and the God and Father of the Believer this Covenant-relation to him and us is by the great promises of the Covenant Heb. 1.5 I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son Psal 89.26 29 He shall cry unto me Thou art my Father my God and the rock of my salvation His seed also will I make to endure for ever One Writ makes Christ the first Heir and Son of the promise and the Believer a younger Brother coming in under Christ the first Heir Psal 89.27 Also I will make him my first-born Gal. 3.26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ One Writ and letter of acquittance dischargeth both Christ and the Believer from the curse and condemnation of the Law Rom. 8.3 4 God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin the flesh That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit O how comfortable and strengthening is this that Christ and we are in one Writ that our Covenant interests and relations to God and all his and our concernments are thus bound up in one Writ if his title to God to Heaven to promises be good and valid ours is so too if he acquit and defend his own Charters he doth the same for ours blessed are they who are united to him in this New Covenant-relation 6. By the Covenant of Suretiship Christ is constituted the grand Instrument and Actor of all things that appertain to his peoples Redemption and Salvation and that not only of eternal Salvation and Redemption which he alone brought unto his people Heb. 5.9 And being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him 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 Luk. 1.68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed his people And of such part of that Redemption as is wrought within time Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him But of whatsoever Salvation and other administrations are good for them in this life And therefore we find that Christ was the grand Instrument and had an active hand in the deliverance of his people from all afflictions and oppressions in all ages Isa 63.5 9 And I looked and there was none to help and I wondred that there was none to uphold therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me and my fury it upheld me In all their afflictions he was afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them and in his love and in his pity he redeemed them and he bare them and carried them all the days of old It was Christ the Angel of the Covenant Mal. 3.1 who delivered Jacob from all evil Gen. 48.16 It was he who brought the people out of Egypt and said to Moses And now come I mill send thee unto Egypt He it was who appeared unto Moses in the Bush and made him a ruler and a deliverer Act. 7.32 34 35. It was he that brought the people out of Babylon and built the temple Zech. 6.12 13 Behold the man whose Name is the Branch and he shall grow up out of his place and he shall build the temple of the Lord. Even he shall build the temple of the Lord and he shall bear the glory c. If the temporal Salvation of the Church and people of God lay upon men how cold a comfort were that Isa 59.16 And he saw that there was no man and wondred that there was no intercessor Psal 142.4 I looked on my right hand and beheld and there was no man that would know me refuge failed me and there was no man cared for my soul And if the working of that part of our Salvation which the Lord hath made the Believers Duty and hath commanded him to do for his own Soul if that lay upon us alone how heavy would it prove Phil. 2.12 Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling But O how warm how comfortable is it what a support to faith that Christ is by his Suretiship engaged to work all manner of Salvation for his people and to become the grand instrument and chief actor thereof Isa 63.13 I that speak in righteousness mighty to save I have trodden the wine-press alone and of the people there was none with me Phil. 2.13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith 8. By the Covenant of Suretiship all the hard conditions lay upon Christ all that the Law requires of Man condition-ways he was made under the law Gal. 4.4 that we might not be under the law but under grace Rom. 6.14 O how sweet and comfortable is it to the poor weak Believer who finds himself so very insignificant a creature at all Covenant-conditions to know that by Christs Suretiship 1. He did take upon him all conditions which the law requires of man to abide in every thing that it requires the Believer is yet under the commands of the Law but I say not under the conditions thereof for it is not to him a Covenant Christ also did bear the curse of the Law but that which the Believer suffers even of the things that were sometimes written in the book of the Law are now written in the book of Covenant-mercies 2. Christ did take upon him all the conditions that are works and nothing rests to the believer condition-wise but that which is grace Rom. 4.16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace It s true the Believer yet worketh and is created unto good works Phil. 2.10 But all working condition-ways was upon Christ by his Suretiship 3. The principal and most significant condition of Redemption Salvation and all Covenant-blessings and priviledges promised to us is Christs doing his part of the Covenant of Suretiship his laying down his life this was not only a condition of the reward that was to be given to Christ personal but even of all the promises that were made to him concerning his redeemed seed Isa 53.10 11 And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledg shall my righteous servant
store-house Christ given to them though they had a fair stock yet it was all in their own hand at adventure and the well head and fountain of life to them was placed in themselves or the streams were cut off from the fountain but to the weak believer the fountain of life and grace is placed in Christ Eph. 2.10 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works Joh. 1.26 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace 5. Nor was Christ an undertaker and Surety for the Angels that fell nor for Adam in his first Covenant state he gave no Bond nor came under any act of Suretiship for their standing Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham God never said to them as he doth to the believer Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty 2. Learn hence to admire and study these eternal depths of love and wisdome that shine forth in Gods Covenant-transactions with Christ Eph. 3.18 19 That you may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledg This glorious mystery the Angels desire to search into though not so much concerned in it as we and shall not believers much more study it 1. The wisdom and knowledg that found out this way that was beyond the possible reach of men and Angels that lost man who was in as hopeless a condition as the Apostate Angels should be by a Surety by such a Surety undertaken for when Angels were passed by Heb. 2.16 2. The everlasting out-goings of that same eternal love which came forth in Covenant-transactions betwixt the Father and the Son when these objects of his love and eternal delight were not yet revealed nor knew any thing of it Prov. 8.23 to 31. What a wonder is this that the heart of God the delights of God should be taken up about such objects 3. The Soveraign graciousness and free preventing-grace of this Suretiship that Christ became Surety and undertaker and came to fulfil his Suretiship not sought for not sent for not so much as desired by us to undertake and act any thing for us Isa 65.1 I am sought of them that asked not for me I am found of them that sought me not I said Behold me Behold me unto a nation that was not called by my Name 4. The seasonableness of his sending the notice of this unto us the Lord provided a Physician before we were sick and sent him to us in due time 1 Tim. 2.6 Gal. 4.4 When fallen man was sick unto death when Justice with a fiery sword kept him out from happiness when he was running away and hiding himself at the voice of God Gen. 3.10 When the cure was desperate and the remedy impossible to our knowledg then came the news of a Surety to undertake for us in our low condition 5. The double tenure whereby the believer holds his pardon and life through Christs Suretishp by free-grace and by Justice Jam. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ The Covenant of Redemption has provided both that Free-grace should acquit wretched sinners and Justice also should discharge them for a full price laid down Christ hath said to Jehovah by his Covenant of Suretiship as Paul said to Philemon concerning Onesimus Philem. v. 18 19 If he hath wronged thee or owed thee ought put that on mine account I Paul have written it with my own hand I will repay it And this answers all that Law and Justice and the accuser can say and therefore the believer may well say with Paul Rom. 8.33 34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect It is God that justifieth who is he that condemneth 3. Learn how needful the knowledg and perswasion of Christs Suretiship and undertaking for us is Nothing is more necessary than to believe this 1. For the right understanding of our Debt to him who did so freely being under no necessity of nature and not desired by us undertake for us and put his soul in our souls stead a worthy study indeed and well becoming a believer to know what we owe to Jesus the Surety of the Covenant who spoke for us behind our backs when we were absent and who laid down his Bond for ours 1 Cor. 6.19 20 Ye are not your own for ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which is Gods 2. For the establishing our hearts in the faith of our Salvation and compleat Redemption is there any thing can so establish the heart of a believer as to know that Christ is an undertaker for him he that can believe that Christ became Surety for him in the eternal Counsel of God cannot reasonably doubt but he will fulfil all his undertaking and that he shall be saved by his Surety-actings Rom. 5.8 9 10 But God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life 3. For silencing all the actings of unbelief in us and the perverse suspicious of our heart concerning Gods Covenant Good-will towards us all which do resolve upon some apprehensions of breach of the Covenant of Suretiship betwixt Jehovah and Christ for if that stand fast upon both sides what place is there for doubting and unbelief 2 Tim. 2.13 If we believe not yet he abideth faithful he cannot deny himself Rom. 3.3 4 For what if some did not believe shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect God forbid 4. Nothing more necessary for engaging our hearts in the study of faith and holiness and unto a walk becoming the redeemed of the Lord than the faith of Christs Suretiship Three ways does this engage unto holiness and becoming walking 1. Morally and by way of excitement and motive the faith of Christs Suretiship and undertaking for us is both an inviting and encouraging motive to be holy forasmuch as we are chosen in Christ to be holy and given to him to be made holy Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy c. Joh. 17.17 Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth Heb. 2.11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all one 2. By way of obligement Christs Suretiship doth oblige us and lay on Bonds and Obligations to this duty that we should believe and be holy and he who hath the faith of Christs Suretiship cannot but judg so 2 Cor. 5.14 15 For the love of Christ constraineth us
ends which God hath before him in the work of our Redemption The glory of God the glory of Christ and the good of his people 1. Some Reasons there are which most directly respect God himself and his glory 2. Others respect Christ and his honour as Mediator in this employment The third sort respect the Creatures good and happiness And 1. The Reasons of establishing this Covenant in the hands of a Mediator which respect God himself and his glory may be 1. For the glory of his Greatness and Majesty it is his glory to be dealt with like himself throughout the whole business of our Salvation 1. It was for his honour that he should carry like a Superiour wronged it became the Majesty of the Lord to keep at a distance with sinners and not to be dealt with immediately by the parties who had done him the wrong but by the Mediation and Intercession of another great Person Mal. 1.14 For I am a great king saith the Lord. Heb. 7.25 Men must therefore come to God by him by a Mediator 2. It became the Majesty and Honour of God to be dealt with only by his own Son he being the greatest Courtier in Heaven and who knew most of his fathers mind Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosome of the father he hath declared him 2. For the glory of his Wisdom This was a plot becoming the wisdom of God and much for the honour of it to find out this way of making up an union betwixt God and man Again by bringing down God to man and bringing up man to God and treisting both to meet in a Mediator wonderful did the wisdom of God appear in the Reconciling Justice and Mercy and making them meet together in this business in punishing sin and setting the sinner free in making a Covenant with us through a Mediator when there could be none without a Mediator Eph. 3.10 11 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 3. It was for the glory of Gods Goodness and Free-grace that grace may be acknowledged and dealt with like Free-grace therefore there must be a Mediator who throughout the accomplishment of our Salvation shall deal with grace by way of entreaty and requests and shall obtain our Salvation as freely by requests as if there had been no purchase made of it through satisfaction to Justice Heb. 5.17 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared Chap. 7. v. 25 Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 4. It was for the glory of his Justice which must be dealt with in a way of satisfaction grace will be dealt with by requests salva justitia which must be dealt with by a satisfaction therefore the Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator who may tell down a price to Justice 1 Tim. 2.6 Who gave himself a ransome for all to be testified in due time These two the Apostle joyns Rom. 3.24 25 26 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus The highest Justice and the freest grace met together in the Mediator to save us by paying a price as fully as if there had been no grace and entreating of favour in the matter of our Salvation and yet as much entreaty and request is made to grace as if Justice had received no satisfaction Secondly Other Reasons respect Christ the Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator for the glory of the Mediator in this employment whose honour and glory God had in his eyes as well as his own Joh. 5.23 That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father And 16.14 He shall glorifie me for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you Now the constituting and appointing Christ Mediator of the new Covenant is for his honour 1. In respect of the honourable offices which are laid upon him as Mediator for it is as Mediator that he is constituted a King a Priest and a Prophet to his people Heb. 1 and 7 Chap. throughout which are honourable offices Heb. 5.4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron Joh. 5.22 23 But hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father 2. In respect of the exceeding great power which is put in his hand as Mediator no less than the administration of the whole affairs in Heaven and Earth and that every knee should bow to him Phil. 2.10 And the government shall be upon his shoulder Isa 9.6 Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth Rev. 3.7 He that hath the key of David he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth 3. In respect of the great dependance that shall be upon Christ Mediator by many supplicants resorting to him and waiting on him for the representing and offering of their requests Joh. 15.16 Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name he shall give it you Zeph. 3.10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my supplicants even the daughter of my dispersed shall bring mine offering 4. In respect of his sole and absolute working of the whole business of our Salvation from beginning to end every part of it being immediately from him as the Fountain and store-house and Great Lord Treasurer of all the blessings of the Covenant Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Act. 2.33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Ghost he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear The third sort of Reasons respecting the creatures good and happiness may be holden forth 1. Negatively 2. Affirmatively 1. Without Christ the Mediator we should have had no knowledg of God which is saving for since the fall God dealeth not with man immediately nor can man see him or hear him speak without a Mediator This was typified Exod. 20.19 And they said unto Moses Speak thou with us and we will hear but let not God speak with us lest we
to make reconciliation for the sins of the people If you have any direction to receive from God if you have any blessing to receive you need a Mediator to procure it to you and to receive it for you If you have any service to offer to God any duty to perform you need a Mediator both to afford you strength to perform it and to offer it to God for you if you have any evil to deprecate you need a Mediator to avert it whether it be for sins before or after conversion 1. In all cases not only in thy deadness and indispositions for duties but when thy heart is in best frame thy tenderness and good frame cannot mediate for thee Dan. 9.3 17 And I set my face unto the Lord God to seek by prayers and supplications with fasting and sack-cloath and ashes Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake Isa 38.3 14 And Hezekiah wept sore Like a Crane or a Swallow so did I chatter I did mourn as a Dove mine eyes fail with looking upward O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Not only when thou art at distance with God and canst not find access but when thou art nearest to him and admitted to his presence to speak before his throne then thou needest a Mediator not only for establishing thee in that good condition but for covering the evil of thy best condition Isa 64.6 But we are all as an unclean thing and our righteousnesses are as filthy rags Chap. 6. v. 5 Then said I Wo is me for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips for mine eyes have seen the king the Lord of Hosts Vse 3. Study to carry as becometh those who need a Mediator and for this end take these directions 1. Take care to beat down self-confidence and self adoration even of every thing in you that is not Christ his gifts and graces and assistances not excepted put not a created grace in Christs room be not lifted up with these nor led away from the Mediator by them Phil. 3. â 4 For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Though I might also have confidence in the flesh if any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh I more 2. When duties go well and a good frame of spirit is enjoyed watch that your hearts lay not the weight of your acceptation upon these things but that you keep them especially within sight of Christs Mediation as the ground of your confidence Phil. 3.7 But what things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ 3. Let your employing of him be as large as the extent of his mediation reaches to and that is to all things pertaining to God Heb. 2.17 Shut him not out of his office in any thing that is a matter betwixt God and you think not to put him to drudg at your burdens and to slight him in other things he will not be so dealt with 4. Let us beware of tempting Christ of grieving the Mediator if you carry about with you the fresh conviction of your need of him you will be very tender and wary of tempting him and sinning against him 1 Cor. 10.9 Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them also tempted and were destroyed of Serpents CHAP. IX Of the Person who is Mediator and of the great discoveries of God which are made to us in and through Christ IN the next place I shall speak something of the Mediators Person or of the Person who is Mediator and his fitness and qualification for this work When the person is known his fitness for the Mediatorship will appear for it is namely in order to that end that we speak here of the Person who is Mediator that his compleat qualifications for that Office and the discoveries which are made of God to us through him may be known And 1. Before we speak of the Mediators Office let us consider the Person who is Mediator of the new Covenant Jesus Christ Heb. 12.24 Chap. 8.6 1 Tim. 2.5 Chap. 3.17 Jesus Christ Mediator carries three Names which relate to three great discoveries and manifestations of God that are made to us in him 1. As he manifests the will of God he is called the word of God Rev. 19.13 2. As he manifests the nature and essence of God he is called the brightness of his glory Heb. 1.3 3. As he manifests the persons of the Godhead he is called the express Image of his Person I do not say these names relate only to these discoveries but mainly 1. The Person who is Mediator of the Covenant of grace is he whose name is called the word of God Rev. 19.13 and that both in relation to Creation and Redemption 1. He is the word by whom all things were made Eph. 3.9 Who hath creatred all things by Jesus Christ Heb. 1.2 By whom also he made the worlds Psal 33.6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth 2. He is the word in relation to the revealing all the will of God he is medium revelationis as well as reconciliationis There is a new discovery of God after the fâll it s a discovery of him in Christ and this is a mystery which the Angels dive into with stupendious endeavours 1 Pet. 1.12 Which things the angels desire to look into Christ is the word of God that reveals this mystery Mal. 11.27 Neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosome of the Father he hath declared him 3. He is the word of God in relation to the fulfilling all the word of God and accomplishing his will especially that which relateth to himself this Name is given him in the time of the seventh Trumpet Rev. 11.15 with 19.13 When all the promises and threatnings are to be fulfilled then he shall be acknowledged to be the word of God The ordering of all things according to the word of God and the accomplishment of all his will since the fall is committed to the administration of Christ Mediator Joh. 5.22 23 For the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father It was Christ that brought the flood upon the world it was he that went down to Sodom and destroyed it 2 Pet. 2.5 6 Jehovah did it Gen. 7. and 21. The same name is given to Christ It was Christ the Angel of the Covenant that appeared in the Bush and delivered his people out
of Egypt Exod. 3.2 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush and he looked and behold the bush burned with fire and the bush was not consumed Act. 7.30 An Angel of the Lord in a flame of fine in a bush It was he that brought all these Judgments on them in the Wilderness 1 Cor. 10.9 Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them also tempted and were destroyed of Serpents It was he that brought them to Canaan and out of Babylon and built the Temple and filled it after their return Isa 63.9 By the angel of his presence he saved them Zech. 6.12 Behold the man whose name is the Branch and he shall grow up out of his place and he shall build the temple of the Lord. Chap. 9. v. 11 As for thee also by the blood of thy Covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water Hag. 2.7 And I will shake all nations and the desire of all nations shall come and I will fill this house with glory saith the Lord of hosts And this contributes to make Christ a fit Mediator and to support the faith of Gods people that the making of all things the revealing of the will of God and the fulfilling of it even the whole government is upon his shoulders which may assure our hearts that the work which he undertaketh shall be accomplished 2. This is he who is called the brightness of his Fathers glory Heb. 1.3 As Christ is ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã so he manifests Gods will here he is ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã so he manifests the nature of God And here let us 1. See what the glory is I take it to be meant not of the essential glory which he had with the Father from all Eternity but of the manifestative Glory and Majesty of the Lord which shined forth in Christ for it is of Christ Mediator that the Apostle is here speaking it is the excellencies of God as they shine forth in the Mediator which otherwise had been invisible and could not have been seen discovered nor looked upon 2 Cor. 3.18 But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord. Therefore the end of Christs being constitute Mediator is for this manifestative glory whereof we read Joh. 11.4 When Jesus heard ãâã he said This sickness is hot unto death ââut for the glory of God that the Son of God might be glorified thereby Chap. 5. v. 22 23 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father 2. The brightness or sent-forth Light here spoken of is a similitude taken from the Sun wherein there is the body of the Sun there is the light of the Sun and the shining splendor or beams of the Sun Interpreters think this to be an expression of the eternal generation of the Son proceeding from the Father as light from the Sun I take it rather to be the manifestation of the Father in Christ the Mediator who is otherwise invisible as the Sun is manifested by its own light so that if you would light all the Torches in the world you cannot see the Sun by the light of these without its own light No more can you see God but in Christ Jesus who is the brightness of his Glory the light whereby his excellencies are manifested Joh. 1.9 That was the true light which-lighteth every man that cometh into the world Mat. 11.27 Neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him 3. This is he who is called the express Image of his Fathers Person Heb. 1.3 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã the imprinted form this similitude relates to the persons of the Godhead as the former did to the Divine Essence and Nature It is borrowed from the signets impression which represents all the lineaments of the Seal the Character is the perfect expressed Image Mark Christ is called the Image of Gods Person not of his Essence for he is the same Essence not the same Person There is in the God-head essentia subsistentia the Essence is but one but the Subsistences or Persons are different as is expressed in Scripture 1 Joh. 5.7 For there are three that bear record in heaven the Father the Word and the holy-Ghost I take not this to be meant of Christ as God principally for so he is the same in Nature Names and Atrributes rather than the Image of God but I understand it of Christ as Mediator in whom there is a full and perfect resemblance of the Fathers Attributes and Excellencies And here for our knowledg of the person who is Mediator I lay down two conclusions from that comprehensive description of him 1. That Jesus Christ hath in him a glorious resemblance and a perfect Character of all the glorious Excellencies and Attributes of the Father Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily 2 Cor. 3.18 But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord. 2. That it is by Christ Mediator that all the glorious excellencies of God are revealed unto us 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who commanded light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ Consider 1. That Gods great end in all his goings forth towards the Creature in Predestination Creation Providence c. is his own glory and the manifestation of his excellency Prov. 16.4 The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for evor Rev. 4. last Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created But more especially this is his end in Redemption Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do 2. That which is Gods end is our happiness even to have God manifested to us to see him and to have discoveries made to us of his excellencies Joh. 17.3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Mat. 5.8 Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God 1 Joh. 3.2 But we know when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is To see him and be transformed by that sight 2 Cor. 3.18 But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory
mouth and in his carrying as Mediator there were many bright discoveries of this great mystery as we may read Mat. 3.16 17 And Jesus when he was baptized went up straight-way out of the waters and lo the heavens were opened unto him and he saw the spirit of God descending like'd dove and lighting upon him And lo a voice from heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Chap. 28. v. 28 Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy-Ghost Joh. 14.16 26 And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another comforter that he may abide with you for ever But the comforter which is the holy-Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name c. And many like testimonies were from him manifesting this glorious mystery 3. The distinct Offices of the three Persons or their ordered administration and working and the various and distinct acts of the Trinity in the work of redemption are brightly discovered in and by Jesus Christ the Mediator 2 Tim. 1.9 10 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel But because these may be gathered from what hath been spoken of the Covenant of Suretiship or Redemption I shall only touch upon them in this place And 1. The Acts of the Father plotting and making the Covenant with Christ Mediator 1. He had a purpose to raise man through a Mediator Eph. 1.5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 2. He chose the Son for the doing this work and us in him Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. He makes a Covenant with the Son Psal 89.3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen and promises were given to Christ and grace given to us in him before the world began Tit. 1.2 2 Tim. 19. 4. God the Father appoints who shall be saved and gives them to the Son that all that were written in Gods book may also be written in the lambs book of life Joh. 17.9 Them that thou hast given me for they are thine Rev. 20.12 15. Chap. 21. v. 27. 5. He appoints what measure of grace and glory every one of them shall have Eph. 4.7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ Mat. 20.23 But to fit on my right hand and on my left is not mine to give but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father 6. He commits all Government to the Son for the Elects sake that he may do according to this appointment Isa 9.6 And the government shall be upon his shoulder Joh. 5.22 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all Judgment to the Son 2. The Acts of Jesus Christ undertaking 1. He consents to the Covenant Psal 40.7 Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me 2. He engageth himself to take the Creature into union with his Person Heb. 10.5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me And to lay down his life according to his Fathers command Joh. 10.18 This commandment have I received of my Father 3. He undertakes to receive and keep and raise up at the last day all those given him by the Father Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Chap. 17. throughout 4. He undertakes the Government of the world and to Judg it at the last day Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Mat. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father Joh. 3.35 The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand 3. The Acts of the Spirit 1. He undertakes to unite the humane nature to Christ by a miraculous conception Luk. 1.35 The holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee 2. To joyn us with God in one spirit 1 Cor. 6.17 But he that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit 3. To be a Spirit of Unction first to Christ and then to us through him Joh. 3 34 For God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek 4. To act all our graces to blow upon them and to help our infirmities Song 4. last Awake O north-wind and come thou south blow upon my garden that the spices thereof may flow out Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered 5. To shed abroad the love of God in our hearts Rom. 5.5 Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy-Ghost which is given unto us 6. To set a Seal upon our hearts and to bear witness of all the work of God in us Eph. 1.13 In whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy spirit of promise Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God Now all these things are discovered and manifested to us in Jesus Christ the Mediator of the new Covenant CHAP. X. Of Christs Calling to the Office of Mediatorship THis being the Person who is Mediator of the new Covenant We come in the next place to speak of the Office And 1. Of Christs Calling to it 2. Of his qualification for it 3. Of his carriage in it And first we shall enquire after Christs Calling to the office of Mediatorship which we shall shortly dispatch by answering of these three Questions Q. 1. How came Christ to undertake this work A. He was called to it he did not intrude himself in the Mediators Office but was sent and employed in the work these things clear his calling to the work 1. Several of his Names import it Mal. 3.1 He is called the Angel or Messenger of the Covenant Because of his mission and Gods sending of him to do this work c. Isa 42.1 My servant and mine elect Because of his being called and employed by his Father he was called a Servant or chosen Officer formed for a special
imployment Isa 49.5 Thus saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob again to him Phil. 2.7 And took upon him the form of a servant 2. He is about the work of Mediation by Office and not by medling without his station which also sheweth his calling to the Work inasmuch as he was about it by Office as his duty in his Calling Heb. 3.1 Consider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession Christ Jesus Chap. 5.10 Called of God an High-priest after the order of Melchisidec And this is pointed at by all these Scriptures which make mention of the things that Christ did as Mediator he did them ex officio by vertue of some tye and obligation to do them as duties of his Office hence we find the holy-Ghost using the words must necessity became him behoved c. Heb. 2.10 17 For it became him for whom are all things Wherefore in all all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren Chap. 8. v. 3 Wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer Joh. 4.4 And he must needs go through Samaria 3. He is in Office not by intrusion but by annointing which imports lawful calling and mission Psal 2.2 The Lord and his annointed Joh. 1.41 We have found the Messias which is being interpreted the Christ So the Apostle to the Hebrews shews of all his three Offices 4. The Scriptures plainly holds it forth and the more strongly that it is held forth both Negatively and Affirmatively denying any intrusion on Christs part and affirming a calling from God to him Heb. 5.4 5 And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High-priest but he that said to him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son c. Joh. 6.38 39 40 44 Christ doth frequently make mention of the will of him that sent him Q. 2. By whom was Christ called unto the Office of Mediatorship A. By God his Father not excluding the other two persons of the Trinity though for orders sake it be attributed to the Father the fountain of divine operations Col. 1.19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell Joh. 6.27 For him hath God the Father sealed i.e. set apart designed and fitted for this Office that he was called unto this Office by God the Scripture speaketh plainly Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen oââ of the people Heb. 5.5 6 10 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High-priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place Thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec called of God an High priest after the order of Melchisedec And 3.2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him And that he could be called by no other may appear 1. From the Antiquity of his calling to this Office which was before all created beings Prov. 8.23 I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was He was elected to this in order before we were elected to salvation Psal 89.3 I have made a covenant with my chosen Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world 2. From the end of the Office of a Mediator which was Reconciliation now who could find out a fit person and call him to undertake this work but he that had found out the way and means of Reconciliation which was God only for man did neither seek nor plot a peace with God Col. 1.20 It pleased the Father by him to reconcile all things to himself Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. From the nature of the Office of Mediatorship which is an Office of Inferiority a service Mat. 20.28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransome for many Isa 42.2 Chap. 53. v. 11. Now who could design Christ call or ordain and command him unto an Office of Inferiority although by voluntary dispensation but God only Joh. 10.18 For this commandment have I received of my Father 4. From the Impossibility under which the creature stood to find any days-man except God had found one and called him to it amongst all the Creatures there was none that durst undertake this cause or could design another to undertake it viz. To interpose betwixt the Creator and the Creature Job 9.33 Neither is there any days-man betwixt us that might lay his hand upon us 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sin against another the judg shall judg him but if a man sin against the Lord who shall intreat for him Q. 3. When was Christ called to be Mediator of the new Covenant A. For the clearing of this Consider that Christs calling to the Office of Mediatorship may import three things his Designation his Furniture his Investiture in the Office Now according as the question relateth to these parts of his Calling so it requireth different Answers 1. Christs Calling or Designation to the Office of Mediator of the Covenant is eternal he was chosen and destinated hereunto before-time even from all eternity Prov. 8.23 Wisdom was set up by the Father from everlasting designed and appointed unto this high and honourable Office and employment to be Mediator of the new Covenant yea it must be so 1. Since Gods Covenant with Christ is eternal and his chusing and designation of Christ to be Mediator is in order of nature before his Covenant with Christ for it presupposeth him to be Mediator Psal 89.3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen 2. Because our election presupposeth Christ first chosen before us as the head of the Elect Eph. 1.4 Therefore we are said to be chosen in Christ i. e. as members of the head or through him as Mediator although Christ be not the cause of Election or of Gods Love 2. Christ's calling to be Mediator in respect of his Furniture for executing that Office whereunto he was designed before time and in respect of his being invested in the Office it is in time to wit when he was anointed which was at two times especially 1. When he took our nature upon him 2. When he was to appear in the publick execution of his Offices whereof more particularly when I come to speak of his Unction Vse If Christ be called unto this Office of Mediatorship by God his Father from all eternity Then 1. wonder at the eternal love of God and let your hearts be raised up to adore the unsearchable riches of grace and wisdom manifested in Gods early calling Christ to an Office and Service for our sake and Christs voluntary
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 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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
further and more significantly express this condescending-love Heb. 2.16 It was a favour which he denied to the Angels ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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
Ceremonial Answ That the Law might reach him as the sinner legally as one that was made sin for us for if he had not been made under the Law he had been without the compass of it it could not have reached him nor taken hold of him as one who took our Law-place upon him and so we should not have been the better of him the taking on of our nature could not have profited us except he had also taken on our condition as we were sinful men liable to the sentence of the Law for the transgression thereof which is expressed Gal. 4.5 by our being under the Law that was our condition and that he might take it on him he is made under the Law More particularly 1. He was made under the Moral Law under the whole Law 1. Under the Directive part of it which he fulfilled and established he satisfied that part of the Law without breaking so much as one jot or tittle of it and established it to be a rule to all his that by the obedience thereof they should testifie their love to him 2. Cor. 5.14 15 For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judg that if one died for all then were all dead and that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again 2. He was made under the Forfeiture and penalty of the Law which he fulfilled and abolished to wit the Forfeiture which we had incurred and by Forfeiture had brought our selves under the penalty of death therein contained Col. 2.14 Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nailing it to his cross And this he satisfied by his obedience even to the suffering of death nostra vice in our stead or room and so he satisfied the Law fully and cancelled the sentence thereof 2. He was made under the Ceremonial Law Luk. 2.21 22 23 24 And when eight days were accomplished for the purification of the child his name was called Jesus c. Ceremonies fall under a threefold consideration 1. As they are Ordinances and so he was made under them to sanctifie them for Christ needed not circumcision nor baptism but by him they are sanctified 2. As they are types and so the whole Ceremonial Law was fulfilled in Christ Col. 2.17 Which are a shadow of things to come but the body is Christ 3. As they are burdens and so they are removed by Christ Act. 15.10 Now therefore why tempt ye God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear He was then made under the Ceremonial Law to fulfil and abolish it for if Christ had not come and been under it we had still remained under the burden of it but by his being a Jew made under the Law we enjoy these priviledges of freedom from that yoke which believers enjoy under the new Testament Quest 6. Why was the Son of God born of a Virgin and not of a married woman Answ That he might answer the type given of him by the Holy-Ghost in Melchisedecs Priesthood Heb. 7.3 15 Without father without mother without descent having neither beginning of days nor end of life but made like unto the Son of God abideth a Priest continually And it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another Priest 2. To answer the predictions of his miraculous conception Christs being manifested in the flesh was miraculous and foretold to be so and that it might be the better known to be so God will have his Son come into the world in a miraculous manner Dan. 2.45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands c. As also he went out of the world in like manner Act. 1.11 This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven Therefore also the Angels came down at his birth to waken up men unto the observation of that miracle Luk. 2.13 14 And suddenly there was with the Angels a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men It is a sign above nature Isa 7.14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign Behold A virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call his name Immanuel A matter that reason comprehendeth not faith only dealeth in it 3. Because Original sin at least the stain and filth thereof cometh to us by propagation therefore he must not come into the world in the ordinary way being that he must be separated from sinners and be that holy thing upon which the corruption of our nature cannot fall Heb. 7.26 Luk. 1.35 Being also conceived of the Holy-Ghost to sanctifie the seed of the woman Luk. 1.35 And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy-Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the highest shall over-shadow thee therefore also that Holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Quest 7. Why is Christ made man in the fulness of time and not sooner nor later Answ It may satisfie and content us that it is written Gal. 4.2 that was the time appointed of the Father It liked him to appoint that time yet for further satisfaction if further be necessary or attainable Consider 1. God will have the world to know their own condition to try their own wisdom and he will give them time to do so if the world can do any thing for themselves to deliver the creature from vanity and bondage unto which it was made subject by reason of corruption and when the world in so long time might see that they could do nothing for their own happiness and Redemption then God will send his Son and let out his wisdom in Christ that had been hid from the world ever since the fall when the Law of God written in mans heart was corrupted and all things out of order so that by the light of nature and rules of virtue no man could find out the way to happiness nor discover any thing of Christ 1 Cor. 1.20 21 Where is the wise where is the scribe where is the disputer of this world hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe 2. God will have his people to wait long and to be much exercised before he let out great mercies and fulfil great promises to them And so it is in this If in the fulfilling of the promise of bringing Abraham's seed to Canaan he would be so long waited on If in the destruction of Antichrist he will be so many years
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 sinnârs to repentance You may therefore be assured of his readiness to receive such when they come unto him 2. This is the Fountain of all the promises of the Covenant of Grace the three greatest promises in all the Covenant flow from Christs Incarnation I will be your God I will give you my Son and I will give you my Spirit All these and all the rest too flow from this Fountain for neither the Father the Son nor the Spirit are given to us but through a Mediator and through his assuming of our nature Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ 2. As the union of the two natures in our Mediator holds out the exaltation of our nature Hence 1. Let us wonder what is man thus to be exalted the eighth Psalm is written for this end that we may wonder at mans exaltation not in Creation only but in Redemption as Vers 2 shews which is applied to Christ Mat. 21.16 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise how should this provoke to admiration that in our nature the fulness of the Godhead should dwell bodily Col. 2.9 2. Let us take Christs coming in the flesh and the exalting of our nature by the personal union with the Godhead for a pledg of the fulfilling of all other promises and granting all other mercies and salvation to us the root and body of the promises is come the branches will follow also 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are Amen Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things This pledg was used by Isaiah as a confirmation from God and a ground of assurance for delivering the Church from Ashur Isa 7.11 14 Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God ask it either in the depth or in the height above Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign Behold A virgin shall conceive and bare a Son and shall call his name Immanuel And shall we distrust him for granting any other petition or deliverance who hath granted the main one 3. Let us take boldness to come to God through Christs flesh the great Courtier in Heaven is of our kindred take courage and improve the favour and friendship that our brother hath in Heaven Heb. 10.19 20 21 22 Having therefore brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say his flesh And having an High-priest over the house of God let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith 3. As the union of the two natures in our Mediator holds out his due qualification and fitness for his office 1. Behold in him a general fitness to receive each Person whose nature he beareth I say a fitness to receive them even all sorts of persons without exception there is none who needs him and cometh to him needs to distrust him Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 2. Let this encourage such as are afraid to draw near to God for union and reconciliation with him because of their estrangement from him through loss of his Image Lo he is willing to unite himself to thee and hath given assurance of it in his Son by vertue of his union with our nature Rom. 8.3 3. When we find difficulty to draw near to God or languishing in the life of our faith toward God Let us draw near to God the flesh of our our Mediator for influences and searn to come to God through the vail of his flesh Heb. 10.20 Jesus Christ is not strange he is near to us and his graces cannot be far off Rom. 10.6 8 Say not in thine heart Who shall ascend into heaven The word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach But it is with many and even with the most part as with the ten Tribes who pleaded kindred and blood to David yet
there were but two tribes that clave to him and being nearer in kindred would not be beaten from him 1 Kings 12.16 17. Some talk-lustily and bear themselves boldly upon Christ in words others are near of kin to him and will not be beaten from him CHAP. XIII Of the Mediators Vnction as it relateth to the separating of him for his Offices THE second part of Christs qualification for the Office of Mediatorship is his Vnction this was consequent unto his personal union so that as we called the union of the two natures in Christ Person the principal and chief qualification of him for this Office so we are to look upon his Unction as carrying in it divers qualifications which result from the former The Unction of Christ comprehends two things 1. The separating of him unto these excellent Offices of being Prophet Priest and King of his Church 2. The endowing him with the Spirit above measure with gifts and graces of the Spirit and assistances meet to enable him for the Work The first Part of Christs Unction is that whereby he is anointed to these Offices Christ Mediator is anointed to be Prophet Priest and King of his Church Concerning which we shall speak 1. Of the anointing 2. Of the Offices And first by this Unction as it relateth to his Offices for of his Unction as it comprehends his Furniture we are not now speaking but shall in the next place we may understand according to the various use of anointing among men and the Scripture purport of the Word 1. His Designation for these Offices in the Counsel of God Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth So the word is used 1 Sam. 16.13 of Davids first Designation to succed in the Kingdom to Saul long before he came to the Government 2. The declaration of his being designed unto these Offices Psal 2.7 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee So anointing is taken in the case of Gods declaring Jehu successor in the Kingdom 1 Kings 19.16 with 2 Kings 9.1 3. The separating of him or setting him apart for these Offices Psal 89.20 I have found David my servant with my holy oyl have I anointed him So the word is used 1 Chron. 29.22 1 Sam. 15.17 with Psal 105.15 4. The publick solemn investing him in these Offices with power and authority to exercise them Act. 10.38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy-Ghost and with power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him Luk. 1.32 And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David And it s from his anointing that Christ hath his name Joh. 1.41 We have found the Messias which is being interpreted the Christ Luk. 9.20 The Christ of God 2. Concerning these three Offices of Christ we shall briefly touch upon 1. The necessity of them in our Mediators Person 2. The nature and use of them 3. The harmony and consent of these Offices in Christs person and in his execution of them And 1. The necessity of these Offices in our Mediator appeareth 1. From the evils under which we were lying man being under 1. Ignorance of God 2. Alienation from God Eph. 4.18 Having the understanding darkened being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their hearts 3. Impotency to come unto him Joh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which sent me draw him Necessary it was that our Mediator be a person that carrieth Offices which may reach these evils His prophecy and teaching meets with our ignorance of God for he is a teacher come from God Joh. 3.7 A Prophet by whom all his people are taught of God Jer. 31.33 Isa 54.13 His Priesthood and Sacrifice meets with our alienation and estrangement from God for thereby the distance is removed and a friendship bound up with God Eph. 2.13 14 18 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ For he is our peace who hath made both one For through him we both have an access by one spirit unto the Father And his Kingdom meets with our impotency for thereby we are mightily wrought upon and determined so as our impotency proves no over-powering lett in the way of his grace Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people 2. It appears from the work which he came to do which required this conjunction of Offices in his Person 1. He came to reveal a new way of happiness and therefore behoved to be a Prophet Act. 7.37 A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall you hear Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord 2. He came to purchase and acquire this new blessedness and therefore behoved to be a Priest to offer Sacrifice for it 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 of the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 3. He came to make application of his purchase and therefore behoved also to be a King Heb. 5.9 And being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation untâ all them that they him 2. The nature and use of these three Offices in our Mediator we find in some measure let out in the promises of the Covenant at least a chief and material hint at something of all the three Jer. 31.33 34 with Heb. 8. and 10. 1. Christ Mediator as a Prophet travelleth in begetting a right understanding betwixt the two parties that are at variance betwixt God and man and to this effect being intimately acquainted with all his Fathers secrets 1. He publisheth and declareth all the mind of God to his people especially in revealing the gracious purpose of God concerning the way and means of reconciliation Mat. 11.27 Neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh 2. He worketh the effectual knowledg of God and of his will in his peoples heart See 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who caused the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ Luk. 1.77 79 To give knowledg of Salvation unto his people by the
sins 1 Joh. 2.27 And ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lye 2. How to apply Christs Priesthood at first for justification and how to apply it daily and continually for repeated pardon and forgiveness and how to improve it as our daily sacrifice 1 John 1.9 If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness And 2.1 2. My little children these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous c. 3. How to live by faith to depend upon Christ and to be guided continually by him as the ruler of his people Heb. 10.38 Now the just shall live by faith Psal 73.24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel and afterward receive me to glory 2. By removing mistakes and prejudices which are so rooted in our hearts that there can be no agreement till these prejudices be taken off and a good understanding be gotten betwixt the parties Thus Christ played the Prophet to the woman of Samaria by instructing her till he had removed her mistakes and prejudices and informed her judgment right and then he had access to deal further with her Joh. 4.3 By convincing of the need of his Priesthood and Sacrifice and of his Kingdom he doth teach his people as a Prophet till they know they need a Sacrifice and till he shew them where it is and till they know they need a King and the arm of Omnipotency for effecting a change of the Covenant-state John 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin of righteousness and of judgment Job 33.23 If there be a messenger with him an interpreter one among a thousand to shew unto man his uprightness Consider 2. How the Priesthood of Christ concurreth with his Prophesie and Kingdom and is aiding to them 1. His Priesthood is aiding to his Prophesie 1. By making God accessible through the new and living way of Reconciliation taught by his Prophesie God having now accepted a sacrifice and we having a Priest by whom we may come to him Heb. 10.19 20 Having therefore brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say the flesh and an Advocate and Intercessor to pray for us 1 John 2.1 2 We have an Advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins 2. By making that great Prophet more affable and condescending to us by how much he is come near to us in our nature and hath taken his Sacrifice from among his brethren I mean his flesh and body Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren Chap. 5.1 For every High-priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that they may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins Chap. 10. v. 5 Whererefore when he cometh into the world he saith sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me 2. His Priesthood is aiding to his Kingdom and that in both the parts of it 1. In his sacrifice and satisfaction he hath doubled his right and title to his people and worketh their salvation by price which as a King he doth by power and conquest Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 1 Pet. 1.18 19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ 2. In his Intercession he carrieth the same business of our Salvation by favour and entreaty which he hath also carried by Command as a King 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 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high John 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 3. Consider how his Kingdom doth support his Priesthood and Prophesie and give vigour and efficacy to them both And 1. His Kingdom doth assist his Prophesie 1. By sustaining and keeping up the means of Salvation and Teaching by his Gospel and Ordinances against all the enemies that have risen up and bestirred themselves against the same ever since the beginning of the world Thus he keepeth these pillars of his Throne from ruine Psalm 110.2 5 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath 2. By making his Gospel and Ordinances have their full effectualness in the hearts of his people to convince and convert them and to pierce and condemn those that despise them John 9.39 And Jesus said For Judgment I am come into this world that they which see not might see a and that they which see might be made blind Isa 55.11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth it shall not return unto me void but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it 2. His Kingdom doth assist his Priesthood 1. By giving efficacy to his satisfaction to reconcile the persons of the Elect to God and to obtain forgiveness of their sins for it is his Kingdom that doth convey the power of his Priesthood into the soul 2. By giving Efficacy unto his Intercession for keeping all those that are given to him by his Father continually in a state of grace and favour John 17.11 24 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 3. By making his Death and Resurrection effectual to subdue our lusts and to set up his Kingdom within us Eph. 1.19 20 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places Rom. 6.4 5 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the father even so we also should walk in newness of life For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection Vse 1.
