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 ...

§. 108. Of Christ, such an High-Priest as became 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Heb. 7. 26, 27.

Vers. 26.

For such an High-Priest became us, who is holy, harmlesse, undefiled, se∣parate from sinners, and made higher then the heavens.

Vers. 27.

Who needeth not daily, as those High-Priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the peoples: for this did he once when he offered up himself.

IN these two verses, a fifth argument is laid down to prove the excellency of Christs Priest-hood above the Leviticall. See §. 1. The argument is taken from the* 1.1 difference of the persons that executed the one and the other. Christ was perfectly pu•…•…e, v. 26. but the Leviticall Priest polluted, v. 27.

Of Christs being a Priest, and an High-Priest, see Chap. 2. 17. §. 172, 173.

The Apostle, to make the force of his argument more evident, premiseth a neces∣sity of such an High-Priest as Christ was, in this phruse, a 1.2 became us.

Of the various acception of this word, became, see Chap, 2. v. 10. §. 86.

It signifieth both a decency or glory, and also a necessity.

In the former respect, it hath reference to God, whose glory is much set forth thereby.

In the latter respect it hath reference to man, who could not have been saved without such a Priest, as is here set forth. Well therefore might he say, b 1.3 such an High-Priest. He is such an one as never the like was, or can be. Christ being the truth of that which was prefigured in Melchisedec, and being so far prefer'd before Aaron, as he is in this Chapter, this relative, such, and that in the largest extent, may well be applyed to him.

How Gods glory is set out by Christs Priest-hood, wherein he humbled himself to death, was shewed, Chap. 2. v. 10. §. 87.

In reference to Christ himself, that there was a meetnesse, a necessity, for Christ to be like man is shewed, Chap, 2. v. 27. §. 166.

But here in reference to man, a meetness, a necessity of Christs excellency above all* 1.4 men is set forth, and that in purity and dignity. Therefore,

Such a Priest became us; because there was no other way to effect that which he did for us; nor other meanes to free us out of our misery. We were every way 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Our actuall sins are many, Isa. 59. 12. We are by nature impure, Psal. 51. 5. We are guilty of Adams sin, Rom. 5. 12. By sin we implunged our selves into such a gulph of misery, and made our selves such vassals of Satan, and such vessels of Gods wrath, as none but such an one as was so pure, as Christ was, and so high, as Christ was, could deliver us. No man so pure; no Angel so high, higher then the heavens.

Thus it appeareth that Christ was the fittest High-Priest and Saviour that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have been given for man, Act. 4. 12.

• 1. From hence the bottomlesse depth of mans misery may be inferred, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.5 ther High-Priest could be fit for him, but the Son of God made son of man: so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so high as he was.
• 2. Herein appears the wonderfull great and good respect of God to man, 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.6 would do for him what best became man, though it were to give his Son.
• 3. This giveth proof of the wisdome of God, whereby he ordereth things 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.7 best become himself (Chap. 2. v. 10. §. 86.) Yea, also which may be fittest for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and best become him.
• 4. This teacheth us in all things to aim at that which becomes us. If 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.8 things are true, or honest, or just, or pure, or lovely, or of good report, think o•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 things, Phil. 4. 8. This was the argument which Christ pressed upon the Bap•…•… Matth. 3. 15. Ministers must speak the things which become sound Doctrine, T•…•…. 2. 1. Women must adorn themselves as becommeth such as pro•…•…esse godlinesse, 1 Tim. 2. 1▪ All Saints must walk worthy of their holy calling, Eph. 4. 1. This is it that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them.
• 5. As God did that which becomes us, so we must do that which becomes 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and in this respect do all things to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10. 31.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Fist proof of the excel∣lency of Christs Priest∣hood.
• a 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• b 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.4

  A necessity of such a Priest as Christ was.
• * 1.5

  Depth of mans misery.
• * 1.6

  Gods great re∣spect to man.
• * 1.7

  God ordereth matters so as best becomes.
• * 1.8

  Do all as be∣comes.