A09339:2159
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.
Fifthly, the bodies of the elect after this life in the kingdom of heaven shall be like the glorious body of Christ: so Paul saith,1 Christ Jesus our Lord shall change our vile bodies that they may be like his glorious body. Now the resemblance between Christs body and ours, standeth in these things: as Christs body is incorruptible, so shall our bodies be void of all corruption: as Christs body is immortal, so ours in the kingdom of heaven shall never die: as Christs body is spiritual, so shall ours be made spiritual, as the Apostle saith,2 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body; not because the body shall be changed into a spirit, for it shall remain the same in substance, and that for ever: but because it shall be preserved by a spiritual and divine manner. For in this life it is preserved by meat, drink, clothing, sleep, physic, rest, and diet, but afterward without all these means the life of the body shall be continued, and body and soul keep together by the immediate power of Gods spirit for ever and ever. Thus the body of Christ is now preserved in heaven, and so shall the bodies of all the elect be after the day of judgement. Furthermore as Christs body is now a shining body, as doth appear by his transfiguration in the mount, so in all likelihood after the resurrection the bodies of the elect shall be shining and bright, always remaining the same for substance. Lastly, as Christs body after it rose again from the grave, had this property of agility beside swiftness, to pass from the earth to the third heaven, being in distance many thousand miles from us, and that without violence: so shall the bodies of the Saints. For being glorified, they shall be able as well to ascend upward, as to go downward, and to move without violence, and that very swiftly.
Fifthly, the bodies of the elect after this life in the kingdome of heauen shal be like the glorious bodie of Christ: so Paul saith,1 Christ Iesus our Lord shall chāge our vile bodies that they may be like his glorious bodie. Now the resemblāce betweene Christs bodie and ours, standeth in these things: as Christs bodie is incorruptible, so shall our bodies be void of all corruption: as Christs bodie is immortal, so ours in the kingdom of heauen shal neuer die: as Christs bodie is spirituall, so shall ours be made spirituall, as the Apostle saith,