Ephesians

Quest. How does Christ redeem us? Resp. By his own precious blood (Ephesians 1:7): In whom we have redemption through his blood. Among the Romans he was said to redeem another, that laid down a price equivalent for the ransom of the prisoner.

After the Lord had spoken to them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. (Ephesians 1:20) He raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand, far above all principality, and power, and every name that is named. Question.

Christ taking our flesh, has made us nearer to himself than the angels. The angels are his friends, believers are flesh of his flesh; his members (Ephesians 5:30; Ephesians 1:23). And the same glory which is put upon Christ's human nature, shall be put upon believers.

3. Christ died that he might make good his last will and testament with his blood: There were many legacies which Christ bequeathed to believers, which had been all null and void had not he died, and by his death confirmed the will, (Hebrews 9:17) A testament is in force after m…

Verba Dei sunt opera, Luther: God puts forth infinite power in calling home a sinner to himself: He does not only put forth his voice, but his arm. The Apostle speaks of the [Greek text], the exceeding greatness of his power he exercises towards them that believe (Ephesians 1:19…

Use 3. of Comfort. As God is a Spirit, so the reward that he gives is spiritual; that is the excellency of it; as the chief blessings he gives us in this life are spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), not gold and silver; he gives Christ, his love; he fills us with grace; so the…

It was said, "Jacob have I loved, Esau have I hated." We are not elected for holiness, but to holiness (Ephesians 1:3). If we are not justified for our faith, much less elected for our faith; but we are not justified for it.

It sets heaven and earth against us: While we choose this bramble to rule, fire comes out of the bramble to devour us. 2. How are all believers bound to Jesus Christ, who has freed them from that misery to which sin has exposed them (Ephesians 1:7). In whom we have redemption th…

Every gracious soul (of whatever sex) lays claim to adoption, and has an interest in God as a Father: You shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. Position 3. Adoption is an act of pure grace (Ephesians 1:5): Having predestinated us to the adoption of children, ac…

2. The power of God is seen in the conversion of souls. Surely a mighty power went to raise Christ from the grave, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] (Ephesians 1:20). The same power goes to draw a sinner to God, as drew Christ out of the grave to Heaven.

Quest. What is the end of our Justification? Resp. The end is, 1. That God may inherit praise (Ephesians 1:6). To the praise of the glory of his grace. Hereby God raises the everlasting trophies of his own honor: How will the justified sinner proclaim the love of God, and make h…

Two things are chiefly to be regarded in obedience, the principle and the end: a child of God, though he shoots short in his obedience, yet he takes a right aim. 5. Obedience must be in and through Christ (Ephesians 1:6). He has accepted us in the Beloved.

In the text we are kept by the power of God to salvation; every person in the Trinity has a hand in making a believer persevere. God the Father establishes (2 Corinthians 1:21), God the Son confirms (1 Corinthians 1:8), God the Holy Ghost seals (Ephesians 1:13), so that it is th…

God will see the faith, and pass by the failing: The gospel remits something of the severity of the moral law. 3. Wherein our personal obedience comes short, God will be pleased to accept us in our surety (Ephesians 1:6). He has accepted us, [reconstructed: in the Beloved], in h…

Every link in the golden chain of salvation is wrought and interwoven with free grace. Election is free (Ephesians 1:4): He has chosen us in him, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], according to the good pleasure of his will. Justification is free (Romans 3:24): Being justified freely…

So faith in every duty lays its hand upon the head of Christ. His blood does expiate the guilt, and the sweet odors of his intercession perfume our works of obedience (Ephesians 1:6). He has made us accepted in the Beloved.

Is it not with believers? And have not they coalition and union with Christ; Christ is the head, they are the body (Ephesians 1:23). This is a near union, much like that union between God the Father and Christ (John 17:21).

But there is little comfort in this; for so God is Father to the devils by creation, but he that made them will not save them. 2. God is a Father by election, having chosen a certain number to be his children, whom he will entail heaven upon; Ephesians 1:4. [in non-Latin alphabe…

7. & ult. When we read the Holy Scriptures, let us look up to God for a blessing. Beg the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, that we may see the [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], the deep things of God (Ephesians 1:17). Pray to God, that the same Spirit that wrote the Scripture, would…

Every link in the chain of salvation, is wrought and interwoven with free grace. Election is free (Ephesians 1:4): He has chosen us in him [illegible], according to the good pleasure of his will. Justification is free (Romans 3:24): Being justified freely by his grace.

But why must this silver thread of faith run through the whole work of obedience? Answer. Because faith looks at Christ in every duty, it touches the hem of his garment, and through Christ both the person and the offering are accepted (Ephesians 1:6). 2. We do God's will accepta…

1. The new creature is a work of divine power; so much it imports, because it is a creation. The same power which raised Christ from the grave goes to the production of the new creature (Ephesians 1:20). It is a work of greater power to produce the new creature, than to make a w…

To understand this, we must know that God, to help our faith (which, as I said before, is distinguished from sight as we now speak of it), grants a threefold light to his people, to add assurance and joy to their faith, which is to faith as a backing of steel to a bow to strengt…

and this, man does by praising God, and giving thanks unto him, who is the Author of all blessings. So Paul says, Blessed be God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ: Ephesians 1:3: beginning his…

True indeed they feel the power of God, namely, as he is an almighty judge condemning them; but they feel not the power of an almighty father: this is the point whereof we must endeavor to have experience in ourselves. Paul prays that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the father…

Labour that your persons may be in Christ.—We are accepted in him. Ephesians 1. 6. Origen, Chrysostom, and Peter Martyr affirm that the best works not springing from a root of faith are lost.

2. There is unity; a righteous man is one with Christ, as the members are one with the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). Then surely the righteous must needs have a surpassing dignity.

But by regeneration, this disordered soul is set right again; sanctification being the rectifying and due framing — or as the Scripture phrases it, the renewal of the soul after the image of God (Ephesians 4:24) — in which self-dependence is removed by faith, self-love by the lo…

Election sent you not into this world to have a great name (perhaps God will load it) nor to be rich, or to have power, but to work you for this self-same thing; and if you see that plow a going (though it makes deep furrows on your back, indeed your heart) yet so, that this see…

So (Psalm 138:8) Forsake not the works of your own hands, that is, this double workmanship of yours of the first, and then added to that, of the second creation which he urges thereby to move him to perfect the work begun, and to be merciful to him forever, in the former part of…

In the saints' prayers (as Psalm 51) it's called even as to further degrees of this work, or restoring of lost degrees, creating of a clean heart, and renewing a right spirit within; and many more the like expressions there are, which show not only man's impotency and inability…

Take two or three scriptures to confirm this. 1. That (Ephesians 1:20-21) he has set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principalities and powers, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is…

But if this be not, debate, dispute, and question as you will about it, whatever may be afterwards, you have no evidence for the time of your election. 2. Where there is real holiness, or a real study and endeavor to be holy and more holy, it is an evidence of election, and of a…

So that to be made the righteousness of God is to be justified, and to be justified is to be made friends with, or to be reconciled to God; and that not by working a moral change; but upon the account of Christ's satisfaction, bringing us into friendship with God. So, Ephesians…

I may have it to say, I am here, Lord, even in Christ, and in His Righteousness; this is the ground of his plea, having given up with his own righteousness, as to his justification before God, and he will have no other defense but that. 4. Consider the end of all these, to wit,…

Now God is glorified here two ways. First, He gets the glory of His grace, that is exceedingly magnified thereby, as is clear, (Ephesians 1:5) "Having predestinated us to the adoption of children, by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the pra…

3. There is need to put in this word, the promise of God's free grace; because hereby the sinner is made to see from where the promise came, and of what nature it is, and gives ground to take hold of the promise, and of that which is made offer of in it; the promise is of free g…

1. It is impregnably proved from the reasoning of the Prophet in this place: all that are believers cannot but be redeemed and justified, because He has borne their iniquities, who by faith commit themselves to Him. 2. If faith in Christ is a saving fruit of His death, and if no…

A third place is that (Ephesians 2:21), [reconstructed: raised] him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand, in the heavenly places, far above all principalities, and powers, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but in that whic…

He is sinners' friend, that is Intercessor; and such an Intercessor, that intercedes from the impression that the holy, and inconceivable sympathy which he has with his members has upon him — as his expression to Paul speaks forth (Acts 9): "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me"…

Objection 5. We ought to believe, till we be persuaded that we believe. Ephesians 1:13: In whom after you believed, you were sealed. The way to be warm, is not only to ask for a fire, or whether there be a fire or no, or to hold out the hands a little toward it, and away, and wi…

Saints (1 Corinthians 1:1). Brethren, faithful (Ephesians 1:1). Christians (Acts 11:26).

