The Fountain of Life Opened Up

O brethren, let not the feet of your conversation be as the feet of a lame man, which are unequal. Proverbs 26, 7. Be not sometimes hot and sometimes cold, at one time careful and at another time careless, one day in a spiritual rapture and the next in a fleshly frolic. But be ye holy in all manner of conversation. 1 Peter 1, 15. In every crook and turning of your lives, and let your holiness hold out to the end. God is exemplary, holy, and Jesus Christ is the great pattern of holiness. Be ye examples of holiness, too, unto all that are about you. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works. Matthew 5, 16. As wicked men infect one another by their examples, and diffuse their poison and malignity wherever they come, so do ye disseminate godliness in all places and companies. And let those that frequently converse with you, especially those of your own family, receive a deeper dye and tincture of heavenliness every time they come nigh you. God delights in nothing but holiness and holy ones. He has set all his pleasure in the saints. Be ye holy herein, as God is holy. Indeed, there is this difference between God's choice and yours. He chooses not men because they are holy, but that they may be so. You are to choose them for your delightful companions that God hath chosen and made holy. Let all your delights be in the saints, even them that excel in virtue. Psalm 16, verse 3. God abhors and hates all unholiness. Do ye so likewise, that ye may be like your Father which is in heaven. And when the Spirit of holiness bestows this upon you, a sweeter evidence you cannot have that Christ was sanctified for you. Holy ones may confidently lay the hand of their faith on the head of this great sacrifice, and say, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Chapter 8, page 87. The Nature of Christ's Mediation. And one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2.5 Great and long preparations bespeak the solemnity and greatness of the work for which they are designed. A man that had seen the heaps of gold, silver, and brass which David amassed in his time for the building of the temple, might easily conclude, before one stone of it was laid, that it would be a magnificent structure. But low here is the design of God as far transcending that as the substance does the shadow. For indeed that glorious temple was but the type and figure of Jesus Christ. John 2, verses 19 and 21. And a weak adoration of that living spiritual temple which he was to build, that the great God might dwell and walk in it. 2 Corinthians 6.16 The preparations for that temple were for a few years, but the consultations and preparations for this were from eternity. Proverbs 8, verse 31. And as there were preparations for this work before the world began, so it will be a matter of eternal admiration and praise when this world shall be dissolved. What this astonishing and glorious work is, this text informs you. It is the work of mediation between God and man. And you have here a description of Jesus, the mediator. 1. He is described by his work or office, a mediator, a middle person. The word imports a fit and equal person, who comes between two persons that are at variance, to compose the difference and make peace. Such a person is Christ, a daisman, to lay his hand upon both. 2. He is described by the singularity of his mediation, one mediator, and but one. There are many mediators of reconciliation among men, but there is only one mediator of reconciliation between God and man. And it is as needless and impious to make more mediators than one as to make more gods than one. There is one God and one mediator between God and man. 3. He is described by the nature and quality of his person, the man, Christ Jesus. He is described by his human nature in this place, not only because in this nature he paid the ransom spoken of in the words immediately following, but especially for the drawing of sinners to him as one who clothed himself in their own flesh, and for encouraging the faith of believers by reminding them that he tenderly regards all their wants and miseries, and that they may safely trust him with all their concerns, as one that will be for them a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God. 4. He is described by his name, by his appellative name Christ, and his proper name Jesus. The name Jesus denotes his work about which he came, and Christ the offices to which he was anointed, and in the execution of which he is our Jesus. In the name Jesus says Galatias, the whole gospel is contained. It is the light, the food, the medicine of the soul. Hence, Jesus Christ is the true and only mediator between God and man. Ye are come to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. Hebrews 12, 24 For this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, etc. Hebrews 9, 15 I shall endeavor to show what is the sense of this word mediator, what it implies as applied to Christ, how it appears that he is the true and only mediator between God and man, and in what capacity he performed his mediatorial work. 1. What is