The City of God, Exposition of Revelation · Chapter 20 · Part 10
Of Reigning with Chriſt. And I ſaw Thrones, and they ſat upon them, and Judgment was given unto them, &c. And they lived and Reigned with Chriſt a thouſand years, &c. And they ſhall be Prieſts to God and Chriſt, &c.
AFter the Saints are revived and a Spirit of Life entred into them, they are called up and aſcend into Heaven, ſaith Rev. 1.1. viz. to Rule and Government, as Page 39. to Kingly power, to ſit upon Thrones and have judgment committed to them, ſaith this Text, Enſigns of Soveraignty, Pſal. 122.5. Pſal. 7.21. 1. Dan. 7.22. Alluding to the Reſurrection and Aſcenſion of Chriſt after his Death, who Aſcending Heaven had all power, judgment, and authority given to him, Mat. 28.18. John 5.22, 27.
So ſhall it be in like manner with his miſtical body in their miſtical Reſurrection and Aſcenſion: They are to Aſcend the Throne of Chriſt, and to receive Judgment, Rule and Authority from him, having ſuffered with him during Antichriſts Reign, and are now as Kings to Reign with him in his Kingdom.
Which Kingly ſtate of the Saints is confirmed by divers Scriptures, whereof take ſome few.
Rev. 5, 10. And hath made us unto our God, Kings and Prieſts, and we ſhall Reign on the Earth. (Being part of the new ſong of the 24 Elders, that are ſaid to be about the Throne in Chap. 4.10. with white Raiment and Crowns of Gold, caſting them down before the Throne, interpreted here in the 9. verſe of 5. to be the Church of God, that were redeemed by his Blood, out of every Kindred, Tongue, people and Nation.)
Compared with Rev. 1.5. Ʋnto him that loved us and waſhed us from our ſins in his own Blood: And hath made us Kings and Prieſts unto God and his Father, to him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever.
Daniel 7.17. Theſe great Beaſts which are four, are four Kings, which ſhall ariſe out of the Earth (viz. the four Monarchies, as interpreted Chap. 2.18.) But the Saints of the moſt high ſhall take the Kingdom, and poſſeſs the Kingdom for ever. 2…. And judgment was given to the Saints of the most high. 26. And the judgment ſhall ſit, and they ſhall take away his Dominion, to conſume and deſtroy it to the end. 27. And the Kingdom and Dominion and the greatneſs of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven ſhall be given to the people of the Saints of the moſt high, whoſe Kingdom is an Everlaſting Kingdom: and all Dominions ſhall ſerve and obey him.
Which is the very ſame ſpoken of Dan 2.44. and in the days of theſe Kings (viz four Monarchs typed out by the Image) the God of Heaven ſhall ſet up a Kingdom, which ſhall never be deſtroyed, and the Kingdom ſhall not be left to other people: but it ſhall break in pieces and conſume all theſe Kingdoms, and it ſhall ſtand for ever.
Pſal. 110 2. The Lord ſhall ſend the Rod of thy ſtrength (viz. his Septer, or Enſign of Rule and Dignity) out of Zion (the new Teſtament Church) Rule thou in the midſt of thine Enemies, Mica 4.8. And thou O Tower of the Flock, the ſtrong hold of the Daughter of Zion, unto thee ſhall it come, even the firſt Dominion, the Kingdom ſhall come to the Daughter of Jeruſalem, Rev. 2.26, 27. And he that overcometh and keepeth my Works unto the end, to him will I give power over the Nations, and he ſhall rule them with a Rod of Iron, as the Veſſels of a Potter ſhall they be broken to pieces, even as I have received of my Father, and I will give him the Morning Star.
Which glorious reign is held forth to us in the particulars following, viz.
Firſt, In the Great Extent. Secondly, in the Glorious Adminiſtration (which is firſt in diſpenſing Laws, 2ly Adminiſtring judgment, both puniſhing the Evil, and rewarding the Good) to the encreaſe of 1. Peace, 2. Plenty, and 3. Protection. Sixthly, the great converſions both of Jews and Gentiles. Seventhly, the encreaſe of holineſs. Eighthly, Freedom from ſorrow. Ninthly, Reſtauration of the Creature.
Firſt, The extent of this Kingdom is no leſs than the bounds of the Beaſts and Dragons Territories, even the whole Earth, Rev. 16.14. No leſs than the limits of the four preceding Monarchies, as Dan. 7.27. And the Kingdom and Dominion, and the greatneſs of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven, ſhall be given to the people of the Saints of the moſt high, whoſe Kingdom is an Everlaſting Kingdom, and all Dominions ſhall ſerve and obey him. So Dan. 2.34, 35. The Univerſality whereof is confirmed alſo by theſe following Scriptures.
Iſa. 60.11. Thy Gates ſhall be open continually; they ſhall not be ſhut day nor night, that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their Kings may be brought. 12. For the Nation and Kingdom, that will not ſerve thee ſhall periſh: Yea thoſe Nations ſhall be utterly waſted.
Iſa. 2.2. And it ſhall come to paſs in the laſt deays that the Mountain, of the Lords houſe ſhall be eſtabliſhed in the top of the Mountains, and ſhall be exalted above the Hills, and all Nations ſhall flow thereunto.
Agreeable to the firſt promiſe to Abram, Gen. 12.3. And I will bleſs them that bleſs thee, and curſe them that curſe thee, and in thee ſhall all the Families of the Earth be bleſſed. Ratified alſo by an Oath, Gen. 22.16, 17, 18. By my ſelf have I ſworn (ſaith the Lord) that in bleſſing I will bleſs thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy ſeed as the Stars of Heaven, and as the ſand which is upon the Sea Shore. And thy ſeed ſhall poſſeſs the Gate of his Enemies: And in thy ſeed ſhall all the Nations of the Earth be bleſſed.
Rev. 11.15. And the ſeventh Angel ſounded, and there were great voices in Heaven, ſaying, The Kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Chriſt, and he ſhall reign for ever and ever.
So Pſal. 2.8. Pſal. 29.10. Iſa. 19.23, 25.
The glorious Adminiſtration conſiſts,
Firſt in diſpenſing the Righteous Laws of the Lord in oppoſition to the Laws of the Nations, the Statutes of Omri; the Lord alone being the Law-giver.
Mica 4.2. And many Nations ſhall come and ſay, Come and let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord, and to the Houſe of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths, for the Law ſhall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jeruſalem. Therefore it is ſaid. Iſa. 51.4. Hearken unto me my people, and give ear unto me Oh my Nation; for a Law ſhall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to reſt for a light of the people. 5. My Righteouſneſs is near, my Salvation is gone forth, and mine Arms ſhall judge the people, the Iſles ſhall wait upon me, and upon mine Arm ſhall they truſt. Therefore verſe the 7th Hearken to me ye that know Right, the People in whoſe heart is my Law. Fear not the reproach of men, &c.
