The blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God our Saviour, Jesus…
The blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Opened & applied, in several sermons. / By Increase Mather, president of Harvard College in Cambridge, and preacher of the Gospel, at Boston, in N.E. ; [Nine lines of Scripture texts]The blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Opened & applied, in several sermons. / By Increase Mather, praesident of Harvard Colledge in Cambridge, and preacher of the Gospel, at Boston, in N.E. ; [Nine lines of Scripture texts]
Increase Mather 1639–1723Boston: printed by Timothy Green for Nicholas Boone, 1701
[2], 142 p. ; 15 cm. (8vo) · 34k words · Evans 998
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· 1. It is Evident from the Names which are given to him in Scripture. This Name of SAVIOUR, is given to Him; 2 Pet. 3.18 Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Very often in Scripture is he described by this Name. Yea, he is called Salvation it self: Luk. 2 30 Simeon said, Mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation. Because he had with his Eyes seen Christ, whom he calls Salvation. Therefore the Name of ⟨p. 73⟩
The Angel said to Joseph concerning Christ, Thou shalt call his Name Jesus, for he shall Save his People from their Sins. Jesus signifies a Saviour. It comes from the Hebrew word, Jasha, Salvavit, as much as to say, He that Saveth. So that Name Shiloh is given to him:
Until Shiloh come: that is until Christ come. Shiloh is as much as to say, one that is the Author of tranquility, and safety. And he is called by that Name of a Redeemer: Isa· 59 20 A Redeemer shall come to Zion· When Christ came into the world, then did a Redeemer come to Zion. And in the next words to the Text before us, it is said, He gave himself that he might Redeem us from all Iniquity. And he is called a Deliverer. Moses was a Typical Deliverer, whence Stephen said of him,
That God sent him to be a Ruler, and Deliverer of the People. Moses was a Deliverer from Pharaoh, and from the Egyptians, but Christ is a Deliverer from the Pharaoh of Hell, and the Egyptians of Hell. It is from him that we are Delivered from the Powers of Darkness.
Answ· 1. It is Evident from the Names which are given to him in Scripture. This Name of SAVIOUR, is given to Him; 2 Pet. 3.18 Our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ. Very often in Scripture is he described by this Name. Yea, he is called Salvation it self: Luk. 2 30 Simeon said, Mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation. Because he had with his Eyes seen Christ, whom he calls Salvation. Therefore the Name of ⟨p. 73⟩Iesus is given to him. An Angel from heaven, did declare that he should be called by that Name, and for this reason, in that he should be a Saviour. Mat. 1.21 The Angel said to Ioseph concerning Christ, Thou shalt call his Name Jesus, for he shall Save his People from their Sins. Jesus signifies a Saviour. It comes from the Hebrew word, Iasha, Salvavit, as much as to say, He that Saveth. So that Name Shiloh is given to him: Gen. 49.10 Vntil Shiloh come: that is until Christ come. Shiloh is as much as to say, one that is the Author of tranquility, and safety. And he is called by that Name of a Redeemer: Isa· 59 20 A Redeemer shall come to Zion· When Christ came into the world, then did a Redeemer come to Zion. And in the next words to the Text before us, it is said, He gave himself that he might Redeem us from all Iniquity. And he is called a Deliverer. Moses was a Typical Deliverer, whence Stephen said of him, Acts 7.35 That God sent him to be a Ruler, and Deliverer of the People. Moses was a Deliverer from Pharaoh, and from the Egyptians, but Christ is a Deliverer from the Pharaoh of Hell, and the Egyptians of Hell. It is from him that we are Delivered from the Powers of Darkness. Col. 1.13
2. Jesus Christ and he only, is a fit person to be a Saviour for the sinful Children of men. He ⟨p. 74⟩that shall be our Saviour, must be both God and Man, which is true concerning Jesus Christ, and of him only.▪ Our Saviour must be God. The great God he is called a Saviour: Isa. 43 11 God says, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no Saviour. And in Isa▪•5.21 He is a Just God, and a Saviour. If Jesus Christ had been a man only, he could never have b•en the Saviour of one Soul Nor might we then have trusted to him for salvation: Psal. 146.3 Trust not in the son of man, in whom there is no help. If Christ had been the son of man only, there could have been no help, no salvation in him, or to be hoped for by him. It is said, Jer. 17.5▪ Cursed is he that trusteth in man, and that maketh flesh his arm. But therefore Christ is God. We are by reason of sin, fallen into the hands of mighty Enemies; such as all the men in the world could never have saved one soul out of their hands: Isa. 49.24 Shall the Prey be taken from the Mighty, or the lawful Captives be delivered? The Mighty had made a prey of the Souls of men: and no Mortal could take the prey out of the hands of those Mighty. Moreover, we were fallen into the hands of Almighty justice. And who could save us from the Omnipotent hands? God says, Deut. 32.39 I wound and I heal, neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. He then that can deliver out of the hands of Divine ⟨p. 75⟩Justice, by making Atonement for sinners, must needs be more than a man. And yet 'tis necessary, that the Saviour should be Man, that so •e might in a way of Suffering, make satisfaction for the sins of men. It was requisite that the same Nature that had sinned, should suffer that so satisfaction may be made for sin: Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch as the Children are partakers of Flesh and Blood, he also himself took part of the same: that through Death, he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the Devil. He did not take to him the Nature of Angels, but the S•ed of Abraham; the same Nature that Abraham had. If Christ had been God only, then he could not have suffered for sin▪ for the God-head cannot suffer. 'Tis said, Acts 17.79 We ought not to think that the God-head is like unto Gold or Silver, or Stone graven by art and mans devices. So we ought not to think the God-head can suffer any thing. No▪ Eternity cannot Dye.