the sense and import of this word mediator? The true sense and import of it is a middle person, or one that interposes between two parties at variance to make peace between them. Christ is such a mediator both in respect to his person and office. In respect to his person he is a mediator, that is one that has the same nature both with God and us, true God and true man. And in respect to his office or work, which is to interpose, to transact the business of reconciliation between us and God. His being a middle person fits and capacitates him to stand in the midst between God and us. This I say is the proper sense of the word, though a mediator is rendered variously, sometimes an umpire or arbitrator, sometimes a messenger that goes between two persons, sometimes an interpreter imparting the mind of one to another, sometimes a reconciler or peacemaker. And in all these senses Christ is the middle person in his mediation of reconciliation or intercession, that is either in his mediating by suffering to make peace as he did on earth, or his continuing and maintaining peace as he doth in heaven by meritorious intercession. In both these respects he is the only mediator. But let us inquire, Roman numeral 2, what it is for Christ to be a mediator between God and us. Number 1 At the first sight it implies a most dreadful breach between God and man, else no need of a mediator of reconciliation. There was indeed a sweet league of amity once between them, but it was quickly dissolved by sin. The wrath of the Lord was kindled against man, pursuing him to destruction. Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity. Psalm 5, 5 And man was filled with unnatural enmity against his God. Haters of God. Romans 1, 30 This put an end to all friendly intercourse between him and God. Reader, say not in thy heart that it cannot be that one sin, and that seemingly so small, should make such a breach as this, and cause the God of mercy and goodness so to abhor the works of his hands, and that as soon as he had made man. For it was a heinous and aggravated evil. It was upright perfect man, created in the image of God, that thus sinned. He sinned when his mind was most bright, clear and apprehensive, his conscience pure and active, his will free and able to withstand any temptation, his conscience pure and undefiled. He was a public as well as a perfect man, and well knew that the happiness or misery of his numberless offspring was involved in him. The condition he was placed in was exceedingly happy. No necessity or want could arm or edge temptation. He lived amidst all natural and spiritual pleasures and delights, the Lord most delightfully conversing with him. Yea, he sinned while as yet his creation mercy was fresh upon him, and in this sin was most horrible in gratitude. Yea, a casting off the yoke of obedience almost as soon as God had put it on. Number 2 It implies a necessity of satisfaction to the justice of God. For the very design and end of this mediation was to make peace by giving full satisfaction to the party that was wronged. The Botetians and some others have dreamed of a reconciliation with God founded not upon satisfaction, but upon the absolute mercy, goodness and free will of God. But as one has well said, concerning that absolute goodness and mercy of God reconciling sinners to himself, there is a deep silence throughout the scriptures. And whatever is spoken of it, upon that account is as it comes to us through Christ. Ephesians 1 verses 3-5, Acts 4, 12 and John 6, 40 And we cannot imagine either how God could exercise mercy to the prejudice of his justice, which must be, if we must be reconciled without full satisfaction, or how such a full satisfaction should be made by any other than Christ. Mercy indeed moved in the heart of God to wretched man, but from his heart it found no way to vent itself but for us through the heart blood of Jesus Christ. And in him the justice of God was fully satisfied, and the misery of the creature fully cured. And so as Augustine speaks, God neither lost the severity of his justice in the goodness of mercy, nor the goodness of his mercy in the exactness of his severity. But if it had been possible that God could have found out a way to reconcile us without satisfaction, yet it is past dealt now that he hath determined and fixed on this way. And if for any now to imagine to reconcile themselves to God by anything but faith in the blood of this Mediator is not only most vain in itself and destructive to the soul, but most derogatory to the wisdom and grace of God. And to such I would say as Tertullian to Marcion, whom he calls the murderer of truth, Spare the only hope of the whole world, O thou who destroyest the most necessary glory of our faith. All that we hope for is but a phantasm without this. Peace of conscience can be rationally settled on no other foundation but this. For God having made a law to govern man, and this law being violated by man, either the penalty must be levied on the delinquent, or satisfaction made by his surety. As well no law as no penalty for disobedience, and as well no penalty as no execution. He therefore that is to be a Mediator of reconciliation between God and man must pay a price adequate to the offense and wrong. And so did our Mediator. 