Sermons Volume 2, 2 Corinthians 5 · Sermon 2
SERMON II.
2 Cor. 5.1.
For we know that if our earthly House of this Tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an House not made with hands, Eternal in the Heavens.
I come now to the Third Consideration.
III. THat a sure confidence of this happy and Blessed Condition may be had. For 1. Here is a sure right. [We have.] A Christian not only shall have Heaven at last, but he hath it for the present; he is not only sure of it at the close of his days, but now he hath it: He hath not a possession of this upper House, but he hath a full right to it, and is expecting and waiting when God shall call him up thither, and is still preparing for his remove, and ripening for his everlasting estate. The Scripture speaketh this in many other places, Joh. 3.36. He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life. So John 5.24. Verily, verily he that heareth my word, and believeth in him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into Condemnation, but is passed from death to life. So Joh. 6.54. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my Blood, hath everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day. How hath he it now? He hath it, 1. In Promise. In the promises of the Gospel, when we take hold of the promise, we take hold of the blessing by the root. Therefore believers are said to take hold of eternal life, 1 Tim. 6.12—19. namely, as they take hold of the promise by which their right is secured to them. As soon as he is converted to God, he is made an heir of eternal life, God hath made a Charter and Grant to him, he hath it upon such terms as he is out of the hazard of perishing. He hath Jus ad rem, though not in re, as a man hath a Title to the estate which he is to possess after the death of another. We have it and hold it by Covenant right, though not by actual possession.
2. He hath it in Capite. In his Head, Eph. 2.6. He hath raised us up, and made us to sit together in Heavenly places in Jesus Christ. Though our glorification be yet to come yet the Apostle speaketh it all already past when the Father raised and glorified Christ. He hath, it in Christ who is the Fountain, Cause and Pledge of it. He rose again, and entred into Heaven as our Head. Christ seized upon Heaven in our right, and possesseth it in our name, John 14.2. I go to prepare a place for you. Though for the present we lye groaning under pressures and miseries, and though we are not glorified in our persons, yet in Christ our Head we are. The Head is Crowned for all the rest of the members; which sheweth an undoubted certainty, a greater certainty than that of a simple prediction and promise, even such a certainty as the giving of a pledge, or the suffering us to take possession in our name of an estate. 3dly. They have it in spe & …ide, in the sure belief and certain expectation of it, Heb. 11.1. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith and hope we praeoccupy and fore tast those eternal and excellent delights which God hath prepared for us. The certain expectation in some measure affecteth the heart, as if they were already injoyed. This hope is not a fancy, like the supposal, or bare imagination of a begger, what an happy life he might lead, if he were a King, but the expectation of a Prince who is the undoubted Heir of the Crown, and knoweth that one day he shall possess it▪ 4thly. In primitiis, in the first fruits, which are grace and comfort, and begun Communion with Christ, which are both a tast how good, and a pledge how sure, called the earnest, Eph. 1.13. Our present Communion with Christ and delight in him▪ 'tis an Heaven upon Earth, as the sweet odours of Arabia are smelt in the neighbouring Countries.
