A Commentary on 1 Peter 1-3, Exposition of chapter 1 · Exposition of verse 19
Verse 20, 21.
20. Which was ordained before the foundation of the world, but was declared in the last times for your sakes,
21. Which by his meanes doe beleeve in God that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God.
HItherto of the meanes by which we were redeemed: The antiquity of the project concerning our redemption followes.
Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world.
The drift is to shew that we have reason to be wonderfully affected with the manner of our redemption, because it was from all eternity projected by God. Two things may be here noted in the words. 1. The fore-ordination of Christ. 2. The time of it, before the foundation of the world.
Who …ly was fore-ordained.
This word leads us beyond time into the secret and eternall counsell of God, giving us a glimpse of Gods eternall statutes, especially concerning the eternall happinesse of the Elect by Christ.
All Scripture intreats either of God or his works. The works of God are either internall, or externall. The internall are likewise eternall before time: The externall are in time. Of God the Scriptures draw us a perfect image, as the weaknesse of man can be capable of it. Of the works of God externall, and in time, the Scripture likewise plentifully discourseth, as far as is needfull to salvation. Of the works of God internall there is also some little glimpse given in Scripture, not so much to satisfie the curiosity of mens minds, as to ravish the hearts of the godly with incitations, that might the better guide them to contentment in their happy estate: yet there is but little, because men should not be led aside from attending the present meanes of their everlasting happinesse, and because as yet the nature of man is not capable of so glorious revelations.
The works of God before time, are either personall or essentiall. The personall works are such works ad intra as passe from the three persons in the Trinity one to other incommunicably, as the begetting of the Sonne, the proceeding of the holy Ghost. The essentiall works are such as all the three persons doe joyne in without division, and these are those eternall statutes or decrees, the making of those unsearchable lawes concerning the disposing of the Kingdome of God in time, in the erecting and ordering of the world. God, as a wise Carpenter, before he build resolves upon the plot in his head: and as a wise King before he enters into the administration of the Kingdome, resolves upon the lawes, by which to governe it.
These statutes have in Scripture foure singular praises.
1. They are in respect of us unsearchable: far beyond the reach of any mortall braine, Rom. 11.
2. They are marvellous glorious for the wonderfull majesty, and mercy, and justice of them: such as to looke in at them, but through a chincke, as it were, ravisheth the Apostle into that exclamation, Oh the depths … &c. Rom. 11.
3. They are unchangeable like the lawes of the M…der and Persians, so as they never lose a jot of their force, till they come …or the last p…iod, Rom. 8.30.
4. They are eternall, as here is said, before the foundation of the world: so Eph. 1.5. Mat. 25.34.
The Lord hath drawne these statutes in foure books,Gods foure statute▪ books. each containing a severall draught of them.
1. The first is the booke of nature: Hee hath iugraven certaine ordinances unchangeable in the creatures, by viewing which impressions man might be made without excuse.
2. The second is the booke of conscience: The Lord in the hearts of the Elect causing an impression of immortall truths, wherein he declares his will, so far as may concerne the salvation of that particular Elect of God.
3. The third is the booke of Scripture, in which he hath drawne a most exact draught of his lawes and will, for so much as may concerne the salvation of all or any of Gods Elect.
4. Now the fourth and most absolute booke of statutes, is that booke of life, wherein from all eternity God hath enrowled the nature and ends of all things: and there are also many other things besides the salvation of the Elect, Psal. 139.16. a speciall part of which is the Lambes booke of life, Revel. 21.27.
Now unto this booke doth this word fore-ordained leade us.
The word in the Originall is properly fore-se…ne: Now there are three kinds of fore-sight.
1. First, that bare knowledge of things, and this reacheth to all things that ever shall be.
2. Secondly, that knowledge of approbation, God knowing man above others with his speciall favour: this reacheth onelyonly to the Elect.
3. Now there is a third kind of knowledg or fore-knowledg, when God is said to know things, as a Judge doth in giving sentence: Hence Plebiscitum was an ordin…ce made by the commons; and so when the Judge had sentenced a cause, he was said to have knowne the cause. In this last sense the word is here taken, and therefore well rendred fore-ordained: to note such a fore-sight, as had a determination and statute in it.
The decrees of God are by some Divines distinguished by the names of Providence and Predestination: Providence they would have containe all that order that the Lord tooke from all eternity concerning all things in the world whatsoever; so as there is nothing but is lyable to Gods decree. Now Predestination comprehends onelyonly those decrees that concerne the reasonable creatures, and especially those that concerne the Election of some of them.
Three sorts of the Elect.There is a threefold Election, or the Elect may be cast into three ranks.
1. There is the Election of man unto salvation.
2. There is the Election of Angels unto confirmation in their estates.
3. There is the Election of Christ unto the Mediatorship, and headship over Angels and men: Of this hee meanes here, and the decree concerning the Election of Christ is the most illustrious of all the rest, and concernes the execution of the most glorious worke that ever was to be in the world.
