Inference 1.
* 1.1Hath Christ perfected and compleatly finished all his work for us, how sweet a relief is this to us that believe in him, against all the defects and imperfections of all the works of God, that are wrought by us. There's nothing finished that we do. All our duties are imperfect duties, they come off lamely, and defectively from our hands. It's Christs charge against the Church of Sardis, Rev. 3.2. I have not found thy works 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 perfect, or filled up before God. Oh there is much emptiness, and vanity in the best of our duties: but here's the grand relief, and that which answers to all the grounds of our doubts and fears upon that account, Jesus Christ hath finished all his work, though we can finish none of ours. And so, though we be defective, poor, imperfect creatures in our selves; yet notwithstanding, we are compleat in him, Col. 2.9, 10. though we cannot perfectly obey, or fulfil one command of the Law, yet is the righteousness of the Law fulfilled in us that believe, Rom. 8.4. Christs compleat obedience being imputed to us, makes us compleat, and without fault before God.
It is true, we ought to be humbled for our defects, and troubled for every failing in obedience; but we should not be discouraged, though multitudes of weaknesses be upon us; and many infirmities compass us about in every duty we put our hand to. Though we