Iſa. 42.2. He ſhall not fail, nor be diſcouraged, till he have ſet judgment in the Land, and the Iſles ſhall wait for his Law. Verſe 21: The Lord is well pleaſed for his Righteouſneſs ſake: He will magnifie the Law, and make it Honourable.
And further as a precept for the day, Mal. 4.4. Remember ye the Law of Moſes my Servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Iſrael with the Statutes and Judgments, Ezek. 44.23, 24.
Secondly, In Adminiſtring Juſtice and Judgment and Righteouſneſs to the encreaſe of Peace and plenty and protection, the bleſſings of good Government.
Iſa. 1.26 And I will restore thy Judges as at the firſt, and the Councellors, as at the beginning: afterward thou ſhalt be called the City of Righteouſneſs, the faithful City
Pſ. 72.7. In his days ſhall the Righteous flouriſh, and abundance of Peace, ſo long as the Moon endureth. Verſe the 2. of that Pſal. He ſhall judge thy people with Righteouſneſs and thy poor with Judgment. Verſe 11. All Kings ſtall fall down before him, all Nations ſhall ſerve him. 12. For he ſhall deliver the needy, when he cryeth, the poor alſo and him that hath no helper. 13. He ſhall spare the poor and needy, and ſave the Souls of the needy. 14. He ſhall redeem their Soul from deceit and violence, &c.
Iſa. 60.17, 18. I will alſo make thy Officers peace, and thine exacters Righteouſneſs. 18. Violence ſhall no more be heard in thy Land, waſting and deſtruction within thy Borders: But thou ſhalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy Gates praiſe. 21. Thy people alſo ſhall be all Righteous, they ſhall inherit thy Land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands that I may be glorified.
Iſa. 62.2. And the Gentiles ſhall ſee thy righteouſneſs, and all Kings thy Glory.
Iſa. 11.4. With righteouſneſs ſhall he Judge the Poor, and reprove with Equity, for the meek of the Earth: and he ſhall ſmite the Earth with the Rod of his Mouth, and with the breath of his Lips ſhall he ſlay the wicked. 5. And righteouſneſs ſhall be the Girdle of his Loins, and faithfulneſs the Girdle of his Reins. 6. The Wolf alſo ſhall dwell with the Lamb, and &c. 9. They ſhall not hurt nor deſtroy in all my Holy Mountain: for the Earth ſhall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the Waters cover the Sea.
Iſa. 2.4. And he ſhall Judge among the Nations and rebuke many people: and they ſhall beat their Swords into Plowſhares, and their Spears into Pruning hooks: Nation ſhall not lift up Sword againſt Nation, neither ſhall they learn War any more.
Iſa. 32.16, 17. Then Judgement ſhall dwell in the Wilderneſs, and righteouſneſs remain in the fruitful Field; and the work of righteouſneſs ſhall be peace, and the effect of righteouſneſs, quietneſs, and aſſurance for ever: and my people ſhall dwell in a peaceable Habitation, and in ſure dwellings, and in quiet reſting places.
Iſa. 33.5. He hath fill'd Zion with judgement and righteouſneſs. 6. And wiſdom and knowledge ſhall be the ſtability of thy times.
Iſa. 66.12. I will extend peace to her like a River, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing ſtream, &c.
Joel 3.18. And it ſhall come to paſs in that day, that the Mountains ſhall drop down new Wine, and the Hills ſhall flow with Milk: and all the Rivers of Judah ſhall flow with Waters, and a Fountain ſhall come forth of the Houſe of the Lord, and ſhall water the Vally of Shittim. Then Egypt ſhall be a deſolation.
Amos 9.13. Behold the days come (ſaith the Lord) that the Plowman ſhall overtake the Reaper; and the treader of Grapes him that ſoweth Seed, and the Mountains ſhall drop ſweet Wine, and all the Hills ſhall melt.
Ezek. 34.26. And I will make them and the places round about them my Hill, a bleſſing: and I will cauſe the Shower to come down in his ſeaſon: there ſhall be Showers of bleſſing. 27. And the Tree of the Field ſhall yield her fruit, and the Earth ſhall yield her increaſe, and they ſhall be ſafe in their Land, &c. 28. And they ſhall no more be a prey to the Heathen, neither ſhall the Beaſts of the Land devour them, but they ſhall dwell ſafely, and none ſhall make them afraid.
Iſa. 51.3. He will make her Wilderneſs like Eden, and her Deſert like the Garden of the Lord, So Ezek. 36, 35.
Iſa. 49 10. They ſhall not hunger nor thirſt, neither ſhall the heat nor Sun ſmite them: for he that hath mercy on them ſhall lead them, even by the ſprings of Waters ſhall he guide them. 12. Behold theſe ſhall come from far: and lo theſe from the North, and from the Weſt, and from the Land of Sinim.
Iſa. 65.21. And they ſhall build Houſes and inhabit them; and they ſhall plant Vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22. They ſhall not build and another inhabit; they ſhall not plant and another eat; for as the days of a Tree, are the days of my people, and mine elect ſhall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23. They ſhall not labour in vain, and bring forth for trouble: For they are the Seed of the bleſſed of the Lord and their Off-ſpring with them. 25. The Wolf and the Lamb ſhall feed together, and the Lion ſhall eat Straw like the Bullock: And duſt ſhall be the Serpents meat; They ſhall not hurt nor deſtroy in all my Holy Mountain (ſaith the Lord) ſpoken of the New Heaven and New Earth State, as Verſes 17, 18. Which golden Age is further deſcribed.
Pſal. 72.11.15. Iſa. 60.17. For Braſs I will bring Gold, and for Iron Silver, and for Wood Braſs, and for Stones Iron.
To which peace and plenty is added the eminent protection that is vouchſafed in this day.
Iſa. 4, 5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and upon her aſſemblies a Cloud and ſmoke by day, and ſhining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the Glory ſhall be a defence 6. And there ſhall be a Tabernacle for a ſhadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from ſtorm, and from rain.
Zach 2.5. For I (ſaith the Lord) will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midſt of her.
The bleſſing alſo of which bleſſed reigning day, conſiſts much in the great Converſions, that ſhall be effected both among the Jews and Gentiles, by the publication of the Goſpel.
Gentiles Converſion, Pſal. 87.3, 4, 5. Glorious things are ſpoken of thee, O City of God, Selah. 4. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon, to them that know me; behold Philiſtia and Tyre with Ethiopia; This man was born there. 5. And of Zion it ſhall be ſaid this and that man was born in her, and the higheſt himſelf ſhall eſtabliſh her.
Iſa. 1.27. Zion ſhall be redeemed with Judgment, and her converts with Righteouſneſs.
