Works of John Bunyan – The Greatness of The Soul, And Unspeakableness 0f the Loss Thereof; What Shall A Man Give In Exchange For His Soul.92

 

THE CONTENTS OF THIS TREATISE

The apostle's Divine policy, to beget due regard to his Divine doctrine of eternal life.-The apostle's explication of this expression, viz., The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.-The apostle's exhortation to separation from sin, as a good effect of a good cause, viz., Forgiveness-The apostle's addition, to prevent misunderstanding, viz., We have an advocate with the Father

This brings us to the text, in which are two great truths contained: I. A supposition, viz., That men in Christ may sin. II. An expression, by way of consolation, in case of sin, viz., We have an Advocate with the Father

Two things for inquiry in these truths: first, an inquiry into what our apostle means by sin, which is considered a difference in the person and in the sin. And, Second, An inquiry into what it is for Christ to be an Advocate, viz., To plead for another in a court of judicature

Seven things are supposed to be in the office of an advocate: 1. That God, as judge, is on the throne of judgment. 2. That saints are concerned at that bar. 3. That Christians have an accuser. 4. That sinning saints dare not appear at this bar to plead their own cause. 5. That Christians are apt to forget their advocate and remember their judge. 6. Remembering our advocate is the best way to support faith and hope. When our advocate pleads our cause (though that may never be so black), he can bring us off

The apostle's triumph in Christ on this account is an exhortation to the difficult task of believing.-Christ's advocateship declares us to be sorry creatures