A09339:3921
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.
The second point is, that men believing in Christ are not their own, or lords of themselves, but wholly both body and soul belong to Christ, in that they were given to him of God the father, and he hath purchased them with his own blood, 1. Cor. 3. Ye are Christs, and Christs Gods. Hence it cometh to pass (which is not to be forgotten) that Christ esteemeth all the crosses and afflictions of his people, as his own proper afflictions. Hence again we must learn to give up our selves both in body and soul to the honour and service of Christ, whose we are.
The second point is, that men beleeuing in Christ are not their owne, or lords of themselues, but wholly both bodie and soule belong to Christ, in that they were giuen to him of God the father, and he hath purchased them with his owne blood, 1. Cor. 3. Ye are Christs, and Christs Gods. Hence it commeth to passe (which is not to be forgotten) that Christ esteemeth all the crosses and afflictions of his people, as his own proper afflictions. Hence againe we must learne to giue vp our selues both in body and soule to the honour and seruice of Christ, whose we are.
The third is, that every true believer, not as he is a man, but as he is a new man or a Christian, hath his being and subsisting from Christ, We are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bone, Eph. 5.30. In which words, Paul alludes to the speech of Adam, Gen. 3. Thou art bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh, & thereby he teacheth, that as Eve was made of a rib taken out of the side of Adam, so doeth the whole church of God, and every man regenerate, spring and arise out of the blood that streamed from the heart and side of Christ crucified.
The third is, that euery true beleeuer, not as he is a man, but as hee is a newe man or a Christian, hath his being and subsisting from Christ, We are members of his bodie, of his flesh, and of his bone,