3. Christ being a Mediator of reconciliation and intercession implies the infinite value of his blood and suffering, as that which in itself was sufficient to stop the course of God's justice and render him not only placable, but abundantly satisfied and well pleased. Even with those that before were enemies, as Colossians 1 verses 21 and 22. And you that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreprovable in his sight. Surely that which can cause the holy God, justly incensed against sinners, to lay aside all his wrath and take an enemy into his bosom, and establish such an amity as never can more be broken, and joy over him with singing, as Zephaniah 3.17, must be a most excellent and efficacious thing. 4. Christ being a Mediator of reconciliation implies the ardent tender love and large pity that filled his heart towards poor sinners. For he not only mediates by way of entreaty, going between both and persuading and begging peace, but he mediates as already shown in the capacity of assurity, by putting himself under an obligation to satisfy our debts. Oh, how compassionately did his heart work towards us, that when he saw the arm of justice lifted up to destroy us, he would interpose himself and receive the stroke, though he knew it would sink him to the grave. Our Mediator, like Jonah, his type, seeing the stormy sea of God's wrath working tempestuously and ready to swallow us up, cast in himself to appease the storm. I remember how much that noble act of Marcus Curtius is celebrated in Roman history, who being informed by the oracle that the great breach made by the earthquake could not be closed except something of worth were cast into it, heeded with love to the commonwealth, went and cast in himself. This was looked upon as a bold and brave adventure, but what was this to Christ? 5. Christ being a mediator between God and man implies as the fitness of his person, so his authoritative call to undertake it. But having already discussed this more largely, let us proceed to inquire. Roman numeral 3. How it appears that Jesus Christ is the true and only mediator between God and man. I reply, 1. Because he and no other is revealed to us by God. And if God reveal him and no other, we must receive him and no other as such. Take but two scriptures at present, that in 1 Corinthians 8 verse 5, the heathen have God's many and Lord's many, that is, many supreme powers and ultimate objects of their worship. Unless these great gods should be defiled by their immediate and unhallowed approaches to them, they invented heroes, demigods, and intermediate powers as agents or Lord-mediators between the gods and them, to convey their prayers to the gods and the blessings of the gods back again to them. But unto us, says the apostle, there is but one God, the Father of whom are all things and we by him, that is, one supreme essence, the first spring and fountain of blessings, one Lord, Jesus Christ, that is, one mediator, by whom are all things and we by him, by whom are all things which come from the Father to us, and by whom all our addresses to the Father. Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. None other name, that is, no other authority, or rather no other person authorized under heaven, for heaven is not here opposed to earth, as though there were other intercessors in heaven besides Christ. No, no, in heaven and earth God hath given him and none but him to be our mediator. One son is sufficient for the whole world and one mediator for all men in the world. Thus the scriptures affirm that this is he and exclude all others. Two, because he and no other is fit for and capable of this office. Who but he that hath the divine and human nature united in a single person can be a fit daysman to lay his hand upon both. Who but he that was God could sustain such sufferings as were, by divine justice, exacted for satisfaction. Take a person of the greatest spirit and lay upon him for an hour the sorrows of Christ when he sweat blood in the garden or uttered that heart-rending cry upon the cross and he must melt under it as a moth. Number three, because he is alone sufficient to reconcile the world to God by his blood without accessions from any other. The virtue of his blood reached back as far as Adam and reaches forward to the end of the world and will be as fresh, vigorous and efficacious then as the first moment it was shed. The sun makes day before it actually rises and continues day sometime after it is set. So does Christ who is the same yesterday, today and forever. So that he is the true and only mediator between God and men. No other is revealed in scripture. No other is sufficient for it. No other needed beside himself. Roman numeral four, the last thing to be explained is in what capacity he executed his mediatorial work and we affirm according to scripture that he performs that work as God-man in both natures. Pappus in denying Christ to act as mediator according