A09339:2702
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
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.
XXIIII.
This Justification is wrought in this manner.1 Sin is that which maketh a man unrighteous, & the child of wrath & vengeance. In sin, there are three things which are hurtful to man: the first is condemnation, which cometh of •inne: the second is, actual disobedience of the law in sin: the third is, the root and fountain of sin, original corruption. These are three deadly wounds, and three running sores in the hearts and consciences of all sinners. gNow Christ Jesus is perfectly righteous, and in him a sinner may find three inestimable benefits answerable to the three former evils. First, the sufferings of Christ upon the cross, sufficient for all mens sins. Secondly, the obedience of Christ in fulfilling the law. Thirdly the perfect holiness of the humane nature of Christ: these are three sovereign medicines to heal all wounded consciences: and they are as three running streams of living water to bathe and to supple the bruised and contrite heart. hNow then cometh faith, and first layeth hold of the sufferings of Christ, and so a sinner is freed from the punishment and guilt of sin, and from eternal damnation, & thus the first deadly wound is cured. iAgain, faith layeth hold on the perfect obedience of Christ, in fulfilling the law, and thus the second wound is cured. kThirdly, faith applieth the holiness of Christs humane nature to the sinner, and then he is accepted of God as perfectly righteous, and so his third deadly wound is cured. Thus a sinner is made righteous by the righteousness of Christ imputed to him.