A53721:541
A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm
A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm wherein the nature of the forgiveness of sin is declared, the truth and reality of it asserted, and the case of a soul distressed with the guilt of sin and relieved by a discovery of forgiveness with God is at large discoursed / by John Owen.
London: printed by Robert White for Nathaniel Ponder, 1669
AN EXPOSITION UPON PSALM CXXX. › General Scope of the whole Psalm. › Verse 4 › Section
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.
Now next to the Blood of Christ, whereby this Covenant was ratified and confirmed, this is the greatest Evidence that can possible be given, that there is forgiveness with God. To what end else doth God make this great alteration in the effects of his Will, in his way of dealing with mankind. As forgiveness of sin is expressly contained in the tenor and words of the Covenant, so set it aside, and it will be of no more use or advantage than the former. For as this Covenant is made directly with sinners, nor was there any one in the world, when God made it that was not a sinner, nor is it of use unto any but sinners, so is forgiveness of sins the very life of it.
Now next to the Blood of Christ, whereby this Covenant was ratified and confirmed, this is the greatest Evidence that can possible be given, that there is forgiveness with God. To what end else doth God make this great alteration in the effects of his Will, in his way of dealing with mankind. As forgiveness of sin is expresly contained in the tenor and words of the Covenant, so set it aside, and it will be of no more use or advantage than the former. For as this Covenant is made directly with sinners, nor was there any one in the world, when God made it that was not a sinner, nor is it of use unto any but sinners, so is forgiveness of sins the very life of it.
Hence we may see two things. First, The greatness of forgiveness, that we may learn to value it: and Secondly, The certainty of it, that we may learn to believe it.
First, The greatness of it. God would not do so great a thing as that mentioned, but for a great, the greatest end. Had it not been a matter of the greatest importance unto the glory of God, and the good of the souls of men, God would not for the sake of it, have laid aside one Covenant, and made another. We may evidently see how the heart of God was set upon it, how his Nature and Will were engaged in it. All this was done that we might be pardoned. The old glorious fabric of Obedience and Rewards shall be taken down to the ground, that a new one may be erected for the honour and glory of forgiveness. God forbid that we should have slight thoughts of that which was so strangely and wonderfully brought forth, wherein God had as it were embarked his great Glory. Shall all this be done for our sakes, and