A09339:1486
A Golden Chain
A golden chain: or The description of theology containing the order of the causes of salvation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seen in the table annexed. Hereunto is adjoined the order which M. Theodore Beza used in comforting afflicted consciences.A golden chaine: or The description of theologie containing the order of the causes of saluation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seene in the table annexed. Hereunto is adioyned the order which M. Theodore Beza vsed in comforting afflicted consciences.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1600Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1600
AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I believe in God. &c.AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I beleeue in God. &c.
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.
The name in Hebrew is Jehosova, and it is changed by the Grecians into Jesus which signifieth a Saviour. And it may be called the proper name of Christ, signifying his office and both his natures, because he is both a perfect and absolute Saviour, as also the alone Saviour of man, because the work of salvation is wholly and only wrought by him, and no part thereof is reserved to any creature in heaven or in earth. As Peter saith,1 For among men there is no other name given under heaven whereby we may be saved but by the name of Jesus, And the author to the Hebrews saith,2 That he is able perfectly to save them that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. If any shall object, that the promises of salvation are made to them which keep the commandments: the answer is, that the law of God doth exact most absolute and perfect obedience, which can be found in no man but in Christ, who never sinned and therefore it is not given unto us now that we might by our selves fulfil it, and work out our own salvation, but that being condemned by it, we might wholly depend on Christ for eternal life.3 If any further allege, that such as walk according to the commandments of God, though their obedience be imperfect, yet they have the promises of this life and of the life to come. The answer is, that they have so indeed, yet not for their works, but according to their works which are the fruits of their faith, whereby they are joined to Christ, for whose merits only they stand righteous and are acceptable before God. And whereas it is said by Peter,4 that baptism saveth us, his meaning is not to signify that there is any virtue in the water to wash away our sins and to sanctify us, but that it serves visibly to represent and confirm unto us the inward washing of our souls by the blood of Christ. It may further be said, that others have been Saviours beside Christ as Joshua the son of Nun, who for that cause is called by the same name with Christ.5 Ans. Joshua after the death of Moses was appointed by God to be a guide to the children of Israel, which might defend them from their enemies and bring them to the land of Canaan: but this deliverance was only temporal, and that only of one people.