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 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã and ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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
humane Nature of Christ 1. It was Created-grace wherewith he was anointed it was grace given upon the one part and received upon the other it was grace-poured out and infused in the same manner as believers receive grace Psal 68.18 Thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord might dwell among them Psal 45.2 7 Grace is poured into thy lips therefore hath God blessed thee for ever Thou lovest righteousness and hatest wickedness therefore God thy God hath anointed thee with oyl of gladness above thy fellows 2. It was grace which being finite did receive encrease Luk. 2.40 52 And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him And Jesus encreased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man as all his members do Eph. 4.13 Till all we come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ 3. It must needs be of the same kind seeing our grace and Unction is part of his fulness Joh. 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace 1 Joh. 2.20 27 But ye have an unction from the holy one But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you Yet so as Christ is not degraded from his Soveraignty by his partners exaltation Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence 2. Concerning the measure of Christs Unction although his Unction differ not in kind from the Unction of believers yet the measure of it so far exceeds our measure that in respect thereof it is without measure and yet the humane Nature of Christ had not infinite grace for thereof it was not capable it is as the Ocean compared with the drop of a Bucket the spirit and grace was in him as water in the Fountain in us as water in the Cistern communication in regard of Christ is full and immediate grace is in him as the money in the treasure which is disbursed to us according to our need grace is in him as life and sense is eminently in the heart and head which is diffused into his members Joh. 5.26 For as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself Chap. 6. v. 57 As the living Father hath sent me and I live by the Father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Psal 45.2 7 Thou art fairer than the children of men grace is poured into thy lips God thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence 3. Concerning the time of Christs Unction whether he received the spirit without measure in that copious abundant effusion from the womb and first moment of his conception We say he was anointed even from the first union of his two Natures in his person the Godhead did sanctifie the huname Nature and make it holy undefiled and infused all graces as appears from Luk. 1.35 Therfore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Heb. 7.26 For such an High-priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heaven And from the glorious effects thereof which did early appear in him Luk. 2.42 to 49. Yet so as he did more fully receive the anointing and the spirit without measure when he was to appear publickly in the entire executing of his Offices which was about the thirtieth year of his age Luk. 3.23 with 4.1 22 And Jesus being full of the Holy-Ghost c. And all bare him witness and wondred at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth Which was typified in Davids being twice anointed once when he was first designed King 1 Sam. 16.13 And again when he was invested in the presence of the people 2 Sam. 2.4 Which was also held forth in the visible sign of the Holy-Ghost his descending upon him at his baptism Mat. 3.16 And was intimated to John before-hand Joh. 1.33 34 And I knew him not but he that sent me to baptize with water the same said unto me Vpon whom thou shalt see the spirit descending and remaining on him the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy-Ghost And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God i.e. That he who as man should receive the spirit should also as God yea as Mediator give the spirit to others 4. Concerning the extent of his Unction as it reacheth unto all the parts of his Mediatorship and the furnishing him for them 1. He was anointed to be a Prophet furnished with a dexterity to preach the Gospel Luk. 4.18 19 22 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty them that are bruised to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And all bare him witness and wondred at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth Isa 50.4 The Lord hath given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary Mat. 7.28 29 And it came to pass when Jesus had ended these sayings the people were astonished at his doctrine For he taught them as one having authority and not as the Scribes Joh. 6.63 The words that I speak unto you they are spirit and they are life Yea he was not only furnished with a spirit for that calling but also for prompting others and fitting them for it Eph. 4.8 11 And gave gifts unto men And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and some Teachers 2. He was anointed not only called but furnished for his Priestly Office for both the parts thereof furnished by the Spirit wherewith he was anointed both for offering his Sacrifice and for making his intercession Heb. 9.14 Who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God Chap. 5. v. 7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears c. 3. He was anointed and furnished for his Kingly Office with a spirit and gifts for Government for conquering his enemies and for ruling his people Psal 45.3 4 5 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh O most Mighty with thy glory and thy Majesty And in thy Majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things Thine arrows are
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
hath Gods heart and a mans heart 1. Christ is an affable Mediator in respect of his Father the offended party and no wonder for he dwelleth in his bosom Joh. 1.18 He doth kindly entertain and receive his propositions John 6.38 39 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me And this is the fathers will that hath sent me c. 2. He is an affable Mediator in respect of the offending-party one who kindly and courteously receiveth and etertaineth the worst of sinners that ever employed him His carriage while he was here on earth did throughly bear witness of this before his death and after his resurrection whereby he gave a proof how he would carry to us when he should be in glory being then in the way and first step to it O how affable was he then Luke 24. John 20 and 21 Chapters And how affable is he still now when he is set down on the right hand of Majesty Joh. 16.25 26 27 The time cometh when I shall no more speak unto you in Proverbs but I shall shew you plainly of the Father At that day ye shall ask in my name and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you for the Father himself loveth you Heb. 2.17 That he might be a merciful High-priest in things pertaining to God And 5.2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way for that he himself also is compassed with infirmities 2. He is affable to Justice and Mercy both these two Attributes in God which were to be eminently glorified in our Salvation 1. He is affable to Justice ready always to speak with Justice and to satisfie it with a Ransom and Price Heb. 12.24 And to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel 2. He is affable to Mercy and Grace and ready always to satisfie Mercy by entreaties even for the thing which he hath bought Heb. 7.25 Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Yea he pleads in our name with both these Attributes in God by virtue of his satisfaction and intercession Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us 4. A Mediator must be meek and long-suffering for the Unions-sake to bear with both the parties although they should smite him and be angry with him Christ is such a Mediator Matth. 21.5 Tell the daughter of Zion behold thy king cometh unto thee meek and sitting upon an ass and a colt the foal of an ass And 11.29 I am meek and lowly in heart Moses in his Mediation was a type of him Numb 12.3 Now the man Moses was very meek above all the men that were upon the face of the earth O so meek a Mediator as Christ is 1. He endured his Fathers anger and wrath for our sake and was smitten by him Isa 53.10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all 2. He endured our anger also he was smitten by the other party by his own for whose sake he was content to be smitten of his Father Mat. 21.38 But when the husbandmen saw the Son they said among themselves This is the heir let us kill him and let us seize on his Inheritance Isa 53.3 He is despised and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our faces from him he was despised and we esteemed him not And when he was smitten by both parties at once and endured the wrath and displeasure of both at the same time yet he carried as a meek Mediator who did bear all for the Unions-sake that he might make peace Isa 53.7 He was oppressed and he was afflicted yet he opened not his mouth he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth with 1 Pet 2.23 Who when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously He went through all the business with little clamour noise or complaint Matth. 12.17 18 19. 5. A Mediator must be merciful and tender-hearted one that hath bowels to pity the unreconciled state of the offender Christ is eminently such a Person 1. One who hath conjoyned in his person the heart of God and the heart of a man the infinite mercy of God and the kindly compassion of an experienced man who in his Humane nature hath felt our afflictions and temptations Heb. 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 succour them that are tempted And 5.2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity 2. A Person who in all his dealings hath shewed himself merciful and hath evidenced his compassionate disposition one that hath shewed mercy to all that ever came to God through him and upon all occasions that ever were given him to shew himself such John 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Matth. 15.22 And behold a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts and cryed unto him saying Have mercy on me O Lord thou Son of David my daughter is grievously vexed with a Devil And 9.27 And when Jesus departed thence two blind men followed him crying and saying Thou Son of David have mercy on us One who shewed mercy not only upon the matter but even in the way and manner of his dealings with his people Matth. 12.20 A bruised reed shall he not break and smoaking flax shall he not quench till he send forth judgment into victory And 9.17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles else the bottles break and the wine runneth out and the bottles perish but they put new wine into new bottles and both are preserved One who carryeth compassionately unto and is pitiful even of the wilful refusers of his mercy Luke 19.41 And when he was come near he beheld the City and wept over it c. One who was not only pitiful in the days of his flesh but hath carryed also the same heart and bowels of a merciful and compassionate Mediator unto heaven with him Heb. 2.18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted And 4.15 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 1 John 2.1 And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous 6. A Mediator must be Potent and able to compass his undertaking Christ is such a Mediator Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty Isa 9.6 His name shall be called the mighty God He is a potent Mediator 1. In respect of the power that is in his hands Consider his ability to compass the work committed unto him in respect of his essential power and kingdom and in respect of his dispensatory power and kingdom Isa 9.6 7 He is able to save to the utmost perfectly Heb. 7.25 He is mighty to save Isa 63.1 He is able to save from sin and all that is in it whether guilt power or defilement and from wrath and all that may follow upon it he is able to supply all our wants and to do for us exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think Phil. 4.19 Eph. 3.20 And consider his ability to perform whatsoever he hath undertaken and that as well for God to man as for man to God He is able to do what ever he hath engaged to us on Gods behalf to finish the work that he gave him to do John 17.4 c. and for this cause he is a King by Covenant and hath all power in heaven and earth given to him Mat. 28.18 Heb. 10.12 But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sate down on the right hand of God Chap. 8. v. 1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum We have such an High-priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heaven Eph. 1.20.21 22 And set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come And hath put all things under his feet and given him to be head over all things to the Church 2. He is a potent Mediator in respect of the trust and delegation of power given to him for setling and removing the difference betwixt the parties the arbitration being rendred up to him to determine and lay his hands on both Joh. 5.22 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son This is a great power that is put in Christs hands that he shall order the satisfaction that shall be given so as to bring about the giving of it upon the one part and the acceptation of it upon the other part Joh. 10.17 18 Therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life that I might take it again I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again Chap. 17. v. 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him 3. In respect of the powerful interest he hath with both the parties 1. With God his Father with whom he is very gracious and hath power with him to procure his acceptance of such satisfaction as he offereth Mat. 3.17 This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased And to obtain from him whatsoever he desireth for the believer of the other party Joh. 11.42 And I knew that thou hearest me always Chap. 17. v. 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 2. He hath a powerful interest with man to make him offer the satisfaction which his Father is content to accept To make him subject his consent to the Gospel 2 Cor. 9.13 Joh. 12.32 And I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me And to make him walk in that way which may please his Father Ezek. 36.27 I will put my spirit in you and cause you to walk in my statutes A potent Mediator that hath a great stroak of power with both the parties to reconcile God to man by his accepting the sacrifice of Christs death and to reconcile man to God by his humbling himself to offer satisfaction to God in Christ 7. A Mediator must be faithful and true to the interest of both parties in his Mediation seeking and studying their good Christ is eminently such Heb. 2.17 Rev. 1.4 and 3.14 and 19.11 Consider how he is faithful to both the parties and how he is faithful to the business of reconciliation which is the end of a Mediator 1. He is faithful to the parties And 1. To God he is faithful to him that appointed him Heb. 3.2 True to his fathers interest in seeking his honour executing his will satisfying his justice Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of him that sent me Chap. 8. v. 49 I honour my Father and ye dishonour me 2. He is faithful to man and true to his interest in dealing effectually with his Father on our behalf in all things wherein we have dealing with God Heb. 2.17 That he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining unto God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people 1 John 2.1 We have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins 2. He is faithful to the business which is the end of his Office to wit reconciliation and making friendship betwixt the parties this being entrusted to him he makes it his work and minds it exceedingly Luk. 2.49 Wist ye not that I must be about my Fathers business Joh. 4.34 My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work And this appeareth 1. In his faithful agenting the business of our peace in Heaven whither he is gone for the making and maintaining peace between God and his people there to appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 Joh. 17. throughout Rev. 8.3 And another angel came and stood at the altar having a golden censor and there was given to him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne 2. In his faithful reporting back again to his people what may be expected by them at his Fathers hands he is the messenger of the Covenant and the true and faithful witness Mal. 3.1 Rev. 1.5 Joh. 14.2 In my Fathers house are many mansions if it were not so I would have told you I go to prepare a place for you Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to them which were afar off and to them that were night Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosome of the Father he hath declared him 3. In his effectual
Most part of the Popish Writers hold that Christ performeth the Office of Mediatorship not according to his Divine Nature but according to his Human Nature only as Man Orthodox Divines hold that Christ is Mediator according to both Natures and doth not execute that Office only as God nor only as Man but as ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã God-man For clearing whereof I shall premise a few things 1. The Question is not whether there be in the Mediator the concurrence of both natures in the unity of his Person for that is confessed by all But whether both Natures concur in the Works of Mediation or in the execution of that Office 2. Nor is the Question Whether the two Natures in Christ be distinct in their essence and properties and so in their operations for we yeild that the Human Nature doth that which pertaineth to the Humanity and the Divine Nature that which pertaineth to the Divinity yet so as the Natures being united in one Person so the operations concur to make up one Work of a Mediator the Human and Divine Natures concurring to produce one act or work of Mediatorship 3. Nor is the Question Whether all the Works of Christ the Mediator were the Works of both Natures For it is certain some of them were the Works of his Humanity some of his Divinity in respect of the thing done but Whether there were not a concurrence of both Natures acting jointly although distinctly in the performing of them 2. That Both Natures concur in Christs performing the Office of Mediatorship and what he doth as Mediator he doth as God-man may be confirmed by these reasons 1. According to what Nature Christ is the King Priest and Prophet of his Church accordingly he is Mediator for he carried these Offices as he was Mediator but according to both Natures Christ is King Priest and Prophet of his Church for according to the approved rule Names of Office which are given to Christ they agree to him according to both Natures therefore Christ executes the Office of Mediatorship as God-man according to both Natures 2. If the Godhead of Christ concurred with the Manhood in all the acts of Mediatorship then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediator as Man only but as God-man but we find the Godhead interested in every act which Christ did or doth as Mediator It is evident from the several acts of each of his Offices from his Obedience Suffering Resurrection Intercession Heb 9.14 How much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your Conscience from dead works to serve the living God And 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Eph. 1.19 20 According to the working of his power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places None of which could be performed by his Human Nature alone without concurrence of his Godhead True it is indeed we may conceive some Acts wherein the Humanity of Christ did not concur with his Divinity viz. Those that he wrought before his Incarnation but none wherein his Humanity acted without his Divinity It followeth therefore that Christ performeth this Office as God-man 3. If many chief essential acts of Christs Mediation are from the Deity of Christ as from the next proper formal and immediate cause then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediator as Man only but as God-man but many chief essential acts of Christs Mediation are from his Deity as the next proper formal immediate cause Ergo c. The Minor is proved by these instances The Incarnation of Christ is from the Deity which did assume the Humanity which when it was not could not assume it self The manifestation of God was a work truly divine which was from the Deity as the true cause though from the Humanity as an Instrument Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him Matth. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father and no man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father fave the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Christ as Man teacheth as an Instrument and Christ the Word teacheth as Mediator the works of Authority and Power were all performed by the Divine Nature 4. If Christ as Mediator performed many divine acts which cannot be from his Humanity alone Then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediatorship as Man only but as God also But Christ as Mediator performeth many Divine acts which cannot be from his Humanity alone such as his rising from the dead which was by the power of his Deity Rom. 1.4 And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurection of Jesus from the dead And 8.3 4 Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Eph. 1.19 20 Christ as Mediator hath power and authority to forgive sins and send the holy Spirit to enlighten the understandings to soften the hearts of men and that not only meritoriously but efficiently which are the proper works of God Mar. 2.10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins Joh. 15.26 But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testify of me And 16.7 But if I depart I will send him unto you 5. If none of the works performed by Christ as Mediator whether the works of Ministry that were performed by him in the Nature of man or the works of Authority and Power performed by the Divine Nature were performed without the concurring of the other Nature in Christ Then Christ performeth the Office of Mediator not as God alone nor as Man only but according to both Natures as God-man but the former is true Ergo c. The Major is proved by parts 1. The works of Ministry which were performed in the Nature of man and were the works of Christs Humanity such as were his death upon the Cross c. yet the Divine Nature was concurring in these not only to support and sustain the Human but the thing done had its efficacy dignity and value from his Divinity in that they were the works of him that is God It was the Son of God the Lord of life that died on the Cross but it was the Nature of Man not of God wherein he died yet it was the Divine Nature that did support him and gave worth to his sacrifice 2. The works of authority and power such as the remitting of sins
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 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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. ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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
parts of that Office not being yet the Man Christ 1 Tim. 2.5 but after his Incarnation he was a Compleat Mediator Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not but a body hast thou prepared me Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the Book it is written of me to do thy will O God 3. Before his Incarnation he was secretly and invisibly a Mediator in Heaven after his Incarnation he did visibly act that part upon Earth and then went into the holiest to continue in the exercise of this Office Heb. 9.24 Now to appear in the presence of God for us Vse This also should contribute to establish our faith while ur Mediator is absent from us or rather while we are absent from him and he is out of our sight If this Office was effectual for the good of believers before he actually offered sacrifice or interceded how much more when he hath actually done both these Have we any better support of Faith if his Mediation was effectual before he was a compleat Mediator and had not yet taken our nature upon him shall we not believe now the efficacy thereof after he is the Man Christ If his Mediation was effectual while he had not yet come down from Heaven to act visibly here on Earth how much more when he hath finished the work and is now returned and gotten his Fathers welcome Believe it he is at Court though he be out of our sight Conclusion 3. That Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant executeth this Office as well in the state of his Exaltation as Humiliation Heb. 7.24 25 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood Wherefore he is able also to save them to the utmost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them But with some observable difference which is to be seen 1. In his exercising the three Offices which were parts of his Mediatorship And 2. In the distinct parts of these Offices 1. It was mainly his Priestly Office which the Mediator discharged here on Earth in his state of Humiliation his entry upon his Kingly Administration being eminently reserved to the state of Exaltation Heb. 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high And 8.1 We have an High-priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the Heavens Phil. 2.8 9 And being found in fashion he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth But his Prophetical Office was excercised by him in both these states of his Humiliation and Exaltation Luke 24.47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his Name among all Nations beginning at Jerusalem Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on Earth much more shall we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven 2. His Priesthood which he dischargeth in both parts thereof as well in his Exaltation as Humiliation Yet eminently he sacrificed here and eminently he intercedeth in Heaven Heb. 9.24 26 Now to appear in the presence of God for us Now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself His Kingdom which was reserved for his Exaltation understand it by way of eminency also Matth. 28.18 And Jesus came and spoke unto them saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth Rev. 5.6 And I beheld and lo in the midst of the Elders stood a Lamb For he was a King when he was here on Earth and carried matters in a Princely way although his glory was over-clouded by his leaving the Throne for a time that he might sit down in it afterward in greater honour Phil. 2.6 8 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name His Prophetical Office which was exercised in both states yet was in his Humiliation visible and in his own person Joh. 1.10 He was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not Heb. 1.1 2 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in the time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son Luke 24.27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things that concerned himself But in his Exaltation it is done by his Messengers or more secretly by his Word and Spirit Eph. 4.11 12 And gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying the Body of Christ. Joh. 14.26 But the Comforter which is the holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you 1 Joh. 2.27 But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you all things and is truth and is no lye and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him Vse Believers think not that Christ is out of his Office when he is out of your sight or that the height of honour unto which he is now exalted at the right hand of God doth abate any thing from his carefulness and condescendency for sinners behoof but be you rather comforted from this As high as the Mediator is now upon his Throne he yet carrieth that Office and is made high for your advantage and consolation Heb. 4.14 16 Seeing then that we have an High-priest that is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God Let us hold fast our profession Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need And 10.21 22 And having an High-priest over the House of God let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water You may come as familiarly and boldly to him now as when he was in his humbled condition conversant among men seeing he is about the same work and exercising the same Office now as then Heb. 13.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever It is a Question not unfitly moved Quest Whether the Angels have any share in Christs Mediation Answ Two Scriptures seem to appropriate the benefit of Christs Mediation to Mankind Yet I conceive they may admit one native interpretation without straining the word which doth not shut out the
