The fountain of life opened, or, A display of Christ in his essential and mediatorial glory wherein the impetration of our redemption by Jesus Christ is orderly unfolded as it was begun, carryed on, and finished by his covenant-transaction, mysterious incarnation, solemn call and dedication ... / by John Flavell ...

DOCT. That Iesus Christ hath perfected,* 1.1 and compleatly finished the great work of Redemption committed to him by God the Father.

To this great truth the Apostle gives a full testimony, Heb. 10.14. By one offering he hath perfected for ever, them that are san∣ctified. And to the same purpose speaks Joh. 17.4. I have glo∣rified thee on earth; I have finished the work▪ thou gavest me to do. Concerning this work and the finishing thereof by Jesus Christ up∣on the Cross; we shall enquire, what this work was, how Christ finished it; and what evidence can be produced for the finishing of it.

First, What was the work which Christ finished by his death?

It was the fulfilling the whole Law of God in our room, and for our Redemption as a Sponsor, or surety for us. The Law is a glorious thing. The holiness of God, that fiery attribute, is en∣graven or stampt upon every part of it. Deut. 33.2. From his right hand went a fiery Law. The jealousie of the Lord watched over every point and tittle of it, for his dreadful and glorious name was upon it. It cursed every one that continued not in all things contained therein, Gal. 3.10. Two things therefore were neces∣sarily required in him that should perfectly fulfil it, and both found in our surety, and in him only; viz. a subjective and effective per∣fection.

First, A subjective perfection. He that wanted this, could ne∣ver say it is finished. Perfect working, always follows a perfect being. That he might therefore fini••h this great work of obedi∣ence, and therein the glorious design of our Redemption; loe, in what shining and perfect holiness was he produced? Luk. 1.35. That holy thing that shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God: and indeed, such an High-Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, Heb. 7.26. So that the Law could have no exception against his person. Nay it was ne∣ver so honoured since its first promulgation, as it was by having such a perfect and excellent person as Christ, to stand at its Bar; and give it due reparation.

Secondly, There must be also an effective perfection, or a per∣fection of working, and obeying, before it could be said, it is fi∣nished. This Christ had; for he continued in all things, written in the Law, to do them. He fulfilled all righteousness, as it beho∣ved him to do. Matth. 3.15. He did all that was required to be done. And suffered all that was requisite to be suffer••d. He did and suffered all that was commanded, or threatned; in such per∣fection of obedience, both active and passive, that the pure eye of divine Justice could not find a flaw in it. And so finished the work his Father gave him to do. And this work finished by our Lord Jesus Christ, was both a necessary, difficult, and pretious work.

First, It was a necessary work, which Christ finished upon the Cross. Necessary upon a threefold account.

* 1.2It was necessary on the Fathers account. I do not mean, that God was under any necessity from his nature of redeeming us this, or any other way. For our Redemption is opus liberi consilii, an effect of the free counsel of God; but when God had once decreed, and determined to redeem and save poor sinners by Jesus Christ; then it became necessary that the counsel of God should be fulfilled. Act. 4.28. To do whatsoever thy hand, and counsel had before de∣termined to be done.

* 1.3Secondly, It was necessary with respect to Christ. Upon the account of that previous compact that was betwixt the Father and him about it. Therefore it's said by Christ himself, Luk. 22.22. Truly the Son of Man goeth as it was determined, (i. e.) as it was fore-agreed, and covenanted under the necessity of fulfilling his engagement to the Father, he came into the world; and being come, he still minds his engagement, Joh. 9.3. I must work the works of him that sent me.

* 1.4Thirdly, Yea, and it was no less necessary upon our account that this work should be finished. For had not Christ finished this work, sin had quickly finished all our lives, comforts and hopes. Without the finishing this work, not a Son or Daughter of Adam could ever have seen the face of God. Therefore it's said, Joh. 3.14, 15. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so [must] the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. On all these accounts the fi∣nishing of this work was necessary.

