What did he design in the redemption of the world at large ?
[When first he determined to rescue man from perdition, he decreed that he would " create us anew in Christ Jesus unto good works, in which he ordained that we should walkd."
The means which he used for the accomplishment of our sal- vation had especial respect to this end, not to save us in our sins, but from theme.
He sent his only dear Son to take our nature, and in that nature to live, to die, to rise again. But in all this he aimed, not at our happiness merely, but our restoration to the image which we had lostf." This is specified in terms peculiarly strong and energetic, in order that we may not overlook this truth as if it were only of secondary importance5.
He gave his Holy Spirit also for the same end : he gave him to humble ush, to renew us1, to mortify all our vile lusts and passions k, to fashion us after the Divine image1, and to perfect that image in our souls m.]
What does he design in imparting that redemption
to individuals ?
[Wherefore did he choose any of us from before the foundation of the world? It was " that we might be holy, and without blame before him in love11." Why has he revealed his grace in our hearts ? It was to " teach us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live right- eously, soberly, and godly in this present world0." If he apply his promises to our souls, or hide his face from us, it is alike "for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness p." Whatever be his dispensations towards us, " this is his will, even our sanctification q ;" and this is his ultimate design in all, even to " carry on the good work he has begun1," to " sanctify us wholly s," and to " perfect that which concerneth us*."]
But holiness is also, II. The one object of his regard —
d Eph. ii. 10. e Matt. i. 21. Acts iii. 26.
f Gal. i. 4. 1 Pet. i. 18, 19. and ii. 24. Tit. ii. 14.
e Eph. v. 25—27. h John xvi. 8—11. i Tit. iii. 5, 6.
k Rom. viii. 13.
i Eph. iv. 23, 24. with 2 Cor. i. 22. A " seal" is an impress of the Divine image ; and an " earnest" is the commencement of hea- venly purity and joy.
m 2 Cor. iii. 18. n Eph. i. 4. o Tit. ii. 11, 12.
P 2 Cor. vii. 1. with Heb. xii. 10. q 1 Thess. iv. 3.
f Phil. i. 6. » 1 Thess. v. 23. * Ps. cxxxviii. 8.