Brief Exposition of Galatians and Ephesians, Exposition 2 · Chapter 3 · Verse and explication 5
Vers. 6. That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ, by the Gospel.
THe Apostle doth here give a brief sum of that mystery, which was revealed unto him, as to that part of it, at least, which was most controverted, to wit, that the Pagan Gentiles were now called to enjoy, and real Believers among them actually did enjoy most excellent priviledges. As, first, of being joynt-heirs of the heavenly inheritance with the Believers of the Jewish Nation, Gal. 3. 29. and with Christ Himself, Rom. 8. 17. Secondly, of being incorporated with the Church of God in one mysticall body, whereof Christ is the Head. See, upon Eph. 1. -22, 23. And, thirdly, of partaking with the believing Jews of the Covenantpromise made by God to Abraham and his seed, Gen. 17. 7. so that they were now within the bond of the Covenant of Grace. He declareth also, that all those priviledges were purchased for them, and freely bestowed upon them by Christ, and by vertue of their being in Him by faith, in whom they had equal interest with the believing Jews themselves; and that they were brought to this happy estate by the alone-preaching of the Gospel, and by faith in it, without the ceremoniall Law and Circumcision. All which were mysteries to the ancient Church. See upon ver. 5. Doct. 4. Hence, Learn, 1. There is a necessary concatenation among those three, to wit, a right to heaven, union with Christ's mysticall body, and saving interest in the Covenant of Grace. The enjoying of any one whereof, implyeth the other two: and if one of those be wanting, the rest are wanting also: for, the Apostle speaketh of them, as mutually depending one upon another; That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, &c. 2. As every renewed childe of God is an heir of the heavenly inheritance; So the multitude of heirs doth not lessen the inheritance, nor make the priviledge of being an heir of heaven the lesse glorious; yea, it addeth unto the glory of it: for, he placeth a great part of their priviledge in this, not simply, that they were heirs, but fellow-heirs. 3. It is a great and glorious priviledge to be a part of that mysticall body, whereof Christ is Head; and that because of the strict union, which such have with Christ (See, ver. 17.) and with all Believers in Christ, Eph. 2. -15. and because of that influence of life and spirit, which, being in Christ without measure, Joh. 3. -34. is communicated unto them, every one in his own measure; Eph. 4. 16. as also because of their interest in all the common priviledges of that body, Rom. 8. 30. and in the gifts and graces of every member thereof, 1 Cor. 3. 22. for, Paul speaketh of this, as an excellent priviledge bestowed on the Gentiles under the new Testament, even that they should be of the same body. 4. It is a priviledge no lesse great and glorious, to have saving interest in the Covenant of Grace and the promises thereof; for, thereby we have accesse to both the former priviledges; and all the saving blessings of that Covenant, comprised in the many large precious, and comprehensive promises thereof, do become ours: for, the Apostle speaketh of this, as of another excellent priviledge bestowed upon the Gentiles, even, that they should be partakers of His promise. 5. As Jesus Christ hath purchased all those glorious priviledges and saving blessings, to which the people of God can lay any claim, or interest; So there is no actuall enjoyment of any part of His purchase, except by those who are savingly in Christ, and united to Him by faith: for, this expression, in Christ, speaketh both that those things were purchased by Him, and were enjoyed by their being in Him; partakers of His promise in Christ. 6. The Gospel (especially when it is preached by a sent Minister, Rom. 10. 15.) is a powerfull mean, through Gods blessing, for gaining ground upon most desperate sinners, and for prevailing with them to close by faith with Christ, as He is offered; by vertue whereof their state is changed, and they made holy, happy and blessed: for, the Gentiles, whose desperate case in time past was set forth, Chap. 2. 12. are now made fellow-heirs of one body, partakers of His promise in Christ, or being united to Him, and this all by the Gospel.