2. Iesus Christ and he only, is a fit person to be a Saviour for the sinful Children of men. He ⟨p. 74⟩that shall be our Saviour, must be both God and Man, which is true concerning Jesus Christ, and of him only.▪ Our Saviour must be God. The great God he is called a Saviour: Isa. 43 11 God sayes, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no Saviour. And in Isa▪•5.21 He is a Iust God, and a Saviour. If Jesus Christ had been a man only, he could never have b•en the Saviour of one Soul Nor might we then have trusted to him for salvation: Psal. 146.3 Trust not in the son of man, in whom there is no help. If Christ had been the son of man only, there could have been no help, no salvation in him, or to be hoped for by him. It is said, Ier. 17.5▪ Cursed is he that trusteth in man, and that maketh flesh his arm. But therefore Christ is God. We are by reason of sin, fallen into the hands of mighty Enemies; such as all the men in the world could never have saved one soul out of their hands: Isa. 49.24 Shall the Prey be taken from the Mighty, or the lawful Captives be delivered? The Mighty had made a prey of the Souls of men: and no Mortal could take the prey out of the hands of those Mighty. Moreover, we were fallen into the hands of Almighty justice. And who could save us from the Omnipotent hands? God sayes, Deut. 32.39 I wound and I heal, neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. He then that can deliver out of the hands of Divine ⟨p. 75⟩Justice, by making Atonement for sinners, must needs be more than a man. And yet 'tis necessary, that the Saviour should be Man, that so •e might in a way of Suffering, make satisfaction for the sins of men. It was requisite that the same Nature that had sinned, should suffer that so satisfaction may be made for sin: Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch as the Children are partakers of Flesh and Blood, he also himself took part of the same: that through Death, he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the Devil. He did not take to him the Nature of Angels, but the Sed of Abraham; the same Nature that Abraham had. If Christ had been God only, then he could not have suffered for sin for the God-head cannot suffer. 'Tis said, Acts 17.79 We ought not to think that the God-head is like unto Gold or Silver, or Stone graven by art and mans devices. So we ought not to think the God-head can suffer any thing. No Eternity cannot Dye.
Therefore God must become Man, that so he might be a Saviour for man. This is according to that Eternal agreement which was between God the Father and the Son, before the world began; that the Son of God should assume the Nature of man, and be made a sacrifice for the sins of men. Heb. 10.5 It is said, Sacrifice and Offering thou wouldst not, but a Body hast thou prepared for me. When 'tis said, God had no ⟨p. 76⟩pleasure in sacrifices and offerings, the meaning is, that all the Sacrifices and Offerings appointed by the Mosaical-Law could never appease God, or satisfy Divine Justice. Could never purge the Consciences of men from the guilt of sin, it was impossible that they should; therefore a Body is prepared by God for Christ. The Son of God must therefore assume a Humane Body, and a Rational Soul; and that Nature must be made a sacrifice for the sins of men. And for such a Person as the Son of God to be sacrificed, is an infinitely greater thing then if all the men in the whole world had been made a sacrifice. Thus then Jesus Christ is a Saviour, being both God and Man.
Therefore God must become Man, that so he might be a Saviour for man. This is according to that Eternal agreement which was between God the Father and the Son, before the world began; that the Son of God should assume the Nature of man, and be made a sacrifice for the sins of men. Heb. 10.5 It is said, Sacrifice and Offering thou wouldst not, but a Body hast thou prepa•ed for me. When 'tis said, God had no ⟨p. 76⟩pleasure in sacrifices and offerings, the meaning is, that all the Sacrifices and Offerings appointed by the Mosaical-Law could never appease God, or satisfie Divine Justice. Could never purge the Consciences of men from the guilt of sin, it was impossible that they should; therefore a Body is prepared by God for Christ. The Son of God must therefore assume a Humane Body, and a Rational Soul; and that Nature must be made a sacrifice for the sins of men. And for such a Person as the Son of God to be sacrificed, is an infinitely greater thing then if all the men in the whole world had been made a sacrifice. Thus then Jesus Christ is a Saviour, being both God and Man.
