A Complete Body of Divinity, Sermons · 121 (Question 31 cont.)
SERMON CXXI.
WE have confidered what is done by i… Spirit of God in a man, in order to the impowering and inclining of him to Bel…ve, which is the thing mainly pointed to; in the Anſwer before us. Here we have the habit of Fa…h, together with all other Graces produced, in which we are paſſi…e. But Effectual Calling is not compleated in us, till we have anſwered the Call given us by the Spirit, which is done by actual Believing: in which alſo there is his agency or co-operation; which is intimated in that we are told, not only …hat he Enableth; But alſo that he perſwades us to Embrace an offered Saviour; i.e. to believe in Chriſt. Under which perſwaſion, we before obſerved, is contained; both a diſpoſing or inclining the man to do ſo, and a drawing forth of that inclination into a…t. The former of theſe is already ſpoken unto; the latter now come under out Confideration.
TOUCHING the Nature of ſaving Faith, our Catechiſm will afterwards call us to a diſtinct account of it. Our preſent buſineſs is to take notice, How the Spirit of God draws it out into act in Effectual Calling. And here we may firſt obſferve ſomething in general referring to actual Converſion, to which this belongs: And then more particularly, to the exertion of this Grace of Faith, in the Souls embracing of Chriſt, on the free offer & invitation given it.
1. IN the General Conſideration of Active Converſion, let theſe things be obſerved,
1. THAT there is an active as well as a paſſive Converſion. Indeed that was properly deſigned for this. The principles of ſaving Grace are put into the man on purpoſe that he may be enabled to exerciſe ſuch Graces as are required of him. The Spirit's drawing, and our running have a connexion. Cant. 1.4. Draw me, we will run after thee. Man was made actively to ſerve God, without it he loſeth his end. Hence that, Iſal. 43.21. This people have I formed for my ſelf, they ſhall ſhew forth my praiſe. And the Apoſtle's way of argul…g. Gal. 5.25. If we live in the Spirit, let us alſo walk in the Spirit. Grace would be in vain put into us, if it ſhould not be exerciſed.
2. THAT when the Spirit hath done the firſt work, there is now an active Principle in the man. He was before dead, but now he is quickned, Eph. 2 1. It is of the very nature of that Work, to make the man alive again, who before had no ſpiritual life in him. It puts an ability into him to perform gracious actions: For Grace in the habit, it a power of acting graciouſly. He now hath ſtrength, who before had none. Hence that, Phil. 4 13. I can do all things through Chriſt which streng thu…th me.
3. THAT all the actions of this Converſion, are truly and preperly done by the man himſelf. The new Creatute is not a lifeleſs Inſtrument; but his gracious actions are done by a living Agent, exerting an inward principle of life, that is its own. Though the ab…lity is from God, yet it is an ability that he hath infuſed into the man, and made his. God therefore acknowledgeth theſe acts to his People. And Paul could ſay, I live, Gal. 2.20.
4. THAT yet theſe ad…ns cannot be done, without the efficiency of the Spirit. No true Convert can act graciouſly, without his help. There is a dependance of all the activity of our Grace on his co-operation. He doth not only give Grace, but alſo helps it in its work. What elſe is intended, in Joh. 15.5. Without me ye can do nothing. There could be no improvement of our ſpiritual life, but for him, Gal. 2.20. Indeed, the Creature depends on him, as to all its natural actions. The fire burns not, &c. but by his concomitant influence, Act. 17.28. And if it be ſo, in actions purely natural, can it be otherwiſe in thoſe that are ſpiritual and ſupernatural?
5. HENCE, There is the Operation both of the Spirit of God, and of the man himſelf, in the acting of theſe Graces. And this is one main difference between the firſt and ſucond Converſion: in that the Spirit only was active, and the Soul paſſive, but here, b…th are active. In that the power was given, in this it was exerted, not only in, but alſo by the man. And therefore, though the efficiency be attributed to the Spirit, in regard of his neceſſary co operation; yet the formality of the action is aſcribed to the man himſelf. The Spirit helps us to believe, to repent, to pray, &c. but it is not he that believes, &c. but we. Theſe two are therefore put together, Phil. 2.12, 13. Work out your own ſalvation with lear & trembling. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleaſure.