The summe then is, that the Lord in his booke of eternall statutes hath recorded, and determined concerning this course of saving man by the mediation of his Sonne. Christ is fore-ordained in respect of his office of Mediatorship, not simply in respect of his person, as God: for so hee is not the person predestinated, but with the Father and holy Ghost it is he that doth predestinate …s he was to shew himselfe God made man, as Mediator be…weene God and man, so he was subject to that ordinance.
Vse.Quest. Now what use may be made of this, that we here find, that God is so carefull to make all sure concerning our redemption in Christ?
Answ. First, it may serve for consolation, we need never doubt but God will accomplish all his goodnesse to us in his Sonne, seeing hee hath bound himselfe, and Christ to it by his everlasting decrees: it is an ordinance must never be changed: we see God after all this time acknowledgeth it in this tex…, to be bel…eved to the worlds end.
Secondly, it may serve for instruction.
1. Shall we not be ashamed of our negligence, that have not with all diligence laboured to make our calling and election sure, when wee see God so carefull to make all sure?
2. Shall wee not ever willingly be subject to Gods statutes and lawes, when we see Christ himselfe subject himselfe to Gods ordinances, and that from all eternity?
3. Shall we not long for those times, when those eternall statutes shall be ope…ed, and Gods counsels displayed to our infinite joy?
Thirdly, it may informe us, concerning Gods wonderfull hatred of sinne: in that from eternity he cannot looke upon the Elect, but as they are in Christ.
Fourthly, seeing it is certainly decreed concerning the gathering of mens soules by the … of Christ: it should teach Ministers with all readinesse and patience to preach the Gospell in the places where they come, as knowing that such as are ordained of God shall be gathered even so many in these places, as belong to the election of God, Act. 13 48.
Verily.] This doctrine of … is …tered with a kinde of mild asseveration: the reasons of which asseveration are these.
1. Because the most men will hardly beleeve any such thing: men by nature are wonderfull apt to object against the doctrine of Gods decrees, and therefore he urgeth it with an asseveration.
2. Because of the excellency of this decree above all the rest: this was a golden statu…e, the most amiable ordinance that ever was, that God should from everlasting resolve to send his owne Son to redeeme us.
3. This asseveration is to worke the greater assurance of faith in the Elect: they should never doubt Gods love to them in Christ: for ver…ly Christ was pre-ordained, &c.
Before the foundation of the world.
This phrase is used in divers senses in Scripture. 1. Sometimes the foundation of the earth is taken for the peopling of the earth, since the foundation of the world, that is, since the peopling of it, Exod. 9.18. 2. Sometimes for justice and judgement in the earth, the foundations of the earth were moved, that is, all went to wrack in matters of justice, Psal. 82.5. But usually it is taken for the creation of the world, especially in respect of the support of this great frame of heaven and earth. The foundation of the world is that admirable work of God, erecting this huge frame of heaven and earth, and supporting it by his almighty power: so that before the foundation of the world, is, before the world was set up.
But why doth he rather say,Quest. before the foundation of the world, then before the world was?
It may be for two reasons.Answ. First, to raise up our thoughts to the contemplation of the wonderfulnesse of the founding of heaven and earth, for the rarenesse of the wisdome of God, and the cunning he shewed in this admirable frame, Prov. 3.39. for the unsearchablenesse, Ier. 31.37. for the surenesse and durablenesse of it, Psal. 78.69. for the absolu…enesse and independance of Gods power in framing all this, Iob. 38.4, 5▪ for the suddennesse of it, it being all done with a word, and for that all this was made of nothing, and that this great earth, the foundation of all the rest, should it selfe lie in the waters, Psal. 24.2. and indeed the whole borne up onelyonly by the power of Christ without meanes, Heb. 1.3. Secondly, this phrase may be of purpose used for the likenesse of the state of the Church to the world, and the promise of God for the upholding of it: Hee that made the world of nothing, raised a Church to himselfe of that which was worse then nothing: yea all that is said before of the world may assure us of so much, and much more in the execution of Gods counsels in Christ for the Church, Psa. 78.79.
The doctrines are,
1. That the world had a beginning, it had a foundation,Doct. it was not eternall.
2. That we ought to be deepely affected with the admi…ablenesse of the making and upholding of the world.
But who can tell that there was s…h a wonderfulnesse in the creation of the world?Quest.
1. Scripture doth tel… it, Heb. 11.3.Answ.
2. Christ was by when it was done, Prov. 8.29.
3. The Angels of heaven saw the whole when it was done, and were by at the doing of a great deale, and were rapt with admiration at the wisdome and power of God, Iob 38.4, 5, 6.
4. Lastly, the frame it selfe, as it … …ands, speaks evidently for the wonder of the workmanship.
But what use may be made of the wonderfulnesse of Gods workmanship herein?
1. We should disce…, and marke, and acknowledge the power and wisdome of God herein, and by our often thoughts raise up our hearts to the often meditation of it, Psal. 104 1. to 9. Shall the Angels shout with joy, and shall we be so dull? Iob 38.6.
2. It shews the eternity of God, and his soveraignty and power to dispose and alter all things at his will, Psal. 102.26. & 89.11.
3. It intimates to us many consolations.
1. That God can easily prolong the life of his servants, that could give and uphold the being of so huge a frame, Psal. 102.26.
