A Complete Body of Divinity, Sermons · 114 (Question 30)
SERMON CXIV.
QUESTION XXX.
HOW doth the Holy Spirit apply to as the Redemption purchaſed by Chriſt?
ANSWER.
THE Spirit applyeth to us the Redemption purchaſed by Chriſt, by working Faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Chriſt, in our Effectual Calling.
UNDER the former Queſtion, we took an Account of the general Nature, Neceſſity, and Author of Application. We are here pointed to the Conſideration of the Way or Manner of the Spirit's working it in us. There are Three things intimated to us in this Anſwer,
1. The Way in which the Spirit ſo applies Chriſt's Redemption to us, as it becomes ours, i e. by Uniting us to Chriſt.
2. The Courſe that he takes to produce this Union, viz. by working Faith in us.
3. The Work in which this Faith, and the conſequent Union is produced, viz. Effectual Calling.
The two latter of theſe will come under after Conſideration. I ſhall therefore at preſent take no farther notice of them, than is neceſſary for the opening and clearing of the former. Let us then obſerve, that Faith is the proper uniting Grace, by which we are made one with Chriſt, and that this Faith is a work of the Holy Spirit, and prod… … in Converſion. But that that lies … is our Union with Chriſt. And here … ral, let us obſerve, That there are … of Application, viz. Union to, and … on with Chriſt. The former of the… … ground of the latter, or the found … which it is laid, or the medium by … is introduced. We muſt firſt be in … fore we can partake in his benefits … promiſes are treaſured up in him, 2 … …. And ſo, it is with Him, that God … thing elſe to us, Rom. 8.32. The Doctrine … Union, is very myſterious, and moſt … next to that of the hypoſtatical Union … two Natures, Divine and Humane, … Perſon of Chriſt. It is therefore … for us to take a brief view of it at … for the avoiding of the dangerous … on either hand. And here I ſhall … wave divers niceties uſed by ſome, and … your to accommodate my ſelf to … pacities. And here we may firſt … the Nature of this Union, and then … Way in which it is wrought.
I. TOUCHING the Nature of this … we may conceive of it in this Doctrine …, It is a myſtical and ſpiritual Conjunction … between Chriſt and the Believer, where … are brought into the nearest relation, … other. In which Deſcription there are … things to be taken notice of,
1. THE Parties between whom this … made, viz. Chriſt, and the believer. This … of Union …at mates things that are diverſe, and yet in ſome reſpect …, and oftentimes …y be…e one by …er…ue of this Union, … before it, were not only divers, but …. And ſo it is here. There are therefore two Parties, which are ſuppoſed to be … of it.
(1.) THE one Party is Chriſt. O… which … …e and his Church are called by one …, Chriſt. … Cor. 12.12. For is the body … and hath …e…y members, and all the mem… of th… one body, being many are one body: … is Chriſt. And here we are to conſider … neither …cerly as God, or a divine Per…, … …erly in regard of his humane Nature, but as God Man Mediator. It is true, by Chriſt, we are united to God. Hence that under… expreſſion. Joh 17.21. That they … may …e one, as th… Father art in me, and I …, that they alſo may be … in us. But it … Perſon of Chriſt whom they nextly …. And indeed, it was by the So…'s …ing Man, and Mediator, that the way was … for this Union, but for which, there had … coming at God by ſinful man, but he …ld have been as dry ſtubble to a conſuming …e. It is by him that we have acceſs to …, 2.18.
(2) The …her Party is the Believer. Not … there is any article of time in which he on Believer before this Union is made; for … Anſwer t…lls us, that by working Faith …, he …ai…es us. We therefore read, Eph. …. 17. Thus Chriſt may dwell in your …earts by … Before believing we are ſinners, and … from him, but by faith we receive … …et yet there is an antecedency in … … in as much as faith hath the … of at inſtrument, or medium of this …. It …ay alſo well be expreſt by the … becauſe all Believers, and none but … are thus united to him.
