A Commentary on 1 Peter 1-3, Exposition of chapter 2 · Exposition of verse 4
Verse 4.
To whom comming, as to a living stone, disallowed of men, but chosen of God, and precious.
HItherto of the exhortation, as it concernes the Word of God. The exhortation, as it concernes the Sonne of God, followes, from verse 4. to verse 13: wherein it is the purpose of the Apostle, to shew unto them in the second place the principall meanes of holines, even the originall fountaine it selfe, and that is Christ; to whom they must continually come to seeke grace, if ever they will prosper and grow in godlinesse.
In the exhortation, as it concernes Christ, three things may bee observed.
First, the Proposition: wherein he tels them what they must doe, verses, 4. and 5.
Secondly, the Confirmation of it, and that two waies. First, by testimony of Scripture, shewing what Christ is; which Scripture is both cited and expounded verses 6, 7, 8. Secondly, by the consideration of their own excellent estate in Christ; which is set out positively, verse 9. and comparatively, verse 10: or thus it is confirmed by arguments taken from the praise, first, of Christ, verses 6, 7, 8. Secondly, of Christians, verses 9, 10.
Thirdly, the conclusion: where he shewes the use they should make, both in what they should avoid, verse 11. and in what they should doe, verse 12.
That which in generall may be observed, is, that Christ is the maine Fountaine of all grace and holinesse. It is he that fils all, in all things, Eph. 1. ult. All the treasures of wisedome and grace be in him, in whom the God-head dwels bodily, Col. 2.3, 9. It is he that is made unto us of God, wisedome, righteousnesse, sanctification, and redemption, 1 Cor. 10.30. He was long since acknowledged to be the Lord our righteousnesse, Ier. 23.6.
The knowledge hereof may both informe, instruct, and comfort us.
First, it may informe us concerning the grievousnesse of our disease. The nature of man is so farre past cure, that unlesse the Sonne of God sanctifie himselfe with unspeakable holinesse, wee can never be sanctified, Iohn 17.19. yea, the Word it selfe is not availeable without the grace of Christ, as it appeares in that seventeenth of Iohn: where both the Word and Christ are intreated of.
Secondly, it may teach us, first, to ascribe glory to Christ, who in this respect is most worthy to bee acknowledged the Head of all Principalities, but especially the Head of the Church; from whom commeth influence of all grace and goodnesse, Eph. 1.21, 22, 23. Secondly, it should teach us, above all gettings, to labour to get Christ crucified into our hearts. It is Christ in us, that must bee our riches, and our hope of glory, Col. 1.27. yea, this will bee unsearchable riches to us: wee should determine to know nothing, save Iesus Christ and him crucified, 1 Cor. 2.2. Thirdly, let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord Iesus, 1 Cor. 1.4, 7. And therefore God forbid I should rejoyce in any thing, but the Crosse of Christ; whereby I am crucified to the world, and the world is crucified to me, Gal. 6.14.
Thirdly, it should be a great comfort to the Godly, both in respect of their union with him, in regard their Head is so infinite in holinesse, … also in respect of that supply and help that they may continually have from him against all their infirmities and defects; and lastly, in respect of the hope of the full confirmation of their holinesse in the day of Christ.
And thus of the generall Doctrine.
The first thing in the exhortation to be considered, is the Proposition…: inwhich which, two things are to be marked. First, what Christ is; secondly, what the Christian must be in respect of Christ.
Christ is diversly described by the Apostle.There are five things in the description of Christ. First, hee is a gracious Lord: that is imported in the first word; To whom, that is, which gracious Lord, mentioned in the former verse. Whereby the Apostle applies that to Christ, which was before spoken of God generally, as he that is God with the Father, and as that person in whom the Lord shewes his graciousnesse to men. Secondly, he is a living stone. Thirdly, he is in respect of the world, and the base respect and usage of him, once disallowed of men. Fourthly, he is elect of God. Fiftly, he is precious.
Now, that which Christians must be and doe, that they may receive holinesse from Christ, is, that first, they must come unto him. Secondly, they must be lively stones. Thirdly, they must be built up in him. Fourthly, they must become a spirituall house. Fiftly, they must be a holy priesthood, to offer up spirituall sacrifices unto God, such as may bee acceptable in Jesus Christ. For, it is to be noted, that the word Are built up, may be rendred, Be ye built up: howsoever it be read, the intent is, to perswade them thereto. Ye are built up, that is, if you be right, that is a thing must not be wanting: so the sense is the same.
