CHAP. XII. Of Adoption A' LL those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption": by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God; have his name put upon them, receive the Spirit of adoption; have access to the throne of grace with boldness; are enabled to cry, Abba, Father; are pitied, protected h, provided for i, and chastened by him as by a father; yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption m, and inherit the promises ", as heirs of everlasting salvation °. TH CHAP. XIII. Of Sanctification. e Eph. iii. 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Rom. v. 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. HEY who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them, are farther sanctified Ver. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the have received the Spirit of adoption, curse of the law, being made a curse for whereby we cry, Abba, Father. us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: Ver. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Rom. iv. 22. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Ver. 23. Now, it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; Ver. 24. But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. Heb. xiii. 8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. I. a Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Ver. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. b Rom. viii. 17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ: if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. John i. 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. c Jer. xiv. 9. Yet thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. 2 Cor. vi. 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Rev. iii. 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name. 4 Rom. viii. 15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye f Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. g Psal. ciii. 13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. h Prov. xiv. 26. In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence; and his children shall have a place of refuge. i Matth. vi. 30. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Ver. 32. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 1 Pet. v. 7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. k Heb. xii. 6. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every sou whom he receiveth. 1 Lam. iii. 31. For the Lord will not cast off for ever. m Eph. iv. 30. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. n Heb. vi. 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. o Pet. i. 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Ver. 4. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Heb. i. 14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, by his word and Spirit dwelling in them; the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. II. This sanctification is throughout in the whole man, yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part: whence ariseth a continual and irreconcileable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. III. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome1 and so the saints grow in grace", perfecting holiness in the fear of God". : I. a 1 Cor. vi. 11. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Acts xx. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Phil. iii. 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Rom. vi. 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Ver. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. b John xvii. 17. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Eph. v. 26. That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. c Rom. vi. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Ver. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. d Gal. v. 24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. Rom. viii. 13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. e Col. i. 11. Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness. Eph. iii. 16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; Ver. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, Ver. 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; Ver. 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. f 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Heb. xii. 14. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. II. g 1 Thess. v. 23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. h1 John i. 10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Rom. vii. 18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Ver. 23. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Phil. iii. 12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. i Gal. v. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 1 Pet. ii. 11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. III. k Rom. vii. 23. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 1 Rom. vi. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 1 John v. 4. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Eph. iv CHAP. XIV. Of Saving Faith. THE THE grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls a, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts b, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the word: by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened. II. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein; and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings 8, and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come 1. But the principal acts of saving faith 15. But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Ver. 16. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in love. m 2 Pet. iii. 18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Cor. iii. 18. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. n 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. I. a Heb. x. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. b 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. Eph. i. 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ver. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Ver. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. Eph. ii. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. c 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? Ver. 17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. d1 Pet. ii. 2. As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. Acts xx. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheri tance among all them which are sanctified. Rom. iv. 11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. Luke xvii. 5. And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. Rom. i. 16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Ver. 17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. II. e John iv. 42. And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. 1 Thess. ii. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 John v. 10. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. Acts xxiv. 14. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. f Rom. xvi. 26. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all na. tions for the obedience of faith. g Isaiah lxvi. 2. For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at iny word. Heb. xi. 13. These all died in faith, not are, accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace!. III. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; may be often and many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory'; growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith ". CHAP. XV. Of Repentance unto Life. Rwhereof is to be preached by every minister of the gospel, as EPENTANCE unto life is an evangelical grace, the doctrine well as that of faith in Christ". having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 1 Tim. iv. 8. For bodily exercise profiteth little; but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. i John i. 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. Acts xvi. 31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Gal. ii. 20. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Acts xv. 11. But we believe that, through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved, even as they. III. k Heb. v. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. Ver. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Rom. iv. 19. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: Ver. 20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. Mat. vi. 80. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast in to the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Mat. viii. 10. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Luke xxii. 31. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: Ver. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Eph. vi. 16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 1 John v. 4. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Ver. 5. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? in Heb. vi. 11. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end: Ver. 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Heb. x. 22. Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Col. ii. 2. That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ. n Heb. xii. 2. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; 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. I. a Zech. xii. 10. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications; and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born. Acts xi. 18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. b Luke xxiv. 47. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Mark i. 15. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Acts xx. 21. Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. II. By it a sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God, and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God, purposing and endeavouring to walk with him in all the ways of his commandments d. III. Although repentance be not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof, which is the act of God's free grace in Christ; yet is it of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it ". II. c Ezek. xviii. 30. Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Ver. 31. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed: and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezek. xxxvi. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities, and for your abominations. Isa. xxx. 22. Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence. Psal. li. 4. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight; that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Jer. xxxi. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. Ver. 19. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. Joel ii. 12. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning; Ver. 13. And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Amos v. 15. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph. Psal. cxix. 128. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. 2 Cor. vii. 11. For, behold, this self-same thing, that ye sor rowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea. what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. d Psal. cxix. 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Ver. 59. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. Ver. 106. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. Luke i. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 2 Kings xxiii. 25. And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him. III. e Ezek. xxxvi. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities, and for your abominations. Ver. 32. Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. Ezek. xvi. 61. Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant. Ver. 62. And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord: Ver. 63. That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God. f Hos. xiv. 2. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: sc will we render the calves of our lips. Ver. 4. I will heal their backsliding, I will lov them freely for mine anger is turned away from him. Rom. iii. 24. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Eph. i. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Luke xiii. 3. I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish Ver. 5. I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Acts |