The Ark of the Covenant Opened, Chapter 16

The Ark of the Covenant Opened · Chapter 16

p. 250CHAP. XVI. Of Chriſts execution of the Office of Mediatorſhip.

IT remaineth now that ſomething be ſpoken of Chriſts excution of the Office of Mediatorſhip, into which he was called, and for which he was fitted and furniſhed: before I ſpeak particularly how he carrieth on the work committed to him as Mediator; I ſhall firſt lay down ſome general concluſions relating to his execution of the Office of Mediatorſhip: Namely, 1. That Chriſt executeth this Office of Mediatorſhip according to both natures. 2. That he executed this Office from the beginning of the World, before he came in the fleſh. 3. That he executeth this Office, as well in the ſtate of his exaltation, as in the ſtate of his humiliation.

p. 251And 1. Of that Queſtion,See Mr. Ball treat. of the Covenant, p. 266. And Mr. Brinſley of Chriſts Mediat. p. 203. Aquin. 3. part. queſt. 26. Act. 2. Bellarm. de Chriſt. Mediat. lib. 5. cap. 7. vid. etiam, Bonavent. & Magiſtr. ſent. Auguſt. de Ovibus bom. 12. Chamier de Mediat. cap. 7. ſect. 2. Jun. contr. l. 2. c. 5. not. 29. & paral. l. 3. m. c. 9. ad Hebr.Acts 2 According to which Nature Chriſt is Mediator? Whether according to his Divine Nature as God, or according to his human Nature only as Man, or according to both as God-man?

Moſt part of the Popiſh Writers hold that Chriſt performeth the Office of Mediatorſhip, not according to his Divine Nature, but according to his Human Nature, only as Man.

Orthodox Divines, hold that Chriſt is Mediator according to both Natures, and doth not execute that Office only as God, nor only as Man, but as foreign God-man.

For clearing whereof, I ſhall premiſe a few things. 1. The Queſtion is not, whether there be in the Mediator the concurrence of both natures in the unity of his Perſon? for that is confeſſed by all. But whether both Natures concur in the Works of Mediation, or in the execution of that Office. 2. Nor is the Queſtion, Whether the two Natures in Chriſt be diſtinct in their eſſence and properties, and ſo in their operations, for we yeild that the Human Nature doth that which pertaineth to the Humanity, and the Divine Nature that which pertaineth to the Divinity: yet ſo, as the Natures being united in one Perſon, ſo the operations concur to make up one Work of a Mediator, the Human and Divine Natures concurring to produce one act or work of Mediatorſhip. 3. Nor is the Queſtion, Whether all the Works of Chriſt the Mediator, were the Works of both Natures: For it is certain, ſome of them were the Works of his Humanity, ſome of his Divinity, in reſpect of the thing done: but, Whether there were not a concurrence of both Natures acting jointly, although diſtinctly in the performing of them?

2. That Both Natures concur in Chriſts performing the Office of Mediatorſhip, and what he doth as Mediator he doth as God-man, may be confirmed by theſe reaſons.

1. According to what Nature Chriſt is the King, Prieſt, and Prophet of his Church, accordingly he is Mediator, for he carried theſe Offices as he was Mediator: but according to both Natures, Chriſt is King, Prieſt, and Prophet of his Church; for according to the approved rule, Names of p. 252Office which are given to Chriſt, they agree to him according to both Natures: therefore Chriſt executes the Office of Mediatorſhip as God-man, according to both Natures.

2. If the Godhead of Chriſt concurred with the Manhood in all the acts of Mediatorſhip: then Chriſt performeth not the Office of Mediator as Man only, but as God-man: but we find the Godhead intereſted in every act which Chriſt did, or doth as Mediator: It is evident from the ſeveral acts of each of his Offices, from his Obedience, Suffering, Reſurrection, Interceſſion, Heb 9.14, How much more ſhall the Blood of Chriſt, who through the eternal Spirit offered up himſelf without ſpot to God, purge your Conſcience from dead works, to ſerve the living God. And 7.25, Wherefore he is able alſo to ſave them to the uttermoſt that come unto God by him, ſeeing he ever liveth to make interceſſion for them. Eph. 1.19, 20, According to the working of his power, which he wrought in Chriſt, when he raiſed him from the dead, and ſet him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. None of which could be performed by his Human Nature alone, without concurrence of his Godhead. True it is indeed, we may conceive ſome Acts wherein the Humanity of Chriſt did not concur with his Divinity, viz. Thoſe that he wrought before his Incarnation: but none wherein his Humanity acted without his Divinity. It followeth therefore, that Chriſt performeth this Office as God-man.

3. If many chief eſſential acts of Chriſts Mediation, are from the Deity of Chriſt, as from the next, proper, formal, and immediate cauſe, then Chriſt performeth not the Office of Mediator as Man only, but as God-man: but many chief eſſential acts of Chriſts Mediation are from his Deity, as the next, proper, formal, immediate cauſe: Ergo, &c. The Minor is proved by theſe inſtances: The Incarnation of Chriſt is from the Deity, which did aſſume the Humanity; which when it was not, could not aſſume it ſelf. The manifeſtation of God was a work truly divine, which was from the Deity as the true cauſe; though from the Humanity as an Inſtrument, Joh. 1.18, No man hath ſeen God at any time: the only begotten Son which is in the boſom of the Father, he hath declared him. Matth. 11.27, All things are delivered unto me of my Father, and no man knoweth the Son but the p. 253Father, neither knoweth any man the Father fave the Son, and he to whomſoever the Son will reveal him. Chriſt as Man teacheth as an Inſtrument, and Chriſt the Word teacheth as Mediator; the works of Authority and Power were all performed by the Divine Nature.