they were created which was mutable More particularly The execution and work of Christs Mediatorship may be reduced to these Five heads 1. To bring the elect into a capacity of covenanting with God 2. To bring them within the bond of the Covenant after he hath thus prepared the way 3. To enable them whom he bringeth into this New-Covenant-state to perform the duties of the Covenant 4. To keep those whom he bringeth into this Covenant state from falling away from it or to enable them to continue in it 5. To bring those whom he hath brought up to the terms of a Covenant with God to that height of that Blessedness which is appointed for them and to Crown his work in them The first part of the Mediators work and execution of his Office is to prepare a way for mans covenanting with God to make the way of God accessible and to put man in a capacity to enter in terms with God For man by sin was made uncapable of covenanting with God until the Mediator cometh in to compose the difference and to restore the love and friendship that once had been betwixt God and man who to prepare a way for mans covenanting with God doth two things himself and worketh two things in us The first to make God accessible the other to make men capable of covenanting with God who is made accessible in Christs death 1. He taketh on mans nature that a Sacrifice might be among mankind who had sinned he putteth his name in our Obligation that the Law might reach him Gal. 4.4 5. 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 2. In our nature he obeyeth the Law and suffereth he payeth a price for our Ransom 2 Cor. 5.21 He is made sin for us an offering for sin he stood in the sinners stead here he purchaseth a liberty to the elect and hath it in his just and legal power to set them free when he will Act. 20.28 being the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own Blood 3. He convinceth men of their sin and of their bondage and impossibility to satisfy Justice and to this end he attacheth them before Divine Justice Joh. 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the World of sin of righteousness and of judgment Rom. 7.9 For I was alive without the Law once but when the Commandment came sin revived and I died Gal. 3.24 Wherefore the Law was our Schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by Faith 4. He worketh their Hearts to a yielding-frame listning and ready to welcom the news of delivery which have not yet been actually spoken to their hearts to be content to come out of their bondage and to enjoy freedom by him to be content to come in his will and to yield the weapons to him and to change the state and righteousness whereof sometimes they had no small content Act. 9.6 Lord What wilt thou have me to do Arise and go into the City and it shall be told thee what thou must do They pant after a Saviour as Paul did for compleat Redemption Rom. 7.29 O wretched man that I am Who shall deliver me from the body of this death And when all this is done Sinners are but in a capacity of covenanting with God till more be done by Christ in the work of his Mediatorship for man he is not yet in a covenant with God all this is to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Luke 1.17 For though Christ hath payed the price of the ââects ransom and hath purchased their liberty on the Cross yea and hath also convinced a man of his need of this ransom and made him toward and tractable to listen to accept of it yet till a man come in by faith and manifest his acceptance or rather actually accept of Christs proposals he is not yet actually in a Covenant with God but concluded under wrath Joh. 3.36 And he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him The second part of the Mediators work and execution of his Office is to bring the elect within the bond of the Covenant And for bringing about this 1. Christ makes an offer of a New Covenant state with all suitable allurements and encouragements which may invite the Souls of the elect to accept of it And for this end he hath appointed the Ministry of Reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.19 20 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God And 6.17 18 Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you and will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters saith the Lord Almighty Isa 55.1 3 Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your Soul shall live and I will make an everlasting Covenant with you even the sure mercies of David 2. He shapeth and frameth the hearts of his people for acceptation of his offer and bringeth them unto a liking and satisfaction with the Covenant and the terms of it 2 Sam. 23.5 For this is all my salvation and all my desire although he make it not to grow Psal 73. last But it is good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works 3. He actually maketh them to embrace it and enter into it for after he hath shaped their hearts for acceptation he actually engageth them by consenting and agreeing on their part Hos 2.14 19 Therefore behold I will allure her and bring her unto the Wilderness and speak comfortably unto her And I will betroth thee unto me for ever Ezek. 20.37 And I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me And this he doth 1. By making us receive and welcom the Gospel and subject our consent unto it by taking on the very bonds and rebukes of the Word and yielding our selves captives unto it 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ And 10.4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Rom. 6.17 But ye have obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine which was delivered unto you 2. By making us receive and embrace the Promises Heb. 11.13 and take hold of the Covenant Isa 56.4 6. And this is a further step of the Mediators work in
all Believers Rom. 5.1 2 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ By whom also we have access by Faith unto this grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God Eph. 2.14 For he is our peace who hath made both one 5. He keepeth intercourse and good correspondence betwixt his Father and his people that their trading with Heaven be not stopped Eph. 2.18 For by him we both have an access through one Spirit unto the Father And 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the Faith of him 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã a word that signifies leading by the hand Heb. 10.19 Having therefore Brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus And 4.16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace 6. He taketh up emergent differences and removeth the incident breaches of Peace betwixt both parties Isa 53.12 And he was numbred with the transgressors and be bare the sin of many and made intercession for the Transgressors Heb. 9.7 Not without blood he which offered for himself and for the errors of the people ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã the word signifieth the infirmities to which the people of God are daily subject which would break the league of Peace were it not for the Mediators doing his Office to hold it firm And this he doth 1. As an Agent making his constant residence in Heaven that upon all occasions he may appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 2. As an Advocate pleading his peoples cause and shewing that satisfied Justice must be for them 1 Joh. 2.1 And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous Heb. 12 24 And to Jesus the Mediator of the New-Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel 3. As an Intercessor praying for them Joh. 17 througout Rom. 8.34 Who is he that condemneth It is Christ that dyed yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us 4. As a Solicitor presenting and promoting the Prayers and desires of his people to his Father Rev. 8.3 And another Angel came and stood at the Altar having a golden Censor and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints upon the golden Altar which was before the Throne The fifth part of the Mediators work in executing this Office is to bring all those whom he hath engaged by this Covenant to the height of that blessedness which he hath appointed for them that as a Captain of Salvation he might bring many Sons to glory Heb. 2.10 which standeth in perfect and glorious conformity with Christ and in perfect and glorious communion with God 1 Joh. 3.2 But we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is For accomplishing whereof Christ in executing the Mediators Office 1. He prepareth that happiness for them and a fit place where they may enjoy it for ever 1 Cor. 2.9 Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither hath it entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him Joh. 14.2 3 In my Fathers house are many Mansions if it were not so I would have told you I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also 2. He keepeth this happiness for them when they can contribute nothing to keep it all this while that it is hid it is sure and reserved for them in Heaven 1 Pet. 1.4 To an Inheritance incorruptible and that fadeth not away reserved in Heaven for you 2 Tim. 4.8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Judg shall give me at that day and not to me only but unto them also that love his appearing 3. He keepeth them for it for we have as much need of keeping as our Crown and Inheritance as we cannot keep it so we cannot keep our selves 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Luke 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not 4. Christ Mediator in executing his Office he goeth before his people and breaketh the opposition that is in their way to Glory so that he leaveth them no Adversary to fight with but broken forces such as he hath routed and conquered 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 God might dwell among them with Eph. 4.8 Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high c. Yea he went before his people to take possession for them and in their names Heb. 6.20 Whither the fore-runner is for us entred Joh. 14.2 I go to prepare a place for you 5. He maketh his people meet and fit for that glorious condition which is reserved for them for we need preparation being unpolished matter and unfit for such a house as Heaven is we must be made meet for it before we enjoy it Col. 1.12 Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light the Father doth this work by the Son it is the Mediators work immediately to make the Saints meet for their Inheritance Eph. 5.26 27 That he might sanctify and might cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word that he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Joh. 17.19 And for their sakes I also sanctify my self that they also might be sanctified through the truth he is the Author and finisher of our faith Heb. 12.2 6. When all his people are fitted and ready to receive what he hath prepared for them he will not then send any Ambassador to bring them but he himself in his own person will come and bring them home to the place of immediate everlasting injoyments of God which he hath prepared and will crown and perfect his work in all his people Joh. 14.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also Col. 3.4 When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in Glory Rev. 19.7 8 Let us be glad and rejoyce and give honour to him for the marriage of the Lamb is come and his Wife hath made her self ready And to her was granted that
for our sins 2. Against the many challenges whether of an accusing-conscience or of the great accuser of the Brethren Rom. 8.33 34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect It is God that justifieth who is he that condemneth It is Christ that dyed yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh Intercession for us 3. Against the more foul and gross stumblings of Believers for as much as it is also intended for the helping of these Luke 22 32 But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not 4. Against the fear of their falling away from the blessed Covenant-state with which fear believers have often been buffeted Psal 51.11 Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holy Spirit from me And 17.5 Hold up my goings in thy paths that my foot-steps slip not It is by Christ Mediation that we have establishment in Grace Joh. 6.39 And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day Rom. 5.10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life 5. Against the manifold afflictions wherewith Believers are tossed here the Mediator was sometimes an afflicted man and went through much suffering and hath the feeling of these Isa 53.3 7 A man of sorrow and accquainted with grief He was oppressed and he was afflicted Psal 22 throughout 6. Against the many temptations of all kinds which occasion much heaviness to Believers 1 Pet. 1.6 Ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations The Mediator had the experience of all sorts of temptations and now sympathizeth with his people like condition Heb. 2.17 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted And 4.15 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 7. Against the empty and needy condition unto which Believers are subject through the manifold wants wherewith they are daily pressed We have confidence through the Mediator to come-speed in every petition that is acceptable to God and profitable to us 1 Joh. 5.14 15 And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us And if we know that he hear us whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him Joh. 14.13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son 8. Against the fear of death which is terrible to nature Joh. 11.25 Jesus said unto her I am the resurrection and the life he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live c. 1 Cor. 15.26 The last Enemy that shall be destroyed is Death Job 19.25 For I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him 9. Against the second appearing of Christ which is sometimes terrible without cause to believers and the last Judgment that shall be given concerning the everlasting interests of the creatures the Man Christ whom you have owned for your Mediator shall sit as Judg Act. 17.30 31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at but now commandeth all men every where to repent Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained 2 Thes 7.10 And to you who are troubled rest with us When he shall come to be glorified in his Saints Then shall he perform a comfortable act of his Mediatorship Jude ver 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy c. And there is good ground for all Believers to be comforted from Christs Mediatorship if we consider 1. The person who Mediates 2. The Person with whom he Mediates 3. The Persons for whom he Mediates 4. The cause for which he Mediates 1. For the Person who Mediates Consider 1. His Graciousness with his Father O so great a Courtier with God as the Mediator is Joh. 11.41 42 Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me And I knew that thou hearest me alwayes and no wonder he be so being his Son his only begotten Son Joh. 1.18 His beloved Son Matth. 3.17 His obedient Son Phil. 2.8 2. His Greatness and absolute Power to do of himself whatsoever he Mediates for with his Father Matth. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and Earth Joh. 5.21 23 26 27 For as the Father raiseth up the dead and quickneth them even so the Son quickneth whom he will That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that sent him For as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself And Hath given him authority to execute Judgment also because he is the Son of Man Therefore he is called a Priest upon a Throne a Priest who is a King to command whatsoever he prayes for Heb. 1.3 and 8.1 Zech. 6.13 3. The oneness of his will with his Fathers which maketh sure the prevalency of his Mediation being sure to ask nothing but what is his Fathers will and all that he asks being his Fathers will as much as his how can it be ineffectual Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 2. The Person with whom he Mediates Consider 1. His nearness of relation both to the Mediator and to the Persons for whom he Mediates He is Christs Father and our Father Joh. 20.17 But go to my brethren and say unto them I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and your God 2. His graciousness and affection both to Christ and to us he loveth Christ and he loveth us and therefore it is that he is as inclinable to hear Christ for his people as Christ is to mediate for them Joh. 16.26 27. At that day ye shall ask in my name and I say unto you that I will pray the Father for you For the Father himself loveth you because ye have loved me and have believed that I came out from God 3. In the Persons for whom he Mediates Consider 1. Our nearness of alliance with the Mediator Heb. 2.11 14 17 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren For as much then as
the Children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself took part of the same 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 Joh. 17.23 I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in one 2. Our nearness to God through Christ the Mediator 2 Cor. 6.18 And I will be a father unto you and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters saith the Lord God Almighty c. 1 Cor. 6. ver 17 But he that is joyned to the Lord is one Spirit 4. In the Cause for which he Mediates Consider 1. The Righteousness thereof Christ having now satisfied Justice and his cause being justified he hath a strong plea in Law and Justice 1 Cor. 1.8 9 10 Who shall also confirm you unto the end that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord And 2.2 For I determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ and him Crucified 2. The honourableness of it not to Christ only but to God his Mediation being contrived to exalt his Fathers Grace by Intercession even after Justice is satisfied by Sacrifice Heb. 9.26 But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself With 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them CHAP. XVII Of the several Relations which Christ sustaineth in the Covenant of Grace and 1. Christ a witness to the People IT is not easie to find out and determine all Christs relations to the Covenant of Grace they are so many and so comprehensive that I know not whether to say that Christs relations seem to exhaust the total of the Covenant or that the compend and sum of the Covenant is comprized in his relations which he sustaineth in it I suppose there is a truth in both for whatsoever is necessarily related to the Covenant is in him whether it be Parties Articles Promises Conditions Confirmations Witness Mediator Messenger c. and in him is to be found the whole Covenant therefore he is called the Covenant it self Isa 42.6 49.8 Christ hath several relations to the Covenant See Mr. Rutherf trial c. Triumph of saith p. 1. c. 7. 1. He is a Party Covenanting 2. He is Mediator of the Covenant 3. He is the witness of the Covenant 4. He is the Messenger of the Covenant 5. He is a Servant in the Covenant 6. He is the Surety of the Covenant 7. He is the Testator 8. He is the Covenant it self I shall speak nothing here of the first two relations how Christ is a side or the one half of the Covenant nor how he standeth as a middle person between the disagreeing Parties But for these I refer to that I have said of the Parties covenanting and of the Mediator of the Covenant only before I proceed to speak of these other relations I shall premise these few things as being of common use for understanding of the whole relations First Whatsoever relations Christ beareth in the Covenant he was from Eternity chosen and designed unto those in the counsel of God and by an everlasting Decree Psal 2.7 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me thou art my son this day have I begotten thee and Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth Secondly Whatsoever relations Christ sustaineth in the Covenant he doth it by voluntary dispensation and not by any natural necessity or compulsion that he is a Party contracting or that he is Mediator or that he is Messenger of the Covenant c. nothing could compel Christ to put his name in any of these relations it was all of consent Phil. 2.7 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men Heb. 10.9 Then said he Lâ I come to do thy will O God Thirdly All these relations which Christ sustaineth in the Covenant are all acts of Grace both upon Gods part who designed Christ unto these relations that he might act Grace in Christ as the first copy of Free-grace and that we might share with him and also upon Christs part who could not be hired to undertake these relations knowing what they would cost him but the Free-grace of his own heart engaged him in these relations 2. Sam. 7.21 According to thine own heart hast thou done all these great things Rom. 8.32 How shall he not with him also freely give us all things with Gal. 2.20 Who loved me and gave himself for me Fourthly Though in the Covenant of Grace Christ be dispensed in all his offices and and the efficacy and fruit of all these offices as appeareth from Isa 55.4 with Rom. 8.32 and Jer. 31.33 34 yet some of his relations which he sustaineth in the Covenant do more especially respect one of his offices and some another as also some of them directly respect all his offices Take for instances His relation as Mediator respecteth all his offices His relation as Party contracting respecteth all his offices wherein he was a publick person who did represent many His relation as Surety doth especially relate to his Kngly office in regard of which he was undertaker and made potent to help Psal 89.19 His relations as Witness Messenger and Servant doth respect especially his prophetical office His relation as Testator respecteth especially his Priestly office c. Fifthly Whatsoever relations Christ sustaineth in the Covenant of grace he beareath all these relations by Covenant and by explicite contract he hath undertaken them so that as we say of his offices he was a King a Priest and a Prophet by Covenant Psal 89.3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen I have sworn unto David my servant We say the same of all his relations in respect of the Covenant He is by Covenant and Compact with God by the Covenant of Suretiship whatsoever he is in Covenant-relations He is by Covenant Mediator of the Covenant He is by Covenant a Party in the Covenant representing others He is by a Covenant the Witness Messenger Servant Surety Testator of the Covenant Heb. 10.9 Isa 59.21 53.10 11 12. Heb. 2.10 12. Joh. 17.2 6 12 c. Sixthly For whomsoever he beareth any of these relations in the Covenant for them he beareth them all if he be for and unto any persons Mediator to God-ward he hath engaged as party contracting with God for such persons he is become Surety for such he hath and shall be Witness Messenger and Servant for promoting and manifesting the things of this Covenant unto such he hath tested in
things saith the Amen the faithful and true witness 2 Cor. 1.20 For in him all the promises of God are Yea and in him they are Amen I say he is the Witness who hath established the Covenant by his testimony and that in two respects 1. He hath set his Seal to the Covenant and attested all that is in it Rev. 21.5 And he said unto me write for these words aro true and faithful Rev. 22.6 And he said unto me these sayings are faithful and true 2. He saith and sweareth that all things contained in the Covenant are true the true and faithful Witness of the Covenant testifieth these things and saith Amen to them all All that is contained in the Covenant may be summed up in Commands Promises Conditions Threatnings Predictions and Exceptions the truth of all which the witness of the Covenant hath testified and sworn 1. Commands this is the great command of the new Covenant That ye believe on the son of God 1 Joh. 3.23 Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth that that is the revealed will of God he hath said it and sworn that it is true nothing would please his father better Joh. 6.40 And this is the will of him that sent me that every one which seeth the son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day The new Covenant commandeth that we be holy and that we love God and live to him who hath loved us and love one another c. 1 Pet. 1.16 Be ye holy for I am holy 2 Cor. 5.15 And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again Psal 31.23 O love the Lord all ye his Saints for the Lord preserveth the faithful Gal. 5.14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word even in this Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self And the Witness of the Covenant Christ testifieth that it is true indeed these things are the Will of God Mark 12.30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength this is the first commandment Joh. 13.34 A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another Mat. 5.48 Be ye therefore perfect even as your father which is in Heaven is perfect 2. Promises and Proposals of mercy and good things The Covenant proposeth and promiseth life to sinners through the death of Christ Rom. 4.15 Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification Rom. 3.25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God Rom. 5.8 9 In that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him And Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth these things and saith that they are the true and faithful sayings of God Rev. 1.18 I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive for evermore Amen and have the keys of Hell and of Death 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief Luk. 19.10 For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost The Covenant propoposeth and promiseth peace with God upon easie terms free-gifted righteousness perfect Holiness compleat Victory over all the adversaries of our happiness 2 Cor. 5.19 21. Rom. 3.21 to the 27. and 5.15 to 20. Ezek. 36.25 c. Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth these things he establisheth them all 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are Yea and in him Amen unto the glory of God by us He saith Amen to them all and sweareth that they are true Rev. 21.5 And he said unto me write for these words are true and faithful Rev. 22.6 And he said unto me these sayings are faithful and true Where the Witness of the Covenant setteth his Seal of Confirmation unto all that is promised in the Gospel-Covenant 3. These things which the new Covenant promiseth it promiseth upon Condition of Faith it promiseth them only to the believer Rom. 10.9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved Rom. 3.22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference 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 Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth that that is true if ye believe not ye shall never be the better of any thing proposed by the new Covenant and if ye believe ye shall Joh. 3.18.36 He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God He that believeth on the son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Joh. 11.40 Jesus saith unto her said I not unto thee that if thou wouldst believe thou shouldst see the glory of God 4. There are also Threatnings annexed unto the Covenant denouncing wrath and the vengeance of the Gospel upon all unbelievers and wilful rejecters of the new Covenant 2 Thes 1.8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 16.22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Chirst let him be Anathema Maranatha And denouncing woes and evil to the Hypocrite in heart to the backslider to the careless seeker of God to the barren fruitless professor Mat. 23.13 But wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees Hypocrites Rev. 2.5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do thy first works or else I will come unto the quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent Rev. 3.16 So then because thou art luke-warm and neither cold nor hot I will spew thee out of my mouth Heb. 6.8 But that which beareth thorns and briars is rejected and is nigh unto cursing whose end is to be burned Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth these things and affirmeth they are the true sayings of God as well as his promises Rev. 3.14 Write these things saith the Amen the faithful and true witness Joh. 3.18 But he that believeth not is condemned already Joh. 8.24 I said therefore unto you that ye shall die in your sins for
â0 10 For then with not leave my Soul in Hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption Luk. 23.43 Verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Joh. 13.1 3. 14.2 Luk. 16.23 24 25. Heb. 12.23 24. 2 Thes 1.9 Rev. 21. 2â 5. It 's a controversie to the world whether there be a God or a Providence that ruleth the world Psal 14.1 The fool hath said in his heart there is no God Isa 29.15 And they say who seeth us and who knoweth us The Witness of the Covenant hath decided this controversie Joh. 20.17 I ascend unto my father and ãâã father and to my God and your God Joh. 6.57 As thââ ãâã father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that âateth me even he shall live by me Dan. 5.21 23 Till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men and that he hath appointed over it whomsoever he will And the God in whose hand thy breath is and whose are all thy ways hast thou not glorified Rev. 15.3 4 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the lamb saying Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God Almighty just and true are thy ways thou king of saints Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest 6. It 's a controversie with the world yea and sometimes also with the saints whether the people of God or the wicked of the world have the better lot Psal 73.3 12 For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked Behold these are the ungodly who prosper in the world they increase in riches But this also is decided by the Witness of the Covenant Psal 49.18 19 Though whiles he lived he blessed his Soul and men will praise thee when thou doest well to thy self He shall go to the generation of his fathers they shall never see light Joh. 3.18 36 He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Isa 3.10 11 Say ye to the righteous it shall be well with hem for they shall eat the fruit of their doings Wo unto the wicked it shall be ill with him for the reward of his hands shall be given him Rev. 21.4 And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes and there shall be no mor death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for theââformer things are passed away Again it is a controversie to doubting believers whether God hath chosen them and loved them with an everlasting love Psal 88.4 14 I am counted with them that go down to the pit Lord why castest thou off my Soul This controversie is decided by the Witness of the Covenant who giveth that double certainty of all these things whereby they are not only made sure in themselves because he ãâã ââified them but are also made sure unto us Jer. 31.3 ãâã Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee Heb. 8.10 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after these days saith the Lord I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Where the sayings of Jeremy are applied to Christ who made the Covenant Joh. 15.13 16 19 Greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life for his friends Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain But because ye are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you Joh. 6.69 And we believe and are sure than thou art that Christ the Son of the living God 2. It is a controversie to doubting believers whether they be the Children of God and whether they be effectually called by the Grace of Christ Psal 22.6 But I am a worm and no man a reproach of men and despised of the people Christ decides the controversie by interposing his Testimony Joh. 13.35 By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye have love one to another Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirits that we are children of God Isa 43.1 Fear not for I have redeemed thee I have called thee by thy name thou art mine 3. It is a controversie to doubting-believers whether they shall ever see Christ and meet with him again when he doth but a little withdraw out of their sight Isa 49.14 But Sion said the Lord hath forsaken me and my Lord hath forgotten me Whether they shall at any time again be comforted with his presence but he decides the controversie and witnesseth clearly that he and they shall meet again Joh. 16.22 And ye now therefore have sorrow but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man taketh from you Joh. 14.18 I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you Isa 54.8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a momeni but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy redeemer Isa 49.15 Can a woman forget her sucking-child that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb yea they may forget yet will I not forget thee 4. It 's a controversie to the doubting-believer whether there be any reality in his presence and in the fellowship of his company both when they enjoy it and when they want it Luk. 24.21 37 41 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel and beside all this to day is the third day since these things were done But they were terrified and affrighted and supposed that they had seen a spirit And while they yet believed not for joy and wondred 2 Chron. 6.18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth But by his Witness he decides that controversie Luk. 24.38 39 40 42 And he said unto them why are ye troubled and why do thoughts arise in your hearts Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my self handle me and see for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have And when he had thus spoken he shewed them his hands and his feet And they gave him a piece of a broyled fish and of an hony-comb Joh. 6.20 But he saith unto them it is I
