Owen - BT795 O84 1800Z

206 FORGIVENESS OF SIN. shall live also; and .that, because this is the end of his mediatory life inheaven, he lives for ever to make in- tercession for us,",Heb. 7 : 25-27; and to this end, that the forgiveness of sin, which he hath procured for us, may be communicated unto us, that we might be made partakers of it, and live for ever. What ground is left of questioning the truth before us 1 What link of this chain can unbelief break If men resolve, notwithstanding all this evidence, that they will not believe there is forgiveness with God, or will not be encouraged to attempt securing it to themselves, or de- spise it as a thing unworthy of their regard; it is enough for them that declare it, that preach these things, that they are a sweet savor unto God in them that perish, as well as in them that are saved. And I bless God that I have had this opportunity to bear testimony to the grace of God iChrist, which, if it be not received, it is because "the god of this world bath blinded the eyes of men, that the light of the gospel of the glory of God should not shine into their minds." But Christ will be glorified . in them that believe on these principles and foundations. XIII. Another evidence of forgiveness with God may be derived from the_ fact that He REQUIRES FORGIVENESS IN US, that we should forgive one another; and there- fore doubtless there is forgiveness with him for us. 1. It is certain that God has required this of us; the testimonies are ,many and known,. so that they need not be particularly insisted on. See Luke, 17 : 3, 4; Eph. 4 : 32;, Matt. 18 : 24, unto the end. There are some things; however, that give a singular emphasis to this command, manifesting the great importance of this duty in us, which may be remarked. Our Savior requires us to carry a sense of our integ- rity and sincerity in the discharge of this duty along

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