glory and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created Whereas natural necessity excludes freedom both in the principle of action and the act it self Having now shewed what kind of necessity there was for the being of the Covenant of Redemption betwixt God and Christ and that the necessity does mainly respect the final cause and ends which God had purposed in himself Let us in the next place consider particularly to what intents and purposes it was necessary that God should enter into a Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption with his own Son Christ These intents and purposes may be reduced to two chief heads supposing that God had purposed in himself to glorifie his mercy and Justice in procuring our Salvation the Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption was necessary for both these ends and purposes 1. For the honour of God 2. For the salvation and good of his chosen people both which were attained through the Covenant made betwixt God and Christ 1. For the honour and glory of God I mean the declarative glory of God that shines ad extra or the manifestation of his glory as the same is shewed forth and manifested in his dealings with the Creatures whereof see Psal 19.1 The heavens declare the glory of God Exod. 15.11 Who is like unto thee O Lord amongst the Gods who is like thee glorious in holiness fearful in praises doing wonders Not his essential glory that shines ad intra whereby he was infinitely and eternally glorious before any the works of Creation and Providence and should have been glorious eternally though these had never been Prov. 8.22 30 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way before his works of old Then I was by him as one brought up with him and I was daily his delight rejoycing always before him I say the being of this Covenant of Redemption was necessary for the declarative glory of God whether we consider God essentially or personally 1. For the glory of God considered essentially or in regard of his glorious nature and essence or his natural essential attributes I mean his wisdom goodness justice mercy faithfulness c. And that 1. For glorifying these universally even all and every one of his attributes all which received a new and glorious lustre through the Covenant of Redemption and God's sending of Christ to do that work which should never have been known nor manifested on Earth nor in Heaven but in the face of Jesus Christ and by virtue of God's Covenant-dealings with him about our Redemption therefore saith the Apostle 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who commanded light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ Therefore also Christ is called the brightness of his glory Heb. 1.3 Christ Mediator is the brightness of the glory of God in and through whom his glorious attributes and nature was made conspicuous and the declarative glory thereof had a more glorious lustre than by all the works of Creation and Providence beside upon the same account also Christ is called the Image of the invisible God Col. 1.15 because the glorious excellencies of God otherwise invisible are gloriously revealed by him and to be seen in him I pass this here in a word referring a more particular consideration thereof to that part of this subject-matter that concerns the Mediator's person and office 2. For the glorifying of these harmoniously that the harmony of attributes in God might be manifested in this transaction to wit how sweetly mercy justice did meet when peace and righteousness Law-demands and Gospel-condescentions Law-severity and Gospel-lenity did meet together and were made friends by this Covenant Psal 85.10.11 Mercy and truth are met together righteousness and peace have kissed each other c. For by this means God brought forth to heaven and earth and all the Creatures the glorious harmony of Justice Truth Mercy Power Wisdom Grace Rev. 5.12 13 Saying with a loud voice worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and wisdom and riches and strength and honour and glory and blessing And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea and all that are in them heard I saying Blessing honour glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne and unto the lamb for ever and ever 2. This Covenant of Redemption was necessary for the glory of God considered personally and that 1. In regard of the distinct subsistences and glorious persons of the blessed Trinity 2. In regard of the distinct offices of the three persons all which were gloriously manifested in God's Covenant-dealings with Christ I say the greatest declarative glory and clearest manifestation of the distinct subsistences and Persons of the Godhead and of the distinct offices of these Persons in the ever-glorious and blessed Trinity that ever the world saw or heard of was in God's Covenant-dealings with Christ about the work of our Redemption for where are there any such clear discoveries of these great mysteries to be found as in God's foederal dealings with Christ and the Scriptures which reveal the same God was but darkly known in the distinct subsistences and offices of the Persons of the Trinity till this light of his Covenant with Christ did break forth but in Gods sending his Son and the Son 's undertaking and offering himself willingly to his Father to do this work and the Holy Ghost's exercising the power of the Godhead fitting and enabling him the man Christ Jesus to do the work there was a glorious manifestation of the distinction of Persons in the Godhead and of the offices of these Persons whereof also more particularly afterward See Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God And 10.7 Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Psal 2.7 8 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Joh. 14.26 But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Mal. 3.16 17 And he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him And lo a voice from heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased and such like
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
Father glorifie thou me with thine own self But Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption 1. Efficiently or in regard of the efficient cause thereof the spring whence it came was Grace pure Grace and nothing else made it and gave it a being it was not only an act of will pleasure freedom and soveraignty but an act of gracious will and the good pleasure of his will that made it Eph. 1.5 Col. 1.19 2. Graciousness is attributed to this Covenant ultimately in regard that the ultimate end and scope thereof is the manifesting the glory of the richness and freeness of Grace t is a design of Grace that is driven and carried on in the Covenant of Redemption Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began 3. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was in it fundamentally the whole contrivance and dispensation of Grace is bottomed upon this eternal transaction and turns upon the hinge of this Compact betwixt Jehovah and Christ therefore all the mercies and faithfulness of the Lord that we are made to sing of within time are laid upon this foundation Psal 89.1 2 3 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations For I have said mercy shall be built up for ever thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens I have made a Covenant with my chosen 4. Graciousness may be attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was here originally for here the first draughts of pure soveraign free Grace and the unsearchable riches thereof were drawn and portrayed here is fountain-Grace and from thence came the streams here were the beginnings of that noble design of Grace laid and from hence did they come forth Col. 1.26 27 Even the mysterie which had been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to his Saints To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mysterie among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the hope of glory 5. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace is here comprehensively even all that God hath been driving and acting upon the spirits of his people by the Gospel-covenant and Ordinances thereof and the work of his Spirit since the beginning of the world and all that he shall do until the day that the ransomed and redeemed company be perfected even the whole plot of Grace is all comprised in this eternal transaction with Christ and to it are we led as the comprehension of all Covenant-grace and mercy Isa 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make with you an everlasting Covenant even the sure mercies of David 6. Graciousness is attributed to this Covenant because Grace is here eminently and indeed if the comparison might be fitly made pure Gospel free Grace is more in the Covenant of Redemption than in the Covenant of Reconciliation for 't is in the Covenant of Redemption principally as water is in the fountain and in the Covenant of Reconciliation by participation and consequentially because God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself by that Covenant therefore he is now in Christ reconciling the world to himself by this Covenant of reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.19 20 21 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trospasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled unto God for he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be the righteousness of God in him 7. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was therein exemplarily for hereby God did act Grace in Christ and made him a Samplar and the first copy of free Grace to all his brethren seed and heirs that they might share with him upon whom the first acts of eternal Covenant-love and Grace fell and that God might shew forth in him a pattern of Covenant-dealings and out letting of Covenant-favour and promises Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my father my God and the rock of my salvation With Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together 3. Another Property of the Covenant of Redemption is Eternity For 1. Both the Parties are eternal the eternal God who is from everlasting to everlasting Deut. 33.27 and the eternal Son of God whose eternal power and Godhead Rom. 1.20 is equal with God his Father Phil. 2.6 And who shall declare his generation Isa 53.8 Joh. 1.1 2 In the beginning the word was and the word was with God and the word was God the same was in the beginning with God Rev. 1.8 I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end saith the Lord which is which was and which is to come 2. The union of the two natures in the Person of the Redeemer which was transacted in this Covenant is an eternal union I mean the humane nature which was from eternity designed unto a substantial union with God being once assumed stands in that substantial union for ever so that it is impossible that the personal union which was transacted in the Covenant of Redemption can be dissolved unto all eternity for 't is unquestionable that Christ shall stand glorified in our nature in heaven for ever for even there is a throne for the man Christ for the Lamb slain for ever Rev. 22.3 But the throne of God and of the lamb shall be in it Act. 17.31 3. The New Covenant-relations which were established betwixt Jehovah and Christ by this Covenant of Redemption are eternal relations which shall never cease Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son This Covenant-relation I say whereby God is the God and Father
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And 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 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
further and more significantly express this condescending-love Heb. 2.16 It was a favour which he denied to the Angels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not at all or not in any wise he neither looked after nor sent nor went after the Angels he neither followed them nor took hold of their nature nor suffered them to take hold of him though these glorious spirits were incomparably far above us that Christ would manifest himself not in the most glorious Creatures but in our flesh was strange condescension 3. In Christs taking our nature we are to consider the honour and exaltation of our nature and of us in that union And 1. That it may appear what honour is conferred upon our nature by Christ assuming it into the personal union with the Godhead Consider 1. The nearer that any Creature is to God the greater honour is put upon it It is the honour of people that are under ordinances that they have God near to them Deut. 4.7 For what nation is there so great who hath God so nigh unto them as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for It is a more especial honour of those that have offices in the house of God Heb. 5.4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself Now there is a threefold union 1. Moral so were men and Angels united before the fall 2. Mystical so are Believers united amongst themselves and with Christ 3. Hypostatical so is our nature united with the divine nature in the Person of Christ there is a personal union of our nature with God this is the nearest union and therefore the highest honour and exaltation Heb. 1.4 Being made so much better than the Angels as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name then they 2. Consider the Sonship that Christ hath as Mediator whereby our nature is also highly exalted the Son of God and our nature have but one Sonship for siliatio est personae Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son 3. Consider the glorious communion that our nature hath by this union with the Son of God 't is a high and great communion that Angels and the spirits of just men are made perfect have with God but the communion that our nature hath with Christ is far higher Joh. 3.13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came down from heaven even the Son of man which is in heaven Even the man Christ is Gods fellow Zech. 13.7 This is high communion indeed whereby all the will of God is known to him and so to our nature Col. 1.19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell 4. What honour is it that our nature should be the Treasury and Store-house of all the good which God intends to dispense to men and Angels Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Divines call the humane nature Canalis gratiae Eph. 1.22 And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church 5. What honour is it that all the Creatures should worship God in our nature Heb. 1.6 And again when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world he saith And let all the Angels of God worship him Phil. 2.9 10 11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Willingly or unwillingly by consent or by constraint all shall bow to the Lord Mediator to God in our nature even to the Son of man 6. What honour is it to our nature that God in the humane nature should dispose of the eternal estates of men and Angels for God shall even judg the world by the man Christ Act. 17.31 Joh. 5.27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also because he is the Son of man Yea by Christs taking our nature upon him not only our nature but we our selves are honoured 1. We have a nearer union with Christ than man in his innocency had with God a nearer union than the Angels have for believers make up one body with Christ he is the head and they are the members Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church Eph. 1.22 23 And gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his body Heb. 2.11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren 2. We are not beholden to one of another nature not to the Angels nor any other Creature you are independent of them all you have Salvation by one of your own nature Heb. 2.16 17 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people 4. Let us consider how Christs taking our nature upon him or taking it into the union of his Person is the great qualification of him for the Office of Mediatorship Our Mediator behoved to be God manifested in the flesh to make way for clearing this I shall premise 1. That the Angels Covenant if any Covenant was made with the Angels as some think it was not made with the whole Angelical nature it was personal some of them fell and some of them stood and all fell not in them that fell Mans first Covenant was with his Nature and in Adam all fell 2. When Man and Angels fell God intended to raise the one and not to raise but to destroy the other 3. God will not restore man without a fit satisfaction to his Justice 4. There is an eternal impotency in man to give to God a fitting satisfaction the command of the Law man cannot obey the curse of the Law he cannot bear to his own advantage so as to make way thereby to his own restitution Here is obedience required that cannot be performed by man and a guiltiness contracted that cannot be taken away by man Therefore a Mediator must be had and he must be God and man in one person 1. He must be God for man could not make satisfaction to God for sin It was the union of the Divine nature with the human that made all Christs sufferings meritorious that made his shoulder fit for the burden and weight of the work of satisfying Divine Justice Psal 89 19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty I say therefore that it was absolutely necessary
