The Ethiopian Eunuchs Conversion, Commentary on Acts 8 · Verse 33
VERSE 33. In his humiliation his iudgement was taken away, and who may declare his generations? for his life is taken from the earth.
THe Spirit of God hauing ſpoken of Chriſts humiliation, of his death and paſſion, how he was ſmitten and afflicted of God his Father for our ſinnes;
Now leſt any ſhould bee diſmayed, beholding nothing but his death, and thoſe vnſufferable ſorrows he vnderwent, and think that he was ſwallowed vp of theſe, as the nature of man is to feare at ſuch a ſpectacle.
Hee therefore comes here to ſhew the notable victory he got ouer theſe.
In his humiliation his iudgement was taken away.
The meaning is, Chriſt hauing beene thus humbled, and brought ſo low, not willingly, but voluntarily; ſeeing he had power to reſiſt, hee could hauehave commanded legions of Angels to fight for him, for by his owne word he made thoſe that apprehended him to fall backward to the ground, yet was he content to be humbled to the death.
And in this his humiliation ſo meeke and humble, ſo perfect, and ſo exceeding great.
(His iudgement was taken away) that is, the ſentence he vnderunder went by Pilate, vnderunder whom he ſuffered, was remoued: For that it was impoſsible he ſhould be held downe by death. Act. 2.24.He was at laſt taken away from priſon, Iſa. 53:and from Iudgement: for as Chriſt ſaith,Ioh. 19.18: I hauehave power to lay downe my life, and to take it to me againe.
(And who ſhall declare.) The meaning is, that now that he is deliuered and ſet at libertie from the graue, and from death, Pilats Iudgement being remoued, and the bitterneſſe of death being ouer paſt
(Who ſhall declare?) That is, who ſhall ſet forth or expreſſe to the ſonnes of men: the meaning is, it is beyond all humane art and Science to demonſtrate the number of his dayes, the length of his life, or the perpetuitie of his kingdome, the exceeding glorious successe of his death and reſurrection againe, according to that of the Prophet, Who can number his ſeed, Iſa. 53.10.or meaſure his dayes?
(For his life is taken from the earth)
That is, he liues now no longer vponupon earth, a place of mortalitie, but in heauen a place of immortality, he layed downe his life that he might take it to him againe. He was cut off from the land of the liuing, not for his owne tranſgreſſions, for his very Iudge pronounced him innocent;Mat. 27.24 But hee was taken off for the tranſgreſſions of the people, euen for thoſe whom God had giuen him to redeeme by that death of his, according to that of the Prophet, For the tranſgreſsions of my people he was ſmitten.Iſa. 53.8, 9.
And now his Iudgement being remoued, and hee againe raiſed from the dead, dyeth no more, Death hath no more dominion ouer him; for he indeed dyed vntounto ſinne, or for ſinne once, but now liueth vntounto God, or for God.
The ſumme then of this verſe is this, That Chriſt ſo humbling himſelfe, and meekly ſubmitting himſelfe to death and the graue, in the very depth of his humiliation he was extolled, his iudgement remoued, the bands of death broken, and himſelfe ſet at libertie. And now being raiſed vp againe, his life is euerlaſting, his dayes paſt numbring, and his kingdome ſhall neuer hauehave an end.
And therefore no man can be found that is able fully to expreſſe his generation; for his life is no longer on earth, but in heauen. He is no longer ſubiect to mortality: but is he who onelyonly hath immortalitie, and ſhall enioy the ſame for euermore. Thus of the ſenſe of the words.
In his humiliation was hi… Iudgement, &c.
