The true gain more in worth then all the goods in the worldThe true gaine more in worth then all the goods in the world

Paul yet further commends this knowledge in that he calls it, The knowledge of Christ, HIS LORD. Now he is our Lord four ways. First, by the right of donation (because all the Elect are given to him of the Father in the eternal counsel of Election:) secondly by creation: thirdly by the right of Redemption: fourthly by right of headship; in that as ⟨p. 56⟩a living head he gives sense and spiritual life to all that believe in him. And Paul calls Christ his Lord, because he believed his own election, in which he was given to Christ, his creation and redemption by him, and his mystical conjunction with him, as with his head. And here Paul in his example teacheth us two things. The first, how we should know Christ, and the doctrine of the Gospel: For the right knowledge whereof, there is required, beside general understand of Christ & his benefits, with general assent, a special Application thereof. It is not sufficient to believe the election, redemption, justification, glorification of Gods people: but we must go further, and believe the very same things in our selves. The reason may be taken from the contents of the Gospel. For it contains two parts, the first is a promise in which Christ with all his benefits is offered and propounded unto us. The second is a commandment to apply the said promise,¹ and the substance thereof to our selves, and that by our faith. And ⟨p. 57⟩he that takes away this second part, overthrows half the Gospel of Christ. Here is the foundation of saving knowledge,² which justifieth and bringeth life eternal;³ and the foundation of special faith. The second thing to be learned in Pauls example is, that we are to resign our selves, our bodies & souls, and to render all subjection to Christ. For in that he calleth him Lord, he professeth himself to be the servant of Christ.⁴ The end of all preaching is to bring not only our words and deeds; but also our secret thoughts in subjection unto him. And the end why Christ sits in glory at the right hand of the Father is, that every knee may bow unto him of things in heaven and earth. It behooves us therefore to live and carry our selves in our places as true and unfeigned servants of Christ.