A body of divinity by Thomas Watson (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read '7. Christ's exaltation' and '8. Christ the redeemer'.
Firstly Watson teaches us about Christ's exaltation. God exalted Christ in his:
(i) titles;
(ii) office;
(iii) ascension;
(iv) session at God's right-hand;
(v) constituting him judge of the world.
Secondly we learn about Christ as redeemer. Watson answers five important questions:
(i) How does Christ redeem us?;
(ii) From what does Christ redeem us?;
(iii) But how are we redeemed from sin? Do we not see corruption stirring in the regenerate; much pride and unmortified passion?;
(iv) In what sense has Christ redeemed justified persons from sin?;
(v) To what has Christ redeemed us?
I appreciated the challenge from Watson to examine whether we are redeemed ones: 'If Christ came to purchase our redemption, then let us try whether we are the persons whom Christ has redeemed from the guilt and curse due to sin. This is a needful trial; for let me tell you, there is but a certain number whom Christ has redeemed. Oh, say sinners, Christ is a redeemer, and we shall be saved by him! Beloved, Christ came not to redeem all, for that would overthrow the decrees of God. Redemption is not as large as creation. I grant there is a sufficiency of merit in Christ’s blood to save all; but there is a difference between sufficiency and efficiency. Christ’s blood is a sufficient price for all, but it is effectual only to them that believe. A plaster may have a sovereign virtue in it to heal any wound, but it does not heal unless applied to the wound. And if it be so, that all have not the benefit of Christ’s redemption, but some only, then it is a necessary question to ask our own souls, Are we in the number of those that are redeemed by Christ or not?'
Are you redeemed?
Next week's reading
Read '1. Faith', '2. Effectual calling' and '3. Justification'.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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