A09339:3375
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.
1Therefore, the first gift of God (that we may briefly consider the effects of predestination) prepared for all the elect, without which they can in no wise come to the end: and therefore the first effect of predestination is our Lord Jesus, with his obedience, merits, death, resurrection, glory: namely, in that respect he is made mediator between God the father and us, and the head of all the elect. And therefore, in as much as he is such a one, he is also the cause of all other graces and benefits, which come unto us by the free predestination of God. For the effects of predestination are so ordered among themselves that the first, which go before, are the causes efficient, or (if we will so speak) the material causes of the latter, and those that follow. Therefore, seeing Christ is the first effect of predestination, he is also the cause of all other effects, by whom we are made partakers of them.2 The Apostle therefore saith very well to the Ephesians: In the first place (saith he) we are elected in Christ, namely as in the head, to be his members. Secondly, he writeth that we are predestinate to adoption by Christ, namely to obtain it: for we are adopted into the sons of God in ⟨p. 707⟩Christ, the first begotten son of God, and by making us partakers of his sonship, we are really made the sons of God, yea, and we are also endued with his spirit too, that we might be borne anew. Thirdly,3 (saith he) we are made acceptable and beloved unto the father, and his beloved son, namely, Christ. Fourthly, that we have our redemption in the same Christ, by his blood, and have obtained remission of sins, and all wisdom and understanding, as well in heaven, as in earth. In a word, the Apostle showeth there (as also else where) that whatsoever benefits we do, or shall hereafter obtain, counting from our eternal election, even unto our glorification: all those we now do, and shall obtain hereafter, in Christ, and by Christ. Therefore, whosoever are elected to eternal life, besides this that they are elected in Christ, they are also predestinate to Christ, that is, to have fellowship with him, that they may by him enjoy all other benefits.4