A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

(2.) Sinners do stand in need of the Expiation of Sin: For being actually guilty already, it is to no purpose to think of a Righteousness for the future, unless their present Guilt be first expiated. Hereof there is not the least Intimation in the Moral Law. It hath nothing in it, nor accompanying of it, that respects the Guilt of Sin, but the Curse only. This therefore was to be expected from the Ceremonial ⟨p. 200⟩Law, and the various ways of Atonement therein provided, or no way at all. But this of themselves they could not effect. They did indeed represent and prefigure what would so do, but of themselves they were insufficient unto any such end. For it is not possible, as our Apostle speaks, that the Blood of Bulls and Goats should take away Sin, chap. 10. 5. And this Law may be considered three ways. (1) In Opposition unto Christ, without respect unto its Typical Signification, under which Notion it was now adhered unto by the unbelieving Hebrews. This being no state of it by divine Appointment, it became thereby not only of no use unto them, but the occasion of their Ruin. (2) In Competition and Conjunction with Christ; and so it was adhered unto by many of these Hebrews who believed the Gospel. And this also was a state not designed for it, seeing it was appointed only unto the Time of Reformation, and therefore was not only useless but noxious and hurtful. (3) In Subordination unto Christ to Typify and Represent what was to be obtained in him alone; so during its own Season it was of use unto that End; but yet could never effect the things which it did represent. And in this state doth the Apostle pronounce it weak and unprofitable, namely, on a Supposition that Atonement and Expiation of Sin was actually to be made, which it could not reach unto.

(2.) Sinners do stand in need of the Expiation of Sin: For being actually guilty already, it is to no purpose to think of a Righteousness for the future, unless their present Guilt be first expiated. Hereof there is not the least Intimation in the Moral Law. It hath nothing in it, nor accompanying of it, that respects the Guilt of Sin, but the Curse only. This therefore was to be expected from the Ceremonial ⟨p. 200⟩Law, and the various ways of Attonement therein provided, or no way at all. But this of themselves they could not effect. They did indeed represent and prefigure what would so do, but of themselves they were insufficient unto any such end. For it is not possible, as our Apostle speakes, that the Blood of Bulls and Goats should take away Sin, chap. 10. 5. And this Law may be considered three ways. (1) In Opposition unto Christ, without respect unto its Typical Signification, under which Notion it was now adhered unto by the unbelieving Hebrews. This being no state of it by divine Appointment, it became thereby not only of no use unto them, but the occasion of their Ruin. (2) In Competition and Conjunction with Christ; and so it was adhered unto by many of these Hebrews who believed the Gospel. And this also was a state not designed for it, seeing it was appointed only unto the Time of Reformation, and therefore was not only useless but noxious and hurtful. (3) In Subordination unto Christ to Typifie and Represent what was to be obtained in him alone; so during its own Season it was of use unto that End; but yet could never effect the things which it did represent. And in this state doth the Apostle pronounce it weak and unprofitable, namely, on a Supposition that Attonement and Expiation of Sin was actually to be made, which it could not reach unto.