2. That God himselfe is wonderfull firme, and unchangeable to all generations, and faithfull in his word, that can give such a stable being to heaven and earth, Psal. 119.90, 89. Esay 40.21. & 48.13. & 51.13, 16.
3. That if the world have such a sure foundation, then much more the Church, Esay 14.32. For if the foundation of the world be so glorious, oh how glorious is the foundation of Sion? If he have made such an excellent house for his people to dwell in, it shewes he loves them much, and meanes to provide for them for continuance, Prov. 20.26 but especially, how precious are the foundations of the new Jerusalem? Rev. 21.
4. This intimates the fearefull power of God, in the execution of his judgements upon wicked men, Amos 9.5. Zach. 12.1, 2. Deut. 32.22. 2 Sam. 22.8.
Doct. 3.The project concerning our eternall salvation by Christ, was before the world conceived in God, Eph. 1.4. Psal. 90.1. Ier. 31.3.
The Uses are divers.
Vses.1. Therefore let us admire the matchlesse love of God, that not onelyonly loved us first, but loved us before the world was.
2. Let our love to God taste of the knowledge of this doctrine, since wee began not so soone as he, let our waies, and purposes, and desires be to extend our affections towards God to the end; yea and beyond all end also.
3. Let it comfort us in all adversity to think of this everlasting love of God, Esay 40.
4. Lastly, doth not thi… evidently confute merit of workes? It was for no desert in us, for we were loved before we had done either good or evill, Rom. 9.
And thus of the fourth point.
But was manifest in the last times for you.
The fift thing is the manifestation of this great work of our redemption, amplified by the time of it, viz. in these last daies: and comprehended in the manifestation of Christ.
Christ manifested five waies.Christ is manifested five waies.
1. For the faithfull. 2. To the faithfull. 3. In the faithfull. 4. By the faithfull. 5. With the faithfull.
…. He was manifested for them, in that he did undertake for the merit of their redemption. 2. He is manifested to them in the preaching of the Gospell, revealing Christ and him crucified before them. 3. Hee is manifested in them, when in respect of true grace, his image is formed in them▪ thus God … his Sonne in Paul, Gal. 1. 16. 4. Hee is manifested by them, when with their obedience they shew forth the vertues of Christ, and resemble his holinesse of carriage. 5. And hee is manifested with them, in that eternall fellowship of glory in the kingdome of heaven▪ It is the first kinde of manifestation which is here meant.
Now Christ was manifested for them, 1. on earth, 2. in heaven. On earth he was manifested, 1. In his incarnation, when hee shewed himselfe in our nature: thus was accomplished that great mysterie of godlinesse; God manifested in the flesh, 1 Tim. 3.16. 2. In his passion: for so he was that true brazen serpent, Ioh. 3. 3. In his ascension, shewing himself in triumph, leading captivity captive, and giving gifts unto men, Eph. 4.
In heaven he is manifested for us, 1. By session. 2. By intercession. By session: for so hee was declared wonderfully, as head of the Church, when being set at the right hand of God, all power was given him both in heaven and earth: And by intercession he daily appeareth before God for us.
In this manifestation Christ hath turned himselfe into all formes for us: for he hath beene manifested for us as a servant to doe our work: as a surety to pay our debts: as a sacrifice to expiate for our sins: as a treasurer to supply all our wants: as a Prophet to instruct us: as an Advocate to plead our cause: and as a King to subdue our enemies, and rule over us.
The points of doctrine from hence to be observed are these.Doct.
1. That God may conceive a wonderfull love to his people, and have a glorious plot for their good, and yet not manifest it of a long time. Coherence shews this.
The Use should be in all distresses publike or private,Vse. for the Church where we live, or for our owne particular, to live by faith, and not mistrust, or murmure, or limit God, as if hee had forgotten the cause of his people: little knowest thou the thoughts of God concerning thy good, and therefore we should check our owne hearts, as David did, and say, Why art thou so sad, oh my soule? &c. Secondly, if God once doe manifest his love to thee, oh then know thy happinesse, and rejoyce in thy portion: how rich is that goodnesse the Lord shews thee, when in prayer, or the word, he declareth hid and mighty things in his answers, Ier. 33.3.
2. When God manifests Christ he discovers his greatest treasure, the utmost of all Gods benefits: for Christ is unsearchable riches, and … is hee in whom all the nations of the earth are blessed.
The Use is, That therefore seeing God accounts the manifesting of hi… Son for us to be such a matter,Vse. we should hence admire and praise this goodnesse of God, that sent his owne Son into the world for our sakes, and nou… in heaven honors, and heares him for our sakes, and in our behalfe; especially this should quicken us unto the study of that sacred knowledge of Christ and his Kingdome, and we should willingly serve so mighty and divine a Saviour.
3. That it is no comfort to know that Christ is manifested, till wee know he is manifested for us: it is ill trusting to the knowledge of Christs incarnation: we must seeke by all possible prayer and supplication, that he may be acknowledged as a Saviour for us.
4. The knowledge of Christs manifestation for us, should be a point that should move and stir affection in the heart of every beleever, and therefore it is to that end in this place urged.