The Spirit of God hauing ſpoken of the death of Chriſt, and how he was afflicted of God his Father for our ſinnes; leſt any ſhould now thinke the ſtate of the Church deſperate and forlorne, or that Chriſt was ſwallowed vp of theſe miſeries: He comes now to ſhew the happy victory hee got ouer them all. And herein will teach vsus,
Doct. As Chriſts death is cauſe of mourning Chriſts reſurrection is cauſe of reioycing.That to behold Chriſts death that he dyed for our ſinnes, and not to conſider his reſurrection, will cauſe nothing but ſorrow vntounto vsus. It is the conſideration of his glorious reſurrection, That he aroſe againe for our Iuſtification, that yeelds the moſt ſolid comfort vntounto a Chriſtian ſoule. And hence is it that the Apoſtle Paul doth vſually ioyne theſe two together, Chriſts death, and Chriſts reſurrection, that as the one doth caſt downe, the other might raiſe vp: as the one might cauſe vsus to mourne, the other might cauſe vsus to reioyce. So Paul, Phil. 2.8.9.He humbled himſelfe, and became obedient vntounto the death, euen the death of the Croſſe: reſts he there? no, Wherefore God hath exalted him, Col. 2.14.15.and giuen him a name, &c. He hath ſpoyled Principalities and powers, and made a ſhew of them openly, triumphing ouer them; againe, Chriſt dyed for our ſins, Rom. 4.25.and roſe again for our iuſtification. For as it will nothing cōfort a man condemned to death, to know that one hath ſued to the Prince for his pardon and life, vnleſſe he hauehave obtained the ſame: euen ſo wee being all caſt men by the Law, by reaſon of our ſinnes, it will yeeld ſmall comfort to a diſtreſſed ſoule, to know that Chriſt hath interceded betwixt God and vsus for our pardon, and wreſtled with death & the deuill, with Principalities and powers, except we know that he hath triumphed ouer them. Except wee … this, we can hauehave no comfort, for when Paul would furniſh himſelfe with ſtrength againſt the time of triall, he comforts himſelfe in this, Who ſhall lay any thing to the charge of Gods choſen? Rom. 8.33it is Chriſt that is dead, nay rather which is riſen againe, and ſitteth at the right hand of God making requeſt for vsus. And here-hence he triumpheth thus, What ſhall ſeparate vsus from the louelove of God, Verſe 35 &c.
We are taught then, Vſe. not to ſeparate thoſe whom God hath ioyned together. Chriſts death and his reſurrection muſt goe together, otherwiſe it is nothing to beleeue the one, vnleſſe we beleeue the other. That hee dyed for my ſinnes, is not ſufficient, that hee roſe againe for my iuſtification, ſeales vp all ſound comfort; for being iuſtified through faith in him, we are at peace with God.
Againe, in that Chriſt vas firſt humbled, before exalted,
Doct. Godly muſt through afflictions enter into glory.Wee may further note what muſt be the condition of his members, They muſt follow him, and through afflictions enter into glory. EueryEvery member muſt be made conformable vntounto Chriſt the head, according to the proportion of ſtrength and grace receiued, to ſuffer with him.
And hence is it that the Apoſtle Peter exhorteth thus,1 Pet. 4.12. Beloued, thinke it not ſtrange concerning the fiery tryall, which is to try you, as though ſome ſtrange thing happened vntounto you; but reioyce, inaſmuch as ye are made partakers of Chriſts ſufferings, that when his glory ſhal be reuealed, yee may be glad alſo with exceeding ioy. Afflictions now are the Lords trodden path to heauen. And hence is it that the Apoſtle Paul reioyced in his ſufferings, and in his bands, I now reioyce, Col. 1.24.(ſaith he) in my ſufferings for you, and fill vp that which is behinde of the afflictions of Chriſt in my fleſh. Indeed, all the afflictions of all the members of Chriſt, are but as a remnant in reſpect of the afflictions of Ieſus Chriſt, for of him it was prophecied thus, I hauehave trodden the winepreſſe alone, Eſay 63.3. Gal. 3.13.and of all people there were none with me. Hee was made a curſe for vsus. So that now the afflictions that are laid vponupon his members, are not inflicted vponupon them as a curſe, for that hath Chriſt borne for them, being made a curſe for vsus, but they now become the louing chaſtiſements of a louing father, which bring forth, at the laſt, the quiet fruits of righteouſneſſe to all them that are thereby exerciſed.
Yea, all the godly in their ſufferings, they doe but beare a part with Chriſt, therein to bee made conformable vntounto Chriſt their head, and therein are pronounced bleſſed, Bleſſed are ye when men reuile you, &c. and againe,Mat. 5.11.12. 1 Pet. 4.14. Bleſſed are ye if ye be railed vponupon for the name of Ieſus, for the ſpirit of God and of glory, reſts on you. Verſe 13.Inaſmuch as ye are made partakers of Chriſts ſufferings.
But how ſhall I know that I ſuffer with Chriſt, Queſt. and ſo looke to hauehave my ſufferings ſanctified vntounto me?
By comparing our ſufferings with the ſufferings of Chriſts, Anſw. in three things.
