Q29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.
Q1. What may we understand by redemption in this answer?
A. The whole of that salvation which is revealed and exhibited in the gospel, Psalm 130:7, 8.
Q2. Why is redemption said to be purchased?
A. Because having brought ourselves into a state of bondage and servitude, Gal. 4:24, we could not be ransomed, but at a great price, 1 Cor. 6:20.
Q3. What was the price of our redemption?
A. The precious blood of Christ, 1 Pet. 1:19.
Q4. What is it to be partakers of this redemption?
A. It is to have a share in it, or to be entered upon the begun possession of it, 1 Cor. 10:17.
Q5. Can we make ourselves partakers of redemption?
A. No; we must be made partakers of it, Heb. 3:14 - "We are made partakers of Christ," &c.
Q6. Why cannot we make ourselves partakers of it?
A. Because we are altogether without strength, Rom. 5:6; and utterly averse to all spiritual good, John 5:40.
Q7. How then are we made partakers of redemption?
A. By the application of it to us.
Q8. What is meant by the application of redemption to us?
A. The conferring all the benefits of it upon us, and making them our own, by way of free gift, John 10:28 - "I give unto them eternal life."
Q9. How was the application of redemption typified under the Old Testament?
A. By sprinkling the blood of the sacrifice upon the people, Ex. 24:8.
Q10. Does not the application of redemption presuppose the purchase of it?
A. Yes; if it were not first purchased, it could never be applied, Job 33:24.
Q11. How then could it be applied to the Old Testament saints, when it was not then actually purchased?
A. It was applied upon the credit of the bond, which the Surety gave from eternity, of making a meritorious purchase in the fulness of time, Proverbs 8:23, 31.
Q12. Can the purchase of redemption avail us, if it is not applied?
A. No more than meat can feed, clothes warm, or medicines heal us, if they are not used, John 1:12.
Q13. When may the application of redemption be said to be effectual?
A. When it produces the saving effects for which it is designed.
Q14. What are these saving effects?
A. The opening of the eyes of sinners, and "turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God," Acts 26:18.
Q15. If the application of redemption be effectual, what need is there of any after endeavours, to grow in grace and holiness?
A. The giving us all things that pertain to life and godliness is the greatest encouragement and excitement to add to our faith, virtue, &c.; that is, to use all suitable endeavours, in the strength of grace, after spiritual growth, 2 Pet. 1:3, 5.
Q16. Is there any application of redemption that is not effectual?
A. Yes; there is an outward application of it in baptism, which is not, of itself, effectual, as is evident in the instance of Simon Magus, who was baptised, and yet remained in the "gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity," Acts 8:13, 23.
Q17. By whom is the redemption purchased by Christ effectually applied?
A. By his Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5, 6.
Q18. Why is the application of redemption ascribed to the Spirit?
A. To show that each of the three persons, in the adorable Trinity, is equally hearty and cordial in the work of man's redemption; the FATHER in ordaining, the SON in purchasing, and the SPIRIT in applying it, John 6:57, 63.
Q19. Why is the Spirit, in this work, called the Holy Spirit?
A. Because, as he is essentially holy, Psalm 51:11; so he is holy in all his works and operations, Rom. 15:16.
Q20. Why is redemption said to be applied by the Spirit of Christ, or His Holy Spirit?
A. Because the Spirit is sent for this work more immediately by Christ, and through his mediation, John 14:16, as the leading fruit of his purchase, John 16:7.
Q21. What is the difference between the purchase of redemption and the application of it?
A. The purchase of redemption is a work done without us, Isaiah 63:3; but the application of it takes place within us, Rom. 8:16.
Q22. To whom is redemption effectually applied by the Spirit?
A. "To all those for whom Christ has purchased it," John 10:15, 16,36 and to none else.
Q23. "Can they who have never heard the gospel, and so know not Jesus Christ, nor believe in him, be saved by their living according to the light of nature?"
A. "They - cannot be saved, John 8:24, be they ever so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, 1 Cor. 1:20, 21, or the laws of that religion which they profess, John 4:22; neither is there salvation in any other but in Christ alone, Acts 4:12, who is the Saviour only of his body the Church, Eph. 5:23."37
Q24. What means does the Spirit make use of in the application of redemption?
A. The Spirit of God makes use of the reading, 2 Tim. 3:15, 16, but especially the preaching of the word, for this end, Rom. 10:17.
Q25. Are these means of themselves effectual?
