A09339:4299
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
Section 3 › Our reasons to the contrary.Section 3 › Our reasons to the contrarie.
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.
Reason IV. Whatsoever God commandeth in the Gospel, that a man must and can perform: but God in the Gospel commandeth us to believe the pardon of our own sins, and life everlasting: and therefore we must believe thus much, and may be assured thereof. This proposition is plain by the distinction of the commandments of the law, and of the Gospel. The commandments of the law show us what we must do, but minister no power to perform the thing to be done: but the doctrine and commandments of the gospel do otherwise: and therefore they are called spirit and life: 1God with the commandment giving grace that the thing prescribed may be done. ⟨p. 923⟩Now this is a commandment of the Gospel, to believe remission of sins: for it was the substance of Christs ministry, repent & believe the Gospel. And that is not generally to believe that Christ is a Saviour, and that the promises made in him are true (for so the devils believe with trembling:) but it is particularly to believe that Christ is my Saviour, and that the promises of salvation in Christ belong in special to me, as Saint John saith: This is his commandment, that we believe in the name of Jesus Christ: now to believe in Christ is to put confidence in him: which none can do, unless he be first assured of his love and favour. And therefore in as much, as we are enjoined to put our confidence in Christ, we are also joined to believe our reconciliation with him, which standeth in the remission of our sins, and our acceptation to life everlasting.
Reason IV. Whatsoeuer God commandeth in the Gospell, that a man must and can performe: but God in the Gospell commaundeth vs to beleeue the pardon of our owne sinnes, and life euerlasting: and therefore wee must beleeue thus much, and may be assured thereof. This proposition is plaine by the distinction of the commandements of the lawe, and of the Gospell. The commandements of the lawe shew vs what we must doe, but minister no power to performe the thing to be done: but the doctrine and commandements of the gospel doe otherwise: and therefore they are called spirit and life: 1God with the cōmandement giuing grace that the thing prescribed may be done. ⟨p. 923⟩