A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 49. Of the benefit of Christs being perfected.

Verse 9.

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternall salvation, unto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them that obey him.

THe blessed effects of Christs suffering are here added for further satisfaction of the doubt mentioned, § 46. For here is shewed that glorious effects •…•…∣ded to himself, and to such as believed on him. Therefore it is no wonder 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so excellent a person, and so dear to God as the Sonne was, should suffer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he did.

In reference to Christ himself it is here said, that he was made perfect, namely by his sufferings. This point is distinctly handled, Chap. 2. v. 10. §. 97.

The manner of bringing in this effect, and inferring another effect concerning* 1.1 our salvation, by a Participle, thus, being made perfect he became, &c. sheweth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christ by his fulfilling all that was required for mans redemption, which is implied under this word perfected, wrought out our salvation. It was not only his incarnation, nor his living here on earth, nor his preaching and working miracles, but also his sufferings (even till it came to this, that he said, * 1.2 It is finished,) whereby he came to be the author of salvation: We may not therefore sever Christs active and passive obedience; nor think by this or that part of his active obedi∣ence, or by this or that part of his suffering to be saved, but rest upon all that he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and endured, to the making of him perfect. For thus he comes to be the au∣thor of salvation.

Two things are comprised under the salvation here intended.

• 1. Finall redemption from all misery.
• 2. Perfect fruition of all felicity.

This is the salvation which was Prophesied of before Christ was exhibited, Isa. 62. 11. Zech. 9▪ 9. This is it that was proclaimed upon his coming into the world, L•…•…k. 1. 69. & 2. 30.

This was it that was confirmed by the Apostles, after Christ was taken out of the world, and by all faithfull Ministers age after age, Act. 28. 28. 2 Cor. 6. 2.

Man was implunged into such misery by sinne, as if this salvation had not been procured for him, it had been better for him never to have been. In this misery 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was so farre held, as all creatures in the world could not help him: but Christ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, and had compassion on him, as he had on the Leper, Mar. 1. 41. and on the Widow, Luk. 7. 13. and thereupon saved him.

The necessity and benefit of Christs Priesthood is hereby demonstrated. By it that salvation is brought unto us, which if we had been without, we had been worse then dogs, and in the case of devils. But by it we are brought into a better estate then that wherein Adam was created.

What matter of rejoy•…•…ing doth this give unto us! Not only the Mother of Je∣sus, (Luk. 1. 47.) and old Zacharias, (Luk, 1. 68.) and old Simeon, (Luk. 2. 28, &c.) and other sons of men that partake of the benefit of this redemption, much rejoy∣ced and praised God for this salvation; but also the Angels of heaven, Luk. 2. 13, 14. praise God for the same, and that on mans behalf. How did the Israelites rejoyce at that salvation which God gave them when they passed thorow the red sea, Exod. 15. 1, &c.? and so upon other deliverances at other times. How much more ought we to be quickned up unto this holy and heavenly duty, to whom this great salvation belongeth?

Notes

• * 1.1

  All that Christ did and suffer∣ed concurs to mans salvation
• * 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.