Iſa. 11.10. And in that day ſhall be a root of Jeſſe, which ſhall ſtand for an Enſign of the people; to it ſhall the Gentiles ſeek, and his reſt ſhall be glorious. 12. And he ſhall ſet up an Enſign for the Nations, and ſhall aſſemble the out casts of Iſrael, and gather together the diſperſed of Judah from the four corners of the Earth.
Iſa. 60:5. Then thou ſhalt ſee and flow together, and thy heart ſhall fear and be inlarged; becauſe the abundance of the Sea ſhall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles ſhall come unto thee, 6. The multitude of Camels ſhall cover thee: The Dromedaries of Median and Epha: all they from Sheba ſhall come, they ſhall bring Gold and Incenſe, and they ſhall ſhew forth the Praiſes of the Lord. 7. All the flocks of Kedar ſhall be gathered together unto thee, the Rams of Nebaioth ſhall miniſter unto thee: They ſhall come up with acceptance on mine Altar, and I will glorifie the houſe of my Glory. 8. Who are theſe that fly as a Cloud, and as the Doves to their Windows. 9. Surely the Iſles ſhall wait for me, &c. 10. And the ſons of ſtrangers ſhall build up thy walls.
Iſa. 35.1, 2. The Wilderneſs and ſolitary place ſhall be glad for them, and the deſert ſhall rejoyce and bloſſom as a Roſe. 2. It ſhall bloſſom abundantly and rejoyce even with joy and ſinging; the Glory of Lebanon ſhall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon: They ſhall ſee the Glory of the Lord and the excellency of our God. 5. Then the eyes of the blind ſhall be opened, and the ears of the deaf ſhall be unſtoped. 6. Then ſhall the Lame man Leap as an Hart, and tongue of the dumb ſing; for in the Wilderneſs ſhall waters break out, and streams in the Deſert.
Amos 9.11. In that day will I raiſe up the Tabernacle of David, that is fallen and cloſe up the breaches thereof, and I will raiſe up his ruines, and I will build it as in the days of old. 12. That the may poſſeſs the Remnant of Edom, and of all the Heathen, which are called by my name, ſaith the Lord that doth this. which is interpreted, Acts 15.16. the Converſion of the Gentiles to Chriſt Jeſus.
Iſa. 19.24. In that day shall Iſrael be the third with Aegypt and with Aſſyria, even a bleſſing in the midſt of the Land. 25. Whom the Lord of Hoſts shall bleſs, ſaying, Bleſſed be Aegypt my people, and Aſſyrya the work of mine hands and Iſrael mine Inheritance.
Zechar. 8.23. Thus ſaith the Lord of Hoſts in thoſe days it shall come to paſs, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the Nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, ſaying, We will go with you; for we have heard that God is with you.
Rev. 21.24. And the Nations of them which are ſaved, shall walk in the light of it▪ and the Kings of the Earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 27. And there ſhall in no wiſe enter into it any thing, that defileth, neither whatſoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lye: but they which are written in the Lamb's Book of life.
Zech. 12.10, And I will pour upon the Houſe of David and the Inhabitants of Jeruſalem the Spirit of Grace and of Supplications: and they ſhall look upon him, whom they have pierced, and they ſhall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his firſt born.
Amos 9.10. And in that day I will raiſe up the Tabernacle of David that is fallen, &c.
Rom. 11.15. For if the caſting away of them be the reconciling of the World, what ſhall the receiving of them be but life from the Dead? So the 23. And they alſo if they abide not still in unbelief, ſhall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24. For if thou wert cut out of the Olive Tree, which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good Olive Tree; how much more ſhall theſe, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own Olive Tree? 25. For I would not, Brethren, that ye ſhould be ignorant of this Myſtery (leaſt you ſhould be wiſe in your own conceits) that blindneſs in part is hapned to Iſrael, until the fulneſs of the Gentiles be come in. 25. And ſo all Iſrael ſhall be ſaved, as it is written, There ſhall come out of Zion, the Deliverer, and shall turn away Ʋngodlineſs from Jacob.
4. The abounding of Holineſs, Iſa. 35.8. And an Highway ſhall be there, and away; and it ſhall be called the way of Holineſs: The unclean ſhall not paſs over it; but it ſhall be for thoſe.
Joel 3.17. Then ſhall Jeruſalem be Holy, and there ſhall no ſtranger paſs through her any more.
Zech. 14.20. In that day ſhall there be upon the Bells of the Horſes, Holineſs unto the Lord, and the Pots in the Lord's Houſe ſhall be like the Bowls before the Altar: 21. Yea, every Pot in Jeruſalem and in Judah ſhall be Holineſs unto the Lord of Hoſts: and in that day there ſhall be no more the Canaanite in the Houſe of the Lord of Hoſts. Hoſ. 9. Ezek. 44.9. Rev. 21.1.
Iſa. 60.21. Thy people ſhall be all righteous.
Zeph. 3.13. The Remnant of Iſrael ſhall not do iniquity nor ſpeak lyes: neither ſhall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths.
2 Pet. 2.13. New Heavens and new Earth, wherein dwells righteouſneſs.
Rev. 21.1. And I ſaw a new Heaven and a new Earth. 2. And I John ſaw the Holy City, new Jeruſalem coming down from God out of heaven, &c. 3. Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men, &c. 27. And there ſhall in no wiſe enter into it any thing that defileth, &c. but they that are written in the Lamb's Book.
Outward and viſible acts of Worſhip, Rev. 88. Rev. 21.
Freedom from Sorrow, Pain and Sickneſs.
Iſa. 25.8. The Lord will in that day wipe away all tears from all faces; and the rebuke of his people ſhall he take away from off all the Earth: for the Lord hath ſpoken it.
Iſa. 54.13, 14. Thy Children ſhall be taught of the Lord, and great ſhall be the peace of thy Children: In righteouſneſs ſhalt thou be eſtabliſhed; thou ſhalt be far from oppreſſion (for thou ſhalt not fear) and from terror, for it ſhall not come near thee.
Iſa. 60 15. Whereas thou haſt been forſaken, I will make thee an eternal excellency: violence ſhall be no more heard in thy Land; the days of thy mourning ſhall be ended.
Iſa. 65.19. I will joy in my people, and the voice of weeping, or crying ſhall no more be heard in her.
Rev. 7.16, 17. They ſhall hunger no more For the Lamb in the midſt of the Throne ſhall feed them, and wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Rev. 21.4. God ſhall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there ſhall be no more ſorrowing, nor crying, nor pain, Ezek. 28.24. Jer. 30.10.
Superabounding pouring forth of the Spirit.
Joel 2.28. And it ſhall come to paſs afterward, that I will pour out of my ſpirit upon all fleſh, and your Sons and your Daughters ſhall Prophecy, your old Men ſhall dream Dreams, your Youngmen ſhall ſee Viſions: 29. And alſo upon the Servants and upon the Hand-maids in thoſe days, will I pour out my Spirit. Iſa. 32.15.
