Light for Them that Sit in Darkness, Book · Demonstration 5
The Fifth Demonstration.
THat Jesus Christ by what he hath done, hath paid full price to God for Sinners, and obtained Eternal Redemption for them is evident, by the Peace and Holiness, that by that Doctrine possesseth mens Souls; The Souls of Men awakned, and that continue so. By awakened men I mean, such as through the Revelation of their Sin and Misery, groan under the want of Jesus to save them, and that continue sensible that they needs must perish if his benefits be not bestowed upon them.
For otherwise the Gospel ministreth neither Peace nor Holiness to any of the Souls of the Sons of Men; that is to say, not Saving Peace and Holiness. ☞ The Gospel of Grace and Salvation, is above all Doctrines, the most dangerous, if in word only it be received by graceless men: if it be not attended with a Revelation of Men's need of a Saviour: if it be not accompanied in the Soul by the Power of the Holy Ghost. For such Men as have only the notions of it, are of all Men liable to the greatest Sins, because there wanteth in their notions, the Power of Love, which alone can constrain them to love Jesus Christ. And this is the Reason of these Scriptures. They turn the Grace of God into wantonness; They turn the Grace of our God into lasciviousness, Jude 4.
For some when they hear of the Riches of Grace, through Christ, that hearing, not being attended with the Faith & Love which is in Christ Jesus; those Men receive the notions of this good Doctrine, only to cloak their wickedness, and to harden themselves in their Villanies.
Others when they hear, being leavened before with the Leaven of some other Doctrine, some Doctrine of the Righteousness of the World, or Doctrine of Devils; forthwith make head against, and speak evil of the blessed Doctrine; and because some that profess it, are not cleansed from their filthiness of flesh and spirit, and do not perfect Holiness in the Fear of God: therefore others conclude that all that profess it are such, and that the Doctrine it self, tendeth to encourage, or at least, to tolerate licentiousness, as they imagined and affirmed of Paul, that he should say, Let us do evil that good may come, Rom. 3. 8, 9.
The ground of that wicked Conclusion of theirs, was, because he by the Allowance of God affirmed, That as sin had reigned unto death, so grace reigned unto life in a way of Righteousness by Jesus Christ our Lord. Nay then, says the Adversary, we may be as unholy as we will, and that by the Doctrine you preach: for, if where sin abounds, grace abounds more, the consequence of a wicked life, is but the hightening, advancing and magnifying of Grace. But what saith the Apostle? my conclusions are true, That grace doth reign above sin; but to say, let us therefore sin, that Man's Damnation is just; because such an one abuseth, and maketh the most devilish use of the Blessedest Doctrine that ever was heard of in the World amongst Men. Besides, 'tis evident that such know not the Power thereof; nor have felt or savored its blessedness; for where this Gospel cometh in truth, it naturally produceth Peace and Holiness.
1. Peace. He is our Peace, he is the Prince of Peace, he giveth peace in his High Places.
This word Peace hath in it a double respect.
1. It respecteth God: He hath made peace by the Blood of his Cross; that is, he hath made peace for us with God, having appeased the rigor of his Law, and satisfied justice for us. Hence it is said: The Peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your Hearts and Minds through Christ Jesus, Col. 1. 20. Phil. 4. 7. The Peace of God, that is, the Doctrine of Reconciliation by Christ's being made to be sin for us, THAT shall keep the Heart, that is, from despair or fainting under apprehensions of weakness and justice: But yet, this Peace of God, cannot be apprehended nor be of any comfort to the Heart, but as the Man looks for it through Christ Jesus. Therefore that clause is added, through Christ Jesus: for he is Peace-maker, 'tis he that reconcileth us to God in the Body of his Flesh through death; for by his doing and suffering he presented God with Everlasting Righteousness, with Everlasting Righteousness for Sinners: Upon this we have Peace with God. Hence Christ is called King of Righteousness FIRST; first being by interpretation King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of Peace, Heb. 7. 1, 2. For he could not make peace with God, 'twixt us and him, but by being first the Lord of Righteousness, the Lord our Righteousness: but having first compleated Righteousness, he then came and preached Peace, and commanded his Ambassadors to make Proclamation of it to the World, 2 Cor. 5. 19, 21. For 'twas want of Righteousness, that caused want of Peace: now then righteousness being brought in, it followeth that he hath made peace. For he is our Peace who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle-Wall of Partition between us. Having abolished in his Flesh the Enmity, even the Law of Commandments, contained in Ordinances, for to make in himself of twain one new Man, so making Peace, and that he might reconcile both unto God, in one Body by the Cross, having slain the Enmity thereby; and came and preached Peace to you that were afar off, and to them that were nigh; for through him we both have access, by one spirit unto the Father, Ephes. 2. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.