Firſt, Chriſt receiued his Croſſe as a cup giuen him of his Father to drinke of. And herein looked not ſo much to the malice of Iudas that betrayed him, nor of the Iewes that purſued him to his death, as to God his Father, without whoſe counſell, purpoſe, and will, they could doe nothing. It is an excellent thing, when in our miſeries and troubles, wee can ouerlooke the inſtruments, and take notice of Gods owne hand correcting vsus, as Dauid in Shemi his rayling.
Secondly, Chriſt receiued his Croſſe, not grudgingly, impatiently, or vnwillingly, but readily, willingly, and patiently, with a meeke ſubiection of his will to his Fathers will in all things. Father, if thou be willing, Luk. 22.42.remoue this cup from me. Neuertheleſſe, not my wil, but thine be done. So it is a good ſigne of a heart prepared to ſuffer, & to whom afflictions ſhal be ſanctified indeed, when we can with patience and humble ſubmiſſion, ſubmit our ſelues vntounto the Lords good pleaſure in ſuffering.
Thirdly and laſtly, Chriſt ſuffered for this end, that he might aboliſh ſinne, and deſtroy him that had the power of death, that is, the deuill; ſo then if our afflictions produce this happy fruit and effect in vsus, as that they worke in vsus the happy worke of mortification vntounto ſinne, and to our former euill wayes, ſo as wee can ſay with Dauid, Before I was afflicted, I went aſtray, but now hauehave I learned thy commandements; This is an excellent ſigne that our afflictions through Chriſt are ſanctified vntounto vsus. Let vsus come to the vſes.
Vſe 1 Seeing then that Chriſt was thus humbled, before exalted, and that we that are his members, muſt through afflictions enter into glory. This may teach vsus then in the middeſt of all our ſufferings whatſoeuer, to conſider what great things Chriſt hath ſuffered for vsus. When wee finde any paine or miſery bitter vntounto vsus, it will be an excellent meanes to ſweeten the ſame, to conſider what bitterneſſe there was in the whole ſufferings of Chriſt. Hee dranke the full cup of his Fathers wrath and diſpleaſure for ſinne. Now why ſhould wee ſtartle ſo much at ſhame, diſgrace, or ſome ſmall affliction what we may meet withall here, ſince the Prince of our ſaluation was thus conſecrated through affliction.
Surely the conſideration of this may quell thoſe repining thoughts, which may times ariſe in the hearts of Gods children afflicted, that neuer were ſo grieuouſly afflicted as they; this was Iobs caſe, who complained,Iob 6.2.3. that his miſery was heauier then the ſand, and this was likewiſe the caſe of the Church, Behold, Lam. 1.12.and ſee if any ſorrow were like vntounto my ſorrow, &c. But conſider that this is but the time of thy tryall, thy triumph is at hand. If wee looke vponupon Lazarus on the dung hill, Ioſeph in priſon, and Dauid in exile, their caſe might ſeeme moſt miſerable. But this is but the time of their humiliation, their exaltation followed this at hand.1 Cor. 15. If in this life we hauehave only hope in Chriſt, then are we of all men moſt miſerable▪ But now the hope of a chriſtian reacheth further, and anſwers vsus, That if we ſuffer with him, Rom▪ 8.wee ſhall be glorified with him.
Vſe 2 Secondly, ſeeing that through afflictions we muſt enter into glory, this ſerues as a ſpeciall ground of comfort to Gods children in time of their greateſt troubles, that their light and momentany afflictions, which laſt but for a few dayes, ſhould bring with them ſuch an eternall weight of glory.Rom. 5.3. The ſaying is, That is well, that ends well. I confeſſe, many are the ſeares, cares, ſorrowes, and troubles that betide the godly here, yet in the midſt of them all, wee are more then Conquerours through him that hath loued vsus. Say then, Why art thou then caſt downe my ſoule, and why art thou ſo diſquieted within me? waite on God, for I will yet giuegive him thanks, which is the helpe of my countenance, and my God. Heauineſſe may indure for a night, but ioy commeth in the morning.
Hitherto of the generall Doctrines.
In his humiliation, his iudgement was taken away, &c.