Laſtly, The reſtauration of the Creature.
Iſa 65.17. For behold I create a new Heavens, and a new Earth; and the former ſhall not be remembred, no come into mind. 25. The Wolf and the Lamb ſhall feed together, &c.
Rom. 8.18. For I reckon that the ſufferings of this preſent time, are not worthy to be compared with the Glory, which ſhall be revealed in us. 19. For the earneſt expectation of the Creature waiteth for the manifeſtation of the Sons of God. 21. Becauſe the creature it ſelf alſo ſhall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God, &c.
This glorious and happy ſtate of the Church in this your Rule, Dignity, and Soveraignity is called in Scripture the Kingdom of Chriſt, and is ſo ſpoken off, as if he was perſonally preſent with them in all this work before mentioned, both in the conquering, as well as peaceable part of the Kingdom.
Firſt, As to the Conquering part, or (as by way of diſtinction called) the Kingdoms of the Stone, it is called his Kingdom and ſpoke of, as if he were perſonally preſent.
Dan. 2.44. And in the days of thoſe Kings ſhall the God of Heaven ſet up a Kingdom, which ſhall never be deſtroyed: and the Kingdom ſhall not be left to other people, &c. The interpretation of Verſe 34. Thou ſaweſt till that a Stone was cut out without hands, which ſmote the Image upon his feet, that were of Iron and Clay, and brake them to pieces. (Interpreted to be the fourth or last Monarchy Chapt. 7 and Verſe 40. of this Chapter) 35. And the Stone that ſmote the Image became a great Mountain, and filled the whole Earth.
Rev. 17.14. Theſe (viz. the ten Horns, ten Kingdoms, or ten Toes of this Image) make War with the Lamb, and the Lamb ſhall overcome them: for he is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, and they that are with him are called, and choſen, and faithful. (Spoken as though perſonally preſent in the work) and parallel to this.
Rev. 19.11. And I ſaw Heaven opened, and behold a white Horſe, and he that ſat upon him was called faithful and true, and in righteouſneſs he doth judge and make War. 13. And he was cloathed in a Veſture dipt in blood, (taken out of Iſa. 63.2. &c.) And his name is called the Word of God: 14. And the Armies which are in Heaven followed him upon white Horſes, cloathed in fine Linnen white and clean. 15. And out of his Mouth goeth a ſharp Sword, that with it he ſhould ſmite the Nations: and he ſhall Rule them with a Rod of Iron: and he treadeth the Wine-preſs of the fierceneſs and wrath of Almighty God. 16. And he hath on his Veſture and Thigh written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. And then there is an invitation to the Fouls of Heaven to feaſt themſelves with the fleſh of Kings, Captains, and Mighty Men in the Supper of the great God.
And in the 45 Pſa. a Prophecy of the Kingdom, Verſe 3. Gird thy Sword upon thy Thigh, O moſt Mighty, with thy Glory and thy Majeſty. 4. And in thy Majeſty ride proſperouſly, becauſe of truth and meekneſs, and righteouſneſs: and thy right hand ſhall teach thee terrible things. 5. Thine Arrows are ſharp in the heart of the Kings enemies; whereby the people fall under thee, (And then after this Conqueſt, as though in it in perſon.) 6. Thy Throne, O God, is for ever and ever: The Scepter of thy Kingdom is a right Scepter, &c. So Pſa. 66.3. Iſa. 42.13, Haggai 2.22. As in Page 23. Iſa. 35.4.
Secondly, The Peaceable part of the Kingdom, or the Kingdom of the Mountain, ſo ſpoken of as if Chriſt was perſonally preſent.
Pſ. 72.1. Give the King thy judgement, O God, and thy righteouſneſs unto the Kings Son. 2. He ſhall judge thy people with righteouſneſs, and thy poor with judgement. 3. The Mountains ſhall bring peace to the people, and the little Hills by righteouſneſs. 7 In his days ſhall the righteous flouriſh, and abundance of peace ſo long as the Moon endureth. 8. He ſhall have dominion alſo from Sea to Sea, and from the River to the ends of the Earth, &c. 11. Yea, all Kings ſhall fall down before him, all Nations ſhall ſerve him, &c.
Dan. 7.14. And there was given him (viz. the Son of man Chriſt Jeſus) Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom, that all People, Nations and Languages ſhould ſerve him: His Dominion is an everlaſting Dominion, which ſhall not paſs away, and his Kingdom that which ſhall not be deſtroyed. 27. And the Kingdom and Dominion, and the greatneſs of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven, ſhall be given to the people of the Saints of the moſt high, whoſe Kingdom is an everlaſting Kingdom, and all Dominions ſhall ſerve him.
Jer. 23.5, 6. Behold the days come (ſaith the Lord) that I will raiſe unto David a righteous branch, and a King ſhall reign and proſper, and ſhall execute juſtice and judgment in the Earth. 6. In his days Judah ſhall be ſaved, and Iſrael ſhall dwell ſafely, and this is his name, whereby he ſhall called, the Lord our righteouſneſs.
Ezek. 34.23, 24. And I will ſet up one ſhepheard over them, and he ſhall feed them, even my ſervant David, he ſhall feed them, he ſhall be their ſhepherd. 24. And I the Lord will be their God, and my ſervant David a Prince among them; I the Lord have ſpoken it.
Jer. 39.9. They ſhall ſerve the Lord their God, and David their King, whom I will raiſe up unto them.
Luke 1.32. He ſhall be great, and ſhall be called the ſon of the higheſt, and the Lord God ſhall give unto him the Throne of his Father David. 33. And he ſhall reign over the houſe of Jacob for ever, and of his Kingdom there ſhall be no end. And ſo again upon the ſounding of the ſeventh Trumpet.
Rev. 11.15. The Kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Chriſt, and he ſhall reign for ever and ever. And again,
Rev. 20.4. And they lived and reigned with Chriſt a thouſand years. Rev. 22.3.
Object. But why then ſhould not we ſo take it, as the Scripture repreſents it, and ſo plainly lays it down? will you be wiſer than what is written? why ſhould we not ſo receive and believe it?
Anſw. Firſt it muſt be taken for granted, that as the Beaſts Kingdom is a miſtery, ſo is the Kingdom of Chriſt no leſs; and threfore is the mind of wiſdom called for, to reach into the one as the other. And as the Apoſtle (2 Pet. 3.16.) ſpeaking of theſe things, in which (as he ſaith) there are ſome things hard to be underſtood, which they that are unlearned and unſtable wreſt unto their own deſtruction; Which therefore calls for great ſear, caution and circumſpection in our converſing about theſe great myſteries.
