§. 89. Of Redemption of transgressions.
A Principall end, why Christ was mediatour of the new Testament, is thus expres∣sed. That by means of death, &c. Word for word it is thus in Greek a 1.1 death being done: that is, Christ having dyed: so as this takes it for granted, that Christ had really and actually dyed. Thereupon he here alleadgeth three ends of Christs death.
- 1. To redeem transgressions.
- 2. To give possession of the eternal inheritance.
- 3. To rarifie the New Testament.
In setting down the first end, there are three observable points.
- 1. The benefit it self, redemption.
- 2. The subject matter of that redemption, transgressions.
- 3. The object or persons whose transgressions were redeemed. Them that were under the first Testament.
Concerning the benefit itself, there is a little difference in Greek betwixt this word here translated redemption, and the word that is so translated, v. 12. §. 62.
That was b 1.2 a simple noune: but this a compound. That properly signifieth a purchase, this a purchase from something: both of them are put for one and the same thing; namely, for our redemption from sin, and from all that misery where∣into* 1.3 by sin we implunged our selves. The former simple noun is used in that sense▪ Luk. 1. 68. and 2. 38.
This latter is used in that sense, Rom. 3. 24. 1 Cor. 1. 30.
This latter is most frequently used: for it is the more emphaticall: and imply∣eth a bondage from which we are delivered.
Of redemption, see v. 12. §. 62, &c. Of redemption by Christs blood, v. 12. §. 57
The misery from which we are here said to be redeemed, is comprised under this title d 1.4 transgressions.
Of the notation of the Greek word. See Chap. 2. v. 2. §. 14.
The transgressions here meant, are transgressions of Gods law: which are all man∣ner of sins.
Quest. Did Christ purchase and buy sins.
Answ. Some to salve this scruple, answer, that sins are here metoni•…•…ycally p•…•…t for sinners. True it is that Christ came to save sinners, 1 Tim. 1. 15. for such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gave himself a ransome, 1 Tim. 2. 6. yet we need not flye to any such trope: for this phrase, redemption of transgression, is both proper and emphaticall. For it hath re∣ference to Christs death, which was a satisfaction for sins and an expiation of them▪ Sins were a debt. Christs death was a discharge of that debt. The discharge of a debt is a buying it out. Thus to redeem sins is no more harsh a phrase, then to be de∣livered to death for offences, as Rom. 4. 25. or to give himself for sin, Gal. 1. 4. Or to be mercifull to unrighteousness Chap. 8. v. 12. §. 76.
From this phrase we may then infer that Christs death was a satisfaction for mens* 1.5 sins. It was a ransome, 1 Tim. 2. 6. It was a valuable recompence. In this respect we are said to be bought, (2 Pet. 2. 1.) and that with a price (1 Cor. 6. 20.) yea, and a precious one, 1 Pet. 1. 18, 19.
The strictnesse and perfection of divine justice required as much. Till justice were satisfied, no place was left for mercy: but with satisfaction of justice, mercy did the more brightly shine forth. God would have all his properties manifested in their perfection.
Hereby we learn how to repose our faith in God: namely, as on him who is per∣fect in all his properties. Thereby we have surer ground of confidence, then if our faith were placed only on his mercy. The apprehension of justice might terrifie