A51838:688
Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons /
Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons / by the late Reverend Tho. Manton ...
A51838:688
Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons / by the late Reverend Tho. Manton ...
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1. As to the Design. God was well-pleased, that lapsed Mankind should be restored, at the first God was pleased with his ⟨p. 139⟩Creation, Exod. 31. 17. on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed, that is recreated in the View of his Works, as the effects of his Wisdom, Power and Goodness. And Psal. 104. 31. The Lord shall rejoice in his works. The Lord saw all to be good, in the beginning and working not to be repented of: This was Gods Rest and Sabbath, to take delight in his Works. When he looked on it altogether, behold it was exceeding good; but afterwards Man, the ungrateful part of the Creation, though the Masterpiece of it, in this visible and lower world, fell from God his Creator, and preferred the Creature before him, to his Loss and Ruin; then God was so far displeased, that he had Reason to wish the destruction of Mankind; it is said Gen. 6. 6. That it repented God that he had made man. That is, he was displeased with us, estranged from us; no more contented with us, than a man is in what he repenteth of: For properly God cannot repent, but this is an Expression to show how odious we were grown to him, Psal. 14. 2, 3. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any that did understand and did seek after God. They are all gone aside, they are altogether become filthy, there is none that doth good no not one. Alas ⟨p. 140⟩there is a lamentable appearance of Mankind to Gods sight, now nothing good to be found in them; an universal Defection, both in Piety and Humanity. But then Christ undertook the Reparation of Mankind, and the Design was pleasing to God, that he might not lose the glory of his Creation, and all flesh be utterly destroyed, Col. 1. 19, 20. It pleased the father that in him should all fullness dwell, and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things to himself. The restoring of fallen Man to Friendship with God, and all things tending to it, were highly pleasing to God, namely, that Jesus Christ, the second Person in the Trinity should become a Mediator, for that end he had a great Affection and liking to this thing. [Greek or Hebrew], it is the same word used here, the thing is highly pleasing to God, that the Breach should be made up;
1. As to the Design. God was wellpleased, that lapsed Mankind should be restored, at the first God was pleased with his ⟨p. 139⟩Creation, Exod. 31. 17. on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed, that is recreated in the View of his Works, as the effects of his Wisdom, Power and Goodness. And Psal. 104. 31. The Lord shall rejoyce in his works. The Lord saw all to be good, in the beginning and working not to be repented of: This was Gods Rest and Sabbath, to take delight in his Works. When he looked on it altogether, behold it was exceeding good; but afterwards Man, the ungrateful part of the Creation, though the Masterpiece of it, in this visible and lower world, fell from God his Creator, and preferred the Creature before him, to his Loss and Ruine; then God was so far displeased, that he had Reason to wish the destruction of Mankind; it is said Gen. 6. 6. That it repented God that he had made man. That is, he was displeased with us, estranged from us; no more contented with us, than a man is in what he repenteth of: For properly God cannot repent, but this is an Expression to show how odious we were grown to him, Psal. 14. 2, 3. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any that did understand and did seek after God. They are all gone aside, they are altogether become filthy, there is none that doth good no not one. Alas ⟨p. 140⟩there is a lamentable appearance of Mankind to Gods sight, now nothing good to be found in them; an universal Defection, both in Piety and Humanity. But then Christ undertook the Reparation of Mankind, and the Design was pleasing to God, that he might not lose the glory of his Creation, and all flesh be utterly destroyed, Col. 1. 19, 20. It pleased the father that in him should all fulness dwell, and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things to himself. The restoring of fallen Man to Friendship with God, and all things tending to it, were highly pleasing to God, namely, that Jesus Christ, the second Person in the Trinity should become a Mediator, for that end he had a great Affection and liking to this thing. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, it is the same word used here, the thing is highly pleasing to God, that the Breach should be made up;
that man who had lost the Image, Favour and Fellowship with God should be again restored, by renewing his Heart, reconciling his Person, and admitting him again into Communion with God, who was was so justly provoked by him. God stood in no need of our Friendship, nor could any loss come to him by our Hatred and Enmity; only it pleased the Father to take this way, Isa. 53. 10. For ⟨p. 141⟩it pleased the Lord to bruise him, he hath put him to grief, when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands.
that man who had lost the Image, Favour and Fellowship with God should be again restored, by renewing his Heart, reconciling his Person, and admitting him again into Communion with God, who was was so justly provoked by him. God stood in no need of our Friendship, nor could any loss come to him by our Hatred and Enmity; onely it pleased the Father to take this way, Isa. 53. 10. For ⟨p. 141⟩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 dayes, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands.