3. Jesus Christ is vested with a Glorious Office, that so He might be our Saviour. There is a Salvation-Office that does belong unto him. And in respect of that, he is said to be not only Jesus, but Christ: Mat. 16.16 Thou art Christ the Son of the Living God. And he is said to be the Messiah: Joh. 1.41 We have found the Messiah, which is by Interpretation Christ. Messiah and Christ are words of the same signification, only Messiah is an Hebrew word, and Christ a Greek word; and both of them signify the Anointed: Psal 2.2 They imagine a vain thing against the Lord, and against His Anointed. In the Hebrew it is against His Messiah ▪⟨p. 77⟩which in our singing Psalms is well Translated, against His Christ. The Priests and Kings of Israel, who were Anointed with Oil, were in that respect Types o• Christ; who was Anointed not with any material Oil, as they were; but with the Oil of the Spirit of God This Anointing does imply both his call unto, and fitness for his Office. Psal 45.7 The Lord thy God has Anointed thee with the Oil of Gladness, above thy Fellows. In respect of his Office, he is said to be a Shepherd: Joh. 10 11 I am (saith Christ) the good Shepherd. It belongs to a Shepherd to save his sheep from Wolves and Devourers. So Christ as the good Shepherd, has saved his Elect from the Devourers of Hell, that would have Destroyed them. In respect of his Office, he is said to be a Bishop of Souls: 1 Pet 2.25 He is the Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls. A Bishop must endeavour to the uttermost of his power, the salvation of the souls of those under his care. And in respect of his Office, he is said to be a Messenger: Mal. 3.1 He is the Messenger of the Covenant. That Covenant of Grace, which speaks of salvation was made for Christs sake, is confirmed by his Death, and the salvation therein promised, is for his sake also bestowed. Again, on the account of his Office, he is said to be a Surety. He is the Surety of a better Covenant. Heb. 7 22 He has undertaken ⟨p. 78⟩to perform all that was needful to be done in order to our Salvation; to pay our Debts, and to satisfy the Law for us; therefore is he called a Surety. In respect of his Office, he is said to be a Mediator: Heb. 12.24 Jesus the Mediator of the New-Covenant. He is the Mediator of the New-Covenant, because He doth interpose between God and Man, and in a way of Mediation obtains our salvation.
3. Iesus Christ is vested with a Glorious Office, that so He might be our Saviour. There is a Salvation-Office that does belong unto him. And in respect of that, he is said to be not only Iesus, but Christ: Mat. 16.16 Thou art Christ the Son of the Living God. And he is said to be the Messiah: Joh. 1.41 We have found the Messiah, which is by Interpretation Christ. Messiah and Christ are words of the same signification, only Messiah is an Hebrew word, and Christ a Greek word; and both of them signifie the Anointed: Psal 2.2 They imagine a vain thing against the Lord, and against His Anointed. In the Hebrew it is against His Messiah ▪⟨p. 77⟩which in our singing Psalms is well Translated, against His Christ. The Priests and Kings of Israel, who were Anointed with Oyl, were in that respect Types o• Christ; who was Anointed not with any material Oyl, as they were; but with the Oyl of the Spirit of God This Anointing does imply both his call unto, and fitness for his Office. Psal 45.7 The Lord thy God has Anointed thee with the Oyl of Gladness, above thy Fellows. In respect of his Office, he is said to be a Shepherd: Joh. 10 11 I am (saith Christ) the good Shepherd. It belongs to a Shepherd to save his sheep from Wolves and Devourers. So Christ as the good Shepherd, has saved his Elect from the Devourers of Hell, that would have Destroyed them. In respect of his Office, he is said to be a Bishop of Souls: 1 Pet 2.25 He is the Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls. A Bishop must endeavour to the uttermost of his power, the salvation of the souls of those under his care. And in respect of his Office, he is said to be a Messenger: Mal. 3.1 He is the Messenger of the Covenant. That Covenant of Grace, which speaks of salvation was made for Christs sake, is confirmed by his Death, and the salvation therein promised, is for his sake also bestowed. Again, on the account of his Office, he is said to be a Surety. He is the Surety of a better Covenant. Heb. 7 22 He has undertaken ⟨p. 78⟩to perform all that was needful to be done in order to our Salvation; to pay our Debts, and to satisfy the Law for us; therefore is he called a Surety. In respect of his Office, he is said to be a Mediator:
And hence, he is said to be a Prophet; and by way of Eminency That Prophet: In Joh. 6.14 He is That Prophet that should come into the world. Sinners have Blind Minds, Darkened Understandings: they are out of the way unto salvation, and cannot of themselves find the way. But therefore the Prophetical Office of Christ is a Remedy against that Misery. For Christ as a Prophet has instructed us in the way unto Salvation; and has declared unto us all that is needful for us to know that we may be saved. The Woman of Samaria, could say, Joh. 4.25 When the Messiah comes He shall tell us all things. Christ as the Prophet of His Church, has told us all things, that are necessary to be known. No man needs to know any more, in order to his obtaining Eternal Life, then what Christ as a Prophet has Revealed. The Scriptures are able to make wise unto Salvation. Now Christ as the Great Prophet of His Church, ⟨p. 79⟩has given the Scripture to His People. Again, Christ is said to be a Priest: Heb, 3·1 He is the High Priest of our profession. Aaron was the high Priest of the Jewish Profession: Christ is the high Priest of our Christian Profession. And he has therefore made Atonement for the sins of His People. Sin has made