And what can Angels and Men say, but Christ is the head of Principalities and Powers (Colossians 2:10). Indeed, the Head over all things to the Church, which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all (Ephesians 1:22-23). The Chieftain of ten thousands, indeed, of al…

So that as the promise of forgiveness refers to his person, so also to this redemption that is in him. Thus both in Ephesians 1 and Colossians 1: 'In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.' His person gives us title to all the promises, and his…

And so in like manner for our sakes he was justified in the Spirit, because we were to be justified, and so to be justified first in him and with him as a common person. Now this rule holds in all blessings else bestowed; for Paul pronounces of them all that 'God has blessed us…

Therefore in the primitive times it was used as a voice of joy, and to this day the Greek Christians entertain each other at that time of the year with these words: 'The Lord is risen; your surety is out of prison; fear not.' But (as Christ said in another case, so say I) what w…

Christ is one with his Father as he himself often speaks, and therefore if his Father should deny him anything he would then cease to be one with him and must deny himself — which God can never do. He is in this respect 'the beloved' as he is called in Ephesians 1:6, on whom ori…

And for him to be exposed to such affections as these, were a weakness, an infirmity in himself, which heaven has cured him of. His power and glory is so great that he cannot be thus touched, even as the angels are not: And he is advanced far above all principalities and powers…

Demonstration, Sect. 2. Part 2.) of a double capacity of Glory, or a double fullness of Joy which Christ is ordained to have: The one Natural, and so due to his person as in himself alone considered; The other Additionall, and arising from the compleated happiness and glory of h…

4. The difficulty of salvation lies not in a respect to the end, but the means; and therefore the trial of our sincerity must rather be looked for there. There is some difficulty about the end, to convince men of an unseen felicity; but that may be done in part by reason, but sa…

If God in conversion should only morally persuade, that is, set good and evil before men, then God does not put forth so much power in saving men, as the Devil does in destroying them. Satan does not only propound tempting objects to men, but does concur with his temptations, th…

If we are not justified for our faith, much less elected for our faith; but we are not justified for it. We are said to be justified [Greek text], through faith as an instrument (Ephesians 2:8), but not for faith as a cause; and if not justified for faith, then much less elected…

All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever. (Ephesians 2:3) And were by nature the children of wrath. Adam left an unhappy portion to his pos…

They proceed from evil to evil, and know not me, says the Lord. Unbelievers are dead in trespasses (Ephesians 2:1). God has no dead children; and not being children, they have no right to inherit.

Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), and if we do not please him by believing, he will not please us in saving of us. Faith is the condition of the Covenant of Grace, without faith without covenant, and without covenant without hope (Ephesians 2:12). 2. U…

The Papists say we are justified by works. But the Apostle confutes it, Not of works lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:9). But the Papists say, The works done by an unregenerate man indeed cannot justify him, but works done by a regenerate man may justify.

God visits iniquity only to the third and fourth generation (Exodus 20:5), but he shows mercy to a thousand generations. The Lord has treasures of mercy lying by, therefore he is said to be plenteous in mercy (Psalm 86:5), and rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4). The vial of God's wra…

3. If you would enter into the bond of the covenant, get faith in the blood of the covenant. Christ's blood is the blood of atonement; believe in this blood and you are safely arked in God's mercy (Ephesians 2:13). You are made near to the blood of Christ.

The king's proclamation is fixed on the pillar, the pillar holds it out that all may read, but the proclamation does not receive its authority from the pillar but from the king: so the Church holds forth the Scriptures, but they do not receive their authority from the Church, bu…

He has his throne (Revelation 2:13): "You dwell where Satan's throne is"; and his throne is set up in the hearts of men. He does not care for their purses but their hearts (Ephesians 2:2). Satan is served upon the knee (Revelation 13:4): "They worshipped the dragon" — that is, t…

Sanctification is the evidence of God's love; we cannot guess at God's love by giving us health, riches, success, but by drawing his image of sanctification on us by the pencil of the Holy Ghost. Branch 2. It shows the misery of such as are destitute of a principle of sanctifica…

A person unregenerate cannot act spiritually, he cannot pray in the Holy Spirit, he cannot live by faith, he cannot do duty out of love to duty; and if he cannot do duty spiritually, then much less perfectly. Now that a natural man cannot yield perfect obedience to the moral law…

2. God's mercy is an overflowing mercy, it is infinite (Psalm 86:5): Plenteous in mercy. (Ephesians 2:4): Rich in mercy. (Psalm 51:1): Multitude of mercies.

There is no going to heaven per saltum, one cannot leap out of Delilah's lap into Abraham's bosom. The sinner is dead in trespasses, (Ephesians 2:1) is it easy for a dead man to restore himself to life? Is regeneration easy?

Know that we are not to go by God's secret will, but by his revealed will; look into God's revealed will, and there we shall find enough to cherish hope, and encourage us to go to God for the pardon of our sins. God has revealed in his word, that he is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2…

For conversion is a new creation (Ephesians 4:24). The Pelagians talk much of free will; they say the will of man is by nature asleep, and conversion is nothing but the awakening a sinner out of sleep, which is done by a moral persuasion: But man is by nature dead in sin (Ephesi…

And yet the Scripture phrases go far in ascribing to Satan herein, when it says of those that believed not the gospel, that 'the god of this world has blinded their minds that believe not' (2 Corinthians 4), which notes a superadded working of blindness to their own natural blin…

Or else 3. when this ordinance is not in the case of such sins administered, then God himself (who works without an ordinance sometimes the same effects that with it) does excommunicate men's spirits from his presence and gives them up to Satan by terrors to whip them home to hi…

This first resurrection is spiritual, wrought in the soul by the Holy Ghost; causing him that is by nature dead in sin, to rise to newness of life: whereof whosoever is truly partaker, shall undoubtedly rise to glory. For, they that are quickened in Christ from the death of sin,…

First, man was created and framed by the hand of God, and made after the image of God: for Moses brings in the Lord speaking thus, "Let us make man in our image, etc." in the image of God created he them (Genesis 1:26), which also must be understood of angels. The image of God i…

The other title: Of whom the whole family, which is in heaven and earth, is named: In which words is set down a description of the church: first it is a family, because it is the company of God's elect children under the government of one father (1 Timothy 3:15). It is called th…

1. He lives by a more spiritual rule than others. A sinner either lives by no rule, or by a false; he walks according to the course of the world (Ephesians 2:2). But a righteous man goes by the canon of Scripture, as a well made dial goes exactly by the sun: God's Word is the or…

Reason 3. Thirdly the Holy Ghost affirms (Ephesians 2; Colossians 2:13) that all men by nature are dead in sins and trespasses: not as the Papists say, weak, sick, or half dead. Hence I gather, that man lacks natural power not to will simply, but freely and frankly to will that…

Again, whereas they teach that we are saved by the works of Christ which he works in us and makes us to work, it is flat against the word. For Paul says we are not saved by such works as God has ordained that regenerate men should walk in (Ephesians 2:10). And he says further th…

For if a sinner, after that he is justified by the merit of Christ, were justified more by his own works, then might he have some matter of boasting in himself. And that we may not doubt of Paul's meaning, consider and read (Ephesians 2:8-9): By grace (says he) you are saved thr…

Again (Titus 3:5): We are saved not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us. And (Ephesians 2:8-10): By grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: not of works which God has prepared that we…

And so, Philippians 1:6, termed, the good work. A frame of spirit, created to good works: Ephesians 2:10, we are his workmanship, created to good works. The text here says, Who has wrought us: there similarly, We are his workmanship.

