3. 'That the Son of God taught men their duty, by his own example, and did himself perform what he required of them; and that himself did tread before us EVERY step of that way, which he hath told us leadeth to eternal life.'
Ans. Now we are come to the point, viz.: 'That the way to eternal life is, First of all to take Christ for our example, trading his step': And the reason, if it be true, is weighty: 'For he hath trod every step before us, which he hath told us leads to eternal life.'
1. Every step. Therefore he went to heaven by virtue of an imputative righteousness. For this is one of our steps thither.
2. Every step. Then he must go thither, by faith in his own blood for pardon of sin. For this is another of our steps thither.
3. Every step. Then he must go thither by virtue of his own intercession at the right hand of God, before he came thither: For this is one of our steps thither.
4. Every step. Then he must come to God, and ask mercy for some great wickedness, which he had committed. For this is also one of our steps thither.
But again, we will consider it the other way.
1. Every step. Then we cannot come to heaven, before we first be made accursed of God. For so was he before he came thither.
2. Every step. Then we must first make our body and soul an offering for the sin of others. For this did he before he came thither.
3. Every step. Then we must go to heaven for the sake of our own righteousness. For that was one of his steps thither.