An expositon of all St. Pauls epistles together with an explanation of those other epistles of the apostles St. James, Peter, John & Jude : wherein the sense of every chapter and verse is analytically unfolded and the text enlightened. / David Dickson ...

CHAP. X.

HEE proceeds to extol the Priest-hood of Christ a∣bove the Levitical. There are two parts of the Chapter: In the first hee proves, that the Sacrifice of Christ once made, was more excellent than all the Legal Sacrifices, to ver. 19. In the second part, hee makes use of this Doctrine, by way of exhortation to boldness and constancy in the profession of the Faith, and holi∣ness of life, with patience, to the end.

Vers. 1. For the Law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those Sacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto per∣fect;

The Arguments for proving the excellency of the Sa∣crifice of Christ above the Levitical Sacrifices, are twelve:

Argum. 1. The Levitical Sacrifices prescribed in the ceremonial Law, only contained the shadow of the Sa∣crifice of Christ, and his benefits, not a lively representa∣tion of the things themselves, as it appears in the Mir∣rour of the Gospel from the things themselves, as now exhibited and considered in themselves: Therefore they

were far inferiour to the Sacrifice of Christ, represented by them.

Never] Argum. 2. Even the most excellent Levitical Sacrifices, yearly performed by the High-priest, could not justifie or sanctifie those for whom, or by whom, they were offered: Therefore they are inferiour to the Sacri∣fice of Christ.

Vers. 2. For then would they not have ceased to bee of∣fered; because that the worshippers once purged, should have had no more conscience of sin.

Argum. 3. Confirming the former, the Levitical Sa∣crifices, by their often repetition, argued their imperfecti∣on and weakness to justifie the sinners for whom they were offered: Therefore they were inferiour to Christs Sacrifice.

For then] A reason is given of the former; If those Sacrifices had justified the worshippers, the frequent of∣fering them had ceased, because the worshippers purged from the guilt of sin, and quieted in conscience, by one Oblation, had no need to repeat it often: But those Le∣vitical Sacrifices ceased not to bee often offered, because the Law commanded that it should bee so: Therefore those Sacrifices did not justifie their worshippers.

Vers. 3. But in those Sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

Argum. 4. Confirming the same thing, even their most principal Sacrifices amongst them, carried along with them a repeated mention of all sins past, which had been in vain, if by the former Sacrifices they had been a∣bolished: Therefore these Sacrifices were far inferiour to the Sacrifice of Christ.

Vers. 4. For it is not possible that the blood of Bulls and of Goats, should take away sins.

Argum. 5. Confirming also the second; These Sacri∣fices were meaner (as of beasts) than that they could take away sin: Therefore far inferiour to the Sacrifice of Christ.

Vers. 5. Wherefore when hee cometh into the world, hee saith, Sacrifice and Offering thou wouldest nor, but a body hast thou prepared mee.

6. In Burnt-offerings, and Sacrifices for sin, thou ••ast had no pleasure.

7. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of mee) to do thy will, O God.

8. Above, when hee said, Sacrifice and Offering, and Burnt-offerings, and Offering for sin, thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein, which are offered by the Law:

9. Then said hee, Lo, I come to do thy will (O God:) hee taketh away the first, that hee may establish the second.

Hee proves this Argument from Psal. 40. Wherein Christ is introduced by the Prophet, as to the time hee was made man, and appeared in the flesh, publishing the abolition of Legal Sacrifices by his Father, and that in their stead, his obedience in the body was appointed, even to the Death of the Cross, in that hee saith, His ears were opened; or, God had prepared him a Body; by both phrases is signified, that the Son of God Incarnate, was formed to obedience unto his Father. Forseeing the Legal Sacrifices not accepted, as not able to expiate sins, hee offers himself up to death, according to the Will of his Father, according to the Prophecies, which in the volume of the books are contained concerning him; and so hee takes away the Levitical Sacrifices, that hee may establish the Sacrifice of Christ.

Vers. 10. By the which will wee are sanctified, through the offering of the Body of Iesus Christ once for all.