to his divine nature at once despoil the whole mediation of Christ in all its efficacy, dignity and value which arise from that nature. They say the apostle in my text distinguishes the mediator from God in saying there is one God and one mediator. We reply that the same apostle distinguishes Christ from man in Galatians 1.1 not by man but by Jesus Christ. Does it then follow that Christ is not true man or that according to his divine nature only he called Paul? But what need I say my reader here? Had not Christ as mediator power to lay down his life and power to take it again? John 10.17.18 Had he not as mediator all power in heaven and earth to institute ordinances and appoint offices? Matthew 28.18 To baptize men with the Holy Ghost and fire? Matthew 3.11 To keep those whom his father gave him in this world? John 17.12 To raise up the saints again in the last day? John 6.54 Are these with many more I might name the effects of the mere human nature or were they not performed by him as God-man? And besides, how could he as mediator be the object of our faith and religious adoration if we are not to respect him as God-man? Inference 1 It is dangerous to reject Jesus Christ the only mediator between God and man. Alas, there is no other to interpose and scream me from the devouring fire the everlasting burnings. Oh, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. And into his hands you must fall without an interest in the only mediator. Which of us can dwell with devouring fire? Who can endure everlasting burnings? Isaiah 33.14 You know how they scorched the green tree but what would they do in the dry tree? Luke 23.31 Indeed, if there were another plank to save after the shipwreck any other way to be reconciled to God besides Jesus the mediator somewhat might be said to excuse this folly. But you are shut up to the face of Christ as to your last remedy. Galatians 3.23 Oh, take heed of despising or neglecting Christ. If so, there is none to intercede with God for you. The breach between him and you can never be composed. I remember here the words of Eli to his profane sons who caused men to abhor the offerings of the Lord. If one man sin against another the judge shall judge him. But if a man sin against the Lord who shall entreat for him? 1 Samuel 2.25 The meaning is that of common trespasses between men the civil magistrate takes cognizance and decides the controversy by his authority so that there is an end of that strife. But if a man sin against the Lord who shall entreat and arbitrate in that case? Eli's sons had despised the Lord's sacrifices which were sacred types of Christ and the appointed way that men had been of exercising faith in the mediator. Now saith he if a man thus sin against the Lord by despising the Savior shadowed out in that way who shall entreat for him? What hope? What remedy remains? It was a saying of Luther I cannot meet an absolute God that is God without a mediator. Thus the devils have to do with God but will ye in whose nature Christ is come put yourselves into their state and case? God forbid. Number 2 Hence also be informed how great and evil it is to join any of the mediators either of reconciliation or meritorious intercession with Jesus Christ. O this is a horrid sin which both pours the greatest contempt upon Christ and brings the surest and sorest destruction upon the sinner. I am ashamed my pen should write what mine eyes have seen in the writings of Tappas ascribing as much, yea more to the mediation of Mary than to Christ with no less than blasphemous impudence. How do they stamp their own sordid works with the peculiar dignity and value of Christ's blood and therein seek to enter at the gate which God hath shut to all the world because Jesus Christ the Prince entered in thereby? Ezekiel 44 verses 2 and 3 He entered into heaven in a direct, immediate way even in his own name and for his own sake. This gate, saith the Lord, shall be shut to all others and I wish men would consider it and fear lest while they seek entrance into heaven at the wrong door they forever shut against themselves the true and only door of happiness. 3 If Jesus Christ be the only mediator of reconciliation between God and men then reconciled souls should thankfully ascribe all the peace, favors and comforts they have from God to their Lord Jesus Christ. Whenever you have had free admission and sweet entertainment with God in the more public ordinances or private duties of his worship when you have had his smiles, his seals and with hearts warmed with comfort are returning from those duties say, O my soul thou mayest thank thy Lord Jesus Christ for this all. Had he not interposed as a mediator of reconciliation I could never have had access to or friendly communion with God to all eternity. Immediately upon Adam's sin the door of communion with God was shut. There was no more coming nigh the Lord not a soul could have any access to him either in a way of communion in this world or of enjoyment in that to come. It was Jesus the mediator that opened that door again and in him it is that we have boldness and access with confidence. Ephesians 