{"collection":"scripture-revelation","full_text_available":true,"graph_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/api/page/wikisource_Christ_a_complete_saviour_1/graph","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/page/wikisource_Christ_a_complete_saviour_1","id":"wikisource_Christ_a_complete_saviour_1","license":"Public Domain / CC-BY-SA (see source)","rights_basis":"wikisource_site_inclusion_policy","source":"wikisource","source_url":"https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Christ_a_complete_saviour_(1)","summary":null,"tags":["1823_works","Chapbooks","Headers_applying_DefaultSort_key","Main_pages_with_authority_control_data","PD-old","Pamphlets","Religion","Scotland","Sermons","Works_using_categories_parameter"],"text":"CHRIST\n\nA\n\nCOMPLETE SAVIOUR.\n\nA\n\nSERMON,\n\nON\n\nHebrews vii. 25.\n\nWherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.\n\nBy Mr. JOHN BUNYAN,\n\nAuthor of the Pilgrim's Progress, &c.\n\nFALKIRK:\n\nPRINTED AND SOLD BY T. JOHNSTON.\n\n1823.\n\nCHRIST A COMPLETE SAVIOUR.\n\nA\n\nSERMON,\n\nON\n\nHebrews vii. 25.\n\nWherefore he is able al\u017fo to \u017fave them to the uttermo\u017ft that come unto God by him \u017feeing he ever liveth to make interce\u017f\u017fion for them.\n\nTHE Apo\u017ftle, in this chapter pre\u017fenteth us with two things that is with the greatne\u017fs of the per\u017fon, and of the prie\u017fthood\nof our Lord Je\u017fus.\n\n1. He pre\u017fenteth us with the greatne\u017fs of his per\u017fon, in that he preferreth him before Abraham, who is the father of all the faithful; yea in that he preferreth him before Melchi\u017fedec who was above Abraham, and ble\u017f\u017fed him who had the promi\u017fe.\n\n2. As to his prie\u017fthood he \u017fheweth the greatne\u017fs of that in that he was made a prie\u017ft, not by the law of a carnal commandment but\nby the power of an endle\u017fs life; not without, but with an oath by him that \u017faid \"The Lord \u017fware, and will not repent thou art a prie\u017ft for ever after the order of Melchi\u017fedec. Wherefore this man, becau\u017fe he liveth ever, hath an changeable prie\u017fthood.\" Now my text is drawn from this conclu\u017fion, namely, that Chri\u017ft abideth a prie\u017ft continually: \"Wherefore he is able al\u017fo to \u017fave to the uttermo\u017ft them that come unto God by him \u017feeing he ever liveth to make interce\u017f\u017fion for them.\"\n\nIn the words, I take notice of four things.\n\n1. Of the Interce\u017f\u017fion of Chri\u017ft: \"He maketh interce\u017f\u017fion.\"\n\n2. Of the benefit of his interce\u017f\u017fion \"Wherefore he is able al\u017fo to \u017fave to the uttermo\u017ft,\" &c.\n\n3. We have al\u017fo here \u017fet before us. the per\u017fons intere\u017fted in this interce\u017f\u017fion of Chri\u017ft, and they are tho\u017fe \"that come unto God by him.\"\n\n4 We have al\u017fo here the certainty of their reaping this benefit by him to wit, \"Seeing he ever liveth to make interce\u017f\u017fion for them. \u2014\u2014 \"Wherefore he is able to \u017fave them to the utter mo\u017ft, that come into God by him \u017feeing he ever liveth to make interce\u017f\u017fion for them.\n\n1. We will begin with his interce\u017f\u017fion, and will \u017fhew you,\n\n1. What it is.\n\n2. For what he intercedes. And,\n\n3 What is al\u017fo to be inferred from Chri\u017ft's\nmaking interce\u017f\u017fion for us. 1. I begin then with the fir\u017ft that is, To \u017fhew you what interce\u017f\u017fion i. Interce\u017f\u017fion is prayer; but all prayer is not interce\u017f\u017fion.\u2014\u2014\n\nInterce\u017f\u017fion, then is that prayer that is made by a third per\u017fon about the concerns that are between two: And it may be made either to \u017fet them at a farther difference or to make them friends; for interce\u017f\u017fion may be made again\u017ft, as well a for a per\u017fon or people: \"Wot ye not what the Scripture faith of Elias how he made interce\u017f\u017fion to God again\u017ft I\u017frael?\" But the interce\u017f\u017fion that we are now to \u017fpeak of is not an interce\u017f\u017fion again\u017ft but an interce\u017f\u017fion for a people: \"He ever liveth to make interce\u017f\u017fion for them.\" The highprie\u017fts were ordained for, and not to be again\u017ft the people: \"Every high prie\u017ft taken from among men is ordained for men, in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the \u017fins of the people;\" or that he may offer\nboth gifts and \u017facrifices for \u017fin. This, then, is interce\u017f\u017fion: and the interce\u017f\u017fion of Chri\u017ft is to be between two, between God and man, for man's good And,\n\n2 It extendeth it\u017felf unto the\u017fe:\n\n1\u017ft. To pray that the elect may be brought all home to him, that is, to God.\n\n2dly To pray that their \u017fins committed after conver\u017fion, may be forgiven them.