4. If Chriſt as Mediator performed many divine acts, which cannot be from his Humanity alone, Then Chriſt performeth not the Office of Mediatorſhip as Man only, but as God alſo: But Chriſt as Mediator performeth many Divine acts, which cannot be from his Humanity alone, ſuch as his riſing from the dead, which was by the power of his Deity, Rom. 1.4, And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holineſs, by the reſurection of Jeſus from the dead. And 8.3, 4, 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. Eph. 1.19, 20, Chriſt as Mediator hath power and authority to forgive ſins, and ſend the holy Spirit, to enlighten the underſtandings, to ſoften the hearts of men, and that not only meritoriouſly, but efficiently, which are the proper works of God: Mar. 2.10, But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive ſins. Joh. 15.26, But when the Comforter is come, whom I will ſend unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father, he ſhall teſtify of me. And 16.7, But if I depart, I will ſend him unto you.

5. If none of the works performed by Chriſt as Mediator, whether the works of Miniſtry that were performed by him, in the Nature of man, or the works of Authority and Power performed by the Divine Nature, were performed without the concurring of the other Nature in Chriſt; Then Chriſt performeth the Office of Mediator not as God alone, nor as Man only, but according to both Natures as God-man: but the former is true, Ergo, &c. The Major is proved by parts. 1. The works of Miniſtry which were performed in the Nature of man, and were the works of Chriſts Humanity, ſuch as were his death upon the Croſs, &c. yet the Divine Nature was concurring in theſe, not only to ſupport and ſuſtain the Human, but the thing done had its efficacy, dignity, and value, from his Divinity, in that they were the p. 254works of him that is God. It was the Son of God, the Lord of life, that died on the Croſs, but it was the Nature of Man, not of God, wherein he died; yet it was the Divine Nature that did ſupport him, and gave worth to his ſacrifice. 2. The works of authority and power, ſuch as the remitting of ſins, giving the Spirit, raiſing the dead, &c. which were the works of his Divine Nature; yet were not done without an inſtrumental concurrence of the Nature of man.

6. If the end of the Perſonal union of the two Natures of Chriſt, be the fitting and qualifying of him for the Office of Mediatorſhip (as is before cleared), then the two Natures do and muſt neceſſarily concur in the works of mediation (at leaſt after theſe were united) elſe the union of the two Natures had not been neceſſary in Chriſt; for the ſame neceſſity is for the concurring of the proper works of the two Natures in the Mediators work, that is, for the union of the two Natures in his perſon: the end of that union being to fit him to act in this Office as a qualified perſon.

Object. 1 Tim. 2.5, The Mediator is called, the man Chriſt Jeſus. Hence ſome infer that he is Mediator according to his Human Nature only.

Anſw. There is a vaſt difference betwixt theſe two: the man Chriſt is Mediator, and he is Mediator only as Man: the man Chriſt is that perſon, not any other man, not any meer man; that perſon who was God and Man in one perſon, and ſtood as a fit middle betwixt both the parties: ſo that Man is not here taken naturaliter, but perſonaliter: not naturally but perſonally; it being moſt uſual to name the perſon of Chriſt from either nature foreign, a communication of Properties: ſee 1 Cor. 2.8, For had they known it, they would not have Crucified the Lord of Glory. Act. 20.28, The Church of God, which he hath purchaſed with his own Blood. Joh. 3.13, And no man hath aſcended up to Heaven, but he that came down from Heaven, even the Son of man which is in Heaven. See Mr. Ball, and Mr. Brinſley, ubi ſupra.But there are better reaſons aſſigned why the Mediator is called the man Chriſt, than to point out that nature according to which he is Mediator. See Brniſley of the Mediat. p. 208.

p. 255Object. Paul here diſtinguiſheth betwixt God and this Mediator; And therefore Chriſt is not Mediator as God, Object. but as Man only. To this,Cham. de Med. c. 5. ſect. 6.7. Anſwer hath been made by learned men. 1. That the Word of God is there not to be taken eſſentially but perſonally, as denoting the Father, betwixt whom and mankind Chriſt the Son is ſaid to be a Mediator. 1 Joh. 2.1, And if any man ſin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jeſus Chriſt the righteous. So its taken Joh. 3.16, For God ſo loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son. 2 Cor. 5.19, God was in Chriſt reconciling the World to himſelf. 2. The naming of God in the firſt place doth not hinder that it ſhould be underſtood in the ſecond alſo: ſee Joh. 14.1, Ye believe in God, believe alſo in me.

See more to this purpoſe, Jun. Animad. in Bell. contr. lib. 5. cap. 3. Ball on the Covenant. p. 270. Brinſley of the Mediator, p. 210. &c. And of the illuſtration of the Word God-man. Brinſ. p. 220.

Ʋſe. If Chriſt be Mediator according to both Natures. Then Believers may be comforted in the prevalency of his mediation, and in the condeſcendency thereof. Your Mediator is God-man. 1. Your Mediator acts as God, he carries his matters very ſtrongly and effectually. 2. He acts as a man alſo, very tenderly and condeſcendingly, Heb. 7.25, Wherefore he is able alſo to ſave them to the uttermoſt that come unto God by him, ſeeing he ever liveth to make interceſſion for them. With 2.17, 18, Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High-Prieſt in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the ſins of the people. For in that he himſelf hath ſuffered, being tempted, he is able to ſuccor them that are tempted. Pſal. 2.7, 8, I will declare the decree: the Lord hath ſaid unto me, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee: Ask of me and I ſhall give thee the Heathen for thine Inheritance, and the utmoſt parts of the Earth for thy poſſeſſion.