Secondly, As it was necessary this work should be finished, so the finishing of it, was exceeding difficult. It cost many a cry, ma∣ny

a groan, many a tear, many a hard tug, before Christ could say it is finished. All the Angels in Heaven were not able by their united strength to lift that burden one inch from the ground, which Christ bare upon his shoulders, yea, and bare it away. But how heavy a burden this was, may in part appear, by his propassion in the Garden, and the bitter out-crys he made upon the Cross, which in their proper places have been opened.

Thirdly, and Lastly, It was a most pretious work which Christ finished by his death. That work was dispatched, and finished in few hours, which will be the matter of everlasting songs and tri∣umphs to the Angels and Saints to all eternity. O it was a pretious work. The mercies that now flow out of this fountain, viz. Justification, Sanctification, Adoption, &c. are not to be valued. Besides the endless happiness and glory of the coming-world, which cannot enter into the heart of man to conceive. If the An∣gels sang when the foundation stone was laid, what shouts, what triumphs, should there be among the Saints when this voice is heard, It is finished?

Secondly, Let us next inform our selves how, and in what man∣ner [ 2] Jesus Christ finished this glorious work. And if you search the Scriptures upon that account, you will find, that he finished it, obedientially, freely, diligently and fully.

First, This blessed work was finished by Jesus Christ most obedi∣ently. Phil. 2.8.* 1.5 He became obedient to death, even the death of the Cross. His obedience was the obedience of a servant, though not servile obedience. So it was foretold of him, before he touch∣ed this work. Isai. 50.5. The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back, (i. e.) my Father told me the very worst of it. He told me what hard and heavy things I must undergo, if ever I finished this design of re∣demption; and I was not rebellious, (i. e.) I heartily submitted to, and accepted all those difficulties. For there is a Meiosis in the words. I was content to stoop to the hardest and most ignomi∣nious part of it, rather than not finish it.

Secondly, As Christ finished it obediently, so he finished it free∣ly. Freedom and obedience in acting are not at all opposite to, or exclusive of each other. Moses his Mother nursed him in obedi∣ence to the command of Pharaohs daughter, yet most freely, with respect to her own delight, and contentment in tha•• work. So it's said of Christ, and that by his own mouth. Joh. 10.17, 18.

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of my self; I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this commandment have I recei∣ved of my Father. He liked the work for the ends sake. When he had a prospect of it from eternity, then were his delights with the Sons of men. Then he rejoyced in the habitable parts of the earth. Prov. 8.30, 31. And when he came into the world about it, with what a full and free consent did his heart eccho to the voice of his Father calling him to it? Just as you shall sometimes hear an eccho, an∣swering your voice two or three times over. Psal. 40. Lo, I come; I delight to do thy will; thy Law is within my heart. He finished the work freely.

Thirdly, As he finished it freely, so he finished it diligently. He wrought hard from the morning of his life to the end of it; he was never idle whereever he was, but went about doing good, Act. 10.38. Sometimes he was so intent upon his work, that he forgat to eat bread, Joh. 4.30, 31. As the life of some men is but a di∣version from one trifle to another, from one pleasure to another; so the whole life of Christ was spent and eaten up betwixt one work or another. Never was a life so filled up with labour. The ve∣ry moments of his time, were all imployed for God, to finish this work.

Fourthly, and Lastly, he finished it compleatly and fully. All that was to be done by way of impetration,* 1.6 and meritorious re∣demption, is fully done. No hand can come after his. Angels can add nothing to it. That is perfected to which nothing is want∣ing, and to which nothing can be added. Such is the work Christ finished. Whatever the Law demanded, is perfectly paid. What∣ever a sinner needs, is perfectly obtained, and purchased. Nothing can be added to what Christ hath done. He put the last hand to it, when he said, it is finished. Thus you see what the work was, and how Christ finished it.

[ 3] Thirdly, In the Last place let us consider what assurance, or evi∣dence we have that Christ hath so finished redemption-work. And if you pursue that enquiry, you will find these, among other plain evidences of it.