(3). … g…er…l nature of it; …it is a Con… made between theſe two. Believers … this account, ſaid to be joined to the … 1 Cor. 6.17. The word ſignifies to ad… …, as thing th… are glued one to … noting the intim… of it. There … Conjunctions of things, all of which … not of the ſame kind of nature, … imply an uniting of them; we … therefore purſue this a little further.
Hence,
2. THE ſpetial nature of it, may be gathered … the reſt of the Deſcription. Where three … are aſſerted,
(1.) THAT it is a myſtical Union. The … tells us that it is agreat Myſtery, … 5.32. Now a Myſtery is a thing that …ſe and ſecret, we have a notion of … itſelf, but are at a loſs about the … manner of it, we cannot underſtand …eſs how it was brought about. The … of a Trinity of Perſons in the Union the God-head, of the two Natures inſi… diſproportionable in themſelves, united … Perſon of Chriſt; and of the Union of a Believer to Chriſt …ia… Regeneration, are depths, which the line of our underſtanding is not able to fathom; but after our utmoſt ſearch, we muſt ſit down to gaze upon them with admiration. How many overdaring Spirits, not content to acknowledge their own ignorance, have … themſelves into blaſphemy, whiles they have confounded this with the two former, and ſaid, we are God ded with God, and Chriſted with Chriſt. It is certain, that our whole Man, Soul and Body are united to the whole Chriſt, God Man, but neither are we made to loſe our humane nature, and become divine; nor is …ut humanity ſo united to Chriſt, as is that individual which he hath aſſumed into union with his Perſon; which Hypoſtatical union is proper to that individual: It is another manner of thing, and we may make ſome gueſſes at it by that which follows.
(2.) It is a ſpititual Union. It is not therefore to be looked on with a carnal Eye, or entertained with carnal Conceptions. It is real and not imaginary, but yet it is not that which our ſenſes are to be admitted Judges of, out being ſpiritual, we muſt have ſpiritual thoughts about it. The Apoſtle tells us, 1 Cor. 6.17. But he that is joined to the Lord, is one Spirit. The diſtance of place between the humane nature of Chriſt in Heaven, and ou…s here upon Earth, doth no way impede it; the ſeparation between our Souls and Bodies at Death, doth not diſſolve it, but when the Soul is in Heaven, and the Body is turned to Duſt in the Grave, the union of both to him abides indiſſoluble. We are therefore ſaid to die in the Lord, Rev. 14.13. To be dead in Chriſt, 1 Thel. 4.16. And to ſleep in Jeſus, ver. 14. But though this union be truly ſpiritual, yet the Word of God gives us diverſe carnal ſimilitudes of it, for the help of our underſtandings, which we muſt watily apply to it; not groſsly, but ſpiritually, remembring that every ſimilitude hath ſomething derective in it, and the Spirit of God uſeth many, becauſe no one cao fully adumbrate it. It is compared to that of a Vine and its Branches, Job. 15.1, 2, 4, 5. to no…e the cloſeneſs and connaturalneſs of it, and to let us underſtand, that by ve…ue of it, we derive all our life, and fruit from Chriſt, and receive the ſame ſap of Grace from him, which is radicated in him. But yet, there is this difference, the branches do grow naturally out of the Vine, and are of the ſame individual ſubſtance with it, whereas Chriſt and we are perſonally diſtinct, and we are put into him by an implanting, Rom. 6.5. For if we have been planted together in the likeneſs of his death: we ſhall be alſo in the likneſs of his reſurrection. Hence it is reſembled to a Cion that is grafted into a ſtock, Rom. 11.17. Thereby intimating, that though by it we participate in his ſap and vigour, yet this union is not by nature, but it is an effect of free Grace. We were before united to the firſt Adam, but we are taken out of him, and put into Chriſt And there is here alſo this remarkable difference, that the Cion turns the ſap into fruits of its own kind, whereas the Believer upon Union with Chriſt and drawing nouriſhment from him, bears fruit accordingly, ſ…ual fruit. It is expreſſ by a Body, conſiſting of head and members, 1 Cor. 12.12. noting the ſyme…y & proportion there is between Chriſt and Believers in his …y …ical Body: and that they are managed & aſſiſted by his in …uence, and that there is a ſympathy between them; but yet this is after a more tranſcendent manner than that. It is compared to that of a Building, conſiſting of a foundation & ſuperſtructure, in which every Believes is one ſtone, 1 Pe…. 2.4, 5, 6. to ſhew as, that the whole ſtrength of this Union is in Chriſt. It is he who bears it up, and helds it together; that out whole weight lies upon him. Only in this it differs, that in this Building every one is a living ſtone. And to name … …e; it is reſembled by the union that i… made in marriage, between Husband and Wiſe, Eph. 5.…1.32. They remain two individual perſons ſtill, but yet there is an oneneſs between them. And this adds to all the former compariſons, that it is a rational union, and is founded, in mutual conſent, from whence proceeds that bond by which, they are ryed one to the other inſeparably. This therefore of all the ſimilitudes uſed in Scripture to expreſs this union, is moſt frequently made uſe of, as moſt wonderfully expreſſing the excellency of it, and moſt clearly diſinguiſhing it from the hypoſtatical union of the two Natures in Chriſt. Hence.
