A47542:803
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.
2dly. It is, because they are chosen or elected in Christ, in an 1immutable, an unchangeable, and an Eternal Head. What was the Reason Adam stood not, notwithstanding his Power and Abilities were such? Why he stood not in Christ, was not fixed on Christ; but all true Believers are in Christ, chosen in him, he is the Head of the Eternal Election, as Mediator. In Election he is ⟨p. 179⟩to be considered as the Head; and all the Father hath given him, as the Members of his Body, chosen in him, and united to him: Therefore their standing in Christ, by virtue of Election, is like that of the Election of their Head. Now can Christ cease being an Elect Head? Every one will say, No, that is impossible: No more can they cease from being Elect Members. This of Election in Christ, presupposeth an Union; and there was a decretive Union from Eternity, and that influenced their actual Union in Time: and as certainly as Christ died, rose again, and ascended, (in the fullness of Time) who was decretively a Lamb stain before the Foundation of the World, so will God's Decree of Election in Christ as certainly bring in all the Elect into actual Union with Christ, and carry them all to Heaven, (whither their Head, as the Forerunner 2for us, is already entered) as sure as he is now there. But you will hear more of this when I come to speak of that Argument, simply taken from their Union with Christ.
2dly. It is, because they are chosen or elected in Christ, in an 1immutable, an unchangeable, and an Eternal Head. What was the Reason Adam stood not, notwithstanding his Power and Abilities were such? Why he stood not in Christ, was not fixed on Christ; but all true Believers are in Christ, chosen in him, he is the Head of the Eternal Election, as Mediator. In Election he is ⟨p. 179⟩to be considered as the Head; and all the Father hath given him, as the Members of his Body, chosen in him, and united to him: Therefore their standing in Christ, by virtue of Election, is like that of the Election of their Head. Now can Christ cease being an Elect Head? Every one will say, No, that is impossible: No more can they cease from being Elect Members. This of Election in Christ, presupposeth an Union; and there was a decretive Union from Eternity, and that influenced their actual Union in Time: and as certainly as Christ died, rose again, and ascended, (in the fulness of Time) who was decretively a Lamb stain before the Foundation of the World, so will God's Decree of Election in Christ as certainly bring in all the Elect into actual Union with Christ, and carry them all to Heaven, (whither their Head, as the Forerunner 2for us, is already entered) as sure as he is now there. But you will hear more of this when I come to speak of that Argument, simply taken from their Union with Christ.
3dly. That the Saints of God, or Sheep of Jesus Christ, by virtue of their Election, cannot fall away so as to perish for ever, doth appear evident from one or two express Scriptures; see Rom. 8. 28. We know all things work together for Good to them that love God, who are the Called according to his Purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son, that he might be the First-born among many Brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. See here, and I beseech you consider it, and weigh it well, for this Text is enough to convince (one would think) all the Opposers of this glorious Truth in the World, or silence them for ever: The Apostle begins the Happiness and eternal Salvation of all that shall be saved, and the certainty of it in Election, Whom he did foreknow; that is, whom he in his good Pleasure did pitch upon, or think good to give to his Son, to be his Spouse, or Members of his Mystical Body; he also did predestinate them, and all them, them, and none but them; he elected, chose, or appointed them, to be conformed to the Image of his Son, that is, in Holiness, &c. but more of that by and by: and whom he so predestinated, or elected, he called, and them he justified, and them and every one of them he glorified, or will so call, justify and glorify. This is that place of Scripture which is called by some, the Golden Chain, by others the Chain of Salvation; and it may very well be so called: nothing can be more clear than this, viz. That those who are elected, shall ⟨p. 180⟩be called, justified, and be all as certainly glorified. 'Tis not in the Power of all the Enemies of the Soul to break this Chain, one part is so linked to the other; it begins in Election, and ends in Glorification: So that our Election is a forcible Argument to prove there is no final falling for any one of the Sheep of Jesus Christ.