2. Here is a certain confidence; [We know.] 'Tis not only we think, or we hope, but, we know. No man calleth that knowledge which is but a conjecture. Therefore a certain knowledge is here understood, a knowledge not built upon probabilities, but certainties; only here will be the question whether this knowledge that I shall be saved or go to Heaven when I dye, be the knowledge of faith, or the knowledge of sense? I answ. It is both. The Scripture sometimes expresseth it barely by knowing, sometimes by believing. 1. By knowing, as 1 Joh. 2, 3. We know, that we know him, if we keep his Commandments, and 1 Joh. 3.14. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the Brethren. 1 Joh. 413. Hereby we know that we dwell in him, and he in us, because we love the Brethren. In all which places it implieth Spiritual sense; we feel it, we find it to be so, by reflection upon our selves. Again sometimes our particular happiness, or the grace of God to us is made to be a matter of Faith, Rom. 6.8. If we be dead with Christ, we believe we shall also live with him. So 1 Joh. 4.16. We have known, and believed the Love which God hath to us. Mark, 'tis a thing to be believed, and that with a Divine Faith. Qu. But how can this be, you will say, since I have no Divine Testimony and Revelation for it that I shall be saved? Answ. If I take any thing upon mans Testimony, that is Credulity, if I take it upon Gods Testimony, that is Faith. Now I have Gods Testimony in the general, that whosoever believeth, shall be saved. And particulars are included in their generals. Look as with that faith, that believeth the Commandments, Psal. 119.66. I believe that it is the will of God that I must not steal, I must not Commit Adultery, dishonour Parents, because God hath said so to all and every one, though not to me by name: So with that faith which I believe promises, I believe they belong to me, though my name be not expressed in Christs Charter and Deed of grace, if I have the qualification annexed. The qualification I discern by Spiritual sense, the benefit of the promise I expect by faith, even salvation to me; 'tis a matter to be believed upon supposition that I am converted and brought home to God: As in this Syllogism, All the dead shall rise; Peter is dead; ergo: the Conclusion is de fide, it belongeth to faith, though it be not expresly written in Scripture; the first Proposition is evident by faith, the second by sense, and yet the conclusion is de fide. So here, all that heartily come to God by Jesus Christ shall be saved, this is written in Scripture; but I do so, that is evident by Spiritual sense; the Conclusion is de fide, I am bound to believe that I shall be saved: if it be so upon supposition, the Conclusion doth arise from premises, one whereof is in Scripture, the other evident by Spiritual sense: Therefore It is of faith. Only let me give you these cautions. 1. The particular certainty of our eternal Salvation is not equal in certainty and firmness of assent, to that assurance which we have about the Common object of faith the promises of the Gospel: Because some things are believed absolutely and immediately, other things are believed only mediately, and upon supposition as they suit with things believed immediately. The promises of the Gospel are totally and immediately revealed in Scripture. But that I shall be saved in particular dependeth upon an Argument, whereof one part is in Scripture, the other ariseth from reflection upon, and observation of a mans heart and ways; the Conclusion is certain according to the verity of the second Proposition. 'Tis absolutely certain and evident by faith, that whosoever believeth in Christ shall not perish, but have everlasting life. But that I believe in Christ with a saving faith▪ 'tis not so certain, though certain it may be. I have greater assurance that God is faithful and true, then that my heart is upright. Therefore greater assurance of the general truth, that the true believer shall be saved, then I can have of this, that I am a true believer. 2dly. As our assurance of our own interest or particular Salvation is not so strong, as our assurance of the truth of the Gospel: So 'tis not so absolutely necessary. For, firm adherence to Gospel promises with a resolution of obedience is the qualification absolutely necessary to the Pardon of sins, Justification of our persons, or our acceptance with God: But assurance of our own Salvation, though it be comfortable, 'tis not absolutely necessary. The humble and broken heart God will not despise, Psal. 51.17. Many poor Souls that want assurance are tenderly beloved of him, owned by him as heirs of Salvation, and their good works accepted in Jesus Christ, that do only resolvedly adhere to Gospel promises, and seek after God in the way of an humble obedience, yea though they write bitter things against themselves. 3dly. Assurance of the Word is sooner gotten than assurance of our interest; assoon as the Word entreth upon, yea before it can have any thorow efficacy upon our hearts, we receive it as the word of God, or else 'twould not work upon us, 1 Thes. 1.5. & 1 Thes. 2.13. Assurance of our own Salvation is not usually got at once, but by degrees, after we have had some experience of a setled, and habitual devotedness to God, and grace hath been well exercised and approved in manifold duties, tryals, and combats, Rev. 2.17. To him that evercometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna; and this establishment of heart will come after conquest, and some experience in afflictions.
