The Fountain of Life
The Fountain of Life opened up: or, a display
of Christ in his essential and mediatorial glory.
by John Flavel
The Nature of Christ's Mediation
"There is one Mediator between God and Man, the man
Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5
Great and long preparations bespeak the solemnity and
greatness of the work for which they are designed; A man that had but seen
the heaps of gold, silver and brass, which David amassed in his time, for
the building of the temple, might easily conclude before one stone of it was
laid, that it would be a magnificent structure. But lo, here is a design of
God as far transcending that, as the substance does the shadow. For, in
deed, that glorious temple was but the type and figure of Jesus Christ, John
2:19, 21, and a weak adumbration of that living, spiritual temple which he
was to build, cementing the lively stones thereof together with his own
blood, 1 Pet. 2:5, 6. that the great God might dwell and walk in it, 2 Cor.
6:16. The preparations for that temple were but of few years, but the
consultations and preparations for this were from eternity, Prov. 8:31. And
as there were preparations for this work (which Christ dispatched in a few
years) before the world began; so it will be matter of eternal admiration
and praise, when this world shall be dissolved. What this astonishing
glorious work is, this text will inform your as to the general nature of it:
it is the work of mediation between God and man, managed by the sole hand of
the man Christ Jesus.
In this scripture (for I shall not spend time to examine
the words in their context) you have a description of Jesus the Mediator:
and he is here described four ways, namely, by his work or office, a
Mediator; by the singularity of his mediation, one Mediator; and by the
nature and quality of his person, employed in this singular way of
mediation, the man; and lastly, his name Jesus Christ.
1. He is described by the work, or office he is employed
as a Mediator, a middle person. So the word imports a fit, indifferent, and
equal person, that comes between two persons that are at variance, to
compose the difference and make peace. Such a middle, equal, indifferent
person is Christ; a day's man, to lay his hand upon both; to arbitrate and
award justly and give God his due, and that without ruin to poor man.
2. He is described by the singularity of his mediation,
one Mediator, and but one. Though there be many mediators of reconciliation
among men, and many intercessors in a petitionary way, between God and man;
yet but one only mediator of reconciliation between God and man: and it is
as needless and impious to make more mediators than one, as to make more
Gods than one. There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men.
He is described by the nature and quality of his
person—the man Christ Jesus. This description of him by one nature, and that
the human nature also (wherein, as you shall see anon, the Lord especially
consulted our encouragement and comfort); I say, his being so described to
us, has, through the corruption of men, been improved to the great dishonor
of Jesus Christ, both by the Arians and Papists. The former took occasion
from hence to affirm, that he was but—a mere man.
The latter allow him to be the true God, but on this weak
ground affirm, that he performed not the work of mediation as God, but only
as man. Thus what the Spirit ordered for our comfort, is wickedly retorted
to Christ's dishonor; for I doubt not but he is described by his human
nature in this place; not only because in this nature he paid that ransom
(which he speaks of in the words immediately following) but especially for
the drawing of sinners to him; seeing he is the man Christ Jesus, one that
clothed himself in their own flesh; and to encourage the faith of believers,
that he tenderly rewards all their wants and miseries, and that they may
safely trust him with all their concerns, as one that will carefully mind
them as his own, and will be for them a merciful and faithful High Priest,
in things pertaining to God.
4. He is described by his names; by his appellative name
Christ, and his proper name Jesus. The name Jesus, notes his work about
which he came; and Christ, the offices to which he was anointed; and in the
execution of which he is our Jesus. "In the name Jesus, the whole gospel is
contained, it is the light, the food, the medicine of the soul," as one
speaks. The note from hence is,
DOCTRINE. That Jesus Christ is the true and only Mediator
between God and men.
"You are come to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant,"
Heb. 12:24. "And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament,"
etc. Heb. 9:14. I might show you a whole vein of scriptures running this
way; but to keep a profitable and clear method, I shall show,
First, What is the sense of this word "Mediator".
Secondly, What it implies, as it is applied to Christ.
Thirdly, How it appears that he is the true and only
Mediator between God and men.