Argum. 7. By the Oblation of the Body of Christ, according to the Will of God, wee are Justified and San∣ctified, which could not bee justified nor sanctified by the Legal Sacrifices: Therefore the Sacrifice of Christ by Divine institution, is more excellent than the Leviti∣cal.

Vers. 11. And every Priest standeth daily ministring and offering oftentimes the same Sacrifices which can never take away sins.

12. But this man, after hee had offered one Sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God,

Argum. 8. The Priests offering the daily Sacrifice, daily stood, as Ministers labouring, and offering the same Sacrifices, ineffectual to take away sin: But Christ by one Oblation once offered, as Lord of Heaven and Earth, sat down, and Reigns as Partner of Glory with his Fa∣ther: Therefore his Sacrifice is more excellent than the Levitical.

Vers. 13. From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

Argum. 9. After the Sacrifice of Christ, nothing re∣mains to bee done for the expiation of the sins of Belie∣vers, or the Elect, only the subduing of the Devil, the World, sin dwelling in us, death, and a full subjection of the rest of ours and Christs enemies remains, that the Redeemed may enjoy a full happiness, being freed from all their enemies: Therefore his Sacrifice is more excel∣lent than the Levitical.

Vers. 14. For by one offering hee hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Argum. 10. Confirming the former: The Oblation of Christ once made, hath an infinite virtue, not only to satisfie for the sins of the Elect, or Believers, who have devoted themselves in holiness unto God, but also effe∣ctually to bestow holiness and salvation, gradually to bee accomplished, and eternally to endure, upon all those which were, are, and shall bee hereafter: Therefore his Oblation is more excellent than the Levitical, and that being now offered up, nothing remains but the subduing of enemies, and the application of the benefits procured by that Oblation, for the good of the Elect.

Vers. 15. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that hee had said before,

16. This is the Covenant that I will make with them after those daies, saith the Lord; I will put my Laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them:

17. And their sins and iniquities will I remember us more.

Argum. 11. The New Covenant founded on the Sa∣crifice of Christ, absolutely, without any condition, pro∣mises to all the Elect full Sanctification, I will put my Law, &c. and remission of sins, I will remember them no more; as the Holy Ghost testifies, Ier. 31.31. &c. Therefore the Sacrifice of Christ, &c.

Vers. 18: Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Argum. 12. That one Sacrifice of Christ obtains from God full pardon of sins to the faithful under the New Covenant, that hee neither leaves any place for the re∣petition of it, nor to any other offering for sin: There∣fore the Sacrifice of Christ is more excellent than the Levitical.

The Second Part of the Chapter.

Vers. 19. Having therefore, Brethren, boldness to enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Iesus,

The second pa•••• follows, wherein hee brings the precedent Doctrine into use, by way of exhortation, con∣sisting of divers branches, That with confidence in God, to ver. 23. promoting the work of Holiness in themselves particularly, and in all the members of the Church in ge∣neral, to ver. 26. they patiently and confidently perse∣vere in the Faith, unto the end. And briefly, this whole exhortation, may bee gathered into this Proposition; Yee ought with confidence patiently to persevere in your endea∣vours after holiness. The Arguments of this exhortati∣on, which prove and inforce this Proposition, are nine∣teen; whereof some alluding to types, so hee lays them

down, that withall hee may raise the minds of the He∣brews to the excellency of the thing signified.

Having] Argum. 1. Yee have together with us, bold∣ness by Faith in your prayers, in this life, of en∣tring into Heaven, and full possession after this life by approaching unto God himself: Therefore ought yee with boldness to persevere in the Faith.

By the blood] Argum. 2. By the blood or death of Je∣sus Christ, as by a full price of our Redemption and Re∣conciliation, this priviledge is procured for you, that in all your necessities, yee may freely open your minds to God: Therefore ought yee boldly to persevere.

Vers. 20. By a new and living way which hee hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.