First, then, of the description of Christ. And therein, the first point of doctrine that offerethit selfe to our consideration, is, that Christ is a gracious Lord. He is a Lord and Master to all true Christians; and such a Lord and Master as never men served, for wonderfull graciousnesse. That he is a Lord to the faithfull, is evident by other Scriptures also, 1 Cor. 1.2. Hee is said to be a Lord to all that call upon him in every place. Thus David cals him, My Lord▪ Psal. 110.1. And great Apostles confesse themselves to be his servants, Rom. 1.1. I…. 1.2 Pet. 1.1. And that he is most gracious, the Apostle shews, when he tel…, that all Ages have cause to wonder at the marvellous kindnes that God hath shewed to men in Christ.
Eph. 1.7.The use may be both for information, instruction, and consolation.
First, we may … be informed, that Christ is God with the Father. For the which the Prophet David, Psal. 34. (whence the words of the for… borrowed) Give to God, the Apostle applies here unto Christ: and the reason of the application may in the second place informe us, that God is gracious to men onelyonly by Jesus Christ. It is impossible ever to feele or taste of Gods graciousnesse, but in his Sonne. And thirdly, wee are here told, as it were, that Christ is God visible. God is made visible and sensible … men by Jesus Christ: This is that mystery of godlinesse: God is manifested in the flesh.
Secondly, is Christ our Lord and Master? then these things will follow:
1. That we must live and die to Christ, Rom. 14.7, 8, 9. wee are not our owne men; we must live to him that died for us, 2 Cor. 5. ult. The love of Christ must constraine us, and all old things must bee passed, and all things must become new unto us. If Christ be our Lord, where is his service? he must rule us, and rule over us. If wee walke in the vanity of our minds, according to the deceiveable lusts of our old conversation, wee have not yet learned Christ, nor the truth that is in Jesus, Eph. 4. And therefore letus … looke to his wayes, as hee that must one day give account of … Christ, which will be judge both of quick and dead Rom. 14.
2. That every … bow at the name Christ, and every tongue must … his …, to the glory of God, Philip. 2.1. Rom. 14. Wee must all take motion of … supreme authority, and forme in our hearts, all possible reverence toward him.
3. VVee must not judge one another. For, what have wee to doe to judge another mans servant? He stands or fals to his owne Master, Rom. 14. 4, 9.
Thirdly, it ought to bee the singular joy of our hearts, that wee serve so glorious a Master. Never servants served such a Lord, as it may appeare by the enumeration of divers particular differences, As:
First, other masters are not wont to die for their vassals:Christ doth many waies excell earthly Lords towards his servants. Christ shed his blood for us, one drop of whose blood, was more precious then all the bloods of all the men in the world; and this he did, onelyonly to ransome and redeeme us, that wee might be a peculiar people unto him, Titus 2.13.
Secondly, never Master had such power to preferre his servants: Christ hath all power in heaven and in earth, Mat. 28. and all that, to enrich us.
Thirdly, we serve the best Master, because we serve him, that is King of Kings, and Lord of all other Lords, Revel. 19.
Fourthly, in the service of other masters, there is wonderfull difference of places, and many of the servants serve in the lowest, and basest offices, without hope of any gaine, or respect: But in Christ Jesus there is no difference, bond and free, male and female, Iew… and Grecian, &c. in Christ are all one, Col. 3.11.
Fiftly, other Lords may advance their servants to great places, but they cannot give them gifts to discharge them: but Christ doth enrich his servants with every needfull gift for the discharge of their callings, 1 Cor. 1.30. Eph. 1. ult.
Sixtly, other servants know, that their Lords may and doe die, and so they leave their servants usually unpreferd: But Christ lives for ever, as the Author of eternall salvation to them that obey him.
Seventhly, other Lords may take offence, and doe often put away their servants: But whom Christ loves, he loves to the end, so as whether they live, or die, they are still Christs, Rom. 14.8.
Eightly, no Lord can give such sure protection to his servants, as Christ gives to his: No man shall pluck them out of his hands, Efay 4.5, 6. Iob. 10. And whatsoever wrong is done unto them, he takes it as done to himselfe: and therefore the afflictions of his servants, are called the afflictions of Christ, 2 Cor. 1.4.
Ninthly, and lastly, never Lord was so boundlesse in his favour, Christ makes his servants his fellowes, 1 Cor. 1.9. They sit with him there in heavenly places, Eph. 2.5, 6. He is not ashamed to owne them as his brethren, Heb. 2. His servants he makes sonnes, and heires too: yea, heires with himselfe unto God, Rom. 8. Never man was so fond of his wife, as Christ is of his servants, Rom. 7.4. and all the booke of Canticles shewes it. Finally, they shall all mign with him and be partners with him in his glory, after they have laboured, and suffered a little: when hee appeares in glory, they shall bee for ever glorified with him.