A. Not without the power and efficacy of the Spirit accompanying them, 1 Thess. 1:5.
Q26. What is incumbent on us, in way of duty, that the redemption, purchased by Christ, may be effectually applied to us?
A. To search for the knowledge of Christ as for hid treasure, Proverbs 2:4, and to pray for the Spirit to testify of Christ, John 15:26, in the faith of his own promise: "He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you," John 16:14.
Q1. What did our redemption cost Christ?
A. It cost him his own blood to obtain it; Hebrews 9:12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Q2. Can none have the benefit of it, except it be applied to them?
A. No, if Christ be not applied, we cannot be saved; John 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.
Q3. Whose work or office is it to apply Christ to us?
A. It is the office and work of God's Spirit; Titus 3:4, 5. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior towards man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit.
Q4. What means does the Spirit use in applying Christ?
A. The external means he makes use of, is the ministry of the gospel; 1 Corinthians 3:5. Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed?
Q5. Is this sufficient of itself?
A. No, the blessing and power of the Spirit must accompany it, or Christ cannot be applied; 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 6. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance, as you know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.
Q6. To whom does the Spirit apply Christ?
A. To those that were given him of the Father before the world was; Acts 13:48. And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. John 14:17. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him; but you know him, for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.
Q7. Is the application of Christ to a soul finished at once?
A. Though the first act of faith unites the soul to Christ, yet it is a continued act; 1 Peter 2:4. To whom coming, as unto a living stone.
Q8. What learn we from hence?
A. What a destitute thing the soul is that is out of Christ; Revelation 3:18. Because you say I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
Q9. What else does it teach us?
A. The riches and dignity of believers. Christ and all his purchases are theirs; 1 Corinthians 3:22, 23. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
Q10. What else does it teach us?
A. The righteousness of God in the destruction of all unbelievers; John 5:40. Mark 16:16. He who believes, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he who believes not shall be damned. Of our Union with Christ
Q1. Is redemption purchased by Christ?
A. Yes: He obtained eternal redemption for us, Heb. 9:12.
Q2. Is he then the Author of it?
A. Yes: He became the Author of salvation, Heb. 5:9.
Q3. Is it redemption by price?
A. Yes: Ye are bought with a price, 1 Cor. 6:20.
Q4. Is it a redemption by power?
A. Yes: For he hath led captivity captive, Ps. 68:18.
Q5. Is this redemption offered to all?
A. Yes: He hath proclaimed liberty to the captives, Isa. 61:1.
Q6. May all that will take the benefit of it ?
A. Yes: Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, Isa. 55:1.
Q7. Have all the world therefore some benefit by it?
A. Yes: Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, Mark 16:15.
Q8. But have all the world a like benefit by it?
A. No: Thou wilt manifest thyself to us, and not unto the world, John 14:22.
Q9. Is it enough for us that there is a redemption purchased?
A. No: For there are those who deny the Lord who bought them, 2 Pet. 2:1.
Q10. Is it enough to hear of it?
A. No: For to some it is a savour of death unto death, 2 Cor. 2:16.
Q11. Is it enough to have a name among the redeemed?
A. No: Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead, Rev. 3:1.
Q12. Is it necessary therefore that we be partakers of the redemption?
A. Yes: That we may say, Who loved me, and gave himself for me, Gal. 2:20.
Q13. Do all partake of it?
A. No: Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter, Acts 8:21.
Q14. Do all believers partake of it?
A. Yes: We are made partakers of Christ, Heb. 2:14.
Q15. Do they receive the Redeemer?
A. Yes: We have received Christ Jesus the Lord, Col. 2:6.
Q16. Do any receive this of themselves?
A. No: A man can receive nothing except it be given him from above, John 3:27.
Q17. Must the redemption be applied to us?
A. Yes: It is Christ in you the hope of glory, Col. 1:27.
Q18. Is it the Spirit's work to apply it?
A. Yes: For it is the Spirit that quickens, John 6:68.
Q19. Is he sent for that purpose?
A. Yes: He shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you, John 16:15.
Q20. Is he sent in Christ's name?
A. Yes: He is the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, John 14:26.
Q21. Have we as much need of the Spirit to apply the redemption to us, as of the Son to purchase it for us?
A. Yes: For when Christ had purchased it, it was expedient for us he should go away, that he might send the Comforter, John 16:7.
Q22. Is the Spirit given to the church in general?