3dly. 'Tis propounded as a common priviledge. You, and I, and all the suffering Servants of God, we know. When we prove the possibility of assurance from the experience of the Saints recorded in Scripture; as put case, Job 19.25, 26. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that I shall see him at the last day, or David, Psal. 23.1. or Paul, 2 Tim. 4.7, 8. From all which instances there ariseth this Argument, That which hath been, may be. The Papists answer, That these were extraordinary cases that they had by special priviledge and revelation. But there is no reason for such exemptions. For the Faith of every Believer is as acceptable to God, as the Faith of a Prophet or Apostle, 2 Pet. 1.1. Simon Peter a Servant and an Apostle of Jesus Christ to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, through the righteousness of God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. The object laid hold upon is the same, Christs Righteousness; there we are upon equal terms. So Exod. 30.15. The Covenant by which we hold is the same. But chiefly take notice of these three things, 1. They assert their own assurance upon grounds common to all the faithful; as the love of God in Christ, Rom. 8.38. The Righteousness of God, or his veracity in keeping promise, 2 Tim. 4.8. Gods Power and All-sufficiency to maintain and uphold them in all Tribulations, 2 Tim. 1.12. They that build upon the same grounds, they may have the same certainty. 2. They speak as taking in Believers together with themselves; to shew that 'tis a common case, as here, foreign, We are always confident. And St. John taketh in others, 1 John 5.19. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lyeth in wickedness. So that here is nothing singular challenged or intimated. 3. Whatever was written, was written for our comfort and learning. That we might be incouraged by the grace given to them, to look up to God with the more hope for the same priviledges. Paul, who was one of the Instances, saith, That he was set out as a Pattern unto them that should afterwards believe, 1 Tim. 1.17. Though his humiliation were extraordinary, yet he had his comforts in an ordinary way by the Ministry of Ananias. I come now to the fourth Consideration.
IV. That this sure Confidence of our own right in it, and future possession of it, doth fortify the Soul against all the difficulties, dangers, and pressures of the present life, yea, against Death itself.
This last Proposition I am now to make good. And First, I shall speak of the sure and certain confidence. Secondly. Of the force and strength of it.
1. The Confidence is two-fold. Of the Thing, and of the Person.
1. Of the certainty of the thing itself. 2. Of our own right in it, and future possession of it.
1. Of the Certainty of the thing itself For till that be rooted in the Soul, it will have no predominancy in controlling & commanding the passions & affections. Now of the thing itself, all true Christians have, and should a certain and infallible knowledge, not a may be, not a bare possibility. 'Tis not enough to say it's possible there may be an Heaven, and happiness hereafter; But 'tis certain: I know 'tis as true as the Word of God is true, 'tis as true as if I saw it with my eyes, as true as the things which I daily see, Acts 24.14, 15. I believe all things (saith Paul) which are written in the Law and the Prophets; and have hope towards God, which they themselves allow, that there shall be a Resurrection of the Just, and Vnjust. This is no doubtful thing to a Believer, by the Word of God 'tis more sure, than if there were a message sent from the dead: for if Men do not regard what is in Moses and the Prophets, they would not regard what one saith to them, who cometh from the dead, Luke 16.30, 31. If one should come from Hell in flaming Garments, or from Heaven with all the Brightness and Glory which all the blessed Saints might be thought to appear in; there were not a greater Credibility in these Visions and apparitions, that what is commonly offered in the Scriptures. Why? How cometh the believer to have such a prospect into an unknown world, to be so sure and certain? I answer, Partly the internal grace of Gods Spirit, opening the eyes of his mind, to see the truth and worth of things to come, Eph. 1.17, 18. And partly, by the promise of God in his Word confirmed by his oath, and that giveth foreign, Heb. 6.17, 18. Strong consolation. And the seal of Miracles, Heb. 3.4. And fulfilled prophecies, 2 Pet. 1.19. with 16, 17, 18. The Old Testament foretold the Kingdom of the Messiah, and the previledges thereof long before it came to pass. A transient voice is more easily mistaken, and forgotten than a standing Authentick Record (as Samuel thought Eli spake, when the Lord first revealed his word unto him) and so offereth a more sure ground for our faith to rest upon, than a voice from Heaven could be. Besides this word of promise beareth Gods Image and superscription, as every thing doth which hath past his hand, even to a g…at and pile of grass, and so shineth to us by its own light, if man were not strangely depraved and corrupted by vile affections, 2 Cor. 4.2, 3, 4. By the manifestation of the Truth, commending our selves to every mans Conscience. For if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to those that are lost, in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the Glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the Image of God, should shine unto them. The Truth of its self commandeth its own respect, if men were not strangely perverted and infatuated they would see it; cure the faculty and the