Secondly, It muſt be taken for granted, that in the ſpeaking to theſe things no ſenſe ought to be given, that denyes received fundimental principles; nor thwarts the Analogy of Faith, nor croſſes the current of Scripture.
Thirdly, That it is the genuine ſenſe, true ſcope and intent of the Scripture, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and ſpiritual things with ſpiritual; and not only the litteral reading in ſome places; for otherwiſe the Racovian Catechiſme, aſſerting Socinianiſme ſhall go for good pay. Nay what Hereſie upon that account may not be aſſerted and proved? And therefore Maton well ſaith, whatſoever Text of Scripture is expounded any other ways than god meant by it, it is according to its interpretation, the word of man and not of God, and conſequently in adhearing to ſuch interpretations we believe not what God ſaith, but what man doth make him ſay.
Laſtly, That we cannot receive theſe Scriptures in the ſenſe that many give of them, that thus ſeem to aſſert Chriſt perſonally to be preſent, either in the ſmiting or peaceable part of his Kingdom, during theſe thouſand years.
Take theſe following Reaſons, and weigh them in the fear of the Lord, in the true ballance of the Sanctuary, wherein we ſhall firſt ſhew, why they cannot ſo be received
Secondly, In what ſenſe truly according to the mind of Chriſt, they may and ought to be received.
Firſt, That Chriſt Jeſus cannot properly be ſaid to be perſonally preſent in the ſmiting part, beſides the five Reaſons to this thing, Page …5, 26, 27.
Becauſe it is expreſly ſaid, Pſal. 110.2. The Lord ſaid unto my Lord, ſit thou at my right hand, until I make thine Enemy thy foot-ſtool. compared with,
Heb. 10.12. But this man after he had offered one ſacrifice for ſins for ever, ſat down on the right hand of God, from henceforth expecting, till his Enemies be made his foot-ſtool. And therefore being as an overcomer, he ſat down with God upon his Throne, and the Earth his foot-ſtool: He is upon that Throne to reign, till all his Enemies be brought down, as 1 Cor. 15.25, 26. For he muſt Reign till he hath put all Enemies under his feet, the laſt Enemy that ſhall be deſtroyed, is death.
So that it is moſt manifeſt by this poſitive poſition, that Jeſus Chriſt is to ſit upon the Throne of Heaven at Gods right hand, till all his Enemies be ſubdued; yea till death it ſelf as the laſt Enemy be conquered, which will not be till the general Reſurrection, when it ſhall be ſaid, that death is ſwallowed up in Victory, and Death and Hell ſhall be caſt into the lake of fire Therefore by this received principle, Chriſt ſhall not leave the Fathers right hand perſonally to encounter Dragon, Beaſt and Falſe-prophet, who are to be fought with (as is already proved) and vanquiſhed before the general Reſurrection; Nay before the thouſand years, at the beginning whereof, many ſuppoſe is this perſonal coming and Reſurrection of the Saints: So that according to their apprehenſions that ſeeming coming of Chriſt to war with the Saints againſt the Beaſt, Dragon, and Falſe-prophet, muſt admit of another ſenſe, which is alſo expreſſed, Page 27, 28.
Secondly, Neither can be properly be ſaid to be perſonally preſent in the peaceable part, or mountain ſtate, during the thouſand years.
Firſt, Becauſe beſides the conſtant concurrence of Scripture, the univerſal conſent of all parties is, that Chriſt comes not perſonally till the bodily Reſurrection, and that there is no bodily Reſurrection either of Saints or ſinners in the beginning of the thouſand years. Take theſe Eleven Arguments from Page 40. to 44.
Secondly, It appears from the former Argument of his being at the Fathers right hand, till the general reſurrection, till Death the laſt Enemy be deſtroyed; and if ſo then the thouſand years is to be firſt over, and the Battle of Gog, before the general Reſurrection ſhall take place, and that this is true Doctrine, appears alſo from all the conſiderable places that make mention of his perſonal coming and appearing, viz.
Firſt, From thoſe Scriptures that aſſert, that when he comes all the Saints ſhall come with him, which cannot be ſhort of the great Reſurrection.
1 Theſ. 3.3.13. To the end be may eſtabliſh your hearts, unblameable in holineſs before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt with all his Saints.
Luke 13.28, 29. There ſhall be weeping and gnaſhing of teeth, when ye ſhall ſee Abram and Iſaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of God, and your ſelves thruſt out. And they ſhall come from the Eaſt, and from the Weſt, and from the North, and from the South, and ſhall ſit down in the Kingdom of God.
1 Theſ. 4.14. For if we believe that Jeſus died and roſe again; even ſo them alſo which ſleep in Jeſus will God bring with him. 16 For the Lord himſelf ſhall deſcend from Heaven with a ſhout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the Trumpet of God, and the dead in Chriſt ſhall riſe firſt. 17. Then we which are alive and remain, ſhall be caught up together with them in the Clouds, to meet the Lord in the Air, and ſo ſhall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Cor. 15.51, 52. Behold I ſhew you a Myſtery, we ſhall not all ſleep, but we ſhall all be changed in a Moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the laſt Trump (for the Trumpet ſhall ſound, and the dead ſhall be raiſed incorruptible, and we ſhall be changed.) 54. So when this corruptible ſhall have put on incorruption, and this mortal ſhall have put on immortality, then ſhall be brought to paſs the ſaying that is written; Death is ſwallowed up in Victory. 55. O Death &c.
By which Scriptures it infallibly appears, that at the coming of Chriſt all the Saints ſhall come with him: The living Saints are to be changed and glorified; The dead Saints to be raiſed and glorified. But if this coming of Chriſt, and Reſurrection be to be underſtood at the beginning of the thouſand years, then cannot all the Saints come with him: For as page 37, multitudes both of Jews and Gentiles are to be called and converted in the thouſand years; Therefore cannot it be ſhort of the general Reſurrection after the thouſand years.
Secondly, From thoſe Scriptures, that inform his coming to be at the general Reſurrection, p. 40. John 5.28. John 6.39, 40.44.54. 1 Cor. 15.51.52. 1 Theſſ. 4.16. Job 14 12. Job 19.25, 26.
Secondly, From thoſe ſeveral Scriptures, that aſſign Chriſts coming to be at the General Judgement, to Judge the wicked and the righteous: which is alſo long after this thouſand years Reign, viz.
1. To Judge the Wicked, 2 Theſſ. 1.7, 8. &c. When the Lord ſhall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels. 8. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Goſpel of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt. 9. Who ſhall be puniſhed with everlaſting deſtruction from the preſence of the Lord, and the glory of his Power; 10. When he ſhall come to be glorified in his Saints, and to be admired in all them that believe, &c. 2 Tim 4.1. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who ſhall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing, and his Kingdom.
