In redemption by the blood of Christ, God is said to abound towards
us in all WISDOM. Here we see the highest contradictions reconciled;
here justice kisseth the sinner; here a man stands just in the sight
of God, while confounded at his own pollutions; and here he that
hath done no good, hath yet a sufficient righteousness, "even the
righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ."
The JUSTICE of God is here more seen than in punishing all the
damned.
The MYSTERY OF GOD'S WILL is here more seen than in hanging the
earth upon nothing; while he condemneth Christ though righteous, and
justifieth us though sinners, while he "maketh him to be sin for us,
and us the righteousness of God in him."
The POWER of God is here more seen than in making heaven and earth;
for, for one to hear and get the victory over sin when charged by
the justice of an infinite Majesty, in so doing he shows the height
of the highest power; for where sin by the law is charged, and that
by God immediately, there an infinite Majesty opposeth, and that
with the whole of his justice, holiness, and power; so then, he that
is thus charged and engaged for the sin of the world, must not only
he equal with God, but show it by overcoming that curse and judgment
that by infinite justice is charged upon him for sin.
When angels and men had sinned, how did they fall and crumble before
the anger of God! They had not power to withstand the terror, nor
could there be worth found in their persons or doings to appease
displeased justice. Here then is power seen: sin is a mighty thing;
it crusheth all in pieces, save him whose Spirit is eternal. Heb.
9:14. Set Christ and his sufferings aside, and you neither see the
evil of sin nor the displeasure of God against it; you see them not
in their utmost. Jesus Christ made manifest his eternal power and
godhead more by bearing and overcoming our sins, than in making or
upholding the whole world. 1 Cor. 1:24.
The LOVE AND MERCY of God are more seen in and by this doctrine than
any other way. Here is love, that God sent his Son--his darling--his
Son that never offended--his Son that was always his delight!
Herein is love, that he sent him to save sinners--to save them by
bearing their sins, by bearing their curse, by dying their death,
and by carrying their sorrows! Here is love, in that while we were
yet without strength, Christ died for the ungodly!