Secondly, The second thing affirm'd of Christ, is, that hee is said to bee a living stone.
A living stone.]
A stone, and a living stone. The holy Ghost is used in Scripture to liken God and Christ unto a stone: so Gen. 49. 24. God is said to be the shepherd and stone of Israel, and Revel. 4.3. God is likened to a jasper stone, and Psal. 118.22. Christ is said to be the stone, which the builders refused: and so in many other places.
Christ is said to be a stone, three waies. First,Christ is three waies called a stone. For hee is either a rock or stone for refuge, because in Christ men may safely rest against all the surges, and waves of affliction in the sea of this world, Psal. 18. Secondly, Or else hee is a stone of stumbling, as the Prophet Esaiah called him long since, Chap. 8.14. And the Apostle Paul acknowledgeth the same, Rom. 9.33. and this Apostle in verse 6. following, Because wicked men take occasion from this doctrine of Christ to fall into sinne, and mischiefe, and because if Christ may not be the meanes of their salvation, hee will bee an occasion of their falling: but in neither of these senses is it taken here. Thirdly, But Christ is here likened to a foundation stone,… to signifie, that it is hee, upon whom all the Church must bee built. This is that stone, which was cut out of the mountaine without hands, Dan. 2.45. that hard stone of which the Prophet Zach…ry speakes. Chap. 4.7, 10.
He is said to be a living stone: and some thinke to liken him thereby to a flint stone, which being smitten, the sparkles (as if it had fire in it) give fire and light to other things. It is true, that Christ hath life in himselfe, and doth give the sparkles upon the flames of life and light to other men. But I thinke; the stone here doth not import so much by any likenesse in it, because it is a corner stone in the building, which usually neither is, nor can be of flint. But he is said to be a living stone, to distinguish him from materiall stones; and by that word living, to shew what the metaphor stone cannot resemble: For though a stone might shadow out the continuance, and eternity of Christ by the lastingnesse of it; yet life is given here to Christ, not onelyonly because he lives himselfe, and can doe no more, Rom. 6.9. But because he is by effects, life, that is, he makes life in the godly, whereby they become living stones also.
The maine doctrine here intented, is, that Christ is the onelyonly foundation of the Church.1 Cor. 7.8.
Ob. David is said to be a stone, and a hard stone of the corner, Psal. 118.
Sol. David was so onelyonly by way of type, his life being somewhat like the state of Christ, in respect in the oppositions of men, and preferment from God: and that that place doth specially belong to Christ, appeares by the application of Christ himselfe, Matth. 21.32.
Ob. But the Apostles are said to be the foundation of the church, Eph. 2.20.
Sol. The place is to be understood of the doctrine of the Apostles, which treats in one maine point of Christ.
Matth. 16.18.Ob. But the Church is founded upon Peter.
Sol. The Church is not builded upon Peter, but upon the rock, which was the confession of Peter, and so the doctrine of Christ: for the text doth not say super banc Petrum, but super banc Petram.
Vse. The use may be first, for confutation of the Papists, about their blasphemous doctrine, in ascribing this glory of being the foundation of the Church, unto Peter, and so to the Pope: which they doe most absurdly: for that place, Matth. 16.18. is not understood of Peters person, but of his confession. And besides, if it had beene true of Peter, by what word of Scripture shall it be proved, that it is true of the Pope, who is not once named in Scripture, except hee bee described as Antichrist? Besides, if the Church be built upon Peter, or the Pope, then it will follow, we must believe in Peter and the Pope, else wee cannot bee founded on them: which is extremely blasphemous: but that it may bee put out of all doubt, let us heare the testimonie of Peter himselfe, who best knew his owne right; and you see in this text, Peter saies, Christ is the living stone, and not hee.
This likewise imports the misery of all such, as runne after other gods, their sorrowes shall be multiplied. Psalm 16.4. They build in the sand, quite besides the foundation, and so doe the Papists, that put their trust in Saints and Angels.
But especially this should teach us, as wee are here exhorted, to build all our faith and hope in Christ, and to cleave to him in all uprightnesse of heart and life, and the rather, because this stone hath seven …, and most perfectly viewes all and every part of this building, that every stone bee set right, &c. Zachar. 3.9.
Especially we should rest upon this stone, when wee have any great sute to God: and have occasion, to continue to hold up your hands in praier, and so we shall prosper, as it was with Moses, Exod. 17.12.