be not afraid 1 Cor. 1.9 God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 5. It is a controversie to the doubting believer whether his Salvation be sure or not whether he shall be saved and inherit Life-eternal Psal 88.11 12 Shall thy loving-kindness be declared in the grave or thy faithfulness in destruction shall thy wonders be known in the dark and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness But Christ hath interposed his Witness to decide that controversie Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Joh. 3.15 16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Eternal life For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Psal 35.3 Say unto my soul I am thy Salvation 6. It is a controversie to believers whether they shall ever be Victorious over their Lusts and prevail against their temptations when they seel the strength and working of corruption in themselves as Paul did Rom. 7.14 15 But I am carnal sold under sin For that which Ido I allow not for what I would that I do not but what I hate that I do Many a time they utter that language Lam. 3.18 And I said my strength and my hope is perished from the Lord. But the Witness of the Covenant testifieth in this also and decides the controversie in their favours 1 Joh. 4.4 Ye are of God little children and have overcome them because greater is he that is in you then he that is in the world 1 Joh. 5.4 5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith who is he that overcometh the world but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God Rom. 16.20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly 7. It is a controversie to doubting-believers whether they shall persevere to the end or shall not rather fall away finally Psal 51.11 Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holy spirit from me But Christ hath decided the controversie Joh. 17.12 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Joh. 10.28 And I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand Joh. 14.19 Because I live ye shall live also 8. It is a controversie to the doubting-believer whether it be good for him to be so dealt with to be afflicted deserted tempted c. Psal 42.9 I will say unto my God my rock why hast thou forgotten me why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy Psal 73.13 14 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in Innocency For all the day long I have been plagued and chastened every morning Christ hath decided this controversie also not by his verdict only of the matter but by his Witness in his peoples hearts Joh. 16.7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away the comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to his purpose 1 Pet. 1.6 Wherein ye greatly rejoyce though now for a season if need be ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations Psal 119.71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy statutes It is a controversie to the doubting-believer while he reaps not the present fruit of his seeking God whether it be in vain to serve God and to follow duties Psal 73.13 Verily have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocency But it is the Witness of the Covenant who only can decide this and he hath done it Isa 45.19 I said not unto the seed of Jacob seek ye me in vain I the Lord speak righteousness I declare things that are right Psal 73.28 But it is good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works Vse 5. This Covenant-relation of Christs layeth grounds of comfort to believers 1. That you want not a Witness to testifie unto you concerning all things which are dark and doubtful Isa 55.4 Behold I have given him for a witness to the people 1 Joh. 5.8 9 10 And there are three that bear witness in earth the spirit and the water and the blood and these three agree in one If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself he that believeth not God hath made him a lyar because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son So that if you be doubtful and in the dark about any thing pertaining to God and to the matters of your Salvation you know how to have that witnessed and plainly made out unto you by Christ the Witness of the Covenant and if you continue under your doubting blame your selves Isa 42.6 And I give thee for a Covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles 2. Another ground of comfort resulting from this Covenant-relation is that we not only have a Witness but that we have such a Witness him for a Witness that God who might have given us other witnesses and have denyed this Witness hath given him for a Witness Heb. 1.1 2 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom he also made the worlds Act. 14.17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness in that he did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness So fit a Witness 1 Joh. 1.2 3 who heard and saw and acted all the business of the Covenant Prov. 8.22 to 32. So saithful a Witness that will not lye that cannot lye Rev. 1.5 and 3.14 So great a Witness a person of such Authority being God 1 Joh. 5.9 Luk. 9.35 So compassionate a Witness who can pity his doubting-people Heb. 5.2 So condescending a Witness who can stoop to teach and perswade the weaklings of the people Isa 40.11 Joh. 9.39 as all his carriage did prove while he was upon the earth So convincing a Witness whose testimony can put an end to all strife if he will only speak the word Mat. 8.8 And all this is for the stronger consolation of Believers Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing
more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath That by two immutabile things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us 3. Another ground of comfort which this relation affordeth to believers is That Christ is by office a Witness and that he is a Witness by Covenant i. e. not only doth the office which is upon him bind this upon him but by Covenant and voluntary condescension he is engaged and hath consented to be a Witness to the people therefore saith the Lord Behold I have given him for a witness Isa 55.4 And he saith Lo I come to do thy will Heb. 10.9 This is your comfort Believers that Christ is a Witness by office and Covenant and can no more deny to testifie unto you the things pertaining to the Covenant than ye can deny his office or break his Covenant 4. Another ground of comfort in this Covenant-relation is that he is given for a witness to the people I mean that whatsoever belongs to him by this office and relation of being a Witness and whatsoever he is by vertue thereof that he is and that he performeth to all the people of God without exception or respect of persons what he hath been in his way of witnessing and what he hath testified and declared to others of the people of God insomuch that he hath setled quieted and comforted them by doing the part of a Witness to reveal and to prove unto them things about which they doubted concerning their Covenant-state and his Covenant-love that same he will do to thee and to any of his people Rom. 3.22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference Gal. 3.28 There is neither Jew nor Greek there is neither bond nor free there is neither male nor female for ye are all one in Christ Jesus Act. 10.34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said of a truth I perceive that God is no respector of persons 1 Joh. 1.3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the father and with his Son Jesus Christ CHAP. XVIII Christ the Messenger or Angel of the Covenant THE fourth relation which Christ beareth in the Covenant of Grace is That he is the Messenger of the Covenant Mal. 3.1 The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple even the Messenger of the Covenant whom ye delight in That this is spoken and meant of Christ is acknowledged both by Christian and Jewish Interpreters It is also clear from the Text that it can be meant of no other for the Messenger of the Covenant is he before whom John the Baptist was sent a Messenger to prepare the way Mal. 3.1 Behold I will send my Messenger and he shall prepare the way before me Luk. 7.27 This is he of whom it is written behold I send my Messenger before thy face which shall prepare thy way before thee Luk. 1.76 And thou Child shall be called the Prophet of the Highest for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways This is he who is the Lord whom the people seek and in whom they delight he whose coming was much longed and looked for by the people of God this is he who sitteth as a refiner v. 2 3. Now this can be no other but Christ compare this with Luk. 2.25 38. Isa 59.20 with Rom. 11.26 2 Thes 2.8 The word in the Original here ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã umalach haberith the Messenger or Angel of the Covenant as Arr. Mont. renders it or the Angel of the Testament as the Chald. Paraphrast with the 70 and Hieron read it the Hebrew word I say is of a large signification as ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã is in the Greek Language and is used for any delegate whether Messenger Ambassador or Minister employed for any effect whether to declare or to act and effect any thing and is applyed to and used of men of created spirits and of Christ which shall appear in the opening of the name as it 's applicable to Christ For the better understanding of this relation which Christ fustaineth in the Covenant We shall shortly hold forth 1. What the name Messenger or Angel of the Covenant doth import as to the nature of the thing 2. In what respects it is applicable to Christ 3. Betwixt what parties he is a Messenger 4. Whose Messenger he is of one of these parties or of both 5. In what business he is a Messenger 6. Somewhat of the properties of this Messenger of the Covenant which commend his travelling in this employment And 1. the name Messenger or Angel doth import 1. A delegation or Trust a Messenger is a Trustee it is a name of office or imployment and doth necessarily import a Mission therefore it is often joyned with sending See Mal. 3.1 Behold I will send my messenger and he shall prepare the way before me Mat. 11.10 Behold I send my messenger before thy face 1 Kings 19.2 Then Jezzebel sent a messenger unto Elijah saying c. If it be asked unto which of Christs offices doth this name relate I answer it doth in some respect relate to all his offices because his Message is as large as his Mission and Unction which includeth all his offices but it doth more especially relate to his Prophetical and Priestly Office because in regard of these mainly he travelled betwixt the parties and carried Messages and Reports hither and thither 2. This name of Messenger doth import a subordination or subjection in regard that he who sendeth is greater than he who is sent Joh. 13.16 Verily verily I say unto you the Servant is not greater than his Lord neither he that is sent greater then he that sent him Mat. 8.9 For I am a man under Authority having soldiers under me and I say to this man go and he goeth and to another come and he cometh and to my servant do this and he doth it And therefore it must be understood of Christ in regard of his dispensatory employment and voluntary condescension whereby he humbled himself to travel in the work of Redemption Phil. 2 And took upon him the form of a servan 3. This name of Messenger of the Covenant doth import on the part of a Messenger a travelling betwixt the parties of the Covenant betwixt him who sendeth Christ and these to whom he is sent Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Joh. 16.28 I came forth from the father and am come into the world again I leave the world and go to the father Joh. 14.2 I go to prepare a place for you 4. This name imports correspondence and intercourse
betwixt the parties through the Messenger and by his means and travel 2 Sam. 11.22 23 25 So the messenger went and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for And the Messenger said unto David surely the men prevailed against us Then David said unto the messenger thus shalt thou say unto Joab let not this thing displease thee c. Joh. 17.6 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world and they have believed that thou didst send me Joh. 13.3 And that he was come from God and went to God 2. Consider next in what respects the name Messenger is applicable to Christ with relation to the Covenant 1. In regard of the power and trust committed unto him in the matters of the Covenant he is the Messenger of the Covenant that is the great Lord Ambassadour extraordinary and Trustee of Heaven who represented his father and who was Plenipotentiary being perfectly instructed and fully impowred to propound treat and conclude in all matters pertaining to the Covenant and the settlement of peace 'twixt God and man and in this sense the word is used 1 Kings 16.7 and 17.4 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã malakim Messengers i. e. Ambassadours and Isa 33.7 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã melache the Ambassadors of peace thus Christ is the Messenger of the Covenant this power and trust is committed unto him to represent his father 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Heb. 1.1 3 God hath in these last days spoken to us by his Son And to treat and conclude with us a Covenant in his name Joh. 5.22 For the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power oven all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and earth 2. This-name of Messenger of the Covenant is applicable to him in regard of his pains and travel in the matters of the Covenant I mean in regard of his work as well as his trust and thus in regard of several pieces of his work and travel he may be called the Messenger of the Covenant 1. He is the Messenger who carried the Message of a new Covenant who travelled from Heaven to Earth with this Message to make a Covenant betwixt God and sinners he came expresly for this one errant 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 1 Joh. 5.6 This is he that came by water and blood even Jesus Christ not by water only but by water and blood 1 Joh. 1.5 This then is the message which we have heard of him and declare unto you that God is light and in him is no darkness at all And in this sense the word is frequently used for an Express or one sent for a particular Errant and purpose Joh. 1.6 7 There was a man sent from God whose name was John The same came for a witness to bear witness of the light that all men through him might believe Mat. 11.10 For ãâã is he of whom it is written Behold I send my messenger before thy face which shall prepare thy way before thee 2. He is the Messenger who did publish and intimate the new Covenant and Gods gracious purpose in it as that thing which was his errant in the World he did it Authoritatively others only Ministerially 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead he ye reconciled to God He is the chief Minister of the new Testament others only by commission from him Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord God as upon me because the Lord hath annointed me to preach good ridings unto the meek Heb. 8.2 6 10 A minister of the Sanctuary and of the true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the mediator of a better Covenant which was established upon better promises For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord c. Eph. 4.9.11 Now that he ascended what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth and he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers Luk. 19.10 Eph. 2.17 Pov. 9.1 3. So the word is taken for one that intimateth or bringeth word and giveth notice of any thing Joh 1.14 3. He is the Messenger who doth interpret and declare the Message of the new Covenant who travelleth to be an Interpreter of the mind of God in that matter Mat. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my father and no man knoweth the Son but the father neither knoweth any man the father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the besome of the father he hath declared him Rom. 3.25 26. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through Faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him ãâã hith believeth in Jesus Luk. 24.17 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets he expounded unto them in all ãâã Scriptures the things concerning himself Hence he is called a Prophet Act. 3.22 And thââ Prophet Joh. 6.14 and 7.40 And in this sense this word is taken Job 33.23 If there be a messenger with him an interpreter one among a thousand to shew unto man his uprightness 4. He is the messenger which acteth the Covenant upon the hearts of his people effective physice I mean the Messenger which attacheth the hearts of his people as a Serjeant at Arms that layeth hands upon a man and bringeth them into the bond of the Covenant the Messenger that never leaveth pursuit until he hath apprehended Ezek. 20.37 And I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant Heb. 8.10 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Hos 2.19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever yea I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness and in judgment and in loving-kindness and in mercies Ezek. 36 27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments
Heb. 6.17 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath Eph. 1.9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which he had purposed in himself 4. Whose Messenger is Christ in this Covenant-relation whether of one of the parties or of both Answ 1. In some respects he is only the Messenger of one of the parties I mean as the name doth import a Mission Delegation and Subordination so he is only Gods Messenger because Christ Mediator the Angel of the Covenant had his commission only from God and is to give an account of that honourable trust and employment to him only Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth Joh. 5.22 For as the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son c. 1 Cor. 15.24 Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God even the father Yea even in these things which he acteth upward toward his father as Messenger of the Covenant put case his negotiating with God for his people he hath his Mission and Delegation from God for that special effect Joh. 1.2 24 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me 2. In some respects he is the Messenger of both the parties as namely 1. In respect of the business about which he is employed his Message is about matters of huge concernment to both the parties of the Covenant for his fathers honour and his peoples happiness lay equally in the business about which he is employed Joh. 17.2 4 That he should give eternal life to as many as thou bast given him I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do 2. In respect of the travels of his soul in that business and Message he did it cordially and condescendingly did he run the Errants of both the parties he came his fathers Errant to us and he went our Errant to his father Joh. 13.3 Jesus knowing that the father had given all things into his hands and that he was come from God and went to God Joh. 14.2 12 I go to prepare a place for you because I go unto my father Joh. 16.5 28 But now I go my way to him that sent me and none of you asketh me whither goest thou I came forth from the father and am come into the world again I leave the world and go to the father 3. In respect of his Ambassage and Agency he was an Ambassador and Agent on Gods part while he was here upon the earth he was his Messenger who came to declare and to confirm the Covenant 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ recanciling the world unto himself Gal. 4.4 5 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons And he is now our Agent he is Messenger and Lieger in Heaven on our part in regard of his constant residence there for our business Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us Act. 3.21 Whom the heavens must receive until the times of restitution of all things 4. In respect of his correspondency with both parties he is correspondent with God for his people Joh. 17.8 25 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me And these have known that thou hast sent me And he is correspondent with us for God Joh. 6.38 39 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day Luk. 12.32 Fear not little flock for it is your fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom He is correspondent betwixt the confederate parties 5. About what busmess is he Messenger and what is the special subject matter of his employment Answ His Name and Covenant-relations do declare the business he is Messenger of the Covenant Legatus faederis Mal. 3.1 His Message is as large and broad as all things pertaining to the Covenant Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people So that there is nothing which doth any way relate to the Covenant betwixt God and believers which falleth not under this Covenant-relation a sum whereof may be comprehended under these three heads 1. Whatsoever appertaineth to the making of the Covenant he is Messenger betwixt God and his people for that effect whether it be any thing which belongeth to the courting and wooing of his peoples hearts by commending his father and making offers of himself and of his love unto them Joh. 14.2 In my fathers house are many mansions if it were not so I would have told you Joh. 15.1 I am the true Vine Joh. 16.27 For the father himself loveth you Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son Joh. 10.14 29 I am the good shepherd my father which gave them me is greater then all Wisdom cryeth who will have Christ Prov. 9.1 Wisdom hath builded her house she hath hewn out her seven Pillars c. Joh. 7.37 38 In that last day that great day of the feast Jesus stood and cried saying if any man thirst let him come unto me and drink He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water Mat. 11.28 Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Hos 2.14 Therefore behold I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness and speak comfortably unto her Song 2.1 I am the rose of Sharon and the lillie of the vallies Or whether it be any thing which belongeth to the engaging the hearts of his people in determining them by his grace and acting the Covenant upon their hearts he is Messenger also for that to command Souls to engage with him and to arise and go after him and to forsake all for him Ezek. 20.37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod and I will
bring you into the bond of the Covenant Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them Heb. 8.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Psal 45.10 Hearken O daughter and consider and encline thine ear forget also thine own people and thy fathers house Gen. 12.1.4 Now the Lord had said unto Abraham Get thee out of thy countrey and from thy kindred and from thy fathers house unto a Land that I will shew thee So Abraham departed as the Lord had spoken unto him Mat. 4.19 20 And he saith unto them follow me and I will make you fishers of men And they streight-way left their nets and followed him 2. Whatsoever appertaineth to the maintaining and preserving of the Covenant and confederacy betwixt God and his people Christ is Messenger for that and herein he doth the part of the Messenger of the Covenant 1. By travelling betwixt the parties for keeping up free access betwixt them and liberty to speak with one another for it is by him that God hath access to speak to our hearts and that we have access to him by frequent mutual Messages the Messenger being a Courtier and Favourite with both the parties Eph. 2.18 For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the father Eph. 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him Heb. 1.1 2 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son 2. By travelling betwixt the parties for correspondence and entercourse to maintain communion and a good understanding betwixt them to the end that none of the parties engaged in the Covenant of kindness become strangers to one another through the want of converse and corresponding Christ is a Messenger betwixt them to maintain the peace and friendship Joh. 16.16 A little while and ye shall not see me and again a little while and ye shall see me because I go to the father Joh. 14.18 19 I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more but ye see me because I live ye shall live also 3. He is a Messenger to maintain the Covenant betwixt God and his people by travelling betwixt the parties with good reports Heb. 12.24 25 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things then that of Abel See that ye refuse not him that speaketh c. Commending God to his people and his love and speaking good of all his way with them Joh. 10.29 My father which gave them me is greater then all Joh. 16.27 For the father himself loveth you because ye have loved me Psal 25.10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies And commending believers unto his father and speaking good of them and for them frequently behind their back when they do not hear him Joh. 17.6 8 25 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me O righteous father the world hath not known thee but I have known thee and these have known that thou hast sent me Jer. 31.20 Is Ephraim my dear son is he a pleasant child for since I spake against him I do earnestly remember him still therefore my bowels are troubled for him I will surely have mercy upon him saith the Lord. Jer. 12.7 I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies Christ maketh both a good report of his father to his people here on Earth and a good report of them to his father in Heaven he putteth good constructions not only upon his fathers way with his people which cannot reasonably bear an evil construction Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to his purpose But also upon his peoples way and walk and duties to God-ward a construction and report of them which they would stand in awe to give of themselves yea they are in hazzard to contradict this blessed Messengers report many a time Joh. 14.4 5 And whither I go ye known and the way ye know Thomas saith unto him Lord we know not whither thou goest and how can we know the way 3. Whatsoever appertaineth to the repairing of the Covenant or to the renewing and establishing thereof in the case of any breach betwixt the parties he is a Messenger for that he is the repairer of the breach and doth declare himself the Angel of the Covenant 1. By taking up emergent differences betwixt God and his people that they may not controvert about them but may rather have satisfaction in him Isa 53.12 And he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 9 7 But into the second went the High-priest alone once every year not without blood which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people For as our High-priest he makes offering for the errors of the people for all the differences arising betwixt God and his people are taken away alone by his travels 2. By renewing the Covenant-kindness and love and engagements he travels as a Messenger and cannot rest after breaches and differences betwixt his father and his people or betwixt himself and them until the wonted kindness be renewed and till it be betwixt God and his people as it used to be 1 Joh. 2.1 2 And if any man sin we have an advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins Jer. 2.2 Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem saying Thus saith the Lord I remember thee the kindness of thy youth the love of thine espousals when thou wentest after me in the wilderness in a land that was not sown Isa 54.8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer Ezek. 16.60 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant 6. Let us a little consider the properties of the Messenger and Angel of the Covenant which do commend
his travels in that business and may hold forth a pattern to all the inferiour Messengers of the Covenant and Angels of the Churches 1. He is a faithful Messenger and true to the trust committed unto him one who varied not and departed not from his commission in a tittle in any thing of his fathers will and the welfare of his people I do not say the will of his people for though he be very condescending to satisfie them yet he not holding his commission of them he is constrained for their good to cross their will sometimes that he may be faithful to him who appointed him Heb. 3.1 2 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling confider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession Christ Jesus who was faithful to him that appointed him as also Moses was faithful in all his house Joh. 6.38 39 40 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day And this is the will of him that sent me that every one which seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day A Messenger who kept close to his instructions 2. He is an active diligent Messenger who did never deal with a slack hand in any matter of the Covenant whether committed unto him by his father or wherein he was employed by his people his heart did lay so much to the business that it is impossible he should not be active and stirring in it yea his Soul-travelled so diligently in that trust that he could take no rest until it was done Isa 53.11 He shall see the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Yea so careful was he of that Message that it made him forget his refreshments and his rest as appears in his unwearied pains for converting the woman of Samaria even while he was wearied with his journey Joh. 4.6 Yea it was refreshment to him to be about that business Joh. 4.34 Jesus saith unto them My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work Yea it made him some way forget his relations here on earth Luk. 2.49 And he said unto them how is it that ye sought me wist ye not that I must be about my fathers business Mat. 12.46 49 50 While he yet talked to the people behold his mother and his brethren stood without desiring to speak with him Behold my mother and my brethren for whosoever shall do the will of my father which is in heaven the same is my brother and sister and mother 3. He is a swift Messenger who in all the matters of the Covenant which are committed unto him loveth to make good dispatch he is commended for this Mal. 3.1 And the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple even the messenger of the covenant whom ye delight in And we may take notice of it in the word of the Prophet Isa 18.2 though spoken in another sense O so swift a messenger and speedy as he was when he was sent to lay down his life Luk. 19.28 And when he had thus spoken he went before ascending up to Jerusalem c. he made haste to die Joh. 13.27 And after the sop Satan entred into him then said Jesus unto him That thou doest do quickly And he made haste to arise again Joh. 20.1 12 The first day of the week early yet when it was dark He made haste to shew himself to his friends after he rose Joh. 20 and Luk. 24 and he maketh haste to come again to his people Joh. 14.3 18 And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã come unto you 4. He is an Accurate reporter of the Message which he beareth a Messenger who never failed to bring a return of his errant both upward to God and downward to his people Joh. 13.3 Jesus knowing that the father had given all things into his hands and that he was come from God and went to God Joh 14.2 3 I go to prepare a place for you And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also 5. He is a Messenger who was hugely mortified if I may use that word and denyed to his own honour and credit for all the while he travelled up and down here about the Message of the Covenant he did not regard how he was used so that his Message were taken off his hand Heb. 12.2 Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God Mat. 20.28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransome for many Joh. 4.9 10 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him how is it that thou being a Jew askest drink of me which am a woman of Samaria for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans Jesus answered and said unto her If thou knewest the gift of God and who it is that saith unto thee give me to drink thou wouldst have asked of him and he would have given thee living water Vse 1. Take heed how you receive and entertain the Messenger of the Covenant Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Heb. 3.1 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession Christ Jesus c. This is the more of your concernment 1. Because the entertainment and usage given unto the Messenger of the Covenant redoundeth upon him that sent him whether you use him honourably or disrespectively Joh. 12.26 If any man serve me let him follow me and where I am there shall also my servant be If any man serve me him will my father honour Luk. 10.16 He that heareth you heareth me and he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me 2. Because great weight is laid upon the unworthy using of the Messenger of the Covenant insomuch as no sin nor aggravation of sin carrieth liâe stress as is laid upon it Joh. 3.36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Joh. 15.22 If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had