3. It is an Union that …rings them into the ne…reſt Relation each to other. Indeed, it is not meerly and purely relative; it is a real thing as was before obſerved. And ſo there is ſomething real, which is the foundation of many relations in this World; as between the Vine and its Branches, the Stock and the Graff, the Foundation, and the Stones that are built upon it, the Husband and the Wife This Union is ſuch, as by vertue of it wed well in him, and he dwelleth in us, 1 Joh. 4.13. And ſo we become the Temple of the living God. It is an Union by which the ſame Spirit that dwells in the Man Chriſt, dwells in us, ſo that we are one Spirit, 1 Cor. 6.17. Hence we have ſuch a wonderful expreſſion, Rom 8.11. But if the Spirit of him that raiſed up Jeſus from the dead, dwell in you: …e that raiſed up Chriſt from the dead ſhall alſo quicken your mortal bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. It is an Union by which Chriſt derives every Grace of his to us, and cauſeth us to partake in it, according to our meaſure, Joh. 1.16. And of his fulneſs have all we received, and grace for grace. It being like that precious O…ment, Pſal. 133.2. It is an Union by which our whole ſpiritual life is fountained in him, and derives continually from him to us, Gal. …. 20. Without which derivation, or continued influence, we can do no ſpiritual action, Joh. 15.5. But yet the reſultancy of the Union is the making of that relation between him and us, … by we are placed moſt near to him. … that wonderful expreſſion. Eph. 5.30. … are members of his b…y, of his …e…, and … bo…es. Which is not carnally but ſp… … to be underſtood. No… that we do by … rive our body, and ſloſh and blood ſ… … as the efficient, for in this we differ … all other Creatures; but he is look… … as the ſecond Adam, and ſo ſpiritually ſ… ing a new Nature to us, by which … made like him, and ſpiritually are of … him, as a man's ſl…ſh and bones … to ſpiriturally. Hence all thoſe relative … rive, as Head and Members, Be… Spouſe, &c. And this may ſuffice to be… concerning the Nature of this Union.
II. TOUCHING the Way in which … wrought: This alſo is as my …eri… out … ſormer. We are told that it is … Effectual Calling. So that when we … a particular inquiry into the nature … Work, we may from thence receive … light into it. We are alſo told, th… done by the working of Faith in us. … is the product of effectual Calling. … therefore we come to con…id how we … to be made Believers, we may then … how this Union is brought about & co… ed. This might he illu…ated in each … forecited compariſons, but that which upon us as reaſonable Creatures, and … us to that mutual conſent which … is the moſt full and comprehen… … then let theſe few Remarks be ma…e … help in it.
I. THAT there is nor only a natura… moral diſtance between Chriſt, and the … his natural ſtate. Not only are … diſtinct Perſons, but ſin …ad made a … paration between them. Pſal. 53.3. … were far off from him, before he … this in them, Eph. 2.13. But no… … Jeſus, ye who ſometimes more after of…. … nigh by the blood of Chriſt. They w… … trary one to another as light is to … They were gone far from God, and … mind to return to him again. And … there was little appearance of any li… of there ever coming together; the… … ſuch a contrariety between his ſpa… … neſs, and their univerſal impurity.
