The sacred writers represent the plan of redemption as taking its rise from the sovereign will or good pleasure of God. The purpose of pardon was a purpose of rich, free, and sovereign grace. The same boundless grace is manifested in bestowing it on the sinner. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” God is no where in Scripture represented as moved, or inclined by the death of Christ to save sinners; on the contrary, the mediation of Christ is set forth in the sacred oracles, as a plan devised by his infinite wisdom, to give effect to his purpose of mercy in their salvation, in a way consistent with the honour of his law, and the claims of his justice.

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