§. 78. Of Gods grace the cause of Christs death.
TO come to the true reading of this text, which is this, by the grace of God.* 1.1 Grace is here put for the free favour of God. Thus it is oft taken in the holy Scriptures.
All blessings tending to salvation, yea, and salvation it self, are ascribed there∣unto▪ as Election, Rom. 11. 5. Redemption, Eph. 1. 7. Vocation, 2 Tim. 1. 9. Justi∣fication, Rom. 3. 24. Salvation, Eph. 2. 8.
It was therefore of Gods grace that Christ was given to man, and that he did what he did, and endured what he endured for man, Iohn 3. 16. Ephes. 2. 4, 7.
There is nothing out of God to move him to do any thing: He worketh all things after the counsell of his own will, Eph. 1. 1. See more hereof §. 37. and Chap. 4. v. 16. §. 97.
As for man, there can be nothing in him to procure so great a matter, as is here spoken of, at Gods hand.
By this it is manifest, that Gods free grace, and the satisfaction that Christ hath* 1.2 made for our sinnes, may stand together. Christs satisfaction is so farre from be∣ing opposite to the freeness of Gods grace, as it is the clearest, and greatest evi∣dence that ever was, or can be given thereof. More grace is manifested in Gods not sparing his Sonne, but giving him to death for us, then if by his supream au∣thority, and absolute prerogative he had forgiven our sinnes, and saved our souls. We that partake of the benefit of Christs death, nor do, nor can make any satisfa∣ction at all. For God to impute anothers satisfaction to us, and to accept it for us, is meer grace: and that the rather, because he that is true God, even the proper Son of God, made that satisfaction.
Thus we see how in working out our redemption, Divine grace and justice meet together, and sweetly kiss each other. Iustice in reference to the Sonne of God, who hath satisfied Gods justice to the full. Grace in reference to us, who neither have made, nor can make any satisfaction at all.
Learn hereby to ascribe what thou hast or hopest for, to grace: and wholly rely* 1.3 thereupon. It is the surest ground of comfort, and safest rock of confidence that poor sinners can have.
Paul ascribes all in all to it, 1 Cor. 15. 10. 1 Tim. 1. 14. He taketh all occasions of setting it forth: yet never satisfieth himself therein. He stileth it, abundance of grace, Rom. 5. 17. Exceeding abundant grace, 1 Tim. 1. 14. Riches of grace, Eph. 1. 7. Exceeding riches of grace, Eph. 2. 7.
Let us be like minded. Let us acknowledge the grace of God to us, and ascribe all the good we have thereunto. Let us so deeply meditate thereon, as we may be ravished therewith. Let us so apply it to our selves, as we may render all the praise of what we have, or are able to do, to this grace of God.
Had it not been by the grace and good pleasure of God, no violence or force of* 1.4 man or devils, could have brought Christ to die. Did he not with a word of his mouth drive back those that came to apprehend him? Ioh. 18. 6. He could have had more then twelve legions of Angels to defend him, Matth. 26. 53. He was delivered