2. That the firſt leading cauſe of … is the Everlaſting Love of God to the … God is the Author of it. If he had … it the ſinner never would. Hence o… 65.1. I am ſought of them that a… … me: I am ſould of them that ſought … ſaid, Behold me, behold me, unto a … was not called by my Name. And th… … 4.19. We love him: becauſe he firſt … God did purpoſe concerning ſome, … nity, that when their ſin had bro… union between them and their M… would bring about another between … and their Redeemer. This th… aſſigned as the prime reaſon of their … … to him. Jer 31.3. The Lord book app…d of all …, ſaying, T…, I have lived … everlo…ing love: therefore … …neſs have I dre… thee. Yea, this is …ove that ſent Chriſt to make way for ſuch … as this, which could not be till our … …ied for, which he employed him … 1 Job. 4.10. Herein is love, not that … God, but that be loved us, and ſent his … the prop…ation for our fias.
3. THAT from this Love, God balls a treaty … the S…er about this …. God treats … as a reaſonable Creature, and hereupon, in order to the bringing about of this …, be comes and con…es with him … it, and makes offers of it to him. This … o…wardly …y the Goſpel, and the … of it, ſoe the diſpe…ſing whereof, … forth his Miniſters as Ambaſſadors, … their great buſineſs is to make the offers of, and …ive ſinful Men to embrace Recon… with God, through Chriſt, which is … bought a…e in this Urion. Hence … that in, 2 Cor. 5.20. Now then we … for Chriſt, as though God d…d … you by us; we pray you in Chriſts ſtood, … r…cied to God.
THAT in this tr…ary, be lays befor the Sinwell A…g…ments perſarſive, to move him to apply with the offer make. He lays before … highly rational it is that he ſhould … and how every way advantageous and …ng it will be for him. He therefore … to him the miſerable and end one … that be is at preſent in, and that the … of it is becauſe by ſin he hath ſepara… … from the fountain of Life and … and brought himſelf under all the … of Law. He declared to him … never be better with him, ſo long … …es as he is, and the diſta…ce be… …ind and him is not remo…ed; that … is … other Object of truſt with which …, that is able to do him the leaſt … on this account, but will prove a … of lies, and an hiding place of deceit. He …poods the Lord Jeſus Chriſt to him … is able and willing to remedy all this …, by delivering him from it, and … him compleatly happy in caſe …e … …ject …is affitance elſewhere, and place …; that …e hath Salvation to the … to be…ow upon him; he opens to him … the terms of the New Covenant, … …ows to him how he may come by a … to all the precious promiſes that are … it, viz. by believing on him, and … in with him, as Prophet, Prieſt, and … of Salvation: Aſſures him, that in caſe … doth, he ſhall receive all his benefits … drive from him, and muſt go with …, Rom. 4.32. That he ſhall receive …, Pardon of Sin, Peace with God, the …ption of a Son, all Grace to ſerve …, freedom from Condemnation, and an … …ce among thoſe that are Sanctify'd. And … aſſures him that if he neglect or reject this Offer and lavitation, be will not only loſe all this Felicity, but … to his Guilt, and incur the ſever Conde… for ſlighting ſo great S…lvation.
5. THE Spirit comes into the Soul together work the propoſels, and brings the Union about. While the prop…, and brings the U…i… abous. While the treaty is outwardly manging. He applies himſelf inwardly, and makes it to become effectual. And here.
(1.) HE moves a clear Illumination on the Underſtanding, wholly to diſcern the Empetneſs of every other Object, and the glorious Excellency of Chriſt. This ſaving Union begins with Light. The Eyes of the Underſtanding are opened, and the Diſcoveries that are now m…de are ſurpriting, Eph. 1.18, 19. He ſees new the Vanity of every thing elſe, which he ſometimes thought of worth; and the Beauty of Chriſt, wherewithal he is ſuprized; and by vertue of this, he gives in a true Verdict, his judgment being rectifyed; and this is the Renovation in the image of his mind, Eph 4.…3.