miracles before them yet they believed not on him Joh. 15.23 24 He that hateth me hateth my father also but now have they both seen and hated both me and my father Luk. 7.30 But the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves being not baptized of him Psal 81.11 But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me Mat. 22.5 6 But they made light of it and went their ways one âo his fârm another to his merchandise and the remâunt took his servants and intreated them spitefully and slow them Mat. 23.37 O Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the prophets and stonest them which aâe sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not Isa 49.4 Then I said I have laboured in vain I have spent my strength for nought and in vain Mat. 11.17 And saying we have piped unto you and ye have not danced we have mourned unto you and ye have not lamented Shall the Messenger of the Covenant have no good report to make of you like that which he made of his Disciples Joh. 16.27 For the father himself loveth you because ye have loved me and believed that I came out from God At least let him have that to say of you that he roported of Ephraim That you have lamented the frowardness of your own hearts under all his pains and travel Jer. 31.18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoak c. Vse 2. Suffer me from this Covenant-relation of Christs to exhort you 1. To employ him in that which is his trust he is the Messenger of the Covenant if there be any thing which you have to do with God relating to the making maintaining or renewing a Covenant with him there is a messenger appointed for negotiating in that matter and one who is willing to be employed by you Mat. 20.28 The Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no ways cast out Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people 2. Beware that you usurp not his employment neither intrude upon it take heed that you attempt not to send any Message to God and not by the Messenger of the Covenant Heb. 12.29 For our God is a consuming fire See that you go not any errant of the Covenant without him See that you send not your prayers and other performances to God or any Message without him in their own strength or by the hand of another Messenger beside the Angel of the Covenant Rev. 8.3 And another angel came and stood at the altar having a golden censer and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne Joh. 16.23 Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the father in my name he will give it you 3. Acknowledg Christ in this Covenant-relation and in the execution of it That ever you heard of the Covenant that it hath been declared revealed and interpreted to you you are debtors for that to the Messenger of the Covenant if he had not travelled in that business you had never heard of it Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh Mat. 13.11 Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven but to them it is not given Much more you are his Debtors if the Covenant be acted upon your hearts Heb. 8.6 10 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Mat. 16.17 And Jesus answered and said unto him Blessed art thou Simon Bar-Jona for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my father which is in heaven Joh. 17.6 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me 4. Be requested to take notice and to listen what Message the Messenger of the Covenant bringeth to you it is the Message of a Covenant of a good and sure bargain that you would join your selves to the Lord and take hold of his covenant Isa 56.4 6. Whereunto if you would but listen it should prove a life-giving motion Isa 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Joh. 1.38 39 They said unto him Rabbi which is to say being interpreted Master where dwellest thou he saith unto them come and see they came and saw where he dwelt and abode with him that day It 's a Message of peace you need not stare at it nor be afraid of what we have in commission 2 Cor. 5 19 20 21 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God for he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Luk. 2.10 14 And the Angel said unto them fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men Isa 60.17 For brass I will bring gold and for iron I will bring silver and for wood brass and for stones iron I will also make thine officers peace and thine exactors righteousness It 's a Message of love of the Fathers love and of the Sons 1 Joh. 3.1 Behold what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not Joh. 15.13 Greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life for his friends It 's a Message of
subordination and subjection as is the name Messenger but of the lowest and most abject condition of subordination I say 1. This name is given to Christ not in regard of his nature but in regard of his office as Mediator as he took upon him a Service this name is not a name of nature for in regard of his Divine nature he hath another style My Son is his name not my Servant Mat. 3.17 This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased And in regard of his Humane nature though the man Christ is by nature Gods Servant yet he is not by nature a common Servant to both the parties in the Covenant nor a Servant of the Covenant but a Free-man Mat. 17.26 Jesus saith unto him then are the children free Therefore I say it is not the name of the natural only begotten Son of God nor the name of the man Christ as it importeth any thing peculiar and not common to the rest of the creatures but it is the name of Christ Mediator God-man Heb. 12.24 2. This name is given to Christ mainly and eminently in regard of the state and condition of his humiliation Phil. 2.7 8 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross For though now when God hath highly exalted him he be still a Priest upon a Throne Heb. 8.1 and consequently promoting the same Trust and Service about which he was sent to the earth yet his way of carrying on that Service is so Princely as he carryeth condescendingly to men Phil. 2.9 10 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earrh and things under the earth If we should yet name him by this Covenant-relation we behoved to look upon him as a kinged and crowned Servant who for performing that notable Service that was committed unto him hath been exalted to a Glorious Throne and yet for all his preferment is as humble and affable and easie to be spoke with as when he was upon the earth for he beareth the same heart toward his people Heb. 4.15 16 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 3. The name of Servant in the business of the Covenant is given to Christ in regard of his trust because the greatest trust that ever was put upon man was put upon him by the Covenant of Redemption he was entrusted with a rare piece of Service the saving of sinners the carrying through the work of Redemption the weight of the lost World being laid upon his shoulders Isa 49.6 And he said it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Joh. 5.22 For as the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son 4. This name is given to Christ in regard of his work for it is a name of work as well as of trust because he served a great Service in the business of the Covenant I have elsewhere shewed that the whole business of Redemption was his work therefore you find he speaks often of his work and labour and spending his strength and of the travel of his Soul Isa 49.4 Then I said I have laboured in vain I have spent my strength for nought and in vain Isa 53.10 11 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his Soul an offering for sin ãâã shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied Joh. 4.34 Jesus saith unto them My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Joh. 8.29 And he that sent me is with me the father hath not left me alone for I do always those things that please him 5. This name is given to Christ in regard of his wages and reward which redounded unto him by this great Service which he performed unto God by saving the elect world which yet must be understood of no servile reward for his love could not be hired but we read of a reward promised and compacted unto him Isa 53.11 12 He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession A reward expected and eyed by him Isa 49.4 5 Yet surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Though Isreal be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength A reward craved by him Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was A reward payed unto him as the fruit of his labours Phil. 2.8 9 And being found in fashon as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even unto the death of the cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name Heb. 12.2 6. The name of Servant is given to him in regard of the spirit of fear unto which he did subject himself for a season while he was here in our nature in the shape of a Servant I say though there were always in the heart of Christ a design of love which made him run and serve in the business of the Covenant yet there was something of the spirit of a Servant in the man Christ made under the law and having taken upon him our condition as well as our nature which yet must be understood
part is voluntary humbling of himself Joh. 13.13 14 Ye call me master and Lord and ye say well for so I am If I then your Lord and master have washed your feet ye also ought to wash one anothers feet Phil. 2.7 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 3. He is God's Servant not for love only to the work wherein he Serveth but for wages as I have already shewed but he is our Servant for no wages nor reward which he could expect from us but purely for love Joh. 13.1 Having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end Joh. 15.13 Greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life for his friends 4. He is God's Servant as a Son serveth his father yea as a Servant serveth his Master Mal. 1.6 A son honoureth his father and a servant his master Phil. 2.7 And took upon him the form of a servant Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me But he is our Servant as a friend serveth his friend Joh. 15.14 Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you And as a man Serveth one whom he loveth and wooeth which he doth neither for fear nor reward but being wholly acted and determined to do so from a principle of love and a design of love within himself Joh. 3.29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom but the friend of the bridegroom which standeth and heareth him rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegrooms voice Song 5.2 It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh saying open to me my sister my love my dove my undefiled 4. What kind of Service is it which belongeth to Christ by this Covenant-relation Answ 1. It was the greatest piece of Service and trust that ever was put upon man no less then the whole work of our Redemption and Salvation the weight of the lost World and of all the elect was upon his shoulders in this Service Isa 22.24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his fathers house the off-spring and the issue all vessels of small quantity from the vessels of cups even to all the vessels of flaggons Joh. 17.2 3 4 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do 2. It was the hardest piece of Service that ever was laid upon any person O what a hard Service was it to destroy the works of the Devil to bind the strong man and to spoil his house to fall into his quarters and to bring off the prisoners yea to go into the prison and to set open the dores and let the prisoners go free to enter his person in prison for them to pay the debt of so many broken men to bear their transgressions and the chastisement of their peace to endure the stroak of the wakened up sword of Divine Justice in our stead Heb. 2.14 Mat. 12.29 Isa 61.1 2. Zech. 9.11 Act. 2.24 Col. 2.15 1 Cor. 15.55 Isa 53. throughout It was the hardship of this Service that made him heavy and grieved that made him pray and cry and weep and sweat blood Joh. 13.21 Joh. 26.22 42 Heb. 5.7 Luk. 22.24 The Service of no labouring man of no slave that serveth for hire as a stranger in another country is to be compared with the hardship of his Service 3. This Service was an honourable place and Service he served as a King Heb. 8.1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum we have such an High-priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens Joh. 5.22 23 For as the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the father He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the father which hath sent him Isa 22.23 24 And he shall be for a glorious throne to his fathers house And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his fathers house the off-spring and the issue Yea It 's a greater place than to be a King for by it the man Christ is exalted far above all principality and constituted Judg and Ruler of the Nations Prince of the Kings of the Earth head of the Church and King of Saints Phil. 2.8 9. Eph. 2.20 21 22. Col. 1.28 Isa 9.6 Act. 17.31 Rev. 15.3 and 17.14 4. It was the most kindly Service that ever was done by man for it was the Service of love the design of love that was in his heart made him with good will to serve Jer. 31.3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee He Served not only as a hired man and a stranger in a far Country and as a King and great Lord Ambassador whose Service was a Rule and Government but he served also as a lover because of the design of love and of eternal enjoyment of his chosen people which was in his heart he wearied not to serve his father who had promised to give him the people whom he loved with an everlasting love and he wearied not to serve his people that he might court and woo them to himself he did serve for the satisfaction that he promised to himself in the enjoyment of the people upon whom he had set his heart and as low a price as poor sinners are yet he counted them worthy to be compassed with so high a design he reckoned them a wager and recompence for all his Service Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of of his soul and shall be satisfied Heb. 12.2 Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God His Service is not unfitly resembled by Jacobs who Served for a Wife whom he loved Gen. 29.15 21 27 And Laban said unto Jacob Because thou art my brother shouldst thou therefore serve me for nought tell me what shall thy wages be And Jacob said unto Laban Give me my wife for my days are fulfilled Fulfil her week and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years 5. What was the Service which Christ did in the business of the Covenant though this cannot be sufficiently answered by us who have not yet come to know and understand half of that which he hath done for his people 1 Cor. 2.9 But as it is written Eye hath not seen nor ear heard
neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him 1 Joh. â 1 2 Behold what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not Beloved now are we the Sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is Yet let us glance at it by that dim light which we have of the Scriptures It is in general called by himself the work which his father gave him to do Joh. 17.4 By which we understand 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 unto the time of his delivering up the Kingdom to his father more particularly this Service which Christ did in the business of the Covenant it 's called the restitution of all things Act. 3.21 When Christ shall bring all things out of that disordered and ruined condition whereunto they were brought by the fall of man and shall restore them to the Primitive integrity when he shall restore fore-faulted man into his first estate of innocency and happiness by taking of the fore-saulture and bringing him out of his excommunicated exiled condition into the presence and fellowship of God Eph. 2.12 13 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 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ And when the creatures shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God Rom. 8.21 This Service is called the bearing the transgressions of many the making his soul an offering for sin Isa 53.10 12. It was the putting his Soul in our Souls stead that the law might overtake him that justice might smite him for us and might take satisfaction from him for the broken Covenant it was the offering up of himself in a Sacrifice the putting of his Soul in the flame of hot burning wrath for us that the furbushed and wakened-up sword of Divine Justice might be bathed in his blood until it was full of blood and satisfied Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God 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 c. It 's called the reconciling of the world to God 2 Cor. 5.19 By which we understand all the travel of his Soul in the propounding treating and concluding of a peace 'twixt God and sinners for all that Service was laid upon him and was performed by him for he maketh the proposition of peace he carryeth on the treaty until his own hand lead our hand to sign the articles of peace propounded in the Gospel Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh 2 Cor. 5.19 20 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorifie God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ This Service is called the saving of the lost world Luk. 19.10 And the bringing many Sons to glory Heb. 2.10 That was a great Service indeed to have the weight of the lost world upon his shouldiers to have the keeping and leading yea the bearing in his arms of all that numberless number of the ransomed and redeemed ones whom God had appointed unto Glory Joh. 17.12 While I was with them in the world I kept them in thy name those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost Isa 40.11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd he shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosome and shall gently lead those that are with young In a word the Service which Christ did in the business of the Covenant was the the transacting of the Covenant he did all that business from beginning to end and without him was nothing done of all things pertaining to God and a new Covenant betwixt him and us whereof see more particularly what we have spoken of the Mediator of the Covenant Chap. 4. Vse 1. Think with your selves and consider the love that made him come under this Covenant-relation that made him a common Servant to both the parties for though he had wages and a reward propounded to him yet it was love that acted Christ in performing this great piece of Service His Service of love is much commended 1. From the infinite condescension that was in it O what condescension was it for a Son to become a Servant Heb. 5.8 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered for the Son the only begotten Son and Heir to become a Servant Mat. 21.37 38 But last of all he sent unto them his Son saying they will reverence my Son But when the husbandmen saw the Son they said among themselves this is the heir come let us kill him and let us seize on his inheritance For the Son of God to become a Servant to the sons of men Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation And took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 2. From the voluntariness of his coming under this Covenant-relation when he was not a Servant by any necessity of nature that he made himself one that when nothing else was to do it his grace his love determined him to go and serve his enemies and make himself of no reputation Phil. 2.7 Rom. 5.8 But God commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Heb. 10.9 Then said he Lo I come to do thy will O God O what strange love was that which made Christ so willingly leave the Throne and come down to the foot-stool and stand and serve Mat. 20.28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransome for many Joh. 13.4 5 He riseth from supper and laid aside his garments and took a towel and girded himself After that he poureth water into a bason and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded Gal. 2.20 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 3. His Service of love is commended from the lowness of the wager and price which he is to have for his Service and love Was man a crown and wager for Christ to work and to run for that he might win it how great a disproportion is there betwixt the Service and the Wages Can poor polluted nothings such as we are be a price for such Love for such Service for such transcendent infinite Love and yet such was the wager for which he served Joh. 13.1 Having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end Joh. 17.19 And for their sakes I sanctifie my self that they also might be sanctified through the truth 4. His Service is commended from the largeness of his design of Love through which he did drive the serving of this Service that God the Son of God did drive this piece of Service through so deep and broad and long a design of transcendent love from everlasting to everlasting through so many decrees which at last could produce nothing in the result but this price To have his poor people engaged to him by a Covenant whereas we might think a lower design might compass sinners and a less price might buy poor man Jer. 31.3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee 1 Joh. 3.1 Behold what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not Eph. 3.18 19 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledg that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God 5. His Service is commended for his performing of it and doing his work so long before he was to reap that low price of all the travel of his Soul to wit the enjoyment of his people Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied He served long ago for that wager which is not not yet payed to him and he knew when he served that Service that he should lie so long out of a great part of his satisfaction Joh. 17.20 Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word Vse 2. This Covenant-relation speaks sad things to them who will not serve Christ 1. Wo to them that will not serve him who refuse a consent of their Service to him who made himself a Servant for our sake Luk. 19.14 But his citizens hated him and sent a message after him saying We will not have this man to reign over us Psal 2.3 Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us We love to be Lords over our own liberty and wills and to break his bands 2. Wo to them that think shame to serve him there is a generation that think it is below them to serve Christ they judg his Service is not honourable though he was not ashamed to serve us Luk. 22.27 For whether is greater he that sitteth at meat or he that serveth is not he that sitteth at meat but I am among you as he that serveth 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 And though it be no shame but honourable to serve him Psal 116.16 O Lord truly I am thy servant I am thy servant and the Son of thine hand-maid thou hast loosed my bonds Psal 84.10 For a day in thy courts is better then a thousand I had rather be a dore-keeper in the house of my God then to dwell in the-tents of wickedness Ifa 58.13 And call the sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words 3. Wo to them that pretend to serve him and do nothing but Eye-service in his work though he was real and cordial in serving our Interest for his Soul travelled in the business but the spirits of such act nothing in his Service Eph. 6.6 Not with Eye-service as men-pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart Isa 29.13 Wherefore the Lord said Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth and with their lips do honour me but hath removed their heart from me and their fear toward me is taught by the precepts of men c. O Consider with your selves 1. What pride there is in refusing to serve him whose Service is so honourable an employment that it is not below the Kings of the Earth to bring their Glory unto Christ and to bow before him Psal 2.10 11 12 Be wise now therefore O ye kings be instructed ye judges of the earth Servo the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling Kiss the Son lest he be angry and ye perish from the way when his wrath is kindled but a little Psal 54. throughout Who would not bow to him who shall break them all that will not bow unto him Isa 60.12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish yea those nations shall be utterly wasted Psal 2.9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel Psal 110.5 The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath 2. Consider what huge and monstrous ingratitude and unkindness it is not to serve him who hath voluntarily humbled himself to serve us who though he was our maker Heb. 1.2 3 yet made himself of no reputation for our advancement Phil. 2.7 Consider how he hath commended his Service unto us and be ashamed not to be found among his servants and followers See more of this Chap. 18. Vse 3. Exhortation 1. Consider and know what he hath done in this Covenant-relation after he hath served this Service and done all that was incumbent to him in this relation he may put the question to us which sometimes he put to his Disciples Joh. 13.12 Know ye what I have done to you 't is a pity that his Service is so little known and taken notice of among his own people for whom he hath done this Service 't is a pity that it should be met with doubtings whether he hath done Service for us or denials of our interest in it which occasion diminutive thoughts and expressions of it 2. Consider how ill Christ was used in this relation that you may be broken for it he was smitten by both the parties It pleased the Lord to bruise him Isa 53.10 Rom. 8.32 He spared not his own Son Zech. 13.7 Awake O sword against my shepherd and against the man that
is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts And his own people smote him and used him very ill Mat. 21.38 But when the husbandmen saw the Son they said among themselves This is the heir come let us kill him and let us seize on his inheritance Joh. 1.11 He came unto his own and his own received him not Isa 53.3 He is despised and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our faces from him he was dispifed and we esteemed him not Yet his love did bear him through all this cold encouragement 3. Consider how you entertain his Service 2 Cor. 6.1 We then as workers together with him beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain Do not slight it do not refuse it upon whatsoever pretext but if he will do you Service and condescend to do you good suffer him to do it 't is no presumption to let him take his will of you he took it ill to be otherwise dealt with Joh. 13.6 8 And Peter saith unto him Lord dost thou wash my feet Peter saith unto him Thou shalt never wash my feet Jesus answered him If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me And no wonder he take it very ill to have his Service slighted and refused for his Service is the heighth of his love which he âannot endure to have slighted his Service offered is slighted ây all those who will not give their consent to let him do unto them all the good offices which are mentioned in the Gospel by all who do not subject their consent unto it Joh. 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life Mat. 22.5 But they made light of it and went their ways one to his farm another to his merchandise 4. Consider what advantages we have by his Service 1. His condescension was the cause of our exaltation if he had not served we had not reigned if he had not come down to the footstool we should never have come up to the Throne Heb. 5.8 9 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect he became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together 2. It was the hardship of his Service which makes ours so easie he left us little to do when he was made under the law he did bear away the bondage of our Service and Duties Rom. 7.4 Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God He did hear the hard and insupportable yoke and left us nothing to do but to serve for love he brake the force and power of the adversary and left us only a broken party and routed forces to deal with 1 Cor. 15.55 O death where is thy-sting O grave where is thy victory Yea he hath not left us alone to deal with these 3. By his Service we have our liberty and can be no more Servants but Friends and Children of the house See Gal. 4.4 5 6 7 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of Sons And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father wherefore thou art no more a servant but a Son and if a Son then an heir of God through Christ Joh. 8.36 If the Son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed Joh. 15.15 Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all thinâs that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you Rom. 8.2 For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death Gal. 4.31 So then brethren we are not children of the bond-woman but of the free We were slaves and condemned under perpetual bondage married unto an angry tyrant so was the law become to transgressors but by his becoming a Servant under the law by his putting on our condition we became sharers of his liberty and Sonship 4. By his Service we have wages and a reward for our Service even for our poor worthless endeavours after duty about which there are so many questionings in the hearts of believers whether they shall be accepted and but few thoughts of a recompence I say our Service could never have been rewarded but for his Service this brought with it not acceptation only but a reward to ours upon his account being done in his name Luk. 17.10 So likewise ye when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you say We are unprofitable servants we have done that which was but our duty to do Heb. 11.6 And that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Isa 45.19 I said not unto the seed of Jacob Seek ye me in vain Isa 56.6 7 Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it and taketh hold of my covenant even them will I bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people 5. By his Service we have that honourable marriage with him which was the price of the travel of his Soul even to have our Souls engaged to him for the Service of love which he served that he might have his people for his reward as Jacob served for the Wives that were given him in Laban his house Gen. 29.20 28 29. Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied 5. Consider what this relation calleth for at our hands That Christ was a Servant in the business of the Covenant this calleth us 1. To yield our selves to be his Servants upon the terms of that Covenant wherein he served even to subject our consent to serve him in ââke relations 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorified God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were but yield your selves unto the Lord Isa 56.6 2. His Service calleth us to serve all his interests and relations his people especially the people who are nearly related to him Mat. 12.40 50 And he stretched forth his hand toward
