These two things, then, complete our grace of acceptation.
Sin being removed, and righteousness bestowed, we have peace with God, —
are continually accepted before him. There is not any thing to charge us
withal: that which was, is taken out of the way by Christ, and nailed to
his cross, — made fast there; yea, publicly and legally cancelled, that it
can never be admitted again as an evidence. What court among men would
admit of an evidence that hath been publicly cancelled, and nailed up for
all to see it? So hath Christ dealt with that which was against us; and
not only so, but also he puts that upon us for which we are received into
favour. He makes us comely through his beauty; gives us white raiment to
stand before the Lord. This is the first part of purchased grace wherein
the saints have communion with Jesus Christ. In remission of sin and
imputation of righteousness doth it consist; from the death of Christ, as a
price, sacrifice, and a punishment, — from the life of Christ spent in
obedience to the law, doth it arise. The great product it is of the
Father’s righteousness, wisdom, love, and grace; — the great and
astonishable fruit of the love and condescension of the Son; — the great
discovery of the Holy Ghost in the revelation of the mystery of the
gospel.