(2.) HEREWITHAL He plants all his ſaving Graces in the Soul. That indeed is the New Creature, for it is ren…ed in rightersſurſs, and true holineſs, Eph. 4.24. This is that which prepares the Soul to give Chriſt entertainment in it; for ſo long as …at is unſanctifyed, or unregenerate, it can be to Habitation … the …ly One of Iſrael to take up his abode in, it being nothing elſe but a hovel of impurity; yea, this is that …hat is called the farming of Chriſt in us, Gal. 4.19. For we muſt not think that the Perſon of Chriſt individually dwells in us, as it doth in his own humanity, but he former his likeneſs in us, by infuſing of all renewing Grace into us. And this is that which impowers us for the ſubſequents acts in which this Union is compleated. For till the body of ſaving Grace be formed in us, we cannot put forth any act of Grace.
(3.) TOGETHER with this, be draws ſorth the Act of the Soul, in which rene…ncing his league … wher objects, …e conſents …, believes in, and ſo …ceth Chriſt as his …. And this is the uniting act on our part, though wrought by the efficacy of the Spirit of God. He had put in a principle of faith before, and now …e draws it out and aſſiſts it. Now the man caſ…s off his former truſt on his Idols. He was glued to them, Hoſ. 4.17. Eph…a…m us j…ined to Idols: But now he will have nothing more to do with them, Chap. 14.5. Ephra… ſhall ſay, What have I to do any more with idols. Now he takes Chriſt as offered, receives him, according to the terris o… the Treaty held with him. And it is with, and in his wh…le Soul that he thus entertains him. He takes Christ for his own, and reſigns himſelf up freely to Christ to be his. And this is that Covenant of Eſpouſal mentioned, Hoſ. 2.18, 19.
(4.) HEREWITH the Spirit takes up his abode in the Man; and having ro…fyed the Union, eſtabliſheth it unalterably. It is therefore called an Everlaſting Covenant, Iſa. 55.3. And not to be broken; their whole Life is …now hid i… him, yea, he is their life, Col 3. …. 4. His Sp…it manageth them, his Grace invigorates them, his Image ſhines forth by them, they derive all their ſtrength from him, and they return it all to him; they that …ouch them to hurt them, touch him, and he …eels and reſents it; and they that diſhonour him, would them, and they cannot beat it; ſuch is the U…ion between them. Thus are we brought into a participation in the Redemption of Chriſt, and all the precious benefits flowing from it.
USE. I.LEARN be…ce the Dignity and Safety of all true Believers. Both of theſe neceſſarily flow from this Union. Needs muſt it b… a ſuperlative Honour for …ny Creature, much more ſinful duſt and aſhes, to be advanced to ſo near a Conjunction with the Ever-bleſſed and Eternal Son. It was an Honour that he put upon out Nature, to aſſa…e it into his Perſon; but i… an high perſonal Hounour to us, that he will advance us to be Members of his …dy, to be of his Fleſh and Bones, that he will p… his Name upon us, and dwell in us. And how ſ…n…e muſt the eſtate of every ſuch Soul … If Chriſt live, be muſt lite alſo; if Chriſt …e in Glory, ſo ſhall he too; not … all the Powers of Earth and Hell ever … to undermine that Man's happineſs, who is thus b…iſt…upon this Rock of Ages.
USE. II. HENCE, L… this be a … Perſuaſive to Young and Oid, … come … on Chriſt. Behold he invites you in …h… pel, and by his Ambaſſadors; and he i… …ing with you by his Spirit. He …ds a the Door and knocks, open to, and let him in, yield to the framing hand of the … Spirit. Refiſt him …o…, quench him … …ceive him, and he is yours; turn all … other Levers out of doors; that you … for him and no other; ſo ſhall the King… Glory come …o you, and take us his … laſting abode in you; ſo ſhall that … tied, that Union be made between … you, which ſhall abide to, and through … nity; through which ſhall derive to … thoſe Bleſſings which ſhall make …on … through Time and Forever. Ta… him… in his moſt earneſt Offer, leaſt if you … him, you rue it when it is too late …
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