Lastly, it should bee the singular joy of our hearts, when wee see the corner stone cast downe, and God begin to build in any place the work of godlinesse, and religion: Wee have more cause to rejoice for that spirituall worke, then the Iewes had to shout, when the corner stone of the Temple was brought out to bee laid for a foundation of the building, Zachar. 4.7, 10.
Thirdly, the third thing said of Christ, is, that he was disallowed of men
Disallowed of men.]
This is added of purpose, to prevent scandall, which might arise from the consideration of the meane entertainment, the Christian Religion found in the world.
The point is plaine, that Christ was disallowed of men: and this is evident in the stone: The greatest part of the world regarded him not: The Gentiles knew him not, and the Iewes received him not: Though three things in Christ were admirable; his doctrine; his life; his miracles: yet the Iewes beleeved not in him: Hee came unto his owne, and his owne received him not; Nay, they reviled him, called him Samaritane, and said, he had a Divell. They preferred a murtherer before him, and their wise men, even the Princes of this world, crucified the Lord of life and glory. This as it was storied by the Euangelists, so it was foretold by the Prophets: Esay. 53. and 49.8. and so we see, he is still of almost the whole world. The Pagans yet know him not: The Iewes yet renounce him: The Turk receiveth him but as a Prophet: The Papists receive him but in part; and wicked men denie him by their lives.
Vses. The first impression this should make in our hearts, is, admiration and astonishment. This should be marvellous in our eies, that men refuse the Sonne of God: miserable men, their Saviour; captives, their Redeemer, and poore men, such unspeakable riches as is offred in Christ, & that almost all mankind should be guilty of this sinne; so as in comparison, he should be Elect onelyonly of God.
Secondly, since this was foreseene and foretold, we should be confirmed against scandall, and like never a whit the worse of Christ or Religion, for the scornes and neglects of the world.
Thirdly, since the world disallowes Christ, we may hence gather, what account wee should make of the world and the men of the world: we have reason to separate from them that are separated from Christ, and not to love them that love not the Lord Jesus, 1 Cor. 16.23.
Fourthly, we may hence see, how little reason we have, to take the counsels and judgements of carnall men, though our friends, and never so wise in naturall or civill wisdome: their counsels were against Christ, they disallow Christ, and all Christian courses.
Fiftly, why are we troubled for the reproaches of men, and why doe we feare their revilings? Shall we heare, that Christ was disallowed, and shall we be so vexed, because we are despised? Nay rather let us resolve to despise the shame of the world: and to follow the author of our faith, even in this crosse also?
Sixtly, wee may be hence informed, that indiscretion or sinne, is not alwaies the cause of contempt: For Christ is disallowed, and yet without all spot of indiscretion or guile.
Seventhly, and chiefly, we should looke every one to our selves, that we be not of the number of those, that disallow Christ.
For Christ is still disallowed of men, and if any aske,
Question. Who are they, that in these daies bee guilty of disallowing of Christ?
Answer. I answer, Both wicked men, and godly men too.
Wicked men disallow him, and so doe divers sorts of them, as,
What kind of men disallow Christ.First, Hereticks, that denie his Divinity, or humanity, or his sufficiency, or authority, or his comming, as did those mockers mentioned, 2 Pet. 3.
Secondly, Schismaticks, that divide him, and rend his body mysticall, 1 Cor. 1.10.
Thirdly, Pharisees and merit-mongers, that by going about to establish their own righteousnesse, deny the righteousnesse of Jesus Christ, Rom. 10.4.
Fourthly, Apostataes, that falling from the fellowship they had with Christ, would crucifie him againe, Heb. 6. 2 Pet. 2.
Fiftly, Epicures and prophane persons that will sell Christ for a messe of pottage with Esau, and love their pleasure more then Christ, Heb. 12.16. 2 Tim. 3.
Sixtly, Papists: who therefore hold not the head, because they bring in the worship of Saints and Angels, Col. 2.19.
Seventhly, Whoremongers and fornicators, who give the members of Christ unto a harlot, 1 Cor. 6.15, 16.
Eighthly, Revilers: that speake evill of the good way of Christ, and reproach godly Christians, especially such as despise the Ministers of Christ. for he that despiseth them, despiseth Christ himselfe, Matth. 10.
Ninthly, Hypocrites: that professe Christ in their words, but denie him in their workes.
Tenthly, the fearefull: that in time of trouble dare not confesse him before men, Matth. 10.