6. THAT the Spirit, & the man, do not act in Co-ordination. This is warily to be obſerved. They do not act as two joynt efficients, dividing the work between them, as being equally concerned in it; and ſo take each his part to do: or, as if we were to do what we can, and the Spirit were to do the reſt. But there is an entire ſubordiantion in this affair. We work out our own Salvation, and yet he works, Phil. 2.12, 13. And let it be well obſerved, that the Spirit works as the principal Agent, and firſt mover, and we as the leſs principal, who being moved, do move. They … great affront to the Spirit of God, that … him only the place of in adjurant … working under us. The beginning of e… gracious action in us, is of God, he ſets us … work: when he moves them, then our G… do move. So David underſtood, Pſal. 119.22. Why elſe is it, that if he leaves us, we do … act our Graces, but our Corruption? 2 Chr. 32. …
7. THAT theſe athems are not diver…, … the ſame, in which each …f theſe, acts in … We are not here to enquite what of the Work is done by the Spirit, and what of it is … by the Convert, from the principle of … in him, ſo as to a…gn this part to the … and that to the other. But it is the … act, whether of Faith, or of Love, &c in whi… both are efficients. True, there is corr… mixing with the beſt actions of God's …, which is neither to be aſcribed to the … nor to the Grace in them, but to their … maining concupiſcence, Rom. 7.20. … gracious actions belong entirely to both, … the Spirit as the principal, to the man … reſpect to his Grace, as the ſubordinece … cient. Hence he is ſaid to work all … in us, Iſal. 26.12. Our works, i.e. the … that we do, he doth them too: the … not other. Only let us obſerve this diffes… He is only an efficient, whereas the … is an efficient and a ſubject too: the … is wrought in him, as well as by him, … ſo the effect belongs to us attributively … not to him, i.e. it is not He that is … but we, for he doth not work it upon … ſelf, but upon us. He improves the … that is in us, which by his concurrence … itſelf.
8. THAT though the actions produced … ſame, yet the actings of the Spirit, & of … in them are diverſe. For they are two … Agents, and they act in a different … There is therefore ſomething that the … doth of himſelf, and ſomething that the … doth by the help of the Spirit. So them … they concur in the ſame action, yet … Agency is not alike. Here them … obſerve.
1. THAT in the bringing of the … of Grace into act, there are three … more ſpecially done by the Spirit.
(1.) HE upholds the Principle of Gr… he hath wrought in us. He no ſoo… … ingenerated it in us, but he puts an … ing Arm underneath to ſupport and … it. The habit of Grace would die as … it is made to live, if he did not keep is … But his influence falleth upon it in the … of its production, and never leaves it. … that, 1 Pet 1.5. Who are kept by the … God through ſaith unto ſalvation. And … ſuſtentation is never withdrawn. H… … is one title put upon Believers, Joh… … Preſerved in Jeſus Chriſt—
(2.) HE excites theſe Graces to … He not only keeps the principle in life, … prompts it to its actings. There is a … … of the Spirit ſet to the work of Con…et … for the drawing forth of Grace in to act, and that is done firſly by excitation; as … is a quickning in regeneration, ſo there … after it, which David ſo often prays for, … 119. and elſewhere. And this exci… is both …ral and phyſical. He invites, and … Arguments with the man, and ſo … moral; but he withal puts in his ſinger, and makes's powerful impreſſion. And this … the firſt thing wherein the Soul diſcerns the ſpecial Grace of God.