our Mediator must be God 1. Because these evils which he was to expiate could never be taken away by any person that was not God sin done against an Infinite Majesty must have an equal satisfaction 2. Because the things with which he was to wrestle and the Enemies which he was to subdue could not be wrestled with nor subdued by any person who was not God Could a meer man wrestle with the infinite wrath of God subdue Satan and Death No the only human nature of Christ which in it self is finite and mortal could not bear up with that except the person had been God 3. Because the good things which he was to purchase could never have been purchased by any person who was not God a happiness far above Adam's eternal righteousness the image of God and communion with him in glory only the infinite worth of Christ the Son of God could compass that 2. He must not be God only for a Mediator is not a Mediator of one but he must be God manifested in the flesh He must be man 1. Because his name is to be put in our Bond he is to stand in our stead and to put his Soul in our souls room therefore he must be something else than God for God will have satisfaction to Justice of man the soul that sinneth shall die 2. Our Mediator must be a Mediator of satisfaction A Mediator of intercession may exalt grace and mercy by entreaties but cannot satisfie Justice this will not do the turn the Debt must be payed the principal Debt to obey the command he must be subject to the Law and the forfeiture must be satisfied he must bear the curse and die for without blood there is no remission he must then be a man and must have a body and soul the nature of Angels will not suffice Heb. 10.5 9 A body hast thou prepared me Then said he Lo I come to do thy will O God 3. He must be one with us else what he doth cannot be imputed to us as there must be an imputation of our sin to him so of his righteousness to us now imputation imports an union for union is the ground of imputation and it must be an union in nature and Covenant the Angels sin was not imputed to man but Adams was with whom we were one in nature and Covenant 4. Our Mediator must receive the Spirit without which we cannot be sanctified Joh. 17.19 And for their sakes I sanctifie my self that they also might be sanctified through the truth Chap. 3. v. 35 The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand Now the Father cannot receive the graces of the Spirit neither the Son as God for unto that which is infinite nothing can be added therefore our Mediator must have mans nature which is capable of receiving that which our Mediator must have 5. Our Mediator must convey to us the Adoption of sons and therefore must receive it himself and so become a man that he may receive it Gal. 4.4 5 6 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Christ is the natural Son of God Luk. 1.35 That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God He is also as man a Son as is evident from the original Greek where the article is not prefixed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. 4.3 And when the tempter came to him he said If thou be the Son of God Gr. if thou be a Son of God Because Christ owns us as brethren therefore God is not ashamed to own us as Sons Heb. 2.11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren He must be of our kindred for if Christ had not been our born brother we could not have been Gods Children 6. Our Mediator must be such a Person from whom we may receive the inheritance he must therefore be man for it is from Christ-man as he is an heir appointed Heb. 1.2 that we receive the inheritance for the natural inheritance of Christ cannot be communicated Gal. 4.5 7 To redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of Sons Wherefore thou art no more a servant but a son and if a son then an heir of God through Christ Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Covenant they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 3. Our Mediator must be God and man in one Person Immanuel Isa 7.14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 both God and man sometimes denominated from one nature sometimes from another 1. That the great design and end of the Mediators Office might first be accomplished and made manifest in the Mediators own person union betwixt God and man was the design of a Mediator and this was done 1. In Christs Person for in him the houses of Heaven and Earth are allied 2. That he might be a person duly qualified for his Office he must be a Person equally distant from and equally drawing near unto both the parties this could not be a Person who was either God alone or man alone but God-man is a Person at some distance and in some nearness with both the parties having interest in both and participating of the natures of both he is a fit days-man to lay his hands on both Job 9.33 3. That he might have access to both parts of his work as Mediator he had two great transactions to go about 1. He was to deal with God for man 2. He was to deal for God with man unto these he could not have access without partaking of both the natures 1. That he may deal effectually with God for man he must be God for who can have access to deal with God but a Person who is God to deal with an angry God 1 Sam. 1.25 2. That he may deal with man from God and for God he must be man for man cannot endure the voice and presence of God immediately man unreconciled man without a Mediator cannot speak with God Exod. 20.19 And they said unto Moses Speak thou with us and we will hear but let not God speak with us lest we die Heb. 12.20 21 For they could not endure that which was commanded And so terrible was the sight that Moses said I exceedingly fear and quake But of this more when I shall come to speak of the Requisites of a Mediator CHAP. XII Several Questions resolved concerning Christs taking
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. â—â— 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. â—5 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 â—eath 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 â—raw 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
waited on before he fulfil his promise What wonder that he will be waited on for the promise of Christ longer even till the fulness of time this being the greatest promise that ever he made to his people He will have the consolation of Israel waited for and redemption in Jerusalem looked for Luke 2.25 38. Before we proceed to speak of Christs unction and his qualifications for his Mediatorship refulting thence let us first make some use of this union of the two natures in Christ this great fundamental qualification of him for the Office of our Mediator that he is God and Man that for his due qualification he hath taken our flesh into his person therein to subsist In the union of the two natures in the Person of our Mediator 1. As it holds forth his condescending who stooped to be made manifest in the flesh 1. Let us admire and wonder at his love It was love that made him condescend it hath been and will be the admiration of Angels Luke 2.13 14 And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men 1 Pet. 1.12 Which things the Angels desire to look into And how is it that we want affections and admirations Beside what I have before said these things wonderfully set out Christs love 1. That he would not entrust our Redemption to Angels but he would come himself and work it Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee 2. That for the payment of our debt and in order to his being in a capacity to do so he would be in the same condition of clay with us a worm and not a man Psal 22.6 3. That he would not buy us at a base ransom but at a great price he would breathe out his life for us 1 Pet. 1.18 19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ 4. That he would condescend thus singularly to love man to love him so as that he loved not any other creature that sinned against him Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham 2. Let this raise up our hearts to thankfulness when we think of Christs Incarnation 1. This is the greatest demonstration of his readiness to save sinners the principal errand Christ had unto the world and in taking our nature was to save sinners Mat. 9.13 I am not come to call the righteous but sinnâ—rs to repentance You may therefore be assured of his readiness to receive such when they come unto him 2. This is the Fountain of all the promises of the Covenant of Grace the three greatest promises in all the Covenant flow from Christs Incarnation I will be your God I will give you my Son and I will give you my Spirit All these and all the rest too flow from this Fountain for neither the Father the Son nor the Spirit are given to us but through a Mediator and through his assuming of our nature Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ 2. As the union of the two natures in our Mediator holds out the exaltation of our nature Hence 1. Let us wonder what is man thus to be exalted the eighth Psalm is written for this end that we may wonder at mans exaltation not in Creation only but in Redemption as Vers 2 shews which is applied to Christ Mat. 21.16 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise how should this provoke to admiration that in our nature the fulness of the Godhead should dwell bodily Col. 2.9 2. Let us take Christs coming in the flesh and the exalting of our nature by the personal union with the Godhead for a pledg of the fulfilling of all other promises and granting all other mercies and salvation to us the root and body of the promises is come the branches will follow also 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are Amen Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things This pledg was used by Isaiah as a confirmation from God and a ground of assurance for delivering the Church from Ashur Isa 7.11 14 Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God ask it either in the depth or in the height above Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign Behold A virgin shall conceive and bare a Son and shall call his name Immanuel And shall we distrust him for granting any other petition or deliverance who hath granted the main one 3. Let us take boldness to come to God through Christs flesh the great Courtier in Heaven is of our kindred take courage and improve the favour and friendship that our brother hath in Heaven Heb. 10.19 20 21 22 Having therefore brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say his flesh And having an High-priest over the house of God let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith 3. As the union of the two natures in our Mediator holds out his due qualification and fitness for his office 1. Behold in him a general fitness to receive each Person whose nature he beareth I say a fitness to receive them even all sorts of persons without exception there is none who needs him and cometh to him needs to distrust him Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 2. Let this encourage such as are afraid to draw near to God for union and reconciliation with him because of their estrangement from him through loss of his Image Lo he is willing to unite himself to thee and hath given assurance of it in his Son by vertue of his union with our nature Rom. 8.3 3. When we find difficulty to draw near to God or languishing in the life of our faith toward God Let us draw near to God the flesh of our our Mediator for influences and searn to come to God through the vail of his flesh Heb. 10.20 Jesus Christ is not strange he is near to us and his graces cannot be far off Rom. 10.6 8 Say not in thine heart Who shall ascend into heaven The word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach But it is with many and even with the most part as with the ten Tribes who pleaded kindred and blood to David yet