Fourthly, In what capacity he performed his mediatory
work.
First, What is the sense and import of this
word—Mediator? The true sense and importance of it, is a middle Person, or
one that interposes between two parties at variance, to make peace between
them. So that as Satan is a medium of discord; so Christ is a medium of
concord and peace. And he is such a Mediator, both in respect of his person
and office; in respect of his person, he is a Mediator, That is, one that
has the same nature both with God and us, true God, and true man; and in
respect of his Office or work, which is to interpose, to transact the
business of reconciliation between us and God. The former some call his
substantial, the latter his energetical, or operative mediation: Though I
rather conceive that which is called his substantial mediation, is but the
aptitude of his person to execute the mediatorial function; and that it does
not constitute two kinds of mediation. His being a middle person, fits and
capacitates him to stand in the midst between God and us. This, I say, is
the proper sense of the word; though "Mesites", a Mediator, is rendered
variously; sometimes an umpire or arbitrator; sometimes a messenger that
goes between two persons; sometimes an interpreter, imparting the mind of
one to another; sometimes a reconciler or peace-maker. And in all these
senses Christ is the "Mesites", the middle person in his mediation of
reconciliation or intercession; That is, either in his mediating, by
suffering to make peace, as he did on earth; or to continue, and maintain
peace, as he does in heaven, by meritorious intercession. Both these ways he
is the only Mediator. And he manages this his mediation,
1. As an umpire or arbitrator; one that layeth his hands
upon both parties, as Job speaks, chapter 9:33. so does Christ, he layeth
his hands (speaking after the manner of men) upon God, and says, Father,
will you be at peace with them, and re admit them into your favor? If you
will, you shall be fully satisfied for all that they have done against you.
And then he layeth his hand upon man, and says, poor sinner, be not
discouraged, you shall be justified and saved.
2. As a messenger or ambassador, so he came to impart the
mind of God to us, and so he presents our desires to God; and in this sense
only Socinus would allow Christ to be Mediator. But therein he endeavors to
undermine the foundation, and to exclude him from being, Mediator by a
suretyship; which is,
3. The third way of his mediation. So the apostle speaks,
Heb. 7: he is the surety, or pledge. Which, as the learned David Pareus well
expresses it, is one that engages to satisfy another, or gives caution or
security by a pledge in the hand for it. And indeed, both these ways, Christ
is our mediator by suretyship, namely, in a way of satisfaction, coming
under our obligation to answer the law; this he did on the cross and in a
way of caution, a surety for the peace, or good behavior. But to be more
explicit and clear, I shall,
Secondly, In the next place enquire, what it implies and
carries in it, for Christ to be a Mediator between God and us. And there
are, mainly, these five things in it.
1. At the first sight, it carries in it a most dreadful
breach and jar between God and men; else no need of a Mediator of
reconciliation. There was indeed a sweet league of amity once between them,
but it was quickly dissolved by sin; the wrath of the Lord was kindled
against man, pursuing him to destruction, Psalm. 5:5. " You hate all the
workers of iniquity." And man was filled with unnatural enmity against his
God, Rom. 1:30.—haters of God; this put an end to all friendly commerce and
fellowship between him and God. Reader, say not in your heart, that it is
much, that one sin, and that seemingly so small, should make such a breach
as this, and cause the God of mercy and goodness so to abhor the works of
his hands, and that as soon as he had made man: for it was a heinous and
aggravated evil. It was upright, perfect man, created in the image of God,
that thus sinned: he sinned when his mind was most bright, clear and
apprehensive; his conscience pure and active; his will free, and able to
withstand any temptation: his conscience pure and undefiled; he was a public
as well as a perfect man, and well knew that the happiness or misery of his
numberless offspring was involved in him.
The condition he was placed in, was exceeding happy: no
necessity or want could arm and edge temptation: he lived amidst all natural
and spiritual pleasures and delights, the Lord most delightfully conversing
with him; yes, he sinned while as yet his creation-mercy was fresh upon him;
and in this sin was most horrible ingratitude: yes, a casting off the yoke
of obedience almost as soon as God had put it on. God now saw the work of
his hands spoiled, a race of rebels now to be propagated, who, in their
successive generations would be fighting against God: he saw it, and his
just indignation sparkled against man, and resolves to pursue him to the
bottom of hell.
