§. 62. Of mans Redemption by Christ.
THe great benefit which Christ obtained for man is expressed under this word a 1.1 Redemption.
The b 1.2 Greek Verb, from whence this noun is derived, among other things signifieth to pay a debt: and this noun signifieth such a Redemption, as is accom∣plished by discharge of a debt. To this purpose another c 1.3 like noun is used, which signifieth the price of redemption, Mat. 20. 28. Redemption is in general a freeing one out of thraldom. Exod. 6. 6.
This is done three wayes.
- 1. By interceding, and pacifying wrath. Thus the Prophet Oded procured re∣demption for the Captives of Judah, by his intercession. 2 Chron. 28. 9. &c.* 1.4
- 2. By force and might. Thus Abraham redeemed his brother Lot, and the people that were captives with him, by overcoming their enemies. Gen. 14. 16.
- 3. By ransom, or paying a price. Thus an Hebrew that was sold a slave to a stranger, might be redeemed by one of his Brethren. Lev. 25. 48, 49.
The last of these is most agreeable to the notation of the several words, which in the three learned Languages do signifie to redeem.
Though the last be especially intended, in that mention is here made of a price, namely Christs blood: yet the other two are not altogether exempted. For Christ hath every way redeemed man.
This will more clearly appear, if we duly weigh the distinct kinds of bondage, in which m•…•…n were by reason of sin.
- 1. They were debtors to divine justice: in which respect Christ teacheth us thus to pray, forgive us our debts. Mat. 6. 12.
- 2. They are Children of wrath. Eph. 2. 3.
- 3. They are slaves to Satan, Heb. 12. 14, 15.
- 1. As debtors Christ paid a ransom for them. 1 Tim. 2. 6.
- 2. As Children of wrath Christ makes intercession for them. Rom. 8. 34.
- 3. But though justice be satisfied, and wrath pacified, the Devil will not let his captives go. Therefore Christ by a strong hand, wrested them out of Satans power, and destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the Devil, &c. Heb 2. 14, 15. And he spoiled principalities and powers, &c. Col. 2. 15.
The ransom which Christ paid was the ground of mans full redemption. For by satisfaction of justice, way was made to pacifie wrath: both which being ac∣complished, the Devil lost his right and power over such as he held in bon∣dage.
This redemption is a full freedom from all that misery, and compriseth under it, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, salvation.
Thus true redemption was wrought for man by Christ. I say true, in opposition* 1.5 to the types and shadows of redemption under the Law. Here the truth and sub∣stance of them is intended, even redemption from all iniquity. Tit. 2. 14. and from the curse of the Law. Gal. 3. 13. The consequences and effects following hereupon, do prove as much; for by this redemption divine justice is satisfied, wrath pacified, grace procured, and all spiritual enemies vanquished, and we that are redeemed are also justified, sanctified and saved. That which effecteth all these must needs be true.
The ground hereof i•…•…