The meaning is, that after Chriſt had beene thus humbled and abaſed in ſuffering ſo curſed and ſhamefull a death, His iudgement was taken away. That is, the ſentence of death and condemnation was remoued from him, which was done in his glorious reſurrection,Acts 2.24. for that it was impoſsible he ſhould be held downe by death. Thus was hee taken from priſon, and from iudgement, for as our Sauiour ſaith, I hauehave power to lay downe my life, and to take it to me againe: ſo that eueryevery part of Chriſts humiliation, had an end in is reſurrection, and comming out of the Sepulchre. Now followes his exaltation and glorification.
(His iudgement was taken away.)
In handling the doctrine of Chriſts exaltation and glory, diuers circumſtances are to be conſidered,
1 The degrees of his exaltation.
2 The reaſons why Chriſt was to be thus exalted.
3 The fruits and benefit of this his exaltation.
The degrees of Chriſts exaltation.The firſt degree of Chriſts exaltation, is his raiſing himſelfe from the dead. He loſed the pangs of death, becauſe it was not poſsible he ſhould be holden of it, Raiſing himſelfe from the dead. Acts 2.24.euen as a man that chops vp a morſell that is too hot for his mouth, is glad to put it out againe; ſo death hauing ſwallowed vp our bleſſed Sauiour, and finding him too hot for him, could not hold him, but rendreth him vp againe, according to that prophecy that went before of Chriſt,Pſal. 16.10 Thou wilt not leaue my ſoule in hell, neither wilt thou ſuffer thy holy one to ſee corruption.
But what was it of Chriſt that went thus to the graue, Queſt. and that thus roſe againe?
There are in Chriſt, Anſw. three natures,
1 A humane body.
2 A reaſonable ſoule.
3 His deitie quickning both.
The ſoule of Chriſt that went preſently from the Croſſe into heauen, according to Chriſts own ſpeech to the penitent Thiefe, To day thou ſhalt be with me in Paradice.
The Deity of Chriſt could not ſuffer, but was at this time vailed, and forbeareth the execution of it power, during the time of Chriſts paſſion.
It muſt needs therefore bee Chriſts body that went thus to the graue, which the third day is raiſe… aga… and that by it owne po…, w…h i…ed puts the differe… … Chriſts reſurrection and … againe from th… …ad by …is own power, wee by the power of Chriſt; as many men be … out of a Boate into the wat…, if there bee any one in the company expert in ſwimming, as many as hang on him, are ſafe, and are brought to land. And thus are wee ſaued through Chriſt, for ſo ſaith the Apoſtle, As in Adam all dye, ſo in Chriſt ſhall all be made aliue, 1 Cor. 15.22 23.but eueryevery man in his owne order. Chriſt the firſt fruits, then they that are Chriſts at his coming; He is the firſt fruits of them that ſleepe. Reu. 1.5.The firſt borne of the dead. The firſt degree then of Chriſts exaltation is the reſurrection from the dead.
The ſecond degree Chriſts Exaltation, Chriſts aſcention in to heauen. Mar. 16.19is his aſcending vp into heauen. So when the Lord had ſpoken vntounto them, he was receiued vp into heauen. And againe,
And it came to paſſe when he had bleſſed them, Luk. 24.51 Act. 1.11.he was parted from them, and carried vp into heauen.
So that Chriſt Ieſus in regard of his bodily preſence, is in heauen, farre from the malice of any mortall creature, no more to be aſſaulted by Sathan, or wicked men, but is now at the right hand of his Father, there to be and remaine, vntill his ſecond coming to Iudgement. So that it is a fooliſh and abſurde conceit of the Papiſts, that hold Chriſts reall preſence in the Sacrament of the Altar. If the Article of our faith bee true, that Hee aſcended into heauen: That Doctrine of the Reall preſence is falſe.
But did not Chriſt ſay to his Diſciples, Object Mat. 28.20that hee would be with them, and with his Church, vntounto the end of the world?
I anſwer, Chriſt is preſent with his Church according to his Godhead and ſpirituall preſence,Reſp. and by his grace whereby he worketh effectually by his owne ſpirit.Mar. 16.20 And ſo is Chriſt ſtill preſent with his Church and people. But in regard of his bodily preſence, ſo is he not alwayes preſent, inaſmuch as hee is now aſcended vp into heauen, there to bee and remaine vntill that his ſecond coming to Iudgement.
