Goodwill Towards Men, Part 2 · Section 10
Heb. 12.2.
Jesus the Authour and Finisher of Faith.
Sect. 10.
PROP. X. That Grace whereby the Elect performeth the Condition of the Covenant, was purchased by Christ for them.
THey that go the high Arminian way, hold that Christ Died for all, and every one alike; that is, that by his Death he Impetrated Remission and Salvation for all men, if they Believe: Not that he purchased that Grace for any, whereby they shall certainly Believe. And so with them, [Fieri potest ut impetratio sarta tecta maneat, suisque numeris perfecta constet, etiamsi increduli omnes manentes nulli forte essent, qui fructum ejus impetrationis obincredulitatem suam propriam perceperent. v. Pelt. Hac. p. 131. Notwithstanding all that Christ hath procured by his Death, it might so fall out yet, that not one in the world should be saved.
Now these, howsoever they may seem to enlarge the extent of Christs death, yet they really enervate the merit, and weaken the efficacy of his death. If this be all that Christ impetrated by his death, that God might salvâ justitiâ, with safety to his justice, and honour, make a new Covenant with fallen man, come upon new terms with him, and save him, if he believeth, and sincerely obeyeth; I say if this was all, then Christ might attain his end in dying, and the death of Christ might have its full effect, and yet not one soul saved by it. Now what a faint cause of salvation must that needs be, which being put, yet it doth not follow, that any one in the world shall certainly be saved? yet thus it must be, if the death of Christ, extendeth not further, than to make this a truth, that [whosoever believeth, shall be saved] without purchasing for any the grace whereby they shall believe.
And as much as they think, that their way tendeth most to the honour of Christ our Saviour, yet in truth it tendeth to his great dishonour. For so they would make Christ a Saviour, Nomine non re, a titular Saviour, purchasing a Salvation for all, without any full and certain intention of applying it to any. To say that he would be a Saviour as well, though not one should be saved by his death; is not this to mock Christ, as they mocked him who put on him a scarlet Robe, and put a reed in his hand, and said, Hail King of the Jews? And thus they that believe and are saved, should not owe one jot more to the merit of his death, than they who perish, and are damned; now is not this a wrong to Christ? If Christ in dying, had not an eye to the salvation of one more than of another: but had respect to all alike, impetrated for all alike; if he merited no more for the Elect than he did for Reprobates; then the one are no more bound to him, for his Love in dying, than the other. Which I wonder how a true believer should hear with patience, and without abhorrency.
Though I confess, they that go the middle way, do not (that I can find) so rob Christs death of its vertue and efficacy, or deny its proper causal influence into our salvation, holding, that Christ dyed for all so far, as to procure a conditional pardon for them; and this Law of Grace, that whosoever believeth shall be saved: but withall, that in dying he had a further aim, a special eye of respect towards the Elect, to procure their certain performing of the condition, and so their salvation infallibly. That he died not onelyonly that men might be salvable, Sed ut reapse & certissimé semen ex sanguine videret, that those who were given him of the Father, might be certainly redeemed, actually saved by him *Christus Moriendo genuit. Mediâ morte suâ nobis contulit vitam gratiae, Joh. 12.24.
Now while so much is granted us, we will freely grant, that the death of Christ is a satisfaction abundantly sufficient for all the sinners in the world: there needeth no other satisfaction to be added, to make it availe to the redemption and salvation of more. God is so well pleased with the Sacrifice of his Son, that for his sake he is ready to be reconciled unto any that come to God by him. And no sinner perisheth for this cause, that the satisfaction of Christ was insufficient, or not of so large extent, as to reach him: but through his own default, falling short of what is required to our having Actual benefit by Christs Satisfaction. The blood of Christ is sufficient to cleanse every one of us from all our sins: onelyonly they deprive themselves of the saving benefit of his death, they render it ineffectual as to themselves, who trample it under foot. The most Soveraign remedy does the Patient no good, not being applyed and made use of.
But notwithstanding, sinners dye, not because there is no remedy for them, no possibility of Salvation, but because they doe not apply themselves to the Physitian, nor seek to be saved in that way, wherein alone they can be saved; yet Christ died not alike for the salvation of all. Christ laid down his life for his sheep, with another manner of intention, than he laid down his life for the world. He is so the Saviour of his body the Church, as he is not the Saviour of the world.