1 Joh. 2.27 But the anointing that ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you c. Eph. 4.7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ And 1.23 The fulness of him that filleth all in all Acts 10.38 He is said to be anointed with the holy Ghost and with power having both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 given to him both might and authority Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh 1 Cor. 1.24 Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God And Col. 1.19 It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell that is admirable perfection of Grace he hath all worth in his person nothing is wanting in him that may compleat his peoples happiness some short view of the Graces wherewith he was filled we have Isa 11.2 3 4 5 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledg and of the fear of the Lord And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord and he shall not judg after the sight of his eyes neither shall reprove after the hearing of his ears But with righteousness shall he judg the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins Rom. 15.12 And again Esaias saith There shall be a root of Jesse and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles in him shall the Gentiles trust And Col. 2.3 All the treasures of wisdom and knowledg not absolutely taken for infinite knowledg as the words relate to the human nature of Christ but relatively for a marvellous height of perfection of these things such as was requisite for his Mediatorship in order to our salvation Again Col. 2.9 it 's said of him The fulness of the Godhead dwells in him bodily i. e. personally by the union of the divine nature with the human in the unity of his person the perfect Deity of the Son with all his Attributes and not only in regard of particular gifts and graces as he dwelleth in the Prophets and Saints but as the soul dwelleth in the body personally or substantially in opposition to the shadows of the Old Testament But mainly by the anointing of Christ with the Holy Ghost we understand two things which we find joined with the Spirit promised to him 1. All the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit in copious and abundant measure and according to the highest pitch and degree that the human nature of Christ was capable to receive and so the Spirit put upon him is joined with the variety and eminency of excel-cellent gifts Isa 11.2 c. 2. The unutterable assistance and presence of the Spirit bearing his Human nature up in all that he was to do as Mediator that he should not serve on his own charges See Isa 42.1 2 Behold my servant whom I have chosen mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles He shall not cry nor lift up nor cause his voice to be heard in the street c. Psal 89.21 With whom my hand shall be established mine arm also shall strengthen him And both these the holy Human nature of Christ needed for these reasons 1. For the things which he was to suffer If Christ had nothing to do but active obedience the spirit of Adam or confirmed Angels might have done his turn but he had another work to do which would have crushed those excellent creatures to satisfie justice and lye under the infinite wrath of God and therefore needed more than they received Heb. 9.14 He is said to have offered up himself by the power of the eternal spirit which I take to signifie not only the Godhead which gave value to his suffering but the assistance of the Holy-Ghost whereby he was marvellously helped I mean his humane nature to go through those sufferings 2. Because his anointing was intended to run over to his people and the off-fallings of it was designed to fill them therefore it behoved to be without measure such a measure as cannot be comprehended by any other creature Joh. 1.16 Of his fulness do we receive Psal 133.2 It is like the precious oyntment upon the head that ran down upon the beard even Aarons beard that went down to the skirts of his garments Psal 68.18 Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord might dwell among them with Eph. 4.8 He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men Joh. 5.26 For as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself 3. Because God hath so contrived the business of Grace that no created thing can act without the spirit not Adam not the Angels not the holy humane nature of Christ that all creatures might be known to have no self-sufficiency but to be very depending things upon God and upon grace the assisting-grace of his Spirit that framed them and gave them being Mat. 3.15 And Jesus answering said unto him Suffer it to be so now for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever For a further clearing of this part of Christs Unction I lay down these four Positions 1. Concerning the Nature thereof that it was the same with the Unction of believers it was not one spirit which Christ received and another which believers receive grace in him and in them differ not in kind but in degrees See Joh. 1.14 16 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Psal 45.7 Thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Rom. 8.9 11 But ye are not in the flesh but in the spirit if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his But if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you For Consider the Unction of the
Most part of the Popish Writers hold that Christ performeth the Office of Mediatorship not according to his Divine Nature but according to his Human Nature only as Man Orthodox Divines hold that Christ is Mediator according to both Natures and doth not execute that Office only as God nor only as Man but as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God-man For clearing whereof I shall premise a few things 1. The Question is not whether there be in the Mediator the concurrence of both natures in the unity of his Person for that is confessed by all But whether both Natures concur in the Works of Mediation or in the execution of that Office 2. Nor is the Question Whether the two Natures in Christ be distinct in their essence and properties and so in their operations for we yeild that the Human Nature doth that which pertaineth to the Humanity and the Divine Nature that which pertaineth to the Divinity yet so as the Natures being united in one Person so the operations concur to make up one Work of a Mediator the Human and Divine Natures concurring to produce one act or work of Mediatorship 3. Nor is the Question Whether all the Works of Christ the Mediator were the Works of both Natures For it is certain some of them were the Works of his Humanity some of his Divinity in respect of the thing done but Whether there were not a concurrence of both Natures acting jointly although distinctly in the performing of them 2. That Both Natures concur in Christs performing the Office of Mediatorship and what he doth as Mediator he doth as God-man may be confirmed by these reasons 1. According to what Nature Christ is the King Priest and Prophet of his Church accordingly he is Mediator for he carried these Offices as he was Mediator but according to both Natures Christ is King Priest and Prophet of his Church for according to the approved rule Names of Office which are given to Christ they agree to him according to both Natures therefore Christ executes the Office of Mediatorship as God-man according to both Natures 2. If the Godhead of Christ concurred with the Manhood in all the acts of Mediatorship then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediator as Man only but as God-man but we find the Godhead interested in every act which Christ did or doth as Mediator It is evident from the several acts of each of his Offices from his Obedience Suffering Resurrection Intercession Heb 9.14 How much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your Conscience from dead works to serve the living God And 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Eph. 1.19 20 According to the working of his power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places None of which could be performed by his Human Nature alone without concurrence of his Godhead True it is indeed we may conceive some Acts wherein the Humanity of Christ did not concur with his Divinity viz. Those that he wrought before his Incarnation but none wherein his Humanity acted without his Divinity It followeth therefore that Christ performeth this Office as God-man 3. If many chief essential acts of Christs Mediation are from the Deity of Christ as from the next proper formal and immediate cause then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediator as Man only but as God-man but many chief essential acts of Christs Mediation are from his Deity as the next proper formal immediate cause Ergo c. The Minor is proved by these instances The Incarnation of Christ is from the Deity which did assume the Humanity which when it was not could not assume it self The manifestation of God was a work truly divine which was from the Deity as the true cause though from the Humanity as an Instrument Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him Matth. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father and no man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father fave the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Christ as Man teacheth as an Instrument and Christ the Word teacheth as Mediator the works of Authority and Power were all performed by the Divine Nature 4. If Christ as Mediator performed many divine acts which cannot be from his Humanity alone Then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediatorship as Man only but as God also But Christ as Mediator performeth many Divine acts which cannot be from his Humanity alone such as his rising from the dead which was by the power of his Deity Rom. 1.4 And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurection of Jesus from the dead And 8.3 4 Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Eph. 1.19 20 Christ as Mediator hath power and authority to forgive sins and send the holy Spirit to enlighten the understandings to soften the hearts of men and that not only meritoriously but efficiently which are the proper works of God Mar. 2.10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins Joh. 15.26 But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testify of me And 16.7 But if I depart I will send him unto you 5. If none of the works performed by Christ as Mediator whether the works of Ministry that were performed by him in the Nature of man or the works of Authority and Power performed by the Divine Nature were performed without the concurring of the other Nature in Christ Then Christ performeth the Office of Mediator not as God alone nor as Man only but according to both Natures as God-man but the former is true Ergo c. The Major is proved by parts 1. The works of Ministry which were performed in the Nature of man and were the works of Christs Humanity such as were his death upon the Cross c. yet the Divine Nature was concurring in these not only to support and sustain the Human but the thing done had its efficacy dignity and value from his Divinity in that they were the works of him that is God It was the Son of God the Lord of life that died on the Cross but it was the Nature of Man not of God wherein he died yet it was the Divine Nature that did support him and gave worth to his sacrifice 2. The works of authority and power such as the remitting of sins
is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts And his own people smote him and used him very ill Mat. 21.38 But when the husbandmen saw the Son they said among themselves This is the heir come let us kill him and let us seize on his inheritance Joh. 1.11 He came unto his own and his own received him not Isa 53.3 He is despised and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our faces from him he was dispifed and we esteemed him not Yet his love did bear him through all this cold encouragement 3. Consider how you entertain his Service 2 Cor. 6.1 We then as workers together with him beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain Do not slight it do not refuse it upon whatsoever pretext but if he will do you Service and condescend to do you good suffer him to do it 't is no presumption to let him take his will of you he took it ill to be otherwise dealt with Joh. 13.6 8 And Peter saith unto him Lord dost thou wash my feet Peter saith unto him Thou shalt never wash my feet Jesus answered him If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me And no wonder he take it very ill to have his Service slighted and refused for his Service is the heighth of his love which he â—annot endure to have slighted his Service offered is slighted â—y all those who will not give their consent to let him do unto them all the good offices which are mentioned in the Gospel by all who do not subject their consent unto it Joh. 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life Mat. 22.5 But they made light of it and went their ways one to his farm another to his merchandise 4. Consider what advantages we have by his Service 1. His condescension was the cause of our exaltation if he had not served we had not reigned if he had not come down to the footstool we should never have come up to the Throne Heb. 5.8 9 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect he became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together 2. It was the hardship of his Service which makes ours so easie he left us little to do when he was made under the law he did bear away the bondage of our Service and Duties Rom. 7.4 Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God He did hear the hard and insupportable yoke and left us nothing to do but to serve for love he brake the force and power of the adversary and left us only a broken party and routed forces to deal with 1 Cor. 15.55 O death where is thy-sting O grave where is thy victory Yea he hath not left us alone to deal with these 3. By his Service we have our liberty and can be no more Servants but Friends and Children of the house See Gal. 4.4 5 6 7 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of Sons And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father wherefore thou art no more a servant but a Son and if a Son then an heir of God through Christ Joh. 8.36 If the Son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed Joh. 15.15 Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all thinâ—s that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you Rom. 8.2 For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death Gal. 4.31 So then brethren we are not children of the bond-woman but of the free We were slaves and condemned under perpetual bondage married unto an angry tyrant so was the law become to transgressors but by his becoming a Servant under the law by his putting on our condition we became sharers of his liberty and Sonship 4. By his Service we have wages and a reward for our Service even for our poor worthless endeavours after duty about which there are so many questionings in the hearts of believers whether they shall be accepted and but few thoughts of a recompence I say our Service could never have been rewarded but for his Service this brought with it not acceptation only but a reward to ours upon his account being done in his name Luk. 17.10 So likewise ye when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you say We are unprofitable servants we have done that which was but our duty to do Heb. 11.6 And that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Isa 45.19 I said not unto the seed of Jacob Seek ye me in vain Isa 56.6 7 Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it and taketh hold of my covenant even them will I bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people 5. By his Service we have that honourable marriage with him which was the price of the travel of his Soul even to have our Souls engaged to him for the Service of love which he served that he might have his people for his reward as Jacob served for the Wives that were given him in Laban his house Gen. 29.20 28 29. Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied 5. Consider what this relation calleth for at our hands That Christ was a Servant in the business of the Covenant this calleth us 1. To yield our selves to be his Servants upon the terms of that Covenant wherein he served even to subject our consent to serve him in â—â—ke relations 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorified God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were but yield your selves unto the Lord Isa 56.6 2. His Service calleth us to serve all his interests and relations his people especially the people who are nearly related to him Mat. 12.40 50 And he stretched forth his hand toward
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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ghnarab Vide Mercer and Buxtor in voce to which the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 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