Argum. 3. Christ being made man, and uniting him∣self with us in our common nature, hath dedicated his flesh, or his humanity, to this use, that yee with us being advantaged with this communion of nature, by his Me∣diation, as by a new way, plain, safe, and living (which quickens those that walk in it, and refreshes the weary) yee may come unto God, as the Levitical High Priest entred by the veil into the Sanctuary: Therefore ought yee to persevere with confidence in God.

Vers. 21. And having an High Priest over the house of God:

Argum. 4. Wee have Christ our High Priest, who goes before us in the way, bearing the iniquity of the in∣feriour Priests, lest the things which are done amiss by us, in our imperfect services, might hinder our access to God, Therefore, &c.

Over the] Argum. 5. Wee have Christ, very tender towards us, over the house of God, who hath power to admit into Heaven whom hee will, and of assigning a place to them that are entered, as he please, and out of the treasury of his grace to bestow upon them as much as can be desired: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 22. Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of Faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23. Let us hold fast the Profession of our Faith without wavering: (for hee is faithful that promised.)

Argum. 6. The priviledge of a new and sincere heart is given to Beleevers, to a full assurance of Faith, and a peaceable conscience in Christ, and to holiness of life, which were signified by the Legal washings: yee there∣fore by Faith apprehending your priviledge with us, and applying to your selves the virtue of Christs blood, by Faith being assured, yee ought together with us, in San∣ctification of life, to approach nearer unto God, and to cleave unto him, that yee may the more boldly perse∣vere.

Faithful] Arg. 7. God who hath promised all grace to them that hope in him, that they may perseve••e to sal∣vation, is faithful: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 24. And let us consider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good works:

25. Not forsaking the assembling of our selves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one ano∣ther, and so much the more, as yee see the day ap∣proaching.

Argum. 8. Unless yee diligently take heed, that by all waies and means which make for your particular, or the Churches perseverance in general (viz. by considering one another, and exciting one another to love, and to good works, by attending publick meetings, and pre∣serving the unity of the Church, &c.) there is danger le••t a separation or Schism follow, and at length Aposta∣cy from the Faith, as experience testifies in the persons of some: Therefore, &c.

So much the more] Argum. 9. The day of judgement approacheth, wherein to those that persevere in, and apo∣statize from the Faith, a reward shall bee given accord∣ing to their works.

Vers. 26. For if wee sin wilfully after that wee have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Argum. 10. Unless yee persevere in the Faith, or if after the acknowledgement of the truth of the Gospel, wilfully, or on set purpose yee fall back from the Gospel, (which is to sin against the Holy Ghost) there remains no more Sacrifice for sin, nor by consequence remission of sin, if so be yee rejecting Christ and his Sacrifice ma∣liciously, there is no more Sacrifice for sin left: There∣fore lest yee fall into this abysse, yee ought carefully to persevere.

Vers. 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judge∣ment, and fiery indignation, which shall devoure the adversaries.

Argum. 11. There abides for Apostates▪ who know∣ingly and willfully reject Christ, and maliciously betake themselves to the adversaries side, a fear of the dreadful judgement of God, and of eternal fire, which shall devoure all the enemies of Christ, and chiefly A∣postates: Therefore ought yee to persevere in the Faith.

Vers. 28. Hee that despised Moses Law, died without mercy, under two or three witnesses.

29. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose yee shall hee bee thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the Covenant, wherewith hee was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the spirit of grace?

Hee confirms this Argument with six Reasons. Reas. 1. Because the contemner of Moses Law, legally convicted, was adjudged to capital punishment, without mercy: Therefore much more is the Apostate to be destroyed.

Trodden under foot] Reas. 2. Because the Apostate is no less injurious to Christ, as much as lyes in him, than if hee should draw him from his Throne, and trample him under his feet.

Blood] Reas. 3. Because they esteem the most Holy blood of Christ (whereby once as to the outward man, or the outward Ecclesiastical Sanctification, they are se∣parated from the world, and in Baptism, consecrated un∣to God) as the blood of some common man.

