Rom. v. 10, the issue of the death of
Christ is placed upon reconciliation; that is, a slaying of the enmity and
restoring us into that condition of peace and friendship wherein Adam was
before his fall. But is there no more to be done? Notwithstanding that
there was no wrath due to Adam, yet he was to obey, if he would enjoy
eternal life. Something there is, moreover, to be done in respect of us,
if, after the slaying of the enmity and reconciliation made, we shall enjoy
life: “Being reconciled by his death,” we are saved by that perfect
obedience which in his life he yielded to the law of God. There is
distinct mention made of reconciliation, through a non-imputation of sin,
as Ps. xxxii. 1, Luke i.
77, Rom. iii.
25, 2 Cor. v.
19; and justification through an imputation of righteousness,
Jer. xxiii. 6, Rom. iv.
5, 1 Cor. i.
30; — although these things are so far from being separated,
that they are reciprocally affirmed of one another: which, as it doth not
evince an identity, so it doth an eminent conjunction. And this last we
have by the life of Christ.