his disciples and said Behold my mother and my brethren for whosoever shall do the will of my father which is in heaven the same is my brother and sister and mother So he himself argueth Joh. 13.14 15 If I then your Lord and master have washed your feet ye also ought to wash one anothers feet For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you 3. To serve him in that Covenant-relation in such manner as he served us or rather our interests and that was 1. Willingly and chearfully For so did he undertake and undergo that Service Heb. 10.7 Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Luk. 22.15 And he said unto them With desire have I desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer Let our Service to him be such Psal 2.11 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling Deut. 28.47 48 Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee in hunger and in thirst and in nakedness and in the wane of all things 2. He served cordially his Soul travelled in the business Joh. 12.27 Now is my soul troubled and what shall I say father save me from this hour but for this cause I came unto this hour Mat. 26.38 Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death tarry ye here and watch with me Let your Service to him be such that your hearts may be yoaked and your Spirits may act something in serving him Deut. 10.12 And now Israel what doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God to walk in all his ways and to love him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul Rom. 1.9 For God is my witness whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son Phil. 3.3 For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus 3. He served with much submission of his will to his sathers in all things Heb. 5.8 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered Mat. 26.39 42 And he went a little further and fell on his face and prayed saying O my father if it be possible let this cup pass from me nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt He went out again the second time and prayed saying O my father if this cup may not pass away from me except I drink it thy will be done Joh. 4.34 Jesus saith unto them My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work Let us do Service to him with like submission of Spirit 2 Sam. 15.26 But if he thus say I have no delight in thee behold here am I let him do to me as seemeth good unto him Act. 20.22 24 And now behold I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem not knowing the things that shall befall me there but none of these things move me neither count I my life dear unto my self so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testifie the Gospel of the grace of God 4. He served faithfully for in all questions and debates that occured while he was here in the form of a Servant he was always for his father true to his interest Heb. 3.2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him Joh 8.28 38 Then said Jesus unto them When ye have lift up the Son of man then shall ye know that I am he and that I do nothing of my self but as my father hath taught me I speak these things I speak that which I have seen with my father and ye do that which ye have seen with your father Let us be sure to serve him so in all questions and sides in these days to be ever for him and his interests and upon his side 1 Kings 22.14 And Micajah said As the Lord liveth what the Lord saith unto me that will I speak Heb. 3.2 As also Moses was faithful in all his house Act. 13.36 For David after he had served his own generation by the will of God fell asleep and was laid unto his fathers and saw corruption 5. He performed his Service prudently Isa 52.13 Behold my servant shall deal prudently he shall be exalted and extolled and be very high He did all things for promoting the business that was committed unto him with admirable wisdom and discretion so is there also a wisdom with fidelity to be studied in serving his interests that we do not mar the end of our Service Mat. 24.45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom his Lord hath made ruler over his houshold to give them meat in due season Mat. 10.16 Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves Mark 9. last Have salt in your selves and have peace one with another CHAP. XX. Christ the Surety of the Covenant THE sixth relation which Christ sustaineth in the Covenant of Grace Beza in locum is He is Surety of the Covenant so he is expresly called Heb. 7.22 Jesus was made surety of a better testament or rather Covenant as Beza reads it because a Surety is not used in Testaments neither is Christ properly to be considered as Surety in his Testament but as Testator For the opening of this relation I shall 1. Enquire a little into the name and thing that the nature of this relation may be the better known especially what it imports as it is applied to Christ 2. I shall lay down some assertions for the better understanding of Christs Suretiship in the Covenant 3. How Christ came under this relation to be an undertaker for some of the sons of men 4. For whom did he become Surety and undertaker 5. For what is he engaged by this relation 6. What doth commend his Suretiship that the excellency of it may appear 7. Wherein his Suretiship doth differ from undertakings of that nature among men 8. What are the advantages that the Lords people have by Christs Suretiship And in the last place I shall shew you what use is to be made of this relation or of Christ considered as Surety of the Covenant The Hebrew word ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Ghnarab Vide Mercer and Buxtor in voce to which the Greek word ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã doth answer is of very large signification as any word in that language I will touch but a few of many because they are apposite to express the nature of Suretiship The first and native signification of the word is to mix and to mingle see Psal 106.35 But were mingled among the heathen and learned their works
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 coâââerce 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. â2 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 tâo 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 Jâââlh 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 juâenad as Mont. supplieth and the LXX renders it by the same Greek word that 's used Heb. 7.22 give not thy self ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã appropinquo or from ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã prope or from ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã spondeo prom to which comes from ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã
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 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death Gen. 44.33 Now therefore I pray thee let thy servant abide in stead of the lad a bond-man to my Lord and let the lad go up with his brethren 1 Chron. 21.17 Let thine hand I pray thee O Lord my God be on me and on my fathers house but not on thy people that they should be plagued He verily acted that which Judah and David said in these Scriptures We have an evidence of this spirit in him Joh. 18.8 Jesus answered I have told you that I am be if therefore ye seek me let these go their way 4. Suretiship is distinguished according to the subject-matter and things undertaken A Surety is either 1. A Surety for Debt Prov. 22.26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands or of them that are sureties for Debts Or 2. A Surety for persons to wit for their safety and indempnity Gen. 44.32 For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father saying If I bring him not unto thee then I shall bear the blame unto my father for ever Or for their good behaviour or for their appearing Or. 3. A Surety for performance to wit of conditions and stipulations such are commonly hostages in war Isa 36.8 Now therefore give pledges I pray thee to my master the king of Assyria The first is Suretiship in the way of satisfaction and it is sponsio de praeterito or de presenti The latter two is Suretiship by way of caution and is sponsio de futuro Christs Suretiship hath something of all these 1. He He was Surety for your Debt to satisfie for that for all your Debts and Trespasses Isa 53.6 And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all 2. He became Surety for your persons for your indempnity that none of you should be lost and not for the indempnity of your persons only but for the appearing of your persons that he should present you to God at the time appointed Joh. 17.12 While I was with them in the world I kept them in thy name those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition that the scriptures might be fulfilled He was bail for his people 3. He became Surety for performance of the stipulation and all the conditions of the Covenant upon both sides Job 6.37 39 40 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day And this is the will of him that sent me that every one which seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day Joh. 17.4 6 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of ãâ¦ã they were and ââou gavest them me and they ãâã kepâ thy word In the second plaâe I shall lay down some Assertions bresly for clearing of this Covenant-relation Assert 1. Man as he is considered in the second Covenant hath as much need of a Surety as of a Saviour hath equal need of one to beget a confidence betwixt God and him as of one to help him Heb. 8.7 For if that first covenant had been faultless then should no place have been sought for the second He being not only a broken creature and irresponsal who having banquered out with the stock which his Lord committed to him did merit to be no more trusted by him and who had also with the loss of his stock of Grace put himself in a desperate condition having sinned away all power and possibility of paying his Debt and satisfying his Lord who also had begotten a mutual diffidence and distrust betwixt his Lord and him that there could henceforth be no more dealing with expectation of trust and performance until a Surety intervened to make up this breach by his undertaking Psal 80.19 28 33 I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people My mercy will I keep for him for evermore and my covenant shall stand fast with him Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Assert 2. Christs Suretiship was not only a voluntary act it was also an act of absolute Soveraignty He being an absolute Lord this was his priviledg that he had power over himself and over his own life to lay it down at his pleasure which others may not do take this Assention from his own mouth Joh. 10.18 I have power to lay down my life not only ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ability but ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Authority and right This Christ had by concession and grant from God his father who had given him power over all flesh Joh. 17.2 And this he had in and from himself being Godâ he had power over himself as man to dispose of his manhood as pleased him and these two concurring Christs consent and his power over his own life did make it lawful and just that he should be punished being innocent 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God Assert 3. When man was in this ãâ¦ã unrequested did undertake for the broken ãâã to pay his Debt and to satisfie the Creditor Rom. 5.8 But God commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us And this he did not by any request of ours or any Covenant with us to undertake for us whereby we did sollicite him or compact with him to be Surety for us for his Suretiship gave the rise to the Covenant made with us our Covenant with him gave not the rise to his Suretiship but because the Lord the Creditor and Christ the Cautioner had long before stricken hands together that he should both undertake and discharge the Debt of these broken men Therefore it s said that God laid our iniquities upon him Isa 53.5 6. And he was made a Surety Heb. 7.22 Assert 4. Catech. Raârov c. 8. Socin de sirvatere l. 2. c. 5. and 8. Christ the Surety of the new Testament died not only nostro bono for our good and profit as Socinians say but he died also in our stead and room nostra vice For 1. Sure he died for us as no other person can be said to die for us 1 Cor. 1.13 Is Christ divided was Paul
discouraged till he have set judgment in the earth and the Isles shall wait for his law I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand and will keep thee and give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles And so Jesus saith of himself Heb. 10.5 A body hast thou prepared or fitted me to the same purpose also the Apostle tells us Gal. 4.4 That he was not only made of a woman but made under the law i. e. ordained and fitted for taking on our condition in Law or our Law-place and room as well as our nature 3. The investing of him in this relation he was maâe the Surety i. e. He was invested constitute and set ind that Covenant-relation unto which he was ordained and for which he was fitted therefore he was made with an oath And the Lord sware unto him Heb. 7.21 and Joh. 6.27 Him hath the father sealed i. e. invested him and constituted him under his commission and seal 2. This imports some things upon Christs part He was made Surety God made him Surety his father made him and he made himself the Surety he was willingly made Surety by his own free consent and Covenant the Scriptures speak frequently of his consent and of the making of himself whatsoever his father made him Phil. 2.7 8 He made himself of no reputation c. and he humbled himself Joh. 10.18 No man taketh my life from me but I lay it down my self I say on Christs part this doth import 1. His eternal condeseending to empty himself and to take on him our nature and our room and place under the Law he was made Surety he condescended and agreed to take upon him both our nature and our condition Heb. 2.14 16 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 2. His engaging and plighting his faith and truth to perform whatsoever he did condesceud and agree unto by his act of Suretiship so that whatsoever the law could exact of us he plighted his faith to fulfil that he was made Surety i.e. He did promise and strike hands to satisfie all that the Law could demand of his people for so the word Surety signifieth as I have already shewed you Prov. 22.26 to make satisfaction for the sins done against or under the first Covenant and Testament Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance Rom. 3.25 Whom God had set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it written of me to do thy will O God 3. His performance of all these things unto which he did agree and for which he plighted his faith by his act of Suretiship he was made the Surety i. e. He payed the debt he satisfied the Law he stood in the place of the broken men till Justice said It is enough and till he himself said It is finished Isa 53 throughout 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 Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Thus did Jesus the Surety of the better Testament 1. By an eternal transaction agree and condescend to put his name in the bond and writ of the Law that stood over our head Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 2. Thus did he engage for us and act himself to answer at the demands of Law and Justice Heb. 10.7 Gal. 4.4 3. Thus did Jesus in due time discharge and perform and actually was made a curse for us Gal. 3.13 From this voluntary relation of Christs Suretiship for his people ariseth a fourfold relation which is founded on this which relations betwixt Christ and his people import a nearness of conjunction and union with them and do contribute to the clearing the justice of God in smiting Christ for our sin and in our place and room 1. From Christs Suretiship ariseth a natural relation betwixt him and us that he is our kinsman and our brother of the same nature of the same flesh and blood with us this resulteth from his Suretiship whereby he condescended and agreed to take our nature upon him for otherwise he and we had never been of the same lump Heb. 2.11 14 16 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 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham 2. From his Suretiship flows a Legal relation betwixt Christ and us that he and we are one party in the Law that his satisfaction and payment is ours and that our debt is his that what he did and suffered we did it Legally in him this proceeds from his Suretiship because when he was made Surety of the Covenant he put himself in the bond and writ of the Law and put in our names in the ãâã writ Gal. 2.20 I am crucified with Christ Nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me Rom. 6.5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we ââall be also in the likeness of his resurrection 3. From Christs Suretiship proceeds a foedenal relation betwixt him and his people whereby they are his and he is theirs by Covenant whereby he and his people have one God and Father by Covenant Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my father my God and the rock of my Salvation Joh. 20.17 But go to my brethren and say unto them I ascend unto my father and your father and to my God and your God Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said be 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 also floweth from his
Suretiship for thereby he plighted his promise and faith to God that he would undertake the bringing about of this conjunction and God plighted his faith to him that he should do the business and that this work should prosper in his hand Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Isa 53.10 And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand 4. From his Suretiship proceeds a mystical relation betwixt him and his people whereby he is the head and they are the members he is the vine and they the branches he is the king and they are his subjects he is the husband and they are his bride and wife 1 Cor. 12.12 For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ 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 pre-eminence Joh. 15.5 I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit Rev. 19.7 For the marriage of the lamb is come and his wife hath made her self ready Psal 45.10 Forget also thine own people and thy fathers house c. Yea if any relation can be more near and mystical that also is the result of his Suretiship See Gal. 2.20 I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me 1 Cor. 6.17 But he that is joyned unto the Lord is one spirit Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Joh. 17.23 I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in one Think it not strange then that Justice should smite Christ for the transgressions of his people there being such nearness of relations and conjunction betwixt the person offending and the person suffering Grot. de satisfact cap. 4. and vaâââ max. lib. 6. c. 5. See Mr. Râââ on the Covenant pag. 2. c. 9. for even among men we find one man suffering for another upon the account of these and the like relations 1. Upon natural relations do not parents and children and kinsmen often justly suffer with and for one another Exod. 20.5 For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me Josh 7.24 And Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan the son ãâ¦ã and the silver and the garment and the wedg of gold and his sons and his daughters and his oxen and his asses and his sheep and his tent and all that he had and they brought them unto the valley of Achor c. 2. Upon Legal relations doth not the husband pay the wives debt doth not the heir suffer for his predecessor and the person to whom he is heir doth not the hostage and pledges given suffer for them who gave them doth not the Surety suffer for the Debtor because these are but one party in law Prov. 6.1 2 My Son if thou be Surety for thy friend if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger thou art snared with the words of thy mouth thou art taken with the words of thy mouth Prov. 11. â5 He that is Surety for a stranger shall smart for it and he that hateth Suretiship is sure 3. Upon foederal relations do not people suffer for and in their confederates Ezek 16.37 Behold therefore I will gather all thy lovers with whom thou hast taken pleasure and all them that thou hast loved with all them that thou hast hated I will even gather them round about against thee and will discover thy nakedness unto them that they may see all thy nakedness Ezek. 30.8 And they shall know that I am the Lord when I have set a fire in Egypt and when all her helpers shall be destroyed 4. Upon mystical relations whether in the body natural doth not one member suffer for another doth not the head pay for what the hand acted or in the body politick and civil do not princes and people often suffer for one another 1 Sam. 12. last But if ye shall still do wickedly ye shall be consumed both ye and your king 1 Chron. 21.17 And David said unto God Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbred even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed but as for these sheep what have they done let thine hand I pray thee O Lord my God be on me and on my fathers house but not on thy people that they should be plagued Or in the Church and body politick and Ecclesiastical do not pastors and people often suffer for one another Ezek. 3.26 And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth that thou shalt be dumb and shalt not be to them a reprover for they are a rebellious house Rev. 2.5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and remove my candlestick out of his place except thou repent How much more may it stand with justice to smite Christ and to put him to suffer for his people having in him a complication of all these relations towards them and of all kind of relations that can import and express nearness conjunction union and oneness with them he also being willing to suffer for his people and absolute Lord of his own life Joh. 10.17 18 Therefore doth my father love me because I lay down my life that I might take it again No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again this commandment have I receieved of my father Now the consideration of this point how Christ came under an act of Suretiship for his people to wit Brinst of the Mediator pag. 123 c. by a free consent and agreement betwixt God and Christ in a Covenant whereby God willingly made him the Surety and he willingly made himself the Surety this I say doth exceedingly commend this grace of God in the satisfaction made by Christ the Surety of the Covenant especially in these things 1. It was grace and favour in God that he was pleased to dispence so far with his own Law as to admit of satisfaction by a Surety and not to stand upon the rigour thereof which requires that the same soul that sinned might suffer and die and no other for him Gen. 2.17 But of the tree of the knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law
ascribed to his intercession which he is now performing in heaven and therefore he must intercede in Heaven as Surety of the better Testament Heb. 7.22 to 25. with Rom. 5.10 and Rom. 8.34 Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us 3. Consider that unless he were a Surety in Heaven and acted therein that Covenant-relation by his intercession all his other actings as Surety of the Covenant would be to little purpose for our behoof for it is this part of his Suretiship that maketh his satisfaction to the Law effectual for the good of the Elect this is it which putteth life in the death of him who died in our stead and room and without this the blood of the Surety had been shed in vain For this is the very application of it and sprinkling the blood of the Covenant upon us Heb. 9.19 20 24 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law he took the blood of Calves and Goats with water and scarlet wool and Hysop and sprinkled both the book and all the people saying this is the blood of the Teestament which God hath enjoined unto you For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 7.22 25. By so much was Jesus made Surety of a better Testament Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 1 Joh. 2.1 2 My little children these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins 4. Consider that as his soul and his life was at the stake and was pawned for that part of his Suretiship that was to be performed on earth to wit the paying of a price to Justice so his honour lies yet at the stake and in pawn for that part of his engagement which is to be performed in heaven by his intercession so that as it behoved him to have lien in prison for ever and the soul to have been left in the grave unless he had payed his Debt and made satisfaction to Justice his Soul being in our souls stead as a Surety so his honour I say lieth still at the stake for all his peoples compleat Salvation insomuch that Heaven cannot hold him if he bring not them there he shall not have the glory of a perfected Saviour and Surety if he perform not his engagement to save them to the utmost yea he must quit heaven if he bring not his people thither for whom he undertook See Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Joh. 17.1 4 12 24 Glorifie thy son that thy son also may glorifie thee I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do While I was with them in the world I kept them in thy name those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition that the scripture might be fulfilled Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Heb. 2.10 For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings He speaks for his brethren as Judah did for little Benjamin Gen. 43.9 3. Christ is a Surety in our stead and in our behalf 1. I say in most things which Christ did as a Surety of the Covenant he did them in our stead and room he did them as a person representing us and we did them in him by vertue of that communion that is betwixt the Surety and the Debtor when he died he died in our stead and we died in him there we paid the Debt when he arose and ascended he rose in our stead and we rose and ascended in him there we had a discharge and liberation when he had it c. Rom. 6.6 8 Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin Now if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with him 1 Cor. 15.22 For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive Eph. 2.5 6 Even when we were dead in sins he hath quickened us together with Christ by grace ye are saved and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus 2. Yet there are some things which Christ the Surety performed wholly for us indeed and on our behalf but he cannot be said to perform them in our stead or to act our part in them that is to act these things as that which we should have done such was his incarnation and taking of our nature upon him and the taking of our Law-place upon him which were acts of Christ the Surety of the Covenant and unto which he had voluntarily engaged himself by his Covenant of Suretiship with God See Mr. Tho. Goodwin Christ set forth Sect. 5. c. 4. pag. 149. Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Yet he cannot be said properly to have done these things in our stead though he did them on our behalf and wholly for us for these were the very foundation of all that he acted in our stead and opened the way to his acting as our Surety in our stead by these acts he put himself in our stead that he might act our part being found in our nature state and condition Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men Such also is his intercession in heaven for though he intercede as a Surety in Heaven and on our behalf yet he doth it
