CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Secondly, This must necessarily be so, because though the execution and accomplishment of those benefits we receive by Christs prayer, and his death be in time, yet the Decree and purpose was from all Eternity. Christ did not at this time of prayer, or the hour of death begin to will good to them: No, that love to them was eternal, and of old: Insomuch that we cannot say, There ever was a time, when God did not purpose these glorious things for them, and therefore it is, that the Scripture doth often call the godly to this consideration, that his mercy and love to them was of old, even before they ever had a being, or the world either, Ephes. 1.4. He hath chosen us in him, before the foundations of the world; and that is remarkable, 2 Tim. 1.9. where this grace of God is said to be given us in Jesus Christ before the world began. It's said to be actually given us before the world began, either because God had decreed to do so, or else because it is as certain, as if it had been done already: Oh then, what lively consolations should this breed in a believers breast, Gods gracious thoughts of mercy were of old to me, when I was many thousands of years from having any being, yet even then was I in Gods mind and love! No wonder if all eternity be not long enough to bless and praise God for this eternal purpose of his.

Secondly, This must necessarily be so, because though the execution and accomplishment of those benefits we receive by Christs prayer, and his death be in time, yet the Decree and purpose was from all Eternity. Christ did not at this time of prayer, or the hour of death beginne to will good to them: No, that love to them was eternal, and of old: Insomuch that we cannot say, There ever was a time, when God did not purpose these glorious things for them, and therefore it is, that the Scripture doth often call the godly to this consideration, that his mercy and love to them was of old, even before they ever had a being, or the world either, Ephes. 1.4. He hath chosen us in him, before the foundations of the world; and that is remarkable, 2 Tim. 1.9. where this grace of God is said to be given us in Jesus Christ before the world began. It's said to be actually given us before the world began, either because God had decreed to do so, or else because it is as certain, as if it had been done already: Oh then, what lively consolations should this breed in a believers breast, Gods gracious thoughts of mercy were of old to me, when I was many thousands of years from having any being, yet even then was I in Gods minde and love! No wonder if all eternity be not long enough to bless and praise God for this eternal purpose of his.