Thirdly, The Grace and Love of God that in this matter the Scripture reveals to be exercised, in order unto the forgiveness of sinners, consists principally in two things. 1. In his Holy Eternal Purpose of providing a relief for lost sinners. He hath done it, to the praise of the Glory of his Grace, Eph. 1. 6. 2. In the sending his Son in the pursuit▪ and for the accomplishment of the holy purpose of his Will and Grace. Herein most eminently doth the Scripture celebrate the Love, Goodness, ⟨p. 173⟩and kindness of God; as that whereby, in Infinite, and for ever to be adored Wisdom and Grace, he made way for the forgiveness of our sins. Joh. 3. 16. God so loved the world, as he gave his only begotten Son, Rom. 3. 24, 25. Whom he hath set forth to be a propitiation through saith in his blood, Rom. 5. 7, 8. God commendeth his Love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ dyed for us, Titus 3. 4. 1 John 4. 8, 9. Herein consists that ever to be adored Love, Goodness, Grace, Mercy and Condescension of God. Add hereunto, that in that act of causing our iniquities to meet on Christ, wherein he immediately intended the Declaration of his Justice, Rom. 3. 25. (Not sparing him, in delivering him up to death for us all, Rom. 8. 32.) There was a blessed harmony in the highest Justice, and most excellent Grace and M•rcy. This Grace, this Goodness, this Love of God toward mankind, towards sinners, our Adversaries ⟨p. 174⟩in this matter neither know, nor understand; and so indeed what lies in them, remove the foundation of the whole Gospel, and of all that faith and obedience, which God requires at our hands.
Thirdly, The Grace and Love of God that in this matter the Scripture reveals to be exercised, in order unto the forgiveness of sinners, consists principally in two things. 1. In his Holy Eternal Purpose of providing a relief for lost sinners. He hath done it, to the praise of the Glory of his Grace, Eph. 1. 6. 2. In the sending his Son in the pursuit▪ and for the accomplishment of the holy purpose of his Will and Grace. Herein most eminently doth the Scripture celebrate the Love, Goodness, ⟨p. 173⟩and kindness of God; as that whereby, in Infinite, and for ever to be adored Wisdom and Grace, he made way for the forgiveness of our sins. Joh. 3. 16. God so loved the world, as he gave his only begotten Son, Rom. 3. 24, 25. Whom he hath set forth to be a propitiation through saith in his blood, Rom. 5. 7, 8. God commendeth his Love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ dyed for us, Titus 3. 4. 1 John 4. 8, 9. Herein consists that ever to be adored Love, Goodness, Grace, Mercy and Condescension of God. Add hereunto, that in that act of causing our iniquities to meet on Christ, wherein he immediately intended the Declaration of his Justice, Rom. 3. 25. (Not sparing him, in delivering him up to death for us all, Rom. 8. 32.) There was a blessed harmony in the highest Justice, and most excellent Grace and M•rcy. This Grace, this Goodness, this Love of God toward mankind, towards sinners, our Adversaries ⟨p. 174⟩in this matter neither know, nor understand; and so indeed what lyes in them, remove the foundation of the whole Gospel, and of all that faith and obedience, which God requires at our hands.