Concluſ. 2. That Chriſt hath executed this Office ever ſince the beginning of the World, ever ſince the firſt Covenant was diſſolved and broken, ſince enmity entered betwixt God and man, as well before his being made manifeſt p. 256in the fleſh, as after; as well before and under the Law, as in the dayes of the New Teſtament: For although he be called Mediator of the New Covenant, or New Teſtament. Heb. 12.24. which is to be underſtood, 1. by way of oppoſition to the firſt Covenant, whereof he was not Mediator. 2. foreign becauſe he was then exhibited, and then he perfected the work of Redemption: Yet did Chriſt enter upon the execution and execriſe of this Office of Mediatorſhip (to which he was before deſigned) from the time that fallen man was at variance with God; the execution of this Office extends to the firſt ages of the World, from the time that the promiſe made to our firſt parents (while they were yet in Paradice) took place, Gen. 3.15, It ſhall bruiſe thy head, and thou ſhalt bruiſe his heel. 2 Cor. 5.19. God was in Chriſt, reconciling the world unto himſelf. Heb. 13.8, Jeſus Chriſt, the ſame yeſterday, and to day and for ever. Gal. 3.17, And this I ſay, that the Covenant that was before confirmed of Chriſt, the Law which was Four hundred and thirty years after, cannot diſannul, that it ſhould make the promiſe of none effect. Rev. 13.8: he is called the Lamb ſlain from the foundation of the world: As in reſpect of Gods deſtination, being deſigned before time, to be offered up in time; ſo alſo in reſpect of the efficacy of his ſacrifice and mediation, which extended to the firſt ages of the world. For, 1. From that time there was need of a Mediator. 2. From that time begun the works of the Devil to be deſtroyed: Gen. 3.15, And I will put enmity between thee and the Woman, and between thy ſeed and her ſeed: it ſhall bruiſe thy head, and thou ſhalt bruiſe his heel. 1 Joh. 3.8, He that commiteth ſin is of the Devil, for the Devil ſinneth from the beginning; for this purpoſe the Son of God was manifeſted, that he might deſtroy the works of the Devil. 3. From that time were ſome ſinners ſaved, by the Meſſiah that was to come: Therefore from thence we muſt reckon the exerciſe of his Mediatorſhip.

Underſtand this with three diſtinctions. 1. That before Chriſts Incarnation, he was a Mediator virtually, and undiſcernedly, i. e. the virtue and efficacy of that Office, to which he was deſigned, did extend to the firſt ages of the world, (though the way of his acting in that Office before his Incarnation, tranſcend our underſtanding) but after p. 257his Incarnation, when he had taken our nature upon him; then he was manifeſtly an actual Mediator. 2. Before his Incarnation he was not Compleatly fitted for all the parts of that Office, not being yet the Man Chriſt, 1 Tim. 2.5, but after his Incarnation he was a Compleat Mediator: Heb. 10.5, 7, Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he ſaith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldeſt not, but a body haſt thou prepared me. Then ſaid I, Lo I come, (in the volume of the Book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God. 3. Before his Incarnation, he was ſecretly and inviſibly a Mediator in Heaven: after his Incarnation, he did viſibly act that part upon Earth, and then went into the holieſt to continue in the exerciſe of this Office, Heb. 9.24, Now to appear in the preſence of God for us.

Ʋſe. This alſo ſhould contribute to eſtabliſh our faith, while ur Mediator is abſent from us, or rather while we are abſent from him, and he is out of our ſight: If this Office was effectual for the good of believers, before he actually offered ſacrifice, or interceded, how much more when he hath actually done both theſe? Have we any better ſupport of Faith? if his Mediation was effectual before he was a compleat Mediator, and had not yet taken our nature upon him, ſhall we not believe now the efficacy thereof, after he is the Man Chriſt? If his Mediation was effectual while he had not yet come down from Heaven to act viſibly here on Earth; how much more when he hath finiſhed the work, and is now returned, and gotten his Fathers welcome? Believe it, he is at Court, though he be out of our ſight.

Concluſion 3. That Jeſus the Mediator of the New Covenant executeth this Office, as well in the ſtate of his Exaltation, as Humiliation. Heb. 7.24, 25, But this man, becauſe he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable Prieſthood. Wherefore he is able alſo to ſave them to the utmoſt that come unto God by him, ſeeing he ever liveth to make interceſſion for them. But with ſome obſervable difference, which is to be ſeen, 1. In his exerciſing, the three Offices which were parts of his Mediatorſhip. And, 2. In the diſtinct parts of theſe Offices.

1. It was mainly his Prieſtly Office, which the Mediator p. 258diſcharged here on Earth, in his ſtate of Humiliation; his entry upon his Kingly Adminiſtration, being eminently reſerved to the ſtate of Exaltation: Heb. 1.3, When he had by himſelf purged our ſins, ſate down on the right hand of the Majeſty on high. And, 8.1, We have an High-prieſt, who is ſet on the right hand of the throne of the Majeſty in the Heavens. Phil. 2.8, 9, And being found in faſhion, he humbled himſelf, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Croſs. Wherefore God alſo hath highly exalted him. Mat. 28.18, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth. But his Prophetical. Office was excerciſed by him in both theſe ſtates, of his Humiliation, and Exaltation: Luke 24.47, And that repentance and remiſſion of ſins ſhould be preached in his Name among all Nations, beginning at Jeruſalem. Heb. 12.25, See that ye refuſe not him that ſpeaketh; for if they eſcaped not who refuſed him that ſpoke on Earth, much more ſhall we eſcape, if we turn away from him that ſpeaketh from Heaven.

