But, to get a clearer insight into the mystery of the Gospel, let us notice, II. The comprehensiveness of its provisions —
Nothing in it is wanting that can contribute to,
i. The honour of God — [Were the Gospel at all deficient in this view, it would be impossible for God to approve of it. But there is not a per- fection of the Deity which is not honoured by it. The justice of God has all its demands satisfied : the holiness of God is displayed in the brightest colours : his truth is kept inviolate : yea, all the perfections of God are more glorified in this way "of exercising mercy, than they would have been if man had never fallen, or never been redeemed. In truth, it is this which o-ives to the Gospel its chief value : it is valuable, doubtless, as saving man ; but it is infinitely more valuable as displaying and magnifying the glory of God.]
2. The salvation of man —
[Needs fallen man the removal of his guilt ? it is removed from him, as far as the east is from the west, by virtue of this sacrifice. Be it so : the debt we had contracted was infinite : but infinite also was the value of that blood which was shed to expiate our guilt; so that justice itself, being satisfied by our Surety, has nothing to demand at our hands. Does man need also the renovation of his nature? For this also is ample provision made, seeing that by virtue of the blood of Christ the gift of the Holy Spirit is purchased for us ; by whose Almighty agency every child of man may be renewed and sanctified, yea, and transformed also into the vei-y image of his God. Does he need yet further a perfect righteousness wherein to stand before God ? This, too, is secured to him by Christ's obedience unto death : for by that a righteousness is formed perfectly com- mensurate with all the requirements of the law; and it is imputed to every believing soul; so that, clothed in it, he stands perfect and complete before God, without spot or blemish. Nothing that can in any way contribute to a man's peace of conscience, or holiness of life, or meetness for glory, is wanting in this stupendous mystery : all is provided for; all is secured : and in every part of it the wisdom of God is incomprehensibly and unsearchably displayed.]
The mysteriousness of the Gospel will yet further appear, if we notice,
III. Its remoteness altogether from human apprehen- sion—