(3.) HE a …fills theſe Graces in their act. The … being thus excited, exerts that grace ſo … but ſtill there is a continuance of … influence of the Spirit, which runs not, only … willing, but our dving too, Phil. 2.13. … which, this act would never be pro…. Paul diſowns ſufficiency for a thought this is good, 2 Cor. 3.5. The action would … in the birth, if he did not carry it through. … THERE is that alſo; which is done by the Commer… in this Affair, viz. that be acts as … volu…tary, ſelf-moving Inſtrument of … Though all beings have their de… upon God for their activity, yet he … a life into ſome, as a principle by … they act under him. There is alſo in … reaſon, and will, deliberation, … and certainly the Creature … in ſuch actions; how elſe … action be counted righteous … and charged as wicked on the … as Acts 2.23. Here then ob…. (1.) THAT the man, in Converting of himſelf, … as on Inſtrument of the Spirit. We …etved, that he acts not in co-ordination, he …nation. Now all ſubordinate A… … either adjuvant, or inſtrumental. … is not an adjuvant, helping the Spirit … work, is certain; for the Spirit helps … and not he the Spirit: nor doth the … word his help. What he doth, he doth is of himſelf. If remains therefore, that we … be only inſtrumental. (2.) THAT though he be an Inſtrument, yet he is a living Inſtrument, he hath a principle of … life in him. He lives, and ſo hath … of ſelf motion in him. For ſpiritual … in a power of ſpiritual Actions. And it is not …wing, but a rational life that he hath. they …lty being Converted, and having … principles infuſed into it. Paul ſaith, … &c. Phil. 4.13. (3.) HENCE the Grace in him readily enter… the Applications of the Spirit, and im…. The Spirit cometh in the Word, … in the Soul by it, ſets it home; and … entertains it, and by an act of its …cts it back again. Pſal. 27.8. When … Seek ye my face, my heart ſaid unto … face, Lord, will I ſeek. God helps … it was his heart that ſaid it. So, …. 4. Draw me, we will run after thee. … g…th by an act of his own: and this … having act, becauſe it flows from a ſaving … (4.) HE now accordingly puts forth the Grace that is in him, to the doing of the act is ſelf. The Spirit excites and aſſiſts, and in this ſtrength, he ſets about & doth it. Job ſaith, I repent in duſt and aſ…es, Job 42.6. And this is the ſame act which the Spirit wrought in him, which he alſo works, as being moved and acted by the Spirit of God. And this is the manner of active Converſion.
II. WE proceed to conſider the Particular Exertion of the Grace of Faith, in the Souls Embracing of Chriſt on the free offer and invitation given it. And there needs the loſs to be ſaid of it; becauſe it is only in exemplification of that one Grace, in compliance with the Goſpel call, bidding of us to believe in Chriſt for Salvation, which is doubtleſs drawn out after the ſame manner, with all the other Graces of the Spirit that are put into us. Here then let a few things be taken notice of.
1. THAT the Spirit of God having …ought a new Principle in the Soul, bolds Chriſt as the Object of Faith before it, in all his glorious Suſſiciency, inviting him, and encouraging him to believe on him. There is a general Invitation given to all to whom Chriſt is recommended in the publication of the Goſpel. But there is a more ſpecial and peculing Invitation preſented to ſome, in whom the Spirit of God hath been at work, to prepare and diſpoſe them for it. Such is there Mat. 11.29. Take my yoke upon you, & lea…s of me, for I am week and lowly in heart: and ye ſhall find reſt unto your ſouls. The Spirit indeed makes the offer to ſuch as have no inclination to imbrace it: but he continues it to ſuch on whom he hath been at work, to enable and incline them to it, that ſo, having wrought the Will, he may alſo work the Deed. He therefore comes in and with the Word, holds the glaſs before the man; and ſets home upon him all thoſe Arguments by which he may be moved; as a Cauſe by Counſel, to give a welcome entertainment to the offer made.
2. THE renewed Underſtanding improves the Conviction and Illumination wrought in it, to give in its verdict for Chriſt, and commends him to the Will as a ſuitable Object of Faith. The man was before blind, but now he hard eyes, and he can ſee: and the Spirit, together with holding the Object before him, excites him to turn his eyes upon it, and gives him ſuch a fight of Chriſt, as draws forth a compleat aſſent of his Underſtanding. And now the former Conviction of his fin and miſery abiding on his Conſcience, keeps in him a lively apprehenſion of his abſolure neceſſity of Salvation by one that is able; and being entirely perſwaded that Chriſt is ſuch an One: diſcerning his glorious Excellencies, every way adapted to afford conpleat Saivation to the miſerable Sinner: he comes to this firm Concluſion, that Chriſt, and he alone, is an Object to be truſted in for Eternal Life, As they, Joh. 6.68. Lord, to whom ſhall we go: thou hac… the words of eternal life. And becauſe the Underſtanding is the Wills Counſeller, it recommends this reſult to the Will, for the determination of its choice. It ſaith, here thou muſt reſt. He is able, &c. Heb. 7.25. And there is Salvation in no other &c. Act. 412. It ſaith, Accept of Chriſt, and thou ſhalt be happy for ever. Pſal. 36.8. He is offered to thee, take him, and he ſhall be thing; and thou ſhalt never repent of it, but be ſatisfyed in it, Pſal. 63.5.