A. Yes: Another Comforter shall abide with you for ever, John 14:16.
Q23. Is he promised to particular persons?
A. Yes: Turn ye at my reproof; behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto you, Prov. 1:28.
Q24. Are we to pray for the Spirit then?
A. Yes: Our heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him, Luke 11:13.
Q25. Do all believers receive of the Spirit?
A. Yes: God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, Gal. 4:6.
Q26. Is he their teacher?
A. Yes: He shall teach them all things, John 14:26.
Q27. Is he their remembrancer?
A. Yes: He shall bring all things to their remembrance, John 14:26.
Q28. Is he the earnest?
A. Yes: He hath given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts, 2 Cor. 1:22.
Q29. Does he begin the good work of grace in the heart?
A. Yes: For when he is come, he shall convince, John 16:8.
Q30. And does he perfect it?
A. Yes: For he hath wrought us for the selfsame thing, 2 Cor. 5:5.
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Christ the Redeemer
The person and work of Christ, and the application of redemption
Q21. Who is the Redeemer of God's elect?
A. The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever.
Q22. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her yet without sin.
Q23. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?
A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.
Q24. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit the will of God for our salvation.
Q25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual intercession for us.
Q26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
Q27. Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?
A. Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
Q28. Wherein consisteth Christ's exaltation?
A. Christ's exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.
Q29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.
Q30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.
Q31. What is effectual calling?
A. Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.
Q32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?
A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.
Q33. What is justification?
A. Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.
Q34. What is adoption?
A. Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God.
Q35. What is sanctification?
A. Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.
Q36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.
Q37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection.
Q38. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
A. At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.
8. Christ The Redeemer
Q-xxx: HOW DOES THE SPIRIT APPLY TO US THE REDEMPTION PURCHASED BY CHRIST?
A: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.
In this answer there are two things. It is implied that Christ is the glorious purchaser of our redemption, in the words, ‘The redemption purchased by Christ,' and it is declared that the Spirit applies to us this purchased redemption, by working in us faith, &c.
The thing implied is, that Jesus Christ is the glorious purchaser of our redemption. The doctrine of redemption by Jesus Christ is a glorious doctrine; it is the marrow and quintessence of the gospel, in which all a Christian's comfort lies. Great was the work of creation, but greater the work of redemption; it cost more to redeem us than to make us; in the one there was but the speaking of a word, in the other the shedding of blood. The creation was but the work of God's fingers. Psa 8:8. Redemption is the work of his arm. Luke 1:11. ‘Having obtained eternal redemption for us.' Heb 9:12. Christ's purchasing redemption for us implies that our sins mortgaged and sold us. Had there not been some kind of mortgaging there had been no need of redemption: redimere rursus emere. Jerome. When we were thus mortgaged, and sold by sin, Christ purchased our redemption. He had the best right to redeem us, for he is our kinsman. The Hebrew word for Redeemer, Goel, signifies a kinsman, one that is near in blood. In the old law the nearest kinsman was to redeem his brother's land. Ruth 4:4. Thus Christ being near akin to us, ‘Flesh of our flesh.' is the fittest to redeem us.
How does Christ redeem us?
By his own precious blood. ‘In whom we have redemption through his blood.' Eph 1:1. Among the Romans, he was said to redeem another who laid down a price equivalent for the ransom of the prisoner. In this sense Christ is a Redeemer; he has paid a price. Never was such a price paid to ransom prisoners. ‘Ye are pretio empti, bought with a price; and this price was his own blood.' I Cor 6:60. So, in the text, ‘by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.' This blood being the blood of that person who was God as well as man is a price sufficient for the ransom of millions.
From what does Christ redeem us?
From sin. To be redeemed from Turkish slavery is a great mercy, but it is infinitely more to be redeemed from sin. There is nothing that can hurt the soul but sin; it is not affliction that hurts it, it often makes it better, as the furnace makes gold the purer; but it is sin that damnifies. Now, Christ redeems us from sin. ‘Now, once in the end of the world has he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.' Heb 9:96.
But how are we redeemed from sin? Do we not see corruption stirring in the regenerate; much pride and unmortified passion?
Redemption is either incohata or plena; i.e. begun redemption or perfect redemption. Sin cannot stand with a perfect redemption; but here it is begun only, and sin may stand with an imperfect redemption. There may be some darkness in the air at the sun's first rising, but not when the sun is at the full meridian. While our redemption is but begun, there may be sin; but not when it is perfect in glory.