An infinitely surpassing art then has the Spirit himself (who is the immediate worker in this) shown in the framing, and hewing, and curiously carving and engraving those living stones, that grow up into a temple to God (1 Peter 2:5), especially considering the utter remoteness,…

Againe the Scripture noteth him, to be a powerfull spirit, whose strength farre exceedeth and surpasseth the might of any man or creature, that is not of an Angelical nature, as himselfe is. For he is tearmed a Prince of the aire, and the god of this world, his power reacheth ev…

It's true, these comparisons are not to be extended and applied in every respect, yet they hold out that man being naturally dead, can no more contribute to his own quickening and raising, and to the begetting of spiritual life in himself, than a dead man can contribute to his o…

Now, lay these four words together, they clear this truth to our judgment, and serve to point out to us the necessity of a mediator. Again, consider them in a second notion, and they tell us, that even the elect themselves, are by nature in the same sinful and rebellious conditi…

3. And more particularly, from the first part of the words, which is the main thing to be marked, observe, that all men, even the elect themselves not excepted, are naturally in a most sinful and desperate state and condition, so that if you would know what they are by nature, t…

3. It is implied here, that even the Elect or God's people are considered as sinful in the Covenant of Redemption, For the transgression of my people was he stricken; They were considered as sinful as well as others when they were bargained for: We need not here dispute whether…

Second, it is so ordered, that His grace may shine the more conspicuously; when the person is found guilty, and obnoxious to the curse by the law, grace shows itself to be wonderful, in pulling the sinner from under the lash of the law; as Isaac was set free, and a sacrifice was…

He lies under the covenant of works, and is condemned, as considered in himself, though God may have a purpose to make a change of his state. So, (Ephesians 2:1-3) You has he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins, wherein, in time past you walked, and were children of…

A second place is (Philippians 2:8-9), Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to the death, even to the death of the cross, therefore God has highly exalted him, and given him a name, which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every k…

2. Indeed, to say we see justification more clearly, when we see no sanctification, is to make the water and the Spirit (1 John 5:8) dumb or false witnesses, that either speak nothing, or tell lies. 3. It is against the office of the Spirit, which is to make us know [illegible],…

5. He grants believers are called men, and I hope to prove that the elect and believers, are called "all," and "all flesh," and "us all," etc. though it be true, believers are called men, because of their human passions and carnal walking, and some more, to wit, sons of God, sai…

So it follows in the next verse of that Romans 3:25: 'Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood.' And though it be true that God justifying is the ultimate object of our faith (for Christ leads us by the hand — as the word is, Ephesians 2:18 — to God…

His argument lies thus: Adam was the first-fruits of them that died; Christ, of them that rise. Hence therefore we are elsewhere said (though in respect to another life) to be risen with Christ (Ephesians 2:5-6), and (which is yet more) to sit together with him in heaven: becaus…

He took our flesh and carried it into heaven and left us his Spirit on earth, both as pledges and earnests that we should follow. Further yet, he is not only said to sit as our head, but we are also said to sit together with him — that is made the upshot of all in the next chapt…

It is a coming to God [by Christ:] which phrase is used in this Epistle in an allusion to the worshipers of the Old Testament; who when they had sinned, were directed to go to God by a priest, who with a sacrifice made an atonement for them. Now Christ is the great and true High…

Find him not, but be estranged from him, and find death. So (Ephesians 2:12), In times past you were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world, and (Ephesians 4:18-19), There…

We come now to another use from this doctrine. Use 2. It is to teach us the dangerous and uncomfortable estate of every such soul as has not Christ, for the text says, he that has not the Son, has not life; no life in us, if there be no Christ in us, this is that which the Apost…

As here when he would make his last onset upon Christ, he sets before him the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, as the matter of the temptation. 1. There are three enemies of our salvation: the Devil, the World, and the Flesh; they are reckoned up together (Ephesians…

2. That he is well-pleased with us, who have an interest in him. In our natural estate we are all displeasing to God; whatever we are in the purpose of his decree, we must look upon ourselves as we are in the sentence of his law — so children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), enemies by…

Fear none of those things which you shall suffer, behold! the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried, and you shall have tribulation ten days. Mark how they are comforted against the persecution coming upon them; partly because the cause was clearly God'…

Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. So (Ephesians 2:18) He preached peace to you which were far off, and to them that are near, for through him we both have an access by one spirit to the Father. See the breach made up, between you an…

And to make the matter more delectable and more apparent, he is wont to set forth the law by a figure called prosopopoeia, as a certain mighty person which had condemned and killed Christ: whom Christ again overcoming death, had conquered, condemned and killed. (Ephesians 2) Kil…

Ezech. 36. 27. Eph 2:10. Life euerlasting is of grace.

To be sunning ourselves in the light of God's countenance. Then the saints shall know that love of Christ which passes knowledge (Ephesians 3:19). From this glorious manifestation of God's love, will flow infinite joy into the souls of the blessed.

4. It is the holy seed of which grace is formed: it is semen fidei, the seed of faith (Psalm 9:10). It is Radix Amoris, the root of love (Ephesians 3:17). Being rooted and grounded in love.

If our hearts be not rocks, this love of Christ should affect us. Behold love that passes knowledge (Ephesians 3:19). Branch 2. See here the wonderful humility of Christ: Christ was made flesh.

Christ had hard travail upon the Cross, yet he does not repent of it, but thinks his sweat and blood well bestowed, because he sees redemption brought forth to the world. O infinite amazing love of Christ! a love that passes knowledge (Ephesians 3:19), that neither man or angel…

His fullness is an infinite fullness; and he is infinitely sweet as well as infinitely full: if a conduit be filled with wine, here is a sweet fullness, but still it is finite; but God's is a sweet fullness, and it is an infinite. He is infinitely full of beauty, of love, his ri…

Saint Paul had assurance; is he proud of this jewel? No. (Ephesians 3:8) To me who am less than the least of all saints. The more love a Christian receives from God, the more he sees himself a debtor to free grace, and the sense of his debt keeps his heart humble, but presumptio…

So God having put his sanction, the stamp of his authority and institution upon faith, this makes it to be justifying and saving. 2. Because faith makes us one with Christ (Ephesians 3:17). It is the espousing incorporating grace, it gives us coalition and union with Christ's pe…

God can with a word unpin the wheels, and break the axletree of the creation. He can do [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], more than we can think (Ephesians 3:20). He can suspend natural agents: he sealed up the lion's mouth, made the fire not burn; he made the waters stand upon a hea…

6. Our love to God must be constant, like the fire the vestal virgins kept in Rome, which did not go out. Love must be like the motion of the pulse, it beats as long as there is life (Song of Solomon 8:7): Many waters cannot quench love, not the waters of persecution (Ephesians…

So God sometimes makes a deliverance fly swiftly upon the wing, and on a sudden he turns the shadow of death into the light of the morning. As God gives us mercies above what we can think (Ephesians 3:20), so sometimes before we can think of them (Psalm 126:1). When the Lord tur…

The bee may suck a little honey from the leaf; but put it in a barrel of honey, and it is drowned. The wicked are thus characterized (Ephesians 3:19). They mind earthly things.

He who causes bowels of affection in others, must needs have more bowels himself; quod efficit tale: The affections in parents are but marble and adamant in comparison of God's love to his children, he gives them the cream of his love, electing love, saving love; (Zephaniah 3:17…

8. That Christ should love us with such an entire transcendent love. The apostle calls it a love which passes knowledge (Ephesians 3:19). That he should love us more than the angels: he loves them as his friends, believers as his spouse.

First, God is to dwell with you here. God takes up the soul for his own lodgings (Ephesians 3:17): "That Christ may dwell in your heart." Therefore the soul must be consecrated.