a breach between God and Man. No doubt when the Devil had caused man to sin, he hoped he had Ruined him for […] and […] question but the holy Angels stood amazed, and looked on man as a lost Creature, until they knew that the Son of God interposed and undertook to be a Priest for them, and to make Atonement for them by being Bruised, that so their sins might be satisfied for. By Him we receive the Atonement, and He is a Propitiation for our sins. It belonged to the Priest also to offer Incense, and to intercede for the People. So has Christ done, and in that way does he perfect our Salvation. Heb 7.25 He is able to Save unto the Uttermost, since he ever Lives to make Intercession. Christ has also a Kingly-Office belonging to Him. The Jews when they write of the Messiah, are wont to call him, the King Messiah. So does the Scripture say of Him that he is a King. Joh. 1.49 Thou art the Son of God, thou art the King of Israel. The Son of God is the King and Ruler of the Universe, but of Israel of his ⟨p. 80⟩Church, of the People of God, in a peculiar manner. And therefore he is their Saviour ▪Isa. 33.22. The Lord is our Law-giver, the Lord is our King, He will Save us.
And hence, he is said to be a Prophet; and by way of Eminency That Prophet: In Ioh. 6.14 He is That P•ophet that should come into the world. Sinners have Blind Minds, Darkned Understandings: they are out of the way unto salvation, and cannot of themselves find the way. But therefore the Prophetical Office of Christ is a Remedy against that Misery. For Christ as a Prophet has instructed us in the way unto Salvation; and has declared unto us all that is needful for us to know that we may be saved. The Woman of Samaria, could say, Joh. 4.25 When the Messiah comes He shall tell us all things. Christ as the Prophet of His Church, has told us all things, that are necessary to be known. No man needs to know any more, in order to his obtaining Eternal Life, then what Christ as a Prophet has Revealed. The Scriptures are able to make wise unto Salvation. Now Christ as the Great Prophet of His Church, ⟨p. 79⟩has given the Scripture to His People. Again, Christ is said to be a Priest: Heb, 3·1 He is the High Priest of our profession. Aa•on was the high Priest of the Iewish Profession: Christ is the high Priest of our Christ•an Profession. And he has therefore made Atonement for the sins of His People. Sin has made a breach between God and Man. No doubt when the Devil had caused man to sin, he hoped he had Ruined him for 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 question but the holy Angels stood amazed, and looked on man as a lost Creature, until they knew that the Son of God interposed and undertook to be a Priest for them, and to make Atonement for them by being Bruised, that so their sins might be satisfied for. By Him we receive the Atonement, and He is a Propitiation for our sins. It belonged to the Priest also to offer Incense, and to intercede for the People. So has Christ done, and in that way does he perfect our Salvation. Heb 7.25 He is able to Save unto the Vttermost, since he ever Lives to make Intercession. Christ has also a Kingly-Office belonging to Him. The Iews when they write of the Messiah, are wont to call him, the King Messiah. So does the Scripture say of Him that he is a King. Joh. 1.49 Thou art the Son of God, thou art the King of Israel. The Son of God is the King and Ruler of the Vniverse, but of Israel of his ⟨p. 80⟩
It belongs to a King to protect his Subjects against their Enemies, to save them from those that would Destroy them. So does Christ do: Acts 5.31 He is a Prince and a Saviour. Inasmuch as He is a Prince, He is a Saviour. He is the Prince of Life, for that he is the Author of Life and Salvation, to those whom God has given to him. And this Office that Christ is vested with, it is God that has called him to it. He is the Christ of God: Hence Luk. 2.26 He is called, the Lords Christ. So that God has called him to this Office. And he is therefore said to be sent of God. The Father has sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 Joh. 4.14 God has given him a commission under the great Seal of Heaven: Joh. 6.27 Him has God the Father Sealed. Christ did not undertake to be the Prophet of His Church, without a call from God thereunto. Deut 18.18 I (says God) will Raise up a Prophet, and will put my words into his Mouth, and he shall speak all that I shall Command him. Christ is the Prophet there spoken of. Nor did Christ make himself a Priest, without being called of God to that Office: Heb. •.4, 5 No man taketh this Honour to himself, but he that is called of God; so also Christ ⟨p. 81⟩glorified not himself to be made a High Priest. He did not interpose in the Controversy between God and man, until God called him to it. So as to that Office of a King, Christ was called of God unto it. Therefore, Psal. 2.6 God says, I have set my King upon my holy Hill of Zion. God calls Christ His King, as being appointed by Him to that glorious Office of a King, over the Souls of men. Therefore it is said, Psal. 4.3 Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is Godly for Himself· The words are partly indeed to be understood concerning Davids being set apart to the Kingly Office, but principally concerning Christ, who was set apart to be Prophet, Priest and King, God set him apart thereunto. In respect of this Office that Christ is vested with, in order to his being a Saviour, He is styled Gods Servant: Isa. 42.1 Behold my Servant, whom I uphold mine Elect, in whom my Soul delighteth. Gods Servant, for this was the greatest undertaking that could be. And Christ has done the greatest Service for God then ever was, in saving his Elect. Joseph did great service for the King of Egypt, when he saved the Lives of all his Subjects. The Egyptians confessed to him, Gen.