2. His Prieſthood, which he diſchargeth in both parts thereof, as well in his Exaltation as Humiliation; Yet eminently he ſacrificed here, and eminently he intercedeth in Heaven, Heb. 9.24, 26, Now to appear in the preſence of God for us.—Now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away ſin, by the ſacrifice of himſelf: His Kingdom, which was reſerved for his Exaltation, underſtand it by way of eminency alſo, Matth. 28.18, And Jeſus came and ſpoke unto them, ſaying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth. Rev. 5.6, And I beheld, and lo in the midſt of the Elders ſtood a Lamb: For he was a King when he was here on Earth, and carried matters in a Princely way, although his glory was over-clouded by his leaving the Throne for a time, that he might ſit down in it afterward in greater honour, Phil. 2.6, 8, Wherefore God alſo hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. His Prophetical Office, which was exerciſed in both ſtates, yet was in his Humiliation viſible, and in his own perſon, Joh. 1.10, He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. Heb. 1.1, 2, God, who at ſundry times, and in divers manners ſpake in the time paſt unto the Fathers by the Prophets, hath in theſe laſt dayes ſpoken unto p. 259us by his Son. Luke 24.27, And beginning at Moſes and all the Prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures, the things that concerned himſelf. But in his Exaltation it is done by his Meſſengers, or more ſecretly by his Word and Spirit, Eph. 4.11, 12, And gave ſome Apoſtles, and ſome Prophets, and ſome Evangeliſts, and ſome Paſtors and Teachers: For the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Miniſtry, for the edifying the Body of Christ. Joh. 14.26, But the Comforter, which is the holy Ghoſt, whom the Father will ſend in my name, he ſhall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatſoever I have ſaid unto you. 1 Joh. 2.27, But the anointing which you have received of him, abideth in you: and ye need not that any man teach you, but as the ſame anointing teacheth you all things, and is truth, and is no lye: and even as it hath taught you, ye ſhall abide in him.

Ʋſe. Believers, think not that Chriſt is out of his Office, when he is out of your ſight: or that the height of honour unto which he is now exalted at the right hand of God, doth abate any thing from his carefulneſs and condeſcendency for ſinners behoof: but be you rather comforted from this; As high as the Mediator is now, upon his Throne, he yet carrieth that Office, and is made high for your advantage and conſolation, Heb. 4.14, 16, Seeing then that we have an High-prieſt that is paſſed into the Heavens, Jeſus the Son of God; Let us hold faſt our profeſſion,—Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in time of need. And 10.21, 22, And having an High-prieſt over the Houſe of God, let us draw near with a true heart, in full aſſurance of faith; having our hearts ſprinkled from an evil conſcience, and our bodies waſhed with pure water. You may come as familiarly and boldly to him now, as when he was in his humbled condition, converſant among men, ſeeing he is about the ſame work, and exerciſing the ſame Office now as then, Heb. 13.8, Jeſus Christ, the ſame yeſterday, and to day, and for ever.

It is a Queſtion not unfitly moved: Queſt. Whether the Angels have any ſhare in Chriſts Mediation? Anſw. Two Scriptures ſeem to appropriate the benefit of Chriſts Mediation to Mankind. Yet I conceive they may admit one native p. 260interpretation, without ſtraining the word, which doth not ſhut out the Angels. The firſt Scripture is that, 1 Tim. 2.5, For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Chriſt Jeſus: which ſeems to ſet forth the object of Chriſts Mediation to be men, not Angels; but conſider, that there is a twofold Mediation of Chriſt; the one of Redemption or Reconciliation, the other of Preſervation or confirmation: Chriſt is only a Mediator of Redemption betwixt God and man, for he never undertook for the fallen Angels, Matth. 25.41, Then ſhall he ſay unto them on his left hand, Depart from me ye curſed into everlaſting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels. Jude, ver. 6, And the Angels which kept not their firſt eſtate, but left their own habitation, he hath reſerved in everlaſting chains under darkneſs, unto the judgment of the great day. And of this Mediation ſpeaks that Text, 1 Tim. 2.5, A Mediation which had a ranſom and propitiation in it: that Chriſt died only for man, not for the Angels. The other Scripture is that, Heb. 2.16, For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels, but he took on him the ſeed of Abraham: Which will indeed prove, and ſpeaketh it plainly, that when fallen men and Angels were before him, ſinking into their miſery, he took hold of the one, not of the other: And ſo that none of the fallen Angels have benefit by Chriſts Mediation: It will prove that herein Chriſt expreſſed his love more to Men than Angels, in that he ſaved ſome of the fallen men, but none of the Angels; and would carry this Office not in their Nature, but in ours; Yet I conceive it will not prove that the elect Angels have no benefit by Chriſts Mediation. I incline therefore to think it moſt probable, that the elect Angels are not to be excluded from the benefit of Chriſts Mediation: whether they had need of a Mediator or not (as Calvin upon Col. 1.20. laboureth to prove), I ſhall not debate; but theſe two things only I ſhall ſpeak of: 1. I ſhall ſhew, that the good Angels have benefit by Chriſt, which is certain. 2. That there are probable grounds to judg, that they have this benefit through Chriſts Mediation.