The third degree of Chriſts exaltation, is his ſitting at the right hand of God his Father, as it is confeſſed in the Creed. Now to ſpeake properly,Chriſts ſitting at the right hand of his Father. God hath no right hand, nor left; but is a Spirit, infinite, and incomprehenſible: but thereby is meant how hee is next vntounto God his Father, in maieſtie, power, and glory. So that after all his labours, ſorrowes, and ſufferings, after that his bitter death and paſſion, hee is now at reſt in heauen in vnſpeakable happineſſe, bleſſedneſſe, and felicitie, there to be and remaine vntill that his ſecond comming to Iudgement, when he ſhall come againe not to be iudged as before by Pontius Pilate. But to iudge all fleſh, to whom eueryevery man ſhall giuegive vp an account of all the things he hath done in his body,2. Cor. 5.10. whether they be good or euill.
The Reaſons why Chriſt was to be exalted.And thus we hauehave ſeene the degrees of Chriſts …. We come now to the reaſons why Chriſt was to be thus exalted.
Firſt, it was ſo decreed and appointed of God:Luk 24.46 Thus it is written, and thus it behoued Chriſt to ſuffer, and to riſe againe the third day. Luk. 24.26Ought not Chriſt to hauehave ſuffered theſe things, and to enter into glory?
To this agreeth that of the Apoſtle Peter, 1. Pet. 1.11 Pſal 16.10When it teſtified aforehand, The ſufferings of Chriſt, and the glory that ſhould follow.
Yea Chriſt himſelfe foretold the ſame,Ioh. 20 9. Mar. 26.54 Matth. 20.18.19. ſaying, They ſhall condemne him to death, crucifie him, and the third day hee ſhall riſe againe.
Secondly, in regard of thoſe types that went before, of his exaltation, that ſhould follow. As that of Iſaac being bound,Gen. 22. yet not ſlaine.
That of Sampſon, Iudg.in carrying away the gates of the City, by the which hee eſcaped the malice of his enemies.Leuit. 16.5 Of the ſcape Goate: and that of Ionas. All which pointed at this thing,Mat. 12.39 the exaltation of Chriſt.
Thirdly, the Exaltation of the Lord Ieſus was neceſſarie, in reſpect of himſelfe, in regard of the dignity of his perſon,Act. 2.24. being the Lord of life, and of glory; in which regard it was impoſſible he ſhould bee holden downe of death. And wherein might hee proue himſelfe the Sonne of God more, then by raiſing himſelfe from the dead.
Fourthly, hee was a Iuſt man, and without ſinne, and in his death and fully ſatisfied the Iuſtice of his Father for ſinne; and therefore God could not keepe him in the priſon of the graue for nothing.
Fifthly, the Offices of Chriſt ſhewed the neceſſitie of his reſurrection, and this Exaltation, of his,
1. He muſt be the Euerlaſting King of glory, and of his kingdome there muſt be no end.
2. He muſt be that high Prieſt for euer,Pſal. 110 4 after the order of Melchiſedech.
3. Hee muſt be that Prophet that perpetually muſt teach and inſtruct his Church vntill the end of the world, vntill we all meete in the vnity of faith, and knowledge of the Sonne of God.
All which Chriſt could neuer hauehave beene, had he abode ſtill amongſt the ſtate of the dead.
And laſt of all, Death which is the laſt enemie that is to bee deſtroyed, had neuer beene deſtroyed nor vanquiſhed, had not Chriſt triumphed ouer death in the graue, and roſe againe.
Hitherto of the Reaſons ſhewing the neceſſitie of the exaltation of Chriſt.
The fruites and benefits that ariſe from this Exaltation of Chriſt,The benefits of Chriſts exaltation. are diuers.
Firſt, this Exaltation of Chriſt doth aſſure vsus of our Iuſtification from all our ſinnes, according to that of the Apoſtle Paul, Chriſt dyed for our ſinnes, and roſe againe for our Iuſtification. God the Father deliuering vp his Sonne to death in our fleſh, hereby condemned ſinne in the fleſh.Rom. 8.3. Euen ſo by letting him out of the priſon of his graue, which he did in this his glorious reſurrection, he did diſcharge him of that bond of obligation that lay againſt him, and therein acknowledged himſelfe to be fully ſatisfied.
For if Chriſt had not payed our full debt, ſo as any one ſinne had beene left behinde, Chriſt could not hauehave riſen from the dead, the guiltineſſe of that one ſinne would hauehave kept him in the priſon ſtill of his graue, and then had wee beene yet in our ſins, and ſo of all men moſt miſerable. But now Chriſt being riſen from the dead,1 Cor. 15.17. and exalted on high, God the Father declareth himſelfe herein fully ſatisfied for our debts in the enlargement of our Suretie.