It belongs to a King to protect his Subjects against their Enemies, to save them from those that would Destroy them. So does Christ do: Acts 5.31 He is a Prince and a Saviour. Inasmuch as He is a Prince, He is a Saviour. He is the Prince of Life, for that he is the Author of Life and Salvation, to those whom God has given to him. And this Office that Christ is vested with, it is God that has called him to it. He is the Christ of God: Hence Luk. 2.26 He is called, the Lords Christ. So that God has called him to this Office. And he is therefore said to be sent of God. The Father has sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 Ioh. 4.14 God has given him a commission under the great Seal of Heaven: Joh. 6.27 Him has God the Father Sealed. Christ did not undertake to be the Prophet of His Church, without a call from God thereunto. Deut 18.18 I (sayes God) will Raise up a Prophet, and will put my words into his Mouth, and he shall speak all that I shall Command him. Christ is the Prophet there spoken of. Nor did Christ make himself a Priest, without being called of God to that Office: Heb. •.4, 5 No man taketh this Honour to himself, but he that is called of God; so also Christ ⟨p. 81⟩glorified not himself to be made a High Priest. He did not interpose in the Controversy between God and man, until God called him to it. So as to that Office of a King, Christ was called of God unto it. Therefore, Psal. 2.6 God sayes, I have set my King upon my holy Hill of Sion. God calls Christ His King, as being appointed by Him to that glorious Office of a King, over the Souls of men. Therefore it is said, Psal. 4.3 Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is Godly for Himself· The words are partly indeed to be understood concerning Davids being set apart to the Kingly Office, but principally concerning Christ, who was set apart to be Prophet, Priest and King, God set him apart thereunto. In respect of this Office that Christ is vested with, in order to his being a Saviour, He is styled Gods Servant: Isa. 42.1 Behold my Servant, whom I uphold mine Elect, in whom my Soul delighteth. Gods Servant, for this was the greatest undertaking that could be. And Christ has done the greatest Service for God then ever was, in saving his Elect. Ioseph did great service for the King of Egypt, when he saved the Lives of all his Subjects. The Egyptians confessed to him, Gen.
47.25 Thou hast saved our Lives. In that Joseph, was a Type of Christ, who has done wonderful service for God the King of Heaven; in that He has saved the ⟨p. 82⟩Lives of all His Children, all His Elect. So then we see that Christ is a Saviour on the account of his Office.
47.25 Thou hast saved our Lives. In that Ioseph, was a Type of Christ, who has done wonderful service for God the King of Heaven; in that He has saved the ⟨p. 82⟩Lives of all His Children, all His Elect. So then we see that Christ is a Saviour on the account of his Office.