\n\n3dly To pray that their graces which they receive at conver\u017fion, may be maintained and \u017fupplied, 4thly To pray that their per\u017fons may be pre\u017ferved unto his heavenly kingdom.\n\nThis is the interce\u017f\u017fion of Chri\u017ft, or that for which he doth make interce\u017f\u017fion\n\n1\u017ft He prays for all the elect that they may be brought home to God. and \u017fo into the unity of the faith &c This is clear, for that he faith. Neither pray I for the\u017fe alone.\" that is, for tho\u017fe only that are convertved,\" but for them al\u017fo that \u017fhall believe on me through their word:\" for all them that \u017fhall, that are appointed to believe; or a you have it a little above for all them which thou ha\u017ft given me.\" And the rea\u017fon is for tha he hath paid a ran\u017fom for them. Chri\u017ft, therefore, when he maketh interce\u017f\u017fion for the ungodly, (and all the unconverted elect are \u017fuch) doth\nbut petitionanily a\u017fk for his own his purchased ones tho\u017fe for whom he died before, that they may be \u017faved by his blood.\n\n2dly, When any of them are brought home to God, he yet prays for them; namely, that the \u017fins which through infirmity they after\nconver\u017fion commit, may al\u017fo be forgiven them.\n\nThis is \u017fhewed us by the interce\u017f\u017fion of the high prie\u017ft under the law, that was to bear away the iniquities of the holy things of the children of Israel; yea, and al\u017fo by his atonement for them that \u017finned; for that it is \u017faid, \"And the prie\u017ft \u017fhall make an atonement for him for the \u017fin which he hath \u017finned, and it \u017fhall be forgiven him.\"\n\nThis al\u017fo is intimated even where our Lord doth make interce\u017f\u017fion, \u017faving \"I pray not that thou \u017fhoulde\u017ft take them our of the world,\nbut that thou woulde\u017ft keep them from the evil.\" That Chri\u017ft prayed that the converted \u017fhould be kept from all manner of commi\u017f\u017fion of \u017fin, mu\u017ft not be \u017fuppo\u017fed for that is the way to make his interce\u017f\u017fion at lea\u017ft in \u017fome things, invalid and to contradict him\u017felf; \"For faith he I know thou heare\u017ft me always.\"\nBut the meaning I pray that thou woulde\u017ft keep them from \u017foul-damning delu\u017fions \u017fuch al\u017fo unavoidably \u017fuch, al\u017fo that thou woulde\u017ft keep them from the \u017foul de\u017ftroying evil of every \u017fin of every temptation. Now thus he doth by his prevailing and pardoning grace.\n\n3dly. In his interce\u017f\u017fion, he prayeth al\u017fo, that tho\u017fe graces which we receive at conver\u017fion. may be maintained and \u017fupplied This is clear where he faith, \"Simon, Simon, Satan has de\u017fired to have you that he might fi\u017ft you as wheat, but I have prayed for thee that thy faith \u017fail not.\" Ay may \u017fome \u017fay he is \u017faid to pray here for the \u017fupport and \u017fupply of faith; but doth it therefore follow, that he prayed for the maintaining and \u017fupply of all our graces? Yes, in that he prayed for the pre\u017fervation of our faith he prayed for the pre\u017fervation of all our graces; for faith is the mother-grace, the root-grace, the grace that hath all others in\nthe bowels of it, and that from which all others flow; yea, it is that which gives being to all our other graces, and that by which all the re\u017ft do live. Let then faith be pre\u017ferved, and all graces continue and live, that is, according to the pre\u017fent \u017ftate, health and dregree of faith,\nSo, then Chri\u017ft prayed for the pre\u017fervation of every grace when he played for the pre\u017fervation of faith That text al\u017fo is of be \u017fame\ntendency, where he faith Keep through thine own name tho\u017fe whom then halt given me.\" Keep them in thy fear in the faith in he true\nreligion, in the way of life. by thy grace. by thy power, by thy wi\u017fdom &c. This mu\u017ft be much the meaning of this place; and he that excludes this \u017fen\u017fe will make but poor work of another expo\u017fition.\n\n4thly He al\u017fo, in his interce\u017f\u017fion prayeth that our per\u017fons be pre\u017ferved and brought \u017fafe unto his heavenly kingdom. And this he doth,\n\n1\u017ft. By pleading intere\u017ft in them.\n\n2dly By pleading that he had given by promi\u017fe, glory to them.\n\n3dly. By pleading his own re\u017folution to have it \u017fo.\n\n4thly, By pleading the rea\u017fon, why it mu\u017ft be \u017fo.\n\n1\u017ft, He prays that their per\u017fons may come to glory, for that they are his, and that by the be\u017ft of titles: \"Thine they were, and thou gave\u017ft them me.\" Father, I will have them, Father, I will have them for they are mine: What is mine my wife, or my child, or my jewel, or my joy, \u017fure I may have it with me. Thus therefore he pleads, or cries in his terce\u017f\u017fion, that our per\u017fons might be pre\u017fervedto glory: \"They are mine, and thou gave\u017ft them, me.