A00665:1393
A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written
A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, written by the blessed apostle St. Peter. By Thomas AdamsA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written by the blessed apostle St. Peter. By Thomas Adams
London: printed by Richard Badger and Felix Kyngston for Jacob Bloome, 1633London: printed by Richard Badger and Felix Kyngston for Iacob Bloome, 1633
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
That bought them.] This last aggravation is derived from the consideration of the unspeakable good which this Lord hath done them: in that they were delivered by the most excellent benefit that ever came to mankind, which is Redemption by the blood of Christ. For howsoever it was a singular work and favour of God, to give us by creation a blessed being: yet was it no otherwise given us, than with a possibility to keep it or lose it. But Redemption hath instated us to a blessedness never to be lost. Here then is a doubt to be resolved: how they may perish from Christ if they were redeemed; how were they redeemed if they can perish?
That bought them.] This last aggravation is derived from the consideration of the unspeakable good which this Lord hath done them: in that they were delivered by the most excellent benefit that ever came to mankind, which is Redemption by the bloud of Christ. For howsoever it was a singular worke and favour of God, to give us by creation a blessed being: yet was it no otherwise given us, than with a possibilitie to keepe it or lose it. But Redemption hath instated us to a blessednesse never to be lost. Here then is a doubt to be resolved: how they may perish from Christ if they were redeemed; how were they redeemed if they can perish?
First, we must lay this ground of truth: that no soul which Christ hath truly bought can perish eternally. This is the Fathers will, that of all which he hath given me, 1I should lose nothing. But all they are given to Christ, whom he hath purchased. Joh. 10.28. I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hands. If I give them eternal life, nothing shall bring them to eternal ⟨p. 400⟩death: and to pluck them out of his hand that is Almighty, requires an adversary stronger than himself. And our Saviour there adds, Vers. 29. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all: and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand. Hereupon Paul makes a free challenge to all the actors, and pleaders, and powers that ever damnation had.