2. It implies, a necessity of satisfaction and reparation
to the justice of God. For the very design and end of this mediation was to
make peace, by giving full satisfaction to the party that was wronged. The
Photinians, and some others, have dreamed of a reconciliation with God,
founded not upon satisfaction, but upon the absolute mercy, goodness, and
free-will of God. "But concerning that absolute goodness and mercy of God,
reconciling sinners to himself, there is a deep silence throughout the
scriptures:" and whatever is spoken of it, upon that account, is as it works
to us through Christ, Eph. 1:3, 4, 5. Acts 4:12. John 6:40. And we cannot
imagine, either how God could exercise mercy to the prejudice of his
justice, which must be, if we must be reconciled without full satisfaction;
or how such a full satisfaction should be made by any other than Christ.
Mercy, indeed moved in the heart of God to poor man; but from his heart it
found no way to vent itself for us, but through the heart blood of Jesus
Christ: and in him the justice of God was fully satisfied, and the misery of
the creature fully cured. And so, as Augustine speaks, "God neither lost the
severity of his justice in the goodness of mercy, nor the goodness of his
mercy in the exactness of his severity." But if it had been possible God
could have found out a way to reconcile us without satisfaction, yet it is
past doubt now, that he has pitched and fixed on this way. And for any now
to imagine to reconcile themselves to God by anything but faith in the blood
of this mediator, is not only most vain in itself, and destructive to the
soul, but most insolently derogatory to the wisdom and grace of God.
And to such I would say, as Tertullian to Marcion, whom
he calls the murderer of truth, "spare the only hope of the whole world, O
you who destroy the most necessary glory of our faith!" All that we hope for
is but a fantasy without this. Peace of conscience can be rationally settled
on no other foundation but this; for God having made a law to govern man,
and this law violated by man; either the penalty must be levied on the
delinquent, or satisfaction made by his surety. As good no law, as no
penalty for disobedience; and as good no penalty, as no execution. He
therefore that will be made a mediator of reconciliation between God and
man, must bring God a price in His hand, and that adequate to the offence
and wrongs done him, else he will not treat about peace; and so did our
Mediator.
3. Christ being a Mediator of reconciliation and
intercession, implies the infinite value of his blood and sufferings, as
that which in itself was sufficient to stop the course of God's justice, and
render him not only placable, but abundantly satisfied and well pleased,
even with those that before were enemies. And so much is said of it. Col.
1:21, 22. "And you that were sometimes alienated, and enemies in your minds
by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled, in the body of his flesh through
death, to present you holy, and unblamable, and unreproveable in his sight."
Surely, that which can cause the holy God, justly incensed against sinners,
to lay aside all his wrath, and take an enemy into his bosom, and establish
such an amity as can never more be broken, but to rest in his love, and to
joy over him with singing, as it is, Zeph. 3:17, this must be a most
excellent and efficacious thing.
4. Christ's being a Mediator of reconciliation, implies
the ardent love and large pity that filled his heart towards poor sinners.
For he does not only mediate by way of entreaty, going between both, and
persuading and begging peace; but he mediates, (as you have heard) in the
capacity of a surety, by putting himself under an obligation to satisfy our
debts. O how compassionately did his heart work towards us, that when he saw
the arm of justice lifted up to destroy us, would interpose himself, and
receive the stroke, though he knew it would smite him dead! Our Mediator,
like Jonah his type, seeing the stormy sea of God's wrath working
tempestuously, and ready to swallow us up, cast in himself to appease the
storm. I remember how much that noble act of Marcus Curtius is celebrated in
the Roman history, who being informed by the oracle, that the great breach
made by the earthquake could not be closed, except something of worth were
cast into it, heated with love to the commonwealth, he went and cast in
himself. This was looked upon as a bold and brave adventure. But what was
this to Christ?