That he laid down his life for his sheep, not onelyonly to purchase remission, and salvation for them conditionally (scil.) if they believe: but to procure remission, and salvation for them most certainly and infallibly, and so to procure the working of the condition of salvation in them, to me seemeth plain and clear, from plentifull testimony of Scripture. Isa. 53.10. When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed. As sure as Christ was made an offering for sin, so sure it is, that he shall see his seed, as a fruit of his death, This is contrary to what some teach, that Christ might have his design in dying, and his death attain its end, and have its sull effect, though what Christ did impetrate should not come to be applyed to any soul in the world. Now if it were so, how should Christ see his seed? And no doubt, but Christ merited so much, that his labour should not be in vain, nor his strength be spent for nought, and in vain: but that Israel should be gathered by him, gathered to him, and that he should be for a light for the Gentiles, and for salvation to the ends of the earth, Isa. 49.4, 5, 6. As he saith, Joh. 12.32. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me; where by lifting up from the earth, we are to understand, not his Ascension, but his Crucifixion (as is evident from ver. 33. So the drawing of sinners unto Christ, even of all that are drawn is made a fruit, and consequent of his death.
Tit. 2.14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purifie unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. He died, not onelyonly that all who turn from iniquity, might be redeemed from wrath to come, but also to redeem his people from iniquity, and so from wrath to come. Therefor his Name was called Jesus, because he was to save his people from their sins. He was to destroy the works of the devil: and did spoil Principalities and powers, triumphing over them in his cross, when his heel was bruised, (when he suffered in his humanity the lowest part of him,) then he brake the Serpents head.
He died, not onelyonly to purchase happiness for his people in the end, but also to procure holiness for them, as the way and means, necessarily conducing to that end. He gave himself (as we hear before) to Purifie to himself a peculiar people, Zealous, &c. He is made unto us Sanctification, as well as Righteousness, 1 Cor. 1.31. He gave himself for the Church, that he might Sanctifie it, Ephes. 5.25, 26. We owe it unto Christ that any of us are Sanctified, as well as that we are justified. Christ shed his Blood, for his people to wash in, and be clean. As from his side pierced, there came forth Blood and Water, John 19.34. This shadows out the Virtue and Efficacy of his Death, his shedding of his most pure, and precious Blood, being not only for the Expiating of Guilt and purifying of the Conscience; but also for cleansing the heart, Ephes. 1.4. Elected in Christ to be holy. That seemeth to intimate, that it is only in and through Christ, that any come to be Sanctified. And though we are not Elected for Christ, yet we are renewed and sanctified, and so may be said to be Elected unto Holiness through and for him. That God never intended to bestow saving, sanctifying Grace on any of us, but upon the account of Christ, see 2 Tim. 1.9. The holy calling is given in Christ Jesus, and Grace given in Christ Jesus, see Tit. 3.56. Christ is the Author both of Salvation begun, and of Salvation perfected, consummate. All Spiritual blessings are in, and from Christ. Blessed with all Spiritual blessings in Christ. Ephes. 1.3.Is not Faith a Spiritual blessing? Is not Repentance a Spiritual blessing? then they are derived only through Christ. He is the Author and Finisher of Faith, Heb. 12.2. He is the procurer of it. That Faith is given to any, it is given on the behalf of Christ, foreign.or for Christ, Phil. 1.29. So Repentance is from Christ; from Christ, as a Saviour: Repentance is aswel from him, as Remission of sins, Acts 5.31. By him we are brought into a state of Grace, Rom. 5.2. And when he led Captivity Captive, he received Gifts for men, yea, for the Rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them, Psal 68.19. (to which the Apostle Peter seemeth to allude, Acts 2.33.) And we read of Christs sending the Spirit, John 15.26. The Comforter, whom I will send unto you from the Father. And John 14.26. He is sent in Christs Name.
And may we pray for the Spirit in Christs Name? may we pray for Grace, ask Faith in Christs Name? If so, would not it imply, it was purchased by Christ for some?
Whatsoever we ask, we should ask in the Name of Christ, we must ask in his Name, if we would receive, John 14.13. and Chap. 16.23. Now what is it to ask in the Name of Christ, if it be not to plead, insist, and depend on the Worthiness, and Merit of Christ, with allowance from him, for the obtaining of what we want, and desire? When we ask in his Name, we eye him in his Mediatory Undertaking. As he is the Son of God, and very God, equal with his Father, so we pray to him, and he properly answers Prayer. But as he is Mediatour, so we put up our Prayers not to him, but to God through him; I say we pray to him as God. We do not pray in his Name: as Mediator, we pray not to him, but pray in his Name. Now if we may pray for Grace in the Name of Christ Mediator, that Argues it is a thing merited by him.