Matth. 25.31. When the Son of man ſhall come in his Glory, and all the Holy Angels with him, then ſhall he ſit upon the Throne of his Glory. 32. And before him ſhall be gathered all Nations, and he ſhall ſeparate them one from another, as a Shepheard divideth his Sheep from the Goats. 33. And he ſhall ſet the Sheep at his right hand, but the Goats on the left. 34. And then ſhall the King ſay to them on his right hand, &c.
Jude 14, 15. Verſes, And Enoch alſo the ſeventh from Adam Propheſyed of theſe, ſaying, Behold the Lord cometh with ten thouſand of his Saints, to execute judgement upon all, and to convince all that are Ungodly amongſt them, &c. Rev. 20.12. And I ſaw the dead ſmall and great ſtand before God, and the Books were opened. And the dead were judged out of thoſe things, which were written in the Books according to their works.
2. To Judge the Righteous. Matth. 25.34. Then ſhall the King ſay to them on his right hand, &c.
Rev. 20.12. And another Book was opened, which is the Book of Life, &c.
Acts 3.19. Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your ſins may be blotted out, when the times of refreſhing ſhall come from the preſence of the Lord: 20. And he ſhall ſend Jeſus Chriſt, which before was Preached unto you: 21. Whom the Heaven muſt receive, untill the times of Reſtitution of all things, which God hath ſpoken by the mouth of all his Holy Prophets, ſince the World began.
Hebr. 9.28. To them that look for him will he appear the ſecond time without ſin (blotting out the ſin) to Salvation.
1 Theſſ. 2.9. For what is our hope, or joy, or Crown of Rejoycing? are not even ye in the preſence of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt at his coming.
Col. 3.4. When Chriſt who is our Life ſhall appear, then ſhall we appear with him in Glory.
1 John ….2. Now are we Sons of God: but it doth not yet appear what we ſhall be: but when he ſhall appear, we ſhall be like him.
Phil. 3.20. For our conſolation is in Heaven, from whence alſo we look for our Saviour the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who ſhall change our vile body that it may be faſhioned like his glorious body.
1 Pet. 5.4. And when the chief Shepheard ſhall appear, ye ſhall receive a Crown of Glory, that fadeth not away.
By which Scriptures it fully appears, that Chriſt's perſonal coming and appearing, is not till the general Reſurrection and general Judgement, which are after this thouſand years Reign.
Fourthly, From thoſe Scriptures, that aſſign the diſſolution of the Heavens and the Earth to be at his perſonal coming and appearing.
2 Pet. 3.10. The day of the Lord ſhall come as a Thief in the Night, in which the Heavens ſhall paſs away with a great noiſe, and the Elements ſhall melt with fervent heat: The Earth alſo and the work therein ſhall be burnt up. 12. Wherein the Heavens being on fire ſhall be diſſolved.
Rev. 20.11. From whoſe face the Heavens and the Earth fled away, with Mark. 13.24.25.26.
By which it is further manifeſt, that the thouſand years Reign muſt be before; Otherwiſe where will be that Building, Planting, Rule, Government in this World, when the Earth and all its works are burnt up. Therefore of neceſſity muſt theſe things precede the perſonal coming and appearing of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt.
In the next place, Chriſts perſonal coming and appearing cannot be at this time, from arguments taken from his high Prieſthood, and work of Mediation.
We read Hebr. 9.7. That the High Prieſt alone once every year, not without blood, did enter into the Holy place to offer for himſelf, and the errours of the people, &c. But (Verſe 11) Chriſt being come, an High Prieſt of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to ſay, not of this Building; 12. Neither by the blood of Goats and Calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 15. And for this cauſe he is the Mediator of the New Teſtament, &c. 24. For Chriſt is not entered into the Holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into Heaven it ſelf now to appear in the preſence of God for us, &c.
Hebr. 4.15. And there, as our High-prieſt is he touched with the feeling of our infirmities, being in a l points he was tempted like as we are, yet without ſin. To encourage us to hold faſt our profeſſion, and to come boldly to the Throne of Grace, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of our need; who can have compaſſion on the ignorant, and them that are out of the way Heb. 5.2. For if any ſin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jeſus Chriſt the Righteous, who is the propitiation for our ſins, &c. 1 John 2.1. Who was in all things made like unto his Brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High-prieſt in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the ſins of the people; For in that he himſelf ſuffered being tempted, he is alſo able to ſuccour them that are tempted, Heb. 2.17, 18. And an High-prieſt for ever after the order of Melchizedeck, Heb. 5.6. Who ever lives to make interceſſion for us, and to ſave to the uttermoſt all that come unto God by him, Hebr. 7.25. And this man, becauſe he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable Prieſt-hood; Wherefore he is able to ſave them to the uttermoſt, &c. For ſuch an High-prieſt became us, &c. Heb. 7.24, 25, 26. So that whileſt ſinners are to be converted, Saints are liable to ſin, ſuffering, and temptation, and have need to pray, and be found in the uſe of Ordinances. Yea, whilſt they have any thing to do with God, ſhort of eternal Glory, they will ſtand in need of an Advocate, Mediatour, an Interceſſour, a Days-man. But this is needful to the end of the World, in and after the thouſand years; Therefore there is a neceſſity for the continuance of Chriſt's Mediation at the right hand of the Father, whilſt Sin, Satan, evil World, and Death remain, and till the Saints be ſafely entered into Eternal Reſt. Neither can he any more come off from that work, till he hath completed it; then the High-prieſt was to come off from within the Vail, till he had perfected the work, for which he entered the Holy Place. Therefore it will be very dangerous to hold out any Doctrine, that may entrench upon this great office of the Mediatour.
Again, neither can Chriſt perſonally appear with all the raiſed and glorified Saints in the thouſand years Reign, from the conſideration of the ſpecial work, that is to be tranſacted therein, altogether unſuitable for Glorified, Angelical, Spiritual Bodies; viz. To fight and wage War with material Swords, To diſpenſe Laws, to manage humane policies in the adminiſtration of Judgement, and Juſtice amongſt men, as well in the execution of Juſtice upon Tranſgreſſours, as to encourage the Well-doers to build, to plant, &c. To ſhare of worldly peace and plenty: To Preach the Goſpel, diſpenſe and partake of Ordinances: or to partake of the great Spiritual bleſſing in the pouring out of the Spirit; proper onelyonly for natural bodies and humane capacities; and how incongruous it is for mortal and immortal, glorified and unglorified, Heavenly and Earthly bodies, to converſe and tranſact together; is already manifeſt.
Upon which conſiderations we cannot ſuppoſe, that Chriſt can perſonally be preſent in either part of the Kingdom, neceſſitating therefore ſome other ſenſe to thoſe former Scriptures, ſeeming to hold out the ſame, more agreeable to Truth and current of Scripture.
Object. But you will ſay, in what ſenſe can you ſuppoſe Chriſt to be ſaid to come, to be with his people to fight againſt enemies, to Reign and ſit upon a Throne, if not perſonally?