\"\n\n2dly, He al\u017fo pleads that he had given, given already, that is in the promi\u017fe, glory to them; and therefore they mu\u017ft not go\nwithout it: \u030a\"And the glory which thou gave\u017ft me I have given them.\" Righteous men when they give a good thing by promi\u017fe. they de\u017fign the performance of that promi\u017fe; nay, they more than de\u017fign it, they purpo\u017fe. they determine it. As Balaam \u017faid of God in another ca\u017fe, \"Hath he \u017faid, and \u017fhall he not do it? Or hath he \u017fpoken, and \u017fhall he not make it good?\" Hath Chri\u017ft given us glory, and \u017fhall we not have it? Yea hath the Truth it\u017felf\nbe\u017ftowed it upon us, and \u017fhall tho\u017fe to whom it is given, be yet deprived thereof?\n\n3dly, He pleads, in his interceding that they might have glory, his own re\u017folution to have is \u017fo\u02d0 \"Father, I will that tho\u017fe whom thou ha\u017ft given me be with me where I am.\"\u2014\u2014 Behold ye here he is re\u017folved to have it \u017fo; it mu\u017ft be \u017fo\u00a0; it \u017fhall be \u017fo; I will have it \u017fo. We read of Adonjah, that his father never\ndenied him any thing. He never \u017faid to him, Why ha\u017ft thou done \u017fo? Indeed he denied him the kingdom for his brother was heir of that\nfrom the Lord. How much more will our Father let our Lord Je\u017fus have his mind and will in this, \u017fince he al\u017fo i as willing to have\nit fo, as is the Son him\u017felf? \" Fear not, little \u017ftock it; is your Father's good plea\u017fure to give you the kingdom.\" Re\u017folution will drive things far e\u017fpecially re\u017folution to do that which none but they that cannot hinder \u017fhall oppo\u017fe. Why, this is the ca\u017fe, the re\u017folution of our interce\u017f\u017for is that we be pre\u017ferved to glory: yea and this\nre\u017folution he pleads in his interce\u017f\u017fion: Father, I will that tho\u017fe which thou ha given me be with me where I am, &c. Mu\u017ft it not therefore now be \u017fo?\n\n4thly. He al\u017fo in the la\u017ft place in this his interce\u017f\u017fion urges a rea\u017fon why he will have it \u017fo namely, \"That they may be hold my glory which thou halt given me; for thou lovedit me before the foundation of the world.\"\n\nAnd this is a rea\u017fon to the purpo\u017fe. It is as if he had \u017faid. Father. the\u017fe have continued with me in my temptations, the\u017fe have \u017feen me under all my di\u017fadvantages, the\u017fe have \u017feen me in my poor, low, contemptible condition, the\u017fe have \u017feen what \u017fcorn reproach, \u017flanders and di\u017fgrace I have borne for thy \u017fake in the world;\nand now I will have them al\u017fo to be where they \u017fhall \u017fee me in thy glory. I have told them that I am thy Son and they have believed that; I have told them that thou love\u017ft me, and they have believed that; I have al\u017fo told them that thou would\u017ft take me again to glory, and they have believed that: but they have not \u017feen my glory, nor can they but be like the Queen of Sheba, they will but believe by the halves, unle\u017fs their own eyes do behold it. Be\u017fides, Father, the\u017fe are they that love me, and it will be a great increa\u017fe of their joy if they may but \u017fee me in glory; It will be as an heaven to their hearts, to \u017fee their Saviour in glory:\" I will therefore, that tho\u017fe which thou ha\u017ft given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory.\" This therefore, is a rea\u017fon why\nChri\u017ft Je\u017fus, our Lord, intercedes to have his people with him in glory.\n\n3. I come now to the third thing namely, To then you what is to be inferred from Chri\u017fts making interce\u017f\u017fion for us.\n\n1\u017ft, This is to be inferred from hence. That \u017faints (for I will here \u017fay nothing of tho\u017fe of the elect uncalled) do oft-times give occa\u017fion of offence to God, even they that have received\ngrace: For interce\u017f\u017fion is made to continue one in the favour of another, and to make up tho\u017fe breaches that any time \u017fhall happen to be made by one, to the alienating of the affections of the other. And thus he makes reconciliation for iniquity. For reconciliation may be made for iniquity two ways: Fir\u017ft, By paying of a price. Secondly. By in\u017fi\u017fting upon the price paid for the offender, by way of interce\u017f\u017fion. Therefore you read that as a goat was to be killed, \u017fo his blood as by the prie\u017ft to be brought within the veil, and in a way of inrerce\u017f\u017fion to be \u017fprinkled before and upon the mercy \u017feat\u02d0 \"Then \u017fhall he kill the goat of\nthe \u017fin offering that is for the people, and bring his blood within the veil; and do with that blood at he did with the blood of the bullock, and \u017fprinkle it upon the mercy-\u017feat and before\nthe mercy-\u017feat\u02d0 and he \u017fhall make an atonement for the holy place, becau\u017fe of the uncleanne\u017f\u017fes of the children of I\u017frael, and becau\u017fe of their tran\u017fgre\u017f\u017fions in all their \u017fins. And \u017fo \u017fhall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation that remaineth among them in the mid\u017ft of all their uncleanne\u017f\u017fes.