Object. It was purchased, but conditionally; that is, if men resist not Gods Call, and thus put a Bar to his Grace.
Answ. Will any say so? That is to say, Christ hath purchased the Grace for men, whereby they shall believe, upon condition they shall be disposed to believe of themselves. They that do not resist Gods Call, obey it: And they that obey Gods Call to believe, do believe. Thus if Christ should have purchased Faith for us only Conditionally, if we do not resist Gods Call; the meaning were, and it would come to no more but this, Vid. Thes. Salmur. par. 4. p. 142. sect. 14.he hath purchased Grace for us, whereby we should come to Believe, if we Believe.
Again, may we suppose, that Christ Intercedeth on the behalf of any? as Psal. 2.8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the Heathen for thine Inheritance. John 17.17. Sanctifie them through thy truth. Ver. 19, 20. For their sakes I sanctifie my self, that they also might be sanctified through the Truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word, Luke 22.32. I have prayed for thee (Peter) that thy faith fail not. Now if these are things for which Christ intercedeth, they are things Merited by him. Christs Intercession is like an Advocates pleading, who hath Law and Right on his side, not like a Beggars craving, Heb. 9.24. Is not his Appearance in Heaven a continual real Pleading for his people? How? As a presenting to his Fathers view and remembrance, what he had done and suffered upon Earth, for the Redemption and Salvation of his People. Has not his Blood a Voice? Yea, a louder Voice than the blood of Abel; only it speaketh better things, Heb. 12.24. If Christs Intercession be nothing else, but a pleading of his Merits, then what he Intercedeth for, he Merited. Those Divines that are for Christs Interceding in Heaven by an Express and open Representation of his will to the Father: Yet make his Death the ground of his Intercession. That Christ fervently and immoveably willeth and desireth this and that of the Father, for the sake, and Virtue of his Death, and Sacrifice. So that if he Intercede for the Conversion of any, he Merited their conversion; if he Intercede for the sanctification of any, and for their Confirmation in Grace to the end, that their Faith may not fail, he Merited so much for them.
And so no doubt, that Jesus Christ, the Eternal, and only begotten Son of God, who was One in Essence, and Equal in Power and Glory with the Father, that he should take Mans nature on him, and give his Life a Ransome for many; even he who was worth Ten Thousand Worlds of such as we are, that he out of his Zeal for the Honour of God, to clear and satisfie his Justice, and to make way for the glorious Manifestation of his Grace and Mercy, and also out of Love and Compassion towards poor perishing Creatures, (such Love as was stronger than Death;) I say, that he upon such principles and considerations, should so willingly Die for sinners, and bear the wrath of God, which sin deserved, to make way for sinners Reconciliation unto God, and their Eternal salvation: This was such a worthy undertaking, and so highly well pleasing unto God, as deserved indeed, that his Labour and Sufferings should not be in vain, as to the Actual Redemption and certain Salvation of some. Nor is it to be imagined, that Christ would lay down his Life meerly to make men salvable, but that he had good assurance, that it should be to the certain salvation of many, that his Blood should not be as Water spilt upon the ground. Can we think that he would have Died upon such Terms, as it should be possible for men to be saved by him; and yet contingent and doubtful, whether any one in the world should be saved? It is not a meer possibility of Redemption, but Actual redemption, that the Saints in Heaven praise and extol him for, Rev. 5.9.12. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive Power, and Honour, and Glory: For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy Blood, out of every Kindred, and Tongue, and People, and Nation.
And if Christ did not (in dying for them) intend their certain Actual Redemption, he only intended a lesser kindness, to wit, what was extended to those that perish, in common with them: but the far greater kindness happens to them besides his Intention, which they might probably enough have missed of, for any thing that Christ did peculiarly for them; and which the other might as well have gone away withal.
Hence says one, Methinks an Arminian can hardly bear a part with the Redeemed in that Triumphant Song, while he thinks in his heart, he is no more beholden to the Lamb for his Redemption, Lyford sensûs Exerc. p. 278. 279.than Cain, or Judas, and the Damned crue.