object is clear enough, and would evidence it self; As the Sun is seen by its own light. Besides, this offer of pardon and life by Christ, hath been Blessed by God to the conversion of many Souls, in all places, and throughout all succession of Ages, Col. 1.6. The word is come unto you as it is in all the world, and bringeth forth fruit as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it and knew the grace of God in Truth. That word which bringeth forth the fruits of an holy life in all those that heard of it, and received it, is the very Truth of God, Joh. 17.17. Sanctifie them through thy Truth, thy word is Truth. In the first Age, Christ did swiftly drive on the Chariot of the Gospel; for within a few years after his death in all the parts of the world it obtained its effect, and since it hath held up its head against all encounters of time, and therefore we may safely venture our eternal interests on this bottom, and build upon the promise of eternal life, given us by Christ. Besides, God hath given the Spirit, which is Gods earnest, sealing us up to the day of finall Redemption, 2 Cor. 1.22. and 2 Cor. 5.5. and Eph. 1.13, 14. Now the Spirit first confirmeth the Scripture, before it confirmeth our particular interest, and its joys being dispensed to the most holy men, in their most sober & severest moods, cannot be a phantastical impression, but doth convince us of the reality and excellency of the unseen Glory. And therefore upon all these grounds a believer is confident. We know, there is a Blessed state reserved in the Heavens for all that believe in Christ and Love God. We do not build upon the promise of a deceitful man, but upon the word of the everliving God; and hence ariseth the strength of our comfort. Our interest is a thing rather supposed than apparently asserted and pleaded in Scripture, and if men did not leap into faith, by the advantage of their Baptism and education, rather than take it up solid and certain evidence, there would not be such ado about it: As fire well kindled, of its self bursts out into a flame: SO if we did believe these things more firmly, our joy would soon be full, 1 Joh. 1.4. These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. As if the certainty of religion well apprehended would soon make way for Joy; And full Joy.
2dly The certainty of the person. We know that we have a present right, and shall have a future possession. The certainty of the thing it self dependeth upon the promise of God, who is able to give it. and hath decreed so to do: And to that end hath signified his purpose, and confirmed his promise, by an oath; yet because the promise requireth a qualification, and performance of duty in the person, to whom the promise is made; therefore before we can be certain of our own interest, we must not only perform the duty. and have the qualification, but we must certainly know that we have done that which the promise requireth, and are duly qualified, and then our Title to Heaven is incomparably more sure, than any man's Title to his possessions, and inheritance here upon Earth. Therefore,
I shall here first shew, What are the qualifications of those who shall have this Blessed Estate. Secondly, The several degrees of certainty about our interest. Thirdly, What reasons there are, why we should attend upon this work with all diligence; that we may come to a full confidence.
1. What are the qualifications of those who shall have this Blessed Estate? 'Tis the most Important Question which we can put to our Souls, Psal. 24. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his Holy Place? Who shall be admitted into the place of his special residence? I anwer, 1. Sometimes, they are described by their faith in Christ: As Joh. 11.25, 26. He that believeth and liveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never dye, or not dye for ever, as the word may be rendred: The true believer that so believeth in Christ, that he liveth in him, that is, who hath accepted of Gods Covenant, and is become Christs disciple, observing his strict spiritual laws, and running all hazards for his sake, united to Christ so as to live in him. Bodily death shall not extinguish the life which is begun and maintained by faith in Christ, Joh. 6.40. This is the will of him that sent me, that every one that seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day. This is Gods express will. The poor sinner needeth not doubt of it; if you do see the Son, and believe on him, that is, see him, and know him Spiritually, see him in the light of the Spirit. Heretofore men saw him bodily, and had no benefit. And now many see him in the Common report and Tradition by the light of humane credulity, that have no benefit by him. But those that see him in the Promise have a Right and Title; that see him so, as to see beauty in him, that they can trample upon all things as Dung and Dross, renounce themselves, and all worldly and fleshly lusts, and flee to him as their All-sufficient Saviour, and can venture their Souls in his hand, and give up themselves to keep his Commandments, and abide in his Love. In short; those who so believe in him, as to live in him, and to him. 2dly. They are described to be new Creatures, or the sanctified, Joh. 3.3, 5. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. And again, v. 5. Cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Heaven is the Inheritance of Saints, Col. 1.12. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light. And Acts 26.18— That they may receive Forgiveness of Sin, and Inheritance among them which are Sanctified by Faith, that is in me, Heb. 10.14. By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are Sanctified. No unclean thing shall enter there. If thou hast the Heavenly Birth, will he deprive thee of thy Birth-right to which he himself begot thee of incorruptible seed? 1 Pet. 1.3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. If Holy, he will place thee, among his Holy ones. These are the Terms to which we must unalterably stand. If we be not born again it is but self flattery, that filleth us with vain conceits, like the Mad-man in Athens, who Challenged all the ships which came into the harbour to be his own. 3dly. They are described, by their Heavenly mind, affections and conversations, Mat. 6.19.20, 21. They who make it their work to lay up treasure in Heaven, have chosen Heaven for their Portion. That seek it in the first place, Matth. 6.33. That groan, long, wait for it. In the verses next the Text, whose conversation is in Heaven, Phil. 3.20. Deus nihil facit frustra. If he hath given thee an Heavenly mind and affections, he will give thee Heaven its self. He would not stir up these desires in vain, set his servants a longing after that, which he never meaneth to give them, or bestow upon them, when there is a suitableness between the person and the state, when our affections are weaned from the world, and set upon Heavenly things. This House is fitted for us, if we are fitted for it, Rom. 9.23. That he might make known the riches of his Glory on the Vessels of Mercy, which he had afore prepared unto Glory. There is a meetness, Col. 1.12. Assoon as we are new born, and do believe in Christ, we have a Right and Title. In short. If your whole lives be a continual motion, and nearer approach towards this state of rest. 4thly. They are described by their fruitfulness in good works, and acts of self denying obedience, Matth. 25.34. 35. &c. 1 Tim. 6.18, 19. That they do good, that they be rich in goodworks; ready to distrib…te, willing to Communicate, laying up in store for themselves, a good Foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life, 1 Joh. 3.19. Hereby we know that we are of the Truth, and shall assure our Hearts before him. Hereby? By what? If we love not in word and tongue only, but in deed and in Truth: Heaven is esteemed but a fancy to them, that men will venture nothing for the hopes of it. What have you done to shew your thankfulness for so great a mercy tendred to you. A Religion that costs nothing, is worth nothing, I am sure it will yield you no comfort and hope: good words are not dear, and a Cold profession costs little or nothing. Do you think Religion lyeth only in Hearing Sermons, or a few Cursory Prayers, or drowsy Devotions▪ We should mind those things about which we shall be questioned at the day of Judgment; have you visited, have you cloathed, owned the Servants of God, when the Laws frown upon them, comforted them in their distresses? Wherein really have you denyed your selves for the hope of Glory?
2dly. The several dispositions and perswasions in point of certainty as to their Interest in this state of Blessedness. To some 'tis but a bare possibility. To others there is a probability. A third sort have gotten so far as a Conditional certainty. Others have an actual certainty or firm perswasion of their Interest.
1. To some the hope of Heaven is but a bare possibility. As to the careless Christian who is yet intangled in his lusts, but God continueth to him the offer of Salvation by Christ. These may be saved if they will accept this offer. 'Tis impossible in the state wherein they are; but their Hearts may be changed by the Lords grace, Mark. 10.27. With men it is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible. He can make the filthy Heart to become Clean and Holy, the sensual Heart to become Spiritual and Heavenly: There are many bars in the way, but grace can break through and remove them. 'Tis night with them for the present, but we cannot say it will never be day. The possibility removeth prejudices, aggravateth their evil choice, Jonah 2.8. They that observe lying Vanities, forsake their own mercies; they are called their own, because they might have been theirs. By following vain Courses they deprive themselves of happiness which might have been theirs. 'Tis their own by offer. God did not seclude and put them away, but they did seclude and put away themselves: Judge themselves unworthy of Eternal Life, Acts 13.46. And 'tis an incouragement when their Consciences are touched with any remorse; Salvation is yet possible. When there is but a slender possibility, yet use the means, Acts 8.22. Repent and pray, &c. If perhaps, or if it be possible.
2. To others there is a probability, or a probable hope of Eternal Life. This is more than possible; as when men begin to be serious, or in some measure to mind the things of God, but are Conscious to some notorious defect in their duty, or have not such a soundness of Heart as may warrant their claim to Everlasting Blessedness; almost a Christian; not far from the Kingdom of God: As those that have the Grace of the Second, or Third ground, they receive the Word with joy, but know not what tryals may do, they have good sentiments of Religion, but they are choaked, or obstructed by voluptuous living, or the cares of this world. Now some such things may befall weak believers, they dare not quit their hopes of Heaven for all the world, though not actually to claim it, or say it is theirs. Now probabilities must incourage us, till we get a greater certainty, for we must not despise the day of small things; This state must not be despised; Christ will not despise smoaking flax.