The soul cannot be lovely to God, till it has Christ's image stamped upon it, which image consists in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24). The soul must especially be kept pure, because it is the chief place of God's residence (Ephesians 3:17). A king's palace must…

The body of the sun is in the firmament, but the light of the sun is in the eye. Christ's essence is in heaven, but he is in a believer's heart by his light and influence (Ephesians 3:17). That Christ may dwell in your heart by faith.

7. If God keeps us to a spare diet, if he give us less temporals, he has made it up in spirituals; he has given us the Pearl of Price, and the holy anointing. 1. The Pearl of Price, the Lord Jesus, he is the quintessence of all good things; to give us Christ is more than if God…

They learn daily. This the good angels are said to learn by the church what they never knew before of the mysteries of the gospel (Ephesians 3:10). And though these species in them and their manner of knowing corporeal things differs from ours, yet they are analogical with ours.

The second fruit of their faith is noted in these words; And believed them: where, by believing, we must understand not so much the act of faith, for that was noted before, as the growth and increase of their faith; for the word imports a confirmation of their hearts, and a reso…

Experimental knowledge, is that which they get by observing the dealings of God in the whole world, but specially in the church. And thus Paul says, that to principalities and powers in heavenly places is known the manifold wisdom of God by the church (Ephesians 3:10). 4. And as…

By espousing godliness, we are better than others (Ecclesiastes 7:8). And richer, being possessed of a golden mine; that is, The unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). We have from Christ the riches of justification, and consolation, and glorification; we are as rich as…

Their looking downward figured their desire to see into the mystery of Christ's incarnation and our redemption by him — as Peter, alluding no doubt to this type in the Old Testament, says in 1 Peter 1:12: Which things the angels desired to behold. And Paul says in Ephesians 3:10…

3. By this you may know who thrives and profits best under the gospel, even those that learn most of Christ, which consists not in telling over words. But first in actual improving of Him, as it is (Ephesians 3:20): you have not so learned Christ, but so as to improve what is in…

Or inward renovation contradistinguished to the external ministry, that can only hold out His will in a book, and speak it to the ear. Third, this may be cleared and confirmed from the nature of the work of grace, which is such a mighty work and so powerful, as it is impossible…

And for the strength of tenderness of love, the same place pleads; Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. And Paul asserts, (Ephesians 3:18) The breadth, and length, and [reconstructed: depth], and height of it. 5. There is required a submission under s…

What Christ bought with his blood, that he gave out, and so much the places alleged by Mr. Moor the Arminian proves just contrary to himself (John 4:42): he is the Savior, not of himself to save God, and justice, and the Law; but the Savior of the world, of poor sinners, not of…

Indeed, as Luther said, Take away sin, and you take away Christ a Saviour of sinners; how little acquainted with, and how great strangers to their own hearts are they in writing so. There is a fullness (I confess) and an all-fullness, and all-fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). Bu…

Christ's redemption is not merely a price or ransom equivalent, or making due satisfaction according to the just desert of sin, but it is plenteous redemption. There is an abundance of the gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17) and unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). Ind…

So far as God's intention to show mercy does reach, (and who knows the end of those riches?) so far does Christ's disposition to bestow it. Ephesians 3:19 The Love of Christ, God-man, passes knowledge. It has not lost, or been diminished by his going to heaven.

Physicians know it, and they therefore set it down in their books, they know it is so. Things that we gather from sense and experience, we are said to have the knowledge of; now this experience does not only give us confidence but knowledge, for by the unction that we have recei…

He sometimes calls himself, the least of all the Apostles (1 Corinthians 15:9-10), and yet other times, not inferior to the very chief of them. Sometimes he calls himself, the least of all Saints (Ephesians 3:8), and yet sometimes, not inferior to the very chief Apostles; and th…

No heirs of a crown have such guards as they have. Christ dwells in their hearts as on a throne (Ephesians 3:17): "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith." The Holy Spirit guards them against all cares and fears (Philippians 4:7): "And the peace of God which passes all un…

1. They delight in the preaching of the Gospel, and the explication of the mysteries of godliness (1 Peter 1:12). Which things the angels desire to look into (Ephesians 3:10). To the end that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the church t…

1. Consider how amiable God has represented himself in Jesus Christ, and how near he is come to us: and within the reach of our commerce there is a new and living way, through the veil of his flesh, (Hebrews 10:20). So that though our God be a consuming fire, yet there is a scre…

Or shall we think to go our own errand? Lord, forgive this gross ingratitude: Oh Christians, whatever your constraint or enlargements be, make use of him, who is at God's right hand, lay your sacrifices on this golden altar; lay the whole stress of your acceptance upon Christ's…

Answer: 1. Faith, and confidence, properly are distinct gifts of God: and confidence is the effect, or fruit of faith. For Paul says, that we have entrance to God with confidence by faith (Ephesians 3:12). And reason declares as much, for a man cannot put his confidence in Chris…

To believe, is the first grace in us that concerns our salvation: and when we begin to believe, we begin to receive the spirit: and when we first receive God's spirit, we begin to believe. And thus by our faith we receive the spirit: and thus also the spirit dwells in us by fait…

For they which are Gods children, receive the spirit crying Abba: and this crying argues affiance or confidence in God. By faith we have confidence in God, and entrance with boldnesse, Eph 3:11. and boldnesse is opposite to feare, and excludes doubting in respect of our selues.…

And hence it is, that Paul calls the forbidding of marriage, and of meats, with obligation of conscience, a doctrine of devils (1 Timothy 4:1). The third freedom is a liberty to come to God the Father in the name of Christ, and in prayer to be heard (Romans 5:2; Ephesians 3:12).…

The Gospel is not known by nature, neither was it ever written in man's heart, before, or after the fall, as Paul says (1 Corinthians 2:9), Those things which the eye has not seen, nor the ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, are they which God has prepared for them that l…

He shows what true faith is, and what worship God approves of, to wit, when we have not only a bare knowledge of him, or think in our hearts that there is one God, but when we also feel what a one he is to us. Whoever he be then that contents himself with a naked apprehension of…

I grant it was a thing incredible; in fact, prodigious: but thus the Lord is wont to work far above the reach of man's reason. Saint Paul calls it a secret hidden (Ephesians 3:9) from the foundations of the world, and is yet unknown to the very angels (1 Peter 1:12) further fort…

Ans. For, in regard the Jews were to endure a tedious and long captivity, the Lord protests he will not suffer them to languish any longer in exile, neither will he any longer defer his help, but will hear them — yes, before they cry. This promise principally belongs to Christ's…

The meaning, therefore, is the apostleship was not bestowed on account of any human merits; but, by the free mercy of God, persons, who were altogether unworthy of it, were raised to that high rank; and thus was fulfilled what Christ says on another occasion, "You have not chose…

Each of us, trusting to the grace of Christ, will thus attain confidence in prayer, and will venture freely to call upon God “through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whom (as Paul says) we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him,” (Ephesians 3:11,12.) But, as we a…

But this benefit derived from Christ is that on which Paul chiefly dwells, when he says that by faith in him we have boldness to approach God with confidence (Ephesians 3:12). This passage shows also that the true test of faith lies in prayer.

Neither does he set down here an intricate or doubtful faith, but the certainty or assurance which our minds conceive of his fatherly love and goodness, while by the Gospel he reconciles us to himself and adopts us for his sons. By this confidence only we have access to him: as…

Learned Doctor Fulke has well cleared our intentions herein from their censure: Tyndale himself professes to do it out of this reason, because the Popish Clergy had appropriated to themselves the name of the Church; but however, they rather made use of the Word; yet not so as th…

Even as an untimely birth is not fit to be called a birth; or, because children that are so born, are very imperfect, they are lesser, and weaker than those of full growth. So says he, I am as a poor abortive, as a child born out of due time, I am the least of the Apostles, and…

For God does not hold up, but proceeds in working, as witnesses Christ (John 5): My father works until now, and I work also. Of this wise also says Paul (Ephesians 3): that God is able to do exceeding abundantly, above all that we ask or understand according to the power that wo…

It argues lightness; feathers will be blown any way; so will feathery Christians: Triticum non rapit ventus, inanes paleae jactantur, Cyprian. Therefore such are compared to children (Ephesians 4:14). That we be no more children tossed to and fro. Children are fickle, sometimes…

God has given them up to strong delusions, to believe a lie, that they may be damned (2 Thessalonians 2:11). 2. If there be but one God, then there can be but one true religion in the World (Ephesians 4:5). [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], one Lord, one Faith.

