The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

If Christ be a Law-giver, then he is God, Jehovah. But he is a Law-giver; Ergo.

That he is a Law-giver, Socinus yields. The consequence I prove, James 4.12. There is One Law-giver, &c. not two Law-givers: One God, and Man the other, James 2.8. He speaks of the Royal Law; given under the old Testament: Jehovah gave the Law; Christ then as God, Jehovah gives the Law binding the Conscience, able to save and to destroy, as in the Text, and so is the Object of Divine worship. One only Law giver, the Dutch read. This I am certain of, the receiving of Christ, as King, as Lord, is not meant only of receiving him as a Law-giver, as giving Commands to be obeyed: and thus it may be many Christians understand it, when they hear they must receive Christ as Lord and King, that is, I must obey his Commands, be subject to him; which though it be a truth; yet if this be all, we are but in a sad case, we have received Commands enough to sink us: considering the vile enmity of our hearts unto them, how opposite they are to the holy Commandments, we need no more Lawgivers, or Laws to damn us for breach of them. The Question is, How shall my vile heart be brought about to obey these holy Commands? this blessed ⟨p. 260⟩King, how shall my will ever be made subject to him?

2. Therefore Secondly: To receive Christ King and Lord under a Covenant of Grace, is to receive him not only as a King, to give me Laws morally, but I receive Jesus my King efficiently, to incline my will, bow my heart, and to enable me to be subject to him, and obey his Commandments; this is the King under a Covenant of Grace which we chiefly look at, and thus I conceive he is chiefly to be looked upon; for thus (not by giving Laws) doth he heal us: all his Offices tend to healing, to redemption; but giving Laws is no healing, no redemption; they may make our sore worse, our bondage: but what the Apostle saith of him as a Priest,