2. He is pleased with the Terms. God who is the Supreme Governor of the world, and the offended Party, stood upon these Terms, that the Honour of his governing Justice should be secured, and the Repentance and Reformation of man carried on. Strictly these must be done, or else man must lye under his Eternal Displeasure; if one be done and not the other, no Reconciliation can ensue. Now that God is highly pleased with the satisfaction and compensation made to his governing Justice, Heb. 10. 6, 7. In burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast no pleasure. Then said I, lo I come to do thy will O God. Ver. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Christ once for all. God rejected all other sacrifices, but was fully satisfied with this, as enough to expiate the sin of Man. Christ delighted to give it, and God delighted to accept of it. He paid a perfect ransom for us, besides or above which he craved no more, but rested fully content in it; for the other, the Renovation of Mans Nature, to put him into a capacity ⟨p. 142⟩to serve and please God, for God would not admit us to Privileges without change of heart, and disposition, Acts 5. 31. God exalted him to be a prince and saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins. In short God is so satisfied with these Terms, that (1.) He seeketh no farther amends for all their wrongs, Rom. 3. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past. (2.) No farther price for what they need, 1 Pet. 1. 18, 19. Ye are not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without spot and blemish. The repentance of a sinner is pleasing to him, there is Joy in Heaven; Luke 15. 7. Joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner that is converted. A Feast was made at the return of the Prodigal. As I live saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of a sinner. Our Conversion is more pleasing to God, than our Destruction.
3. He is pleased with the Execution and Management of it by Christ, he carried himself in the office of the Mediator, according to what was enjoined him, Joh. 8. 29. I do always the things that please him. Joh. 5. 30. I can of my self do nothing, as I hear I judge, and my Judgment is just because I seek ⟨p. 143⟩not my will, but the will of the father which sent me. And did finish all that was necessary for the Redemption of the Elect before he died, Joh. 19. 30. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished; and he bowed his head and gave up the ghost. Evidences of this are his Resurrection from the dead, Act. 5. 30, 31. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree, him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. Heb. 13. 20. The God of peace brought again the Lord Jesus from the dead, through the blood of the everlasting covenant. As pacified in Christ, received into glory, 1 Tim. 3. 16. Certainly God is well pleased since he hath given not only a Discharge, but a Reward. The gift of the Spirit, for renewing the heart of man, which is the great pledge of Gods being satisfied; Joh. 7. 39. This he spake of the spirit, which they that believe on him should receive, for the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified; a sure evidence that our ransom is paid,
2. That he is well-pleased with us, who have an Interest in him. In our natural Estate we are all displeasing unto God, whatever we are in the purpose of his decree, we must look upon our selves as we are in the Sentence of his Law, so children of wrath, Eph. 2. 3. Enemies by our minds in evil works, Col. 1. 21. Estranged from the womb, Psal. 58. 3. so that all of us, were cut off from the Favour of God, obnoxious to his wrath, this is our miserable Condition by Nature, that we were no way pleasing to him, for without faith it is impossible to please God, Heb. 11. 6. A sinner as a sinner can do nothing acceptable; indeed God having found a Ransom, is placabilis, but not placatus, not actually reconciled to us, till we are in Christ, and he is placandus antequam placendus; to be appeased, before he can be pleased; he is not actually reconciled, till we are in Christ.
2. Awakened sinners are not easily satisfied, so as to look upon themselves as pleasing unto God: for the Conscience of Sin is not easily laid aside, nor is the stain soon got out. And though the grant be passed in Heaven, yet we have not the sense of it in our own hearts, for it is the Blood of Christ can only do it. Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the ⟨p. 145⟩eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your Conscience from dead works to serve the living God. The Carnal offer thousands of Rams, and Rivers of Oil, and the fruit of the body for the sin of their soul, Mic. 6. 6, 7. They would give any thing for a sufficient sin-offering; yea the renewed and pardoned, have not so firm a peace as to be able always to look upon themselves in a state of well-pleasing, therefore often beg that God would dissipate the Clouds and cause the Light of his Countenance to break forth upon them, Psal. 80. 19. Turn us Oh Lord God of Hosts, cause thy face to shine and we shall be saved. So that when there is a grant of Pardon and Peace and Access to God, we have not always the sense.