\" This way to be done as you \u017fee that the tabernacle which was the place of God's pre\u017fence and graces might yet remain among the children of I\u017frael, not with\u017ftanding their uncleanne\u017f\u017fes and tran\u017fgre\u017f\u017fion; This al\u017fo is the effect of Chri\u017ft's interce\u017f\u017fion; it is, that the \u017figns of Gods pre\u017fence and his grace might remain\namong his people, not with\u017ftanding they have by their tran\u017fgre\u017f\u017fions \u017fo often provoked God to depart from them.\n\n2dly, By Chri\u017ft's interce\u017f\u017fion I gather, that awakened men and women, \u017fuch as the godly are, dare not, after offence given come in their own names to make unto God an application for mercy. God, in him\u017felf, is a con\u017fuming fire, and \u017fin has made the be\u017ft of us as \u017ftubble is to fire. Wherefore they may not they cannot, they dare not approach Gods pre\u017fence for help, but by and through a mediator and interce\u017f\u017for. When I\u017frael \u017faw the fire, the blackne\u017fs and darkne\u017fs, and heard the thunder and lightning, and the terrible \u017found of the trumpet, they \u017faid to Mo\u017fes \"Speak thou unto\nus and we will hear: Bet let no: God \u017fpeak with us, le\u017ft we die.\" Guilt, and a \u017fen\u017fe of the di\u017fparity that is betwixt God and us, will make as look out for one that may lay his hand upon us both, and that may \u017fet us right in the eyes of our Father again. Thus, I \u017fay, I infer from the interce\u017f\u017fion of Chri\u017ft. For, if there had been a po\u017f\u017fibility of our ability to have approached God with advantage without it, what need had there been of the interce\u017f\u017fion of Chri\u017ft?\n\nAb\u017falom dur\u017ft not approach no not the pre\u017fence of his fa her by him\u017felf, without a mediator and interce\u017f\u017for; wherefore he \u017fends for Joab to go to the king. and make interce\u017f\u017fion for him. Al\u017fo Jacob dur\u017ft not go upon that errand him\u017felf, but by the mediation of another. Sin is a fearful thing, it will qua\u017fh and quell the courage of a man, and make him afraid to approach the pre\u017fence of him whom he has offended, though the offended is but a man. How much more then \u017fhall it discourage a man, when once loaden with guilt and \u017fhame from attempting to approach the pre\u017fence of a holy\nand \u017fin-revenging God, unle\u017fs he can come to him through and in the name of an interce\u017f\u017for. But here now is the help and comfort of the people of God. There is to help them under all their infirmities, an Interce\u017f\u017for prepared and at work: He ever liveth to make interce\u017f\u017fion.\n\n3dly, I al\u017fo infer from hence. That \u017fhould we, out of an ignorant boldne\u017fs and pre\u017fumption, attempt when we have offended by our\u017felves to approach the pre\u017fence of God, he would not accept us. He told Eliphaz \u017fo. What Eliphaz thought, or was about to do, I know not; but God \u017faid unto him, \"My wrath is kindled again\u017ft thee, and again\u017ft thy two friends; for you have not \u017fpoken of me the thing that is right, as my \u017fervant Jacob hath. Therefore,\ntake unto you \u017feven bullocks and \u017feven rams, and go to my \u017fervent Job, and offer up for your\u017felves that is by him a burn offering;\nand my \u017fervant Job \u017fhall pray for you, for him will I accept; le\u017ft I deal with you after your folly in that ye have not \u017fpoken of me the thing that is right, like my \u017fervant Job.'\u2014\u2014 See here, an offence i a bar and an ob\u017ftruction to acceptance with God but by a mediator, but by an interce\u017f\u017for. He that comes to God by him\u017felf, God will an\u017fwer him by him\u017felf;\nthat is, without an interce\u017f\u017for: And I will tell you \u017fuch are not like to get any plea\u017fant or comfortable an\u017fwer: \"I will an\u017fwer him that \u017fo cometh, according to the multitude of his idols\u02d0 And I will \u017fet my face again\u017ft that man, and will make him a \u017fign and a proverb; and I will cut him off from the mid\u017ft of my people: And ye \u017fhall know that I am the Lord.