3. THE Will hereupon finds in it ſell a mighty Inclination, and Irreſiſtable, to caſt itſelf upon Chriſt for Salvation. There are indeed many Fears, doubts, reluctancies, fomented by the carnal part in him; and though they may be, in the very inſtant ſtirring, and diſturbing of him, yet there is a prevalency of the Power and Grace of the Spirit, which draws out the Heart after Chriſt; he is now willing to forſake all his other truſts for him. It is a ſudden Change, the Will is faced about at once. He that refuſed Chriſt before, now longs for him, and is ready to receive him. As, Cant. 6.12. Or ever I was aware, my ſoul made me like the chariots of Ammi-nadih. And to forſake all for him, Pſal. 45.10. He now reſolves, he muſt have Chriſt, or he dies; if he have him not, he muſt periſh, and it be comes to him and be rejected, he can but periſh: And this is the Concluſion that he fixeth upon, and he cannot be moved from. Chriſt is the Pearl of price: and he reſolves to ſell all for him, and let Satan, and the World, and his own corrupt part ſay what they can to beat him off from it, he remains unmoveable.
4. THE Soul hereupon accepts of the Invitations, and conſents to the Call. The force of this Inclination is drawn forth into act, and ſo the Aſſent given by the Underſtanding, is ſettled with the Conſent of the Will. And there are more eſpecially theſe things in it.
(1.) IT receives the Teſtimony that is given of Chriſt, and acquieſceth in it. It is of the nature of all Faith, that it receives a report upon the credit of the Author of it. Now, the great things that concern Chriſt as a Saviour, are of Revelation. God hath declared them to us in the Goſpel; and the Spirit is the witneſs of them, in the Hearts of thoſe that cordially entertain them. And this is the foundation of the Souls acceptance and conſent. This therefore John commends as a noble act of faith, John 3.33. HE that hath received his teſtimony, hath ſet to his ſeal, that God is true. The Underſtanding commends Chriſt, according to the Goſpel diſcoveries made of him, acted upon it with a powerful ſuaſion; and the Will ſaith, I receive it, and dare to adventure for Eternity on the truth of it. And this is that which the Apoſtle ſo commends in thoſe whom he writes unto, 1 Pet. 1.8.
(2.) IT embraceth the Promiſe of the new Covenant, in which Salvation is engaged on believing. As God in the Goſpel diſcovers the ſufficiency of Chriſt to ſave, ſo with it to propoſeth the terms of a Covenant, in wi…ds together with commanding us to believe, … engageth Salvation to us, upon our ſo doing; which Promiſe is the handle with Faith hath to faſten its hold upon. Now Chriſt hath ſaid, John 6.3…. All that the Father … eth me, ſhall come to me: and him that … to me, I will in no wiſe caſt out. This is the Souls encouragement to come, and … him at his word: It ſaith, I am per…, that as he is able, ſo he is faithful, and … did, nor ever will deceive thoſe who d… to adventure upon his word: I am … that upon believing on him, I cannot … obtaining the crown of Life.
(3.) IT hereupon adventures itſelf of Chriſt as a Saviour. Chriſt invites him, and hol… forth the Promiſe to him, and the be… ing moved by it, moves to him, and … eth him. He ſaith, Come to me, caſt thy … on me take me for thy Salvation: And the … replies, Behold I come; and in coming to … it lets go and utterly relinquiſheth … other reliance that it had. It ſaith … 14.4. It ſees that there is no help to be … in any other object; and now it … that he ſhall be its Object, as Pſal. 14.…. And this Adventure is an act of … the full reſult of the Will, and … the Soul enters into Chriſt, and take … of him, as his habitation, and r… … And indeed it is beyond the power … to make ſuch an adventure, as a Soul … ing doth, when under the deepeſt ſaith of Sin and Unworthineſs, it caſts itſelf … Chriſt.