that to be of force through his death as a valid Legal right that they also may now possess and injoy with him Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they may be where I am And in Heaven he appears for us and upon our account in the force of the Testators death Heb. 17.23 24. 3. The Testator who before possest the inheritance upon his own right and title does now possess the inheritance by a title super-added to that to wit upon our account as our Attorney as one representing the Elect and having wrought for their heaven Joh. 17.4 and come to heaven to be vested with a possession in their name and for their account for now he appears in heaven in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 And by the Testators being in Heaven God hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus Eph. 2.6 And he as a fore-runner is for us entered Heb. 6.20 4. The Testator surrogates his spirit in his absence and after his death to see his Will executed in all points and to give real and actual possession of his Testament-blessings unto those to whom he left them Joh. 15.26 But when the comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the father he shall testifie of me and Joh. 16.7 8. Which accordingly is fulfilled and our possession quo ad exequnta is ascribed to this Executor surrogate by the Testator and doing his will in his name 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are washed but ye are sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God the Executor of the Lord Testators will Vse 1. This Covenant-relation does exceedingly magnifie the riches of the grace and love of Christ Jesus the Testator 1. That the king immortal 1 Tim. 1.17 should become a man subject to mortallity Heb. 2.17 2. That he should act any thing in contemplation of mortality and be a Testator even he who was to see no corruption Psal 16.11 with Act. 2.31 Joh. 13.1 3. That he who could not see corruption yet never theless should die and give up the Ghost for conveying a title and possession of life and immortality to his people Gal. 2.20 Vse 2. Let the friends and Legators of this blessed Testator know that your holding is of absolute grace and of the meer pleasure of the Testator your right and title is testamentary and you have your mercies by Christs will of favour you are Legatories and he is the Testator Joh. 5.21 The Son quickeneth whom he will And yet you are not left at uncertainty for there is nothing sure to changeable creatures but what is pure Grace and hangs upon the free will of God and the motions of his heart Rom. 4.16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed Mal. 3.6 For I am the Lord I change not therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed You may say to him as he said to his father upon your account Mat. 11.25 26 I thank thee O father And even so father because so it seemed good in thy sight Vse 3. Comfort to believers in Christ whose names are written in this Testament 1. That our Lord Jesus died not untested and without a plain declaration of his Will to whom he left his goods and what the things be which he left unto them Act. 13.34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead now no more to return to corruption he said on this wise I will give you the sure mercies of David Joh. 14.27 Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you Joh. 13.1 Now before the feast of the passeover when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end Joh. 15.11 13 14 15. and 16.33 2. That your right is testamentary the Covenant betwixt God and Christ being turned unto a testament betwixt him and you the blessings thereof are the absolute will of the Testator Joh. 14.27 Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me 3. That there is force and strength in his latter Will by vertue of his death that we can bring his Will as a valid deed of Law now after his death and can plead it with God Heb. 9.15 17 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance For a testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth 4. That he hath left one to execute his Will that the Testator wants not an Executor of his Testament Joh. 14.26 But the comforter which is the Holy-ghost whom the father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Joh. 15.26 But when the comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the father even the spirit of truth which proceedeth from the father he shall testifie of me Vse 4. For Exhortation both to consider of the design of Grace that lyes wrapt up in this Covenant-relation and to search into the experimental knowledg of the vertue and efficacy of Christs being the Testator of the new Covenant 1. I say study the design of grace which is wrapt up in this Covenant-relation as it super-adds a new title to Covenant blessings as it declares the absolute freeness of Covenant-mercies as it ratifies Christs will of grace and as it makes way for our possession of the things bequeathed unto us in Christs Testament wherof we have spoken 2. Search I say after the experimental knowledg of vertue of Christs Testatorship 1. Quo ad executionem in the force and efficacy of it that through the Testators death his Testament hath been executed and fulfilled as to thee Heb. 9.17 For a testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth Zech. 9.11 As for thee also by the blood of thy covenant I have sent out thy prisoners out of the pit wherein there is no water 2. Quo ad executa in the latitude of his Legacies that nothing disposed and bequeathed to believers in Christs Testament hath escaped thee that no part of his goods which is the portion of his people be wanting with thee 2 Pet. 1.5 And besides this giving all diligence add to your faith vertue and
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
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
and the Ordinances appropriated and ensured unto them only Christ's seed have the promise of the Spirit and the Word appropriated and ensured unto them for ever Gal. 3.29 And if ye be Christs then are ye Abrahams Jeed and heirs according to the promise And the Churches seed have this Promise and Covenant only in so far as they are Christ's seed Isa 44.3 I will pour my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thy off-spring 2. Because 't is Christ only who hath in store the Spirit which is given to all his seed though all Christ's seed receive of the fame Spirit of the Lord yet it cannot be said of any of them nor of the Church in general that their seed receive the Spirit that is upon them or in them to wit by communication of any part of the measure and proportion given to them but of Christ's only who received not the spirit by measure Joh. 3.34 Nor can it be said My spirit that is upon thee shall not depart from thy seed Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God bath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father 2. Let it be considered that this is not only a Covenant made with Christ but it must needs be the Covenant of Redemption For although 1. There be mention here made of his seed which are not Parties in the Covenant of Redemption yet nothing is spoken to them but only to Christ and of them as a party not treated with but about whom there was treaty and Covenant 'twixt God and Christ for still the speech is to Christ in the second person upon thee thy seed and thy mouth c. 2. Although there be here mention of a Covenant with them that turn from ungodliness in Jacob and of Promises concerning the seed of Christ yet that amounts to no more than that they are the subject matter of the Covenant transacted betwixt God and Christ and that the Covenant with them springs out of the Covenant with him and is the result and execution thereof So that I take the meaning of the words This is my Covenant with them my spirit that is upon thee c. to be This is my Covenant that I have made with thee upon their account and for their behoof or the Covenant that I have made with them to wit virtually when I covenanted with thee and made promises to thee for their behoof the result whereof should amount unto a Covenant with them actually And I say it can be no other upon the matter but the Covenant of Redemption 1. Because 't is made with the Redeemer that should come out of Zion or with Christ as designed Mediator and Redeemer in the counsel of God long before he came in the Flesh 2. Because 't is a Covenant about the Redemption and recovery of the Elect people of God who are the only subject matter treated about in this Covenant as appears from the Text v. 20 21. 2. Proof I take from Psal 89 where the Covenant made with Christ is held forth as the Original Foundation and Establishment of the Covenant made with his seed and Christ is spoke of under the name of David with whom he changes Names in the Scripture and who was a type of Christ in many things but eminently in the Covenant that God made with him and that he was a publick person and a King by Covenant v. 3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen God having chose Christ for performing the work of Redemption did make a Covenant with him Two things being cleared in that Psalm it will amount to a full proof of the point in hand 1. That the Covenant spoken of there is made with Christ 2. That it is the Covenant of Redemption that is here intended For the first that the person spoken of under the name of David and with whom the Covenant was made is Christ and no other is evident from feveral expressions which are peculiar to Christ's Person and Kingdom and cannot be applyed to David further than he was a type of Christ This David is the mighty one upon whom God laid the help of his people v. 19. 'T is he upon whom the enemy shall not exact v. 22. 'T is he who is higher then the Kings of the earth v. 27. whose seed endures for ever and his throne as the days of heaven and to all generations v. 4 29 36 37. 'T is he who is distinguished from his seed by this difference that they may sin and be chastised v. 30 which case is not put of himself but only of his seed 't is he by the force and vertue of whose Covenant his sinful seed are not cast out from Covenant-kindness v. 33 34 35. and this could be no other but Christ And to put the matter out of question the Covenant and Promises made here v. 27 and in the parallel-Scripture 2 Sam. 7.14 are applyed unto Christ Heb. 1.5 2. That this was the Covenant of Redemption which God saith he made with his chosen David i. e. Christ may be gathered also from the Text. 1. It is the Covenant by which Chris is constituted a Servant and engaged in the Service of the Lord about our Redemption v. 4 I have made a Covenant with my chosen David my servant 2. 'T is the Covenant by which the help of the People of God is laid on Christ as a mighty potent responsal person able for the work v. 19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. 'T is the Covenant by which Christ is a King and a Priest and is designed and destinated called and separated unto Offices for the work of Redemption v. 19 20 26 27 I have exalted one chosen out of the people with my oyl have I annointed him c. 4. 'T is the Covenant by which Christ received commands to fulfil his offices and to depend upon God in the doing of the work v. 27. He shall cry unto me my Father and my God thou art the rock of my Salvation 5. 'T is the Covenant by which Christ had peculiar promises made unto him of assistance for the work of Redemption and help to the people of God v. 21 Mine arm also shall strengthen him c. of glorious victory v. 23 I will beat down his foes c. and exaltation v. 27 I will make him my first born higher than the Kings of the earth Of a seed and off-spring to endure for ever v. 29 His seed also will I make to endure c. Now this could be no other but the Covenant of Redemption for by no Covenant is Christ engaged in this Service called unto these Offices undertaker of the Peoples help receiver of such commands and promises c. but by this Covenant of Suretiship Object If it be said That here are many things spoken which relate to Christ's seed and which do belong to the Covenant of reconciliation such as the keeping Covenant-kindness and mercy
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-â—ight unto God as his Father and his Gâ—â— by Covenant Heb. 1.5 I will be to him a father 〈◊〉 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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 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. Haâ—â—mond 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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 renascentia a new or second birth See Gerhard Hâ—rm 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
Christ's answer bears a chearful consent to the Proposals made by God to him I delight to do thy will O God and thy law is within my heart because his heart was to the business and a design of love acted him all along his undertaking and performing the work of our Redemption Joh. 13.1 having loved his own therefore he took pleasure in the work therefore it was his delight Prov. 8.31 Rejoycing in the habitable part of his earth and my delights were with the sons of men Luk. 22.15 And he said unto them with desire I have desired to eat this passeover with you before I suffer I conclude then that this consent upon Christ's part to his Father's Proposals makes a Covenant betwixt Jehovah and Christ 3. Beside the former two which according to the opinion of Jurists amount to a Paction and a Contract or virtual Covenant and I think also to a formal explicite Covenant there is also vestiges to be found betwixt God and Christ of all things required unto explicite formal Covenanting Let us therefore enquire a little 1. What are the requisites of formal explicite Covenanting 2. What vestiges of these are to be found betwixt Jehovah and Christ 1. The peculiar propriety of formal explicite Covenanting stands in stipulation and restipulation in Conditional Proposals commands tenders or promises upon the one part and the accepting consenting or performing of conditions required upon the other part When the Proposals of whatsoever quality and kind they be are expresly conditional and the conditions propounded and required are expresly accepted and agreed unto there is a formal explicite Covenant even in the most strict and rigorous acceptation of the word Covenant Hence the Jurists confine mutual contracts and explicite Covenants within the compass of these few words Do ut des Soto de justitia Jure lib. 6. Quest 2. Art 1. Jo. Cal. lex Jurad in voce pactum facio ut facias do ut facias facio ut des 2. That there be clear footsteps of such dealing and Transactions betwixt Jehovah and Christ may appear from these instances all which evince stipulation and restipulation Conditions upon the one part and upon the other Conditions given and taken 1. Betwixt Jehovah and Christ there are Commands with Promises holding forth what was the Will of God to Christ in the matter of man's Redemption and what he should expect from his Father for doing that work and obeying his Will Joh. 6.39 40 This is the fathers will and this is the will of him that sent me 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 and the counsel of peace shall be between them both Mich. 5.4 5 And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God and they shall abide for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth And this man shall be the peace when the Assyrian shall come into our land Isa 42 1 2 3 4. 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 A bruised reed shall he not break and the smoaking flax shall he not quench he shall bring forth Judgment unto truth And if a command with a threatning annexed which had a promise in it implicitely did amount to a Covenant in God's dealing with man in his integrity by a Covenant of works as is acknowledged by all Civines 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 Sure commands with explicite promises such as are betwixt God and Christ do amount to a Covenant 2. Betwixt Jehovah and Christ there are Promises with Conditions I say Promises with Conditions not absolute promises read Isa 53.10 11 12 When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied By his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Now Promises with Conditions are promises with re-promissions or conditions upon the one part and upon the other this is a declaration of what God will do and what he doth require which is a formal Covenant and is plainly reducible to that which the Jurists call Do ut facias facio ut des c. 3. There is betwixt Jehovah and Christ not only Commands with Promises annexed and Promises with Conditions annexed but which is yet more Conditions with consent a formal consent and voluntary yielding unto the Proposals which were made unto him by Jehovah and this is without question a formal explicite Covenant consisting of stipulation and restipulation propounding and answering or accepting demanding and yielding or consenting he receives a command from his Father to lay down his life and he willingly consents 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 His Father propounds his Will to him and makes offer of fair conditions and he accepts Isa 53.10 When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand 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 Here is a formal explicite Covenant 4. There is betwixt Jehovah and Christ Consenting with Performing not only a mutual agreement upon the things to be done by Christ and to be done to Christ but a real performance of the mutual conditions agreed upon betwixt them and this is more than a consummate Covenant this is the fulfilling of an explicite Covenant and the acknowledgment of both parties that it was mutually covenanted and that the conditions were observed and were performed on both sides Joh. 17.4 I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do saith Christ and his Father saith Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my spirit upon him and he shall bring forth Judgment to the Gentilss Phil. 2.8 9 And being found in fashion as a
