A53708:114
Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ
Meditations and discourses on the glory of Christ, in his person, office, and grace with the differences between faith and sight applied unto the use of them that believe / by the late Reverend John Owen, D.D.
London: printed by B.A., 1691
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Chapter 2: The Glory of the Person of Christ, as the only Representative of God unto the Church.
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. INFINITE Wisdom is one of the most glorious Properties of the Divine Nature: It is that which is directive of all the external Works of God, wherein the Glory of all the other Excellencies of God is manifested; wherefore the manifestation of the whole Glory of God proceeds originally from Infinite Wisdom. But as Job speaks, Where shall this Wisdom be found, and what is the place of understanding? Chap. 28. 12. Can we by searching, find out God? Can we find out the Almighty to perfection? Chap. 11. 7. As it is in it self an Essential, Eternal Property of the Divine Nature, we can have no comprehension of it: We can but adore it in that infinite distance wherein we stand from God; but in its Operations and Effects it may be discerned; for they are designed of God for its manifestation. Among these the most excellent is the contrivance ⟨p. 24⟩of the great Work of the Salvation of the Church; so it is celebrated by the Apostle, Eph. 3. 9, 10, 11. To make all Men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the World, hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ, to the intent, that now unto the principalities and powers in Heavenly places might be known by the Church, the manifold Wisdom of God.
If we have any Interest in God, if we have any hopes of Blessedness in beholding of his Glory unto Eternity, we cannot but desire a view (such as is attainable) of this Infinite manifold Wisdom of God in this life. But it is in Christ alone that we can discern any thing of it; for him hath the Father chosen and sealed to represent it unto us. All the Treasures of this Wisdom are hid, laid up, and laid out in him: Herein lies the essence and form of Faith. Believers by it do see the Wisdom of God in Christ, in his Person and Office: Christ the Wisdom of God; Unbelievers see it not, as the Apostle argues, 1 Cor. 1. 22, 23, 24.