The Communicant's Companion (continued)
saw when "he was yet a great way off." God's ear is open to hear, and his hand open to give.
8. The provision is ready for your entertainment. 1. All things are ready: (1.) For our justification.
—divine justice is satisfied, an everlasting righteousness is brought in, an act of indemnity has passed the royal assent, and a throne of grace is erected, at which all that can make it appear that they are interested in the general act, may sue out their particular charter of pardon. There is a plea ready, an advocate ready: "Behold, he is near that justifieth us." (2.) For our sanctification—there is a fulness of grace in Christ, from which we may all receive; the word of grace is ready as the means, the Spirit of grace is ready as the author; every thing ready for the mortification of sin, the confirming of faith, and our furtherance in holiness. (3.) For our consolation—a well of living water is ready, if we can but see it; peace is left us for a legacy, which we may claim if we will; promises are given us for our support, of which, if we have not the benefit, it is our own fault. There is something in the new covenant to obviate every grief, every challenge, every fear, if we will use it. (4.) For our salvation ready to be revealed—angels upon the wing are ready to convey us; Jesus, standing at the Father's right hand, is ready to receive us; the many mansions are ready prepared for us: "All things are ready."
2. All things are now ready, just now, for "Behold, now is the accepted time."
1. All things are now readier than they were under the law. Grace then lay more hid than it does now, when life and immortality are brought to so clear a light by the gospel. Christ in a sacrament is much readier than Christ in a sacrifice.