Eleventhly, All wicked men: Because they neglect their reconciliation with God in Christ, and will not beleeve in him, nor repent of their sinnes: All that will not be reconciled, when God sends the word of reconciliation unto them, Esay 52.11.
Secondly, Godly men sinne against Christ, and are guilty of disallowing him.
1. When they neglect the establishing of their hearts in the assurance of faith.
2. When they faint and wax weary of praier, and trusting in God in the time of distresse, Luke 18.1, 8.
3. When our hearts wax cold within us, and are not inflamed with fervent affections after Christ. Wee neglect him, when wee doe not highly esteeme him above all earthly treasures, Phil. 3.9.
The fourth thing affirmed of Christ, is, that he is chosen of God.
Chosen of God.]
This is one thing we must carefully know, and effectually beleeve, concerning Christ, namely, that he is chosen of God. This was conscionably beleeved concerning him, as appeares, Esay 42.1. and 43.10. and 49.2. Mat. 12.18.Christ chosen of God diversly. Now, Christ may be said to bee chosen of God in divers respects. First, as he was from all eternity appointed and ordained of God to bee the Medi…tor and Redeemer of all mankinde, 1 Pet. 1.20. Secondly, as hee was called peculiarly of God from the wombe by a speciall Sanctification unto his office, Esay 49.1. Thirdly, as he was by solemne rites inaugurated unto the immediate execution of his office; …s, by baptisme, and the voice from heaven, &c. Math. 3. Fourthly, as hee was approved of God, and declared mightily to be the Sonne of God, and the Saviour of the world, by the glory done to him of God, notwithstanding the scornes and oppositions of the world, Esay 49.7.
The use may be both for Information and Instruction.
For, hence we may be informed concerning divers things.
First, that Gods work shall prosper, notwithstanding all the scornes or oppositions of men: God's choice is not hindred, but Christ is separated; and sanctified, and appointed to the work of redemption, the perversnesse of men notwithstanding. The unbeliefe of men cannot make the faith or fidelity of God of none effect, Rom. 3.
Secondly, that God doth not chuse as men doe. The meane things of this world (as the world accounts meane) and the vile things of this world may be deare in God's sight. For, as it was in the calling of Christ: so is it in the calling of Christians: such as the world disallowes, may be deare to God, 1 Cor. 1.27, 28.
Thirdly, Hence wee may note the free grace of God in the sending and giving his Sonne. He is faine to chuse for us: we did not chuse Christ first, Iohn 15.16.
Fourthly, That to chuse Christ, is, with Marie, to chuse the better part: it is to imitate God, and chuse like God, to forsake the world, and the wils; and lufts, and judgements of the wicked men of this world, and to cleave onelyonly to Christ, as our al-sufficient portion and happinesse.
Fifthly, That all the enemies of Christ shall be subdued either by conversion when they come in to worship Christ, or by confusion, when they are broken by the power of Christ. Even Kings shall submit themselves, and worship him that is thus abhorred and despised of men, &c. Esay 49.7.
Sixthly, That it is a singular happinesse to be chosen of God: it was the honour of Christ here, &c. And therefore, Blessed is the man whom God chuseth. Happy is the Christian whom God electeth; Psalm. 65.4. Luke 10.20.
Secondly, It should teach us divers duties.
First, to observe, and admire, and acknowledge the Lord Jesus, the Chosen of God, wee should with speciall regard confesse unto the glory of God herein, which the word Behold importeth, Esay 42.1. Wee should be Gods witnesses against the world, and all the servants of any strange god, that this Iesus of Nazareth is that Sonne of God, and Saviour of the world, Esay 43.10. It is one maine end of the praises of Christ in this place, To raise up our dull and dead affections to the highest estimation and admiration of Christ, and his glory with the Father, &c.
Secondly, Wee should learne of God, how to make our choice. On the one side is offered unto us the pleasures and profits of the world, and the inticements of sinne and Satan: and the other, in the Gospell of Christ is set forth and offered to us as the meanes of our happinesse. Now, it is our part to take to Christ, and renounce the world, and forgoe the pleasures of sinne, which are but for a season: wee should utterly refuse the voice of sinne, never to be the guests of such folly, but rather to listen to the voice of wisdome, Proverbs 7. and 8.
Thirdly, Is Christ chosen of God, that one of a thousand? Then it learnes the Church to be in love with him, yea, to be sick of love, as is imported, Canticles 5.8, 9, 10. An ordinary affection should not serve the turne: our hearts should be singularly inflamed with desire after such a match, found out and chosen of God for us.
