A39669:693
The Method of Grace
The method of grace, in bringing home the eternal redemption contrived by the Father, and accomplished by the Son through the effectual application of the spirit unto God's elect, being the second part of Gospel redemption : wherein the great mystery of our union and communion with Christ is opened and applied, unbelievers invited, false pretenders convicted, every mans claim to Christ examined, and the misery of Christless persons discovered and bewailed / by John Flavell ...The method of grace, in bringing home the eternal redemption contrived by the Father, and accomplished by the Son through the effectual application of the spirit unto God's elect, being the second part of Gospel redemption : wherein the great mysterie of our union and communion with Christ is opened and applied, unbelievers invited, false pretenders convicted, every mans claim to Christ examined, and the misery of Christless persons discovered and bewailed / by John Flavell ...
London: printed by M. White for Francis Tyton, 1681
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.
Fifthly, The Gospel offers Christ orderly to sinners, first his person, then his privileges. God first gives his son, and then 1with him, or as a consequent of that gift; he gives us all things, Rom. 8. 32. In the same order must our faith receive him. The believer doth not marry the portion first, and then the person: but to be found in him is the first and great care of a believer.
Fifthly, The Gospel offers Christ orderly to sinners, first his person, then his priviledges. God first gives his son, and then 1with him, or as a consequent of that gift; he gives us all things, Rom. 8. 32. In the same order must our faith receive him. The believer doth not marry the portion first, and then the person: but to be found in him is the first and great care of a believer.
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I deny not but it's lawful for any to have an eye to the benefits of Christ. Salvation from wrath is, and lawfully may be intended and aimed at: look unto me, and be ye saved all ye ends of the earth, Isa. 45. 22. Nor do I deny but there are many poor souls who being in deep distress and fear, may and often do look mostly to their own safety at first; and that there is much confusion as well in the actings of their faith, as in their condition; but sure I am it is the proper order in believing, first to accept the person of the Lord Jesus: heaven is no doubt very desirable, but Christ is more: whom have I in heaven but thee? Psal. 73. 25. Union with Christ is in order of nature antecedent to the Communication of his privileges, therefore so it ought to be in the order and method of believing.