1. By Chriſt the Angels have knowledg of the myſteries of our Salvation, even a glorious addition of knowledg, by this new diſcovery and bright manifeſtation of God in all p. 261his Atributes that have ſhined forth in Chriſt, Eph. 3.10, To the intent that now unto the Principalitics and Powers in Heavenly places, might be known by the Church, the manifold wiſdom of God. 1 Pet. 1.12, Which things the Angels did deſire to look into. 2. By Chriſt they have an honourable Office, they became Principalities and Powers in governing the world; and Miniſtring Spirits, that Chriſt may be honoured in the Church, Col. 1.16, For by him were all things created that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, viſible and inviſible: whether they be Thrones, or Dominions, or Principalities, or Powers, all things were created by him, and for him. Heb. 1.14, Are they not all miniſtring Spirits, ſent forth to miniſter for them, who ſhall be heirs of Salvation. And therefore when Chriſt ſhall give up his diſpenſatory Kingdom, then ſhall all rule be put down, which is not only to be underſtood of the being of no Magiſtracy, and no Miniſtry, but even of the Angels, Principalities, and Powers. 3. By Chriſt the Angels have joy at the converſion of ſinners. Luke 15.10, Likewiſe I ſay unto you, there is Joy in the preſence of the Angels of God, over one ſinner that repenteth. Matth. 18.10, Take heed that ye deſpiſe not one of theſe little ones: For I ſay unto you, that in Heaven their Angels do alwayes behold the face of my Father which is in Heaven. Luke 2.13, And ſuddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host, praiſing God. By Chriſt the Angels have a more perfect and firm union with God, a kind of econciliation, Col. 1.20, And having made peace by the blood of his Croſs, by him to reconcile all things to himſelf: by him I ſay, whether they be things on Earth, or things in Heaven. Where by things in Heaven, is underſtood Angels, who are ſaid to be reconciled to God, not properly: for where there is no breach, there can be no reconciliation; this is peculiar unto man, but improperly and annalogically they may be ſaid to be reconciled, by confirming and eſtabliſhing them in the grace and favour of God, Tollendo peccata hominum & poſſibilitatem peccandi in Angelis: taking away all poſſibility of defection in them.

2. Theſe benefits which the Angels certainly have by Chriſt, they may be probably conceived to have them by Chriſts Mediation: 1. Becauſe Chriſt is a head to the elect p. 262Angels as well as to elect men; and they are part of his myſtical body, Col. 2.10, And ye are compleat in him which is the head of all Principality and Power. Eph. 1.10. That in the Diſpenſation of the fulneſs of times, he might gather together in one all things in Chriſt, both which are in Heaven, and which are on Earth, even in him: they are reckoned a part of the Catholick Church, and inhabitants of the Heavenly Jeruſalem, Heb. 12.23, 24, Now if Chriſt be head of the Church as he is Mediator, then whatſoever benefit they, as part of his Body, have from Chriſt the Head, I do not ſee how we can avoid to ſay they muſt have it through his Mediation: For how can it be conceived that one part of Chriſts Body hath benefit from Chriſts Mediation, and another part of it hath benefit by him, and yet another way than by his mediation? 2. Becauſe whatſoever benefit the Angels have by Chriſt, they were elected unto it; 1 Tim. 5.21, I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and the elect Angels. Now Chriſt being the head of the election, in whom all that are elect are elected, Eph. 1.4, According as he hath choſen us in Chriſt, before the foundation of the world: And the benefits unto which we are elected in Chriſt, coming through his Mediation, to all the elect; theſe muſt come ſo to the elect Angels alſo, Eph. 1.4, 5, 10, According as he hath choſen us in Chriſt, before the foundation of the world, that we ſhould be holy, and without blame before him in love: Having predeſtinated us unto the Adoption of Children, by Jeſus Christ.—That in the diſpenſation of the fulneſs of time, he might gather together in one all things in Chriſt. 3. Becauſe whatſoever creature is not under a poſſibility of ſinning,Aquin. part. 1. Q…uſt. 63. Art. 1. it hath that, not by the condition of its nature, but by grace: Now the elect Angels being freed from all poſſibility of ſinning, this they muſt have by Grace, which cometh not only from Chriſt, but through his Mediation, Joh. 1.17, For the Law was given by Moſes, but Grace and Truth came by Jeſus Christ: being ſome other thing ſupervenient, beſide the good of their natural condition wherein they were created, which was mutable.

More particularly, The execution and work of Chriſts Mediatorſhip, may be reduced to theſe Five heads: 1. To p. 263bring the elect into a capacity of covenanting with God. 2. To bring them within the bond of the Covenant, after he hath thus prepared the way. 3. To enable them whom he bringeth into this New-Covenant-ſtate, to perform the duties of the Covenant. 4. To keep thoſe whom he bringeth into this Covenant ſtate, from falling away from it, or to enable them to continue in it. 5. To bring thoſe whom he hath brought up to the terms of a Covenant with God, to that height of that Bleſſedneſs which is appointed for them, and to Crown his work in them.