To the firſt, concerning Chriſts coming, it is neceſſary that we ſhould take notice of a fourfold coming of Chriſt in the Scriptures, viz. A Perſonal, a Spiritual, a Myſtical, and a providential coming, each of which may alſo be uſed in a double ſenſe.
Firſt, He is ſaid to come in perſon, when he came in the fleſh to take our Nature upon him, 1 John 4.2. and Heb. 10. and alſo when he comes the ſecond time without ſin to Salvation, Heb. 2.28. Acts 11 1. 1 Cor. 15.23. Theſ. 1.8.
Secondly, His ſpiritual coming is, either when he comes by his ſpirit to convince, call and convert a Soul, as Eph. 3.17. 1 Theſ. 2.13. Rev. 4.20. or to confirm, ſeal, and eſtabliſh by his Spirit, John 14 20. Acts 23.28. Eph. 1.13.
Thirdly, It is miſtically conſidered either in his coming in the type, in the ſhadowy and legal diſpenſations, Acts 7. 1 Cor. 10. or in the Evangelical Antetype, or Goſpel diſpenſation.
Fourthly, He cometh in his Providence, either to redeem, deliver and ſave his people, Exod. 3.8. Lam. 18.8. Heb. 10.37. or to execute Vengeance in the deſtruction of his Enemies, Iſa. 63. Luke 18. Hab. 2. Mal. 2.
And it is the mind of wiſdom that muſt rightly and duly apply each of theſe according to the ſcope, drift and meaning of the holy ſpirit, and not miſtake the one for the other.
Secondly, What are we to underſtand by Chriſts being with a people, or a people with Chriſt? can that be otherwiſe than perſonal? for it is expreſly ſaid, They Reigned with Chriſt?
Chriſt may be ſaid to be with a perſon or people, when he is ſo virtually by his ſpirit or ſpiritual preſence, or when he is ſo by his Word, Rule, Law or Precept.
Judah was ſaid to rule with God, (Hoſea 11.12.) when they cleaved to Gods Word and Rule.
When Iſrael rejected the Government by Judges (which was Gods Ordinance and Appointment) for a King after the manner of the Nations, they were ſaid to reject God from being their King, who vertually went in and out before them, and ſought their Battles for them, 1 Sam. 8.
And therefore ſaid Jer. 8.19. Is not the Lord in Zion? Is not her King in her? why have they provoked me to anger with the graven Images?
Solomon was ſaid to ſit upon the Throne of the Lord.
And Jehoſhaphat in his charge to his Judges (2 Chron. 19.6. bids them take heed what they did; for you judg not for man, but for the Lord, who (he told them) was with them in the judgment; being called forth as verſe 8. for the Judgment of the Lord, and for controverſies.
Chriſt is ſaid therefore virtually and ſpiritually to dwell, to reſt, to walk amongſt his people, 2 Cor. 6.16. Rev. 2.1. Iſa. 57.15. and they with him, to live with them and they with him, to ſuffer with them and they with him, Pſal. 91.15: Acts 7.9. To dye, be buried, quickned, raiſed with him, Rom. 6.4. Col. 2.15. 2 Tim. 2.12. To work with him, 2 Cor 5.6.1. Sup with him and he with them, Rev. 3. To war and fight together with him and he with them, Rev. 17. Joſhuah 5. To be Captain of the Hoſt and General of the Army, Rev. 19. When all is but virtually and ſpiritually ſo.
So Satan is ſaid to be with his Servants & Subjects acting and inſtructing, when he is not perſonally nor viſibly ſo. Satan ſhall caſt ſome of you into priſon, Rev. 2.10. Where Satan dwelt, and Satans Seat and Throne was, Rev. 2.13. When he was only ſo by his ſubſtitutes in his Authority, not really and perſonally, but virtually and miſtically.
And ſo to Reign and Rule, as God King'd it in Iſrael by his Word, Law and Authority, by his influence and ſpirit.
As the Dragons Rule is called the Devils, becauſe the Devil influences, acts and ſpirits his principal Agents and Inſtruments, though not perſonally preſent.
So may the Rule in the hands of the Saints, be called Chriſts Kingdom or Soveraignty, though he be only virtually not perſonally preſent.
It is no new thing ſo to take it in his miſtical Kingdom in the Church, where his Laws, Statutes and Ordinances are diſpenſed in his name, and by vertue of his ſpirit: It was no new thing to have it ſo eſteemed in Iſrael in the Typical Kingdom, when the Law was his, the Rulers by his choice and ſpiriting, the policy his, called therefore his Rule, Government, Soveraignty, Throne, Kingdom. And why then ſhould it be thought ſtrange in the Antetype.
When his Law, Rule, Policy, and Rulers called according to his qualifications, and influenced by his ſpirit, ſhall according to promiſe and Propheſie come forth again in the world, why may they not as well be ſaid to Reign with Chriſt, as ſuffer with him. If we ſuffer with him we ſhall Reign with him. We do not think it any abſurdity to ſay, The King of Spain fights and Conquers in America, and Rules and Reigns there, though never perſonally preſent in that other world, but only vertually ſo, by his Commiſſions, by his Laws Civil and Eccleſiaſtical, that he hath transferred thither; by his Officers and Vice Roys, that he hath appointed in his name to Rule and Govern there. Did not the Roman Senate of old Govern the world at Rome by their Laws, and Edicts, and Rulers of Provinces, that they Commiſſioned and appointed.
But by this Reaſon you ſeem to exempt Chriſts perſon from any ſhare of Rule or Soveraignty in any Kingdom here; whereas it is expreſly ſaid, He is to judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and Kingdom, by which it is moſt manifeſt, that at his appearing he hath a Kingdom, and you owning that appearing to be perſonal, what do you make that Kingdom to be? And what ſhare hath Chriſts perſon in it.
In anſwer whereto I conceive it neceſſary in the firſt place, to give you the diſtinction of a five-fold Kingdom, the Scripture takes notice of belonging to Chriſt, viz. a Providential, Spiritual, Monarchical miſtical, or Davidical and Miſphatical Kingdom: and then I ſhall give you my underſtanding and conceptions of this Kingdom hinted at, that he is to have at that his appearing: And for a want of a right diſtinguiſhing herein, proceds (as I humbly apprehend, all the miſtaken notions and differences about the Kingdom of Chriſt treated of in theſe papers.
Firſt, Therefore underſtand there is a providential Kingdom which Chriſt hath, and doth (as God) manage over all the world, and that from the beginning.
Secondly, A ſpiritual Kingdom, which he doth and hath all along managed in the hearts of his people, from the beginning of the world to this day.
Thirdly, There is a miſtical Kingdom, or a Rule and Soveraignty, that he, as Lord and King, hath exerciſed in the Church, as well under the Law, as under the Goſpel.