Fourthly, wee should not rest here: but, when God hath declared his choice, (as he did by a witnesse from heaven, even his owne voice, Math. 17.5.) we should then heare Christ, and, as the Prophet saith, wait for his law, Esay 42.4.
Fifthly, Yea, we should so kisse the Sonne, whom God hath declared as King, by doing our spirituall homage unto him, as that wee resolved, both high and low, the greatest estate as well as the meanest, to serve him with all feare, and rejoyce before him with trembling: we must expresse our thankfulnesse by all possible obedience of heart and life, Psal. 2.11.
Sixthly, wee should follow his Colours, and take his pa…t, and contend for the truth against all the world, and in particular against Antichrist, that man of sinne, Revel. 17.14.
Seventhly, We should imitate the praises and vertues of this chosen One, especially in two things: to weet, humility and constancy, as the Prophet Esay sheweth, 42.2, 3, 4.
Lastly: And specially this Chosen, or rather this knowledge of this Chosen of God, should teach us to relie upon Christ without wavering, with all trust and confidence, for our reconciliation with God, for the obtaining of knowledge, comfort, deliverance, preservation, yea, and salvation too: for, this is he whom God hath given for a covenant to all people; and his soule delights in him: And therefore also wee may runne boldly to the Throne of grace, and put up our petitions by Christ. For, wee are here assured, that God will denie him nothing, as these places evidently shew: Psal. 42.6, 7, 8, 16. Psal. 49.6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Math. 12.17. to 22. But then we must looke to it, that wee observe the seasons and opportunity of grace, Esay 49.8. 2 Cor. 6. 2. Let us therefore embrace, while God is to be found, and offers us Christ: for, wee may seeke when God will not be found, as Es… sought the blessing when it was too late, Heb. 12.15.
And further: this may serve for singular terrour to all unbeleevers, that will not have Christ to rule over them. He is elected already of God, and therefore will mightily pursue all the enemies of God and the Church, and all those that disobey him whom God hath chosen: hee will pursue them both with the terrours of his Word, his mouth being made like a sharpe sword, and with the plagues of his hand, being made like a polished shaft, Esay 49.…. He will appeare to wicked men in the day of wrath, as a mighty man, and as a man of warre: though to his owne hee be as a Lamb, to them hee will be as a Giant: they shall not be able to resist; and though hee lift not up his voice in the streets of his people, yet hee will set upon them with roaring, and singular terrour, even with all the signes of furious displeasure: and though for a time hee may seeme to put up the contempt of men that disallow him, yet at the length hee will not refraine, and will destroy at once, &c. Esay. 42.13. 14, 15.
Besides: This doctrine of Christs chosen, or of Gods choice, should notably check that unbeliefe and fearefulnesse that is too often found even in …, in the deare servants of God. When God hath published his election of Christ for the service of our redemption, why doth some say, The Lord hath forsaken, and his Lord hath forgotten him? Can God forget his people? or will hee ever denie his Chosen? Shall not Christ be regarded in our behalfe, who is the person whom his soule loveth? Esay 49.8, &c. 13, 14, 15, 16.
Precious.]
Christ is precious many …yes.First, in respect of his nature: hee is the choicest … in heaven and earth; never such a man: all the creatures in heaven and in earth are inferiour to him. Secondly, In respect of his gifts: he is qualified with all the treasures of wisdome and grace, above all his fellowes, Col. 2.3. Psal. 45. Thirdly, In respect of his works: never creature did works of such price, so usefull, so exquisite, so transcendent. Fourthly, In respect of his sufferings: he paid such a price to God in the ransom of man, as all the world besides could not raise, or any way make. Fiftly, In respect of effects: he gives the most precious things: no treasures like those may be had from him: his very promises are precious, 2 Pet. 1.4.
This may serve, first, to informe us in divers things: as,
First, Concerning that matchlesse love of God to us, that gave us his Son who is so precious, Rom. 8.34.
Secondly, Concerning the horrible sinne of Iudas and the high Priests, that valewed him but at thirty pieces.
Thirdly, Concerning the most miserable condition of all prophane people, and persons, even whole multitudes of people, that so neglect Christ, that can with Esau sell him for trifles, pleasures, or profits, even as meane sometimes, as a messe of pottage, &c. The more glorious Christ is, the more vile is their sinne of neglect, or contempt of Christ. Woe to them, that disallow him then: Even to all those sorts of men before mentioned … Christ will not be a foundation stone to support them, nor a precious stone to enrich them, but as the upper and nether milstone to grinde them to pieces, or as a rock falling upon them.
Quest. But what should be the reason, that Christ is in no more request amongst men?