The firſt part of the Mediators work, and execution of his Office is, to prepare a way for mans covenanting with God; to make the way of God acceſſible, and to put man in a capacity to enter in terms with God: For man by ſin was made uncapable of covenanting with God, until the Mediator cometh in to compoſe the difference, and to reſtore the love and friendſhip that once had been betwixt God and man; who to prepare a way for mans covenanting with God, doth two things himſelf, and worketh two things in us. The firſt, to make God acceſſible; the other, to make men capable of covenanting with God, who is made acceſſible in Chriſts death. 1. He taketh on mans nature, that a Sacrifice might be among mankind, who had ſinned; he putteth his name in our Obligation, that the Law might reach him. Gal. 4.4, 5. God ſent forth his Son, made of a Woman, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the Adoption of Sons. 2. In our nature he obeyeth the Law, and ſuffereth: he payeth a price for our Ranſom, 2 Cor. 5.21, He is made ſin for us; an offering for ſin, he ſtood in the ſinners ſtead here, he purchaſeth a liberty to the elect, and hath it in his juſt and legal power to ſet them free when he will, Act. 20.28, being the Church of God which he hath purchaſed with his own Blood. 3. He convinceth men of their ſin, and of their bondage, and impoſſibility to ſatisfy Juſtice, and to this end he attacheth them before Divine Juſtice, Joh. 16.8, And when he is come, he will reprove the World of ſin, of righteouſneſs and of judgment. Rom. 7.9, For I was alive without the Law once: but when the Commandment came, ſin revived, and I died. Gal. 3.24, Wherefore the Law was our Schoolmaster p. 264to bring us unto Chriſt, that we might be juſtified by Faith. 4. He worketh their Hearts to a yielding-frame, liſtning, and ready to welcom the news of delivery (which have not yet been actually ſpoken to their hearts), to be content to come out of their bondage, and to enjoy freedom by him: to be content to come in his will, and to yield the weapons to him, and to change the ſtate and righteouſneſs whereof ſometimes they had no ſmall content, Act. 9.6, Lord, What wilt thou have me to do? Ariſe, and go into the City, and it ſhall be told thee what thou muſt do. They pant after a Saviour, as Paul did for compleat Redemption, Rom. 7.29, O wretched man that I am, Who ſhall deliver me from the body of this death? And when all this is done, Sinners are but in a capacity of covenanting with God, till more be done by Chriſt in the work of his Mediatorſhip for man: he is not yet in a covenant with God; all this is to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Luke 1.17. For though Chriſt hath payed the price of the …ects ranſom, and hath purchaſed their liberty on the Croſs, yea, and hath alſo convinced a man of his need of this ranſom, and made him toward and tractable to liſten, to accept of it; yet till a man come in by faith, and manifeſt his acceptance, or rather actually accept of Chriſts propoſals, he is not yet actually in a Covenant with God, but concluded under wrath, Joh. 3.36, And he that believeth not the Son, ſhall not ſee life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

The ſecond part of the Mediators work and execution of his Office, is, to bring the elect within the bond of the Covenant. And for bringing about this, 1. Chriſt makes an offer of a New Covenant ſtate, with all ſuitable allurements and encouragements which may invite the Souls of the elect to accept of it; And for this end he hath appointed the Miniſtry of Reconciliation, 2 Cor. 5.19, 20, God was in Chriſt reconciling the world unto himſelf, not imputing their treſpaſſes unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are Ambaſſadors for Christ, as though God did beſeech you by us, we pray you in Chriſts ſtead be ye reconciled to God. And 6.17, 18, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye ſeparate, ſaith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a p. 265Father unto you, and ye ſhall be my Sons and Daughters, ſaith the Lord Almighty. Iſa. 55.1, 3, Ho, every one that thirſteth; come ye to the waters—Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear and your Soul ſhall live: and I will make an everlaſting Covenant with you, even the ſure mercies of David. 2. He ſhapeth and frameth the hearts of his people for acceptation of his offer, and bringeth them unto a liking and ſatisfaction with the Covenant, and the terms of it; 2 Sam. 23.5, For this is all my ſalvation, and all my deſire, although he make it not to grow. Pſal. 73. laſt, But it is good for me to draw near to God—I have put my truſt in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works. 3. He actually maketh them to embrace it, and enter into it: for after he hath ſhaped their hearts for acceptation, he actually engageth them by conſenting and agreeing on their part, Hoſ. 2.14, 19, Therefore behold, I will allure her, and bring her unto the Wilderneſs, and ſpeak comfortably unto her.—And I will betroth thee unto me for ever. Ezek. 20.37, And I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant. Joh. 6.37, All that the Father giveth me, ſhall come to me. And this he doth, 1. By making us receive and welcom the Goſpel, and ſubject our conſent unto it, by taking on the very bonds and rebukes of the Word, and yielding our ſelves captives unto it, 2 Cor. 9.13, Whiles by the experiment of this miniſtration they glorify God for your profeſſed ſubjection unto the Goſpel of Chriſt. And 10.4, For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of ſtrong holds. Rom. 6.17, But ye have obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine which was delivered unto you. 2. By making us receive and embrace the Promiſes, Heb. 11.13, and take hold of the Covenant, Iſa. 56.4, 6. And this is a further ſtep of the Mediators work, in making the Soul cloſe with God in a Covenant. 3. By making us receive Chriſt himſelf in the promiſes, Joh. 1.12, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. For as Faith hath for the object of it, the whole Word of God; ſo eſpecially the promiſes, and more eſpecially Chriſt in the promiſes. 4. By making us give up our ſelves to be Chriſts, and no more our own; Iſa. 44.5, One ſhall ſay, I am the Lords: and by making us ſubject our Conſent unto him, as the Wife doth to p. 266the Husband in a Marriage-Covenant, 2 Cor. 9.13. And all this is the Mediators work, and the execution of his Office. For, 1. It is he that offers the Covenant, Heb. 12.25, See that ye refuſe not him that ſpeaketh. 2. It is he that ſhapeth the heart for acceptation of the offer, Ezek 36.26, A new heart alſo will I give you, and a new Spirit will I put within you, 3. It is he that engageth the heart to God by a Covenant, Jer. 30.21, And I will cauſe him to draw near, and he ſhall approach unto me; for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me, ſaith the Lord? Joh. 12.32, And I, if I be lifted up from the Earth, will draw all men unto me. 4. It is he that maketh us give up our ſelves to him, Ezek. 36.27, 28, And I will put my Spirit into you, and cauſe you to walk in my wayes.—And ye ſhall be my people, and I will be your God. The third part of the Mediators work in the execution of his Office, is to enable them whom he bringeth into the Covenant of Grace, to perform the duty of the Covenant according to his undertaking to his Father on their behalf: and for this effect, 1. He circumciſeth their hearts, and taketh away the ſtone and natural averſneſs and rebellion againſt Covenant-duties, Deut. 30.6, And the Lord thy God will circumciſe thy heart, and the heart of thy ſeed, to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy ſoul, that thou maiſt live. Ezek. 36.26, And I will take away the ſtony heart out of your fleſh, and I will give you an heart of fleſh. 2. He engraffeth a new inward principle in their hearts, of compliance with, and propenſion unto their duty, Jer. 31.33, I will put my Law into their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they ſhall be my people. And 32.40, I will put my fear in their hearts, that they ſhall not depart from me. 3. He affordeth ſtrength to them, for performing the duties of the Covenant, and maketh his Grace effectual in them for that end: ſee Ezek 36.37, And I will put my Spirit within you, and cauſe you to walk in my Statutes, and ye ſhall keep my Judgments and do them. He craveth his Rent, and filleth the hand wherewith to pay it; Pſal. 1.11, Being filled with the fruits of righteouſneſs which are by Jeſus Chriſt, unto the glory and praiſe of God. 2 Cor. 9.8, And God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that ye alwayes having all-ſufficiency in all p. 267things, may abound to every good work. 4. He breathes upon the graces of his people, and acteth them by daily freſh and quickening aſſiſtances, Song. 4.16, Awake, O North wind, and come, O South, blow upon my Garden, that the ſpices thereof may flow out: Yea, he worketh in us, and for us, all that which we take upon us as duty in the Covenant of Grace, Iſa. 26.12, For thou alſo haſt wrought all our works in us. Phil. 2.13, For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleaſure.