\n\nHe that intercedes for another with a holy and ju\u017ft God, had need to be clean him\u017felf, le\u017ft he, with whom he \u017fo bu\u017fieth him\u017felf. \u017fay\nto him Fir\u017ft clear thy\u017felf. and then come and \u017fpeak for thy friend. Wherefore this is the very de\u017fcription of this our High Prie\u017ft and ble\u017f\u017fed Interce\u017f\u017for: \"For \u017fuch an High Prie\u017ft became us who is holy harmle\u017fs undefiled, \u017feparare from \u017finners and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as tho\u017fe\nhigh-prie\u017fts. to offer up \u017facrifices, fir\u017ft for his own \u017fins,' &c. Had we not had \u017fuch an Interce\u017f\u017for, we had been in a very poor ca\u017fe; but we have one that becomes us, one that fits us to the purpose one again\u017ft whom our God hath nothing can object nothing; one in who\u017fe mouth no guile could be found.\n\n4thly. Since Chri\u017ft is an Interce\u017f\u017for, I infer, that he has where withal in readine\u017fs to an\u017fwer to any demands that may be pronounced by him that hath been by us offended in order to a renewing peace and letting out that grace to us that we have \u017finned away, and yet have need of. Oft times the offended faith to the interce\u017f\u017for, Well, thou come\u017ft to me about this man, what itere\u017ft he has in thee is one thing, what offence he has committed again\u017ft me is another. I \u017fpeak now after the manner of men. Now, what can an interce\u017f\u017for do, if he is not able to an\u017fwer this que\u017ftion? But,\nif he be able to an\u017fwer this que\u017ftion that is, according to law and ju\u017ftice n que\u017ftion but he may prevail with the offended, for him for whom he makes interce\u017f\u017fion.\n\nWhy, this is our ca\u017fe; to be \u017fure thus far we have offended a ju\u017ft and holy God, and e\u017fus Chri\u017ft is become our Interce\u017f\u017for. He knows full well. that for our parts, if it would \u017fave us from hell, we cannot produce, towards a peace with God, any thing that can by law and ju\u017ftice be e\u017fteemed worthy; therefore he makes interce\u017f\u017fion. It follows therefore, that he hat wherewith of his own, to an\u017fwer every rea\u017fonable demand. Hence it is \u017faid that he\nhas gifts as well as \u017facrifice for \u017fin: \"Every high prie\u017ft is ordained to offer gifts and \u017facrifices: wherefore it is of nece\u017f\u017fity, that this man have \u017fomewhat a \u017fo to offer\" And here\nob\u017ferve, that the apo\u017ftle \u017fpeaks here of Chri\u017ft as in heaven, there mini\u017ftering in the \u017fecond part of his offer, \"For if he were on earth, he \u017fhould not be a prie\u017ft.\" The\u017fe gifts, therefore, and this \u017facrifice, he now offereth in heaven by way of interce\u017f\u017fion, urging and pleading as an interce\u017f\u017for the valuablene\u017fs of his gifts, for the pacifying of that wrath that our Father hath Conceived again\u017ft us, for the di\u017fobedience that we are guilty of: A gift in \u017fecret pacifieth anger, and a reward in the bo\u017fom \u017ftrong wrath.\" What gifts the\u017fe are, the Sciptures everywhere te\u017ftifies: He gave him\u017felf he gave his life, he gave his all for us.\n\nThe\u017fe gifts a he offered then up at the demand of Ju\u017ftice. on Mount Calvary, for us; do now he is in heaven. he pre\u017fenteth them\ncontinually before God. a gifts and \u017facrifice, valuable, for the \u017fins for all the \u017fins we through infirmity do commit, from the day of our conver\u017fion to the day of our death. And the\u017fe gifts are \u017fo \u017fatisfactory, \u017fo prevalent with God, that they always prevail for a continual remi\u017f\u017fion of our \u017fins with him. Yea they prevail with him for more than for the remi\u017f\u017fion of \u017fins; we have, through their procurement, our graces often renewed the devil often rebuked, the \u017fnare often broken guilt often taken away from the con\u017fcience, and many a ble\u017f\u017fed \u017fmile from God, and love-look from\nhis life creating countenance.\n\n5thly. Since Chri\u017ft is an Interce\u017f\u017for, I infer, That believers \u017fhould not rest at the cross for comfort: Ju\u017ftification they \u017fhould look for there; and being ju\u017ftified by his blood, they\n\u017fhould a\u017fcend up after him to the throne\u2014\u2014 At the cro\u017fs you will \u017fee him in his \u017forrows and humiliations, if his tears and blood; but follow him to where he is now. and then you \u017fhall \u017fee hin in his robes, in his prie\u017ftly robes, and with his golden girdle about his paps. \u2014\u2014Then you \u017fhall \u017fee him wearing the brea\u017ft-plate\nof judgement, and with all your names written upon his heart. Then you \u017fhall perceive that the whole family in heaven and earth is named by him, and how he prevaileth with God. the Father of mercies for you. Stand \u017ftill a while and li\u017ften yea, enter with boldne\u017fs into the holie\u017ft and \u017fee you Je\u017fus as he now appears in he pre\u017fence of God for you; what work he makes again the devil and \u017fin, and death, and hell for you. Ah, it is brave following of Je\u017fus Chri\u017ft to the holie\u017ft, the veil is rent, you may \u017fee with open face a in a gla\u017fs the glory of the Lord This then is our High-Prie\u017ft thi\u017f is the interce\u017f\u017fion, the\u017fe are the\nbenefits of it. It lieth in our part to improve it; and wi\u017fdom to do that, al\u017fo cometh from the mercy feat or throne of grace, where he even our High Prie\u017ft, ever liveth to make interce\u017f\u017fion for us. To whom be glory for ever and ever And thu\u017f I have \u017fpoken to the fir\u017ft thing, to-wit, Of the Interce\u017f\u017fion of Chri\u017ft.