A89732:400
A discussion of that great point in divinity, the sufferings of Christ; and the…
A discussion of that great point in divinity, the sufferings of Christ; and the question about his righteousness active, passive : and the imputation thereof. Being an answer to a dialogue entitled The meritorious price of redemption, justification, &c. / By John Norton teacher of the church at Ipswich in New-England. Who was appointed to draw up this answer by the general court.A discussion of that great point in divinity, the sufferings of Christ; and the question about his righteousnesse active, passive : and the imputation thereof. Being an answer to a dialogue intituled The meritorious price of redemption, justification, &c. / By John Norton teacher of the church at Ipswich in New-England. Who was appointed to draw up this answer by the generall court.
London: printed by A.M. for Geo. Calvert, 1653
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Answ. If he covenanted only to suffer a bodily death, as you say, you must needs think very unworthily (to say no worse) of him that was God, whilst you put upon him so great fear of breaking covenant upon so small temptation. Notwithstanding he covenanted to suffer spiritual death, i. e. the wrath of God, yet because he was God, it was impossible that he should break his word, and consequently impossible that he should fear an impossibility. He laid down his life as a surety, which none could have taken away against his will, but he took not away his life as an executioner.
Answ. If he covenanted only to suffer a bodily death, as you say, you must needs think very unworthily (to say no worse) of him that was God, whilest you put upon him so great fear of breaking covenant upon so small temptation. Notwithstanding he covenanted to suffer spirituall death, i. e. the wrath of God, yet because he was God, it was impossible that he should break his word, and consequently impossible that he should fear an impossibility. He laid down his life as a surety, whic• none could have taken away against his will, but he took not away his life as an executioner.
If he had covenanted to take away his own life as an executioner, neither then could he have broken his word, because he was God; nor had so covenanting opposed, but engaged him to the suffering of the wrath of God, his death being the cursed death of the cross.
If he had covenanted to take away his own life as an executioner, neither then could he have broken his word, because he was God; nor had so covenanting opposed, but engaged him to the suffering of the wrath of God, his death being the cursed death of the crosse.
Dialogu. Christ made his oblation an exact obedience unto Gods will, both for matter, manner, and time, and this mediatorial action of his was the highest degree of obedience that the father required, or that the son could perform for mans atonement and redemption.