2. Awakened sinners are not easily satisfied, so as to look upon themselves as pleasing unto God: for the Conscience of Sin is not easily laid aside, nor is the stain soon got out. And though the grant be passed in Heaven, yet we have not the sense of it in our own hearts, for it is the Blood of Christ can onely do it. Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the ⟨p. 145⟩eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your Conscience from dead works to serve the living God. The Carnal offer thousands of Rams, and Rivers of Oyl, and the fruit of the body for the sin of their soul, Mic. 6. 6, 7. They would give any thing for a sufficient sin-offering; yea the renewed and pardoned, have not so firm a peace as to be able always to look upon themselves in a state of well-pleasing, therefore often beg that God would dissipate the Cloudes and cause the Light of his Countenance to break forth upon them,
3. Yet the Ground is laid as soon as we have an Interest in Christ, God is well pleased with us; if you consent to his Mediation, and take him in his three Offices, as a Prophet, Priest, and King. As a Prophet, hear him; the business is put out of all Question, that God will love you because he loved Christ. When you depend on him as a Priest, you have Reconciliation and Access to God; 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 into the grace ⟨p. 146⟩wherein we stand. When you subject your selves to him as a King, Col. 1. 13. He hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Christ is dear to God, and to him all the Subjects of his Kingdom are dear also. So that if you will be more explicit in your Duty, you may be more explicit in your Comforts; if you will receive his Doctrine, so as it may have Authority over your Hearts; if in the Anguish of your Souls, you will depend on the Merit of his Sacrifice, and give up your selves to live in a constant Obedience to his Laws. You will find him to be a dear Son indeed, one very acceptable with God, for you also will be accepted with him, for his sake.
3. Yet the Ground is laid assoon as we have an Interest in Christ, God is well pleased with us; if you consent to his Mediation, and take him in his three Offices, as a Prophet, Priest, and King. As a Prophet, hear him; the business is put out of all Question, that God will love you because he loved Christ. When you depend on him as a Priest, you have Reconciliation and Access to God; Rom. 5. 1, 2. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Iesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into the grace ⟨p. 146⟩wherein we stand. When you subject your selves to him as a King, Col. 1. 13. He hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Christ is dear to God, and to him all the Subjects of his Kingdom are dear also. So that if you will be more explicite in your Duty, you may be more explicite in your Comforts; if you will receive his Doctrine, so as it may have Authority over your Hearts; if in the Anguish of your Souls, you will depend on the Merit of his Sacrifice, and give up your selves to live in a constant Obedience to his Laws. You will find him to be a dear Son indeed, one very acceptable with God, for you also will be accepted with him, for his sake.
II. Concerning the weight and importance of this Truth.
1. It is propounded as the Foundation upon which God will build his Church; Mat. 16. 16, 17, 18. And Simon Peter answered and said, thou art Christ the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven. And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this Rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
1. It is propounded as the Foundation upon which God will build his Church; Mat. 16. 16, 17, 18. And Simon Peter answered and said, thou art Christ the Son of the living God. And Iesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven. And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this Rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
2. It is the question put, to those that would enter upon Christianity, Acts 8. 37. If thou believest with all thy heart thou mayest: and he answered and said, I believe that Jesus is the son of God. When they were serious in the Profession, that was enough, 1 Joh. 5. 1. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God.
2. It is the question put, to those that would enter upon Christianity, Acts 8. 37. If thou believest with all thy heart thou maist: and he answered and said, I believe that Iesus is the son of God. When they were serious in the Profession, that was enough, 1 Ioh. 5. 1. Whosoever believeth that Iesus is the Christ, is born of God.
3. This engaged the hearts of the Disciples to tarry with him, when others murmured at his Doctrine. He that cleaveth to this Profession, carrieth himself accordingly, whatever Temptations he hath to the contrary, we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ the Son of the living God.