\n\nII. And now I come more particularly to \u017fpeak to the \u017fecond viz The benefits of his Interce\u017f\u017fion, namely, That we are \u017faved thereby: \"Wherefore he is able to \u017fave them, \u017feeing he maketh interce\u017f\u017fion for them. He is able to \u017fave them to the uttermo\u017ft.\"\n\nIn handling of this head I mu\u017ft \u017fhew you,\n\n1. What the Apo\u017ftle means here by \u017fave, Wherefore be is able to \u017fave.\n\n2 What he means here by \u017faving to the uttermo\u017ft, He is able to \u017fave to the uttermo\u017ft. 3. And then we \u017fhall do as we did in the foregoing, to-wit gather \u017fome Inferences from the whole, and \u017fpeak to them.\n\n1. What doth the Apo\u017ftle mean here by \u017fave, He is able to \u017fave them.\n\nTo \u017fave, may be taken two ways in the the general: I know it may be taken many ways; for there are many \u017falvations that we\nenjoy, yea that we never knew of. nor can know, until we come thither where all \u017fecret things \u017fhall be \u017feen and where that which has been done in darkne\u017fs \u017fhall be proclaimed upon the hou\u017fe top.\n\nBut I \u017fay, there are two ways that this word may be taken:\n\n1\u017ft, To \u017fave in a way of ju\u017ftifcation.\n\n2dly, Or to \u017fave in a way of pre\u017fervation.\n\nNow Chri\u017ft \u017faves both the\u017fe ways but which of the\u017fe, or whether both of them are intended in this place, of that I \u017fhall tell you\nmy thoughts anoir; meanwhile I will \u017fhew you,\n\n(1.) What it is to be \u017faved in the fir\u017ft \u017fen\u017fe.\n\n(2.) And al\u017fo how that is brought to pa\u017fs.\n\n(1.) To be \u017faved, is to be delivered from the guilt of \u017fin that is by the law, as it is the mini\u017ftration of death and condemnation; or to be \u017fet free therefrom before God. This is to be \u017faved; for he that is not \u017fet free there-, from whatever he may thick of him\u017felf or whatever others may think concerning him he is a condemned man: It faith not, he \u017fhall be, but, he is condemned already. The rea\u017fon is, for that he has deserved the \u017fentence of the mini\u017ftration of condemnation, which is the law, yea, that law has a ready arraigned, accu\u017fed, and condemned him before God, for that it hath found him guilty of \u017fin. Now he that is \u017fet free from this, or a the phra\u017fe is, being\nmade free from \u017fin, that i, from the imputation of guilt there can to him be no condemnation, no condemnation to hell-fire; but the per\u017fon thus made free, may properly be \u017faid to be \u017faved. Wherefore, a \u017fometimes it is \u017faid, we \u017fhall be \u017faved, re\u017fpecting \u017faving in the \u017fecond \u017fen\u017fe, or the utmo\u017ft completing of \u017falvation; \u017fo, \u017fometimes, it is \u017faid we are \u017faved, as re\u017fpecting our being already \u017fecured from guilt and \u017fo from condemnation to hell for \u017fin, and \u017fo \u017fet \u017fafe, and quit from the \u017fecond death before God.\n\n(2) Now, \u017faving thus comes to us by what Chri\u017ft did for us in this world by what Chri\u017ft did for us as \u017fuffering for us. I \u017fay, it comes to us thus; that is it comes to us by grace, through the redemption that is in Chri\u017ft. And thus to be \u017faved, is called ju\u017ftification to life, becau\u017fe one thus \u017faved is, as I \u017faid acquitted from guilt, and that everla\u017fting damnation to which for \u017fin, he had made him\u017felf obnoxious by the law.\n\nHence we are \u017faid to be \u017faved by the death of Chri\u017ft ju\u017ftified by his blood, and reconciled to God by the death of his Son; all which mu\u017ft re\u017fpect his offering of him\u017felf on the day he died and not his improving his \u017fo doing n a way of interce\u017f\u017fion; becau\u017fe in the \u017fame place the Apo\u017ftle re\u017ferveth a \u017fecond or an additional \u017falvation, and applieth that to his interce\u017f\u017fion: Much more then being now, or already ju\u017ftified b his blood. we \u017fhall be \u017faved from wrath through him.\" That is, through what he will further co for us: \"For it when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by death of his Son, much more, being reconciled that is by his death we \u017fhall be \u017faved by his life\" his interce\u017f\u017fion, which he ever liveth to complete.