Secondly, by this glorious reſurrection and exaltation of Ieſus Chriſt from the dead, we come to hauehave part in the firſt reſurrection, which is to newneſſe of life. From the death of ſinne to the life of grace: for ſo ſaith the Apoſtle, God which is rich in grace, Eph. 2.4.5.euen when wee were dead in treſpaſſes and ſinnes, hath he quickened together with Chriſt: and hath raiſed vsus vp together, Col. 2.17.&c. Againe, And you being dead in your ſinnes, and the vncircumciſion of your fleſh, hath hee quickened together with him, hauing forgiuen you all your treſpaſſes. Againe,Rom. 6.4.5 As Chriſt was raiſed from the dead by the glory of the Father, ſo wee alſo ſhould walke in newneſſe of life. As it is a ſhame for the ſeruant to lye in bed when the maſter of the houſe is vp: So Chriſt being riſen, it ſhall be our ſhame if we lye ſtill aſleep in ſinne. Know ye not (ſaith the Apoſtle) that ſo many of vsus as are baptiſed into Ieſus Chriſt, Rom. 6.3.are baptiſed into his death? And wee are buried with him by baptiſme; ſo as now if our ſinnes bee brought into his graue, they will not away and conſume daily more and more, as it doth with a dead carcaſſe lying in the graue.
Thirdly, by this glorious reſurrection and exaltation of the Lord Ieſus, we come to our aſſurance that theſe bodies of ours ſhall riſe againe, being members of Chriſt, and liuing by the ſame Spirit that …ed vp Chriſt from the dead. For ſo ſaith the Apoſtle, If the Spirit of him that raiſed vp Ieſus from the dead dwell in you, Rom. 8.11he that raiſed vp Chriſt from the dead, ſhall alſo quicken your mortable bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Can the head and the members be ſeuered? Seeing that Chriſt which is the head is raiſed from the dead, no one of his members then can be left vnderunder the power of death. His reſurrection being full of power, drawes after him all his members: for ſo ſaith the Apoſtle,1. Cor. 15.20 21.22. Chriſt is riſen from the dead, and is made the firſt-fruites of them that ſleep: for ſince by man came death, by man came alſo the reſurrection of the dead: For as in Adam all dye, euen ſo by Chriſt ſhall all be made aliue, &c.
Nay to put it out of all doubt, he hath carried vp our fleſh into heauen, as anearneſt of the whole, and is himſelfe poſſeſt of that kingdome in the name of the whole body his Church. What greater comfort then this to bee aſſured before wee go to lay downe our bodies in the duſt, that the Lord will raiſed them vp againe by his owne Almighty power: and that howſoeuer they taſte of corruption, they ſhall not periſh in corruption: for that at the laſt day this corruptible ſhall put on incorruption: 1. Cor. 1….53.and this mortall, ſhall put on immortality.
And laſt of all, Chriſts reſurrection and exaltation on high at the right hand of his Father, doth miniſter vntounto vsus a comfortable expectation of our owne glorification at the laſt day, according to that petition of our Sauiour, Father, Ioh. 17.24I will that thoſe that thou haſt giuen me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory. For as a friend takes poſſeſſion in anothers name, and it is good in Law, as if he had done it himſelfe: Euen ſo Chriſt in our name, and in our ſtead, hath entered into heauen, and taken poſſeſſion of that glorious and immortall kingdome, not for himſelfe alone, but alſo for all his members, that beleeue in his name, which through Chriſt are as ſure one day to bee put into the reall poſſeſſion of the ſame, as if they were now already glorified with him; according to that of the Apoſtle, He hath raiſed vsus vp together, Eph. 2.6.and made vsus ſit together in heauenly places in Chriſt Ieſus.
Hitherto of Chriſts exaltation.
Who ſhall declare his generation?