2dly. This word Peace respecteth our inward quietness of heart which we obtain, by beholding this Reconciliation made by Christ, with God, for us. Being justified by Faith, we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The God of Peace fill you with all joy and peace in believing. Rom. 5. 1, 2. Chap. 15. 13.
This Peace is expressed diversly:
1. Sometimes it is called QUIETNESS; for it calms the Soul from those troublous Fears of damning, because of sin. And the work of Righteousness shall be Peace, and the Effect of Righteousness, Quietness and Assurance for ever, Isa. 32. 17.
2. Sometimes it is called BOLDNESS; for by the Blood of Christ a Man hath encouragement to approach unto God. Having, brethren, Boldness to enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the Vail, that is to say, his Flesh, Heb. 10. 19, 20.
3. It is sometimes called CONFIDENCE; because by Jesus Christ we have not only encouragement to come to God, but confidence; that if we ask any thing according to his Will, he not only heareth, but granteth the Request which we put up to him. In whom we have boldness and access, with confidence, by the Faith of Jesus, Ephes. 3. 12. 1 John 5. 14, 15.
4. Sometimes this Peace is expressed by REST, because a Man having found a sufficient Fulness to answer all his Wants, he sitteth down, and looks no further for satisfaction. Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Mat. 11. 28.
5. It is also expressed by SINGING, because the Peace of God when it is received into the Soul by Faith, putteth the Conscience into a Heavenly and Melodious Frame. And the Ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with Songs, and Everlasting Joy upon their Heads, they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall fly away, Isa. 35. 10.
6. Sometimes it is expressed, or discovered by an Heavenly glorying and boasting in Jesus Christ, because this Peace causeth the Soul to set its Face upon its Enemies with Faith of a Victory over them for ever by its Lord Jesus. Let him that glorieth glory in the Lord; and, My Soul shall make her boasts in the Lord, the Humble shall hear thereof, and be glad, Jer. 9. 23, 24. Psalm 34. 2.
7. Sometimes it is expressed, or discovered by Joy, Joy unspeakable; because the Soul having seen it self reconciled to God, hath not only quietness, but such apprehensions do now possess it of the unspeakable Benefits it receiveth by Christ with respect to the World to come, that it is swallowed up with them. Whom having not seen, ye love, in whom though now ye see him not, yet believing ye rejoice, with joy unspeakable, and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1. 8.
8. Lastly: It is expressed, or discovered by the Triumph that ariseth sometimes in the Hearts of the Believers; for they at times are able to see Death, Sin, the Devil, and Hell, and all Adversity conquered by, and tied as Captives at the Chariot-Wheels of Jesus Christ: Taken captive, I say, and overthrown for ever. Thanks be to God who causeth us always to triumph in Christ. O clap your Hands, O ye People, sing unto God with the voice of Triumph, 2 Cor. 2. 14. Psalm 47. 1.
Now that all this should be a cheat, is impossible, that is, it is impossible that Believers should thus have Peace with God through the Blood of his Cross; he having not paid full price to God for them; especially if you consider that the Authors of this Peace, are all the three in the Godhead, and that upon a double account.
1. In that they have given us a Gospel of Peace, Rom. 10. 15. or a New-Testament which propoundeth Peace with God through the Redemption that is in Christ. Now as this is called the Gospel of Peace; so 1. It is called, The Gospel of God, 1 Thes. 2. 9. 2 Thes. 1. 8. 2. The Gospel of Christ, Rom. 15. 19. 3. A Gospel indited by the Holy Ghost, 1 Thes. 4. 8.
I say therefore, that Redemption and Salvation, being that throw Christ, and the Truth thereof proclaimed by the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, in the Word of the Truth of the Gospel, it must needs be that we who believe, shall be saved, if we hold the confidence and the rejoicing firm unto the End.
2. As the three in the God-head are the Authors of this Peace, by inditing for us the Gospel of Peace, or the good Tidings of Salvation by Jesus Christ: So they are the Authors of our Peace, by working with that word of the Gospel in our Hearts. And hence 1. the Father is called the God of Peace; now the God of Peace be with you all: And the very God of Peace sanctifie you, Rom. 15. 33. 1 Thes. 5. 23. And because he is the God of Peace, therefore he filleth those that believe in his Christ, with joy and peace through believing, Rom. 15. 13.
2. Again, Christ is called the Prince of Peace; therefore the Prayer is, Grace be with you and Peace from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Thes. 1. 2.
3. The Holy Ghost also is the Author of this Peace, this inward Peace; Even righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, Rom. 14. 17.
And, I say, as I also have already said, the procuring or meritorious Cause of this Peace, is the doings and sufferings of Christ. Therefore by his Doings and Sufferings he paid full price to God for Sinners, and obtained Eternal Redemption for them: else God would never have indited a Proclamation of Peace for them, and the Tenour of that Proclamation to be the Worthiness of the Lord Jesus: yea, he would never have wrought with that Word in the Heart of them that believe, to create in them Peace, Peace.
