§. 9. Of the meaning of the latter part of the third verse.
FRom this generall proposition, Every High-Priest is to offer sacrifice, the Apostle inferreth this consequence, It is of necessity that Christ have somewhat to offer. He here taketh that for granted, which he had before proved, that Christ was an High-Priest: thereupon he inferreth, that he must do what every High-Priest is ordained to do.
Of this consequence see the former §. where is shewed what sacrifice Christ of∣fered up, even his own body.
This illative conjunction, a 1.1 wherefore, implyeth a consequence. Hereof see Chap. 2. v. 17. §. 166.
b 1.2 The Apostle inforceth his consequence by a necessity thus, It is of necessity.
Necessity and impossibility are contrary each to other.
That properly is necessary, that ever was as it is, and cannot be otherwise. For,* 1.3 example, It is necessary that God be one: and it is necessary, that the one God be distinguished into three persons.* 1.4
One the other side, that is impossible, which never was, is, or can be. See Chap 6. §. 38.
In common use things are said to be necessary, upon a supposition of some 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.5 thing. Thus upon supposition of that course which God had set down for reje•…•…* 1.6 the Jewes, namely, their rejecting of the Gospell first, it was necessary that the word of God should be first spoken to them, Act. 13. 46. For how could they re∣ject that which was not offered and tendered unto them. Thus also upon •…•…∣tion, that there are sundry good uses of good workes, the Apostle saith, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 learn to maintain good workes for necessary uses, Tit. 3. 14. Thus here upon suppo∣sition of that order which God in wisdome had set down for our redemption▪ •…•…∣ly by a ransome: and upon supposition of Christs undertaking so to redeem m•…•…, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereupon to be a high-Priest, it was necessary that he should have somewhat to 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
This necessity resting upon that which Christ voluntarily undertook, she•…•…▪ that he bound himself to offer himself for our sins. Of Christs binding himself for our good, see Chap. 2. v. 17. §. 166.
Of the Greek pronoun translated, c 1.7 this man, See Chap. 7. v. 4. §. 31.
This word somewhat, implyeth somewhat else then what other Priests 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.8 up.
What that somewhat is which Christ must have to offer; namely, himself, his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 body, is shewed in the former section.