5. Christ being a mediator between God and man, implies
as the witness of his person, so his authoritative call to undertake it. And
indeed the Father, who was the wronged person, called him to be the umpire
and arbitrator, trusting his honor in his hands. Now Christ was invested
with this office and power virtually, soon after the breach was made by
Adam's fall; for we have the early promise of it, Gen. 3:15. Ever since,
until his incarnation, he was a virtual and effectual Mediator; and, on that
account, he is called, "the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world,"
Rev. 13:8. And actually, from the time of his incarnation. But having
discussed this more largely in a former discourse, I shall dismiss it here,
and apply myself to the third thing proposed, which is,
Thirdly, How it appears that Jesus Christ is the true and
only Mediator between God and men. I reply, it is manifest he is so,
1. Because he, and no other, is revealed to us by God.
And if God reveal him, and no other, we must receive him, and no other as
such. Take but two scriptures at present, that in 1 Cor. 8:5. "The heathen
have many gods, and many lords," That is, many great gods, supreme powers
and ultimate objects of their worship; and lest these great gods should be
defiled by their immediate and unhallowed approaches to them, they therefore
invented heroes, demigods, intermediate powers, that they were as agents, or
Lord mediators between the gods and them, to convey their prayers to the
gods, and the blessings of the gods back again to them. "But unto us (says
he) there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we by
him," That is, one supreme essence, the first spring and fountain of
blessings, and one Lord, That is, one Mediator, "by whom are all things, and
we by him." By whom are all things which come from the Father to us, and by
whom are all our addresses to the Father: So Acts 4:12. "Neither is there
salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given
among men whereby we must be saved." No other name, That is, no other
authority, or rather, no other person authorised under heaven, That is, the
whole world: for heaven is not here opposed to earth, as though there were
other intercessors in heaven besides Christ: no, no, in heaven and earth God
has given him, and none but him, to be our Mediator. One sun is sufficient
for the whole world; and one Mediator for all men in the world. So that the
scriptures affirm this is he, and exclude all others.
2. Because he, and no other, is fit for, and capable of
this office. Who but he that has the divine and human nature united in his
single person, can be a fit day's-man to lay his hand upon both? Who but he
that was God, could support under such sufferings, as were, by divine
justice, exacted for satisfaction! Take person of the greatest spirit, and
put him an hour in the case Christ was in, when he sweat blood in the
garden, or uttered that heart-rending cry upon the cross, and he had melted
under it as a moth.
3. Because he is alone sufficient to reconcile the world
to God by his blood, without accessions from any other. The virtue of his
blood reached back as far as Adam, and reaches forward to the end of the
world; and will be as fresh, vigorous, and efficacious then, as the first
moment it was shed. The sun makes day before it actually rises, and
continues day sometimes after it is set: so do does Christ, who is the same
yesterday, to-day, and forever; so that he is the true and only Mediator
between God and men: no other is revealed in scripture; no other is
sufficient for it; no other needed beside him.
Fourthly, The last thing to be explained is, in what
capacity he executed his mediatory work.
About which we affirm, according to scripture, that he
performs that work as God-man, in both natures. Papists, in denying Christ
to act as mediator, according to his divine nature, do at once spoil the
whole mediation of Christ of all its efficacy, dignity and value, which
arise from that nature, which they deny to co-operate, and exert its virtue
in his active and passive obedience. They say, the apostle, in my text,
distinguishes the Mediator from God, in saying, "there is one God and one
Mediator." We aptly reply, that the same Apostle distinguishes Christ from
man, Gal. 1:1. "Not by man, but by Jesus Christ." Does it thence follow that
Christ is not true man? Or that according to his divine nature only, he
called Paul? But what need I stay my reader here; Had not Christ, as
Mediator, power to lay down his life, and power to take it up again? John
10:17,18. Had he not, as Mediator, all power in heaven and earth to
institute ordinances, and appoint officers? Matt. 28:18. To baptize men with
the Holy Spirit and fire? Matt. 3:11. To keep those his Father gave him in
this world? John 17:12. To raise up the saints again in the last day? John
6:54. Are these, with many more I might name, the effects of the mere human
nature? Or, were they not performed by him as God-man? And besides, how
could he, as Mediator, be the object of our faith, and religious adoration,
if we are not to respect him as God-man? But I long now to be at the
application of this: and the first inference from it, is this,
INFERENCE 1. That it is a dangerous thing to reject Jesus
Christ the only Mediator between God and man. Alas! there is no other to
interpose and screen you from the devouring fire, the everlasting burnings!