4. For this End the Scriptures were written, These things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name. Joh. 20. 31. By obedience to his Laws, dependence on his Promises.
4. For this End the Scriptures were written, These things are written that ye might believe that Iesus is the Christ the son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name. Ioh. 20. 31. By obedience to his Laws, dependance on his Promises.
5. This is the ground of Submission to Christ in all his Offices, why we should hear him as a Prophet in this place, (which I shall more fully make manifest in the next Sermon) why we should depend on him as a Priest, for the virtue of his Oblation and Intercession; if God spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things, ⟨p. 148⟩Rom. 8. 32. 1 Joh. 4. 10. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 Joh. 2. 1. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous. The blood of Christ is of high Esteem and infinite Value, both as to Merit and satisfaction, to purchase all manner of blessings for us, and to satisfy Gods provoked Justice for our sins. And if the Father be so well-pleased with him, what can he not obtain at his hands; which is an encouragement in our Prayers and Supplications. So for our Improvement of his Kingly Office, which respects Duties and Privileges; our duty with respect to the Kingly Office, is Subjection; Psal. 2. 12. Kiss the Son left he be angry, and you perish in the mid-way. Because Christ Jesus is the Son of God, he should be submitted unto and embraced with the heartiest Love, and Subjection; for to Kiss, is a sign of Religious Adoration; Hos. 13. 2. as they kissed the Calves, and offer Homage and hearty subjection; as Samuel kissed Saul, because God had anointed him to be King over his People; 1 Sam. 10. 1. So for Privileges; he is God co-equal, co eternal with his Father, able to protect all those that apply themselves to him, till he bring them to Eternal ⟨p. 149⟩Glory and Happiness; and therefore it is said, 1 Joh. 5. 5
1. Believe it, lay up this Truth in your Hearts by a firm and sound▪ Belief. There are in Faith three things, Assent, Acceptance, Dependence. The Matter in hand calleth for all these.
1. Believe it, lay up this Truth in your Hearts by a firm and sound▪ Belief. There are in Faith three things, Assent, Acceptance, Dependance. The Matter in hand calleth for all these.
1. A firm Assent. For here we have the Testimony of God concerning his Son; the Apostle tells us, that he that believeth not hath made God a liar, because he believeth not the Testimony of God concerning his Son, 1 Joh. 5. 10. The great Testimony is this, that we have in hand that Jesus is his beloved Son with whom he is well pleased, that he will give Pardon and Life to all that hearken to him, embrace his Person, ⟨p. 150⟩receive his Doctrine, believe his Promises, fear his Threats, obey his Precepts, the strictest of them. Oh labour to work it into your Hearts, that indeed it is so. In matters of Fact, we receive the Testimony of men, two or three credible men; why not in matters of Faith, the Testimony of God, evidenced to us by this solemn action, an account of which we have from Earwitnesses, and Eye-witnesses, who were men that hazarded their all for the delivery of this Truth, and yet referred us to the surer word of Prophecy, 1 Pet. 1. 19. He was owned as a Son, Psal. 2. 7. Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. As a beloved Son, in whom God is well-pleased, Isa. 42. 1. Behold my servant whom I uphold, my elect in whom my soul delighteth. If you be not wanting to your selves, you may have this witness in your hearts, 1 Joh. 5. 10. He that believeth on the son of God, hath the witness in himself. Oh let us not give the flat lye to God. Rouse up this languid Faith; is this true, or is it a cunning devised Fable.