Answer. First, One cause is mans ignorance,Causes why Christ is no more precious with men. both of their owne misery out of Christ, as also of the glory of Christ in himselfe, and of the priviledges man might attaine by him, and of the singular glory to come.
Secondly, Another cause is unbeliefe. Men have a secret kind of Atheisme in them, and doe not beleeve the report of the servants of Christ out of the Word, Esay 53.1, 3.
Thirdly, Another cause is, that the most men looke upon the out-side of the Kingdome of Christ, and of the estate of Christians; which, because they finde it covered with afflictions, and seated in a low condition without outward splendour, they therefore contemne it: Our life is hid with Christ in God, Colos. 3.3.
Fourthly, But the maine reason is, because men doe falsly esteeme of other things, they set so high a price upon their pleasures, profits, lusts, credits, honours, hopes, &c. that Christ is not remembered nor valued, unlesse it be at Iudas his rate, and yet many will not valew him at so much as thirty pence, but they will make shipwrack of a good conscience even for a peny, I meane for extreame small gaine, in buying and selling, and such like dealing.
And thus much of the third thing we may be informed of.
The last is, concerning the wealthy estate of all true Christians. How rich are they, that possesse this Mine of treasure, who have his spirit, graces, righteousnesse, ordinances, and glory!
And as it may thus informe us, so it should …each us.
Vse 2. First, To account of Christ as most precious, to esteeme of him as ever precious in our eyes, and shew it;
1. By seeking to get Christ above all gettings.Pro. 8.11, 16.
2. By accounting all things but as dust and dung, in comparison of the excellent knowledge of Iesus Christ, Phil. 3.8.
3. By selling all, to buy this precious stone, Math. 13. forsaking father and mother, house and land for Christs sake, and the Gospels.
4. By keeping our communion with Christ with all carefulnesse.
5. By avoiding all the waies, by which Christ is disallowed and disesteemed.
6. By longing for, and loving his appearing, 2 Tim. 4. hasting to it, and looking for his comming, 2 Pet. 3.
Secondly, to consecrate our selves, and whatsoever is deare, and precious to God, and the service of Christ, striving to be a precious people, and peculiar to God, zealous of good things, and workes, Tit. 2.12, 14. 1 Cor. 6.20.
Thirdly, Wee should live like such, as having attained so precious a treasure.
1. Living by the faith of the Sonne of God, Gal. 2.20.
2. Not being the servants of men, 1 Cor. 7.2, 3.
3. Keeping our selves from all pollution, by which the Kingdome of God may be defiled, laying up this treasure in a pure conscience.
Lastly, Ministers, that know, that there is no other foundation but this living and precious stone, should studie by all meanes to build gold, silver, and precious stones, and not hay and stubble, striving like skilfull masterbuilders, to make the whole frame some-way answerable to the foundation, 1 Cor. 3.12.
Thus of the description of Christ. Now followeth what Christians must doe, that from Christ they may receive vertue for the attaining of holinesse of life.
First they must come unto him.
To whom comming.]
Five points in generall.Divers things may here be noted in the generall.
First, that men may come unto Christ, even while they are on earth.
Secondly, that naturall men, or naturally men are absent from Christ, or without Christ.
Thirdly, that without comming to Christ, we can never be sanctified.
Fourthly, that all, that once take taste of the sweetnesse of Christ in his ordinances, will come unto him.
Fiftly, that to come to Christ, is a continuall worke: Christians are stil comming, their life is but a continued journey to Christ, or a daily seeking out of Christ, &c.
But in particular I especially consider two things.
First, how many waies men come to Christ.
Secondly, in what manner men must approach to Christ.
We come to Christ many ….First, we must come to Christ divers waies.
First and chiefly, by beleeving in him: we must draw neere to Christ by the assurance of faith, Heb. 16.22.
Secondly, by making him our daily refuge in praier, using him as our continuall mediator, and advocate, Psal. 65.12. Ierem. 31.9. carrying all our petitions to him, in all our distresses making our mo…ne to him, as the Client doth to the Counsellor,Esay 9.6. or as the oppressed doe to the judge.
Thirdly, by the frequenting his ordinances, viz. the Word and Sacraments, thus to come to his feasts, even to his great Supper, Prov. 9. Luke 14. 17. &c. Matth. 22. Thus we come to worship.
Fourthly, by contemplation, remembring him, and setting our affections on him, thinking on him that … at the right hand of God, Col. 3.1.
Fiftly, by receiving his servants, and visiting them in their distresses: He that receiveth them, receiveth Christ, Matth. 10. and to visit them in prison, is to come unto Christ, or to visit Christ, Matthew 26.