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
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
of our Lord Jesus Christ and whereby he hath a new Sonship 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Even this shall stand eternally therefore Christ speaking of the promised glorious state of his people in heaven doth four times own that Covenant-relation to his Father even with respect to his and their being together in his Kingdom Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God and he shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God which is new Jerusalem which cometh down out of heaven from my God and I will write upon him my new name And if our Covenant-relation to God which did spring out of his shall stand and not cease in our glorified state in heaven much more his Rev. 5.10 And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth There the redeemed Musicians that have the new Song in their mouths own their Covenant-relation to God and the Covenant-compellation our God is a note in their new Song 4. The offices which Christ did take on by this Covenant are eternal offices such as shall never cease and whereof he shall never be divested that his Mediatory-office his Kingdom and Priesthood are partakers of the eternity of this Covenant is plain Scripture Luk. 1.33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdom there shall be no end Heb. 1.8 But unto the Son he saith thy throne O God is for ever and ever a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom And 5.6 Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec And 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them The only question is whether or not this Covenant shall then cease and Christ's Mediatory-office shall then cease when Christ shall render up the Kingdom to the Father 1 Cor. 15.24 to 29. Concerning the full answer whereof Rutherf Treat of the Covenant p. 2. c. 12. p. 363. I refer the Reader to what is written by Mr. Rutherford upon that question For my part it satisfies me that I see vestiges in the Scripture 1. That after the last Judgment there shall be no use of such exercise and acts of Christ's Mediatory offices as King Priest and Prophet to his Church as we are now under in this last Oeconomy and dispensation of the Covenant of Grace because there shall be no sin then nor any enemy unsubdued Christ having perfected his people and presented them without spot to God Eph. 5.27 and having subdued all his foes and broken all opposition to his Kingdom and the elect people being brought out of danger so as they need no Temple or Ordinances Rev. 21.4.22 1 Cor. 15.25 2. That Christ Mediator shall unquestionably cease from and leave off such acts and exercise of his Mediatory-office as his body the Church hath no need of he shall be no Mediator of Reconciliation then because there shall be no sin then no Mediator to apply his death or to interceed for sinners for there shall be no sinners he shall be no Mediatory King then to beat down his foes and opposers of his offices for there shall be none when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power 1 Cor. 15.24 that is all Magistracy and Government that now is either in Church or State 3. It is manifest that after the last Judgment there shall be a change of the Oeconomick government and that Christ shall render the kingdom Oeconomick or dispensatory to his father but after what manner this change of government shall be I do not so clearly understand whether it shall be only by Christ's rendering an account to his Father of his deputed and delegated charge having now saved all the elect and subdued all the rebels or if it shall be by laying down his Commission no more to rule in the former way of government or whether the government shall be so changed as the Father Son and Spirit shall immediately govern the glorious Church which seems to be insinuated Rev. 21.22 23 And I saw no temple therein for the Lord God almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it And the City had no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it for the glory of God did lighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof 1 Cor. 15.28 that God may be all in all 4. That Christ shall not then leave off to reign as Mediator even when the fore-mentioned change is made yet he remains the substantial glorified head of his mystical glorified body for ever who shall appear eternally for us as a pledg of the satisfaction once given whose presence is a speaking token of the standing Confederacy and Peace betwixt God and us in whose righteousness we stand cloathed before God in whose transactions and acting in the work of Redemption God is eternally well-pleased and by whose Covenant we stand and reign with him eternally and indefectibly in a confirmed glorified state else 1. To what end shall Christ stand glorified in our nature in heaven for ever 2. Why is the Lambs throne in heaven eternal Rev. 22.3 3. Else what means the Lambs servants in heaven for ever Rev. 22.3 and the new Song that is to the Lamb in heaven for ever Rev. 5.12 and 7.10 4. Else what meaneth the Lambs being in the midst of the glorified company his leading them being a temple and a light unto them Rev. 7.17 and 21.22 23. Sure the Lord Mediator as a glorified head of his glorious body in heaven acteth as Mediator though not as he acteth now and though we cannot well determine what fort of leading and what dispensation of influences from him are there and no wonder if his union with us and headship over us even here be a mysterie the knowledg whereof is referred to his coming again Joh. 14.20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my father and you in me and I in you yet the Lambs throne there and his leading the redeemed and being a light and temple to them proves his peculiar headship to them â— The blessings purchased by this Covenant of Suretiship are partakers of eternity they are eternal blessings the Redemption obtained by the Mediator is eternal Redemption Heb. 9.12 and eternal â—â—beritance Heb. 9.15 and eternal life Tit. 1.2 eternal Salvation Heiv 5.9 eternal Glory 1 Pet. 5.20 You see then that eternigy 〈…〉 of the Covenant of Redemption and that many things belonging to it are partakers of eternityâ— In 〈◊〉 it is a Covenant which was transacted from eternity before the foundation of the world was laid it is as old as the Ancient of days so that we cannot reckon the beginning thereof Prov. 8.23 I was set up from
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
shall teach thee terrible things Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee A person in offices who had all judgment committed unto him who had power given him over all flesh Joh. 17.2 and all power in heaven and earth Mat. 28.18 this was he to whom all the honourable offices and absolute powers of his Father's house was promised that he might act and give orders and set up and put down and none to controul him Isa 22.22 24 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder so he shall open and none shall shut and he shall shut and none shall open And they shall hang upon him all the Glory of his Father's house the off-spring and the issue all vessels of small quantity from the vessels of cups even to all the vessels of flaggons 3. I say the Lord Mediator had all these offices and authorities by Covenant the Lord promised to him and covenanted with him to give him these offices for doing the work of Redemption therefore we read Psal 89. that Christ who there is called David is constituted a King by Covenant v. 3 4 and by what Covenant even by that Covenant whereby the help of God's elect people was laid upon him v. 19. and this was the Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption and in the same place we read of the standing fast of God's Covenant with him v. 28. even that Covenant whereby he was made higher than the Kings of the earth v. 27. And again we find the same Covenant whereby he had a lasting Kingdom sworn with him v. 34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David To the same purpose also there is an oath interposed with the promise of his Priesthood to shew that he was in that office by a more unalterable Covenant than that which was made with Levi Mal. 2.5 My covenant with him was of life and peace compared with Heb. 7.21 For those Priests were made without an oath but this with an oath by him that said unto him the Lord sware and will not repent thou art a Priest for ever The second kind of Promises made to Christ are such as relate to the gifts endowments and habitual furniture which was necessary unto the man Christ for performing this great work he had an instrumental fitness for this extraordinary work Isa 11.2 3 4 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledg and of the fear of the Lord. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord and he shall not judg after the sight of his eyes neither reprove after the hearing of his ears But with righteousness shall he judg the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked And under this sort of Promises I comprehend 1. The Sanctification of our nature to be assumed by him and infusion of habitual Grace in the holy humane nature of Christ from the very first moment of his conception and of the personal union of the two natures Luk 1.35 Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Heb. 7.26 For such an high priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separated from sinners and made higher than the heavens 2. The growth of Grace whereof the man Christ was capable who was made in all things like his brethren except sin we must therefore conceive of his growth to have been without sinful weakness and to have been in experience and in physical intention and bendedness of acts of obedience which the Law does not require in like degree from the young as from the old Luk. 2.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man Heb. 5.8 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered Zech. 6.12 Behold the man whose name is 〈◊〉 â—ranch and he shall grow up out of his place and he shall build the temple of the Lord. 3. The annointing in its fulness without measure and above his fellows whereby the man Christ was full of Grace and had a fulness for this work whereof no other creature was capable Psal 45.2 7 Thou art fairer then the children of men Grace is poured into thy lips therefore God hath blessed thee for ever Thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Joh. 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth And 3. 34 for God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him 4. The overflowings of his fulness whereby the Spirit and All-saving Grace being placed in him as in a Store-house and Treasure not for himself only but for his elect people did run down and flow out from the Mediator from Christ God-man as water from a fountain and fresh spring as dropping showers from full clouds Joh. 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Col. 2.3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledg And 1.19 But it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell 5. The bodily inhabitation of the fulness of the God-head in him By vertue of that unconceivable mysterie of the personal union he had a personal fulness Col. 2.9 for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily The third kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ and covenanted to him were such as relate to his actual support in the execution of this office and performing of the work which he undertook for the man Christ being a creature needed more than habitual Grace and anointing with gifts for such a work there was a necessity that he should not act independently without influence from God And to this kind of promises may be referred the promises of heavenly influences to all the acts of his Mediatory-office and his Surety-obedience so that as the man Christ needed the Spirit and Influences these were ensured by Covenant unto him so that it was impossible that the man Christ could sin or come short in performing all his Father's pleasure as Adam sinned and fell short of the command having actual influences ensured unto him as well as habitual Grace hence he saith of himself Joh. 16.32 and 8.16 I am not alone it was impossâ—â—â— that he could be left alone of his Father and to him was the promise made Isa 11.12 The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the Spirit and heavenly influences were his constant companions Isa 50.4 He wakeneth
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
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
