§. 61. Of Christs perfecting mans redemption, before he entered into Heaven.
ONe special ground of Christs entering into Heaven, is thus expressed, •…•…ving* 1.1 obta•…•…ned eternal Redemption.
Th word translated obtained, properly signifieth sound, Mat. 2. 8, 11. For he that find▪s a thing obtains it. VVhere the Angel saith to the Virgin Mary, Thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sound favor with God, Luke 2. 30. He meaneth, thou hast obtained favour. So this phrase, finde grace, Heb. 4. 16. is all one, as obtain grace.
The word here used, is a participle of the first Aorist, and implieth the time past, or a thing done and effected. Thus it intendeth that Christ had done and endured whatsoever was requisite for mans redemption whilst he was on earth, and after that went into heaven.
A like tense is used to set forth the like thing, Eph. 5. 26. which word for word is thus to be translated, that he might sanctifie b 1.2 having cleansed it. This is farther evi∣dent by these words, it is finished, John 19. 30. which Christ uttered immediately before his death.
- 1. Heaven is no place of suffering, it was therefore requisite, that all suffering should be finished before Christ came thither.
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