3dly. A Conditional certainty which is more than probable, or possible; That is, when we set our selves in good earnest to perform the Conditions required in the promises of the Gospel: And upon the hopes offered to us, deny our selves, Sacrifice our Interests, heartily exercise our selves to Godliness. Such a certainty is described, Rom. 2.7. & Rev. 2.10. I am sure to find Salvation, and Eternal Life, if I continue in this way, and by the grace of God I am resolved to continue. Much of the Life, of Christianity lyeth in this kind of certainty. I do not doubt of the rewards of Godliness, ex parte Dei; No, I know that the rewards of Godliness are sure and stedfast by his promise; To doubt of that would detract from the Truth, Goodness, and Power, of God: But ex parte nostri; my own qualification is not so positive and clear, that I can determine my own right, but I have support and some comfort in this way. This Conditional hope and certainty is absolutely necessary to all acts of grace.
4thly. There is an actual certainty, or an assured sense of our qualification, and so of our Interest, which admits of a latitude; it may be not only full, or not full, firm, or not firm, but interrupted or continued. The full hope removeth all doubts and fears, and that which is not full, hath some doubts accompanying it, but the certainty prevaileth, and is more than the doubtings. We should Sail to Heaven with full Sails, and get as much sense of the love of God, and hope of eternal life as possibly we can; an abundant entrance: We should clear up our Right and Title, and be able to say, We know: And I am persuaded, Rom. 8.38. We should come and take possession of the Blessings of the Covenant, and say, all this is mine by the promise of the faithful God. We use to say I know where I am, but I know not where I shall be. A Believer who hath assured his estate before God, knoweth where he shall be, as truly as he knoweth where he is. He knoweth by Faith, that he shall live with God for ever, and what he will do for him to all Eternity in the performance of his Holy Covenant.
3dly. What reasons there are why we should attend upon this Work.
1. Because 'tis for our greater comfort, not only to be safe, but to know that we are safe. Some have Salvation belonging to them, but they know it not: As the Child liveth before he knoweth that he liveth. As Jacob said of Bethel, Gen. 28.16. God was in this place, and I knew it not: So it may be said of many Christians, Christ is in them, and they know it not, are not aware of it. Oh how happy they, if they knew their own happiness! What delight would the hope of glory raise in their hearts! How full of tears and despairs was Hagar, when yet there was a Well nigh her, Gen. 21.16. How pensive were the two Disciples going to Emmaus, when yet Christ walked with them, but they knew him not, Luke 24.15, 16, 17. How bitterly did Mary weep at the Sepulchre, when yet Jesus stood by her, John 20.14, 15. So many poor disconsolate Christians apprehend that Christ is at a distance, when as yet they will not, or cannot see him. Therefore though our condition should be safe, 'tis not so comfortable till we get assurance.
2. This certain confidence of our actual right and future possession cannot be had without diligence. Such a Jewel will never drop into the mouth of the lazy, negligent Soul, 2 Pet. 1.10. 2 Pet. 3.14. Heb. 6.11. If we would have not a groundless, but a rational hope, not a rash and probable, but a firm and certain hope, not a certain only, but a full hope, and this to continue without interruption: We must buckle to it, serve God in good earnest. It will never be gotten and kept with sloath; it may be gotten and kept with diligence. As you neglect your duty, so far the sense and comfortable assurance of your qualification may abate. Gods best Children are sometimes remiss, whereupon follow clouds and desertions, to their great discomfort. God in wisdom withdraweth comfort, to quicken them to their Duty. Well then, 'twill not come with a cold wish, or a slight prayer, or an hasty sigh, or a faint and lazy pursuit. Grace needeth to be much exercised, than shall bring peace. Exercised in Duties, John 14.21, 23. Exercised in Afflictions. Those lazy pretenders that never made a business of it, and yet hope to go to Heaven as well as the strictest, they do but deceive themselves with an hope, that will at length leave them ashamed. Foolish presumption costs a man nothing; like a Mushroom that groweth up in a night, or as Jonahs Gourd; Behold thou didst not labour for it. The less men exercise themselves unto Godliness, the more confident; for exercise would discover their unsoundness. A peace that groweth upon us we know not how, and is better kept by negligence than diligence, is not right.