In what sense has Christ redeemed justified persons from sin?
(1.) A reatu, from the guilt of sin, though not the stain. Guilt is the binding a person over to punishment. Now, Christ has redeemed a justified person from the guilt of sin; he has discharged his debts. Christ says to God's justice, as Paul to Philemon, ‘If he has wronged thee anything, or owes thee ought, put that on my account.' Verse I8.
(2.) A justified person is redeemed a dominio, from the power and regency of sin, though not from the presence. Sin may furere, but not regnare; it may rage in a child of God, but not reign. Lust raged in David, and fear in Peter, but it did not reign; they recovered themselves by repentance. ‘Sin shall not have dominion over you.' Rom 6:14. Sin lives in a child of God, but is deposed from the throne; it lives not as a king, but a captive.
(3.) A believer is redeemed a maledictione, from the curse due to sin. ‘Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.' Gal 3:13. Christ said to his Father, as Rebecca to Jacob, ‘Upon me, upon me be the curse; let the blessing be upon them, but upon me be the curse.' And now, there is no condemnation to believers. Rom 8:8. An unbeliever has a double condemnation; one from the law which he has transgressed, and the other from the gospel which he has despised. But Christ has redeemed the believer from this malediction, he has set him out of the power of hell and damnation.
To what has Christ redeemed us?
He has redeemed us to a glorious inheritance. ‘To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.' I Pet 1:1.
(1.) To an inheritance. Christ has not only redeemed us out of prison, but he has redeemed us to a state of happiness, to an inheritance; heaven is not a lease which soon expires, but an inheritance; and a glorious inheritance; called an inheritance in light. Col 1:12. Lumen producit colores; light adorns and gilds the world. What were the world without light but a prison? The heavenly inheritance is irradiated with light. Christ, as a continual sun, enlightens it with his beams. Rev 21:13.
(2.) To an inheritance incorruptible. It does not moulder away or suffer dissolution. Earthly comforts are shadowed out by the tabernacle which was transient; but heaven is set out by the temple, which was fixed and permanent, built with stone, overlaid with gold. This is the glory of the celestial inheritance; it is incorruptible. Eternity is written upon the frontispiece of it.
(3.) Undefiled. The Greek word for undefiled alludes to a precious stone called Amiantus, which cannot be blemished. Such a place is heaven, undefiled, nothing can stain it; there is no sin there to eclipse its purity. For holiness and undefiledness it is compared to pure gold, and to the sapphire and emerald. Rev 21:19. ‘The sapphire has a virtue,' says Pliny, ‘to preserve chasteness, the emerald to expel poison.' These are the lively emblems of heaven, to show the sanctity of it; no fever of lust; no venom of malice; none but pure virgin spirits inhabit it.
(4.) It fadeth not away. The Greek word is the name of a flower, Amarantus, which keeps a long time fresh and green, as Clement of Alexandria writes. Such is the heavenly inheritance, it does not lose its orient colour, but keeps its freshness and greenness to eternity; the beauty of it fadeth not away. To this glorious inheritance has Christ redeemed the saints; an inheritance which cannot be fully described or set forth by all the lights of heaven, though every star were a sun. And that which is the diamond in the ring, the glory of this inheritance, is the eternal sight and fruition of the blessed God. The sight of God will be a most alluring, heart-ravishing object; the king's presence makes the court. ‘We shall see him as he is.' I John 3:3. It is comfortable to see God showing himself through the lattice of an ordinance, to see him in the Word and sacrament. The martyrs thought it comfortable to see him in a prison. Oh then, what will it be to see him in glory, shining ten thousand times brighter than the sun! and not only see him, but enjoy him for ever! Praemium quodfide non attingitur. Augustine. Faith itself is not able fully to comprehend this reward. All this blessedness has Christ purchased through the redemption of his blood.
Use one: Of instruction. (1.) See into what a wretched deplorable condition we had brought ourselves by sin; we had sinned ourselves into slavery, so that we needed Christ to purchase our redemption. Nihil durius servitute, says Cicero, ‘Slavery is the worst condition.' Such as are now prisoners in Algiers think it so. But by sin we are in a worse slavery, slaves to Satan, a merciless tyrant, who sports in the damnation of souls. In this condition we were when Christ came to redeem us.
