A09339:816
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.
Answer. He is not bound by nature, but of his own accord: for he was not a bare man, but God and man. And albeit Christ did neither suffer nor fulfil the law, but in that flesh which he took upon him; yet by reason of the hypostatical union, this his passion and obedience hath respect unto the whole person, considered as God and man, and therefore his obedience was not due on his part, and so was without merit to himself: yea, in that the flesh of Christ is united to the person of the Word, and so exalted in dignity and sanctity above all Angels, it may seem to be exempted from this natural obligation of performing the law.
Answer. He is not bound by nature, but of his owne accord: for he was not a bare man, but God and man. And albeit Christ did neither suffer nor fulfill the law, but in that flesh which he tooke vpon him; yet by reason of the hypostaticall vnion, this his passion and obedience hath respect vnto the whole person, considered as God and man, and therefore his obedience was not due on his part, and so was without merit to himselfe: yea, in that the flesh of Christ is vnited to the person of the Word, and so exalted in dignitie and sanctitie aboue all Angels, it may seeme to be exempted from this naturall obligation of performing the law.
II. If then Christ performed the law for us, we are no more now bounden to the observance of the same: as we do not undergo eternal punishments for our sins, the which Christ in his person did bear upon the cross.
II. If then Christ performed the law for vs, we are no more now bounden to the obseruance of the same: as we doe not vndergoe eternall punishments for our sinnes, the which Christ in his person did beare vpon the crosse.
Answer. If we keep the same respect of performing obedience to the law, the consequence is very true, otherwise it is not so: for Christ performed obedience to the law for us, as it is the satisfaction of the law: but the faithful they are bounden to obedience, not as it is satisfactory, but as it is a document of faith, and a testimony of their gratitude towards God, or a means to edify their neighbours: even as Christ suffering punishments for our sins, we also suffer punishments as they are either trials, or chastisements unto us.