because we thus judg that if one died for all then were all dead And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves c. 1 Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which are Gods 3. By way of real influence the faith of Christs Suretiship hath real influence upon the believers heart to make him study to walk like the redeemed people if the threatnings of the Law and Gospel have some influence upon the spirit of man to make him obey the Law or Gospel 't is without doubt they have a moral influence and when accompanied with the spirit they have real influence Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Chap. 12. v. 25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Sure the gracious Covenant of Suretiship betwixt Jehovah and Christ the undertakings of Christ for the believer must much more have influences upon the believers spirit and really put him to it to walk like a ransomed soul Gal. 2.20 I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. CHAP. VII Of the Name Mediator what it signifieth and how it agreeth to Christ THat there is a Mediator of the Covenant of Grace and but one only even the Lord Jesus Christ doth clearly appear from Heb. 8.6 Chap. 9. v. 15. Chap. 12. v. 22 23 24. 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus The first Covenant which was of works had no Mediator for then there was no disagreement betwixt God and Man but this Covenant under which we stand by Grace hath a Mediator and needeth one as I shall shew by and by Concerning the Mediator of the new Covenant we shall consider 1. The Name what it signifieth and how it agreeth to Christ 2. The necessity of a Mediator in the new Covenant 3. The Person that is Mediator 4. The Office of Mediatorship and these things that belong unto it 5. The grounds of comfort and supports of faith arising to believers from Christs Mediation 1. The Name Mediator 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies a midler whether he be such in regard of his Person or Office one betwixt two Gal. 3.20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one but God is one And a Reconciler as the Hebrew word signifies Job 9.33 Neither is there any days-man betwixt us Grot. de satisf Christi chap. 8. that might lay his hand upon us both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mochjach a Triester one who interposeth for taking away differences betwixt disagreeing parties It signifies also one that declareth things betwixt parties internuntius interpres one that goes betwixt parties and carries the mind of each to other in which sense Moses was a typical Mediator betwixt God and the Children of Israel who carried the will of God to them and carried back their answer to God Gal. 3.19 20 with Exod. 19.3 Chap. 20. v. 19. Deut. 5.5 And although Socinus plead that the word Mediator Socin de servat lib. 1. cap. 2. signifies nothing in Scripture but an Interpreter the falshood whereof doth evidently appear from Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance c. 1 Tim. 2.5 6 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransome for all to be testified in due time Also he would have Christ to be a Mediator only in this last sense that is Gods Interpreter yet all the three significations of the word do agree to Christ and he is called the Mediator of the new Covenant with respect to all the three 1. He is one betwixt two that middle person God and man equally distant from both equally drawing near to both parties and so in a fit capacity to mediate and interpose Mat. 1.23 And they shall call his name Emanuel which being interpreted is God with us He is the days-man the Reconciler and triester of the difference who hath interposed and actually composed the difference Eph. 2.14 16 For he is our peace who hath made both one And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity thereby 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Col. 1.20 And having made peace by the blood of his cross to him to reconcile all things to himself 3. He is the Mediator in this sense also and Interpreter who published and declared the new Covenant and the peace Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh He went betwixt the parties and carried the offers of one and the acceptation of the other In which respect he is called the Messenger or Angel of the Covenant Mal. 3.1 And so much for a taste of the Name and signification of the word Mediator of the thing we shall speak when we come to speak of the Mediators Person and Office More particularly Why is Jesus called the Mediator of the new Covenant Heb. 12.24 Or in what respects does this Name agree to him and what may it import I will not trouble the Reader with the enumeration of how often and ordinarily he is sound in medio in the middle Gerard. loc com de person c. offic Christi loc 4. c. 3. he that pleaseth may read it elsewhere But I think he is called the Mediator of the new Covenant upon a foursold account 1. In respect of his Person because he was a middle person participating of both parties 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 having interest in both parties God-man Immanuel God with us or God us Mat. 1.23 2. In respect of his Office not only a middle-person but a middle officer designed for a middle-work for dealing betwixt God and man in the great transaction of Recconciliation Col. 1.20 2 Cor. 5.19 3. In respect of his fitness and qualifications to interpose betwixt God and man whereof more afterward at this time but a passing-word of it He was the only fit person to lay hands on both parties In Heaven or Earth there was not found
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 He is Mediator applicationis seu intercessionis the person that still mediates and officiates before God on our behalf for fresh applications of all his purchase 11. Through him we receive all the blessings of the Covenant he receives them for us and Christ Mediator is constitute great Lord Dispensator and Theasaurer the head of the Church who receiveth blessings for the whole body and every member thereof 2 Tim. 1.9 According to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began 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 Psal 68.18 Thou hast received gifts for men He is Mediator receptionis the person who receiveth all the blessings of the Covenant at the first hand who is the store-house and fountain the person on whom all the acts of Gods love are first put forth 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 12. Through him was the Covenant with us confirmed he sealed the new Testament with his own blood and interposed by his death to make the Covenant Gods irrevocable will of grace to us-ward Gal. 3.15 17 Though it be but a mans covenant yet if it be confirmed no man disannulleth or addeth thereunto And this I say That the Covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ the law which was four hundred and thirty years after cannot disannul that it should make the promises of none effect Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to manifest unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath that by two immutable things wherein it was impossible for God to lye we might have strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us He is Mediator confirmationis the person in whom and by whom the Covenant was confirmed 13. Through him is the Covenant a closed bargain as to the addition of our consent to it through him are our hearts ingaged to the bargain he travelleth with us to get our consent to it 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Ezek. 20.37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod and I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant Rev. 22.17 And the spirit and the bride say Come He is Mediator adstipulationis seu consensus nostri the person who interposeth for the subjection of our consent and to get our heart to say Amen to the Covenant and is therefore called the Apostle and High-priest of our profession or adstipulation Heb. 3.1 14. Through him is the Covenant held fast with all those who are once really engaged in it that it crumble not away as the first Covenant did but may stand firm and stable 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 Joh. 17.12 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost He is Mediator conservationis the person who conserveth and keepeth the peace betwixt the covenanted parties and makes the Covenant sure 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 From this that Christ is Mediator of the new Covenant Vse 1. This sheweth the misery of all those who are under the Covenant of works which is the state of all natural men Christ is not Mediator of that Covenant under which you stand you must either do for your selves or think of changing your Covenant state for Christs mediation doth not reach you so as you continuing in that condition can have any actual benefit by it Joh. 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them that thou hast given me for they are thine Vse 2. This sheweth also the blessed state of believers who are in the Covenant of grace you are not come to the Mountain that can not be touched you may with boldness approach to God with your services and for obtaining blessings and directions from him you have a Mediator to deal for you if he be angry at any time you have one to put between you and his anger to speak for you when you dare not speak for your selves to procure blessings for you when you deserve none 1 Joh. 1.2 If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous Eph. 2.18 For through him we both have an access by one spirit unto the Father Chap. 3. v. 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him Vse 3. Since Jesus Christ is Mediator of the new Covenant then he must be imployed and acknowledged in all things pertaining to the Covenant Heb. 2.17 And in all things pertaining to God for if it be a business betwixt God and a man who is within this Covenant that falls within his office 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus In all things he must be employed as Mediator and acknowledged and honoured as Mediator Joh. 5.23 That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father CHAP. VIII Of the Necessity of a Mediator and Reasons why this Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator COncerning the necessity of a Mediator in the Covenant of Grace it is to be remembred Aquin. sum 1 part Q. 19. art 3. Estius in sent lib. 1. dist 33. Sect. 7. that we speak not of an absolute necessity of that which God could have done by his absolute power whether he could have restored man without a Mediator and have pardoned sin without a satisfaction nor of a natural necessity but we speak of an hypothetical respective necessity upon connexion of one thing with another In regard of the decree of God who having purposed not to suffer sin to pass utterly unrevenged neither yet to destroy all mankind in the punishing of sin and satisfying of Justice but to glorifie himself in such manifestation of his grace as should have satisfaction to Justice carried along with it In this respect it was necessary that a Mediator should be found who might do the work in this manner The Reasons shewing the necessity of a Mediator or Gods ends in establishing the Covenant in the hand of a Mediator are of three sorts according to three great
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
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
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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 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
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
time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the futher he hath declared him Psal 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God â— He hath come and spoken and hath testified of things which concern our Covenant-state by his spirit and by his work in us and we have not heard nor taken notice that it was the Witness of the Covenant testifying the things that concern himself and his Kingdom Heb. 1.2 God hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things Heb. 3.1 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession Christ Jesus Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they oscaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven Joh. 16.5 1 Joh. 5.6 8 c. 3. His Witness and testimony hath been heard and observably discerned and yet not received sometimes we have known that it was Christ speaking and that it could be no other and yet we have not received his restimony Joh. 21.12 And none of the Disciples durst ask him who art thou knowing that it was the Lord. Joh. 1 3â— He came unto his own and his own receive him not He doth sometimes speak and we will not believe that it is he Luk. 24.37 41 But they were terrified and affrighted and supposed thâ—â— they had seen a spirit And while they yet believed not for joy and wondred be said unto them have ye not here any meat 4. At other times we receive and believe his testimony and witnessing and by and by upon the smallest temptation to unbelief we fall a quarrelling and disputing with the testimony which we received and straight-way we reject it as a delusion Luk. 24.21 But we trusted that it had been be which should have redeemed Israel and besides all this to day is the third day since these things were done Vse 2. Consider what manner of Witness he is and what manner of witnessing his testimony is that you may lay weight upon whatsoever the witness of the Covenant saith Christ the witness of the Covenant may be commended in order to the weight and credit of his testimony from these properties of the Witness and the manner of his witnessing 1. He is an Eye-witness of the Covenant who was present and heard and sâ—w all the Covenant transacted yea he was an actor in it throughout as hath been said before this testimony he taketh to himself Prov. 8.22 to 32 And the same is given him also by such as were sent to witness of him Joh. 1.7 18 The same came for a witness to bear witness of the light that all men through him might believe no man hath seen God at any time The only begotten Son which is in the besome of the father he hath declared him 2. He is the true and-faithful witness Rev. 1.5 3.7 14 which cannot lye and is not capable of being byassed from the truth for any respect for he is the truth it self Joh. 14.10 3. He is a Witness above all exception there can be no exception laid against him yea all the great witnesses which God hath made use of in declaring this Gospel from the beginning do bear witness of him Act. 3.24 Yea and all the Prophets from Samuel and these that follow after at many as have spoken have likewise foretold of these days Act. 10.43 To him give all the prophets witness 4. His Witness is greater than the testimony of men 1 Joh. 5. â— If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater Not only in respect of the Authority of him who witnesseth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but in respect of the weight and impression of his testimony For 1. His Witneâ—â— speaks to the heart 2. It ends the controversie there needs no further witnessing after he speaks Hos 2.14 Therefore behold I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness and speak comfortably into her Hebr. speak to her heart Mat. â— 8 The centurion answered and said Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof but speak the word only and my servant shall be healed 5. Of all these various things which he hath witnessed from the beginning of the world until now there hath not failed one word neither of one kind nor another Jos 21.45 23.14 15. with Isa 63.9 Act. 7.30 1 Cor. 10.9 1 Kings 8.15 24 56 Isa 38.15 Luk. 24.44 Rom. 22.6 And he said unto me These sayings are faithful and true And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his â—ingâ—t to shew unto his seâ—uants the things which must shortly be done Zech. 1.5 6. Your fathers where are they and the prophets do they live for ever but my words and my statutes which I commanded my servants the prophets did they not take hold of your fathers And they returned and said Like as the Lord of hosts thought to do unto us according to our ways and according to our doings so hath he dealt with us Vse 3. Be exhorted to receive him under this Covenant-relation as he is given of God for a Witness to the people Under this I comprehend these particulars 1. If you would make use of Christ as the Witness of the Covenant then in all matters doubtful appeal to his testimony for decision if you have any doubt about any matter of saith or salvation about any duty about any thing pertaining to God or unto your own Covenant state and interest in him make his testimony and witness your Judg in that matter go familiarly and boldly to him that he may determine the question and resolve your doubt Isa 8.20 To the law and to the testimony 2 Pet. 1.9 We have also a more sure word of prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts As his Disciples did upon all occasions Joh. 13.21 22 25 14.5 8 22. 2. Hear and give ear to whatsoever he witnesseth and take it off his hand Luk. 9.35 This is my beloved Son bear him And look carefully that you neither neglect to hear what he will say and witness of you and to you of your way 〈◊〉 state or present fit and temper for you or against you nor interrupt his witnessing but let him speak out nor that you stop the ear against it These are marked in Scripture as manifest sins against and rejecting of his witnessing Act. 24.25 Go thy way for this time when I have a convenient season I will call for thee Zech. 7.7 11 Should ye not hear the words which the Lord hath cryed by the former Prophets But they refused