But what should I doe, might some one say,Quest. to shew that my heart is affected towards my Saviour in this point of his manifestation either on earth, or in heaven for me?
We must shew our affection herein foure waies.Answ.
1. By beleeving in him without any doubting, seeing in respect of the obedience of the law, the discharge of our debt, the conquest of our enemies, the advocation in our causes, &c. he hath so fully manifested himselfe.
2. By manifesting our selves without feare, or delay for his sake, wee should put our selves out into the open profession of his truth with all boldnesse; but yet so, as wee learne by his example, how to manifest our selves… that is to say,
1. In the fulnesse of time, that is, after good advise and sound deliberation: too hasty profession often-times doth great hurt.
2. With resolution to endure all sorts of reproaches, or what else in the labour or opposition might befall us, though we should be accounted as he was, Esay 53. Heb. 12.3.
3. With all integrity, being carefull to shew forth his vertue, and not to blemish our profession with any spotted conversation, especially expressing our imitation of his humility, and dove-like harmlesnesse, and respect of Gods law, and contempt of the world.
4. With all constancy even unto the death, that wee may receive the crowne of life.
3. By manifesting our selves to be ready to do any service to his servants.
4. By longing for the time of his last and full manifestation in his appearing at the last day.
Thus of the fift point concerning our redemption.
The sixt is, who are redeemed, viz. such as by Christ doe beleeve in God: for you who by him doe beleeve in God, verse 21.
For you.]
Doct. 1.The maine doctrine is twofold: 1. That beleevers onelyonly have benefit by Christ: for them was redemption intended: for them Christ shed his bloud: for them he was made a sacrifice: for them he was manifested both by incarnation, and the preaching of the Gospell, and by intercession in heaven, Ioh. 17.9, 19. Heb. 11.6.
Vses.The Use is,
1. For instruction: Be sure thou have faith whatsoever thou want, 2 Cor. 13.5. thou perishest else for ever.
Ob. If I have all faith, yet I may perish, 1 Cor. 13.3.
Sol. All faith to doe miracles, not to lay hold on Christ.
2. It is all faith without love; and lovest thou not Gods children?
2. For cons…ation to the godly, to whom God hath given this precious faith: it is to be truely rich, to be rich in faith: it makes the poorest begger equall with the highest Monarch, Iam. 2.5. because it procures priviledges better then that of Princes: it intitles them to a birth better then that of the so… of men, Ioh. 1.12, 13. and for honour, they have favour with the Highest, that can doe more for them then all the Kings of the earth, Ioh. 3.16. and for alliance, it makes them a kinn to all the Saints: and for contentment, it fills them with joy unspeakable and glorious, 1 Pet. 1.9. and for victory, it makes them more then conquerors, Rom. …. and for riches, they have all the treasures of Christ; and for possessions, they have an immortall inheritance, especially their glory shall appeare in the day of Christ, 2 Thes 1.10.
3. It should quicken the godly to a care to repaire and establish themselves in the faith, and to this end to pray, as 2 Thes 1.11.
4. It shews the miserable estate of divers men in the very visible Church. There are three sorts of Christians. For I meddle not with Pagans, or Antichristians.
1. The first is of Christians in name, such as are so onelyonly in appearance, or profession, or the account of man.
2. The second is Christians in signe, that is, such as are so onelyonly by baptisme, that have onelyonly received the outward badge of Christianity.
3. The third i… such as are so indeed, and such onelyonly are they that beleeve in God, and that by a lively saith in Christ Jesus.
2. Doctrine i…, that every one that doth beleeve is redeemed, Iohn 3.16. Heb. 10.39.
Vse.The Use is, First for comfort to the abject, God accepts not persons; it matters not what money, meanes, clothes, dyet thou hast, onelyonly if thou beleevest, be of good comfort.
Ob. The devils beleeve, and yet are not happy.
Sol. They beleeve that Christ is, but they beleeve not in Christ: they trust not in him, or they beleeve that he is their Judge, but not their Saviour.
Ob. But divers in Iob. 2. beleeved, and yet Christ trusted them not.
Sol. They beleeved his doctrine, but they trusted not on his merits: they had historicall, but not justifying faith.
Ob. But those that received the word with joy beleeved, and yet fell away, Mat. 13.
Sol. They had a temporary faith, but not a saving faith; they could neversuffer for his sake, nor were they ever new creatures to desire to be rid of all sinne, nor did that joy arise from a particular application.
The second Use is, not to have the glorious faith of Christ in respect of persons, Iam. 2.1, 2. &c.
Thus of the generall: Now in particular concerning faith, five things may be here noted.
1. The subject of faith: viz. you that are begotten againe.Of five things concerning faith.
2. The object of faith: viz. God.
3. The nature of faith: viz. to beleeve in God.
4. The cause of faith: viz. Christ, by him you beleeve, &c.
5. The time of the exercise of faith: Doe beleeve.
For the first: when he saith, for you, he meaneth such, as he had described before verse 3. so that the doctrine is, that faith is seated onelyonly in the hearts of regenerate men, onelyonly in the godly: It is called the faith of Gods Elect. Tit. 1.1. and their hearts are purified tha… have faith, Act. 15.9. they are turned from darknesse to light, Act. 26.28.