* 1.7First, When Christ died, redemption-work must needs be fi∣nished, in as much as the obedience and blood of Christ, was of in∣finite value and efficacy, sufficiently able to accomplish all the ends

for which it was shed. And that not by divine acceptation, but up∣on the account of its proper value. This effect, viz. the finishing redemption-work meritoriously by Christ, doth not exceed the power of the cause to which we assign it; viz. the death of Christ. And if there be a sole sufficient cause in act, what hinders but the effect should follow? There was certainly enough in Christs blood, to satisfie the u••most demand of Justice: when that therefore is actually shed, justice is fully paid, and consequently the souls for whom, and in whose names it's paid, fully redeemed from the curse by the merit thereof.

Secondly, It's apparent that Christ finished the work, by the discharge or acquittance God the Father gave him, when he rai∣sed him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand. If Christ the sinners Surety be as such, discharged by God the Credi∣tor; then the debt is fully paid. Now Christ was justified, and cleared at his resurrection, from all charges and demands of Justice. Therefore it's sa••d, 1 Tim. 3.16. that he was Iustified in the spi∣rit, (i. e.) openly discharged, by that very act of the Godhead, his raising him from the dead. For when the grave was opened and Christ rose, it was to him as the opening of the Prison doors, and setting a Surety at liberty, who was clapt up for another mans debt. To the same sense Christ speaks of his ascention, Joh. 16.10. The spirit (saith he) shall convince the world of righteous∣ness, (i. e.) of a compleat and perfect righteousness in me, im∣putable to sinners for their perfect Justification; and whereby shall he convince and satisfie them that it is so, why, by this, because I go to the Father, and ye see me no more. There's a great deal of force and weight in those words, because you see me no more. For it amounts to this much, by this you shall be satisfied I have fully and compleatly performed all Righteousness, and that by my active and passive obedience I have so fully satisfied God for you, as that you shall never be charged or condemned; because when I go to Heaven, I shall abide there in glory with my Father, and not be sent back again, as I should, if any thing had been omitted by me. And this the Apostle gives you also in so many plain words. Heb. 10.12, 13, 14. After he had offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever sate down on the right hand of God. And what doth he infer from that but the very truth before us, vers. 14. that by one offering he hath perfected for ever, them that are san∣ctified.

Thirdly, It's evident Christ hath finished the work, by the bles∣sed effects of it, upon all that believe in him. For by vertue of the compleatness of Christs work finished by his death; their Consci∣ences are now rationally pacified, and their souls at death actually received into glory. Neither of which could be, if Christ had not in this world finished the work. If Christ had done his work imperfectly, he could not have given rest and tranquillity to the la∣bouring and burdened souls that come to him, as now he doth. Matth. 11.28. Conscience would still be hesitating, trembling, and unsatisfied. And had he not finished his work, we could not have entrance through the vail of his flesh, into Heaven; as all that believe in him have. Heb. 10.19, 20. If he had but almost done that work, we had been but almost saved, that is certainly damned. And thus you see briefly the evidences, that the work is finished.

Inference 1.

* 1.8Hath 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

have no righteousness of our own, yet of God, Christ is made un∣to us righteousnes; and that righteousness of his, is infinitely bet∣ter than our own. Instead of our own we have his; (i. e.) we have gold for dung. O blessed be God, for Christs perfect righ∣teousness.

Inference 2.