Though Christ teaches by his Spirit, yet he teaches in the use of ordinances. Wait at the gates of wisdom's door; ministers are teachers under Christ (Ephesians 4:11). We read of pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers (Judges 7:16).

So the Hermians. But the Scripture is plain he ascended into heaven (Luke 24:51), and (Ephesians 4:10) far above all heavens: Therefore, above the firmament. He is ascended into the highest part of the Empyrean heaven, which Paul calls the third heaven.

It turns a man into a devil (John 6:20): Have not I chosen twelve, and one of you is a devil? 2. Sin is a grieving of God's Spirit (Ephesians 4:30): Grieve not the holy Spirit of God. To grieve is more than to anger.

Such as are patterns of mercy, should be trumpets of praise: Thus Saint Paul being called of God, and seeing what a debtor he was to free grace, breaks forth into admiration and gratulation (1 Timothy 1:13). Use 4. To the called, walk worthy of your high calling (Ephesians 4:1).…

1. Because God accepts no man but where he sees his image. The new creature is called the renewing of God's image (Ephesians 4:24). When they [reconstructed: brought] Tamerlane a pot of gold, he asked what stamp it had on it: and when he saw the Roman stamp on it, he refused it:…

So that to bring Scripture to uphold you in your sin, is a high profaning of Scripture, and a taking of God's name in vain. Second Instance, if we tell a man of his inordinate passions, that he may be drunk as well with rash anger as wine; he will bring Scripture to justify it:…

God lives forever, and as long as God lives, he will be punishing the damned — this, one would think, should be as that handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5:5), it should make their joints to be loosed, etc. The sinner takes liberty to sin, he breaks God's laws, like a wild beast t…

7. The evil tongue is the unclean tongue, that vents itself in filthy and scurrilous words. Men's language is such as if they came out of hell: this is forbidden (Ephesians 4:29): "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth." Better be born dumb than to have the devi…

This is our holiness, when we are suitable to God's nature, and submissive to his will; this should be our great care to be like God in holiness. Our holiness should be so qualified as God's; God's is a real holiness, such should ours be (Ephesians 4:24), righteousness and true…

He speaks the truth from his heart. Truth in words is opposed, 1. to lying (Ephesians 4:25). Putting away lying, speak every one truth to his neighbor.

Hebrews 5:4: No man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called of God. Christ gave not only the Apostles and Prophets a call to their office (who were extraordinary ministers), but even pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). Question: But if one has gifts, is not this suf…

This original concupiscence is called, 1. The Old Man (Ephesians 4:22). It is said to be the Old Man, not that it is weak, as old men are, but for its long standing, and because of its deformity.

God the Son, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). God the Holy Ghost is a Spirit of Peace: it is called the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). The more peaceable the more like God.

These are lamps without oil, whited sepulchers, like the Egyptian temples, which had fair outsides, but within spiders and apes. The Apostle speaks of true holiness (Ephesians 4:24), implying, there is a holiness which is spurious and feigned (Revelation 3:1). You have a name to…

Such wilfully go about to murder their souls, who have no sense of God, or the other world. They are past feeling (Ephesians 4:19). Tell them of God's holiness and justice, they are not at all affected.

(1 Peter 1:16) Be you holy, for I am holy. The soul cannot be lovely to God, till it has Christ's image stamped upon it, which image consists in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24). The soul must especially be kept pure, because it is the chief place of God's reside…

Response 1. Live in a calling. Ephesians 4:28: Let him that stole steal no more, but rather let him labor, working with his hands, etc. Such as stand idle, the Devil hires them, and puts them into the pilfering trade.

A sinner has the symptoms of death upon him. First, he has no sense; a dead man has no sense: he has no sense of the evil of sin, of God's holiness and veracity; therefore he is said to be without feeling (Ephesians 4:19). Second, he has no strength (Romans 5:6).

God imputes not iniquity to him in whose spirit is no guile. 9. He whose sins are forgiven, is willing to forgive others who have offended him (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.

2 Position. When God converts a sinner he does more than use a moral persuasion. For conversion is a new creation (Ephesians 4:24). The Pelagians talk much of free will; they say the will of man is by nature asleep, and conversion is nothing but the awakening a sinner out of sle…

Neither, secondly, is it to be meant of walking in ignorance, as John 12:36 it is taken. For one that has no light in that sense can never truly fear God nor obey him; the heart that lacks knowledge is not good, says Solomon; and so to walk in darkness is accompanied with walkin…

First on carnal reason, on which he chiefly works in this sort of temptations, the strength whereof lies in false reasonings, wherein, if in anything, he has the advantage. First, his abilities to forge and invent false reasonings and arguments to overthrow our faith are (as the…

For the Story says; When he was risen again, he led them to Bethany (where he ascended) and lift up his hands and blessed them. And Saint Paul declares this blessing of Christ more at large, saying; Ephesians 4:8, 11, 12: Christ ascended on high, and led captivity captive, and g…

But alas, this may be spoken of old men in these days, that in regard of this wisdom, they are very babes; a thing greatly disgraceful to their condition. For, Paul bids the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 14:20, that they should not be children in understanding, but of ripe age: yea…

Many think it no sin to provide for their families in such order, but in saying this petition they pray against themselves (2 Thessalonians 3:10). He which labors not, let him not eat (Ephesians 4:28). He which stole, let him steal no more, but rather labor with his hands the th…

Understand this day and consider in your heart, that Jehovah he is God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath: there is none other. (Ephesians 4:6) One God, one faith, one baptism. If it be alleged that the scripture mentions many gods, because Magistrates are called Gods, M…

(Ephesians 2:10) We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus to good works. And (Ephesians 4:24) the new man is created to the image of God. Now to be born again, is a work of no less importance than our first creation; and therefore wholly to be ascribed to God as our creati…

For the founding of the primitive Church, the ministry of the word was distinguished by degrees not only of order but also of power, and Peter was called to the highest degree. Ephesians 4:11: Christ ascended up on high and gave gifts to men for the good of his Church — as some…

This use is threefold: in respect of God, of man, and of ourselves. Works are to be done in respect of God: that his commandments may be obeyed — 1 John 5:12; that his will may be done — 1 Thessalonians 4:3; that we may show ourselves to be obedient children to God our Father —…

His illuminated understanding is clouded with ignorance, his complying will full of rebellion and stubbornness, his subordinate powers casting off the dominion and government of the higher faculties. But by regeneration, this disordered soul is set right again; sanctification be…

Which soul, in being called the inward man, connotes at once both grace and the soul conjoined together, and distinct from the body, as well as from sin and corruption. Elsewhere it is declared the subject first and originally wrought on (Ephesians 4:23): be renewed in the spiri…

For in this, even to wonderment, does the glory of God in his works appear, and that he is wise in counsel, and wonderful in working, when he has secretly contrived one thing for another, when as each are in themselves, and apart glorious. It is said by David of himself (and it…

3. In one common end which they all have, and in one common object they are sent to. 4. In this, that they all hold of one common master, being gifts of one and the same Mediator, (Ephesians 4): When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men, to some A…

And were we suitably sensible of sin, and did we thoroughly believe this truth, our hearts would laugh within us, as Abraham's once did, to know that this was given to Christ in commission — to justify sinners, and that He is so well fitted for this business that He is commissio…

But 2. There is not only consolation for a believer's particular condition from this ground, but also in reference to the public case of God's Church: There are four things especially, that seem very heavy to the Church, and public work of God; in reference to all which we will…

Faith dwells in us (2 Timothy 1:5). The new creation and image of Christ is in the mind (Ephesians 4:23). The seed of God abides in us (1 John 3:9).

