Miscellanies Relating to the Holy Scriptures, and to Other Sacred Subjects

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1827. Excerpt: ... CHAP. VI. ON THE SATISFACTION OF CHRIST. By the sins of mankind the laws of God are violated, and his righteous government dishonoured. His injured justice therefore demands satisfaction; and this satisfaction must be made, either by the sinner iu his own person, or by his substitute and surety. No one could be this substitute and surety but the Son of God. He only was able to bear our sins, to become a propitiatory sacrifice, and thus to make an atonement or expiation for them. In consequence of this satisfaction having been made to the divine justice, the sinner, exercising repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, is pardoned, the divine perfections and government are honoured, mercy and truth meet together, and righteousness and peace embrace each other. An experimental acquaintance with this doctrine results from believing and approving views of the moral law; of the divine justice in requiring a sacrifice for sin; of the character of the Saviour; of the efficacy of his blood to atone for iniquity, and to cleanse the conscience from dead works; and of the honour rendered to the divine perfections by this way of salvation. Such persons will not deny the doctrine of the satisfaction of Christ. It is the joy and rejoicing of their heart; and they build their hope of future happiness upon it, without fear of shame or disappointment at the last day. The theory of the doctrine is easy of comprehension even where this acquaintance with it is not experienced; and it is only by perverting the language of the New Testament, that it can be denied or concealed. This is evident from the strong inclination manifested by those who deny this doctrine, and also that with which it is inseparably connected, the Deity of Christ, to weaken and misi...