Did Christ finish his work with his own hand.* 1.9 How dangerous and dishonourable a thing is it, to join any thing of our own, to the righteousness of Christ, in point of Iustification before God! Jesus Christ will never endure this. It reflects upon his work disho∣nourably. He doth not (in this case) affect social glory. Not I, and my God; I, and my Christ did this: he will be all, or none in your Justification. If he have finished the work, what need of our additions? And if not, to what purpose are they? Can we fi∣nish that which Christ himself could not? But we would fain be sharing with him in this honour, which he will never endure. Did he finish the work by himself, and will he ever divide the glory and praise of it with us? No, no, Christ is no half Saviour. O it's an hard thing to bring these proud hearts to live upon Christ for righteousness. We would fain add our penny to make up Christs Sum. But if you will have it so, or have nothing to do with Christ, you and your penny must perish together. Isai. 50. ult. God gives us the righteousness of Christ, as he gave mannah to the Israelites in the wilderness. It's said, Deut. 8.16. That he fed them with Mannah in the wilderness, that he might humble them. The qua∣lity of the food was not humbling, for it was Angels food; but the manner of giving it was so. They must live by faith upon God for it, from day to day. This was not like other food, pro∣duced by their own labour. Certainly God takes the right way to humble proud nature, in calling sinners wholly off from their own righteousness, to Christ, for their Justification.

Inference 3.

* 1.10Did Christ finish his work for us. Then there can be no doubt, but he will also finish his work in us. As he begun the work of our redemption, and finished it; so he that hath begun the good work in you, will also finish it upon your souls. And of this the Apostle saith he is confident. Phil. 1.6. Jesus Christ is not only called the Author, but also the Finisher of our faith. Heb. 12.2. If he begin it, no doubt but he will finish it. And indeed the fi∣nishing of his own work of redemption without us, gives full evi∣dence that he will finish his work of Sanctification within us. And that because these two works of Christ, have a respect, and relation to each other: and such a relation, that the work he finished by his own death, resurrection, and ascension, would be in vain to us, if the work of sanctification in us should not in like manner be finished. Therefore as he presented a per∣fect sacrifice to God, and finished redemption-work; so will he present every man perfect and compleat, for whom he here offered up himself. For he will not loose the end of all his sufferings at last. To what purpose would his meritorious im∣petration be, without compleat and full application? Be not therefore discouraged at the defects and imperfections of your inherent grace. Be humbled for them, but be not dejected by them. This is Christs work, as well as that. That work is finished, and so will this.

Inference 4.

* 1.11Is Christs work of Redemption a compleat and finishing work. How excellent and comfortable beyond all compare, is the me∣thod and way of faith! Surely the way of believing is the most excellent way in which a poor sinner can approach God, for it brings before him a compleat, intire, perfect righteousness; and this must needs be most honourable to God, most comfor∣table to the soul that draws nigh to God. O what a compleat finished perfect thing is the righteousness of Christ! The sharp eye of the holy and jealous God cannot find the least flaw, or defect in it. Let God, or Conscience look upon it. Turn it

every way, view it on every side, throughly weigh and examine it, it will appear a pure, a perfect piece, containing in it, whatsoever is necessary for the reconciling of an angry God, or pacifying of a distressed and perplexed soul. How pleasing therefore and ac∣ceptable to God must be that faith, which presents so compleat and excellent an attonement to him! Hence the acting of our faith up∣on Christ for our righteousness, the approaches of Faith to God with such an acceptable present,* 1.12 is called the work of God. That is, the most grateful, acceptable and well pleasing work to God, that a creature can perform. Joh. 6.29. This is the work of God that ye believe. One act of faith pleases him more, than if you shoul toil and drudge all your lives at a task of obedience to the Law. As it's more for Gods honour, and thy comfort to pay all thou owest him at one round payment, in one full sum, than to make a dribling payment by a penny a day, and never be able to make full payment, or see the bond cancelled. This perfect work, only produces perfect peace.

Inference 5.

Did Christ work,* 1.13 and work out all that God gave him to do; till he had finished his work: How necessary then is a laborious working life to all that call themselves Christians? The life of Christ you see was a laborious life. Shall he work, and we play? Shall a zealous active working Christ, be reproached with idle negligent and lazy fellows? O work and work out your own sal∣vation with fear and trembling, Phil. 2.12.

But if Christ wrought so hard,* 1.14 we may sit still. If he finished the work, nothing remains for us to do.

