A Christian Library, Section 20
Sect. XX.
But now comes the hardest part of my work to be performed. For admit the Natural man be convinced of the truth of these three fundamental Principles never so clearly: yet he will draw such a conclusion from the premisses, that he will be never the better, for what hath been told him, yea he will decoct all (even the mercy, and goodness of God) into poyson. For what will such a one suggest to himself (the Devil helping forward) Let it be granted, will he say, that I were every way wretched and miserable; a great sinner, both originally, and actually; and likewise liable to all the plagues of this life, and of that to come: yet I thank God, I am well enough, so long as Christ hath paid my ransom; and freed me from all by a new Covenant; the tenure whereof is, Believe and Live: whereas at first it was, do this and live: to which I answer.
In Covenants and Indentures between party and party, there are alwayes articles, and conditions to be performed on the one side, as well as promises to be fullfilled on the other, as saith Pareus. Now as God hath covenanted and bound himself by his word and Seal; to remit thee thy sins, adopt thee his child by regeneration, and give thee the Kingdome of Heaven, and eve…lasting life by and for his sons sake; so Christ hath for, and on thy behalf undertaken; yea, thou thy self didst for thy part, bind thy self by covenant, promise and vow in thy baptism, that thou wouldest forsake the Devil and all his works, constantly believe Gods holy Word, and obediently keep his Commandments; the better thereby to expresse thy thankfulness towards him, for so great a benefit, 1 Pet. 3.21. Psal. 116.12, 13, 14. And we know that in Covenants and Indentures, if the Conditions be not kept, the Obligation is not in force. VVhereby millions (Magus like) after the water of baptism, (which is a Seal of the Covenant of Grace) go to the fire of Hell. Yea, except we repent and believe the Gospel, (threats, and precepts; aswel as promises) that holy Sacrament ▪ together with the … to us our salvation; will be an obligation under our own hand and seal against us; and so prove a seal of our greater condemnation. Therefore the main question is, VVhether thou art a believer? For although Christ in the Gospel, hath made many large, and precious promises: there are none so general: which are not limited, with the condition of faith, and the fruit thereof unfained repentance; and each of them are so tied and entailed, that none can lay claim to them, but true believers, which repent and turn from all their sins, to serve him in holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord, Heb. 12.14. Isa. 59.20. As for instance, Our Saviour hath made publick Proclamation, Mark 16.16. That whosoever shall believe, and be baptised, shall be saved. but mark what withal is added; he that will not believe, shall be damned. Again, God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, John 3.15, 16. And that none may deceive themselves, he addeth; He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already: because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather then light, John 3.19, 20. And again, As many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God: even to them that believe on his name, Joh. 1.12.
Again, Heb. 5.9. He is said to be the Author of eternal salvation, unto all that obey him: not unto them which continue in their rebellious wickedness, and never submit themselves to be ruled by the scepter of his Word. Christs blood (saith Zanchie) was shed as well for ablution, as for absolution: as well to cleanse from the soil and filth of sin, as to clear and assoil from guilt of sin, Rom. 6.5, 6. God hath chosen us in Christ, before the foundation of the world; that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love, Ephes. 1.4. They therefore that never come to be holy, were never chosen. He is said to have given himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purge us to be a peculiar people unto himself, zealous of good works, Tit. 2.14. Luke 1.74, 75. Yea, the Lord binds it with an oath, that whomsoever he redeemeth out of the hands of their spiritual enemies, they shall worship him in holiness and righteousnesse all the dayes of their life, Luke 1.73, 74, 75. 1. Pet. 2.24. and Tit. 2. The grace of God which bringeth salvation, teacheth us, that we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world, vers. 12.
By all which it is plain, that as Christs blood is a Charter of pardon; so withal it is a Covenant of direction; and he that refuseth to live as that covenant prescribes, may perish as a malefactor that is hanged with his pardon about his neck.