A09339:1862
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.
for the father is God and not man: we that believe in Christ are men not God: Christ himself both man and God. It may be further replied that this answer will not stand, because not only the father is offended, but also the son and the holy Ghost: and therefore there must be a mediator to them also. Answer. The intercession of Christ is directed to the father the first person immediately: now the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost have all one indivisible essence, and by consequent one and the same will: whereupon the father being appeased by Christs intercession, the Son and the Holy Ghost are also appeased with him and in him. Thus then intercession is made to the whole trinity, but yet immediately and directly to the first person and in him to the rest.
for the father is God and not man: wee that beleeue in Christ are men not God: Christ himselfe both man and God. It may be further replyed that this answere will not stand, because not onely the father is offended, but also the sonne and the holy Ghost: and therefore there must be a mediatour to them also. Answer. The intercession of Christ is directed to the father the first person immediately: nowe the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost haue all one indiuisible essence, and by consequent one and the same will: whereupon the father beeing appeased by Christs intercession, the Sonne and the Holy Ghost are also appeased with him and in him. Thus then intercession is made to the whole trinitie, but yet immediately and directly to the first person and in him to the rest.
The second point to be considered, is the manner of his intercession unto his father. We must not imagine, that Christ now in heaven kneels down on his knees, and utters words, and puts up a supplication for all the faithful to God the father; for that is not beseeming the majesty of him that sits at the right hand of God. But the manner of his intercession is thus to be conceived. When one is to speak to an earthly prince in the behalf of another; first of all he must come into the presence of the king, and secondly make his request: and both these, Christ performeth for us unto God. For the first, after his ascension he entered into heaven, where he did present unto his father, first of all his own person in two natures, and secondly the invaluable merits of his death and passion, in which he was well pleased. And we must further understand, that as on the cross he stood in our room, so in heaven he now appears as a public person in our stead, representing all the elect that shall believe in him, as the holy Ghost saith,