A09339:3377
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.
And that this is an effect of Predestination the Apostle plainly showeth,1 when he saith, that he had obtained mercy, (namely in Gods eternal predestination) that he might believe. Wherefore, whosoever are predestinate to obtain eternal life in Christ and by Christ, they are also elect to have the very gift of faith. Therefore it must needs be, that at length they shall believe in Christ. The fourth benefit is Justification, that is, a free pardoning of our sins, and the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, for it followeth Faith: because whosoever are endued with true faith in Christ, are also justified. 2And that justification is an effect of predestination; the Apostle showeth when he putteth it after calling, before which he setteth predestination. And when he saith, that we are elect in Christ, that we might be holy and without spot or blame in the presence of God: and that this is not done while we are in this world, but by ⟨p. 708⟩the pardoning of all our faults, and by the imputation of his perfect obedience. Wherefore it must needs be, that all the elect shall be justified, and be taken for most pure and without blame in Gods presence. With justification is joined regeneration, and sanctification by the holy Ghost: namely, whiles we are made new creatures by him, and the sons of God too: not only by adoption, but also by regeneration. For when Christ justifieth us, he doth not only forgive us our unrighteousness, & impute his righteousness to us, but also he taketh from us our stony heart, & giveth us a fleshy heart of his own: and he strips us of our old man, & puts on his new man. Lastly, he taketh away the corruption of our nature, and makes us partakers of his divine nature:3 and so indeed of the sons of men, he makes us the sons of God, and his brethren too. Therefore it is said, that we are predestinated to adoption by Jesus Christ and elect, that we may be holy without blame, and that which is borne of the spirit is called spirit. Therefore the elected to eternal life, must needs be begotten anew to be the sons of God, and be made partakers of the divine nature, and be a new creature in Christ. Hence issueth the sixth effect of predestination, which is heedfully to be regarded: the love of righteousness, and the detestation of sin. For in regeneration, the affections are principally changed.