1.18-20 Christ and the Church

Section 1.18. Of the Benefit of Christ's Headship.

The goodness of Christ is set down in these words and He is the Saviour of the body. Every word almost has His emphasis.

1. The copulative particle and shows that—

Observation. The goodness which Christ does for His church, He does because He is the head thereof.

O how happy a thing is it for the church that it has such an head! An head that does not tyrannize over it, nor trample it under foot: an head that does not pole, nor peel the church: but procures peace and safety to it. When Naomi sought to make a match between Boaz and Ruth, that he might be her head, what says she? Shall I not seek rest for thee that it may be well with thee? [Ruth 3:1] It is therefore the office of an head to be a savior, to procure rest and prosperity to the body whose head it is.

Happy were it for kingdoms, commonwealths, cities, churches, families, wives, and all that have heads, if they were such heads: that, because they are heads, they would endeavor to be Saviours.

Section 1.19. Of Christ a Sufficient Savior.

In laying forth the goodness of Christ three things are noted.

1. The kind of goodness, which is Salvation (the Saviour).

2. The person that performs it (He Himself).

3. The parties for whom He performs it (the body).

1. The Greek word translated Saviour is so emphatical that other tongues can hardly find a fit word to express the emphasis thereof: it being attributed to Christ, implies that—

Doctrine. Christ is a most absolute and perfect Savior, He is every way a sufficient Savior: able perfectly to save even to the very uttermost. [Heb 7:25] He saves soul and body: he saves from all manner of misery: which is intimated by that particular from which he saves, namely sin: He shall save His people from their sins. [Matt 1:21] Sin is the greatest, and most grievous evil; yea, the cause of all misery: they who are saved from it, are saved from all evil: for there is nothing hurtful to man, but that which is caused by sin, or poisoned by it.

Before sin seized on man he was most happy, free from all misery: and so shall he be after the contagion, guilt, punishment, dominion, and remainder of sin is removed. But he that remains in the bondage of sin is in a most woeful plight. In that Christ saves from sin, He saves from the wrath of God, the curse of the law, the venom of all outward crosses, the tyranny of Satan, the sting of death, the power of the grave, the torments of hell, and what not?

Reason. The purity of Christ's nature, and excellency of His person is it that makes Him so sufficient a Savior: which reason the apostle himself notes: for where he says that Christ is able to save to the uttermost, he adds, for proof thereof, that He is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher then the heavens. [Heb 7:25-26]

Consolation

Uses. Great matter of rejoicing, and of confidence does this minister unto us. When the angel brought this news, To you is born a Saviour, he says, Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy. [Luke 2:10-11] This made the Virgin Mary say, My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour, [Luke 1:47] and for this did Zacharias bless God that redeemed His people, and raised up a horn of salvation. [Luke 1:68-69] When the eyes of old Simeon had seen this salvation, he desired no longer to live, but said, Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace. [Luke 2:29-30]

They who believe in this Saviour will be of like mind: and as they rejoice in Him, so they will trust unto Him, and say with the apostle, we are more than conquerors through Him that love us, etc. [Rom 8:37]

Refutation

This being so, to what end serves the supposed treasure of the church, wherein are said to be stored up indulgences, pardons, merits, works of supererogation, and I know not what trash, to add to the satisfaction of this Saviour? Either Christ is not a sufficient Savior, or these are (to speak the least) vain. But vain they are: an empty, filthy, detestable treasure that is, which God will destroy with all that trust therein.

Section 1.20. Of Christ the Only Savior.

This relative particle he has also his emphasis; for as it points out Christ the head of the church, so it restrains this great work to Him: it may thus be translated, He himself: that is, He in His own person, He by Himself, He and none but He. So as to speak properly,

Doctrine. Christ is the only Saviour of men: in which respect He is called the horn of salvation, [Luke 1:69] yea Salvation itself: [Luke 2:30] which titles are given to Him by an excellency and propriety: and in the same respect the name Jesus was given unto Him. [Matt 1:21]

Why We May Be Called Christians and Not Jesuits.

Answer. One of their own religion does thus resolve that objection: We are called Christians of Christ, not Jesuits of Jesus, because we partake of the thing signified by the name Christ, that is anointing: for (as the apostle says) we all receive of His fulness. But He has not communicated to us the thing signified by the name Jesus; for it belongeth to Him alone to save, as saith the scripture, He shall save His people: as if He should say, He alone, and no other. [Matt 16]

Use 1. But to return to our matter, Peter does most plainly and fully prove the forenamed doctrine in these words spoken of Jesus Christ, There is not salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. [Acts 4:12] None is able, none is worthy to work so great a work: He must do it, or it can not be done. But He is so able, and so worthy as He can do it of Himself, and needs none to assist Him. [Isa 63:3][3]

What a dotage is it to trust to other Saviours? Legions of Saviours have Papists to whom they fly in their need. All the angels in heaven, and all, whom at any time their Popes have canonized for saints (which are many millions) are made Saviours by them. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this: for they have committed two evils: they have forsaken Christ the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water. [Jer 2:12-13] 

 Use 2. Let us for our parts fly unto this Savior only, and wholly rely upon Him, as we desire to be saved. Thus shall we honor Him by preferring Him before all: yea by rejecting all but Him: and thus shall we be sure to bring help, ease and comfort to our own souls.