for them sure he knew for whom he did undertake he knew their number and names how many was in that company and who they were Joh. 17.6 12 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his And if the matter of our Salvation stand upon Gods giving to Christ and his undertaking then sure there were none given by the father to the Son from eternity upon respect of faith or holiness for that should destroy Christs Suretiship and undertaking and lay the weight of that which is principal in the issue upon the creatures will that should make the creature a Surety for himself Rom. 9.11 16 For the children being yet not born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of works but of him that calleth c. So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy 2. Christs Suretiship is a confirmation of the dominion and Soveraignty of his grace and of the reality efficacy and irresistableness of the working of his spirit and the physical influences thereof for if Christ had not the power and dominion of our wills how could he undertake for us and if Salvation were not taken off the slippery yea and nay of free will how could our Lord be Surety for his people were it possible that he should undertake and discharge his undertaking for those over whose hearts and wills he hath not an absolute power and dominion Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Jer. 30.21 And their nobles shall be of themselves and their governour shall proceed from the midst of them and I will cause him to draw near and he shall approach unto me for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me saith the Lord Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them 3. Christs Suretiship is a confirmation of the perseverance of the saints and of the certainty of the the Salvation of all the Elect for if their perseverance and believing to the end be undertaken for by him how can it be uncertain if our heaven and happiness be in a surer hand than our own even in the keeping of Christ how can it be but well kept 1 Pet. 1.4 5 âo an inheritance incorruptible undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Jer. 32.39 40 And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them and of their children after them And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear into their hearts that they shall not depart from me Luk. 22 32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not It is the Suretiship of Christ which holds the Covenant fast with us and makes firm our Covenant-state that upon no breaches on our part it can be disannulled Psal 89.30 34 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments 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 Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord if heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. Vse 5. The Doctrine of Christ Suretiship serves to answer all tentations discouragements and doubtings that arise in the hearts of believers concerning their Covenant-interests If there be any doubt with you about the performance of the precious promises Christs Suretiship answers it and assureth that there shall be a performance of all these things which are spoken by the Lord Luk. 1.45 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen unto the glory of God by us If there be any thing too hard for you among all the commands and conditions of the new Covenant his Suretiship answers that Rom. 10.6 7 8. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise say not in thine heart who shall ascend into Heaven that is to bring Christ down from above Or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the dead But what saith it the word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me If your standing be doubtful since Adam and the Angels have fallen Christs Suretiship answers that he was never an undertaker for them but he is engaged for every believers standing Joh. 17.12 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better Testament If you fear your our own frailty and sinfulness lest it should make void the Covenant with you his Suretiship answers that it must stand with him and if with him then with you also Psal 89.30 33 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord If Heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. If you fear your own backsliding some decay and withering of grace in you his Suretiship answers that for he is engaged for influences to you Isa 44.3 4 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry grouud I will pour my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thine off-spring and they shall spring up as among the grass as willows by the water-courses Isa 27.3 I the Lord do keep it I will water it every moment lest any hurt it I will keep it night and day If your strength fail and decay his Suretiship shall renew strength unto you Isa 40.31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run and not be weary and they
was come God sent forth his Som made of a woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons 3. The Surety hath already satisfied for your disobedience it is not a thing to be done but past already Heb. 9.15 And for this cause is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance Vse 7. Learn hence a necessary cautiousness the neglect whereof is one chief cause of the misgiving of our hearts in duties every day do not put any thing in Christs place as Surety and undertaker for you Sometimes we take our gifts and graces to be Surety for us and we reckon that these may engage for us and make us forth-coming in Duty sometimes we take our own hearts and our resolution Surety for us and we trust to them as the people did Josh 24.16 And the people answered and said God forbid that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods Deut. 5.27 29 Go thou near and hear all that the Lord our God shall say and speak thou unto us all that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee and we will hear it and do it Sometimes we take our own good frame Surety for us if we have at any time some warmness and life under present influences we reckon these may be Surety for us and that is but to put something in the Sureties place which God hath not made cautioner in this Covenant 1 Cor. 1.30 31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption that according as it is written He that glorieth let him glory in the Lord. CHAP. XXI Christ the Testator of the new Covenant or Testament THE seventh relation which Christ sustains in the Covenant of Grace he is Testator or he that makes the will and testament Heb. 9.16 17. Now because Testator and Testament are so nearly related that the one is not understood without the other I must here refer you to that which I have already spoken of Christs Testament which being largely handled before we shall not need to be large in speaking of the Testator but briefly of these particulars 1. What this Name and Covenant-relation imports 2. What was the design of this Covenant-relation 3. How the thing designed in Christs being Testator in the new Testament or Covenant is rendred effectual by his sustaining this relation And 1. Of the name and relation ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã signifies a Disposer or Testator one that maketh his latter will and Testament one who according to his own will and pleasure disposeth of his estate and goods in contemplation of his death and the leaving his possession to be injoyed by others after his death This Covenant-relation that Jesus Christ is Testator imports 1. A person dying or doing a deed in contemplation of the necessity of his own death as being thereunto appointed this relation speaks Christ under not only the common appointment unto death with all men Heb. 9.27 but under a special appointment unto death for that end for which he made his Testament which he well understood and did often contemplate and remember when he acted in this Covenant-relation Heb. 9.15 16 Where a testament is there must also of necessity be the death of the testator And Joh. 13.1 Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father 2. This relation imports a person vested with possession and right unto some estate or goods whereof he makes a Disposal and Will for he that hath nothing in possession nor in title can dispose of nothing to another person Christ the Testator is a person fully vested with right unto and possession of all good things for God hath made him both Lord and Christ Act. 2.36 and 10.36 And him God hath appointed heir of all things Heb. 1.2 It pleased the father that in him all fulness should dwell Col. 1.19 3. This relation imports a power in the Testator to dispose of the things possessed by him a power of conveying his estate to others else it were in vain to bequeath his estate real or personal this relation speaks Christ the Testator in power and authority to convey all Covenant-blessings which are his own unto his people for the father hath given all things unto his hands and hath committed all judgment to the Son Not a possession only but a power and authority Joh. 3.35 and 5.22 And hath given him power ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã authority over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Joh. 17.2 4. This relation imports a Deed which is the sole will and meer pleasure of the Testator not only a power to dispose of that which he possesseth or hath right unto but to do according to his meer pleasure and the Testators will to be the devising and conveying of whatsoever is his own and therefore inasmuch as Christ is Testator in the Covenant it is declared that his will in his Testament his grace and pleasure makes the title and conveyance of what we have from and by him Joh. 17.24 Father I will that these whom thou hast given unto me be with me c. Joh. 14.27 My peace I give unto you Joh. 16.7 I will send the comforter unto you 5. This relation imports the actual declaring of his will and disposing of his goods for a Testator is not a Testator but in relation to the instrument or evidence by which he declares his will to wit his Testament And therefore this relation holds forth Christ in the Covenant as having actually already made his will by an authentick instrument and evidence to wit the old and new Testament for Christ died not untested and without a declaration of his will and a disposal of his house and of his goods but hath ordered and disposed all of things and left us this authentick evidence of his will Luk. 22.29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom as my father hath appointed unto me The same word that 's used Heb. 9.16 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã I dispose or appoint by my will and Testament and Heb. 10.16 I will make with you a covenant ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã to wit this testamentary Covenant I declare my will of grace to you in it 2. What was the design of Christs sustaining the relation of Testator in the new Covenant 1. That by this relation our Lord Jesus might super-add a new title to believers unto the new Covenant-blessings which he would have his people to hold of him after all manner of the best security used among men and therefore will not only convey these mercies to them by Covenant and promise but by Testament and Legacy therefore he sustained the relation of
and the people owning him he being the only person in heaven or earth who doth bear or is capable to bear the relation of God towards the people and again of the people towards God for he is God with us Mat. 1.23 He is God and the people united and owning one another and in some things he doth represent and carry forth God to us as ours 2 Cor. 5.19 And in other things he doth represent and carry in the people of God and present them before him as his own people Heb. 9.24 and 2.13 Eph. 2.6 2. In regard of causality for although Christ be not the cause of Gods love to the Elect but the effect thereof Joh. 3.16 yet he is the cause of the effects and acts whereby it runneth forth towards us Christ is the bottom of the relation betwixt God and his people for by his taking a new Covenant-right unto God as his God and Father by Covenant he is lay the foundation of Gods being our God by Covenant and of our being the people of God by Covenant which had never been were it not for Christs new Covenant-right Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me Thou art my father my God and the rock of my salvation Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee and again I will be to him a father and he shall be to me a son 3. In regard of conveyance or of the manner and way how we have access to this priviledg and Covenant-state to have God to be our God God is our God in Christ and we are Gods people in and through Christ and without an existence in Christ and union with him God is not ours neither are we his Eph. 2.12 That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world For Covenant-relations as well as blessings come to us through Christ we come to God in Christ and God cometh to us and becometh ours in him 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 3. The sum of the mutual stipulation is in Christ there are some mutual conditions and stipulations in this as in other Covenants But Christ may be well called the whole stipulation 1. Because 't is he who obtaineth the consent of both parties and receiveth in their Amen to that blessed transaction of friendship and union the consent of the one from everlasting Prov. 8.22 23 30. with 2 Tim. 1.9 Tit. 1.2 and of the other when we believe Joh. 6.37 Rev. 22.17 20. 2. Because the Covenant was given to him to be fulfilled on both sides by him it was fulfilled upon Gods side for he is the person which was sent to perform all that God had promised to his people Luk. 1.69 70 72 73 74 And hath raised up an horn to salvation for us in the house of his servant David as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been since the world began to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant the oath which he sware to our father Abraham that he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear By him it was fulfilled upon our part for he is the person upon whom our help was laid even to perform whatsoever is required of us by the Covenant Psal 89.17 19 For thou art the glory of their strength Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one and saidst I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. Because upon the matter Christ is the very thing which is mutually stipulated upon both sides Consider I pray God stipulates to give us Christ and that is the sum of what he stipulates Isa 55.3 4 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people And again we restipulate to give Christ to God for all that the Covenant requires of us 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith For this is the nature of the Gospel-Covenant it craveth conditions and duties from us but filleth the hand with Christ wherewith to pay the masters rent and we do answer all that is craved with Christ which maketh the craving gentle Isa 60.17 I will also make thine officers peace and thine exactors righteousness 4. Christ is the sum of all the promises and blessings of the Covenant Isa 42.6 And give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles This doth appear 1. From the first discovery of this Covenant which had but one promise in it and that was the promise of Christ Gen. 3.15 The seed of the woman 2. This appears from Gods explicating the sum of the promises and Covenant when it was more explicitely held forth to be Christ gifted to his people Gen. 12.3 And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed Isa 55.3 4 And I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people 3. This appears from the holy Ghosts accounting Christs coming to be the performing of the whole Covenant and promises Luk. 1.69 72 73 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant the oath which he sware to our father Abraham c. 5. Christ is the sum of all the properties of the Covenant not only because whatsoever these properties speak forth of the nature of that transaction that is to be found in him but also and chiefly because Christ is the foundation of all these properties as may appear by a short recapitulation of the particular properties thereof which are all comprised in Christ And 1. The freeness of the Covenant is comprised in him The Covenant of grace is free and indeed Christ is a free Christ or Christ freely given to his people is the sum of the free Covenant Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever
the doing and suffering of so excellent a person who was God-man and so all these being acts so excellent and so undue except by voluntary condescension they must needs be such conditions as were part of the price payed by him 4. The obedience of Christ and all that he did in obedience to the Law being performed by him in the state of his humiliation in which he was whatsoever he was for us 2 Cor. 8.9 for your sakes he became poor all these must have respect of conditions of his Covenant with Jehovah which he performed for us Assert 7. The conditions of the Covenant of Redemption required from Christ and performed by him were meritorious that is they were not consequent conditions which denote only a connexion and order betwixt the thing promised and the condition required but they were antecedent conditions when the condition is the cause of the thing promised as in contracts of Justice where one thing is given for another So the conditions of this Covenant performed by Christ did by order of strict Justice and jure emptionis claim the reward that was promised and covenanted with him to be given to himself the head and to his elect people in whose stead he satisfied Justice by paying their debt with a price of blood hence it is that he craves the reward to be given and that in Justice for the work he had done Joh. 17.4 5 24 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold thy glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Hence it is also that his Advocation is grounded upon Justice and he stands in Heaven Jesus the righteous 1 Joh. 2.1 who being now justified and acquitted of the debt that he took upon him by his bond of Suretiship whereby he was made sin and made a curse for us 2 Cor. 5.21 Gal. 3.13 He pleads now the merit of blood Assert 8. The condition of the Covenant of Suretiship is either more general and adequate or more special and forwal and accordingly we must answer the question when 't is asked what was the condition of this Covenant Answ 1. The general adequate condition of the Covenant of Suretiship can be no narrower than Christ's whole undertaking so that whatsoever he undertook to do whether in his own person or in his people for carrying on and perfecting the word of Redemption from beginning to end must be part of the conditions required at his hand whereof read Psal 40.6 to 11. compared with Heb. 10.5 to 11 all which may be summed up in six comprehensive heads 1. Christ's accepting the grand charge of this work of Redemption even the Mediatory office that was put upon him he receives the keys of the house of David the trust and weight of the lost but elect world and all the burthen and care of them is devolved upon him with this office Isa 22.22 24. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder so he shall open and none shall shut and he shall shut and none shall open And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his Father's house the off-spring and the issue all vessels of small quantity from the vessels of cups even to all tho vessels of flaggons 2. His taking out nature upon him and that not in its primitive virgin integrity but when it was at the worst it was a condition of this Covenant that Christ should humble himself to take on him the likeness of sinful flesh Rom. 8.3 that he should take the same nature that offended divine Justice even the same flesh and blood whereof the children are partakers and no other Heb. 2.14 3. His taking our Law-place was another condition not our nature only but our Law-place and room that is to put his Soul in our Soul's stead that the Law of God might reach him who otherwise could not be reached by the Law and that Divine Justice executing the curse and penalty of the Law might smite him as the guilty man being by his own consent and his bond of Suretiship become legally the debtor and sinner though not intrinsecally Gal. 4.4 made under the Law and made sin for us 2 Cor. 5.21 though he knew no sin 4. His acting our part not in a scenick but in a real manner he came upon the stage to represent our person and in our nature and Law-place he really acted our part and this was another condition required of him who perfectly obeyed the command of the Law and suffered the threatning thereof for us even all that Justice had threatned to inflict upon the offender and transgressour of the Law Gal. 3.13 he was made a curse for us Isa 53.5 the chastisement of our peace was upon him c. 5. His taking a new Covenant-right unto God his own Father and not to God only but to heaven and glory and all the New-covenant blessings whereby the Covenant-right and rites of his redeemed people might be consolidated in him as their head and whereby he might for ever carry their names and interests before his Father as being there represented by him Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my Father my God and the rock of my Salvation Heb. 2.11.13 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren And again I will put my trust in him and again behold I and the children which thou hast given me And 9.24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us 6. His effectual application of the Redemption purchased by his Suretiship unto all his redeemed ones And under this I comprehend Christ's undertaking for the pouring out of the Spirit to send to them his Spirit to draw them to him to cause them to believe receive his Surety-righteousness to keep them in his favour and love to cause them to persevere to present them perfected and without spot to God Joh. 15.26 But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testifie of me Joh. 12.32 And if I be lifted up from the earth I will draw all men unto me Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Joh. 6.39 40 And this is the Father's will that hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day And this is the will of him that sent me that
every one which seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day Joh. 14.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also 2. But if ye enquire after the formal condition of the Covenant of Suretiship I say it was his whole obedience active and passive even unto death Phil. 2.8 and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross though the special principal eminent condition of this Covenant may be referred to the principal eminent last act of his obedience to that signal special command of laying down his life for the elect Joh. 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again this commandment have I received of my Father For 1. This Covenant being a bargain betwixt Jehovah and Christ of buying a people to God then the whole price and ransom told down and payed for them must be the formal condition of that Covenant whereby we are bought with a price 1 Cor. 6.20 1 Pet. 1.18 19 For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your Fathers but with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lamb without spot and without blemish 2. Christ was under a special explicite command for the performance of this condition of laying down his life as is clear from Joh. 10.18 and Christ was under a special act to obey this command as himself acknowledges Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O my God and therefore we may well call it the special condition of the Covenant of Suretiship 3. This solemn act of obedience in offering himself a Sacrifice to death for our sins is the condition of his bond of Suretiship that is most notised by the Holy Ghost and frequently referred unto as may be gathered from Heb. 9.14 15 26 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of death for the Redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself Rom. 8.3 God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh And therefore when we speak of the condition of the Covenant of Suretiship this is to be held the special eminent condition thereof 4. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ states the condition of this Covenant upon this eminent solemn act of his obedience even his making his soul an offering for sin c. for-vent which he makes the great promises of his glorious reward Isa 53. throughout 5. Our Lord Jesus Christ himself does own this as the special condition of his Coovenant of Suretiship and that both at his entring into the world Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God And about or at the time of his leaving the world when he had fulfilled or was about to fulfil all his undertaking and conditions to his Father Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do With 19.30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar he said it is finished and he bowed his head and gave up the ghost These being the sum of the conditions required from Christ See Mr. Rutherf Treat of the Covenant p. 2. ch 11. And Mr. Robert's Medul Bibl. b. 2. c. 2. and undertaken by him let us enquire also after the promises made to Christ and the encouraging-conditions that were made to him by Jehovah for undertaking so hard a work as was the redemption and recovery of lost man These were of eight sorts The first kind of promises made to Christ in the Covenant of Redemption were such as relate to the offices authorities trusts and powers that were covenanted to him for the doing of this work 1. I say Jehovah promiseth to invest Christ with offices sutable to that great work of Redemption to make him Lord Mediator of the new Covenant to make him great Lord Ambassador that he might go and travel in that business of our Redemption to make him a King a Priest and a Prophet for effecting this business Psal 110. throughout The Lord said to my Lord sit thou at my right hand he shall judge among the heathen the Lord hath sworn and will not repent thou art a Priest for ever Isa 49.6 And 42.6 7 I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayst be my Salvation unto the ends of the earth to open the blind eyes c. Psal 2.6 7 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion I will declare the decree the Lord said unto me c. 2. God did not only promise to invest Christ with offices and trusts but with authorities and powers also with headship and power of Judgment over Men and Angels that shall make them all bow to him Rom. 14.10.11 We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ for it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God He was not a titular King or Priest nor a scenick one a King upon a stage but a King upon a throne Luk. 1.32 33 And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdom there shall be no end A King that had power to bow the hearts of his Subjects and to crush the greatest Heads and Rulers in the world that oppose him Psal 110.3.5 6 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath He shall judg among the heathen he shall fill the places with the dead bodies he shall wound the heads over many countries And 2.9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel And 45.3 4 5 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh O most mighty with thy glory and thy majesty And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness and thy right hand
spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all Isa 53.8 For the transgressions of my people was he stricken 7. The Holiness of God is manifested in Christ his Holiness did appear in that holy Image which he put in Adam and the holy Law which he gave to him under a penalty but this holiness of the Image of God stamped on the creature was possible to be lost for both men and Angels were capable of sin and did fall but herein is a greater manifestation of Gods holiness that a Creature Christ-man Christ Mediator is made the Fountain of all Holiness Holiness cannot be lost in him yea it is derived from him Joh. 1.14 16 Full of grace and truth and of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Chap. 3. v. 34 For God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him This is spoken of Christ man of Christ Mediator for one of the persons of the Godhead cannot receive another O what an impression of Holiness is this what a communication and manifestation of the Holiness of God! The fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily in the man Christ Col. 2.9 Where there is the highest union there is the greatest communion there was never such another union as that personal union and therefore there could never be such a communication of God 8. The All-sufficiency of God appears more in Christ than ever before the declarative glory thereof shines in the restoring of lost man for whosoever can restore lost man can raise him to a higher happiness than he fell from he is All-sufficient and Almighty and is thereby declared to be so this did God in Christ the Mediator this is a declaration of Gods All-sufficiency and of Christs Gen. 17.1 I am God almighty 2 Cor. 8.9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be made rich Chap. 12.9 And he said unto me My grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me 9. The Patience and Long suffering of God was never heard of before until it was manifested in Christ God executed his Justice against the fallen Angels without exercising any Patience and Long-suffering towards them 2 Pet. 2.4 For if God spared not the Angels which fell but cast them down to hell But in Jesus Christ there is a discovery of the Patience of God and his bearing with sinners Isa 49.8 There is a Covenant to establish the earth that Justice do not ruine it Jesus Christ obtained pardon and reprival for some sinners that they should be spared Exod. 34.6 And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth In him the Lord proclaims himself merciful and gracious long-suffering c. 1 Tim. 1.16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting Yea and by way of concomitancy and for the Elects sake reprobates reap some benefit by the Patience of God thus manifested He suffers the creatures to mock him and say Where is the promise of his coming 2 Pet. 3.4 Rom. 9.22 Endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction 10. The Faithfulness of God is manifested in Christ he was known to be true and faithful in fulfilling the threatning and certification of the transgression of the first Covenant Gen. 2.17 In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die And in keeping the Covenant with all the creatures Gen. 8.22 While the earth remaineth seed-time and harvest-time and cold and heat and summer and winter and day and night shall not cease Jer. 33.20 Thus saith the Lord If ye can break my Covenant of the day and my Covenant of the night and that there should not be day and night in their season c. But this was but a small declaration of his faithfulness being compared with the manifestation of his Faithfulness in Christ which shines so brightly in keeping Covenant and Promises with him and with his people upon his account notwithstanding all your unfaithfulness to him hereby he is proclaimed to be the Lord abundant in truth Exod. 34.6 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are Amen Psal 89.34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David Mic. 7.18 20 Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob and the mercy to Abraham which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old 11. The Majesty of the Lord something whereof is manifested in the Creation Psal 19.1 The heavens declare the glory of the Lord and the firmament sheweth forth his handy-work But much more in restoring man if there be a Majesty in Angels Heb. 1.7 And of his Angels he saith who maketh his Angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire And in godly men which is but a little discovered here c. shall be more fully afterward 2 Thess 1.10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints O what excellent Majesty must there be in Jesus Christ Heb. 1.13 But to which of the Angels said he at any time sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool And what shall be revealed in him when he shall come in glory 2 Thess 1.7 When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels Col. 3.4 When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory You see then all the Attributes of God are made more bright and get a new lustre in Jesus Christ the Mediator he is the brightness of his Fathers glory and the express Image of his Person 2. The distinct Subsistences of the Persons of the Godhead and blessed Trinity are more brightly discovered in Jesus Christ than ever before God was but darkly seen before in the distinct Subsistences of the persons of the Trinity but in the Gospel through Jesus Christ there is a glorious manifestation thereof 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 1. The Eternal Son of God the second Person his taking on our nature doth clearly shew that there are distinct Subsistences or Persons in the Godhead There are two natures in one Subsistence or Person which illustrates the three Subsistencies in one nature or three Persons in the Godhead 2. By Jesus Christ from his own