be not afraid 1 Cor. 1.9 God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 5. It is a controversie to the doubting believer whether his Salvation be sure or not whether he shall be saved and inherit Life-eternal Psal 88.11 12 Shall thy loving-kindness be declared in the grave or thy faithfulness in destruction shall thy wonders be known in the dark and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness But Christ hath interposed his Witness to decide that controversie Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Joh. 3.15 16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Eternal life For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Psal 35.3 Say unto my soul I am thy Salvation 6. It is a controversie to believers whether they shall ever be Victorious over their Lusts and prevail against their temptations when they seel the strength and working of corruption in themselves as Paul did Rom. 7.14 15 But I am carnal sold under sin For that which Ido I allow not for what I would that I do not but what I hate that I do Many a time they utter that language Lam. 3.18 And I said my strength and my hope is perished from the Lord. But the Witness of the Covenant testifieth in this also and decides the controversie in their favours 1 Joh. 4.4 Ye are of God little children and have overcome them because greater is he that is in you then he that is in the world 1 Joh. 5.4 5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith who is he that overcometh the world but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God Rom. 16.20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly 7. It is a controversie to doubting-believers whether they shall persevere to the end or shall not rather fall away finally Psal 51.11 Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holy spirit from me But Christ hath decided the controversie Joh. 17.12 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Joh. 10.28 And I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand Joh. 14.19 Because I live ye shall live also 8. It is a controversie to the doubting-believer whether it be good for him to be so dealt with to be afflicted deserted tempted c. Psal 42.9 I will say unto my God my rock why hast thou forgotten me why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy Psal 73.13 14 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in Innocency For all the day long I have been plagued and chastened every morning Christ hath decided this controversie also not by his verdict only of the matter but by his Witness in his peoples hearts Joh. 16.7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away the comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to his purpose 1 Pet. 1.6 Wherein ye greatly rejoyce though now for a season if need be ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations Psal 119.71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy statutes It is a controversie to the doubting-believer while he reaps not the present fruit of his seeking God whether it be in vain to serve God and to follow duties Psal 73.13 Verily have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocency But it is the Witness of the Covenant who only can decide this and he hath done it Isa 45.19 I said not unto the seed of Jacob seek ye me in vain I the Lord speak righteousness I declare things that are right Psal 73.28 But it is good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works Vse 5. This Covenant-relation of Christs layeth grounds of comfort to believers 1. That you want not a Witness to testifie unto you concerning all things which are dark and doubtful Isa 55.4 Behold I have given him for a witness to the people 1 Joh. 5.8 9 10 And there are three that bear witness in earth the spirit and the water and the blood and these three agree in one If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself he that believeth not God hath made him a lyar because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son So that if you be doubtful and in the dark about any thing pertaining to God and to the matters of your Salvation you know how to have that witnessed and plainly made out unto you by Christ the Witness of the Covenant and if you continue under your doubting blame your selves Isa 42.6 And I give thee for a Covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles 2. Another ground of comfort resulting from this Covenant-relation is that we not only have a Witness but that we have such a Witness him for a Witness that God who might have given us other witnesses and have denyed this Witness hath given him for a Witness Heb. 1.1 2 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom he also made the worlds Act. 14.17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness in that he did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness So fit a Witness 1 Joh. 1.2 3 who heard and saw and acted all the business of the Covenant Prov. 8.22 to 32. So saithful a Witness that will not lye that cannot lye Rev. 1.5 and 3.14 So great a Witness a person of such Authority being God 1 Joh. 5.9 Luk. 9.35 So compassionate a Witness who can pity his doubting-people Heb. 5.2 So condescending a Witness who can stoop to teach and perswade the weaklings of the people Isa 40.11 Joh. 9.39 as all his carriage did prove while he was upon the earth So convincing a Witness whose testimony can put an end to all strife if he will only speak the word Mat. 8.8 And all this is for the stronger consolation of Believers Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing
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 〈…〉 they were and â—â—ou gavest them me and they 〈◊〉 kepâ— thy word In the second plaâ—e 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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ability but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 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 〈…〉 unrequested did undertake for the broken 〈◊〉 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. Raâ—rov 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
therefore there can be no ground for the Socinians charge against us that while we assert the satisfaction of Christ we derogate and detract from the Grace of God the Grace of God and the satisfaction of Christ being no ways repugnant but rather Grace is advanced and exalted by the satisfaction of Christ by the finding out of that way by his undertaking and his performing of that satisfaction and by Gods accepting thereof Rom. 5.7 8 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die But God commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Assert 8. Christs Suretiship was not ptivate for the Debt of one or some few persons but of publick concernment for his engagement was for the safety of many yea it was for the elect world whose Debt he payed whose punishment he did bear Mat. 20.28 And to give his life a ransome for many Isa 53.6 8 And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all For he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people was he stricken 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them It was a noble act of Grace and favour on his part it was like a mans laying down his life for the safety of his kindred and of his Countrey he was given as an hostage who did engage his life for the performance of the conditions agreed upon for saving the lost world Assert 9. Christ in his undertaking and engagement as Surety of the Covenant had his fathers 〈◊〉 of relief and 〈◊〉 I say he had no relief nor warranâ—â—ie from the broken creatures whose Debt he paid neither could the restitution of his losses be expected from broken men but he had as it were a back-bond or a bond of relief from God his father that when he went into the prison his Soul should not be left in the grave but that he should come out with honour see Psal 16.10 For thou wilt not leave my Soul in hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption Isa 53.10 11 12 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Therefore will I divide him a poâ—tion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death Psal 2.7 8 9 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel Assert 10. All Christs offices are founded upon his Suretiship for by that Covenant of Suretiship that is betwixt Jehovah and the Son he is King Priest and Prophet whatsoever he did by office and by compact and agreement with God he did because he had put his name in our bond having become Surety for his people As a King he suffers for his subjects and saves them because he was engaged to do so as a Priest he dies for them because by his Suretiship he was engaged to bear their punishment he performs also a Prophets office towards them because he was engaged to God to do so c. Joh. 17.4 6 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do I have â—anifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world Heb. 9.28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many 1 Joh. 3.5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins and in him is no sin And if that had not been for his engagement as a Surety we should never had the fruit of any of his offices The third thing to be considered is See Mr. Ruth treatise of the Covenant p. 2. c. 7. how Christ came under this Covenant-relation to be Surety of the better Testament To this the Apostle gives an answer Heb. 7.22 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He was made the Surety of a better Testament or Covenant If Jesus was made the Surety then 1. He was not Surety by nature nor by any natural necessity Then 2. He was not Surety by any necessity or constraint of Law he was not so made Surety because there was no Law that could exact upon him anteceding his bond of Suretiship neither could there be any necessity upon him there being no conjunction betwixt him and us antecedently to his act of Suretiship by any relations whether natural legal foederal or mystical until this voluntary conjunction and Covenant-relation of Suretiship was brought about upon which all his offices and all other relations 'twixt Christ and his people are founded I take therefore the making of him Surety spoken of by the Apostle to relate mainly to that eternal free transaction and Covenant of Suretiship that was betwixt God and Christ whereby he came under a judicial and Law act to satisfie for the sins of his people And this imports 1. Something on Gods part Heb. 7.21 He was made Surety by him that said unto him The Lord sware and will not repent c. God made him the Surety of the better Testament I say on Gods part the making of him Surety imports three things 1. His eternal decree whereby he was designed ordained and chosen in the counsel of God for this Suretiship he was made the Surety that is designed and ordained to this by an everlasting decree Heb. 5.4 5 6 10 And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High-priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec Called of God an High-priest after the order of Melchisedec Psal 2.7 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth 2. His annointing furnishing and fitting of Christ for this business he was made the Surety i. e. He was anointed and qualified for that work so the father saith of him Isa 42.1 4 6 I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles He shall not fail nor be
I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Luk. 22.15 And he said unto them With desire have I desired to eat this passeover with you before I suffer Joh. 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again this commandment have I received of my father He did voluntanly fulfil his act of cautionry and not through constraint of Law and Justice yea it was not accounted grievous to him but was rather his satisfaction and delight thus to make the glory of his grace conspicuous Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Psal 40.8 I delight to do thy will O my God yea thy law is within my heart In the last place let us consider the advantages which believers have by Christs Suretiship which are so many that they cannot be reckoned we shall instance upon some few 1. By Christs Suretiship we have our exemption and liberation from the Law and the hand of Justice our divorcement from the Law and Covenant of works as a husband in which respect it is now dead and extinct though it live for other ends and uses Rom. 7.4 Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God So that now the believer cannot be pursued at Law or if pursued cannot be made to undergo the sentence of the Law Justice being satisfied by a Surety Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Heb. 2.14 15 That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil and deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage In a word we owe to Christs Suretiship our delivery from the sentence from the pursuit from the Covenant from the terror from the rigour from the irritation of the Law yea from the perfect obedience of the Law it will now accept less and from all obedience to it as a possible way of life Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Heb. 12.18 22 24 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched and that burned with fire nor unto blackness and darkness and tempest But ye are come unto mount Sion and unto the city of the Living God the heavenly Jerusalem And to Jesus the Mediator of the new covevant 2. By his Suretiship we have this new and better Covenant-state wherein we stand we owe our being in Christ and in the Covenant of Grace unto his Suretiship who did undertake to bring about that bond of engagement betwixt God and us for if Christ had not acted himself to do this it had never been done Joh. 17.2 6 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out 3. By Christs Suretiship we have our perseverance and stability in this Covenant-state I say not our being only but our continuing in this blessed state that we do not depart from God and utterly forsake him in a divorcement even when we go a whoring from him and that he doth not cast us off and discovenant us for all that we have done this advantage we have by Christs Suretiship that there can be no reversing annulling or repealing of Gods Covenant with his people and if it were not for that a divorce should follow upon the whorings and treacherous dealings of our hearts every day Psal 89.30 33 34 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments c. Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail My covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David Jer. 3.1 14 22 They say If a man put away his wife and she go from him and become another mans shall he return unto her again shall not that land be greatly polluted but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers yet return again to me saith the Lord. Turn O back-sliding children saith the Lord for I am married unto you and I will take you one of a city and two of a family and I will bring you to Zion Return ye backsliding children and I will heal your back-slidings behold we come unto thee for thou art the Lord our God Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord If heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. Jer. 32.39 40 And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them and of their children after them And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me 4. We owe to Christs Suretiship very much upon the head of the conditions of the new Covenant as namely 1. The possibility of Gospel-conditions and commands that they are not as unprofitable to us as the keeping of the whole Law Deut. 30.11 14 For this commandment which I command thee this day it is not hidden from thee neither is it far off But the word is very nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy heart that thou mayest do it Rom. 10.6 8 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise say not in thine heart who shall ascend into heaven that is to bring Christ down from above But what saith it the word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach 2. The certainty of a performance of these conditions that believers have any ground to expect that there shall not be a misgiving in them as was in the 〈◊〉 ands of the first Covenant Joh. 6.37 All that the father goveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them 3. The