\n\nSee here, we are \u017faid to be ju\u017ftified, reconciled already, and therefore we \u017fhall be \u017faved, ju\u017ftified by his blood and death, and \u017faved through him by his life.\n\nNow the \u017faving intended in the text is \u017faving in this \u017fecond \u017fen\u017fe; that is a \u017faving of us by pre\u017ferving us, by delivering of us from all tho\u017fe hazards that we run betwixt our \u017ftate of ju\u017ftification and our \u017ftate of glorification. Yea, \u017fuch a \u017faying of us, as we that are ju\u017ftified need, to bring us into glory. Therefore,\n\n2dly. When he faith, \"He is able to \u017fave, \u017feeing he ever liveth to make interce\u017f\u017fion,\" he acteth \u017faving to \u017faving; \u017faving by his life, to \u017faving by his death; \u017faving by his improving\nof his blood, to \u017faving by his \u017fpilling of his blood. He gave him\u017felf a ran\u017fom for us, and now improves that gift in the pre\u017fence of God, by, way of interce\u017f\u017fion.\n\nFor as I have hinted before the high prie\u017fts under the law, took the blood of the \u017facrifices that were off red for \u017fin, and brought it with the veil and there \u017fprinkled it before a upon the mercy-\u017feat, and by it made interce\u017fion for the people, to an additional way \u017faving them: the \u017fum of which Paul thus a plie to Chri\u017ft when he faith. He can \u017fave, \u017feeing be ever liveth to make interce\u017f\u017fion.\n\nThat al\u017fo in he Romans is clear to the purpo\u017fe. \"Who is he that condemneth? It Chri\u017ft that died.\" That is, Who is he that \u017fhall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect to condemnation to hell \u017fince Chri\u017ft has take away the cur\u017fe. by his death from before God\nThen he adds that there is nothing that ha\u017f yet happen to us, \u017fhall de\u017ftroy us, \u017fince Chri\u017ft al\u017fo liveth to make interce\u017f\u017fion for us: \"Who \u017fhall condemn? It is Chri\u017ft that died; yea rather that is ri\u017fen again, who even is at the right hand of God, and maketh interce\u017f\u017fion for us.\"\n\nChri\u017ft then by his death \u017faved us as we are \u017finners enemies and in a \u017ftate of condemnation by \u017fin; and Chri\u017ft by his life \u017faveth us, as con\u017fidered ju\u017ftified and reconciled to God by his blood. So then, we have \u017falvation from that condemnation that \u017fin had brought on us, and \u017falvation from tho\u017fe ruins that all the\nenemies of our \u017fouls would yet bring us unto, but cannot, which the interce\u017f\u017fion of Chri\u017ft preventeth.\n\nChri\u017ft hath redeemed us from the cur\u017fe of the law; whatever the law can take hold of, to cur\u017fe us for that Chri\u017ft has redeemed us\nfrom, by being made a cur\u017fe for us. But this cur\u017fe that Chri\u017ft was made for us, mu\u017ft be confined to his \u017fufferings, not to his exaltation; and con\u017fequently, not to his interce\u017f\u017fion for Chri\u017ft was made no cur\u017fe but when he \u017fuffered, not in his interce\u017f\u017fion So then, as he died he took away the cur\u017fe, and \u017fin, that was the cau\u017fe whereof. by the \u017facrifice of him\u017felf, and by his life his interce\u017f\u017fion, he \u017faveth us from all tho\u017fe hings that attempt to bring us again into that condemnation\n\nThe \u017falvation then that we have by the interce\u017f\u017fion of Chri\u017ft as was \u017faid. I \u017fpeak row f them that are capable of receiving comfort\nand relief by this doctrine), is \u017falvation that follows upon, or that comes after ju\u017ftification. We that are \u017faved, as to ju\u017ftification of life, need yet to be \u017faved with that which pre\u017ferveth to glory. For though. by the death of Chri\u017ft, we are \u017faved from the cur\u017fe of the law, yet attempts are made by many that we may be kept from the glory that ju\u017ftified per\u017fons are\n\u017figned for; and from thee we are \u017faved by his interce\u017f\u017fion.\n\nA man that mu\u017ft be eternally \u017faved, is to e con\u017fidered 1 As an heir of wrath. 2 As an heir of God.\n\nAn heir of wrath he is in him\u017felf by \u017fin; an heir of God he is by grace through Chri\u017ft. Now, as an heir of wrath he is redeemed, and\nan heir of God he is pre\u017ferved. As an heir wrath he is redeemed by blood, and as an heir of God, he is pre\u017ferved by this interce\u017f\u017fion.\n\nChri\u017ft, by his death to put me. I being reconciled to God thereby, into a ju\u017ftified \u017ftate; and God accepts me to grace and favour through him: but this doth not hinder but that all this notwith\u017ftanding, there are that would fru\u017ftrate me of the end to which I am de\u017figned by the reconciliation to God by redemption through grace; and from the accompli\u017fhing of this de\u017fign I am \u017faved by the ble\u017f\u017fed interce\u017f\u017fion of our Lord Je\u017fus Chri\u017ft.