Q. 50. Wherein consisted Christ's humiliation after his death? A. Christ's humiliation after his death consisted in his being buried, and continuing in the state of the dead, and under the power of death till the third day; which hath been otherwise expressed in these words, He descended into hell. Q. 51. What was the estate of Christ's exaltation? A. The estate of Christ's exaltation comprehendeth his resurrection, ascension', sitting at the right hand of the Father", and his coming again to judge the world". Q. 52. How was Christ exalted in his resurrection? A. Christ was exalted in his resurrection, in that, not having seen corruption in death, (of which it was not possible for him to be held °,) and having the very same body in which he suffered, with the essential properties thereof, (but without mortality, and other common infirmities belonging to this life,) really united to his soul, he rose again from the dead the third day by his own power; whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God, to have satisfied divine justice, to have vanquished death, and him that had the power of who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Gal. iii. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. 50.h 1 Cor. xv. 3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. Ver. 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. i Psal. xvi. 10. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Compared with Acts ii. 21. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Ver. 25. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face; for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Ver. 26. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also, my flesh shall rest in hope: Ver. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Ver. 31. He, seeing this before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. Rom. vi. 9. Knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. Mat. xii. 40. For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 51. k I Cor. xv. 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Mark xvi. 19. So then, after the Lord had spoken into them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. m Eph. i. 20. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. n Acts i. 11. Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into hea ven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts xvii. 31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. 52. Acts ii. 24. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Ver. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corrup tion. P Luke xxiv. 39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. q Rom. vi. 9. Knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. Rev. i. 18. I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. r John x. 18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. s Rom. i. 4. And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. t Rom. viii. 34. Who is he that condem : it', and to be Lord of quick and dead" all which he did as a public person, the head of his Church, for their justification, quickening in grace, support against enemies, and to assure them of their resurrection from the dead at the last day. Q. 53. How was Christ exalted in his ascension? A. Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that having after his resurrection often appeared unto and conversed with his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God", and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all nations, forty days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our head, triumphing over enemies, visibly went up into the highest heavens, there to receive gifts for men ", to raise up our affections thither, and to prepare a place for us, where himself is, and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world'. neth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. v Heb. ii. 14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. w Rom. xiv. 9. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 1 Cor. xv. 21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. Ver. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. y Eph. i. 20. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. Ver. 22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Ver. 23. Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Col. i. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. z Rom. iv. 25. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. a Eph. ii. 1. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Ver. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ; (by grace ye are saved;) Ver. 6. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Col. ii. 12. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. b1 Cor. xv. 25. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. Ver. 26. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Ver. 27. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things under him. c1 Cor. xv. 20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. 53. d Acts i. 2. Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen : Ver. 3. To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallib e proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. e Mat. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Ver. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. f Heb. vi. 20. Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec. Eph. iv. 8. Wherefore he saith When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Acts i. 9. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Ver. 10. And, while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Ver. 11. Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Eph. iv. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. Psal. lxviii. 18. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. i Col. iii. 1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of F2 Q. 54. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God? A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favour with God the Father, with all fulness of joy ", glory, and power over all things in heaven and earth P; and doth gather and defend his church, and subdue their enemies; furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts and graces, and maketh intercession for them". Q. 55. How doth Christ make intercession? A. Christ maketh intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven, in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth, declaring his will to have it applied to all believers; answering all accusations against them ", and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings, access with boldness to the throne of grace, and acceptance of their persons and services a God. Ver. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. k John xiv. 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. i Acts iii. 21. Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 54. m Phil. ii. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. n Acts ii. 28. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Compared with Psalm xvi. 11. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. o John xvii. 5. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. P Eph. i. 22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. 1 Pet. iii. 22. Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels, and authorities, and powers, being made subject unto him. Eph. iv. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. Ver. 11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Ver. 12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Psal. cx. 1. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool, &c. [See the Psalm throughout.] r Rom. viii. 34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Heb. ix. 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. Ver. 24. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Heb. i. 3. Who, being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. v John iii. 16. For 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 xvii. 9. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. Ver. 20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. Ver. 24. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. w Rom. viii. 33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth; Ver. 34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. x Rom. v. 1. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: Ver. 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 1 John ii. 1. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: Ver. 2. And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. y Heb. iv. 16. Let us therefore come Q. 56. How is Christ to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world? A. Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world, in that he, who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked men", shall come again at the last day in great power, and in the full manifestation of his own glory, and of his Father's, with all his holy angels, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, to judge the world in righteousness. Q. 57. What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation? A. Christ, by his mediation, hath procured redemption, with all other benefits of the covenant of grace. Q. 58. How do we come to be made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured? A. We are made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured, by the application of them unto us, which is the work especially of God the IIoly Ghost *. Q. 59. Who are made partakers of redemption through Christ? A. Redemption is certainly applied, and effectually communicated, to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it; who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the gospel. having obtained eternal redemption for us. boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. z Eph. i. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. a 1 Pet. ii. 5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 56. b Acts iii. 14. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; Ver. 15. And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. c Mat. xxiv. 30. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. d Luke ix. 26. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. Mat. xxv. 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. e I Thess. iv. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. f Acts xvii. 31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained: whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. 57. Heb. ix. 12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his wn blood, be entered in once into the holy place, h 2 Cor. i. 20. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 58. i John i. 11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. Ver. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. k Tit. iii. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost: Ver. 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 59. Eph. i. 13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Ver. 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. John vi. 37. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Ver. 39. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John x. 15. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. Ver. 16. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. m Eph. ii. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 2 Cor. iv. 13. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak. Q. 60. Can they who have never heard the gospel, and zo know not Jesus Christ, nor believe in him, be saved by their living according to the light of nature? A. They who, having never heard the gospel", know not Jesus Christ, and believe not in him, cannot be saved P, be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, or the laws of that religion which they profess; neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ alone, who is the Saviour only of his body the church t. Q. 61. Are all they saved who hear the gospel, and live in the church? A. All that hear the gospel, and live in the visible church, are not saved; but they only who are true members of the church invisible '. Q. 62. What is the visible church? A. The visible church is a society made up of all such as in all ages 60. n Rom. x. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? o 2 Thess. i. 8. In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Ver. 9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. Eph. ii. 12. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. John i. 10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. Ver. 11. He came unto his own, and his own received nim not. Ver. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. P John viii. 24. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. Mark xvi. 16. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. q 1 Cor. i. 20. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? Ver. 21. For after that, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. Ver. 22. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: Ver. 23. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; Ver. 24. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. r John iv. 22. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. Rom. ix. 31. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Ver. 32. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law: for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone. Phil. iii. 4. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Ver. 5. Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Ver. 6. Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Ver. 7. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Ver. 8. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Ver. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. s Acts iv. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. t Eph. v. 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the saviour of the body. 61. v John xii. 38. That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Ver. 39. There. fore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, Ver. 40. Ile hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. Rom. ix. 6. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel which are of Israel. Mat. xxii. 14, For many are called, but few are chosen. Mat. vii. 21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Rom. xi. 7. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. |