Nothing of that work which Christ did remains for you to do.* 1.15 It's your commendation and duty to leave all that to Christ; but there's other work for you to do. Yea, store of work lying upon your hands. You must work a•• well as Christ, though not for the same ends Christ did. He wrought hard to satisfie the Law, by fulfilling all righteousness. He wrought all his life long, to work out a righteousness to Justifie you before God. This work falls to no hand but Christs, but you must work to obey the com∣mands of Christ, into whose right ye are come by Redemption. You must work to testifie your thankfulness to Christ, for the work he finished for you. You must work to glorifie God by your

obedience. Let your light so shine before men. For these and divers other such ends and reasons, your life must be a working life.* 1.16 God preserve all his people from the gross and vile opinions of Antinomian Libertines, who cry up grace, and decry obedi∣ence. Who under specious pretences of exalting a naked Christ upon the throne, do indeed strip him naked of a great part of his glory, and vilely dethrone him. My pen shall not english, what mine eyes have read. Tell it not in Gath.

But for thee, Reader, be thou a follower of Christ: imitate thy pattern. Yea, let me perswade thee as ever thou hopest to clear up thine interest in him, imitate him in such particulars as these that follow.

• First, Christ began early to work for God. He took the morn∣ning of his life, the very top of the morning to work for God. How is it (said he to his Parents when he was but a child of about twelve years) that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Fathers business? Reader, if the morning of thy life be not gone, oh devote it to the work of God, as Christ did. If it be, ply thy work the closer in the afternoon of thy life. If a man have any great and necessary business to do, it's good doing in the morning; afterwards a hurry of business and diversion comes on.
• Secondly, As Christ began betime, so he followed his work close. He was early up, and he wrought hard; so hard, that he forgat to eat bread, Joh. 31, 32. So zealous was he, in his Fathers work, that his friends thought he had been besides himself, Mark 3.21. So zealous, that the zeal of Gods house eat him up. He flew like a Seraphim, in a flame of zeal, about the work of God. O be not ye like Snales.* 1.17 What Augustus said of the young Ro∣man, well becomes the true Christian; whatsoever he doth, he doth it to purpose.
• Thirdly, Christ often th••ught upon the shortness of his time, and wrought hard because he knew his working time would be but little. So you find it, Joh. 9.4. I most work the works of him that sent me whilst it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work. O in this be like Christ. Rouze your hearts to diligence with this consideration. If a man have much to write, and be almost come to the end of his paper; he will write close, and pack much mat∣ter, in a little room.
• ...

• Fourthly, He did much work for God, and made little noise. He wrought hard, but did not spoil his work when he had wrought it, by vain ostentation. When he had exprest his Charity in acts of mercy and bounty to men, he would humbly seal up the glory of it, with this charge; see ye tell no man of it, Matth. 8.4. he affected not popular air. All the Angels in Heaven could not do what Christ did, and yet he called himself a worm, for all that. Psal. 22.6. O imitate your pattern. Work hard for God, and let not pride blow upon it when you have done. It's hard for a man to do much, and not value himself for it too much.
• Fifthly, Christ carried on his work for God resolvedly. No discouragements would beat him off, though never any work met with more from first to last. How did Scribes and Pharisees, Jews, Gentiles, yea Devils, set upon him, by persecutions, and reproaches, violent oppositions and subtil temptations; but yet, on he goes with his Fathers work for all that. He is deaf to all discourage∣ments. So it was foretold of him, Isai. 42.4. He shall not fail, nor be discouraged. O that more of this spirit of Christ, were in his people.* 1.18 O that in the strength of love to Christ, and zeal for the glory of God; you would pour out your hearts in service, and like a River sweep down all discouragements before you.
• Sixthly, He continued working, whilst he continued living. His life, and labour ended together. He fainted not in his work. Nay, the greatest work he did in this world, was his last work. O be like Christ in this, be not weary of well doing. Give not over the work of God, while you can move hand or tongue to pro∣mote it. And see that your last works, be more than your first. O let the motions of your soul after God, be as all natural motions are,* 1.19 swiftest when nearest the center. Say not it is enough, whilst there is any capacity of doing more for God. In these things Christians be like your Saviour.

