A47542:1319
A golden mine opened, or, The glory of God's rich grace displayed in the mediator to believers, and his direful wrath against impenitent sinners containing the substance of near forty sermons upon several subjects / by Benjamin Keach.
London: printed by the author, 1694
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.
1. It is evident, that the Persons to whom the Holy Apostle 1wrote this Epistle, were Saints and Justified Persons, or such who were quickened, renewed or regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Therefore,
1. It is evident, that the Persons to whom the Holy Apostle 1wrote this Epistle, were Saints and Justified Persons, or such who were quickned, renewed or regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Therefore,
2. Let us consider what Part of Salvation it was which they were required to work out.
1. They could not appease the Wrath of God, nor satisfy Divine Justice; that sure was not in their Power to do, nor is it here intended.
2. They could not deliver themselves from the Curse of the Law, because by their uttermost endeavour they could not arrive to a complete or perfect Righteousness, nor satisfy for the breach of it, by Original Sin, and by Actual Sins formerly by them committed.
2. They could not deliver themselves from the Curse of the Law, because by their uttermost endeavour they could not arrive to a compleat or perfect Righteousness, nor satisfy for the breach of it, by Original Sin, and by Actual Sins formerly by them committed.
3. They could not change their own Hearts, or create in themselves a new Heart, they had no creating Power; certainly they dare not say they had Power, or were capable to form Christ in their Souls, or restore God's lost Image in them. Again,
4. They could not raise themselves from the Dead, for they were once dead in Sins and Trespasses; and sure they will say, that 1to raise and quicken the Dead is Christ's Work only: You hath he quickened; he does not say, you have ye quickened.
4. They could not raise themselves from the Dead, for they were once dead in Sins and Trespasses; and sure they will say, that 1to raise and quicken the Dead is Christ's Work only: You hath he quickned; he does not say, you have ye quickned.
5. They could not bind the strong Man armed, who formerly had the ruling Power in them, and in whose Chains and Fetters they were once bound: Will they say, that all Men have a greater Power in them, than is the Power of Satan, so that Man may translate himself if he will, out of the Power and Kingdom of Satan, into the Kingdom of God's dear Son, as all Believers by the irresistible Power of God are?
5. They could not bind the strong Man armed, who formerly had the ruling Power in them, and in whose Chains and Fetters they were once bound: Will they say, that all Men have a greater Power in them, than is the Power of Satan, so that Man may translate himself if he will, out of the Power and Kingdom of Satan, into the Kingdom of God's dear Son, as all Believers by the irresistable Power of God are?
6. They could not believe of themselves, because Faith is a Fruit of the Spirit of God; and 'tis said expressly, It is not of our selves, but it is the Gift of God. Now all things are as parts of our Salvation, or appertain thereunto; and none of all these things can be here meant by the Apostle, because the Persons to whom he wrote, had all these things worked out for them, and in them before.
6. They could not believe of themselves, because Faith is a Fruit of the Spirit of God; and 'tis said expresly, It is not of our selves, but it is the Gift of God. Now all things are as parts of our Salvation, or appertain thereunto; and none of all these things can be here meant by the Apostle, because the Persons to whom he wrote, had all these things work'd out for them, and in them before.
Quest. What Work is it then? What were they to work out?
Answ. I answer; The Apostle means, that good Work of Mortification 1of Sin, and all Works that are the Fruits of Faith; that is, they should lead a Holy and Godly Life, they having received a Principle of Grace from Christ to this very End, there being a Necessity that the Tree be first made Good, before the Fruit can be Good; and that a dead Man have a Principle of Life infused into him, before he can either move or work.
Quest. But can the Creature do these things you mention of himself?
Answ. The Apostle seems very jealous of these Saints, lest they should catch up some Arminian Notion, (which is too much rooted in Man's corrupt Nature); and therefore to vanquish Free-Will, or the Power of the Creature for ever, (nay, the Power that is in regenerated Persons) he adds, For it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of his own good Pleasure; who worketh in them powerfully, effectually carrying on the Work through all Difficulties and Obstacles with victorious Efficacy: God works not only Grace in them at first, but still by his Spirit, through fresh Supplies, does aid, influence and assist them, and will until the Work is perfected, or until the Day of Christ. We cannot mortify Sin, pray, nor do any good Work without the Spirit: If ye through 1the Spirit, saith Paul, do mortify the Deeds of the Body, ye shall live. ⟨p. 305⟩2So then this is the Sum, In Holiness and all good Works we act and do; But how? even as we are acted, moved, and influenced of God: It is as when God acts, works, and moves in us by his Spirit. And as to do all with fear and trembling; this is only to show how low we should lie at the Foot of God, and be humble, and not lifted up with Pride, since all our Power and Sufficiency is of God. But so much to this Text and Objection.
Answ. The Apostle seems very jealous of these Saints, lest they should catch up some Arminian Notion, (which is too much rooted in Man's corrupt Nature); and therefore to vanquish Free-Will, or the Power of the Creature for ever, (nay, the Power that is in regenerated Persons) he adds, For it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of his own good Pleasure; who worketh in them powerfully, effectually carrying on the Work through all Difficulties and Obstacles with victorious Efficacy: God works not only Grace in them at first, but still by his Spirit, through fresh Supplies, does aid, influence and assist them, and will until the Work is perfected, or until the Day of Christ. We cannot mortify Sin, pray, nor do any good Work without the Spirit: If ye through 1the Spirit, saith Paul, do mortify the Deeds of the Body, ye shall live. ⟨p. 305⟩
Object. 8. But what say you to that Text in Jer. 22. 24. Though Co•iah the Son of Jehojakim King of Judah were the Signet upon my right Hand, yet would I pluck thee thence?
This Place of Scripture is sent me as a grand Objection against Final Perseverance.
Answ. We must distinguish between one that might be near to God, or as dear as a Signet on the right Hand, in respect of Place or External Dignity as a King, and God's bringing him from thence by Temporal Punishment; and one that is a Signet upon God's right Hand, in respect of Divine Grace and Favour in Jesus Christ, or as touching his Eternal Election: the latter this Text does not refer unto.
Object. 9. Is it not said, If ye abide in me, and my Words abide in you? &c.
