2. Consider of the reasons why Christ arose; was it not to confound the Jews? they could not endure to hear of Christ's resurrection, and therefore when Peter and the other Apostles preached that point,1 They were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. It is the case of them to say, We will not have that man to reign over us; they that by their sins crucify Christ every day, cannot without horror think of his exaltation, it cuts them to the heart that Christ is risen to be their Judge. Again, was it not to confirm the faith of Christ's followers? till he was risen, their faith was but a weak faith; weak in knowledge, weak in assent, weak in confidence, weak in assurance; much ado had Christ with them, many a time had he chid them, Why are ye fearful O ye of little faith? but after he had showed himself alive by many infallible proofs, they could then cry it out, My Lord, and my God. Again, was it not to evidence that he had fully satisfied all our debts? the Apostle tells us, that Christ was our Surety; 2at his death he was arrested, and cast into Prison, whence he could not come till all was payed: and therefore to hear that Christ is risen, and that he hath broken the bolts and fetters of the grave, it is a clear evidence that God is satisfied, and that Christ is discharged by God himself. Oh what breasts of consolation are here? Again, was it not to conquer sin, death, and devil? now he took from death his sting, and from hell his standard; now he seized upon the hand-writing that was against ⟨p. 445⟩us, and nailed to his cross, now he spoiled Principalities and Powers, and carried the keys of death and hell, at his own girdle; now he came out of the grave as a mighty Conqueror, saying as Deborah did in her song, O my soul, 3thou hast trodden down strength, thou hast marched valiantly. Again, was it not to become the first-fruits of them that sleep? Christ was the first that rose again from the grave to dye no more; and by virtue of his resurrection (as being the first-fruits) all the Elect must rise again; As in Adam all dye, even so in Christ shall all be made alive; 4but every man in his own order, Christ the first-fruits, and afterwards they that are Christ's at his coming. Some may wonder, can the resurrection of one, a thousand six hundred years ago, be the cause of our rising?
2. Consider of the reasons why Christ arose; was it not to confound the Jews? they could not endure to hear of Christ's resurrection, and therefore when Peter and the other Apostles preached that point,1 They were cut to the heart, and took councel to slay them. It is the case of them to say, We will not have that man to reign over us; they that by their sins crucifie Christ every day, cannot without horror think of his exaltation, it cuts them to the heart that Christ is risen to be their Judge. Again, was it not to confirm the faith of Christ's followers? till he was risen, their faith was but a weak faith; weak in knowledge, weak in assent, weak in confidence, weak in assurance; much ado had Christ with them, many a time had he chid them, Why are ye fearful O ye of little faith? but after he had shewed uimself alive by many infallible proofs, they could then cry it out, My Lord, and my God. Again, was it not to evidence that he had fully satisfied all our debts? the Apostle tells us, that Christ was our Surety; 2at his death he was arrested, and cast into Prison, whence he could not come till all was payed: and therefore to hear that Christ is risen, and that he hath brokens the bolts and fetters of the grave, it is a clear evidence that God is satisfied, and that Christ is discharged by God himself. Oh what breasts of consolation are here? Again, was it not to conquer sin, death, and devil? now he took from death his sting, and from hell his standard; now he seized upon the hand-writing that was against ⟨p. 445⟩us, and nailed to his cross, now he spoiled Principalities and Powers, and carried the keys of death and hell, at his own girdle; now he came out of the grave as a mighty Conqueror, saying as Dehorah did in her song, O my soul, 3thou hast trodden down strength, thou hast marched valiantly. Again, was it not to become the first-fruits of them that sleep? Christ was the first that rose again from the grave to dye no more; and by vertue of his resurrection (as being the first-fruits) all the Elect must rise again; As in Adam all dye, even so in Christ shall all be made alive; 4but every man in his own order, Christ the first-fruits, and afterwards they that are Christ's at his coming. Some may wonder, can the resurrection of one, a thousand six hundred years ago, be the cause of our rising?
- 1Acts 9.33.
- 2Heb. 7.22.
- 3Judg. 5.21.
- 41 Cor. 15.22, 23.