1. This doctrine shewes us a way how to try our faith, whether we have faith or no, namely, by the tryall of our regeneration: as
1. If our hearts be purified, Act. 5.9. that is, if wee have been humbled for secret and inward sinnes, so as the filthinesse of them is abated, and washed away.
2. If we have overcome the respect of profits, and pleasures of the world, so as we can use them as if we used them not, 1 Ioh. 5.4.
3. If we love our kindred in grace best, Gal. 5.6. 1 Ioh. 3.14.
4. If we find the new gifts of the spirit, for faith alwaies dwelleth amongst them, Gal. 5.22.
2. This doctrine shewes againe the true Christians prerogative: God hath dealt better with him then with other men: It is no matter if God have not given them so much money, or meanes, or credit, or health, as they; it is enough God have given them faith.
3. It should awaken wicked men in the midst of all their pleasures and riches: if they misse faith, it should tame their jollity, if they consider that they must perish: for all those things, what hope or comfort can they have, when God shall take away their soules?
Ob. But might some of these say, It seems the Lord puts a difference, and shuts out men from faith, and keeps them without it.
Sol. 1. The condemnation of the unbeleeuer is of himselfe, Iohn 3.20.
2. The Lord commands all to beleeve, even every creature, Mar. 16. 1 Ioh. 3.23. 3 He sends the Word to offer grace to all, the proclamation is generall, and no man excepted that hath desires after God, Esay 55.1. 4. We see of every condition of men God retaines some to mercy, and that shews he takes no pleasure in thy death, and that he would have all men be saved. Yea 5. the Lord doth beseech men to be reconciled, 2 Cor. 5.20.
For the second: The object of faith is God.
God is the object of faith, not generally in his nature, but particularly in his mercies and promises of grace, in his word of truth, the Go…pell. When I say God is the object of faith, I meane hee is that which faith both looks upon, … relies upon. Faith is alive, when it beholds Gods face in Christ. It thinkes of God, it admires God, it longs for God, it trusts onelyonly upon God, it carries us unto God, it is imployed for God, it is contented with God, it desires no more but God.
Ob. But what reason hath man to beleeve in God? For God is terrible in his nature, he abhors sinne, and revengeth it with all severity, it is hee that will judge men for sinne, yea it is hee that woundeth the very particular sinner, &c.
Sol. Yet faith carries men unto God, because of his own commandement, that men should beleeve, because of the gracious promises he hath made to beleevers: because of the experience of as miserable sinners as he, have beleeved, and were not disappointed: because faith stils Gods displeasure, and makes the Lord put on the bowels of tender kindnesse; yea here appeares the wonder of faith, that though it know that it is Gods own hand that fighteth against sinne, yet it will run onelyonly to God to heale them againe, Hosea 6.1.
Ob. But must we not beleeve in Christ, as well as in God?
Sol. If by this title of God wee understand the essence of God, then CHRIST is included: for wee beleeve in the promises of the whole Trinity, and so in Christ, who is the second person. But if by God wee meane the first person in the Trinity, and the holy Ghost, then it is spoken to our capacitie, the more fitly to expresse the meanes of our reconciliation, which is by the mediation of Christ the middle person of the Trinity: so that the word God doth not exclude Christ from being the object of our faith with the Father; but it includes, that Christ is more then the object, for he is a meanes of our acceptance with the Father, &c.
Vse.The Use is twofold.
1. Here againe we may take occasion to try our faith: If thy faith be a true faith, thou maist know it by the object of it, if it set thy thoughts and affections on God, if thou canst say as David, Psal. 73.25. then certainly thou hast faith, and so contrariwise.
2. Is God the object of faith? then be of good comfort, hee will never deny his promise, Tit. 1.2. Hee is able to keepe what thou committest to him, 2 Tim. 1.12. He is an Ocean able every way to fill thee with all sufficiency and happinesse.
The third thing followes, viz. the nature of faith, which is to beleeve in God. To beleeve, is more then to understand, conjecture, hope, remember, or affect: It is to doe all that with affiance, assent, or perswasion, and that is more plaine i… we note the phrase of speech in God; for we may be said to beleeve foure waies:
1. To beleeve that God is.
2. To beleeve God.
3. To beleeve of God.
4. To beleeve in God: for this latter doth import a casting of our selves upon God.
There are also foure things distinctly in faith.
1. The understanding of the Doctrine of the promise of grace.
2. The second is the …ent unto the tender of grace signified.
1. By earnest desire after the happinesse revealed in the Gospell.
2. By a willing base estimation of all earthly things, in comparison of the excellent knowledge of Gods love in Christ.
3. The third is the relying upon God, or the resting of the heart upon the truth of Gods promises, as having found the chiefe good, in which wee will trust, and beyond which we desire no more: All this is imported in this phrase, if we note it.
4. The fourth is the resolution to acknowledge and avouch this confidence in God both by our cleaving to Gods promises in all estates, and by our profession of the doctrine of Gods free grace herein.
