The True Way to the Tree of Life, Part · Section 13
Direct. XIII.
NO Sinner in the world can actually have any saving share or interest at all in the Redemption or Recovery which Christ hath fully obtained for his people: untill he actually accept Christ, as his only all-sufficient Saviour; and particularly apply to his own Soul that Redemption and Recovery from sin and misery, which Christ hath procured and obtained. 1 Ioh. 5. 12. Ioh. 1. 11, 12. and 3. 16. 18, 36. and 8. 24.
And this must needs be so. For,
1. Christs obtaining of Recovery and Redemption for lapsed Sinners renders them only Salvable, and that possibly they may be saved, which door of Hope is not opened at all to the lapsed Angels: but Sinners particularly accepting of Christ, and applying of his merit unto themselves personally, renders them actually saved, and that they are indeed in the state of Salvation already. Compare diligently these and like Scriptures, Ioh. 3. 16, 17. Tit. 2, 14. 1 Tim. 1. 15. Gal. 4. 4. 5. Rom. 8. 3. which point out a possibility of Salvation by Christ and his Death, with Ioh. 1. 12. 1 Ioh. 5. 12. 1 Cor. 1. 9.
And such like as denote their actual Salvation by Christ, who have accepted him and applied him to themselves particularly.
2. Non-accepting and non-applying of Christ, is so great a sin, that it is threatned with damnation, Ioh. 16. 8, 9. with Ioh. 3. 18. 36. and 8. 24.
Therefore, though Christ be never so able and all-sufficient to restore and save Sinners: yet none can have benefit by his Salvation without Application of him and his merits.
3. The Promise of effectual and eternal Salvation by Christ, is still directed to the actual acceptance and application of Christ. As, Spiritual Rest of Soul is promised: but to them that come to Christ, Mat. 11. 28, 29. Eternal life is promised: but to such as believe in him, Ioh. 3. 16. but to such as eat this bread of life, viz. his flesh given for the life of the world, Ioh. 6. 51. 57. 58. Remission of sins is promised: but to them that believe in him, Act, 10. 43.
Now, how shall man he saved according to Gods promises, that perform not the Condition of the Promises?
4. Who ever was Restored and saved by Christ, till he accepted and applied Christ? not the Apostles; Ioh. 16. 30. Mat. 16. 16. Not the Sinful woman, Luk. 7. 50. not the convert thief, Luk. 23. 43. not the Jaylor, Act. 16. 31. to 35.
Who ever was healed by a Plaister spread and prepared only, but never applied to the wound and Sore? Who ever was comforted with the richest cordial though never so accurately prepared, if it were never eaten or drunk? And who ever was actually saved by Christ, if not particularly accepted and applied? They that accept not, that apply not Christ to themselves, are without Christ: And they that are without Christ are without Hope, so remaining, and go without Salvation, Eph. 2. 12.
5. All Communion with Christ in his saving benefits …lows from Union to Christ in accepting of him, Ioh. 1. 12 1 Ioh. 5. 12. Rom. 8 10. Col. 2. 19. Eph. 4. 16. As the Ciour hath Communion with the Stock in its life, growth, fruitfulness, by being united unto the stock, by Ingrafting; or as the Wife hath Communion with the husband in his Name, state, &c. by being united to him in marriage; or as the members of the Natural body have Communion with the head and heart in their life, sense, motion, &c. by being united thereunto by joints and hands.
6. Till the Sinner accepts and applies Christ, he is not throughly Convinced of the Sinfulness and wretchedness of his Natural state, and of the great need he hath of Christ to deliver him out of it. For, Conviction is the first step to application of Christ, Ioh. 16. 8, 9. And where there's not the first step of Conviction: There's no present state of Salvation.
7. Till the Sinner accepts Christ, and applies him, he neglects and despiseth him: And he that despiseth Christ how can he obtain Salvation, yea, how can he escape damnation. See Mat. 22. 1. to 3. Luk. 14. 16. to 25. Heb. 2. 3.