A09339:4389
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 5 › Objections of Papists.Section 5 › Obiections of Papists.
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.
Objections of Papists.
Obiections of Papists.
Object. I. In sundry places of Scripture, promise of reward is made to them ⟨p. 943⟩that believe and do good works: therefore our works do merit: for a reward and merit be relatives. Answ. Reward is two-fold: of debt, and of mercy. Life everlasting is not a reward of debt but of mercy, given of the good will of God, without any thing done of man. Secondly, the kingdom of heaven is properly an inheritance given of a father to a child, and therefore it is called a reward not properly, but by a figure or by resemblance. For as a workman having ended his labour, receiveth his wages; so after men have lead their lives and finished their course in keeping faith & good conscience, as dutiful children, God giveth them eternal life. And hereupon it is termed a reward. Thirdly, if I should grant that life everlasting is a deserved reward, it is not for our works, but for Christs merit imputed to us, causing us thereby to merit: and thus the relation stands directly between the Reward and Christs Merit applied unto us.
Obiect. I. In sundrie places of Scripture, promise of reward is made to them ⟨p. 943⟩that beleeue and doe good workes: therefore our workes doe merit: for a reward and merit be relatiues. Answ. Reward is two-fold: of debt, and of mercie. Life euerlasting is not a reward of debt but of mercie, giuen of the good will of God, without any thing done of man. Secondly, the kingdome of heauen is properly an inheritance giuen of a father to a child, and therefore it is called a reward not properly, but by a figure or by resemblance. For as a workeman hauing ended his labour, receiueth his wages; so after men haue lead their liues and finished their course in keeping faith & good conscience, as dutiful children, God giueth them eternall life. And hereupon it is tearmed a reward. Thirdly, if I should graunt that life euerlasting is a deserued reward, it is not for our works, but for Christs merit imputed to vs, causing vs thereby to merit: and thus the relation stands directly betweene the Reward and Christs Merit applied vnto vs.