The Use is a gaine for tryall: If the Lord have enlightned thee to see the doctrine of his grace in Christ: if he have gotten thy consent to his truth,Vse. especially if he have wonne thy affections, so as thou canst with love, and ioy, and affiance take his word, and rest in his love to thee, as perswaded of his mercies toward thee, and that thou canst also vow thy selfe to the profession of it: assuredly thou dost beleeve.
2. This doctrine confutes the Papists, and carnall Protestants, that thinke faith is no more then to beleeve the story of Christ, and to hope well for the rest, whereas to beleeve in God doth evidently import more then to beleeve that God is, and to beleeve God to say true.
The opinion of those that think, that to beleeve that Christ is the Sonne of God is enough to salvation, hath more charity then authority in it: Many places of Scripture prove we must beleeve that Christ is the Son of God, and it is a charectiristicall difference betweene the true Church, and divers false assemblies: but yet the Scripture shewes, we must beleeve more then that, or else we may perish: For the condition, Ioh. 3.16. is not to beleeve that he is the Son of God, but to beleeve in him, which is to receive and apply him, Iohn 1.12.
4. The fourth thing is the cause of faith: By him. It is by Christ that wee beleeve in God, and that for divers reasons.Doct.
1. As he is the expiatorie cause of Gods favour to us: For did not he satisfie for on… sins, we had no reason to beleeve that God should regard us: Our faith is in his bloud, Rom. 3.15.
2. As by his intercession hee covers the weaknesse of our faith, and appears before God for us.
3. As he is the giver and worker of our faith, Eph. 2.8, 10.
4. As he is Protector of our faith, and preserves it, Heb. 12.3. he is called the author, and finisher of our faith.
5. As he crownes our faith, it is he that gives power to every beleever to become the son of God, Ioh. 1.12. It is he that gives them eternall life, Ioh. 17.2, 3.
The Use is first for confutation of merit, not onelyonly of works but of faith, we nei…her could obey the law, nor yet beleeve the Gospell of our selves,Vse. Eph. 2.8. therefore there is no boasting of our selves.
2. It should teach us to keepe our faith with all diligence, and to continue grounded, and established in it, seeing it is a treasure Christ hath intrusted us withall.
3. Thirdly, if wee finde any sicknesse or weaknesse in our faith at any time, runne to Jesus Christ for succour, he that is the author of it, will be the finisher of it also.
The last thing is the time: Doe beleeve.
It is to be observed, that he speaks of faith in the present time, which imports divers things.
1. That there was a time wherein they did not beleeve.
2. That a Christian hath continuall use of his faith; the just live by faith, Habac. 2.4.
1. He cannot goe into Gods presence without it.
2. He cannot heare the word without it, Heb. 4.2. 2 Tim. 3.15.
3. He cannot use well his calling, but must live by faith, Mat. 6.
4. He cannot beare afflictions without faith, 1 Pet. 1.7.
3. That there is no time, wherein a Christian beleeveth not, this must be understood thus.
1. There is a twofold man; the old man and the new man: In respect of the new man, hee alwaies beleeves; for faith is the life of the new man, Gal. 2.20.
2. That a distinction must be made betweene the act of faith, and the habit of it: the habit can never be lost, the act may cease.
3. We must distinguish betweene faith, and the Concomitants of faith: Actuall joy, & peace in beleeving may be intermitted, but not beliefe it selfe.
4. Distinguish betweene faith sick, and faith found: Faith sometimes in spirituall diseases may have a Lethargie, a palsie, a swone, a traunce, &c. and so for the present is, but not discerned.
Vse.The Use is therefore.
1. First, for consolation to such, as are afflicted under the want of sense of faith: it doth not follow, thou hast not faith, because thou feelest it not, because there is no time, wherein thou beleevest not.
Quest. But what should one doe for comfort, when the sense of faith is gone?
Answ. First looke to time past, thinke of the times wherein thou didst stand, and rejoyce in the grace of God.
2. Looke upon the present fruits of faith, and by that thou maiest discerne that faith hath roots, though they be under ground: those fruits are:
1. An unfained desire to forsake all sin.
2. Griefe, because we have not faith, as we would have it.
3. Love of such as feare God, even the meanest of them.
4. The hatred of such, as by following foolish vanities, forsake their owne mercy.
5. Griefe for the evill of our best works, though never so secret, joyned with the abhorring of our selves, so as we are confounded for our sins, which seeme to us to be as so many abominations, Ezech. 36.
6. By the desire of Gods favour above all things.
3. Pray to God to help thy unbeliefe, and make thee sound in the faith. instead of froward complainings, that thou hast not faith, goe to God and make thy humble moanes unto him, and hee will heare thy teares, and give thee faith. For it is his gift, and he will be fought unto, Psal. 143. the whole, & 142.3.7.
4. Know that this will be but for a short time: Faith will revive, and be found unto praise and glory, 1 Pet. 1.6, 7. Psal 30.6. David said in his haste, he was cast out of Gods sight: yet hee found, that God even then heard the voice of …. cry, Psal. 31.22.
Secondly, this should teach us to looke to our faith, and to provide for the daily use of it to live by it, that if it might be, we might be so ready and prepared, that Christ when hee came at any time might find us so doing. Now that we might attaine unto this daily use of our faith, divers rules must be observed.