Spirit] Reas. 4. Because they offer despite to the Ho∣ly Spirit, as if hee was a lyar, who convinceth them of the Deity and Divine power of Christ.

Vers. 30. For wee know him that hath said, Venge∣ance belongeth unto mee, I will recompence, saith the Lord: and again, the Lord shall judge his people.

Reas. 5. Because God professeth himself the reven∣ger of all sin, and of injuries done to his people, Deut. 32.35, 36. and much more of so horrible a sin against his Son, and also against the whole Church.

Vers. 31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.

Reas. 6. Because Apostates have not to do with mise∣rable mortals, but with the Living God, i. e. him that is omnipotent, and alwaies in readiness to revenge, into whose hands, as into the hands of an angry Judge, it is a fearful thing to fall: Therefore Apostates must expect nothing but the fearful judgement of God. Withall hee propounds,

Argum. 12. To perseverance in the Faith: Wilful Apostacy from the Faith is joyned with so many hainous Reproaches against Christ and the Holy Spirit: There∣fore take yee heed of Apostacy, and persevere yee con∣stantly in the Faith.

Vers. 32. But call to remembrance the former daies, in which after yee were illuminated, yee endured a great fight of afflictions:

33. Partly whilst yee were made a gazing stock, both by reproaches and afflictions, and partly whilst yee became companions of them that were so used.

34. For yee had compassion of mee in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in your selves, that yee have in Heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Argum. 13. By suffering persecution for the Gospel, yee have long since given a famous proof of your constan∣cy in the Faith, hoping for that reward which is laid up for you in Heaven: Therefore ought yee hereafter to persevere constantly in the Faith. Hee opens this Argu∣ment, by minding them how presently upon their recei∣ving the Faith of Christ, being illuminated by the word and Spirit of God, they entred into a fight of grievous afflictions, as it were, vers. 32. Partly whilst they them∣selves were openly reproached by the enemies of the Gos∣pel, and oppressed with all kind of injustice and vio∣lence; Partly also, whilst they out of Christian sympathy joyned themselves as companions to those that were af∣flicted and oppressed for the Gospels sake, vers. 33. which hee makes apparent by experience, because whilst the Apostle was in bonds for the Gospel, the faithful Hebrews sympathized, and took the spoiling of their goods joyfully, not respecting earthly riches in compari∣son to the heavenly and eternal inheritance laid up for them in Heaven, vers. 34.

Vers. 35. Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompence of reward.

Argum. 14. Constant perseverance in the Faith, hath a great recompence of reward: Therefore the Profession of your Faith is not to be cast away, but constantly to be held fast by you.

Vers. 36. For yee have need of patience, that after yee have done the will of God, yee might receive the Promise.

Argum. 15. If yee patiently persevere, yee shall re∣ceive eternal life, which is promised unto you, otherwise not: Therefore yee ought constantly and patiently to persevere in the Faith.

Vers. 37. For yet a little while, and hee that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Argum. 16. Yee shall shortly have an end of your la∣bours, and yet want but little of the victory, yet a little while and God will set you at liberty from all trouble (as the Prophet Habak. 2.4. gives us notice:) There∣fore ought yee constantly to persevere.

Vers. 38. Now the Iust shall live by Faith, but if a∣ny man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Argum. 17. The Just shall live by Faith, not by the present possession of his hope, laying hold upon Life and Righteousness, no other waies but by Faith: Therefore yee ought to persevere in the Faith, that yee may obtain Righteousness and Life.

If any] Argum. 18. Hee that casts away his Faith, and is puffed up with carnal confidence of his own strength, or rests upon the power of any creature, is hateful to God, and his Saints: Therefore ought yee to persevere in the Faith.

Vers. 39. But wee are not of them who draw back unto perdition: but of them that beleeve, to the sa∣ving of the soul.

Argum. 19. I am perswaded, that wee who truly be∣leeve, are not of those reprobate Hypocrites, who in the day of temptation fall away, to their own perdition, but of those that are elected, whereof every one perseveres to the saving of his soul: Therefore ought yee boldly to persevere in the Faith.