One thing more I pray take notice of. He that could satisfie for others, could as well Merit for others. It was as much, to satisfie for our sins, as to merit and purchase saving Grace for us: It was as easie for the Lord Jesus Christ to purchase that Grace for the Elect, whereby they should Infallibly be brought on to Faith, and so to Salvation; as to purchase Remission and Salvation for men, upon condition that they believe. And methinks, it was necessary to make him a compleat and perfect Saviour, that he should do the One, as well as the other. And they would seem not to consult the Honour of our Redeemer so much as they ought, that make his Death a Satisfaction for sin, but deny it to be Meritorious of Grace. It was a Meritorious satisfaction. As it was satisfactory for sin; so it was Meritorious of that saving Grace, without which his people could have had no benefit by his Death, as a satisfaction. As it was satisfactory, it was to Exempt and Deliver us from the great evîl and misery, we were Obnoxious unto; as it was Meritorious, it procured that Good and Happiness, we want. Thus Christs Death was not only to redeem us from the Curse due to sin, but to redeem us unto God. His Blood was not only to pay our Debts, but to purchase a new Stock, and a surer Estate for his People, than that we had lost.
Since the writing of these Notes, I met with one, †J. H. Middle Way of Elect. and Redempt. p. 29.quite of another perswasion, who holdeth that the Merit, or purchase of Christs Death, or the Price he laid down for our Redemption, was not offered to the Father, to procure of him, that he should give Faith, and Repentance to any; but that he should give Remission to those that repent, &c. For which he Argues modestly thus, 1. The holding otherwise makes Christs Redemption a double thing. Answ. And so the Scripture seems to make it. Teaching in some places, that he gave himself a Ransome for All, for the whole World, and tasted Death for every man: And in other places, that he laid down his Life for his Sheep, for those whom the Father had given him, that he gave himself for the Church. 2. It goes quite against the hair to reason, that Christ should procure the benefit upon condition, and not otherwise; and yet that he should procure also the performance. To what purpose do we make such a labour about, as this? Answ. It is no more against the hair, then that Christ should have the Elect especially in his Eyes; or then it is against the hair, that he should deliver them from wrath to come, by saving them from their sins. It was no Labour about, when Christ died with a special intention of redeeming the Elect effectually, and of being the Author of certain Actual Salvation to them, to take in, and intend the necessary means leading thereunto. 3. Then there is nothing in mans salvation but of purchase, and we shall be beholden to Christ for all, and to God for nothing. Answ. We are never the less beholden to God, for that he gave his son Jesus Christ to be our Saviour, and to do all this for us. Surely, the Father is to be acknowledged, and praised for all that Christ has done in order to our salvation, see John 6.38.39.40. and Chap. 17.4. Christ came into the world, to do his Fathers will, and finish the work, that his Father gave him to do. And are we not beholden to God for the pardon of sin? which this Writer grants, to have been purchased by Christs Death for those that Repent, and Believe. And Heaven, I hope, is Gods Gift, notwithstanding Christs purchase. 4. The Death and Redemption of Christ is for All, for every man, &c. Answ. What was said in answer to his first Reason, will take off what he says here. There was a general, and lesser benefit extended to the world by Christs Death, again there was a special and greater benefit intended to the Elect by it. The latter contains the former, not vice versâ: In regard of the former, he is the Saviour of the World, in regard of the latter, the Saviour of his Body only. p. 30. Gods sending his Son is one thing, and his sending his Spirit another. Answ. Yet the sending of his Son was to make way for sending of his Spirit. And the Spirit is sent in Christs Name, with what it implieth, I have shewn before. Ibid. Let it be true on the one hand that Christ by his Redemption, hath indeed procured no more for Paul and Peter, than for Judas and the Reprobate. Answ. But that is scarce true, when Paul says, Gal. 2.20. Who loved me, and gave himself for me. I cannot think, he meant no more, than so as he loved and gave himself for all the Reprobates in the world. This would not keep up the Honour of his Redemption to the height, as he there pretends.
Pag. 31. It is true, we come in the Name of Christ, to ask his Spirit and Grace; that is, we ask it through Christs Merits. A fair concession, (which one would think was no less than giving away his cause: But he distinguisheth here.) There is the Merits of his Person, as well as the Merits of his Death. Answ. That there was any Merit in his Death, it was from the Worthiness of his Person. But why could not Christ have procured our Reconciliation to God, and Salvation, by the Merits of his Person, as well as the effectual Vocation? And thus would not this Writer make Christs Death and Oblation, as he insinuates, that others make some part of his Mediatorship, more than needs.