When we value Christ out of love not out of necessity only as the manner of those is who come to him only in their exigency as men use Physicians Psal 116.1 I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplication 3. When the excellencies of Christ do affect the heart to take pains to seek him proportionably as we seek after other things Song 5.6 9 10 I opened to my beloved but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone my soul failed when he spake I sought him but I could not find him I called him but he gave me no answer What is thy beloved more than another beloved O thou fairest among women what is thy beloved more than another beloved that thou dost so charge us my beloved is white and ruddy the chiefest among ten thousand 4. When we are not easily offended at him Mat. 11.6 And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me Song 5.7 8 The watch-men that went about the city found me they smote me they wounded me the keepers of the walls took away my vail from me I charge you O daughters of Jerusalem if ye find my love that ye tell him that I am sick of love There is nothing that argueth more clearly a low esteem of Christ than a readiness to be soon and easily stumbled at him or something in his way with us or attending the way of seeking him and on the other hand nothing argueth a higher esteem of him than not to be easily offended at him let him do what he will yet will I go after him let me meet with what can be imagined which stumbleth others yet will I hold on my way is the thoughts and heart-language of one that valueth Christ above all Job 13.15 Though he slay me yet will I trust in him Vse 4. To teach us whatsoever things appertaining to this Covenant we cast our eyes upon to observe more of Christ in it for if we look upon it aright there is no part of the Covenant but we may behold Christ ingraven upon it he is the precious subject-matter of the whole and of every part of the Covenant whether they be 1. Things covenanted by God to us Christ is ingraven upon every promise and blessing and priviledg of the Covenant the righteousness and life whereunto we are restored are the righteousness and life of Christ Jer. 23.6 And this is his name whereby he shall be called The Lord our righteousness Gal. 2.20 Yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the fiesh I live by the faith of the Son of God 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Col. 3.2 3 Set your affection on things above and not on things on the earth For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God The Sonship the spirit the grace the title to God they are our partnership of Christs Sonship his spirit his grace his Covenant-right to God Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent out the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Joh. 1.14 16 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Or 2. Whether they be things re-stipulated by us to God as conditions of the Covenant or as duties of the confederate people upon every condition and duty of the Covenant Christ is ingraven the faith accepting Covenant-grace and blessings is the faith of the Son of God Gal. 2.20 The holiness and worthy walking whereunto we are called is that same thing whereunto we are chosen and created in Christ Jesus Eph. 2.10 and 1.4 Vse 5. For commending Christ to you 1. See the necessity of receiving Christ and of being in him without which we can have no right to the Covenant nor to any thing contained in it he is given for a Covenant if it were possible for you to receive all that is in the Gospel-offers and not to receive Christ all these things without him could not change your Covenant-state Eph. 2.12 If you continue without Christ you are still without the Covenant therefore is that expression so frequently used to denote one in Covenant with God they that are in Christ Rom. 8.1 2 Cor. 12.2 2. Learn the way how the confederate people should come to God it is not enough that we should come to God and bring Christ with us as a third person but we must also come to God as being in Christ as being one with him Joh. 15.2 And this is to come to God through Christ Heb. 7.25 3. Be perswaded to take him who is given of God for a Covenant of the people make Christ your own and you make all the bargain your own for he is the Covenant of the people and he is all saith the Apostle Col. 3.11 And whoso findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord saith he himself Prov. 8.35 We beseech you receive the gift which draweth all the Covenant along with it Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name If you ask When do we receive Christ 1. When we receive the very bonds of the word and that which doth most cross our corruption and straiten the loosness and liberty of our flesh 1 Thess 1.6 And ye became followers of us and of the Lord having received the word in much affliction with joy of the holy Ghost 2 Cor. 10.4 5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 2. When we imbrace and kiss the promises that is when we love them dearly and welcome them kindly for the good that is in them for the things which they carry forth unto us Heb. 11.13 These all died in faith not having received the promises but having seen them afar off and were perswaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth So did those Worthies who obtained a good report through faith verso 390 3. When we find and receive something sweeter and better in the promises than salvation even Christ himself Song 5.16 His mouth is most sweet yea he is altogether lovely This is my beloved and this is my friend O daughters of Jerusalem A temporary may receive the word with joy and the promises of
subordination and subjection as is the name Messenger but of the lowest and most abject condition of subordination I say 1. This name is given to Christ not in regard of his nature but in regard of his office as Mediator as he took upon him a Service this name is not a name of nature for in regard of his Divine nature he hath another style My Son is his name not my Servant Mat. 3.17 This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased And in regard of his Humane nature though the man Christ is by nature Gods Servant yet he is not by nature a common Servant to both the parties in the Covenant nor a Servant of the Covenant but a Free-man Mat. 17.26 Jesus saith unto him then are the children free Therefore I say it is not the name of the natural only begotten Son of God nor the name of the man Christ as it importeth any thing peculiar and not common to the rest of the creatures but it is the name of Christ Mediator God-man Heb. 12.24 2. This name is given to Christ mainly and eminently in regard of the state and condition of his humiliation Phil. 2.7 8 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross For though now when God hath highly exalted him he be still a Priest upon a Throne Heb. 8.1 and consequently promoting the same Trust and Service about which he was sent to the earth yet his way of carrying on that Service is so Princely as he carryeth condescendingly to men Phil. 2.9 10 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earrh and things under the earth If we should yet name him by this Covenant-relation we behoved to look upon him as a kinged and crowned Servant who for performing that notable Service that was committed unto him hath been exalted to a Glorious Throne and yet for all his preferment is as humble and affable and easie to be spoke with as when he was upon the earth for he beareth the same heart toward his people Heb. 4.15 16 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 3. The name of Servant in the business of the Covenant is given to Christ in regard of his trust because the greatest trust that ever was put upon man was put upon him by the Covenant of Redemption he was entrusted with a rare piece of Service the saving of sinners the carrying through the work of Redemption the weight of the lost World being laid upon his shoulders Isa 49.6 And he said it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Joh. 5.22 For as the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son 4. This name is given to Christ in regard of his work for it is a name of work as well as of trust because he served a great Service in the business of the Covenant I have elsewhere shewed that the whole business of Redemption was his work therefore you find he speaks often of his work and labour and spending his strength and of the travel of his Soul Isa 49.4 Then I said I have laboured in vain I have spent my strength for nought and in vain Isa 53.10 11 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his Soul an offering for sin 〈◊〉 shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied Joh. 4.34 Jesus saith unto them My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Joh. 8.29 And he that sent me is with me the father hath not left me alone for I do always those things that please him 5. This name is given to Christ in regard of his wages and reward which redounded unto him by this great Service which he performed unto God by saving the elect world which yet must be understood of no servile reward for his love could not be hired but we read of a reward promised and compacted unto him Isa 53.11 12 He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession A reward expected and eyed by him Isa 49.4 5 Yet surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Though Isreal be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength A reward craved by him Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was A reward payed unto him as the fruit of his labours Phil. 2.8 9 And being found in fashon as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even unto the death of the cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name Heb. 12.2 6. The name of Servant is given to him in regard of the spirit of fear unto which he did subject himself for a season while he was here in our nature in the shape of a Servant I say though there were always in the heart of Christ a design of love which made him run and serve in the business of the Covenant yet there was something of the spirit of a Servant in the man Christ made under the law and having taken upon him our condition as well as our nature which yet must be understood
to be such as did well stand with the heart of a Son yea with the heighth of that transcendent love which was the love of God And in regard of this he is said to be made under the law Gal. 4.4 When he put his name in our bond he took on our sevile condition and subjected himself to threatnings and terrors of the law and hence it is that he is said to fear Heb. 5.7 and to be troubled in spirit Joh. 12.27 and 13.21 2. But what engaged him and brought Christ under this Covenant-relation to become a Servant Answ Sure it was by no necessity of nature that Christ was engaged in this Service for he was not engaged because he could not chuse but he must be a Servant But rather I judg these four things did engage him 1. The Lords choice and call the Lord did freely and of meer Grace make choice of Christ and send him in this Service 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 and will keep thee Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek he hath sent me to bind the broken hearted to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound Isa 49.7 9 Thus saith the Lord the redeemer of Israel and his holy one to him whom man despiseth to him whom the nation abhorreth to a servant of rulers kings shall see and arise princes also shall worship because of the Lord that is faithful and the holy one of Israel and he shall chuse thee that thou mayest say to the prisoners go forth to them that are in darkness shew your selves 2. His own love engaged him there was always in the heart of Christ a design and aim of love to the elect world and this engaged him in the Service of a Covenant by which he might enjoy them and they him Joh. 13 1 3 4 Now before the feast of the passeover when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end And that he was come from God and went to God And he took a towel and girded himself c. 3. His own free consent who was as willing to undertake this service as the Lord was to send him this engaged him 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 received of my father 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 His free consent and agreement to be a Servant by voluntary condescension this engaged him and made him a Servant 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 4. His compact and Covenant engaged him for he not only consented to serve in this business of the Covenant but he graciously condescended to be hired to perform such a Service and undertook for it Isa 53.10 11 12 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors These and nothing but these did conclude and determine Christ under this Covenant-relation to serve this great Service of saving the lost world 3. Whose Servant was Christ in the business of the Covenant whether of one of the parties or of both was he his fathers Servant only or ours also Answ He was a common Servant to both parties God's Servant and our Servant I shall clear it by the following particulars 1. He was God's Servant for so his father frequently styles him Isa 42.1 Behold my servant Isa 53.11 My righteous servant Zech. 3.8 My servant the branch So he acknowledged himself to be Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Heb. 10.9 Then said he Lo I come to do thy will O God Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me 2. He was our Servant also for so he confesseth himself Mat. 20.28 Even as the son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many Luk. 22.27 And so he behaved himself and in his carriage while he was on earth he gave proof of it Joh. 13.4 5 14 15 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 And said 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. He was Servant to both parties but with this observable difference which is to be understood and cautioned 1. Christ was Servant to God in the Covenant and work of Redemption by choice and election not so to us God made choice of him for this work but we did not make choice of him he made choice of us Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth Joh. 15.16 Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain 2. He was God's Servant not by condescension only but by Covenant and compact with God he is our Servant by condescension but by no compact with us In all Covenant-relations betwixt him and us he is our Lord and Master he is our Head and Husband Psal 45.11 For he is the Lord and worship thou him Psal 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool And what further stooping is upon his