Hauing ſet downe Chriſts death and glorious victory ouer the ſame, now hee comes to ſet out the perpetuity of his raigne, and this he doth by way of acclamation, who ſhall declare? that is, who is able to demonſtrate and expreſſe to the ſonnes of men? the meaning is, that it is beyond all humane Art and Science, to demonſtrate the number of his daies, the length of his life, or the perpetuitie of his kingdome, according to that prophecy of old,Eſa. 53.10 Who can number his ſeede, or meaſure his dayes? The note is,
That Chriſts death was momentany, Doct. Chriſts death momentany, but life perpetuall.but his life is beyond the declaration of any mortall. It is not with Chriſt as it is with men, who being deliuered from death, may dye, nay, muſt dye. But Chriſt neuer more to taſte of death, but through this victory he got ouer death and the graue, he became himſelfe, the death of death, therein making good his owne word, O Death, I will be thy death. This truth ſtands cleare by diuers places,Heb. 1.8. VntoUnto the Sonne hee ſaith, thy Throne O God is for euer and euer, a Scepter of righteouſneſſe, is the Scepter of thy kingdome; and thy yeares ſhal not faile. Verſe 12.This was prophecied of of old, Thy kingdome is euerlaſting, and, the increaſe of his gouernement and peace, Eſay 9.7.ſhall hauehave no end. Hee ſhall ſit vponupon the throne of Dauid, and vponupon his kingdome to order it, and to ſtabliſh it with iudgement and iuſtice from henceforth, euen for euer. To this agreeth the teſtimony of the Angell vntounto the Virgin.Luk 1.32. God ſhall giuegive him the throne of Dauid his father, and hee ſhall raigne ouer the houſe of Iſrael for euer, and his kingdome ſhall hauehave no end: and is therefore called the mighty God, Eſay 9.6.the euerlaſting Father, the Prince of peace.
Vſe. 1 This teacheth vsus to aſcribe al glory and dominion to him for euer, and to admire the greatneſſe of his dominion and power, and to ſay with thoſe foure and twenty Elders,Reu. 5.12. Worthy is the Lambe that was ſlaine, to receiue power and riches, and wiſedome, and ſtrength, and glory, and praiſe.
Vſe. 2 Secondly, this may ſerue for conſolation for all theſe honours done to Chriſt, may be ſo many pledges to aſſure vsus of that honour which his Saints ſhall partake of, when they ſhall come to be glorified with their head,Reu. 1.…. He hath made vsus Kings and Prieſts vntounto God. Now Chriſt hath made vsus to bee inheritours of his kingdome, which himſelfe holdeth by a double right, by Inheritance, by Purchaſe.
The title of Inheritance he reſerueth to himſelfe alone: the title of purchaſe he communicates to vsus, and thereby we come to be intereſſed thereunto.
Vſe. 3 And laſtly, this may likewiſe ſerue to admoniſh vsus, that if wee deſire a happineſſe and felicitie that ſhall not wither and be taken away, let vsus affect the life of Chriſt, and ſtay our ſelues vponupon this our Anchor hold, that hath entred into the heauens for vsus. Our faith muſt ſtay vponupon him as vponupon that rocke that cannot bee moued. That as he liueth for euer, ſo wee ſhall liue and remaine for euer with him; as our head is eternall, ſo ſhall his members be eternall, a choſen generation, 1 Pet. 1.9.a royall Prieſthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; Our head is crowned with glory and immortalitie, the members may be glad, for they ſhall raigne with him in glory.
For his life is taken from the earth.
Theſe words containe in them the reaſon wherefore Chriſt ſhall neuer admit of any alteration or change in regard of his glory, He liueth vntounto God, no more to bee iudged by men as before, but himſelfe to be the iudge of quicke and dead. He liues no longer on earth, a place of mortality, but in heauen, a place of immortality, being now raiſed from the dead, and ſit on Gods right hand in heauenly places.
Now inaſmuch as the Prophet Eſay in this Text,Eph. 1.20, vſeth a reaſon to perſwade vsus of the truth of Chriſts exaltation and glorification; a doctrine ſo profitable and beneficiall vntounto vsus. We may firſt of all obſerue this generall inſtruction.
Namely, Doct. Heauenly truths are hardly beleeued of vsus, and applied by vsus.what an indiſpoſition there is in eueryevery man by nature to beleeue and apprehend thoſe things that appertaine to our chiefeſt good. Heauenly truths are hardly beleeue of vsus, and applyed by vsus.
And indeed, this was the great hurt and loſſe wee ſuſtained in Adam, not ſo much his caſting out of Paradice, the curſe vponupon the creature, and a temporall death, theſe compared vntounto Gods iudgement vponupon the ſoule, are but ſmall, for now is the vnderſtanding darkened, that before was full of diuine light and knowledge, the will rebellious, the affections diſordered, yea, the whole frame of the whole man, quite diſordered, and his ſoule robbed and ſpoyled of all heauenly diſpoſitions. So true is that of the Prophet Ieremy, Ier. 10.14.EueryEvery man is a beaſt in his owne knowledge.