Pag. 33, 34. I must offer moreover, If Christ had purchased Faith and Repentance for some, which all have not, the Reprobate might here have something to say, &c. Answ. No more to say, than against Gods Decree of Election, which yet he maintains. Will he allow the Reprobate to say, That the reason why he repented not, as the Elect did, is because God had decreed to give Repentance to one of them, and not to the other. According to his Reasoning here, in regard of Gods decree of Election (which he holds with us) Christs Purchase and Redemption should as well be a mock to the Reprobate. But as God hath intended and promised, and Christ hath purchased Faith and Repentance for the Elect, so that they come certainly to believe and repent; they owe it unto Gods Grace, and Christs purchase. And as for others that fall short of Grace here, and so of Salvation hereafter, it is through their own fault. God, and Christ have done enough to leave them all without Excuse.
Other things I pass by, being spoken to before.
Now this Proposition, that Christ is the purchaser of Grace, may be of good use. As
(1.) This speaks encouragement to poor destressed souls, who have a deep sense both of their own weakness and unworthiness. Though thou art never so unworthy of Grace, yet Jesus Christ is worthy, for whose sake it may be freely Imparted to thee. Grant, that thou art unworthy, that he should own thee; yet surely he hath deserved to have a people in the world, that should own him indeed, believe on him and submit to him. He is worthy to have a people to serve and Honour him. And he hath taught us to pray, [Thy Kingdom come,] though we are unworthy to be Translated into his Kingdom. He is worthy to be our Ruler, though we are unworthy to be acknowledged by him, as his Loyal Subjects. He that hath Fought for us, Died for us, is worthy to be our Head, though we are unworthy to be his Members. Well, here is Encouragement for such as begin to enquire after him, only they fear, they should have no part in him, sear that they shall be rejected of him: Rather if thou canst not be satisfied without Christ and his Grace, it is a sign, the Lord hath begun with thee, to bring thee over to himself. It is to be hoped thou art part of Christs purchase, which he will not lose. Converts are the Travel of his soul, And he is abundantly satisfied, to see this Fruit of his sorrows. When souls become willing to bow to his Scepter. It is the day of Christs Power, Psal. 110.3. It is the day of Christs glorious Conquest, and Triumph; it is as a Coronation day to Christ, Cant. 3.11. The day of the gladness of his Heart. Let the thoughts of thy former unworthy carriage and disposition be humble, but not discourage thee. Remember, that he hath received Gifts for men, yea, for the Rebellious also, that the Lord God may dwell among them. He hath subdued many a rebellious Creature by his Grace, and made them Loyal Subjects. And if now thou art lamenting after him, it is to be hoped, he is at work with thee.
Object. But they are so very few in comparison, that ever attain to an Interest in Christ, and saving Grace, that I know not how to hope, it should be ever so well with me.
Answ. If they were never so few, yet while there are any, and so long as the thing is possible, thou art to seek it above all things in the world: And if thou must die and perish, yet thou shouldst resolve to die and perish in pursuit after Christ, and Grace. If any place of Profit or Honour be to be disposed of, many will presently put in for it, will make Friends, and employ their Wit and Interest to obtain it; many will seek, though but one can go away with it: But here all that seek Christ and Grace aright, are in the way to find him.
(2.) You that are partaking of Christs purchase, that have received some Grace of his Fulness; remember where you had it, and be, 1. Humble. 2. Thankful. 3. Watchful.
1. Be Humble, you may not say, my hand hath got me this wealth: Now I live, saith the Apostle, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.
2. Be Thankful, O how thankful should you be for Christ, and how thankful to him? What praise is due to him, who hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own Blood, and sanctified us?
3. Be Watchful, to preserve Grace. Remember what it cost: As David said of the water of the West of Bethlchem, Is it not the blood of the men, that went in Jeopardy of their Lives? O precious Faith, which cost the precious Blood of Christ, to purchase it! when you are careless of maintaining and preserving Grace received, would not this Argue, that you have very low thoughts of the purchase of Christs Blood? Did he not think it too much, to shed his Blood, to procure Grace and Peace for thee: And dost thou think any pains too much to preserve thine? Does not that deserve to be cherished with our Prayers and Tears, which cost the Blood of Christ, to procure it for us?