O it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God! And into
his hands you must needs fall, without an interest in the only Mediator.
Which of us can dwell with devouring fire? Who can endure the everlasting
burnings? Isa. 33:14. You know how they singed and scorched the green tree,
but what would they do to the dry tree? Luke 23:31. Indeed, if there were
another plank to save after the shipwreck; any other way to be reconciled to
God, besides Jesus the Mediator, somewhat might be said to excuse this
folly; but you are shut up to the faith of Christ, as to your last remedy,
Gal. 3:23. You are like starving beggars, that are come to the last door. O
take heed of despising, or neglecting Christ! If so, there's none to
intercede with God for you; the breach between him and you can never be
composed. I remember, here, the words of Eli, to his profane sons, who
caused men to abhor the offerings of the Lord, 1 Sam. 2:25. "If one man sin
against another, the judge shall judge him; but if a man sin against the
Lord, who shall entreat for him?" The meaning is, common trespasses between
men, the civil magistrate takes cognisance of it, and decides the
controversy by his authority, so that there is an end of that strife; but if
man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat or arbitrate in that case? Eli's
sons had despised the Lord's sacrifices, which were sacred types of Christ,
and the stated way that men had then to act faith on the Mediator in. Now,
(says he) if a man thus sin against the Lord, by despising Christ shadowed
out in that way, who shall entreat for him? What hope, what remedy remains?
I remember, it was the saying of Luther, and he spoke it
with deep resentment—"I will have nothing to do with an absolute God," that
is, with God without a Mediator. thus the devils have to do with God: but
will you, in whose nature Christ is come, put yourselves into their state
and case? God forbid!
INFERENCE 2. Hence also be informed, how great an evil it
is to join any other Mediators, either of reconciliation, or meritorious
intercession with Jesus Christ. O this is a horrid sin, and that which both
pours the greatest contempt upon Christ, and brings the surest and sorest
destruction upon the sinner! I am ashamed my pen should English what mine
eyes have seen in the writings of Papists, ascribing as much, yes, more to
the mediation of Mary than to Christ, with no less than blasphemous
impudence, thus commenting upon scripture: "What is that which the Lord
says, I have trod the wine-press alone, and of the people there was no man
with me? true Lord, there was no man with you, but there was a woman with
you, who received all these wounds in her heart which you received in your
body." I will not blot my paper with more of this, but refer the learned
reader as under, where he may (if he have a mind to see more) be informed
not only what blasphemy has dropped from single pens, but even from
councils, to the reproach of Jesus Christ, and his blood.
How do they stamp their own sordid works with the
peculiar dignity and value of Christ's blood; and therein seek to enter at
the gate which God has shut to all the worlds because Jesus Christ the
prince entered in thereby, Ezek. 44:2, 3. He entered into heaven in a direct
immediate way, even in his own name, and for his own sake; this gate, says
the Lord, shall be shut to all others; and I wish men would consider it, and
fear, lest while they seek entrance into heaven at the wrong door, they do
not forever shut against themselves, the true and only door of happiness.
INFERENCE. 3. If Jesus Christ be the only Mediator of
reconciliation between God and men; then reconciled souls should thankfully
ascribe all the peace, favors, and comforts they have from God, to their
Lord Jesus Christ. Whenever you have had free admission, and sweet
entertainment with God in the more public ordinances, or private duties of
his worship; when you have had his smiles, his seals, and with hearts warmed
with comfort, are returning from those duties, say, O my soul, you may thank
your good Lord Jesus Christ for all this! had not he interposed as a
Mediator of reconciliation, I could never have had access to, or friendly
communion with God to all eternity.