Secondly, As peace with God is an Evidence, (the Blood of Christ being the Cause thereof) that Christ hath by it paid full price to God for Sinners; so Holiness in their Hearts taking its beginning from this Doctrine, makes this fist Demonstration of double strength.
1. That Holiness, true gospel Holiness, possesseth our hearts by this Doctrine, 'tis evident; because the ground of Holiness, which is the Spirit of God in us, is ministred to us by this Doctrine. When the Apostle had insinuated that the Galatians were bewitched because they had turned from the Doctrine of Christ Crucified, he demands of them, Whether they received the Spirit by the Works of the Law, or by the hearing of Faith, Gal. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4. That is, whether the Spirit took possession of their Souls by their Obedience to the ten Commandments; or by their giving credit to the Doctrine of the forgiveness of their Sins, by Faith in this Crucified Christ: strongly concluding not by the Law, but by the hearing, or preaching of Faith; that is, of the Lord Jesus as Crucified, who is the Object of Faith.
2. As this Doctrine conveyeth the ground, or ground-Work which is the Spirit; so also it worketh in the Heart those three Graces, Faith, Hope, Love; all which as naturally purifie the Heart from wickedness, as Sope, or Niter, cleanseth the Cloath. He purified their Hearts by Faith, by Faith in Christ's Blood. And everyone that hath this Hope in him, purifieth himself even as he is pure. And also Love, you shall see what that doth, if you look into the Text, Act. 15. 9. 1 Joh. 3. 3, 4. 1 Cor. 13. Now I say, this Faith groundeth it self in the Blood of Christ; Hope waiteth for the full enjoyments of the Purchase of it, in another world: and love is begot, and worketh, by the Love that Christ hath expressed by his Death, and by the Kindness he presenteth us with in his Heart-Blood, Rom. 3. 24. 1 Cor. 15. 19. 2 Cor. 5. 14.
Besides, what arguments so prevailing, as such as are purely Gospel? To instance a few:
1. What stronger, than a free forgiveness of Sins. A certain Man had two Debtors, the one owed him five Hundred Pence, and the other Fifty, and when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both, tell me therefore which of them will love him most? Luk. 7. 41, 42, 47.
2. What stronger argument to holiness, than to see, that though forgiveness comes free to us, yet it cost Christ Jesus Heart-Blood to obtain it for us. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the Propitiation for our Sins. And this Love of God in giving his Christ and of Christ, in dying for us, there is no argument stronger to prevail with a sensible and awakened Sinner to judg, he should live to him that died for him, and rose again, 2 Cor. 5. 14.
3. What stronger argument to holiness than this; If any man sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous, 1 Joh. 2. 1, 2. Unsanctified and graceless wretches, know not how to use these Words of God; the Hypocrites also fly in our faces, because we thus urge them; but a Heart that is possessed with Gospel-ingenuity, or to speak more properly, that is possessed with Gospel-Grace, and with Divine Considerations, cries; if it be thus, O let me never sin against God! for the Love of Christ constrains me, 2 Cor. 5. 14.
4. What greater argument to holiness, than to see the Holy Scriptures so furnished with promises of Grace and Salvation by Christ, that a Man can hardly cast his Eye into the Bible, but he espieth one, or another of them? who would not live in such an House, or be servant to such a Prince, who, besides his exceeding in good Conditions, hath Gold and Silver as common in his Palace, as stones are by the High-way side? Having therefore these Promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the Fear of God, 2 Cor. 7. 1.
5. What greater argument to holiness, than to have our Performances, though weak and infirm, from us; yet accepted of God in Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 2. 4, 5, 6.
6. What greater argument to holiness, than to have our Soul, our Body, our Life hid, and secured with Christ in God? Mortifie therefore your Members that are upon the Earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is idolatry, Col. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
What greater argument to holiness, than to be made the Members of the Body, of the Flesh, and of the Bones of Jesus Christ? Shall I take the Members of Christ, and make them the Members of an harlot, God forbid, Ephes. 5. 30. 1 Cor. 6. 15.
Now all these, and five times as many more, having their foundation in the Love, Blood and Righteousness of Christ, and operating in the Soul by Faith, are the great Argument unto that Holiness, to which is annexed eternal Life. 'Tis worth our observing, that in Act. 26, at the 18. The Inheritance belongs to them, that are sanctified by Faith in Jesus Christ: For all other pretences to holiness, they are but a stollen semblance of that which is true and acceptable; though 'tis common for even that which is counterfeit to be called by the deluded, the True; and to be reckoned to be in them that are utter strangers to Faith, and the Holiness that comes by Faith. But whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger; shall even be cut off from his People, Exod. 30. 33. God knoweth which is holiness that comes by Faith in forgiveness of Sins, and acceptance with God, through Christ: and God knows which is only such feignedly; and accordingly will he deal with Sinners in that great Day of God Almighty.