A Confession of My Faith and a Reason of My Practice, Part 2
Of Election.
1. I believe that Election is free and permanent, being founded in Grace, and the unchangeable will of God. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of Grace: And if by Grace, then it is no more of works; otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more of grace, otherwise work is no more work. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this Seal, the Lord knoweth who are his. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated, according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the conusail of his own will. Rom. 11.5, 6. 2 Tim. 2.19. Eph. 1.11.
2. I believe that this decree, choyce or election, was before the foundation of the world; and so before the elect themselves, had being in themselves; For God who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were, stayes not for the being of things, to determine his eternal purpose by; but having all things present to, and in his wisdome, he made his choice before the world was. Rom. 4.17. Eph. 1.4. 2 Tim. 1.9.
3. I believe, that the decree of election is so far off, from making works in us foreseen, the ground or cause of the choyce, that it containeth in the bowels of it, not onelyonly the persons, but the graces that accompany their salvation. And hence it is, that it is said; Wa are predestinated to be conformed to the image of his son; not because we are, but, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, unto Good workes, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. He blessed us according as he chose us in Christ. And hence it is again that the salvation and calling of which we are now made partakers, is no other then what was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began; according to his eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Eph, 1.3, 4. chap. 2 10. chap. 3.8, 9, 10, 11. 2 Tim. 1.9. Rom 8.26.
4 I believe that Christ Jesus is he in whom the elect are alwayes considered, and that without him there is neither election, Grace, nor salvation. Having predestinated us to the adoption of children, by Jesus Christ to himself; according the good pleasure of his will: to the praise of the glory of his grace: Wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace. That in the dispensasation of the fullness of times, he might gather together in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are in earth even in him. Neither is their salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Eph. 1.5, 6, 7.10. Act. 4.12.
5. I believe, that there is not any impediment attending the election of God, that can hinder their conversion, and eternal salvation. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justifyed; and whom he justifyed them he also glorifyed: What shall we say to these things; if God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's eiect? It is God that justifyeth: Who is he that condemneth? &c. What then? Israel hath not obta…ned that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the Lord of hosts; though their land was filled with sin, against the holy one of Israel. When Ananias made intercession against Saul, saying, Lord I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem, and here he hath authority from the high-priest to bind all that call upon thy name. What said God unto him? Go thy way, for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel, Rom. 8.30, 31, 32, 33, 34. chap. 11.7. Jer. 51.5. Act. 9.12, 13, 14, 15.
6 I believe that no man can know his election, but by his calling. The vessels of mercy, which God afore prepared unto Glory, do thus claim a share sherein: Even us, say they, whom he hath called, not onelyonly of the Jews, but also of the Gentiles; As he also saith in O see; I will call them my people, which were not my people, and her beloved, which was not beloved, Rom. 9.23, 24, …5
7 I believe therefore, that election doth not forestall or prevent the means which are of God appointed to bring us to Christ, to grace and glory; but rather putteth a necessity upon the use and effect thereof; because they are chosen to be brought to heaven that way: that is by the faith of Jesus Christ, which is the end of effectual calling. Wherefore the rather brethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure. 2 Thes. 2.13, 1 Pet. 1.12. 2 Pet. 1.10.