Immediately upon Adam's sin, the door of communion with
God was locked, yes, chained up, and no more coming near the Lord: not a
soul could have any access to him, either in a way of communion in this
world, or of enjoyment in that to come. It was Jesus the Mediator that
opened that door again, and in him it is that we have boldness, and access
with confidence, Eph. 3:12. "We can now come to God by a new and living way,
consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh," Hub. 10:20.
The veil had a double use, as Christ's flesh answerable has: it hid the
glory of the Sanctum Sanctorum, and also gave entrance into it. Christ's
incarnation rebates the edge of the divine glory and brightness, that we may
be able to bear it and converse with it; and it gives admission into it
also. O thank your dear Lord Jesus for your present and future heaven! these
are mercies which daily emerge out of the ocean of Christ's blood, and come
swimming in it to our doors. Blessed be God for Jesus Christ!
INFERENCE. 4. If Jesus Christ is the true and only
Mediator, both of reconciliation and meritorious intercession between God
and men, how safe and secure then is the condition and state of believers?
Surely, as his mediation, by sufferings, has fully reconciled, so his
mediation, by intercession, will everlastingly maintain that state of peace
between them and God, and prevent all future breaches. "Being justified by
faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ," Rom. 5:1. It
is a firm and lasting peace, and the Mediator that made it, is now in heaven
to maintain it forever, and prevent new jars, Heb. 9:24. "There to appear in
the presence of God for us;" according to the custom of princes and states,
who, being confederated, have their agents residing in each others courts,
who upon all occasions appear in the presence of the prince, in the name and
behalf of those whom they represent, and negotiate for.
And here it is proper to reflect upon the profound and
incomprehensible wisdom of God, who has made an advantage to us, even out of
our sin and misery. Come, see and adore the wisdom of our God, that has so
improved, reduced, and disposed the fall of Adam, as to make a singular
advantage thereby to advance his offspring to a better state! It was truly
said by one of the ancients upon this account, "That Job was a happier man
on the ash-heap, than Adam was in paradise". His holiness indeed was
perfect, his happiness was great: but neither of them permanent and
indefeasible, as our happiness by the Mediator is. So that, in the same
sense some divines call Judas's treasons—a happy wickedness: we may call
Adam's fall—a happy fall, because ordered and over-ruled by the wisdom of
God, to such an advantage for us. And to that purpose Austin somewhere
sweetly speaks, "O how happily did I fall in Adam, who rose again more happy
in Christ!" Thus did the Lord turn a poison into an antidote, thus did that
dreadful fall make way for a more blessed and fixed state. Now are we so
confirmed, fixed, and established in Christ, by the favor of God, that there
can be no more such fatal breaches, and dreadful jars between God and his
reconciled ones forever. The bone that is well set, is stronger where it is
knit, than it was before. blessed be God for Jesus Christ!
INFERENCE. 5. Did Jesus Christ interpose between us and
the wrath of God, as a Mediator of reconciliation? did he rather chose to
receive the stroke upon himself, than to see us ruined by it? How well then
does it become the people of God, in a thankful sense of this grace, to
interpose themselves between Jesus Christ and the evils they see like to
fall upon his name and interest in the world? O that there were but SUCH a
heart in the people of God! I remember it is a saving of Jerome, when he
heard the revilings and blaspheming of many against Christ, and his precious
truths, "O (said he) that they would turn their weapons from Christ to me,
and be satisfied with my blood!" And much to the same sense is that sweet
one of Bernard, "Happy were I, if God would vouchsafe to use me as a
shield." And David could say, "The reproaches of them that reproached you,
fell on me, Psalm. 69:9. Ten thousand of our names are nothing to Christ's
name: his name is "kalon onoma", a worthy name; and no man that gives up his
name as a shield to Christ, but shall thereby secure and increase the true
honor of it. And though wicked men, for the present may bespatter them, yet
Jesus Christ will take it out of the dirt, (as one speaks), wipe it clean,
and give it us again. Oh, it is the least one can do, to interpose ourselves
and all that is dear to us, between Christ and the wrath of men, when he (as
you hear) interposed himself between you and the eternal wrath of God!