(2.) See in this, as in a transparent glass, the love of Christ to the elect. He came to redeem them; and died intentionally for them. Were it not great love for a king's son to pay a great sum of money to redeem a captive? But that he should be content to be a prisoner in his stead, and die for his ransom; this were matter of wonder. Jesus Christ has done all this, he has written his love in characters of blood. It had been much for Christ to speak a good word to his Father for us, but he knew that was not enough to redeem us. Though a word speaking made a world, yet it would not redeem a sinner. ‘Without shedding of blood there is no remission.' Heb 9:92.
Use two: Of trial. If Christ came to purchase our redemption, then let us try whether we are the persons whom Christ has redeemed from the guilt and curse due to sin. This is a needful trial; for let me tell you, there is but a certain number whom Christ has redeemed. Oh, say sinners, Christ is a redeemer, and we shall be saved by him! Beloved, Christ came not to redeem all, for that would overthrow the decrees of God. Redemption is not as large as creation. I grant there is a sufficiency of merit in Christ's blood to save all; but there is a difference between sufficiency and efficiency. Christ's blood is a sufficient price for all, but it is effectual only to them that believe. A plaster may have a sovereign virtue in it to heal any wound, but it does not heal unless applied to the wound. And if it be so, that all have not the benefit of Christ's redemption, but some only, then it is a necessary question to ask our own souls, Are we in the number of those that are redeemed by Christ or not?
How shall we know that?
(1.) Such as are redeemed are reconciled to God. The enmity is taken away. Their judgements approve, their wills incline ad bonum. Col 1:1I. Are they redeemed that are unreconciled to God, who hate God and his people (as the vine and laurel have an antipathy), who do all they can to disparage holiness? Are they redeemed who are unreconciled? Christ has purchased a reprieve for these; but a sinner may have a reprieve, and yet go to hell. John 5:5.
(2.) Such as are redeemed by Christ are redeemed from the world. ‘Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver (or redeem) us from this present evil world.' Gal 1:1. Such as are redeemed by Christ are risen with Christ, Col 3:3: As birds that light upon the ground to pick up a little seed, immediately fly up to heaven again; so the redeemed of the Lord use the world, and take the lawful comforts of it, but their hearts are presently off these things, and they ascend to heaven. They live here, and trade above. Such as Christ has died for are ‘dead to the world;' to its honours, profits, and preferments. What shall we think of those who say they are redeemed of the Lord, and yet are lovers of the world? They are like the tribes who desired to have their portion on this side Canaan. ‘Who mind earthly things.' Phil 3:19. They pull down their souls to build up an estate. They are not redeemed by Christ, who are not redeemed from the world.
Use three: Of comfort to such as are redeemed. You are happy, the lot of free grace has fallen upon you; you were once in the devil's prison, but have broken from that prison; you were once bound in the chains of sin, but God has begun to beat off your chains, and has freed you from the power of sin, and the curse due to it. What a comfort is this! Is there any consolation in Christ? It is shine. Is there any sweet fruit growing upon the promise? Thou mayest gather it. Are there any glorious privileges in the gospel? They are thy jointure, justification, adoption, coronation. Is there any glory in heaven? Thou shalt shortly drink of that river of pleasure. Hast thou any temporal comforts? These are but a pledge and earnest of more. Thy meal in the barrel is but a meal by the way, and an earnest of that angels, food which God has prepared for thee. How mayest thou be comforted in all worldly afflictions, though the fig-tree flourish not! Nay, in case of death, it has lost its sting. Mors abiit morte Christi [Death takes its leave, through the death of Christ]. Death shall carry thee to thy Redeemer: fear not dying since you cannot be perfectly happy but by dying.
Use four: Of exhortation. Long for the time when you shall have a full and perfect redemption in heaven, an eternal jubilee; when you shall be freed not only from the power but from the presence of sin. Here a believer is as a prisoner that has broken prison, but walks with a fetter on his leg. When the banner of glory shall be displayed over you, you shall be as the angels of God, you shall never have a sinful thought more; no pain or grief, no aching head or unbelieving heart. You shall see Christ's face, and lie for ever in his arms; you shall be as Joseph. Gen 41:14. They brought him hastily out of the dungeon, and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. Long for that time, when you shall put off your prison garments, and change your raiment, and put on the embroidered garment of glory. Oh long for it! Yet be content to wait for this full and glorious redemption, when you shall be more happy than you can desire, when you shall have ‘that which eye has not seen. nor ear heard. nor can it enter into man's heart to conceive.'