7. Rules for the … use of t…th.1. We must be more afraid of doubts and cavils against our faith, making conscience of unbeliefe, to avoid it as a grievous sinne, and to see manifest reason from the Word, before we doubt.
2. We must more study the promises of God, and shake off the slaggishnesse of our natures, especially wee should be more carefull to attend upon the carefull application of them.
3. We should speedily run to Christ, when we find any disease, or neglect in our faith, whose glory it is to be the finisher of our faith.
4. We should often think of those that have been examples of much faith, that have been full of faith, Heb. 11. & 12.1.
5. We should watch against all things that might slacken our love to the meanes: For it is certaine, the love of the means is strong like death.
6. If we find we have offended God, let us not goe long without humiliation, but quickly run and confesse our sins, and not be quiet till we be reconciled: It is dangerous to defer our repentance, and neglect our communion with God long.
7. Especially we should study for businesse, to be imployed in well-doing, in our generall or particular calling, 1 Cor. 15.18.
Hitherto of the sixt point.
Who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory.
These words containe the seventh motive in the doctrine of redemption, namely, the ratification of it. God himselfe was pleased after an admirable manner to ratifie the work of our redemption, and therefore it should much work upon us for holinesse of life. Now God ratified it two waies.
First, by raising Christ from the dead.
Secondly, by giving him glory in heaven.
1. Of the resurrection of Christ from the dead, divers things may be here noted.
1. That Christ was amongst the dead: this may shew the hatefulnesse of sin, when Christ became a surety for it, it divided his soule from his body, and chased him downe among the dead.
Hath Christ been among the dead? then let us beleeve him in all the comforts he hath taught us against death. For he speaks by experience,Vse. we may trust what he saies; for he hath been there himselfe.
2. Therefore dead men have a being: it were good for us so to live, as we may have comfort in our being after death: For Christ found a world of dead men, with whom he was after his death.
3. How worthy is Christ to be loved, that thus adventured himselfe for us? how is it meet he should reap of the travailes of his soule.
2. That Christ was raised from the dead.
Therefore it is not impossible for dead men to rise,Vse. we see the proofe of it in Christ: Secondly, we should never be out of hope in the desperatest afflictions, if we were brought as low as ever Christ was.
3. God raised Christ from the dead.Doct. 1. Vse.
Therefore it is wonderfull evident that our debt is paid, in that the creditor came himselfe, and set open the prison doore, and released our surety; especially in the time of distresse, wee should know, that God doth not require our debts at our hands. For he hath hereby acknowledged ful payment by our Saviour, and we did owe nothing but unto God. Secondly, this imports, that the righteous God may sometime forsake us for a time, and leave us to our thinking in unmedicinable distresses, so as we should cry, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? and yet hee will returne speedily to our succour, and put to the proofe of his greatest power, rather then abandon those whom he loves.
4. That the resurrection of Christ is a great wonder,Doct. therefore it is here mentioned as a marvellous course that God held in the ratification of our redemption.
The Use is, Therefore cursed be those mockers,Vse. that scoffe at the resurrection of the dead, and let us glory in the faith, knowing the victory of our Messias: as also that the time will come, that God will glorifie us also before men and Angels by mising our bodies also from the grave, Rom. 8.11. 1 Thes. 4.14.
Doct.5. God lookes we should be specially affected with his glory in this great work of raising Christ from the dead.
Vse.The Use is, Therefore let us be humbled before the Lord for the deadnesse of our spirits, and slownesse of our hearts, and beg of him pardon, and the renting of the cursed vaile of ignorance, that lets us from beholding the great glory of God herein.
Doct.6. Lastly, we see that the exaltation of Christ stands of two parts: viz. Resurrection, and Glorification, and that all works of humiliation ended with his comming out of the sepulchre.
And thus of his resurrection.
And gave him glory.
This is the second part of the ratification: The glory God gave unto Christ shewes, that he is fully pleased with him, and that Christ hath perfectly paid our ransome.
Quest. What glory did God give unto Christ upon his death for us?
Answ. Great and greatly to be praised, and admired: For
The glory given to Christ after his resurrection shewed in 8. things.1. He assigned him all the honour of a triumph is his ascension, when …ee led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men, Eph. 4.7. Col. 2.15.
2. He removed from him all infirmities both of body and mind.
3. He gave him all power in heaven and earth▪ even preeminence in all things Mat. 28. Col. 1.18. For he made him,
1. Prince of Angels, Col. 2.10.
2. Head of the Church, Col. 1.18.
3. Heire of all things, Heb. 1.3.
4. Iugde of the world, Act. 17.30.
4. He assigned him his owne best house to dwell in, and that with equall honour with himselfe at his right hand in heaven.
5. He bestowed all the Elect upon him, Ioh. 17.
6. He commanded all creatures to worship him. This was the grace of adoration, Phil. 2.10.
7. He gave him promise to grant whatsoever he asked, Psal. 2.8▪9.
8. He proscribed all his enemies, and undertooke to make them his footstoole, Psal. 110.1.
Vse.The Use may be, first for consolation. All these honours done to Christ, may assure us of our reconciliation with God, and that our redemption is accomplished: and it may encourage us to goe unto God, trusting in his mediation: for God can deny him nothing, yea his glory is our glory. The crowne is set upon our head, when Christ is exalted; and therefore being his members, we should rejoyce, as if it had beene done to us, and the rather, when he appeares we shall appeare with him in glory, Col. 3.4.