\n\nObject 1. Perhaps \u017fome may \u017fay, we are not \u017faved from all puni\u017fhment of \u017fin, by the death of Chri\u017ft; \u017fo not from all danger of damnation by the interce\u017f\u017fion of Chri\u017ft:\n\nAn\u017fw. We are \u017faved from all puni\u017fhment in hell-fire by the death of Chri\u017ft. Je\u017fus has delivered us from the wrath to come. So that as to this great puni\u017fhment. God, for his \u017fake, has forgiven us all tre\u017fpa\u017f\u017fes. But we being tran\u017flated from being \u017flaves to Satan, to be \u017fons of God, God relenteth yet this liberty in his\nhand to cha\u017fti\u017fe us if we offend, as a father cha\u017fti\u017feth his \u017fon; but this cha\u017fti\u017fement is not in legal wrath but in fatherly affection not to de\u017ftroy us, but that \u017ftill we might be made\nto get advantage thereby, even be made partakers of his holine\u017fs. that we might not be condemned with the world.\n\nTHE APPLICATION.\n\nI come now to make \u017fome Application of this di\u017fcour\u017fe. And let me exhort you to the \u017ftudy of this as of other the truths of our Lord Je\u017fus Chri\u017ft. The prie\u017ftly office of Chri\u017ft, is the fir\u017ft and great thing that is pre\u017fented to us in the go\u017fpel: namely, How\nthat he died for our \u017fins, and gave him\u017felf to the cro\u017fs, that the ble\u017f\u017fing of Abraham might come upon us through him. But now, becau\u017fe this, prie\u017ftly, office of his is divided into two parts, and becau\u017fe one of them, to wit this of his interce\u017f\u017fion is to be accompli\u017fhed for us within the veil; therefore as we \u017fay among\nmen out-of \u017fight out-of mind, he is too much, as to this, forgotten by us We \u017fatisfy our\u017felves with the \u017flaying of the \u017facrifice; we look not enough after our Aaron, as he goes into\nthe holie\u017ft, there to \u017fprinkle the mercy \u017feat with blood upon our account.\n\nGod forbid that the lea\u017ft \u017fyllable of what (\u017fay. \u017fhould be intended by me or con\u017ftrued by others, as if I \u017fought to dimini\u017fh the price paid by Chri\u017ft for our redemption in this world. But \u017fince his dying is hi laying down his price, and his interce\u017f\u017fion the urging and managing the worthine\u017fs of it in the pre\u017fence of God again\u017ft Satan there is glory to be found therein, and we \u017fhould look after him into the holy place. The \u017fecond part of the work of the high prie\u017fts under the law had great glory, and \u017fanctity put upon it; for as much as the holy garments were provided for him to officiate in within the veil: al\u017fo it was there that the altar \u017ftood, on which e offered incen\u017fe Al\u017fo, there was the mercy-\u017feat and the cherubims of glory which were figures of the angels that love to be continually looking and prying into the management. Of this \u017fecond part of the prie\u017fthood of Chri\u017ft in the pre\u017fence of God. For altho them\u017felves are not the per\u017fons \u017fo immediately concerned herein as we, yet the management of it, I \u017fay, with \u017fo much grace, and glory, and wi\u017fdom, and effectualne\u017fs that it is a heaven to the angels o \u017fee it! O to enjoy the odorous \u017fcent and sweet memorial, the heart refre\u017fhing perfumes that a\u017fcend continually from the mercy-\u017feat to the above where God is! and al\u017fo to behold how effectual it is to the end for which it is de\u017figned, is glorious!\n\nImprove the\u017fe doctrines to your\u017felves and your acquaintances.\n\n1. Improve them to your acquaintances by labouring to in\u017ftill them upon their hearts by good and whole\u017fome words pre\u017fenting all to them with the authority of the Scriptures.\n\n2. Labour to enforce the\u017fe di\u017ftillings upon them by \u017fhewing them by thy life the peace, the glorious effects that they have upon thy own \u017foul.\n\nLa\u017ftly, Let this doctrine give thee boldne\u017fs to come to God. If Chri\u017ft be interceding in heaven, O then be thou a praying man on earth: yea take courage to pray. Think thus with thy\u017felf: I go to God to God before who\u017fe throne the Lord Je\u017fus is ready to hand my\npetition to him; ye, He ever lives to make interce\u017f\u017fion for me. This is a great encouragement to come to God by prayers and \u017fupplications for our\u017felves and by interce\u017f\u017fions for our families, our neighbours, and enemies.\n\nF I N I S.\n\nThis work was published before January 1, 1931, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.\n\nPublic domainPublic domainfalsefalse","title":"Christ a complete saviour (1)","tradition":"scripture-revelation","translated_text":null,"word_count":6231}