4. Jesus Christ has purchased our Salvation, and therefore he is our Saviour. That is one way in which Captives are Redeemed, viz. when a Price is paid and their Liberty Purchased for them So it hath been here▪ We were all in miserable Servitude and Slavery, but Christ▪ hath laid down a Price, whereby he hath purchased our Freedom: 1 Cor. 7.23 Ye […] bought with a •rice, says the Apostle. With a Price, what was that Price? It must ne•ds be some great matter: For an Immortal Soul is more worth than all the world. Therefore must it be some great matter that shall Purchase the Redemption and Salvation of Souls. All Men and Creatures in Heaven and in Earth, were not able to lay down a Price sufficient, to Purchase the Redemption of a Soul: Psal. 49.8 The Redemption of their Soul is precious, and ceaseth forever. But Christ could do it, & has done it. He has laid down that which is a Price sufficient. He has given that for their Redemption, which is worth as much as all the Souls in the world are worth, and infinitely more. For in 1 Tim. 2.6 He gave Himself a Ransom for many. Himself is more worth than all the men in the world. ⟨p. 83⟩They said to David, 2 Sam. 1•.3 Thou art worth ten thousand of us. Christ is more worth than Ten Thousand worlds. And yet he has given Himself to Purchase the salvation of his People. He has given his own Life for it: Mat. 20.28 He ga•e h•s Life a Ransom for man. And who can say what that Life is worth. For whose Life is it? The Apostle John tells us, 1 Joh. 3.16 Hereby perceive we the Love of God, because he laid down his Life for us. It is the Life of God. Christ has given his own Blood to Purchase our salvation: Acts 20.28 T•e Church of God which he has Purchased with his own Blood. That is which Christ who is the great God, has Purchased with his own Blood. The Blood of a man is a precious thing, of more value then the Blood of all inferior Creatures. How Precious then is the Blood of that man, who is the Great God? We were in slavery to sin, but Christ by his Precious Blood, has Purchased our Redemption from that Captivity. 1 Pet. 1.19 Ye were Redeemed from your vain Conversation, not with Silver and Gold, but with the precious Blood of Christ. We were become the subjects of Satan, but Christ by Death, has Purchased our Deliverance from that misery: Heb.
4. Iesus Christ has purchased our Salvation, and therefore he is our Saviour. That is one way in which Captives are Redeemed, viz. when a Price is paid and their Liberty Purchased for th•m So it hath been here▪ We were all in miserable Servitude and Slavery, but Christ▪ hath laid down a Price, whereby he hath purchased our Freedo•: 1 Cor. 7.23 Ye 〈…〉 bought with a •rice, sayes the Apostle. With a Price, what was that Price? It must ne•ds be some great matter: For an Immortal Soul is more worth than all the world. Therefore must it be some great matter that shall Purchase the Redemption and Salvation of Souls. All Men and Creatures in Heaven and in Earth, were not able to lay down a Price sufficient, to Purchase the Redemption of a Soul: Psal. 49.8 The Redemption of their Soul is precious, and ceaseth forever. But Christ could do it, & has done it. He has laid down that which is a Price sufficient. He has given that for their Redemption, which is worth as much as all the Souls in the world are worth, and infinitely more. For in 1 Tim. 2.6 He gave Himself a Ransom for many. Himself is more worth than all the men in the world. ⟨p. 83⟩They said to David, 2 Sam. 1•.3 Thou art worth ten thousand of us. Christ is more worth than Ten Thousand worlds. And yet he has given Himself to Purchase the salvation of his People. He has given his own Life for it: Mat. 20.28 He ga•e h•s Life a Ransom for man. And who can say what that Life is worth. For whose Life is it? The Apostle Iohn tells us, 1 Joh. 3.16 Hereby percei••e we the Love of God, because he laid down his Life for us. It is the Life of God. Christ has given his own Blood to Purchase our salvation:
2.14, 15 Through Death he ha• destroyed the Devil, and delivered them that were in Bondage. We were miserably in Debt, and not ⟨p. 84⟩able to pay our Debt; but were in the hands of a cruel Jailer, that would hold us in Prison as long as possibly he might. But Christ Purchased our Liberty by paying the Debt for us. He payed the Debt not to the Jailer, no, but to the supreme Judge, who was also our Creditor: Eph. 15.2 He gave himself an Offering to God. Christ has been offered to God. Now God the supreme Judge being satisfied, because our Surety has answered the Law for us, the Jailer must let the Prisoners go. He can hold them no longer▪ The Jailer of Hell can hold the Prisoners no longer; Christ has paid their Debts, therefore they are set at Liberty▪ By means hereof, instead of being Slaves to Satan, as once they were, they become the Servants of God. Rev. 5.9 Thou hast Redeemed us to God with thy Blood. So then, we see Christ has Purchased our Salvation, and therefore He is our Saviour.
2.14, 15 Through Death he ha• destroyed the Devil, and delivered them that were in Bondage. We were miserably in Debt, and not ⟨p. 84⟩able to pay our Debt; but were in the hands of a cruel Jaylor, that would hold us in Prison as long as possibly he might. But Christ Purchased our Liberty by paying the Debt for us. He payed the Debt not to the Iaylor, no, but to the supream Judge, who was also our Creditor: Eph. 15.2 He gave himself an Offering to God. Christ has been offered to God. Now God the supream Judge being satisfied, because our Surety has answered the Law for us, the Jaylor must let the Prisoners go. He can hold them no longer▪ The Jaylor of Hell can hold the Prisoners no longer; Christ has paid their Debts, therefore they are set at Liberty▪ By means hereof, instead of being Slaves to Satan, as once they were, they become the Servants of God. Rev. 5.9 Thou hast Redeemed us to God with thy Blood. So then, we see Christ has Purchased our Salvation, and therefore He is our Saviour.
