The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 06 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 06 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
Thus revelation teaches us this _supernatural_ matter; that Jesus
Christ is making _perpetual intercession for us in heaven_: for
Christ’s _real state_, or _manner_ of existence with God in heaven,
in regard to his church, cannot, as it is in its _own nature_, be
described to us; it is in this respect ineffable, and incomprehensible.
And therefore, this high and inconceivable manner of Christ’s existence
with God in heaven, in regard to his church, is revealed to us under an
idea, that gives us the truest representation of it, we are capable of.
But if any one should thence infer, that the Son of God must therefore
either be always upon his knees, or _prostrate_ in some humble form of
a supplicant, he would make a very weak inference.
Because this revealed idea of Christ, as a perpetual Intercessor in
heaven, is only a comparative representation of something, that cannot
be _directly_ and _plainly_ known as it is in its own nature; and only
teaches us, how to believe something, though imperfectly, yet _truly_
of an incomprehensible nature.
Again: When it is by the letter of scripture revealed to us, that the
blessed Jesus is the one _Mediator_ between God and man; that he is
the _Atonement_, the _Propitiation_, and _Satisfaction_ for our sins:
these expressions only teach us _as much_ outward knowledge of so great
a mystery, as human language can represent. But they do not teach us
the perfect nature of Christ’s state between God and sinners. For that
being a _supernatural_ matter, cannot by any outward words be revealed
to us as it is in its _own nature_, any more than the _essence_ of God
can be made _visible_ to our eyes of flesh.
But these expressions teach us thus much with certainty, that there is
in the _state_ of Christ between God and sinners, something infinitely
and inconceivably beneficial to us; and _truly answerable_ to all that
we mean by _mediation_, _atonement_, _propitiation_, and _satisfaction_.
And though the _real, internal manner_, of this mediation and atonement,
as it is in its own nature, is _incomprehensible_, yet this does not
lessen our knowledge of the truth and certainty of it, any more than
the _incomprehensibility_ of the divine nature, lessens our certainty
of its real existence.
And as our idea of God, though consisting of incomprehensible
perfections, helps us to a real and certain knowledge of the divine
nature; and though all mysterious, is yet the solid foundation of all
piety; so our idea of Jesus Christ, as our _Mediator_ and _Atonement_,
though it be incomprehensible as to its real nature, yet helps us to a
_certain_ knowledge of Christ, as our _Mediator_ and _Atonement_; and,
though full of mystery, is yet full of motives to the highest piety,
love, and gratitude unto God.
All objections therefore, raised from any difficulties about the nature
of _atonements_, _propitiations_, and _satisfactions_, as these words
are used in common language, are vain, and entirely groundless.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account