2. Since Christ so earnestly sued for his glorification, it is our duty, by all means, to procure and further his glory. AVe cannot do any- tliing as his Father doth ; we cannot bestow anything upon him but praise, and magnify him by a steadfast faith, and by a holy life. Mortified Christians are the glory of Christ.
Veil 5.] sermons upon john xvii. 193
3. It is comfort against the reproaches and oppositions of men as to the kingdom of Christ. Though the Jews scorn it, the Turks blas- pheme it, heretics undermine it, yet Christ's prayers will do more than all their endeavours ; still he will appear God manifest in the flesh. Christ's glory cannot be hindered, he hath prayed for it.
Use 2. In that Christ was glorified (for he cannot be denied what- ever he demands), it is useful for our comfort, for our instruction.
1. For our comfort.
[1.] Christ's glorification is the pledge and earnest of ours. Had not he risen and ascended, and been received up into glory, neither we ; the gates of death had been barred upon us, and the gates of heaven shut against us, and we should have been covered with eternal shame and ignominy. But now Christ, like another Samson, hath broken through the gates, and carried them away with him, our head is risen, and we in him, we receive of his fulness, glory for glory, as well as grace for grace. Nobis dedit arrhabonem spiritus, et a nobis recepit arrhabonem carnis. We have livery and seisin of the king- dom of heaven already in Christ. We are ascended with him : Eph. ii. G, ' And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.' In contracts, pledges are usually taken and given. Our head is crowned, and shall not the members ? The human nature is already placed in the highest seat of glory.
[2.] It is a sign God hath received satisfaction. The Lord sent an angel to remove the stone, not to supply any power in Christ ; but as a judge, when he is satisfied, sends an officer to open the prison doors. Our surety is delivered out of prison with glory and honour, God hath taken him up to himself. What is done to our surety concerneth us. Christ hath perfectly done his work, there is no more to be done by way of satisfaction. God was well pleased with him, or else he had not been at his right hand. Certainly all the work of his mediation was not accomplished on earth, he is now in exaltation, performing those other offices that remain to be fulfilled by him in heaven.
[3.] Hence we have confidence in his ability to do his people good. He is now restored to the full use and exercise of the godhead ; he can give the Spirit, and perform all the legacies of the covenant. There were many repaired to Christ in the days of his flesh, when he was under poverty, crosses, death ; the thief on the cross said, ' Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.' What shall we not expect now he is entered into glory? Faithful servants follow their prince in banishment, but they have greater encouragement when he is on the throne. Those that adhered to David in the desert might look for much from him crowned at Hebron: Acts ii. 33, 'Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear.' Not that then only he was endowed with the gifts of the Spirit ; for whilst he was on earth, he was filled with the Spirit without measure ; but then he received the accomplishment of the promise, of pouring out the Spirit upon us ; for by promise is meant the accomplishment of the promise, for the promise was long before : Luke xxiv. 49, ' And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem till ye be endued with
VOL. X. N
194 SERMONS UPON JOHN XVII. [SeR. VI .
power from on high;' Acts i. 4, ' And being assembled togetlier with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father.' When he came to heaven, he received the fulfilling of this promise ; for God did not bring Christ into heaven, as we are brought into heaven, merely to rest from labour, and to enjoy the reward of glory, but that he might sit in the throne of majesty and authority, to have power to send the Spirit, and gather the church, and condemn the world, and to apply to all the elect the privileges that he had purchased for them. There are effects of Christ crucified, and there are effects of Christ raised and exalted : Ps. Ixviii. 18, ' Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive, thou hast received gifts for men ; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.' He gave gifts when he ascended, as kings do at their coronation. The humiliation of Christ hath its effects, in fulfilling the curses of the law, pacifying God's wrath and justice, the annihilation of the right which the devil had in elect sinners, purchasing a right of returning to God, and enjoying the grace of eternal life. The exaltation of Christ hath its effects, viz., the ap- plication of this righteousness, and to possess us of this right. When Christ was dead, it was lawful for those for whom he died to return to God, and enjoy his grace ; but it was not possible, for they were dead in sins. Therefore God raised up Christ, and gave him authority to pour out the Holy Ghost, that we should seek in grace, not only the force of satisfaction, but of regeneration ; that the effect of his abase- ment, this of his advancement. What a comfort this is, that Christ would not only die for us, but rise again, and pour out his Spirit, that his blood might not be without profit!