Fourthly, There is his Monarchical or Davidical Kingdom, namely, that dignity and Soveraignty, that is in time according to promiſe, and propheſie to take place in and over the Nations, and to be managed by his Laws and Government, by his ſpirit and vertual preſence in his Servants and Subſtitutes: Which hath been the ſpecial Subject of this diſcourſe.
Fifthly, There is that glorious Miſphatical Kingdom, viz. Soveraignty, that Chriſt Jeſus in perſon (with all the Saints in their glorified bodies with him) ſhall upon their general Reſurrection and Judgment, exerciſe here upon the Earth, before all is given up into the Fathers hands, which is further cleared to you in the ſeveral parts of it in the Scriptures following.
Mat. 16.28. There be ſome ſtanding here that ſhall not taſt death, till they ſee the ſon of man coming in his Kingdom. Which in a figure is performed in the next Chapter. Mat. 17.2. And was transfigured before them, and his face did ſhine as the Sun, and his Raiment was white as the Light, &c. Compared with Rev. 1, 13, 14, 15. 2 Pet. 1.16. For we have not followed cunning deviſed Fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, but were eye Witneſſes of his Majeſty, viz. They had a viſion of that power and glory that Chriſts Majeſty ſhall have, when he come in his Kingdom.
Mat. 19.28. Ye which have followed me in the Regeneration, when the Son of man ſhall ſit on the Throne of his Glory, ye alſo ſhall ſit upon twelve Thrones, judging the twelve Tribes of Iſrael.
Rev. 3.21. To him that overcometh will I grant to ſit with me upon my Throne, even as I alſo overcome, and am ſet down with my Father on his Throne.
1 Cor. 15.50. Now this I ſay Brethren, that fleſh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Therefore 51. Behold I ſhew you a myſtery, we ſhall not all ſleep, but we ſhall all be changed. Holding out the neceſſity of the changed, immortal incorruptible eſtate to qualifie them, and make them capable to partake of the bleſſings and benefits of that Kingdom of God, which Chriſt enters upon at the ſounding of this laſt Trump, and the general Reſurrection and Judgement.
2 Tim. 4.1. I charge thee before our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who ſhall judge the Quick and the Dead at his appearing and Kingdom.
Luke 13.28. There ſhall be weeping and gnaſhing of teeth, when you ſhall ſee Abraham, and Iſaac, and Jacob, and all the Prophets in the Kingdom of God, and you your ſelves thruſt out. 29. And they ſhall come from the Eaſt, and from the Weſt, and from the North, and from the South, and ſhall ſit down in the Kingdom of God.
Math 25.31, 32. When the Son of Man ſhall come in his Glory, and all the holy Angels with him, then ſhall he ſit upon the Throne of his glory. And before him ſhall be gathered all Nations, and he ſhall ſeparate them one from another, as a Shepheard divideth the Sheep from the Goats, &c. Which fully ſtates and clears up the thing:
1. That Chriſt ſhall come in his Glory with all the Holy Angels with him.
2. That he ſhall then in his Kingly state, (as Verſe 34) Sit upon the Throne of his Glory.
3. That this ſhall be at the general Reſurrection: For all Nations good and bad are gathered before him.
4. That this ſhall be at the general Judgement: For now is the Judgement and Sentence to be pronounced, &c.
Secondly, This ſhall be upon the Earth.
Job 19.25, 26. For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and he ſhall ſtand at the latter day upon the Earth. And though after my skin worms deſtroy this body, yet in my fleſh ſhall I ſee God. Whom I ſhall ſee for my ſelf, and mine eyes ſhall behold, and not another, though my Reins be conſumed within me.
1 Theſſ. 4.17. Then we which are alive and remain, ſhall be caught up together with him in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Air, and ſo ſhall we ever be with the Lord: viz. Not to remain with him in the Air, but to meet him to come with him to the Earth: For ſo
Acts 1.10, 11. And while they looked ſtedfaſtly towards Heaven, as he went up, behold two men ſtood by them in white Apparel, which ſaid; Ye men of Galilee, why ſtand ye gazing up into Heaven? This ſame Jeſus, which is taken up from you into Heaven, ſhall come in like manner as ye have ſeen him go into Heaven. With
Zach. 14.4. And his Feet ſhall ſtand in that day upon Mount Olivet, &c.
Thirdly, The manner of his coming to his Throne; it ſhall be firſt Viſible, ſecondly Glorious, thirdly Terrible alſo.
1. Viſible, Rev. 1.7. Behold he cometh with Clouds, and every eye ſhall ſee him; and they alſo which pierced him, &c.
Matth. 27.30. And they ſhall ſee the Son of Man coming in the Clouds of Heaven with power and great Glory.
Acts 1.11. He ſhall come in like manner, as ye have ſeen him go into Heaven.
2. Glorious, And therefore well called the Kingdom of Glory. Mark 13.26. And then ſhall they ſee the Son of Man coming in the Clouds with Power and great Glory. Which great Glory appears.
Firſt, Becauſe it is in the Fathers Glory.
Mark 8.38. Whoſoever therefore ſhall be aſhamed of me, and of my words in this adulterous and ſinful Generation; of him alſo ſhall the Son of Man alſo be aſhamed, when he cometh in the Glory of his Father, with the Holy Angels.
Secondly, In his own Glory with the Father.
Luke 9.26. Of him ſhall the Son of Man be aſhamed, when he comes in his own Glory, and in his Fathers, &c.
Thirdly, In the Glory of all the Holy Angels.
Matth. 25.31. When the Son of Man ſhall come in his Glory, and all the Holy Angels with him.
2 Theſſ. 1.7. And to you who are troubled, reſt with us, when the Lord Jeſus ſhall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels.
Fourthly, In the Glory of all the Saints, as is already largely proved from Zech. 4.5. 1 Theſſ. 4.14, 17. 1 Cor. 15.51, 52. Luke 13.28. Luke 2.36.2 Theſſ. 2.10. There vile bodies being now raiſed, changed, made from Earthly to bear the Image of the Heavenly, is to be made glorious like Chriſts glorified Body, 1 John 3.1, 2. Phil. 3.21. 1 Cor. 15.43, 44, 49.
3. Terrible alſo, With a ſhout, great noiſe, voice of the Archangel with the Trump of God, the laſt Trump, with the diſſolution of Heaven and Earth, as 1 Cor. 15.52. 1 Theſſ. 4.17. Math. 24.31. Math. 24.24. 2 Pet. 3. Rev. 20. Rev. 22.
4. What ſhall be done in this Kingdom? 2 Theſſ. 1. Chriſt ſhall be glorified, and admired and praiſed. Saints ſhall be glorified and rewarded. Wicked Men and wicked Angels ſhall by Chriſt and the Saints be Judged and Sentenced, according to their deeds and demerits.