But the foure first waies are especially …, and the first chiefly.
For the second:
We must come to Christ.
First, speedily: as, the men that suffer shipwrack, quickly haste to the shore.In what manner we must come to Christ.
Secondly, penitently: going and weeping wee must go…, Iorem. 50.4. He cals to him sinners, and that to repentance, Matth. 9.13. we must come weary and heavie loaden, Matth. 11.28. wee must returne and come, Esay 25.12. and not, as they Ier. 7.9, 10. Zachar. 14.1, &c, that came in their sins with Idols in their hearts: wee should come to Christ, as Benhadad did to A…ab, with ropes about our necks: that is, with all readinesse to professe against our selves our owne vile deserts.
Thirdly, confidently: and with perswasion of faith, resting in his goodnesse, and casting out feare and doubts, Heb. 10.22. and 11.6. as the Le…r came to Christ, Matth. 8.2. Heb. 4.16.
Fourthly, affectionately: we must come to him, as the love comes to her lover: so the Church to Christ, Canticles 2.10, 13.
Fiftly, importunately, as the woman of Canaan did; so as wee will be set downe with no repulses or delaies, Mat. 15. as they with the Palsey-man, Mat. 9. Hosh. 6.1, 2. and as hee teacheth us to come to God, Luke 18.1, 2, 3, &c. and as Iob resolves, Chap. 27.2, 3, 7.
Sixtly, orderly: wee should doe as Iob said: we should order our cause before him, and fill our mouthes with arguments, Iob. 23.3, 4.
Seventhly, obediently. Wee should come to Christ, as children to their fathers, and as the people to their lawgiver, to receive commandements at his mouth; so as our hearts might answer, eloe, I come to doe thy will.Psal. 40.7. If we would have God or Christ come to us, we must be such as David promiseth for himselfe, Psalm 101.1, 2, 3, 4.
Eighthly, sincerely. And we must shew our sincerity,
1. By forsaking the way of the foolish, Prov. 9.6, 23, 4.
2. By comming in the truth of our hearts. For an hypocrite cannot stand before him without flattering lying, dissimulation, or wavering; not as the Israelites came to God, Psal. 78. 32, 34. So as Christ may discerne, that wee have a true thirst, whatsoever we want, Iohn. 7. 37.
3. Thirdly, by renouncing all other hopes, as they said of God, Io…. 3.22.
4. By resolving to cleave to Christ in a perpetuall covenant, Ier. 50.5.
5. By comming to Christ, notwithstanding dangers or difficulties: though it were with Peter to leap into the Sea, Matth. 14.29. or with the wisemen to come from the East, Matth. 2. and though we find Christ in a prison Matth. 25. and though it were to denie our selves, and to take up our Crosse daily, Luke 9.24.
Vse. The use of all this should be chiefly to perswade with every one of us to make conscience of this dutie to come unto Christ, and the rather considering,
First, the necessity of … here imported,Many are the reasons why we should come to Christ. in that without co…ing to Christ wee cannot possibly attaine unto sound reformation of life: without Christ we can doe nothing.
Secondly, the incouragements we have to come to him, and these … many. For,
1. If we consider the invitation of Christ, he calls us to come unto him, wee cannot displease him by comming, but by not comming and neglecting him, Matth. 11.29. Cant…. 2.10, 13. Matth. 22.3. Ioh. 5.40.
2. If wee consider the persons invited, or who may come: The simple may come, Prov. 9.3. The strangers may come, even … from …, Esay 49.12. & 56.4. Any that are …, may come, Iohn. 7.3…. Yea, the basest and meanest may come, which is signified by that of the Parable,Matth. 22. that they by the hedges and high-way side are compelled to come in: nor is there any exceptions at mens sinnes, but sinners may come, Matth. 9.13. Yea such, as are wounded and smitten for their sinnes, may come, Hos. 6. …. &c.
Thirdly, if we consider our entertainment when we come. He adopts all that come to him, Iohn 1.12. He is ravished with affection towards them: wee cannot more please him, than by comming to him, Gant. 4.8, 9. They are sure they shall not bee rejected; Iohn 6.37. Christ will ease them in all their sorrows, Mat. 11.29. He will heale them of all their diseases, of which the bodily cures were pledges in the Gospell. Hee will bee as Manna from heaven to them: they shal never hunger, Ioh. 6. yea, he wil be life to them; the life of their present lives, and eternall life: they shall live for ever, Iohn 5.40.
Thus of the first things required in Christians. The second is, They must be lively stones.