For (Ephesians 1:20-23) by raising him from the dead, God conferred a headship upon him. Now he was not made head of the body, that he might destroy all the members, or most of them, as Arminians must say; but his headship is for this end, that the whole body, by his spirit fitl…

But then having thus spoiled these enemies on the cross, he further makes a public triumphal show of them in his own person, which is a second act — as the manner of the Roman emperors was in their great triumphs to ride through the city in the greatest state and have all the sp…

And this is part of the meaning of Psalm 68:18: 'He ascended up on high and received gifts for men,' says the psalmist. The Apostle renders it 'gave' in Ephesians 4, but you see it was by receiving them first as fruits of his intercession and asking after his ascending. He is sa…

Find him not, but be estranged from him, and find death. So (Ephesians 2:12), In times past you were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world, and (Ephesians 4:18-19), There…

Thirdly, so also a mantle of compassion, so as that if so be, that a man's brother be brought at length to see his failing, and to acknowledge it, and shall express himself that it repents him he has so done, both in offending God and his brethren, then you shall forgive him, ou…

Now I say therefore, this is a difference: a carnal man never gives entertainment to a good thought, nor do his thoughts ever aim at good ends, they never go higher than himself, and therefore never could a good thought find lodging in him; out again it is thrust, sometimes some…

There is a shedding abroad, the spirit of God's grace in the heart of man, that makes him of another spirit, he is not the same man, that he was before his spirit was changed, his inclination and disposition is changed. For Spirit is nothing else but the inclination, and disposi…

It is a hard saying, they thought it incredible (verse 52), they would think it a savage brutishness to fall upon him in that manner, and therefore our Savior so confesses, that it is no part of his meaning, that they should eat and drink his real body and blood: but he means th…

And as it is a fluid, so it is a base and sordid friendship that is built upon riches, for that concerns the estate rather than the soul. Well then, religious friendship which is built upon virtue and grace, and is called the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3), is the most firm…

3. Carry it faithfully to God, still opposing sin and satan; for the more you give way to satan, the more you are troubled with him, and your misery is increased not lessened. But if you repel his temptations, he is discouraged (Ephesians 4:27). Neither give place to the Devil.

They that believe this are like to God: that is to say, all their thoughts are of God, as the affection of their heart is: they have the same form in their mind which God or Jesus Christ has. This is to be renewed in the Spirit of our mind, and to put on the new man which after…

This garment, that is to say, this corrupt and sinful nature we received from Adam: which Paul is wont to call the old man. This old man must be put off with all his works (Ephesians 4; Colossians 1), that of the children of Adam we may be made the children of God. This is not d…

God does love his people on earth, when they are black as well as comely; they have their [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] imperfections. O how entirely will he love them, when they are without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27). 1. This is the felicity of heaven, to be in the sweet em…

At death the souls of believers recover their virgin purity. O what a blessed privilege is this, to be sine macula and ruga, without spot and wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27). To be purer than the sunbeams, to be as free from sin as the angels.

2. Others make money their god. The covetous man worships the image of gold, therefore is called an idolater (Ephesians 5:5); that which a man trusts to, he makes his god, but he makes the wedge of gold his hope. He makes money his Creator, Redeemer, Comforter.

Christ taking our flesh, has made us nearer to himself than the angels. The angels are his friends, believers are flesh of his flesh; his members (Ephesians 5:30; Ephesians 1:23). And the same glory which is put upon Christ's human nature, shall be put upon believers.

Resp. 1. From sin; he calls them from their ignorance and unbelief (1 Peter 1:14). By nature the understanding is enveloped with darkness, God calls men from darkness to light (Ephesians 5:8), as if one should be called out of a dungeon to behold the light of the sun. 2. From da…

God is a Spirit, and will be worshipped in Spirit: it is not pomp of worship but purity which God accepts. Repentance is not in the outward severities used to the body — penance, fasting, and chastising the body — but it consists in the sacrifice of a broken heart; thanksgiving…

4. The fourth argument is taken, Ab Unione cum Christo, from believers' union with Christ. They are knit to Christ, as the members to the head by the nerve and ligament of faith, so that they cannot be broken off (Ephesians 5:23). What was once said of Christ's natural body, is…

Fulgens hoc aurum praestringit oculos, Var. Hence it is the covetous man is called an idolater (Ephesians 5:5). Why so?

10. Serpents are great lovers of wine. Pliny, who writes of Natural History, says, if serpents come where wine is, they drink insatiably: In this be not like the serpent; though the Scripture allows the use of wine (1 Timothy 5:23), yet it forbids the excess (Ephesians 5:18): Be…

2. If God be our Father let us imitate him: The child does not only bear his Father's image, but does imitate him in his speech, gesture, behavior; if God be our Father let us imitate him; [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], Gr. Nyssen. Be followers of God as dear children (Ephesians 5…

As original corruption has depraved all the faculties, the whole head is sick, the whole heart faint, no part sound, as if the whole mass of blood were corrupted; so Sanctification goes over the whole soul. After the Fall there was ignorance in the mind; now in Sanctification we…

The children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. They are your own flesh; and as the apostle says, No man yet ever hated his own flesh (Ephesians 5:29). The parent's bountifulness will cause dutifulness in the child.

It is not enough that we cease to do evil (which is all the evidence some have to show) — this is to lose heaven by short shooting; but we must be inwardly sanctified. Not only the unclean spirit must go out, but we must be filled with the Holy Ghost (Ephesians 5:18). This holin…

The first miracle he wrought was at a marriage, when he turned the water into wine. Marriage is a type and resemblance of the mystical union between Christ and his Church (Ephesians 5:32). Concerning marriage,

2. Covetousness precipitates men to ruin: it shuts them out of heaven. (Ephesians 5:5) This you know, that no covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. What should a covetous man do in heaven?

No question a Christian may make such a vow, because the ground of it is morally good, he vows nothing but what he is bound to do by virtue of his baptismal vow, namely to walk with God more closely, and to pursue heaven more vigorously. 7. If you would obtain the kingdom embrac…

At that day it will be true indeed, that God sees no sin in his children. They shall be as pure as the angels, then the church shall be presented without wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27). She shall be as free from stain as guilt, then Satan shall no more accuse, Christ will show the deb…

First, he is said to have no light. Light, says the apostle (Ephesians 5:13), is that whereby things are made manifest — that is, to the sense of sight, to which light properly belongs. And as light and faith are here severed, as you see; so sight also is in 2 Corinthians 5:7 di…

Time is so good a thing, it cannot be spent well enough. But have you misspent time (that is to abuse it) Take Saint Paul's counsel, Ephesians 5:16. Redeem the time: that is, seeing what is past cannot be recalled; then recompense the loss of it, by the well bestowing of time to…

Here we may see a notable resemblance of God's manner of blessing us: When we look for a blessing at God's hand, we must not come in our own garments, in the rotten rags of our own righteousness; but we must put on Christ's garment, the long white robe of his righteousness. And…

5. This word, Your God, imports yet a nearer relation, the relation between the Head and the Members. There is a Mystical union between Christ and the Saints: He is called The Head of the Church, Ephesians 5.23. Does not the Head consult for the good of the Body?

and therefore we must not undertake anything but that which may be a work of some good duty to God; to which end the apostle says, "Awake you that sleep, and stand up from the dead, and Christ shall give you life (Ephesians 5:14)." If this will not move us, yet let the judgments…

4. God calls them vessels of honor (2 Timothy 2:21). Though they are earthen vessels, yet they have heavenly treasure in them; they are filled with the wine of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Though they are scoured with affliction, yet it is to make them brighter (Daniel 12:10).