1. A firm Assent. For here we have the Testimony of God concerning his Son; the Apostle tells us, that he that believeth not hath made God a liar, because he believeth not the Testimony of God concerning his Son, 1 Ioh. 5. 10. The great Testimony is this, that we have in hand that Jesus is his beloved Son with whom he is well pleased, that he will give Pardon and Life to all that hearken to him, embrace his Person,
2. He is pleased with the Terms. God who is the Supream Governour of the world, and the offended Party, stood upon these Terms, that the Honour of his governing Justice should be secured, and the Repentance and Reformation of man carried on. Strictly these must be done, or else man must lye under his Eternal Displeasure; if one be done and not the other, no Reconciliation can ensue. Now that God is highly pleased with the satisfaction and compensation made to his governing Justice, Heb. 10. 6, 7. In burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast no pleasure. Then said I, lo I come to do thy will O God. Ver. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Christ once for all. God rejected all other sacrifices, but was fully satisfied with this, as enough to expiate the sin of Man. Christ delighted to give it, and God delighted to accept of it. He paid a perfect ransom for us, besides or above which he craved no more, but rested fully content in it; for the other, the Renovation of Mans Nature, to put him into a capacity ⟨p. 142⟩to serve and please God, for God would not admit us to Priviledges without change of heart, and disposition, Acts 5. 31. God exalted him to be a prince and saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins. In short God is so satisfied with these Terms, that (1.) He seeketh no farther amends for all their wrongs, Rom. 3. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past. (2.) No farther price for what they need, 1 Pet. 1. 18, 19. Ye are not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without spot and blemish. The repentance of a sinner is pleasing to him, there is Joy in Heaven; Luke 15. 7. Ioy in the presence of the angels over one sinner that is converted. A Feast was made at the return of the Prodigal. As I live saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of a sinner. Our Conversion is more pleasing to God, than our Destruction.
3. He is pleased with the Execution and Management of it by Christ, he carried himself in the office of the Mediator, according to what was injoyned him, Ioh. 8. 29. I do alwayes the things that please him. Ioh. 5. 30. I can of my self do nothing, as I hear I judge, and my Iudgment is just because I seek ⟨p. 143⟩not my will, but the will of the father which sent me. And did finish all that was necessary for the Redemption of the Elect before he died, Ioh. 19. 30. When Iesus had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished; and he bowed his head and gave up the ghost. Evidences of this are his Resurrection from the dead, Act. 5. 30, 31. The God of our fathers raised up Iesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree, him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. Heb. 13. 20. The God of peace brought again the Lord Iesus from the dead, through the blood of the everlasting covenant. As pacified in Christ, received into glory, 1 Tim. 3. 16. Certainly God is well pleased since he hath given not onely a Discharge, but a Reward. The gift of the Spirit, for renewing the heart of man, which is the great pledge of Gods being satisfied; Ioh. 7. 39. This he spake of the spirit, which they that believe on him should receive, for the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Iesus was not yet glorified; a sure evidence that our ransom is paid, Acts 5. 32. And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is the holy Ghost, which he hath given to them that obey him. A Sacrifice of infinite value and esteem.
5. This is the ground of Submission to Christ in all his Offices, why we should hear him as a Prophet in this place, (which I shall more fully make manifest in the next Sermon) why we should depend on him as a Priest, for the vertue of his Oblation and Intercession; if God spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things, ⟨p. 148⟩Rom. 8. 32. 1 Ioh. 4. 10. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 Ioh. 2. 1. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the father, Iesus Christ the righteous. The blood of Christ is of high Esteem and infinite Value, both as to Merit and satisfaction, to purchase all manner of blessings for us, and to satisfie Gods provoked Justice for our sins. And if the Father be so well-pleased with him, what can he not obtain at his hands; which is an encouragement in our Prayers and Supplications. So for our Improvement of his Kingly Office, which respects Duties and Priviledges; our duty with respect to the Kingly Office, is Subjection; Psal. 2. 12. Kiss the Son left he be angry, and you perish in the mid-way. Because Christ Jesus is the Son of God, he should be submitted unto and embraced with the heartiest Love, and Subjection; for to Kiss, is a sign of Religious Adoration; Hos. 13. 2. as they kissed the Calves, and offer Homage and hearty subjection; as Samuel kissed Saul, because God had anointed him to be King over his People; 1 Sam. 10. 1. So for Priviledges; he is God co-equal, co eternal with his Father, able to protect all those that apply themselves to him, till he bring them to Eternal ⟨p. 149⟩Glory and Happiness; and therefore it is said, 1 Ioh. 5. 5. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Iesus is the Son of God. That is the fortifying Truth; this both cautioneth us against all the delights and snares, and supports us against all the terrors and fears of the World. If we have the Son of God for our Prophet, Priest and King, we ought to carry our selves with greater Reverence, Trust and Subjection.