Wee may ſee this in Nichodemus, Ioh. 3.that could not eaſily bee brought to vnderſtand the neceſſity of a new birth; it ſeemed a thing moſt abſurd vntounto him.
Wee may ſee this in ſome ſort in the Diſciples themſelues,Mat. 13. they could not conceiue the parable of the Sower, vntill Chriſt had expounded the ſame vntounto them. Till the eyes of our vnderſtandings come to be inlightned,Eph. 1.18. we are all meere naturals in the knowledge of God, and myſteries of Chriſts kingdome. Let Paul ſpeake before Agrippa, of the heauenly viſion,Acts 26.24 Feſtus will count him a foole. And Lot ſeemed vntounto his ſonnes in law,Gen. 19. as if he had mocked, when he laboured their greateſt good.
The reaſon is rendred by the Apoſtle, Reaſ. 1 Cor. 2.14where he ſaith, The natural men perceiueth not the things that are of God, for they are fooliſhneſſe vntounto him, neither can he know them, becauſe they are ſpiritually diſcerned, Rom. 8.7.and the wiſedome of the fleſh is enmitie to God, for it is not ſubiect to the law of God, neither can it be.
Vſe. 1 O how ſhould this humble eueryevery one of vsus in the ſenſe of our owne naturall miſerie and blindeneſſe in heauenly things. Did we ſee a man ſhut vp in a darke and irkeſome dungeon, wanting the light of heauen, the comforts of men and creatures, how miſerable and wretched would we conceiue the eſtate of this man to be? But if hee ſhould be ſo farre ſtupified, as that he ſhould pleaſe himſelfe in this condition, and neither labour to come out of it, nor accept of deliuerance if the ſame were offered vntounto him. Surely the condition of ſuch a one were moſt lamentable. This, my beloued, is the condition of eueryevery man by nature, til we hauehave had the ſpirit of God to be our Schoolemaſter, and we come to bee caſt into the mold of the Word, wee are all in this miſerable condition, not being of our ſelues able to thinke a good thought,2 Cor. 3.5. our vnderſtandings, wils, affections, and all being ſo miſerably captiuated, that wee can doe nothing but ſinne.
Vſe. 2 And how may this teach thoſe whoſe vnderſtandings the Lord hath any way inlightned to know the things that belong vntounto their peace, whoſe mindes and wils are wrought vponupon by grace, and turned from ſinne to God, they are to magnifie Gods goodneſſe herein: for theſe gifts and graces are none of thoſe plants that grow in the garden of our hearts by nature. It is not of our ſelues, it is the gifts of God, and by how much the more our nature is depraued, by ſo much the more ought we to magnifie his goodneſſe & power in his mercy towards vsus.
(His life was taken from the earth.)
This might ſeeme ſtrange that Chriſt ſhould thus raigne, triumphantly in glory, being cut off from the people, as vnworthy to liue.
But herein appears his great louelove towards vsus, that he ſhould be pleaſed by this meanes to learne vsus the way whereby wee ſhall come to glory, and that is, by ſhame, reproach, perſecutions, and afflictions, yea, through the horrour of death and of darkneſſe: through theſe did the light of ſaluation appeace: out of the gulfe of death, life flowed. And becauſe hee was humbled himſelfe to the death, euen the death of the Croſſe, and tooke vponupon him the ſtate of a ſeruant, therefore God hath exalted him.Phil. 1.27.
Vſe 1 It teacheth vsus then, that miſeries and afflictions here, hinder not our happineſſe and felicitie, no more, then it hindred Chriſt. The miſery of Lazarus hindred not his ioy: nor Dauid being but a keeper of ſheepe, did not keepe him from the kingdome.
Vſe 2 Secondly, wee muſt conſider what our fellowſhip with Chriſt is, if we looke to raigne with him as Kings and Prieſts, we muſt not be aſhamed of his Croſſe, nor to thinke ſtrange of thoſe troubles we muſt ſuffer for his ſake. But to follow our head and Captaine, who was himſelfe conſecrated through afflictions, and by miſery and ſhame entred into glory. But of this before.