The fourth part of the Mediators work in executing this Office, is, to keep thoſe whom he bringeth into the Covevenant, from falling away from that bleſſed eſtate: If it were not for the Mediators travelling in this work, the reconciliation once made could not ſtand: if he did not continue for ever Mediator of the New Covenant, we ſhould not for ever continue in that Covenant-ſtate, Heb. 7.24, 25, But this man, becauſe he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable Prieſthood. Wherefore he is able alſo to ſave them to the uttermoſt that come unto God by him, ſeeing he ever liveth to make interceſſion for them. And for keeping believers in this Covenant, Chriſt the Mediator, beſide his contriving the Covenant ſo, that breaches ſhall not make it void, Pſal. 89.30, 33, If his Children forſake my Law, and walk not in my Judgments: Nevertheleſs my loving-kindneſs will I not utterly take from him, nor ſuffer my faithfulneſs to fail. Jer. 31.34, I will forgive their iniquity, and will remember their ſin no more. 1. He gifteth them with, and conveyeth to them an immortal and everlaſting principle of Grace that cannot dye nor utterly periſh, Joh. 4.14, But the water that I ſhall give him, ſhall be in him a Well of water ſpringing up into everlaſting life. 1 Joh. 3.9, His ſeed remaineth in him, and he cannot ſin, becauſe he is born of God. 2. He keepeth life by his interceſſion, in that engaging principle of Faith, that it fail not, Luke 22.32, But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not. But all this could not effect the buſineſs, being but our gripe of him; therefore, 3. Conſider how he keepeth a gripe of them, he engageth his Father to keep his people, and he himſelf employeth all the power, credit, and intereſt that he hath in Heaven and Earth, to keep them in that bleſſed ſtate, Joh. 17.11, 12, And now I am no more p. 268in the World, but theſe are in the World: And I come to thee: holy Father, keep through thine own name thoſe whom thou haſt given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world I kept them through thy name: thoſe whom thou gaveſt me I have kept, and none of them is loſt but the Son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 1 Pet. 1.5, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto ſalvation, ready to be revealed in the laſt time. Joh. 10.28, 29, And I give unto them eternal life, and they ſhall never periſh, neither ſhall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand. Deut. 33.27, The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath is the everlaſting arms. Iſa. 40.29, He giveth power to them that are faint, and to them that have no might he encreaſeth ſtrength. 4. He maintaineth the peace and agreement that he made through his own being in Heaven, a conſtant and ordinary Agent to apear in the preſence of God for us, Heb. 9.24. Who lieth there of purpoſe that the Covenant betwixt God and his people may continue, and that league never be broken; for ſo long as Chriſt appeareth in Heaven, there ſhall be peace and friendſhip for all Believers, Rom. 5.1, 2, Therefore being juſtified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jeſus Chriſt. By whom alſo we have acceſs by Faith unto this grace wherein we ſtand, and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God. Eph. 2.14, For he is our peace, who hath made both one. 5. He keepeth intercourſe and good correſpondence betwixt his Father and his people, that their trading with Heaven be not ſtopped, Eph. 2.18, For by him we both have an acceſs through one Spirit unto the Father. And 3.12, In whom we have boldneſs and acceſs with confidence by the Faith of him: 1 Pet. 3.18, For Chriſt alſo hath once ſuffered for ſins, the juſt for the unjuſt; that he might bring foreign, a word that ſignifies leading by the hand, Heb. 10.19, Having therefore, Brethren, boldneſs to enter into the holieſt by the blood of Jeſus. And 4.16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace. 6. He taketh up emergent differences, and removeth the incident breaches of Peace betwixt both parties, Iſa. 53.12, And he was numbred with the tranſgreſſors, and be bare the ſin of many, and made interceſſion for the Tranſgreſſors, Heb. p. 2699.7, Not without blood, he which offered for himſelf and for the errors of the people, foreign— the word ſignifieth the infirmities to which the people of God are daily ſubject, which would break the league of Peace, were it not for the Mediators doing his Office, to hold it firm: And this he doth, 1. As an Agent, making his conſtant reſidence in Heaven, that upon all occaſions he may appear in the preſence of God for us, Heb. 9.24. 2. As an Advocate, pleading his peoples cauſe, and ſhewing that ſatisfied Juſtice muſt be for them 1 Joh. 2.1, And if any man ſin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jeſus Chriſt the righteous. Heb. 12, 24, And to Jeſus the Mediator of the New-Covenant, and to the blood of ſprinkling, that ſpeaketh better things than that of Abel. 3. As an Interceſſor, praying for them; Joh. 17, througout, Rom. 8.34, Who is he that condemneth? It is Chriſt that dyed, yea rather that is riſen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who alſo maketh interceſſion for us. 4. As a Solicitor, preſenting and promoting the Prayers and deſires of his people, to his Father, Rev. 8.3, And another Angel came and ſtood at the Altar, having a golden Cenſor, and there was given unto him much incenſe, that he ſhould offer it with the prayers of all Saints, upon the golden Altar which was before the Throne.

