(3.) That wherein the law failed, as unto the appearance it made of the expiation of sin, was that it could not effect it eg +d dim- vexés, “absolutely,” “completely,” and “for ever.” It made an expiation, but it was temporary only, not for ever. It did so both in respect unto the consciences of the worshippers and the outward effects of its sacrifices. Their effect on the consciences of the wor- shippers was temporary; for a sense of sin returned on them, which forced them unto a repetition of the same sacrifices again, as the apostle declares in the next verse. And as unto the outward effects of them, they consisted in the removal of temporal punishments and judgments, which God had threatened unto the transgressors of the old covenant. This they could reach unto, but no farther. To expiate sin fully, and that with respect unto eternal punishment, so as to take away the guilt of sin from the consciences, and all punish- ments from the persons of men,—which is to “ perfect them for ever,” which was done by the sacrifice of Christ,—this they could not do, but only represent what was to be done afterwards,
If any shall think meet to retain the ordinary distinction of the words, and refer sig +d dsmvexés to what goes before, so Mei the word adverbially y, “they offer them year by year continually,” then the necessity of the annual repetition of those sacrifices is in- tended in it. ‘This they did, and this they were to do always whilst
_ VER. 1.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 429
the tabernacle was standing, or the worship of the Jaw continued. And from the whole verse sundry things may be observed.
Obs. II. Whatever hath the least representation of Christ, or rela- tion unto him, the obscurest way of teaching the things concerning his person and grace, whilst it is in force, hath a glory in it—He alone in himself originally bears the whole glory of God in the worship and salvation of the church; and he gives glory unto all institutions of divine worship. The law had but a shadow of him and his office, yet was the ministration of it glorious. And much more is that of the gospel and its ordinances so, if we have faith to discern their relation unto him, and experience of his exhibition of himself and the benefits of his mediation unto us by them. With- out this they have no glory, whatever order or pomp may be applied unto their outward administration.
Obs. III. Christ and his grace were the only good things, that were absolutely so, from the foundation of the world, or the giving of the first promise.—In and by them there is not only a deliverance from the curse, which made all things evil; and a restoration of all the good that was lost by sin, in a sanctified, blessed use of the creatures; but an increase and addition is made unto all that was good in the state of innocency, above what can be expressed. Those who put such a valuation on the meaner, uncertain enjoyment of other things, as to judge them their “good things,” their “ goods,” as they are commonly called, so as not to see that all which is abso- lutely good is to be found in him alone; much more they who seem to judge almost all things good besides, and Christ with his grace good for nothing; will be filled with the fruit of their own ways, when it is too late to change their minds.
Obs. IV. There is a great difference between the shadow of good things to come, and ‘the good things themselves actually exhibited and granted unto the church. This is the fundamental difference between the two testaments, the law and the gospel, from whence all others do arise, and whereinto they are resolved. Some, when they hear that there was justification, sanctification, and eternal life, to be obtained under the old covenant and its administrations, by virtue of the promise which they all had respect unto, are ready to think that there was no material difference between the two cove- nants. I have spoken at large hereunto in the eighth chapter. I shall now only say, that he who sees not, who finds not a glory, ex- cellency, and satisfaction, producing peace, rest, and joy in his soul, from the actual exhibition of these good things, as declared and ten- dered in the gospel, above what might be obtained from an obscure representation of them as future, is a stranger unto gospel light and grace.
_ Obs. VY. The principal interest and design of them that come to
430 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. X.
God, is to have assured evidence of the perfect expiation of sin.—
This of old they came unto God by the sacrifices of the law for; which could only represent the way whereby it was to be done. Until assurance be given hereof, no sinner can have the least en- couragement to approach unto God. For no guilty person can stand before him. Where this foundation is not laid in the soul and conscience, all attempts of access unto God are presumptuous. This, therefore, is that which the gospel in the a place proposeth unto the faith of them that do receive it.
Obs. VI. What cannot be effected for the cea of sin at once