5thly▪ and Lastly, Christ has by His Almighty Power, overcome and subdued the Enemies of our Salvation. That is also one way whereby Captives are Delivered. Sometimes by Price, and sometimes by Power. Christ has Redeemed those that are his, in both these respects. He has by the Price of his own Blood made Atonement with God for them, and he has by his Almighty Power subdued the Enemies ⟨p. 85⟩of their Souls, and so Delivered them. Therefore does Christ say, in Isa. 63.•▪ My own Arm shall bring Salvation. As the Children of Israel were Redeemed out of Egypt by a Mighty hand and the Out-stretched Arm of God. Exod. 32.11 So has Jesus Christ brought his Elect out of Spiritual Egypt with great Power, and by a Mighty hand▪ The Children of Israel were delivered by their Enemies being subdued. Exod. 15.6 Thy Right-hand is Glorious in Power, thy Right-hand O Lord has Dashed in pieces the Enemy. The Right-hand of God, the Power of God did dash in pieces Pharaoh and the Egyptians, and then his People were saved. So has the Right-hand of Christ, dashed in pieces the Enemies of our salvation. There […] not one Enemy but Christ has subdued it. Sin is the worst Enemy we have, and Christ has caused it to be Condemned: Rom. 8.3 He has Condemned Sin. By shedding his Blood, he has caused sin to be Condemned. And then by the Power of his Almighty Spirit, he subdues the sins of his People. Mic. 7.19 Thou wilt subdue our Iniquities, and wilt cast our Sins into the depth of the Sea. Pharaoh and his Host were subdued by being cast into the depth of the Sea. Thus does Christ by his Almighty power, subdue the iniquities of his People. He Redeems us not from the Damnation of sin only, but from the Dominion ⟨p. 86⟩of it. The World is an Enemy, but Christ has overcome it: Joh. 16.33 I have overcome the world for you. Death and Hell are our Enemies, Christ has overcome them too. Where is thy S••ng O Death? Where is thy Victory O Grave? We read of Sampson, that he rose at midnight, and by his strength carried away the gates of the City. In that he was a Type of Christ, who in the Night arose out of the Grave, and carried away the gates of Death and Hell, and has obtained a glorious Victory over them. Satan and his Angels, are great Enemies of our salvation. In respect of them, we had Enemies too strong for us. As David complained, Psal▪ 142·6 M• Enemies are stronger than I.
5thly▪ and Lastly, Christ has by His Almighty Power, overcome and subdued the Enemies of our Salvation. That is also one way whereby Captives are Delivered. Sometimes by Price, and sometimes by Power. Christ has Redeemed those that are his, in both these respects. He has by the Price of his own Blood made Atonement with God for th•m, and he has by his Almighty Power subdued the Enemies ⟨p. 85⟩of their Souls, and so Delivered them. Therefore does Christ say, in Isa. 63.•▪ My own Arm shall bring Salva•ion. As the Children of Israel were Redeemed out of Egypt by a Mighty hand and the Out-stretched Arm of God. Exod. 32.11 So has Iesus Christ brought his Elect out of Spiritual Egypt with great Power, and by a Mighty hand▪ The Children of Israel were delivered by their Enemies being subdued. Exod. 15.6 Thy Right-hand is Glorious in Power, thy Right-hand O Lord has Dashed in pieces the Enemy. The Right-hand of God, the Power of God did dash in pieces Pharaoh and the Egyptians, and then his People were saved. So has the Right-hand of Christ, dashed in pieces the Enemies of our salvation. There 〈…〉 not one Enemy but Christ has subdued it. Sin is the worst Enemy we have, and Christ has caused it to be Condemned: Rom. 8.3 He has Condemned Sin. By shedding his Blood, he has caused sin to be Condemned. And then by the Power of his Almighty Spirit, he subdues the sins of his People. Mic. 7.19 Thou wilt subdue our Iniquities, and wilt cast our Sins into the depth of the Sea. Pharaoh and his Host were subdued by being cast into the depth of the Sea. Thus does Christ by his Almighty power, subdue the iniquities of his People. He Redeems us not from the Damnation of sin only, but from the Dominion ⟨p. 86⟩of it. The World is an Enemy, but Christ has overcome it: Joh. 16.33
So may we complain, the Enemies of our souls are stronger than we are. Well, but they are nothing in the hands of Christ our Saviour. They be nothing before his Almighty Power: Luk. 11.21, 22 The strong man keeps his Palace •ill a stronger then he comes. The strong man there spoken of is Satan; and the stronger then he is Christ: who can overc•me Satan and dispossess him, and subdue him when he will. Hence the Disciples came with great joy to Christ saying, Luk. 10.17 Lord, even the Devils are subject to us through thy Name; that is to say, through thy Power. The Devils cannot stand before the Almighty Power of Christ. He then has overcome that ⟨p. 87⟩great Enemy, yea all the Powers of Darkness. Hence 'tis that Christ is represented in Scripture, as a Mighty Warrior. Psal. 45.3 Gird thy Sword upon thy Thigh, O most Mighty. The words are spoken and to be understood of Christ. He is compared to a Great General. Joshua saw a man appearing