A42363:82
The Christians great interest
The Christians great interest: or A short treatise, divided into two parts the first whereof containeth, the trial of a saving interest in Christ. The second, pointeth forth plainly, the way how to attain it: wherein somewhat is likewise spoken to the manner of express covenanting with God. By W. Guthrie, minister of the gospel in Scotland.The Christians great interest: or A short treatise, divided into two parts the first whereof containeth, the tryal of a saving interest in Christ. The second, pointeth forth plainly, the way how to attain it: wherein somewhat is likewise spoken to the manner of express covenanting with God. By W. Guthrie, minister of the gospel in Scotland.
London: printed for Dorman Newman, 1681
The Trial of a Saving Interest in CHRIST.The Tryal of a Saving Interest in CHRIST.
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.
This is to believe on the Son of God lifted up, which is ⟨p. 41⟩compared to the looking up to the brazen Serpent, John 3. 14. It was mans approbation of that device, which made it effectual for his healing. So is it here, He that believeth, setteth to his seal that God is true. True! wherein? In that record he hath born, That God hath provided life for men; and placed it all in Christ, 1. Joh. 5. 10. 11. He that believeth not, maketh God a liar. Where? In his saying that Christ is a safe and sure way to Heaven. This is well pleased with and acquiescing in that devise, and it is consonant to all, I know, spoken of Justifying Faith in Scripture. This is in the believing on Christ and on his Name, the receiving of him, and resting on him for Salvation in our Catechism. The believing that Jesus is the Christ, that is, the Anointed one whom the father hath sealed, and set apart and qualified for the work of reconciling man unto God; and he that believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God, 1. Joh. 5. 1. This is to believe with the heart that God hath raised Christ from the dead. The man believeth Christ died, and is raised on the account of satisfaction for mans transgression: Devils may believe that. Nay, but the man I speak of, believeth it with his heart, (which no natural man doth, until a new heart be given unto him) that is, he cordially pleadeth, is satisfied with, and acquiesceth in this noble invention. And thus faith layeth out it self now and then in its actings, out-goings, and exercise. according to all the Covenant relations, under which Christ is held forth in the Scripture.
This is to believe on the Son of God lifted up, which is ⟨p. 41⟩compared to the looking up to the brazen Serpent, John 3. 14. It was mans approbation of that device, which made it effectual for his healing. So is it here, He that believeth, setteth to his seal that God is true. True! wherein? In that record he hath born, That God hath provided life for men; and placed it all in Christ,