Inference 6.

Did Christ finish his work.* 1.20 Look to it Christians, that ye also finish your work, which God hath given you to do. That you may with comfort say when death approaches, as Christ said, Joh. 17.4. I have glorified thee on earth, I have finished the work, thou gavest me to do; and now O Father, glorifie thou me with thine own self. Christ had a work committed to him, and he finished it; you have a work also committed to you, O see that you be able to say it's

finished, when your time is so. O work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling: and that I may perswade you to it, I be∣seech you lay these considerations close to heart.

First, If your work be not done, before you die, it can never be done, when you are dead. There's no work, nor knowledge, nor device in the grave whither thou goest, Eccles. 9.5, 10. They that go down to the pit, cannot celebrate the name of God, Isai. 38.18. Death binds up the hand from working any more; strikes dumb the tongue, that it can speak no more: for then the composi∣tion is dissolved. The body which is the souls tool to work by, is broken, and thrown aside. The soul it self presented immedi∣ately before the Lord, to give an account of all its works. O there∣fore seeing the night cometh, when no man can work, as Christ speaks, Ioh. 9.4. make haste and finish your work.

Secondly, If you finish not your work, as the season of work∣ing, so the season of mercy will be over at death. Do not think you that have neglected Christ all your lives, you that could ne∣ver be perswaded to a laborious holy life, that ever your cries and entreaties shall prevail with God for mercy, when your sea∣son is past. No, no, it's too late. Will God hear his cry when trouble comes upon him? Job. 27.9. The season of mercy is then over; as the tree falls so it lies. Then he that is holy shall be holy still, and he that is filthy shall be filthy still. Alas, poor souls, you come too late. The Master of the house is risen up, and the doors are shut, Luk. 19.42. the season is over. Happy had it been, if ye had known the day of your visitation.

Lastly, If your work be not finished when you come to die, you can never finish your lives with comfort. He that hath not finished his work with care, can never finish his course with joy. Oh what a dismal case is that soul in, that finds it self surprized by death in an unready posture! To lie shivering upon the brink of the grave, saying, Lord, what will become of me! O I cannot I dare not die. For the poor soul to shrink back into the body, and cry; Oh it were better for me to do any thing than die. Why what's the matter? Oh, I am in a Christless state, and dare not go before that awful Judgement-seat. If I had in season made Christ sure, I could then die with peace. Lord, what shall I do? How dost thou like this, Reader? Will this be a comfortable close? When one asked a Christian that constantly spent six hours every day in prayer, why he did so? He answered, O I must die, I must die. Well then, look it that ye finish your work as Christ also did his.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Doct.
• * 1.2

  Opus necessari∣um ex parte Patris.
• * 1.3

  Ex parte Filii.
• * 1.4

  Ex parte nostri.
• * 1.5

  Obed••entia s••r∣vi, non servil••s.
• * 1.6

  Perfectum est, cui nihil de ••st, & cui nihil addi potest.
• * 1.7

  Non ex di••i••a a••ce tatione, sed ex prop••io va∣lo••c.
• * 1.8

  Infer. 1.
• * 1.9

  Infer. 2.
• * 1.10

  Infer. 3.
• * 1.11

  Infer. 4.
• * 1.12

  Opus Deo gra∣tum.
• * 1.13

  Infer. 5.
• * 1.14

  Object.
• * 1.15

  Sol.
• * 1.16

  Da mihi Chri∣stum, ••on quaero do••a gratiae, sed Chri∣stum. No•• quaro promissio∣nes, sed Christum. Non quaero sanctifi∣cationem, sed Christum. Ne mihi narra fabulam de mediatore, & officio; narra mihi de Christo. Com∣mentarius de sta••u Eccles. Brit. p. 45.
• * 1.17

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.18

  Saevior ab obi∣ce ibit.
• * 1.19

  Si dixisti saffi∣cit, p••iisti.
• * 1.20

  Infer. 6.