3.12 We can now come to God by a new and living way consecrated for us through the veil that is to say his flesh. Hebrews 10.20 The veil had a double use as Christ's flesh likewise hath. It hid the glory of the holy of holies and also gave entrance into it. Christ's incarnation so obscures the splendor of the divine glory and brightness that we may be able to bear it and converse with it and it also gives us admission into it. O thank you dear Lord Jesus for your present and future heaven. Blessed be God for Jesus Christ. Number four If Jesus Christ be the true and only mediator both of reconciliation and meritorious intercession between God and men how safe is the condition and state of believers? Surely as his mediation by sufferings hath fully reconciled so his mediation by intercession will everlastingly maintain that state of peace between them and God and prevent all future breaches. Being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5.1 It is a firm and lasting peace and the mediator that made it is now in heaven to maintain it forever there to appear in the presence of God for us. Hebrews 9.24 Number five Did Jesus Christ interpose between us and the wrath of God as a mediator of reconciliation? Did he rather choose to receive the stroke upon himself than to see us ruined by it? How well then does it become the people of God in a thankful sense of this grace to interpose themselves between Jesus Christ and the evils they see likely to fall upon his name and interest in the world. Oh that there were but such a heart in the people of God. I remember it is a saying of Jerome when he heard the revilings and blasphemings of many against Christ and his precious truth. Oh that they would turn their weapons from Christ to me and be satisfied with my blood. And much to the same sense is that sweet saying of Bernard Happy were I if God would condescend to use me as a shield. And David could say the reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. Psalm 59.9 Ten thousand of our names are nothing to Christ's name. His name is a worthy name. And there is no man that gives up his name as a shield to Christ but shall thereby secure and increase its true honor. Chapter 9, page 98. First branch of Christ's prophetical office. Revelation of the will of God. A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me. Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. Acts 3.22 Having shown the solemn preparations both by the Father and the Son for the blessed design of reconciling us by the meritorious mediation of Christ and taken a general view of the nature of his mediation I proceed to show how he executes it in the discharge of his blessed offices of prophet, priest and king. His prophetical office consists of two parts. One external consisting in a true and full revelation of the will of God to men according to John 17.6 I have manifested thy name to the men thou gavest me. The other in illuminating the mind and opening the heart to receive and embrace that doctrine. The first part is contained in the words before us. A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up. Etc. These are the words of Moses recorded Deuteronomy 18.15 and here by Peter pertinently applied to Christ to convince the incredulous Jews that he is the true and only Messiah and the great prophet of the church whose doctrine it was highly dangerous to condemn though uttered by such humble individuals as were himself and John. It is well observed by Calvin he singles out this testimony of Moses rather than any other because of the great esteem they had for Moses and his writings beyond any others. In these words Christ in his prophetic office is described and obedience to him as such a prophet is strictly enjoined. 1. We have a description of Christ in his prophetic office. A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me. A prophet the prince of the prophets or the great and chief shepherd as he is styled. Hebrews 13.20 1 Peter 5.4 It belongs to a prophet to expound the law declare the will of God and foretell things to come. All these meet and that in a singular and eminent manner in Christ our prophet. Matthew 5.21 etc. John 1.18 and 1 Peter 1.11 A prophet like unto Moses who typified and prefigured him. But is it not said of Moses in Deuteronomy 34.10 that there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses whom the Lord knew face to face. True of mere men there never arose so great a prophet in Israel as Moses either in respect to his familiarity with God or his miracles which he wrought in the power of God. But Moses himself was but a star to this sun. However in these following particulars Christ was like him. He was a prophet that went between God and the people carried God's mind to them and returned theirs to God. They not being able to hear the voice of God immediately. According to all that thou desirest of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly saying let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God neither let me see this great fire any more that I die not. Deuteronomy 18.16 And upon this their request God makes the promise which is cited in the text. They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a prophet like unto thee verses 17 and 18. Moses was a very faithful prophet precisely faithful and exact in all things that God gave him in charge even to a pin of the tabernacle. Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after but Christ as a son over his own house. Hebrews 3 verses 5 and 6 Again Moses confirmed his doctrine by miracles which he wrought in the presence and to the conviction of gainsayers. Herein Christ our prophet is also like unto Moses who wrought many mighty miracles which cannot be denied and by them confirmed the gospel which he preached. Lastly Moses was that prophet which brought God's Israel out of literal Egypt and Christ his out of spiritual Egypt whereof that bondage was a figure. He is also described by the stock and original from which according to his flesh he sprung I will raise him up from among thy brethren of Israel as concerning the flesh Christ came. Romans 9 verse 5 And it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah. Hebrews 7 verse 14 He honored that nation by his nativity thus the great prophet is described. 2 Here is a strict injunction of obedience to this prophet. Him shall ye hear in all things. By hearing understand obedience. So words of sense are frequently used in scripture to signify those affections that are awakened through the senses. This obedience is required to be yielded to this prophet only and universally and under great penalties. It is true we are commanded to obey the voice of his ministers. Hebrews 13 verse 17 But still it is Christ speaking by them whom we obey. He that heareth you heareth me. We obey them in the Lord that is as commanding or forbidding in Christ's name and authority. So when God said thou shalt serve him Deuteronomy 6 verse 13 Christ expounds it exclusively him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4 verse 10 He is the only Lord. Jude 4 And therefore to him only our obedience is required. And as it is due to him only so to him universally. Him shall ye hear in all things. His commands are to be obeyed not disputed. Christians are indeed to judge whether what is spoken be the will of Christ. We must prove what is that holy good and acceptable will. Romans 12 verse 2 His sheep hear his voice and the stranger they will not follow. They know his voice but know not the voice of strangers. John 10 verses 4 and 5 But when his will is understood and known we have no liberty of choice but are bound by it. Be the duty commanded ever so difficult or the sin forbidden ever so tempting. And this is also required under penalty of being destroyed from among the people and of God's requiring it at our hands. Deuteronomy 18 That is avenging himself in the destruction of the disobedient. Hence Jesus Christ is called and appointed by God to be the great prophet and teacher of the church. He is anointed to preach good tidings to the meek and sent to bind up the broken hearted. Isaiah 61 1 When he came to preach the gospel among the people then was this scripture fulfilled yea all things are delivered him of his father so that no man knoweth who the father is but the son and he to whom the son will reveal him. Matthew 11 27 All light is now collected into one body of light the son of righteousness and he enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world. John 1 9 And though he dispensed knowledge variously in times past speaking in many ways and diverse manners to the fathers yet now the method and way of revealing the will of God to us is fixed and settled in Christ in these last times he has spoken to us by his son. Twice hath the Lord solemnly sealed him to this office or approved and owned him in it by a miraculous voice from the most excellent glory. Matthew 3 17 17 5 Here we are called to consider what Christ being a prophet to the church implies and how he executes and discharges this his office. Romans 1 1 What is implied in Christ being a prophet to the church? 1 The natural ignorance and blindness of men in the things of God. The world is involved in darkness. The people sit as in the region in shadow of death till Christ arise in their souls. Matthew 4 15-17 It is true in the state of innocency man had a clear apprehension of the will of God without a mediator but now that light is quenched in the corruption of nature and the natural man receiveth not the things of God. 1 Corinthians 2 14 These things of God are not only contrary to corrupt and carnal reason but they are also above right reasons. Grace indeed useth nature but nature can do nothing without grace. The mind of a natural man has not only a native blindness by reason whereof it cannot discern the things of the spirit but also a natural enmity. Romans 8 7 And it hates the light. John 3 19-20 So that until the mind be healed and enlightened by Jesus Christ the natural faculties can no more discern the things of the spirit than the sensitive faculties can discern the things of reason. The mysteries of nature may be discovered by the light of nature but when