The fifth part of the Mediators work in executing this Office, is to bring all thoſe whom he hath engaged by this Covenant, to the height of that bleſſedneſs which he hath appointed for them, that as a Captain of Salvation he might bring many Sons to glory, Heb. 2.10, which ſtandeth in perfect and glorious conformity with Chriſt, and in perfect and glorious communion with God, 1 Joh. 3.2, But we know that when he ſhall appear, we ſhall be like him, for we ſhall ſee him as he is. For accompliſhing whereof, Chriſt in executing the Mediators Office, 1. He prepareth that happineſs for them, and a fit place where they may enjoy it for ever, 1 Cor. 2.9, Eye hath not ſeen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entred into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Joh. 14.2, 3, In my Fathers houſe are many Manſions: if it were not ſo, I would have told you; I go to prepare a place for you; and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto my ſelf, that where p. 270I am, there ye may be alſo. 2. He keepeth this happineſs for them, when they can contribute nothing to keep it; all this while that it is hid, it is ſure and reſerved for them in Heaven, 1 Pet. 1.4, To an Inheritance incorruptible, and that fadeth not away, reſerved in Heaven for you. 2 Tim. 4.8, Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of righteouſneſs, which the Lord the righteous Judg ſhall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto them alſo that love his appearing. 3. He keepeth them for it: for we have as much need of keeping as our Crown and Inheritance; as we cannot keep it, ſo we cannot keep our ſelves, 1 Pet. 1.5, Who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation, ready to be revealed in the laſt time. Luke 22.32, But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not. 4. Chriſt Mediator in executing his Office, he goeth before his people, and breaketh the oppoſition that is in their way to Glory; ſo that he leaveth them no Adverſary to fight with, but broken forces, ſuch as he hath routed and conquered, Pſal. 68.18, Thou haſt aſcended on high, thou haſt led captivity captive, thou haſt received gifts for men, yea for the rebellious alſo, that the Lord God might dwell among them: with Eph. 4.8, Wherefore he ſaith, when he aſcended up on high, &c. Yea, he went before his people to take poſſeſſion for them, and in their names, Heb. 6.20, Whither the fore-runner is for us entred. Joh. 14.2, I go to prepare a place for you. 5. He maketh his people meet and fit for that glorious condition which is reſerved for them: for we need preparation, being unpoliſhed matter, and unfit for ſuch a houſe as Heaven is: we muſt be made meet for it, before we enjoy it, Col. 1.12. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light: the Father doth this work by the Son; it is the Mediators work immediately to make the Saints meet for their Inheritance, Eph. 5.26, 27, That he might ſanctify, and might cleanſe it with the waſhing of water by the Word: that he might preſent it to himſelf a glorious Church, not having ſpot or wrinkle, or any ſuch thing: but that it ſhould be holy and without blemiſh. Joh. 17.19, And for their ſakes I alſo ſanctify my ſelf, that they alſo might be ſanctified through the truth: he is the Author and finiſher of our faith, Heb. 12.2. 6. When all his people are fitted and ready to receive what he hath p. 271prepared for them: he will not then ſend any Ambaſſador to bring them, but he himſelf in his own perſon will come and bring them home to the place of immediate everlaſting injoyments of God, which he hath prepared, and will crown and perfect his work in all his people, Joh. 14.3, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto my ſelf, that where I am, there ye may be alſo. Col. 3.4, When Chriſt who is our life ſhall appear, then ſhall ye alſo appear with him in Glory. Rev. 19.7, 8, Let us be glad and rejoyce, and give honour to him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his Wife hath made her ſelf ready. And to her was granted that ſhe ſhould be arrayed in fine linnen clean and white; for the fine linnen is the righteouſneſs of Saints.