3. We should attend upon this work with all diligence, because though we get it not, we shall not labour in vain, the very endeavour will keep us awful and serious, and it may be we shall get Heaven whilst we are clearing up our Title to it. The same things serve to enter into Heaven, that serve to assure us of our interest in it. Fulfil Gods conditions which he hath annexed to the new Covenant, and you may be sure, and the same is necessary to have, as well as to be sure; all the difference is, some make a hard shift to go to Heaven, others enter abundantly, 2 Pet. 1.11. They that make it their business to know they have Eternal life, have this above others, that they go more seriously to work, and do more attend upon it.
Secondly, The force and virtue of this sure confidence.
1. 'Tis of great force to support us under the difficulties of Obedience. In the context Paul is discoursing of what supported him, and kept him from fainting under the labours of his Apostolate. 'Twas a toilsome life to go up and down, venturing upon all hazards and uncertainties, and to travel far and near, and all to draw Souls to Christ. A Blessed work in it self! But toilsome to the flesh. But we know, &c. The same holdeth in all other duties of our general and particular Calling. Nothing puts us upon such a willing Industry, and ready, constant Watchfulness, as this, confidence, that after we have gone through a short life here in this world, this everlasting Blessedness will be our Portion, 1 Cor. 9.26. I run, not as one that is uncertain. An assurance of the end sweetneth the Race, and allayeth all the difficulties of the way. A poor Beast will go home chearfully. How pleasant is it to know that we shall be with God for ever? When we are assured, that every step sets us nearer Heavenward it will make us mend our pace. Doubtfulness is a Torment to an understanding creature, and blind guesses, and dark Hopes, cannot animate us so much as a chearful and confident expectation. The more assured our hope, our endeavours the greater, 1 Cor. 15.58. Be ye stedfast, unmovable, alwaies abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
2dly. 'Tis of great force to quiet our minds in the midst of all the cares, sorrows, and Crosses of the present world. The Soul, that hath this Anchor, needeth not to be tossed with all those Tempests, and anxieties of mind, which worldly men are subject unto, for whatever uncertainty there may be in their outward Condition, there is a sure estate laid up for them in Heaven, Col. 1.5. & 1 Pet. 1.4—reserved for us in Heaven. There we shall fully enjoy our God, and all things in him: We know it, and are sure of it: A certain durable treasure which is above the reach, of danger, and beyond all possibility of loss.
3dly. 'Tis of greatforce to enable us to bear the greatest sufferings not only with a quiet, but with a joyful mind. A duty often pressed upon us in Scripture, and a Christian height which we should all aspire unto, and we can hardly attain to it, till we have a confidence of our own Blessedness in another world, for it is this maketh light the greatest sufferings, Rom. 8.18. 2 Cor. 4.17. Heb. 10.34. One that hath the promise of Eternal Life in the hand of his Faith, this Glory and Blessedness in the Eye of his hope, can look through all Tribulations, & see sunshine at the back of the storm: That the Tribulation is working out means to help on and hasten this Glory. He knoweth in himself, hath assured grounds of confidence in his own Soul, that he shall have better things from God than he can lose in the world. That to be persecuted for Righteousness sake is the nearest way to Heaven. He hath the promises to shew for the certainty of the thing, and evidences in his heart of his own right and Title.
4thly. 'Tis of great force to support us against Death it self, which is the King of Terrours. Certainly a Christian should get above the fears of death, and be willing to be dissolved and to be with Christ. Now we shall be so far from desiring to dye, that we can hardly venture to dye, without assurance of a better estate. Alas how bitter is the thought of death to that Soul, that must be turned out of doors shiftless, and harbourless, and is not provided of an Everlasting Habitation, or a better place to go to. But now get this once certain and then death will not be so terrible, whether it come in a natural or violent way. Natural: When sickness is ready to fret Life asunder, then you are at the Gates of Heaven, waiting every moment when you shall be called in▪ When death shall draw aside the vail, and shew you the Blessed Face of God, you are just ready to Step into Immortal pleasures, you do but change Houses when you dye, and it is not an exchange for the worse, but for the better; A Cottage for a Pallace. Do but step into this House, and you bid an Everlasting Farewel to all sin and sorrow in a moment, in the twinkling of an Eye. Violent: Rom. 8.35.36. The Sword is but the Key to open the Prison Doors, to let out that Soul which hath long desired to be with Christ. Heb. 11.35. Were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection, contented to dye by the hands of the Tormentour, because they would have Gods deliverance, not his.