Secondly, in all affliction it should teach us to live by faith, and with patience to run the race that is set before us, thinking upon the end of our faith, the salvation of our soules, which is urged from the example of Christ, Heb. 12.3, 4. 2 Cor. 4.17, 18. Rom. 8.17.
That your faith and hope might be in God.
In these words the eighth point is contained, viz. the end of our redemption, viz. that our faith and hope might be in God, that is, that knowing our debts to be paid in Christ, and God to be well pleased in him, we might for ever relie upon God for present favour, and future salvation. Faith and hope are not all one.
Difference betweene faith and hope.Faith lookes upon Christ exhibited and made present in his ordinances: Hope lookes upon Christ hereafter more fully to be revealed.
Faith beleeveth the promises to be true: Hope expecteth performance.
Faith beleeveth eternall life is given us: and Hope waiteth when it will be revealed.
Faith is the mother of Hope, and Hope is the nurse of Faith.
Faith takes notice of present prerogatives: and Hope chiefly looks to things to come.
The doctrines that may be observed from hence are divers:
Though we doe truely beleeve,Doct. 1. yet we doe need to be often stirred up to faith and hope still: For
1. We beleeve but in part.
2. We need faith all our life long.
3. We are hard of beleefe in our selves.
4. There is nothing the devill more opposeth.
5. There is nothing God or Christ more desireth, as the coherence shews.
6. Nothing more glorifieth our profession, and daunteth our adversaries, then an unmoveablenesse of hope.
7. Nothing more provides for us: A Christian could live by his faith, if he had nothing else.
The Vses also are divers:Vse. for therefore
1. We should stir up one another, and be examples one to another in beleeving, and receive the exhortation one from another.
2. Especially every one of us should be carefull to increase in faith, and provide to beleeve in God at all times.
Quest. But what must we doe, that we may doe so?Divers questions and doubts resolved.
Answ. 1. Desire the sincere milk of the word, 1 Pet. 2.2.
2. Be frequent in the use of the Sacraments.
3. Pray to God to increase thy faith, Luke 17.5.
4. Practice holinesse, and be diligent about those graces mentioned 2 Pet. 1.10 in the coherence.
Quest. But how can we beleeve still? For
1. We have not alwaies meanes to accomplish the good we desire.
Answ. Doe as Abraham did, Rom. 4.10. beleeve the promise above hope.
Quest. 2. God himselfe sometimes fights against us.
Answ. Say with Iob, Though he kill me, yet will I trust in him, Iob 1.3▪
Quest. 3. But our crosses are desperate.
Answ. Yet say as David did, Psal. 23.4. Though I walke in the shadow of death, yet, &c.
Quest. 4. But we have sinned.
Answ. Christ hath prayed that thy faith might not faile, Luke 22.32.
Quest. 5. But our faith is so weake, we feare we cannot beleeve still.
Answ. There are comforts for that in these places, Esay 42.3. 2 Cor. 12.9. and God hath received the weake in faith, Rom. 14.1, 3.
Quest. 6. But I have so many hinderances, and have so many things to passe through.
Sol. Yet be perswaded, as Rom. 8.38. and say with Paul, Through Christ I can doe all things, Phil. 4.13.
3. All this adoe about faith and hope, should make us carefull to informe our selves of the things by which faith is assaulted, that when such things befall us, we may be armed against them. Now besides such things by which faith is assaulted, intimated before,Ten things that assault faith, against which we should be armed. there are many things without us (to omit our owne doubts, and Sathans tentations within us) that have assaulted and tryed faith.
1. False doctrines.
2. Contentions in the Teachers of the Church.
3. Treacherie of brethren.
4. Prosperity of the wicked, and impu…ity of wickednesse.
5. The small number of beleevers.
6. The deformity and oppression of the Church.
7. The falling away of many from the faith.
8. The delay of Gods promises.
9. The tokens of Gods wrath.
10. The scoffes of mockers.
4. Lastly, hence wee may gather a reproofe to our selves for our marvellous neglect in faith and hope: how might the Lord justly have left us for ever, as a people without Christ, and without hope in the world?
Doct. 2. Vse.There is one faith and hope in all Gods servants, Your faith, Eph. 4.5.
The use is therefore to love one another, seeing we have all one faith, one I say in respect of the Author, meanes, object and end.
2. It should comfort poore Christians: whatsoever difference God hath put otherwise, yet they have the same faith that Abraham, David, the Martyrs, or any had.
Doct. 3.Here is implyed, that all faith and hope in other things besides God is vaine.
Hope in the wedge of gold is vaine.
The Hypocrites hope in credit is vaine.
Trust in the arme of flesh is vaine, &c.
And the truth is, a Christian is never perfectly well, till he can place his faith and hope onelyonly in God. It is good for him sometimes to be stripped of all other things, that he may put his confidence in God.