over against him with a drawn Sword in his hand, and he went to him, Josh 5.13 and said, Art thou for us, or for our Adversaries? Nay, (says he) but as Captain of the Host of the Lord am I come. And Joshua fell on his Face to the Earth, and worshipped him. For he then perceived that the person who appeared to him, was Christ the Son of God, that was to come into the world as the Captain of our Salvation. Heb. 2.10 The Glory of our Salvation is all owing to Him that is our Captain General. If we had not had such a Captain, such a Lord-General, we should never have been Saved, but our Enemies would have Ruined us for ever. But Christ having overcome them all, is therefore represented as a Conqueror, and as one that does Triumph after his Victory. The Prophet Isaiah represents him as having on him the Glorious apparel of a Conqueror, returning from his Victory with his Garments sprinkled with the Blood of his Enemies. Isa. 63.1 And the Apostle says, Col. 2.15 He has spoiled Principalities and Powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing ⟨p. 88⟩over them in it. He has spoiled them, taken away the Prey from them, and Triumphed over them, made Captives of them that had made Captives of his People: Eph. 4.8 He has led captivity captive. Believers are said to be Conquerors But 'tis through Christ▪ that they overcome, Rom. 8.37▪ We are more then Conquerors through him that hath Loved us. 'Tis through him.
So may we complain, the Enemies of our souls are stronger than we are. Well, but they are nothing in the hands of Christ our Saviour. They be nothing before his Almighty Power: Luk. 11.21, 22 The strong man keeps his Palace •ill a stronger then he comes. The strong man there spoken of is Satan; and the stronger then he is Christ: who can overc•me Satan and dispossess him, and subdue him when he will. Hence the Disciples came with great joy to Christ saying, Luk. 10.17 Lord, even the Devils are subject to us through thy Name; that is to say, through thy Power. The Devils cannot stand before the Almighty Power of Christ. He then has overcome that ⟨p. 87⟩great Enemy, yea all the Powers of Darkness. Hence 'tis that Christ is represented in Scripture, as a Mighty Wa•rior. Psal. 45.3 Gird thy Sword upon thy Thigh, O most Mighty. The words are spoken and to be understood of Christ. He is compared to a Great General. Ioshua saw a man appearing over against him with a drawn Sword in his hand, and he went to him, Iosh 5.13 and said, Art thou for us, or for our Adversaries? Nay, (sayes he) but as Captain of the Host of the Lord am I come. And Ioshua fell on his Face to the Earth, and worshiped him. For he then perceived that the person who appeared to him, was Christ the Son of God, that was to come into the world as the Captain of our Salvation. Heb. 2.10 The Glory of our Salvation is all owing to Him that is our Captain General. If we had not had such a Captain, such a Lord-General, we should never have been Saved, but our Enemies would have Ruin'd us for ever. But Christ having overcome them all, is therefore represented as a Conquerer, and as one that does Triumph after his Victory. The Prophet Isaiah represents him as having on him the Glorious apparrel of a Conquerer, returning from his Victory with his Garments sprinkled with the Blood of his Enemies. Isa. 63.1 And the Apostle sayes, Col. 2.15 He has spoiled Principalities and Powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing ⟨p. 88⟩
Iesus the Mediator of the New-Covenant. He is the Mediator of the New-Covenant, because He doth interpose between God and Man, and in a way of Mediation obtains our salvation.
Church, of the People of God, in a peculiar manner. And therefore he is their Saviour ▪
T•e Church of God which he has Purchased with his own Blood. That is which Christ who is the great God, has Purchased with his own Blood. The Blood of a man is a precious thing, of more value then the Blood of all inferiour Creatures. How Precious then is the Blood of that man, who is the Great God? We were in slavery to sin, but Christ by his Precious Blood, has Purchased our Redemption from that Captivity.
Ye were Redeemed from your vain Conversation, not with Silver and Gold, but with the precious Blood of Christ. We were become the subjects of Satan, but Christ by Death, has Purchased our Deliverance from that misery: Heb.
I have overcome the world for you. Death and Hell are our Enemies, Christ has overcome them too. Where is thy S••ng O Death? Where is thy V•ctory O Grave? We read of Sam•son, that he rose at midnight, and by his strength carried away the gates of the City. In that he was a Type of Christ, who in the Night arose out of the Grave, and carried away the gates of Death and Hell, and has obtain'd a glorious Victory over them. Satan and his Angels, are great Enemies of our salvation. In respect of them, we had Enemies too strong for us. As David complained, Psal▪ 142·6 M• Enemies are stronger than I.
over them in it. He has spoiled them, taken away the Prey from them, and Triumph'd over them, made Captives of them that had made Captives of his People:
