The Best Treasure, Chapter 5
CHAP. V.
Wherein is opened the glorious Advocateſhip of Chriſt, with the unſpeakable Comforts and Advantages thereof.
THere are two parts of Chriſts Prieſthood; (1.) His Satisfaction. (2.) His Interceſſion. The firſt I have ſpoken to already, and proved, That the Lord Jeſus, by his Active and Paſſive Obedience, hath ſatisfied the Law of God, and made a full Atonement for the Sins of all Believers; that he underwent all that they were bound to undergo, and that in their Name, Room, and Stead, for their Sakes, Heb. 7. 22. Gal. 4. 4, 5. Rom. 5. 19. This he did by his Active Obedience, and alſo by his Paſſive, Iſa. 53. 4. to verſ. 7. Gal. 3. 13, 14. Joh. 1. 28, 29. And by this one Offering of his, hath he perfected them that are ſanctified for ever, Heb. 10. 14. by way of Merit; that God hath no more now to charge on Believers, by way of Puniſhment for their Sins, ſeeing Chriſt hath borne it in his own Body for them on the Tree. By this he hath obtained Salvation for them: that's the firſt part of his Prieſtly Work.
But, Secondly, Having diſpatch'd his Expiation, 'tis needful that he carry on his Application of this Obedience and Suffering to them; and this is done by his interceding in Heaven for them. Now, becauſe ſo much of the Riches of Chriſt lies in this part of his Mediatorly Work, and it is of ſuch infinite Concernment, as to the Faith, Comfort, and Advantage of Believers, therefore, I ſhall ſpeak the more fully to this Subject, and ſhall prove,
1. That the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, God-Man, doth now ſit down at the Right Hand of God, Interceding there in Heaven.
2. How the Lord Chriſt carries on this Work of Interceſſion in Heaven.
3. For whom he doth intercede in Heaven.
4. What he doth intercede for.
5. Why the Lord Jtſus Chriſt, as a Mediator, carries on this Work of Interceſſion.
6. What are the unſpeakable Comforts and Advanvantages that flow from this Interceſſion of Chriſt.
Firſt, Jeſus Chriſt doth now ſit down at the Right Hand of God, and is entred upon the Work of Interceſſion.
There are two Arguments to prove this.
Firſt, The nature of the Office the Lord Jeſus Chriſt hath undertaken now in Heaven: He hath taken on him the Office of an Advocate, on the behalf of his People. 1 Joh. 2. 1. If any man ſin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jeſus Chriſt the Righteous; foreign: This word is ordinarily rendred a Comforter, when applied to the Holy Ghoſt; but when ſpoken of Chriſt (as Gomarus, and other Learned men affirm) it is taken for an Advocate, or one that undertakes the Cauſe of another; an Atturney, or Officer at Law, that appears in Court for one that is there concerned and accuſed, to look after, and plead his Cauſe: He is one that is, by Law, deputed and ſet apart to that Office, and ſo is bound to do his utmoſt for his Client, as for himſelf: Thus is Jeſus Chriſt ſet apart, and deputed, by the Father, to this Office of Advocate and Interceſſor, Joh. 6. 27. For him hath God the Father ſealed. That is, appointed, ſet apart, and confirmed to be Mediator and High-Prieſt, Pſal. 110. 4. That he might ſatisfie for the Sins of his People, and ſue out the Benefits of it for them.
Secondly, Chriſts Fidelity in the Performance of this Work, proves he is now in Heaven, interceding. He cannot be content to have a Name and no more; he is faithful in things pertaining to Men. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt did actually carry on this Work of interceding for his People, before he took their Nature upon him, and came into the World, Iſa. 53. 12. He bore the Sins of many, and made Interceſſion for the Tranſgreſſors. Upon his Deputation to this Office, and by vertue of the Sacrifice to be offer'd, he did, ever ſince the Fall, mediate for his People, and put on Bowels for them. He carried them all the dayes of Old, Iſa. 63. 9. whilſt he was in Heaven, ever ſince Adam's Fall, aſſoon as he had any Seed on Earth. Again, Chriſt was faithful in this Work of Mediation and Interceſſion, whilſt on Earth, Heb. 5. 7. Who in the dayes of his Fleſh, when he had offered up Prayers and Supplications; with ſtrong cries and tears. Thoſe cries and tears he put up were for his People, not for himſelf, he needed it not: He was willing to be ſubject to his Fathers Will, to drink of the Cup the Father gave him to drink; But he prayed for the converſion of thoſe the Father had given him, and prayes for the Salvation of his People, Joh. 17. 19, 20. Luke 22. 32. And this he doth now he is in Heaven; he carries on this Work there in his Humane Nature: He is entred into Heaven it ſelf, there to appear in the preſence of God for us, Heb. 9. 24. It is a Metaphor taken from an Atturney, that appears in the behalf of his Clients: So Jeſus Chriſt is at the Right hand of God making interceſſion, by way of Office. When Satan or the Law doth accuſe Believers, there's Chriſt at the Bar, ready to make anſwer for them, to plead the Cauſe of his Clients, and procure their Juſtification: the Apoſtle makes uſe of Chriſts Interceſſion to this purpoſe, Who ſhall lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect? It is God that juſtifieth: Who is he that condemneth? it is Chriſt that died; yea rather, that is riſen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who alſo maketh Interceſſion for us, Rom. 8. 33, 34. So Heb. 6. 19, 20. Which Hope we have, as an Anchor of the Soul, both ſure and ſtedfaſt, and which entreth into that within the veil; whither the Fore-runner is for us entred, even Jeſus, made an High-Prieſt for ever. By an entrance within the veil, was typified out Heaven, Glory. As the High-Prieſt entred within the veil, ſo Chriſt, as an High-Prieſt, is now in Heaven, to carry on Redemption-work: He is there to oppoſe all Deſigns againſt his People, and ſecure them againſt all the Impleadings of their Enemies; He ever lives to make Interceſſion, Heb. 7. 25. The word ſignifies, to attain the Mark, as an Archer doth; or he that throws Darts hits the Mark, ſo the Lord Jeſus Chriſt intercedes ſo as to prevail.
Secondly, How doth Chriſt intercede in Heaven?
Anſ. 1. Negatively, Jeſus Chriſt doth not intercede in Heaven, Figuratively, As if his Interceſſion were no more but the vertue of his Merit, as Abel's Blood is ſaid to ſpeak, Heb. 12. 24. But formally as one that takes upon him the Cauſe of his ſinning, ſuffering people.
Secondly, he doth not intercede Charitatively, by way of Courteſie and Kindneſs, which he might do or leave undone, as he pleaſeth; but officially by way of Office and Truſt committed to him, for ſo he is our Advocate, 1 Joh. 2. 1.
Thirdly, Neither doth he intercede Precario, in ſuch an humble manner and Mode of Supplication of bowing the Knee, and ſubmiſſive Intreaties with Cries and Tears, as the Saints do, and as once he did whilſt on Earth; for this is inconſiſtent with that State of Majeſty and Glory, he is in at the right hand of God, Heb. 1. 3. But Authoritatively, by way of Right and Power, as one that hath depoſited a ſufficient Price, and now demands his Captives, as one that hath made a Purchaſe, and now requires the thing purchaſed, as one that hath deſerved what he moves for, and hath Power, as God, to beſtow:
Secondly, Affirmatively, and ſo.
Firſt, Chriſt's Interceſſion in Heaven is, by his appearing there for us, as our Mediator and Surety, preſenting his perſon, God-man, as our Agent and High-prieſt, Heb. 9. 24. As the High-prieſt of old did appear in the holyeſt of all, with the Names of the twelve Tribes on his Breaſt and Shoulders, for a Memorial before the Lord, Exod. 28. 9. to 22. to which, ſays one, the Church alludes, Cant. 8. 6. Set me as a Seal on thy Heart, as a a Seal upon thy Arm, as a Manifeſtation of his Love; ſo Chriſt's interceding, is his appearing in the behalf of his People, as their Advocate; and Chriſt's ſitting in Heaven, in this Relation to his people may be calle… his interceding.
Secondly, By preſenting his Obedience and Sufferings before the Father on their behalf, that they might have the Benefit of it, and that God would in Juſtice, communicate the Fruits of it to all his Seed, 1 Joh. 2. 1, 2. A type of this we might ſee in the High-prieſt's bringing the blood of the Sacrifice within the Veil, and ſprinkling it on the Mercy Seat, Lev. 16. 11. to 17. Firſt he killed the Sin-offering, and then brought in the Blood before the Lord within the Veil; without which his Act was not compleat. Thus Chriſt firſt ſheds his Blood on Earth, for his People, then enters into Heaven, there to preſent his Blood for us, Heb. 8. 4.
Thirdly, By declaring his Willingneſs, that his People ſhould have all that Mercy and Salvation which they need, and that he purchaſes for them. Joh. 17. 24. Father, I will that thoſe whom thou haſt given me, be where I am; Father, I will that my Children have their due: 'tis true, they have ſinned but I have ſuffered, they have fallen ſhort but I have fulfilled all Righteouſneſs: thou knoweſt I obeyed for them, and dyed for them, that all which thou haſt promiſed might be made good to them: and Father, I will that Juſtice be done for them in Heaven; and I will, that this and the other Mercy be given out to them here, according as their Neceſſities and Capacities require: whilſt Chriſt was on Earth, he came to do his Fathers Will, and now he is in Heaven, he muſt in all things have his own, Joh. 11. 42.
Thus much may be underſtood by the manner of Chriſt's Interceſſion in Heaven.
Thirdly, For whom doth Jeſus Chriſt intercede in Heaven?
Anſw. For all that come to God by him, Heb. 9. 27. For all that do believe in him. Joh. 17. 20. Some deſponding Sinners may be ready to ſay, alas! this is not for me, I am unworthy of ſo choice a Mercy: will Chriſt plead for ſuch a grace-abuſing wretch as I? Why Sinner, if thou art one that comeſt over to Jeſus Chriſt, and believeſt on the Son, thou mayeſt lay claim to this Advocate in Heaven, and confidently expect the Benefit of his Interceſſion.
Again, The Lord Chriſt intercedes for all his People on Earth, Joh. 17. 11. And now I am no more in the World, but theſe are in the World, holy Father keep, through thy own Name, thoſe whom thou haſt given me. The Saints on Earth are the Subjects for whom he intercedes: particularly, for his ſinning people: he made Interceſſion for the Tranſgreſſors. Iſa. 53. 12. Some trembling Soul may ſay, Chriſt's Interceſſion is for them that are holy, but I am vile; but know, O Soul, Chriſt interceeds in Heaven for his people that ſin againſt him, 1 Joh. 2. 2. Again, Chriſt intercedes in Heaven for his weak and impotent people, that are compaſt about with Clouds of Infirmities, he hath a ſpecial Reſpect to theſe, as a tender Father hath to a weak Child; Chriſt's grace was ſufficient for Paul, when his own fail'd under the horrible Buffetings of Satan, 2 Cor. 12. 9. Such as are weak in themſelves, that know not how to pray▪ or wait upon God in any holy Duty as they ſhould; theſe are the Perſons Chriſt pleads for to help them, ſuch as are ready to be overcome by Temptations; Simon, Simon, Satan hath deſired to have you, that he may ſift you as Wheat, but I have prayed for thee, that thy Faith fail not, Luke 22. 31. 32. Poor tempted Souls, hurryed up and down, ſometimes aſſaulted with blaſphemous Thoughts, then poyſoned by ugly Temptations, put upon this Sin, and then the other Sin, every day the Devil following them with new Temptations, laying in new Batteries againſt them: Now the Lord Jeſus Chriſt ſits at the right hand of God, interceding for theſe.
Again, Chriſt intercedes in Heaven for his ſuffering People, ſuch as are in danger of being overcome by their Enemies, and have no Might, and none to intercede for them, Iſaiah 59. 16. Sore Judgments there were upon the People of God, and that juſtly; for their Tranſgreſſions, no Righteouſneſs of their own to plead for them, nothing at all that could juſtly intervene between Wrath and them: Now in this caſe Chriſt ſteps in, and he intercedes, and brings Salvation. Theſe are the perſons Chriſt intercedes for in Heaven.
Fourthly, What doth the Lord Jeſus intercede for in the behalf of his People?
Firſt, One thing he pleads for is, for their Preſervation in the World, and from the Evil of the World, Joh. 17. 15. I pray not that thou ſhouldeſt take them out of the World, but that thou ſhould'ſt keep them from the Evil. This implies, Chriſt's mind is, his People ſhould continue in the World till their Work be done; that neither Sin nor Danger may cut them off till their full time be come; but that they may be kept from Evil; from the Evil of Temptation, and the Evil of Perſecution.
Secondly, He intercedes for the Sanctification of his People; and this is a glorious Priviledge indeed, Jo. 17. 17. Sanctifie them through thy truth; thy Word is truth: By the word of thy Truth, make them partakers of thy Holineſs: For their ſakes. I ſanctifie my ſelf, ver. 19. I ſet apart my ſelf, now on Earth, as an High-Prieſt and Mediator: And why ſo? That they may be ſanctified through the Truth. It may be a poor tempted Soul hath beg'd for Grace, but finds no anſwer; as Paul prayed twice, thrice, many times without return; but Jeſus Chriſt intercedes, who will prevail; and becauſe he prayes, they ſhall obtain, according to the meaſure of Chriſt, and in his time.
Thirdly, The Lord Jeſus Chriſt pleads in Heaven, for Believers Union with himſelf, and with one another, Jo. 17. 11, 21, 22, 23. Holy Father, keep, through thy own Name, thoſe whom thou baſt given me, that they may be one, as we are: That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they alſo may be one in us; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one. This he died for, to gather his People into one, and this he will procure in due time. Their Union with himſelf ſhall be inſeparable; their Communion may be interrupted, but their Union can never be broken. And it is a matter of Comfort to Believers, that grieve for the ſad Breaches amongſt Saints, how that Chriſt intercedes in Heaven for their Union, who cannot be denied.
Fourthly, The Lord Jeſus Chriſt intercedes for his Peoples Succour, and ſupport, under, and deliverance from Temptation, Luke 22. 32. I have prayed for thee, that tby Faith fail not. Ah Soul! Art thou followed with new Temptations every day? Doth the Devil vex thee, caſting in wicked, vile thoughts, that do make thee tremble, pulling and haling thee? Fear not, ſayes Chriſt, the Devil ſhall not prevail. O, ſayes a Soul, What ſhall I do for Faith? I cannot take hold of this, and the other Promiſe. Why, Chriſt in Heaven pleads for Believers, that their Faith ſhall not fail, ſhall not ſink away, nor faint in the day of Temptation, He will not ſuffer you to be tempted above meaſure, 1 Cor. 10. 13. He will make a way to eſcape. As ſure as Chriſt himſelf hath eſcaped from Satan, and Dangers unto Glory, ſo ſure ſhall Believers paſs thither alſo. O Soul! thou canſt not tell how to pray; this and the other wicked thought hurries thee; Faith and Hope, all ſeem to be gone: but, O, what a bleſſed thing is this, that there is a Mediator in Heaven to pray for thee!
Fifthly, Jeſus Chriſt intercedes in Heaven for the Pardon of all the Sins of his People, and for the enjoyment of his Fathers favour, If any man ſin, we have an Advocate with the Father, 1 Joh. 2. 1. That's part of Chriſt's Work in Heaven, to Advocate in regard of their Sins: So Joh. 17. 26. That the Love with which thou loveſt me may be in them. I have purchaſed thy Favour for them, and Peace with thee, by my own Blood; therefore, Father, O take not away thy loving kindneſs from them: O, do not be angry with them for ever. O, what a wonderful Priviledge is this! Chriſt is not contented that his Father love them with an ordinary and a common Love; but his Will is, that the ſame Love with which the Father loved Chriſt, as Mediator, be beſtowed upon them.
Sixthly, The Lord Jeſus Chriſt Advocates in Heaven for the ſupply of all the wants of his People, Phil. 4. 19. My God ſhall ſupply all your need, according to the Riches of his Glory, by Jeſus Chriſt. Obſerve the ground, and meritorious cauſe of all the Supplies of the Saints Needs, is the Riches of Chriſt in Heaven; the Riches of Chriſts Interceſſion. O! when the poor Believer goes mourning under a ſenſe of this, and the other Want, Chriſt in Heaven is interceding for them. O, ſayes one, I want a ſoft Heart; a Heart to love God: I want more power over Corruptions and Temptations: More Humility, ſayes another: O, my proud heart! I want more Patience; I am fill'd with the Fire of Hell: I want more Purity, unclean Thoughts lodge in my Soul: but Chriſt in Heaven is interceding for them, thus. Father, There's a Child of mine wants a ſoft Heart; I will that thou give it to him: there's another goes complaining for want of more power over Corruptions; I will that thou grant it to him: Another wants Bodily ſupplies; he is in ſtraits in the World, and knows not what to do; Father, thou haſt made me Heir of all things, and I will that thou give him ſome of mine Inheritance. O that Believers did know this! when they are pining away in their ſtraits, that they would look to Jeſus, and by Faith ſee him interceding for them.
Seventhly, Another thing Chriſt pleads in Heaven for, is, the ſubduing of all the Enemies of his People: Whatever is like to endanger their wellbeing, in thelr work of glorifying God, and in their way to Glory with God, Chriſt pleads that it may be removed. Are the Snares of the World like to carry away one? the Snare of Proſperity, or vain Company, like to ruin another? Doth the Fleſh luſt againſt the Spirit, and ready to reduce it into Bondage? Chriſt pleads in Heaven for the deſtruction of theſe Leviathans; and will, in his own time, bring down all the Enemies of his People: Yea, Gog and Magog, and all the implacable Adverſaries of Sion muſt be ſubdued, becauſe Chriſt intercedes for it, and Reigns till he hath put down all Enemies under his Feet, 1 Cor. 15. 25.
Eighthly, He intercedes for his Peoples Conſolation; He ſeems to be much concern'd in this, that his People be of good cheer in the World, Joh. 16. 33. Be of good cheer, Pluck up your Spirits, walk comfortably, I have overcome the World for you, I will not leave you comfortleſs; I will not leave you in danger of overwhelming: Chriſt takes care that his People be not overladen with trouble, but that they have comfort in due time.
Ninthly, The Lord Jeſus Chriſt pleads for their thorough and compleat Salvation, for their preſervation in Grace, and their ſure and certain enjoyment of Glory. Wherefore he is able to ſave to the utmoſt, becauſe he ever lives to make Interceſſion, Heb. 7. 25. Whatever their dangers, ſtraits, and hazards be, Chriſt intercedes in Heaven, for their utmoſt ſaving, thorough all, and from all. The gracious Soul miſcarries ſadly, this, and the other time; in this, and the other matter: he falls dangerouſly, and bruiſes his Bones; but Chriſt pleads in Heaven, that this might not prove a mortal wound: Father, I will that thoſe whom thou haſt given me, be with me where I am, to behold my Glory, Joh. 17. 24. All his Glory, that he hath purchaſed with his Blood, is for his People. As a Father, if he gets a large Eſtate, his Children ſhall fare the better for it, he will leave it all to them; ſo Chriſt in Heaven intercedes, Father, I will that my Children may ſhare with me in my Glory; may Reign, and ſit on Thrones, and be crowned with Immortality with me. Where I am, there ſhall my Servant be.
Thus you ſee what Chriſt intercedes for in Heaven.
Fifthly, Why doth the Lord Jeſus Chriſt intercede in Heaven?
Firſt, Becauſe he hath undertaken this Work for his People: He is their Advocate, 1 Joh. 2. 1. He is an Officer in Heaven for them, and hath undertaken their Caſes; and being bound, he will be faithful: He is there, as their Fore-runner, and his Fidelity lies at ſtake, to make their way plain to Glory. If they come not after, how can he be their Fore-runner?
Secondly, Becauſe of his Intereſt in them, they are very near to him, they are his own. Having loved his own, that were in the World, Joh. 13. 1. Perſons uſe to love their own. The World loves its own; therefore is Chriſt ſo concern'd in the welfare of his People, becauſe they are his Propriety; They are his Friends, Joh. 15. 14, 15. Ye are my Friends, I have called you Friends. And will not a man concern himſelf about his Friends? There's never a man on Earth, that hath a Friend ſo near his heart, as the Saints are to the heart of Chriſt; They are his Brethren; He is not aſhamed to call them Brethren, Heb. 2. 11. He is their Elder Brother, and they are younger Brethren, and he cannot but have a tender heart towards them. How full of Bowels was Joſeph to his Brethren, though they had ſold him, and injured him; yet how affectionately did he diſcover himſelf to them, he wept, that the Egyptians heard him? Gen. 45. It is a moſt affecting Story, to ſhew what the heart of a Brother is, or ſhould be. O, how much is Jeſus Chriſt concerned in the welfare of his People!
Again, He is their Father; He hath the Bowels of a Father: He pleads in Heaven, at the Right hand of God, as a Father doth ſpeak for his Children. O! if a man had a Child, or ſome Children, condemn'd to dye, how would a tender Father ſpeak for them, and weep for them, that they might not dye! with ſuch Bowels doth Jeſus Chriſt plead for his People in Heaven.
Again, They are his Spouſe, his Love, his Dove, married to him, Cant. 5. And can a tender affectionate Husband ſhut up his Bowels towards his own Fleſh? So Chriſt, in Heaven, accounts nothing too dear that might be for the welfare of his People, becauſe of their conjugal relation to him.
Thirdly, Becauſe of the great Love he bears to them, therefore will he make Interceſſion for them, Iſa. 63. 9. In his Love and pity he redeemed them. Nor men, nor Angels can tell the Height, Depth, Length and Breadth of the Love of Chriſt; it is Love, paſſing Knowledge, Eph. 3. 18. Chriſt's Love to his people, is unconceivable, unchangeable: many waters cannot quench it, all their Unkindneſs cannot diminiſh it, therefore he remembers their Concernments, and pleads their Cauſe.
Fourthly, Becauſe of the Sympathy the Lord Jeſus Chriſt hath with them, he hath a fellow-feeling of all their Infirmities and Afflictions: as he is their head, he cannot but ſympathize, with all the Maladies and Diſtempers of every Member; he is the high-prieſt, and muſt have Compaſſion, Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High-prieſt which cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities: He cannot be capable of Inſenſibility, of the Caſes, Concerns and Conditions of his people; Weakneſſes, Sins and Wants, whatever becomes the Burden of his People, it is near his Heart: It is not his own Glory in Heaven, can take off his Thoughts and Care of them: He that abuſeth the Saints offers Violence to Chriſt's Eye, Zach. 2. 8. He that toucheth you, toucheth the Apple of his Eye. While he was in Heaven, in the Poſſeſſion of the Fathers Glory, no ſooner did their Cry come up from Aegypt, but preſently it reached his Heart; God tells Moſes he could not ſtand ſtill to hear the Complaint of his poor afflicted people: God in Chriſt, the ſecond perſon, the Angel of the Covenant reſents the Miſeries and Afflictions of his people, Exod. 2. 23. 24. I have ſurely ſeen the Afflictions of my People which are in Aegypt, and have heard their Cry, and I am come down to deliver them, Exod. 3. 7, 8. And if he was ſo pityful, as to be ſoon afflicted with the Afflictions of his people before he aſſumed the humane Nature upon him, is he not as much now ſith he hath taken our Nature upon him, and ſtands in Heaven cloathed with our Body and Soul? Heb. 5. 2. Chriſt carries no Weakneſſes to Heaven with him, he hath no kind of Wants, Pains, nor Sorrows, but he is compaſſed with Infirmities, that is, a Senſe of the Weakneſſes, and Remembrance of the Afflictions and Infirmities, whilſt he was here: He knows the Heart of a Stranger, he knows what it is to be under the Wrath of God, therefore cannot but have a fellow-feeling of the Infirmities of his People. No tender Mother can be more affected with the pain of a little ſucking Child, with the Fear of loſing it, than Chriſt is with the caſe of his people, therefore he pleads for them.
Fifthly, Jeſus Chriſt cannot chuſe but ſpeak for his People in Heaven, becauſe he hath purchaſed them, he hath bought them, and paid for them: he thought it fit to lay down a very great price for every believing Soul, 1 Cor. 6. 19. You are bought with a price. He was willing to have his Heart opened, and his Side opened, that he might let out his Blood for them; and ſurely he cannot but be willing to intercede for them, when he was willing to dye, and bear divine Wrath for them: he hath bought Grace and Glory for them, and he muſt needs ſpeak, that they might have what he hath paid for. It is true, if God ſhould deal upon the account of Creature-deſervings, they would ſoon be totally deſtitute: but though unworthy in themſelves, Chriſt pleads his Worthyneſs: Father, I will, that thou give out this and the other Mercy to them, I have purchaſed it for them: it is true, they have abuſed the Goſpel, and ſinn'd away the Light of thy Countenance; but I will that thou ſpeak comfortably to them for my ſake; for I have always obey'd thee, and done thy Will.
Sixthly, Becauſe of his Promiſe to them, he hath promiſed he will not leave them, Jo. 14. 18. I go away, ſays Chriſt, but I will not leave you; I go to Heaven but it is for you; I carry your Names on my Heart, that I might think upon you, when I am in Glory: when I ſee how Satan buffets and aſſaults you from day to day, then I look upon the Palms of my hands and ſee your names engraven there, and will not leave you comfortleſs, I will come again to you. He ſends his Spirit to keep them Company here on Earth, and he will come and fetch them home at laſt; he will be faithful to them in all things, that pertain to God, and for the Salvation of their Souls, Heb. 2. 17. and Believers may urge him with his Promiſe and Faithfulneſs, and this obliges Chriſt to do all he can for them.
Seventhly, Becauſe of the great Neceſſity they have of his pleading for them; He ſees they would be undone if he did not ſtand up for them. Satan would lay in his Accuſations, he is the Accuſer, and what ways he hath to accuſe the Saints before God, we know not: he accuſed Job, and doubtleſs he is ever and anon laying in freſh Charges againſt the people of God; therefore Chriſt pleads for them: he ſees they want Grace and want Strength, therefore he cannot be ſilent: he ſaw Peter had need of Support, Luke 22. 31, 32. therefore he prayed for him: Chriſt ſees they ſtand in need of Promiſes, Experiences, Conſolations and Priviledges, therefore he pleads in Heaven for them.
Sixthly, What are the Comforts and Advantages that flow from the Interceſſion of Jeſus Chriſt to believing Souls?
There's Cauſe of wonderful Joy and Conſolation to Believers, when they caſt their believing Looks towards Heaven, to ſee their Advocate there.
Firſt, In regard of the Excellency of this Interceſſor: O! what a glorious, mighty, and potent Friend, have Believers to plead for them; he is no mean perſon, he is the Son of God, the expreſs Image of his Fathers Perſon, Heb. 1. 3. He is one that made the World, and upholdeth the World, and after he had ſuffered for Sin, he is gone to Glory, and takes his Seat at the right hand of the Majeſty, on high; he doth not ſtand by as a Begger, but ſits down on the Throne, by the Fathers ſide, and ſpeak as a Friend for them: O what a glorious and tranſcendent perſon is he! it is not an Angel, it is not a Saint, but it is the Lord Jehovah, Jehovah Chriſt. O when the Believer, by Meditation, comes to reflect on his Glorious Agent in Heaven, how he is honoured by Angels, Saints, and every Creature, it will wonderfully conſolate his Languiſhing Spirit.
Secondly, Conſider the Succeſsfullneſs of this Interceſſion, and it cannot but yield much Comfort, the Father heareth him always, Joh. 11. 42. The Father and he are one, of one Nature, one Glory, one Will: what the Son wills the Father wills; and Jeſus Chriſt is the Executor of his own Will, and hath all Power in his hands to give out, and perform what he pleads for: What would'ſt thou have, Soul? Lord, ſayes the Soul, I would have more Grace, be more holy, have ſtrength againſt this, and the other Temptation: I am afraid I ſhall periſh under theſe Blaſphemous Thoughts. Oh, the horrible injections of Satan! Lord, ſupport me. Why, (ſayes Chriſt) Fear not, Soul, In me is Everlaſting ſtrength, thou ſhalt have it in my time, and according to my meaſure.
Thirdly, Conſider the extent of Chriſts Interceſſion, and that will contribute wonderful Joy to Believers: His Favour is not narrowed up to one or two Favourites, but for all his Saints: All that come to God by him, Heb. 7. 25. All that believe in him, Joh. 17. 20. Chriſt excepts none: In this he out-goes the Affections of all Creatures. It is rare for the largeſt Affections of Men, not to run within ſome narrow limits; but Jeſus Chriſt hath an equal reſpect for all his Seed. And then he intercedes for them in all their Matters, Iſa. 63. 9. In all their Affiictions he is afflicted: There is no part of their Trouble but he is concern'd in it: As Chriſt is an Advocate in Heaven, he is engag'd to attend the Concerns of his People, though they ſhould neglect him, Iſa. 57. 18. He is privy to all their Matters: How ſhould this revive the Believing Soul? It is the uſual complaint of Souls, O, I fear Chriſt will not intercede for me; I am ſo Carnal, ſo full of Deceit, Hypocriſie and Backſlidings. It is true, He takes pleaſure in the Proſperity of his People; but, I fear, I am none of his. They that pray and plead Spiritually may hope, but I cannot pray, nor look up. But let me tell every poor trembling Believer, There's never a Soul that hath the Lord for his God, that Jeſus Chriſt can be unmindful of: He intercedes for all his People, and in all their Concernments.
Fourthly, This may yield wonderful Comfort to Believers, to conſider, That Jeſus Chriſt doth not onelyonly intercede in Heaven, in their Names, but in their very Natures: He preſents the Humane Nature in his own Perſon, glorified; and in this Nature he pleads to God for them. He is ſet forth as the Man Chriſt Jeſus, 1 Tim. 2. 5. He cannot but be full of Pity and Compaſſion, becauſe he is of the ſame Nature with them: They are Members of his Body, of his Fleſh, and of his Bones, Eph. 5. 30. O, if that Scripture were but put into the Believing Meditation of Believers, what Comfort will flow from it? O trembling Saint! thou mayeſt object thy Unworthineſs and defiled Nature; but Jeſus Chriſt hath thy Nature glorified now in Heaven, at the Father's right hand.
Fifthly, The reſtleſneſs and unweariedneſs of Chriſts purſuing the Bleſſedneſs and Salvation of all his Seed, is that which may yield wonderful comfort to the Believing Soul. Conſider his Temper and Diſpoſition, whiles he was on Earth: His Spirit ſhall not fail, till he hath ſet Judgment in the Earth, Iſa. 42. 4. And if Chriſt was ſo earneſt to undergo ſuch work then, and was ſo reſtleſs and active till it was done; ſurely he muſt needs be reſtleſs to carry on this Work now in Heaven: He lives ever to make Interceſſion, Heb. 7. 25. There are ſome times when men on Earth cannot agitate the Cauſe of their Friends; but Chriſt is alwayes taken up about this Work of Mediation: Chriſt's Authority is capable to manage all the Affairs of his People, were they millions of men, therefore it muſt needs be matter of wonderful Comfort to Believers, that they have ſuch a Mediator in Heaven.
Sixthly, Conſider the Advantages that flow from this Interceſſion of Chriſt to Believers, and it will yield matter of wonderful comfort.
Their Sins ſhall be ſurely pardoned. O what wonderful comfort is this! Bleſſed is the man whoſe Tranſgreſſion is forgiven, and whoſe Sins are pardoned, Pſal. 32. 1. He is an Advocate for them, to take away their Sins, 1 Joh. 2. 1, 2. 1 Joh. 1. 7, 9. No Bill ſhall be laid in againſt them at the Bar of God: Who dares accuſe that Soul that is covered over with the Blood of the Redeemer? Rom. 8. 33, 34.
Their Perſons and Performances ſhall ſurely find acceptance with God, through this Interceſſion of Chriſt, Eph. 1. 6. Who hath made us accepted in the Beloved. All that glorious Chain of Mercy that is made over to, and faſtned upon the Believer, hath its tye to Jeſus Chriſt: Predeſtination, Adoption, Juſtification, Sanctification and Salvation, are all laid upon Chriſt. It is a piece of uſual weakneſs in poor Believers, or rather Doubting-ſouls, to judge of their Acceptance with God, or Non-acceptance, according to their Deſervings, or ill-deſervings, and the nature and frame of their Spirits and Duties: when they have been drawn out in Frames, and wonderfully rais'd in Duties, they think now they ſhall find Favour; But it is not that which gives your Suits Entertainment in Heaven; it is as God accepts the Soul in Chriſt, notwithſtanding all the Failings and Infirmities of Believers; they are entertained with a well done good and faithful Servant, upon the account of Chriſt.
Again, They are ſure to be ſecur'd againſt the prevailing Power of all their Enemies; let Beelzebub with all his Train and Forces be united againſt them, he muſt be broken to pieces; for Chriſt is at the right hand of the Father, interceding for them: Sin ſhall have no Dominion over them, Rom. 6. 14. God will bruiſe Satan under their Feet ſhortly, Rom. 16. 20. Hence it is, they may be ſure none of their Enemies ſhall prevail, Luke 1. 74.
Again, They may be ſure to receive more Grace, and Life more abundantly, God giveth more Grace, James 5. 6. whilſt Chriſt's Intereſt holds in Heaven, whilſt he hath a Fullneſs of Grace to beſtow, Believers may expect more.
Acceſs to the Throne of Grace at all times in his Name, is another procured Advantage of his Interceſſion; it is by the Blood of Chriſt Believers come to God with Boldneſs, Heb. 4. 14. 16. Heb. 10. 21. 22.
Hence the Blood of Chriſt makes Peace, and an open door for Believers to approach to God, Eph. 3. 12. Becauſe he is there at the Throne of Grace, he will open his Door to his Children, and let them in, within the Veil: what tender Mother would ſhut the door againſt her weeping Child?
Again, They have not only Acceſs to the Throne of Grace, but Succeſs; they ſhall ſpeed when they cry with all their Hearts, Joh. 14. 13. 14. Whatſoever you ſhall ask in my Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son: if you ſhall ask any thing in my Name, I will do it. Chriſt was leaving his Diſciples, and they might tremblingly diſpond, how ſhall we live when thou art gone? the World will perſecute us, and Satan will devour us? Why ſays Chriſt, I will protect you then, as well as now, and hear your Requeſts: you think it is only your Concernment, to have your Prayers anſwered; no, it is the Concernment of my Father too, his Glory lies at ſtake for it. O! what bold Encouragement is this Rev. 8. 3, 4, 5. Prayers aſcended up, and preſently comes down Thunders, Noiſes, Lightnings, and Earth-quakes: as a Symbol of God's Reception: believe it, Saints have ſtill as great Potency with God, on the Account of Chriſt, as ever, and their right Prayers ſhall ſurely find an anſwer at the Throne of Grace.
Again, They ſhall certainly have Perſeverance in Grace: for the Certainty of a Believers Graces depend not upon his own Strength, that it ſhould dye if he ceaſe to exerciſe it; but is ſecured by the Interceſſion of Chriſt, Luke 22. 32. Jer. 32. 40.
Another Effect of Chriſt's Interceſſion is this, The Saints have Oneneſs with and an Intereſt in the Love of God, Jo. 17. 21. 22. And they ſhall be ſure of Grace and of Glory: they ſhall have a Manſion in Heaven, Jo. 14. 3. Jo. 17. 24. Father, I will that thoſe whom thou haſt given me, be with me where I am, to behold my Glory.