Looking unto Jesus a view of the everlasting gospel, or, the souls eying of…

SECT. VIII. The Decree.

THE Decree of God concerning mans salvation before the foundation of the world, appears in these texts, I will declare the decree (saith God); what was that? why, concerning Christ,¹ and concerning the Church, thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee; ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. It was Gods Decree to give out of Jews and Gentiles a Church to Christ; and this Decree was made in that day of eternity, when the Son of God was begotten of his Father. This Decree in Scripture-phrase hath several titles, 1. It is the very same with that which we usually call predestination; for what is predestination but a Decree of God concerning the different preparations of Grace, whereby some are guided infallibly unto salvation? predestination is a Decree both of the means and end; a Decree of giving Grace, effectual unto some persons here, and of bringing the same persons unto glory hereafter. This Decree, this predestination, this golden chain of the means and end,² is set down by the Apostle, Whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified, and whom he justified, them he also glorified. As God hath predestinated some to life and glory, so he hath predestinated them to be called, and justified before they be glorified; whomsoever the Lord hath decreed to save them hath he also decreed to sanctify before they come to enjoy that salvation.³ God have chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be first holy, and then happy. ⁴See how these are twisted by the Apostle once and again, God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. I have heard of some blasphemous reasonings, if we are predestinate to be saved, we may live as we list; for howsoever we live though never so wickedly, yet we shall be saved. O fearful! O devilish reasoning! surely this comes from the Devil, and not from God, or his Word: Mark here one of Satan's depths; in outward things he tempts men to distrust God, and to rely altogether on means: but in heavenly things, and matters of salvation, he tempts men to lay all on Gods Decrees and Gods purposes, without any regard had to the means.