Objection. Remission of sins, regeneration, and salvation is ascribed to the sacrament of baptism in Acts 22:16, Ephesians 5, Galatians 3:27, and Titus 3:5. Answer: Salvation and remission of sins is ascribed to baptism and the Lord's Supper as to the word, which is the power of…

This use is threefold: in respect of God, of man, and of ourselves. Works are to be done in respect of God: that his commandments may be obeyed — 1 John 5:12; that his will may be done — 1 Thessalonians 4:3; that we may show ourselves to be obedient children to God our Father —…

Though others are licentious and exorbitant, (being carried to hell with wind and tyde) yet let us keep our garments pure, and preserve the Virginity of our Consciences; let us labour to reform our selves, and mourn for what we cannot reform in others. Let us walk accurately and…

When he will not do the less which is to pray for them, it were absurd to think or say that he will do the greater which is to lay down his life for them. A 4th ground is this: Christ's death is one of the peculiar evidences of his [reconstructed: dearest] love, beyond which the…

2. That all these sacrifices and offerings under the law, were types of this one offering, and not that one anniversary sacrifice only which was offered once a year, by the high priest; which we the rather hint at, because both these are by Socinus, that enemy of Christ's satisf…

And indeed believers are behind, and greatly at a loss, who have turned to Christ, and yet live as anxiously and uncomfortably as if they had not a slain Mediator to comfort themselves in, who by His sufferings, soul-travail, and death has made a purchase of so great things for…

It is His glory to do good to sinners, and He counts them His triumph and spoil; and to make conquest of them, He poured out His soul to death, or as the word is, Philippians 2, He emptied himself; which seems to look to this word of the prophet, and is not that warrant sufficie…

Sure the infiniteness of his person conferred infiniteness of worth to his merit; so as he purchased a Church by the blood of God (Acts 20:28). The Lord Jesus gave himself for his Church (Ephesians 5:25-26), and a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:6). But I see no reas…

Answer: Christ neither died for sinners as sinners, nor for sinners as righteous, as Jacob neither served for his wife as a wife, nor for his wife as a sinful woman, datur tertium. This is an imperfect enumeration, Christ died for the ungodly, the unjust, his enemies; as freely…

3. He is the pattern and exemplar of all these our relations, and they all are but the copies of his. Thus in (Ephesians 5), Christ is made the pattern of the relation and love of husbands; Husbands (says the Apostle) love your wives, as Christ loved his Church, so verse 25. Ind…

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all Iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar People. Ephesians 5:25, 26. Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of Water.

There is a price or recompense given in our stead. 2. A mediatorial sacrifice (Isaiah 53:3): 'When you shall make his soul an offering for sin' (Ephesians 5:2): 'Christ has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.' He…

God's children are most weary of the world, because they are sinning here, while others are glorifying God, and enjoying God and the company of his blessed ones. Now in Heaven there is no sin (Ephesians 5:27): there is neither spot nor blemish nor wrinkle on the face of the glor…

Pure religion, and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world, (James 1:27). (Ephesians 5:21-22) "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. And next verse, W…

He cannot pray aright anywhere, much less in secret: the same Psalm tells us what he does in secret, verse 8, 9, 10. In the secret places does he murder the innocent, his eyes are secretly set against the poor: The Apostle says, It is a shame even to speak of those things that a…

And again, Christ may say, I am that sinner, that is, his sins and his death are mine because he is united and joined to me and I to him. For by faith we are so joined together that we are become one flesh and one bone (Ephesians 5); we are the members of the body of Christ, fle…

First, because he presented himselfe as a price and sacrifice for sinne to God the Father, Math. 20. 28. Eph 5:2. 1. Tim 2:6.

In Paul, here first we may behold an example of true virtue, in that he resists evil, to the uttermost of his power, following his own rule, Abhor that which is evil, and cleave to that which is good (Romans 12:9). Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but ra…

This charge the Lord gives of lesser matters, namely, of sights indecent, and unseemly (Deuteronomy 23:15). Again, we are commanded not so much as to name fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, resting, foolish talking, etc. (Ephesians 5:3). Here we are to be put in mind, that…

Rom 12:2. Eph 5:17. Dauid says, All your lawes are before me. 2.

Morall Philosophie, placs happinesse in ciuill vertue, out of Christ: it teaches, that vertue is a meane or mediocritie of affection, whereas in true vertue there is not onely a restraint or moderation of affections, but also the renouation of them by regeneration. It teaches th…

We are therefore to be circumspect and careful, lest we be supplanted. The Apostle admonishes us to take heed lest we be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13), and, that we walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (Ephesians 5:15), that we walk with a rig…

Here we see then what men are before the Lord has converted and changed their hearts, and received them into his fold, even wild and furious beasts; who then, and not before, abstain from doing evil, when the Lord by the power of his Spirit, has subdued their cruel and hurtful n…

And in regard they were in one and the same condition, it is good reason that this testimony should appertain to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. Neither must it be referred to an external misery only, but to the shadow of eternal death, until Christ shine upon us by the doc…

"Et avoyent tousjours en la bouche le titre d'Eglise, duquel ils abusoyent;" -- "and had always in their mouth the title of Church, which they abused." Christ here assures them, that a bastard race, which has departed from the faith and piety of the fathers, has "no inheritance…

At length, Christ, “the Sun of Righteousness,” (Malachi 4:2,) arose in full splendor, and, by his coming, utterly “abolished” (2 Timothy 1:10) the darkness of death. In the same manner, Paul reminds us, that it was a fulfillment of what occurs in many passages of the prophets, “…

To the same purpose is the warning which Paul gives, Let no man deceive you with vain words; for on account of these things the wrath of God comes against the rebellious, (Ephesians 5:6). 6. He spoke also this parable.

It is the espousing incorporating grace, it gives us coalition and union with Christ's person; other graces make us like Christ, faith makes us members of Christ. 1. Use of Exhortation: Let us above all things labor for faith: Fides est sanctissimum humani pectoris bonum (Ephesi…

It commends to us whatever is just, lovely, of good report (Philippians 4:8). This sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) cuts down vice. Out of this tower of Scripture is thrown down a millstone upon the head of sin.

1. In General. Masters must remember that they have a Master in Heaven, who will call them to account (Ephesians 6:9). Knowing, that your Master is also in Heaven.

Response 1. If you would have your children honor you, 1. Be careful to bring them up in the fear and nurture of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Bring them up in the admonition of the Lord.

John 3:15. That whoever believes in him should not perish. Ephesians 6:16. 〈in non-Latin alphabet〉, Above all taking the shield of faith. Say as Queen Esther, I will go in to the King, and if I perish I perish.

You desire truth in the inward parts. Sincerity is the sauce which seasons all our actions, and makes them savory; it is the ingredient into every grace: It is called faith unfeigned (2 Timothy 1:5), and love [illegible] in sincerity (Ephesians 6:24). Coin will not go current th…

We must love our neighbors as ourselves; therefore we must pray for them as well as for ourselves. Every good Christian has a fellow-feeling of the wants and miseries of others, and he prays that God would extend his bounty to them; especially he prays for the saints (Ephesians…

There must be particular selected remedies to heal these wounds, because they are usually of a differing nature. For some objections Satan has devised that the most learned men never met with in books, and Satan has devised methods of tempting deserted souls (Ephesians 6) which…

Thus far our own hearts, upon the Holy Ghost's deserting, become authors to us of this darkness. But herein believers wrestle not alone with flesh and blood and the darkness thereof, but do further conflict also with those spiritual wickednesses, the princes of darkness (Ephesia…

It is his trade; therefore as men are called lawyers or divines from their calling, so he is called the tempter and the accuser from his employment. And by this his long experience and observation he has his set and composed machinations (2 Corinthians 2:11), his methods of temp…

And further, because in these accusations his scope is to misrepresent our estates to us and falsely to disquiet us, therefore he is yet more especially called 'the slanderer' — as one that falsely and lyingly calumniates and slanders all our graces, all God's dealings toward us…

Therefore (1 Thessalonians 3:5) the apostle was jealous of Satan in nothing more than in this, lest he had been dealing and tampering with and perverting their faith: 'I sent to know of your faith, lest by some means the tempter has tempted you.' For faith in God is the greatest…

And so in this place, Moses' parents feared not the King's commandment; that is, they did not fear it overmuch, or wholly, or only, or so much as others did in the like case. Here then first we may learn, how far forth we must obey superiors and magistrates; we must obey them, n…