(4.) IN this Adventure it freely … itſelf to Him for Safety. Hence that … 2 Tim. 1.12. I know whom I have bel… I am perſuaded that he is able to keep the …th I have committed unto him againſt the … He now puts his very Life and Soul into the hands of Chriſt. As he, Pſal. 31.5. He reſolves that Chriſt hath a mighty Arm, that is able to ſecure him from all danger; that is him there is ſecurity againſt all the C…ſes of the Law, againſt all the endeavours of the rearing Lion that ſeeks to devour him, … he is an high Tower, and a munition of … He therefore makes himſelf over unto … puts himſelf into his Hands: Saith us Pſal. 62.5, 6. My ſoul wait thou only upon God: ſo my expectation is from him. He only is … and my ſalvation: he is my defence, … not be moved. He gives himſelf up to Chriſt as the high Prieſt, Prophet and King of his Salvation; reſigns himſelf up to be … by his Righteouſneſs, directed by his … and governed by his Laws, and depends … intirely upon him for all that conduct whereby he may be brought to enjoy the p… Poſſeſſion: And faith as he, Pſal. 73. … ſhalt guide me with thy counſel, and … receive me to glory.
(5.) AND now it takes up its ſtand, … here forever. He had been wand ring … …tain to hill, but now he is gotten into his back, and there he will abide, Pſal. 12. …. He makes an abſolute choice of Chriſt, … any reſerves; gives himſelf up to … in on everlaſting Covenant never to be …, reſolving to be for him, and for no … ſheward and forever. Thus the … draws, and thus the Soul follows, and …us into the rock of Ages, where he ſhuts …, by traſting in the Name of the … and ſtaying himſelf upon his God.
USE I. LEARN hence, How few there be … are Effectually Called, and how vain the power of the muſt is, to a title to Salvation. … captain, that none ſhall be ſaved but ſuch as are gotten into Chriſt by a ſaving … and all that are ſo have not only had … …ard Call of the Goſpel given them, … them to come to him, or the inward … of the Spirit, ſtriving with them, for of ſuch Chriſt ſaith, Mat. 20.26. Many be a… but few choſen. But they have been …, upon, powerfully perſuaded; they have ſufficien all other objects of truſt, diſ… the excellency, glory, ſufficiency of … and choſen him for their Prince and …, they have accepted of the terms of the new Covenant, and complied: with … when him for their Wiſdom, Righteouſ… their Lord, and their God, and their … And now they are for him and no other. … you not then be deceived in your … take heed of building on a ſandy …, ſee that this thorough Change be …ght in you; that you are turned from …, and World, and gotten into the … Chriſt by a living Faith: Elſe all …ther pretences will deceive you, and … he found among the workers of ini…. You ſee what it is to be a Believer. …ket what is the ſolemn Seal of the Goſpel, Mat. 16.16. He that believeth and is baptized, ſhall be ſaved; but he that believeth not ſhall be damned.
USE II. LET me offer a Word of Conſolation to all thoſe that are thus Effectually Called. Have you found the efficacy of the Grace of God in you, making Sin an evil and bitter thing to you; diſcovering to you the glorious Excellency of Jeſus Chriſt in his Perſon and Offices, and been won thereby to come away from all other vain Objects, on which you ſometimes leaned the weight of your conſidence, and upon his Invitation and Promiſes, have caſt your ſelves upon him, for pardon of Sin, for peace with God, for ſafe conduct, and direction and influence, to lead you on your way, and make you meet for the Inberitance: and reſt here; reſolving to go no where elſe? You are then Called; the Everlaſting Covenant between him and you is Sealed. And let this be your Conſolation, that this truſt ſhall never fail you. You may ſay as he, in Pſal. 20.7, 8. Some truct in charions, and ſome in borſes: but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen, but we are riſen and stand uprigle. And with the Apoſtle, Rom. 8.38. For I am perſuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things preſent, nor things to come, Nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, ſhall be able to ſeperate us from the love of God which is in Chriſt Jeſus our Lord. Here is the foundation laid, which ſhall be certainly built up. And you ſee the indiſſoluable connexion, ver. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he alſo called: and whom be called, them he alſo juſtified; and whom be justified, them he alſo glorified.
[JUNE 7. 1698]