it comes to supernatural mysteries there as Cyprian somewhere speaks the most subtle searching penetrating reason is at a loss. 2 It implies the divinity of Christ and proves him to be true God for as much as no other can reveal to the world in all ages the secrets that lay hid in the heart of God and that with such convincing evidence and authority. He brought his doctrine from the bosom of his father the only begotten son who was in the bosom of the father he hath revealed him John 1 18 The same words which his father gave him he hath given us John 17 verse 8 He spoke to us that which he had seen with his father John 8 38 What man can tell the bosom counsels and secrets of God who but he that eternally lay in that bosom can expound them besides other prophets had their times assigned them to rise shine and set again by death Your fathers where are they and do the prophets live forever Zechariah 1 5 But Christ is a fixed and perpetual sun that gives light in all ages of the world for he is the same yesterday today and forever Hebrews 13 8 Yea and the very beings of his divinity shone with awfulness upon the hearts of them that heard him so that his very enemies were forced to acknowledge that never man spake like him John 7 46 3 It implies that Christ is the original and fountain of all the light which is ministerially diffused by men Ministers are but stars which shine with the borrowed light from the sun so speaks the apostle for God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Corinthians 4 6 Those that teach men must be first taught by Christ What Paul received from the Lord he delivered to the church 1 Corinthians 11 23 Jesus Christ is the chief shepherd 1 Peter 5 4 And all the undershepherds received their gifts and commissions from him These things are manifestly implied in Christ's prophetical office 2 We shall next inquire how he executes and discharges this his office or how he enlightens and teaches men the will of God 1 Our great prophet hath revealed unto men the will of God variously not holding one uniform and constant tenor in the manifestations of the Father's will but at sundry times and in diverse manners Hebrews 1 1 Sometimes he taught the church immediately and in his own person John 18 20 He declared God's righteousness in the great congregation Psalm 22 22 And sometimes immediately by his ministers and officers given to that service by him So he dispensed the knowledge of God to the church before his incarnation It was Christ that in the time and by the ministry of Noah went and preached to the spirits in prison 1 Peter 3 19 That is to men and women then alive but now separated from the body and imprisoned in hell for their disobedience 2 And it was Christ that was with the church in the wilderness instructing and guiding them by the ministry of Moses and Aaron Acts 7 37 38 And so he has taught the church since his ascension He is not now personally with us yet he still teaches us by his officers whom for that end he has set and appointed in the church Ephesians 4 11 12 2 He has dispensed his blessed light to the church gradually This Reformation audio track is a production of Stillwater's Revival Books SWRB makes thousands of classic Reformation resources available free and for sale in audio video and printed formats Our many free resources as well as our complete mail order catalog contain thousands of classic and contemporary Puritan and Reform books tapes and videos at great discounts is on the web at www.swrb.com We can also be reached by email at swrb at swrb.com by phone at 780-450-3730 by fax at 780-468-1096 or by mail at 4710-37A Edmonton Alberta Canada T6L3T5 You may also request a free printed catalog and remember that John Calvin in defending the Reformation's regulative principle of worship or what is sometimes called the scriptural law of worship commenting on the words of God which I commanded them not neither came into my heart from his commentary on Jeremiah 731 writes God here cuts off from men every occasion for making evasions since he condemns by this one phrase I have not commanded them whatever the Jews devised there is then no other argument needed to condemn superstitions than that they are not commanded by God for when men allow themselves to worship God according to their own fancies and attend not to his commands they pervert true religion and if this principle was adopted by the Papists all those fictitious modes of worship in which they absurdly exercise themselves would fall to the ground it is indeed a horrible thing for the Papists to seek to discharge their duties towards God by performing their own superstitions there is an immense number of them as it is well known and as it manifestly appears were they to admit this principle that we cannot rightly worship God except by obeying his word they would be delivered from their deep abyss of error the Prophet's words then are very important when he says that God had commanded no such thing and that it never came to his mind as though he had said that men assume too much wisdom when they devise what he never required nay what he never knew