Now when we die, we are to encounter with this hideous and fearful serpent. He is fearful every way, but especially for his sting; that sting is our sin: and this sting is not taken away, nor the force of it quenched, but by true faith, which quenches all the fiery darts of the…

He durst not say so, his fall broke the neck of his pride. 2. The foiling by a temptation, causes more circumspection and watchfulness in a child of God: Though Satan did before decoy him into sin, yet for the future he will be the more cautious, he will have a care of coming wi…

And here all governors must be put in mind that they have a higher Lord, that they may not oppress or deal hardly with their inferiors. This is Paul's reason, Ye masters, says he, do the same things to your servants, putting away threatening: and know that even your master is al…

By it Moses stood in the breach, which God's wrath had made into the people of Israel, and stayed the same, Psalms 106:23. By this, Christian men fight as valiant champions against their own corruptions, and all other spiritual enemies, Ephesians 6:18. Infinite were it to show h…

Thirdly, the matter of the prayer stands of four most worthy points. The first is strength to bear the cross and to resist spiritual temptations, verse 16, where the strength is set out by various arguments: First, that it is the mere gift of God, that he would grant you: Second…

6. A righteous man has more excellent armor; namely, the armor of light (Romans 13:12). This is armor of God's making (Ephesians 6:16), and the Lord with his armor gives strength. Alexander might give a coward his armor, but he could not give him his courage; but God infuses a s…

You cannot touch any extreme without being touched by that enemy, whose greatest advantages lie in assaulting you there. Satan is called the ruler of the darkness of this world (Ephesians 6:12) — that is, his kingdom is supported by darkness. Now there is a twofold darkness whic…

Againe the Scripture noteth him, to be a powerfull spirit, whose strength farre exceedeth and surpasseth the might of any man or creature, that is not of an Angelical nature, as himselfe is. For he is tearmed a Prince of the aire, and the god of this world, his power reacheth ev…

And therefore the exercise of faith is to be continued in the use making of this offering, in reference to these particulars, as well as in reference to the making of our peace with God at first. In which respect, faith is called a shield (Ephesians 6:16). When new guilt is cont…

The Devil, and Satan, and his Angels, were cast out (verse 7). The Dragon and his Angels fought with Michael; and he has Legions garrisoned in one poor man, he has kept the fields above these five thousand years, with a huge and mighty army, both by Sea, and Land (Ephesians 6:12…

Not to walk in darkness, nor hate our brother (1 John 2:8, 9), for this is the new commandment. And that the Gospel has commandments is clear (Matthew 15:3; John 15:12; Romans 16:6; Ephesians 6:2; 1 Timothy 1:1; the holy commandment, 2 Peter 2:21; 1 John 3:23; Revelation 22:14;…

Many occasions and temptations may meet with us in the world, temptations from Satan, as well as from the world (1 John 2:14). And if a man have strong enemies, he will stand in need of a strong faith, to cut asunder all the fiery darts of the Devil (Ephesians 6:16). Above all t…

Consider therefore, God marks the very bent of my soul, and desire in every petition I put up, and therefore observing what I desire, he will accordingly grant either the thing I desire according to my desire, or that which I aim at in my desire, and this is a glory to the name…

And here are two things whereby we overcome. 1. By Scripture, the Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and (1 John 2:14): The Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one. It is good to have the Word of God abide in our memories, but chiefly…

Indeed Paul goes higher, and calls him the god of this world, (2 Corinthians 4:4) In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them, which believe not: but this is by usurpation not just right. And the devils are called (Ephesians 6:12) the rulers of the darkness of th…

2. He cites Scripture, and thereby teaches that the word of God laid up in the heart and used pertinently will ward off the blows of every temptation. This weapon Christ used all along with success, and therefore it is well called the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). It is…

There's also Public Prayer, Family Prayer, and Closet Prayer. Now a Christian must pray with all prayer and supplication (Ephesians 6:18). The last, is here insisted on.

I will pray with understanding: For blind devotion is not pleasing to God: 2. A sensible feeling of our wants, we must come weary and heavy laden (Matthew 11:28). Pressed with the guilt of sin, pinched with want of grace: 3. Fervency of spirit (James 5:17), arising from a consid…

It is the praise of John the Baptist, that he was not as a reed shaken of the wind (Matthew 11:7). All believers are to stand fast in temptation, against their spiritual enemies (Ephesians 6:13), and this they shall the better do, if they be directed by the good example of their…

This being so, our duty is to guard and enclose ourselves, specially our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), and all the senses and powers of our souls (Psalm 141:3), by the wholesome precepts, and counsels of God. Considering we lie open to so many enemies, we should continually be armed a…

The time of standing, is the euill day, that is, the day of triall. Eph 6:13. And then to stand fast, is a matter of great difficultie.

The Apostle admonishes us to take heed lest we be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13), and, that we walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (Ephesians 5:15), that we walk with a right foot (Galatians 2:14), and, make straight steps to our feet, lest th…

And he also shows further, that we shall then be well armed against all idolatries and superstitions, when we rely upon the Law of the Lord. For as Saint Paul calls the word, The sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), so also by it ought we to bring Satan and all his inventions t…

There never was a state of human society so happily constituted, that the greater part followed Christ. Those who will enlist in the cause of Christ must learn this as one of their earliest lessons, and must “put on” this “armor,” (Ephesians 6:11), that they may be steadfast in…

The first thing to be observed here is, that Christ uses Scripture as his shield: for this is the true way of fighting, if we wish to make ourselves sure of the victory. With good reason does Paul say, that, "the sword of the Spirit is the word of God," and enjoin us to "take th…

Rarely will they behold that sentiment more beautifully exemplified, Grace be to all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, (Ephesians 6:24.) Learning ought not to be a prominent feature in a work essentially popular.

It is a highly useful admonition, whenever we meet with any thing that gives us offense, to have always before our eyes the snares of Satan; as Paul also teaches, that we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with spiritual armies, (Ephesians 6:12.) The meaning of the words ther…

And therefore if you will be the true child of God, frame your mind so to serve your master, as if Christ himself were present, and commanded you every particular charge to do. For so writes Saint Paul (Ephesians 6): Servants, be obedient to them that are your Masters, according…

For to what purpose do we desire them before we have them, rejoice in them when we have them, value them so highly, sympathize with them so tenderly, grieve for their death so excessively; if in the mean time no care be taken what shall become of them to Eternity? (2.) How God h…

Flesh and blood are no match for a spirit. "And we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). But if God makes a hedge about us, it is not in the power of all the enemies in the world, whe…

For he says that the promises made to the Patriarchs, and confirmed with an oath concerning the victory of their enemies, of the peaceableness of life, of the happy state of the kingdom, are to be understood of these enemies which are vanquished by Jesus Christ, and of the tranq…

It is by Christ himself made the instance, for the tryal of our sincerity in our Universal obedience, which gives no small honor unto it. The apostle puts great weight on the Fifth commandment, honor your father and Mother, because it is the first commandment with promise, Ephes…

Thirdly, crying also is here forbidden, whereby men or women beeing at variance in priuate speeches, doe through choler and malice lift up their voices, that they may be heard a farre off. This is a fruit of raging anger, and surie, Fourthly, threatning speeches are also here co…

That which we aske of God in prayer, we must sincerely endeavor after in life; and therefore as we pray to God not to be carried into temptation, so must we seeke to arme and furnish our selues with grace, that wee may bee able to encounter with our spirituall enemies, and to wi…

2. The store of arms there laid up, is here set down, whereupon hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men, that is, it is furnished especially with defensive arms (the believers war being most defensive) as shields; but with abundance of these, for number a thousand; a…

3. A readiness and promptness of obedience, to what they are called to: All which are beautiful in themselves, and adorning to the believer. We take it, in a word, to hold out a conversation such as becomes the Gospel (Philippians 1:27), which is, to have the feet shod with the…

And therefore being born within the promises of the covenant, their parents ought to see that the seal of the covenant be applied to them; that is, they derive corruption from them, they may by them be brought to the means of cleansing and washing. Secondly; When they are thus i…