§. 39. Of Christs making perfect by one Sacrifice.
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
THe first particle of this verse, FOR, being a causall conjunction, sheweth that* 1.1 it is added as a reason of that which went before.
It may have a double reference. One remote, to the main point concerning the perfection of Christs sacrifice, which is here proved by an effect: that is, to perfect for ever those for whom it was offered. In this sense the proof may be thus framed.
- That which perfecteth for ever is perfect.
- But Christs sacrifice perfecteth for ever, Therefore it is perfect.
The other reference is more immediate to the verses going before. Thus it shew∣eth a reason, why Christ for ever sitteth at Gods right hand: namely, because by his own offering, he hath perfected for ever them for whom it was offered. This proofe may be thus framed.
- He that hath perfected that which he undertook, may well rest.
- But Christ hath so done: therefore he may well rest.
This reference sheweth that Christ doth nothing needlesly. See Chap. 7. v. 11. §. 65.
This gives an answer to sundry curious questions of postillers, namely, whether a ni•…•… on Christs sacred flesh: or one drop of Christs precious blood, had not been suffi∣cient for the redemption of the world. Seeing Christ indured so much as he did, surely all that he did was needfull. He would do nothing needlessely.
In that all that he did and endured was needfull for us, we are the more bound to love and praise him.
The main point here noted is, that Christ a 1.2 maketh perfect.
Of the notation of the word, to make perfect, and of the meaning of it, See Chap. 2. v. 10. §. 97.
It is here taken for granted, that Christ doth make perfect (for it hath by sundry arguments been before proved) See hereof, v. 10. §. 28.
Making perfect, compriseth under it all things requisite to bring men to eternall life: both in regard of our justification, and also in regard of our sanctification. Thus he is able to save to the uttermost. Heb. 7. 25. In this, that which Christ did is opposed to the law, which made nothing perfect, Chap. 7. v. 19.
The grounds hereof, are the dignity of Christs person; the infinite value of what he did and endured, and his almighty power.
It becomes us to give proof of our accounting Christs Sacrifice to be perfect, by resting wholly, and only on it. So will Christ be the more honoured, and we the more comforted.
That whereby Christ made perfect, is here said to be an b 1.3 offering. Hereby is meant the offering up of himself a sacrifice for our sins. Hereof, see v. 12. §. 35.
Christ never offered up any other: and therefore it is stiled, one: namely, only* 1.4 one and no more. See v. 10. §. 29.
This act of Christ, namely, perfecting; is amplified by this circumstance of time, d 1.5 for ever, which hath reference not only to the time of this life, but also to ever∣lastingnesse. They are so perfected in this world, as they shall remain perfect in the world to come.
Of the phrase here translated, for ever, see v. 12. §. 36.
This giveth evidence of the perseverance of Saints. If they be perfected for ever,