4thly. It is because the Means is ordained by the unalterable Decree of God, as well as the End: True, we grant, Without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord: And it is he that endureth to the 1End that shall be saved; or such only that mortify the Deeds of the Body; or, Who by continuance in well-doing, seek for Glory, and Honour, and Immortality; Eternal Life. But, pray Brethren, consider that God hath ordained all his Elect Ones, to be holy, and without blame before him in love; or as Paul, in that to the Romans before mentioned, to be conformed to the Image of his Son. Grace shall be given to them to renew them, and to carry on, and finally at last perfect Holiness in them: For we are his Workmanship, created 2in Christ Jesus unto good Works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. No Man can do good Works, until created and formed by the Lord: This People have I formed for my 3self, they shall show forth my Praise. They shall bring forth Fruit to the praise of his Glory; see that emphatical Text, John 15. 16. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should bring forth Fruit, and that your Fruit should remain: Not only ordained to Eternal Life, as the End of their Election, but also ordained to bring forth Fruit, as the Way and Means of obtaining it: Nay more, that they shall persevere in bringing forth Fruit; that your Fruit should remain.
4thly. It is because the Means is ordained by the unalterable Decree of God, as well as the End: True, we grant, Without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord: And it is he that indureth to the 1End that shall be saved; or such only that mortify the Deeds of the Body; or, Who by continuance in well-doing, seek for Glory, and Honour, and Immortality; Eternal Life. But, pray Brethren, consider that God hath ordained all his Elect Ones, to be holy, and without blame before him in love; or as Paul, in that to the Romans before mentioned, to be conformed to the Image of his Son. Grace shall be given to them to renew them, and to carry on, and finally at last perfect Holiness in them: For we are his Workmanship, created
(1.) They shall not cease bearing Fruit, because united to such a Root, a Root that hath so much Sap in it, or grafted into such an Olive Tree: and they shall be made Partakers of the Fatness thereof; 1Because I live, ye shall live also. Because their Root lives, they shall live; or because their Head lives, they shall live. Christ is the Head of Election, the Head of his Mystical Body, and of every Member of it; a Head of Influence, and he lives: therefore they that are his true Branches, or his Members, according to Election, shall live also; they shall live a Life of Holiness, the Life of Grace here, and the Life of Glory hereafter.
(2.) They shall bring forth Fruit, because the Holy Spirit is given to them, and shall remain in them for ever: This Water will make them fruitful; They spread forth their Root by a River, and 1shall not see when Heat cometh; but their Leaf shall be green, and ⟨p. 181⟩shall not be careful in the Year of Drought, neither shall cease from 2yielding Fruit. Now if this be so, if they are elected to use the Means, or ordained to be Holy; if it is the absolute Decree of God, that they shall hold on their way, and are united to such a Head, that their Fruit shall remain, and they shall not cease 3yielding Fruit, then they cannot finally fall away, Election secures them, they shall not perish, but have Everlasting Life: But all this is true, therefore they cannot perish.
5thly. I argue from the Nature of the Election of the Blessed Angels: All the Angels that stand were elected, and it was this that secures them and preserves them from falling: Those that fell were not elected; and as evident it is, not one of the Elect Angels are fallen, nor can fall. I marvel any thinking Christians should doubt of Election, as it results from the absolute Sovereignty of God's Grace, or good Pleasure of his Will, since God by Election took hold of some of the Angels, as well as some of the lost Sons and Daughters of Adam. Was God unjust, because he did not secure, by his unchangeable Decree, the standing of all the Angels, but left some of them, and only fixed upon so many as he in his own Wisdom thought good? They may as well charge this upon the Divine Majesty of God, as so to charge the Doctrine of particular Election of lost Sinners. Brethren, Though Christ is not a Redeemer of Angels, the Elect Angels needing none, yet he is the Head of Angels, and a Confirmer of them; He is the Head of Principalities and Powers: by him, and for him were all things created that are in Heaven, that are in Earth, visible and invisible; whether 1they be Thrones or Dominions, or Principalities, or Powers; all things were created by him, and for him. Christ is God, and he is the preserver of the Elect Angels; they are committed to him, and under his Power, and he upholds them, though he never died for them; and shall we think he will not preserve his Elect Saints, or that their Election should not as absolutely secure them, for whom he as their blessed Lord and Head died, and to whom he is a Redeemer, as the Elect Angels to whom he is only a Confirmer? And ye are complete in him, who is the Head of Principalities and Powers: 2Ye are complete, fully complete; ye stand in him, in his Righteousness, complete, who is your Head, and shall be preserved in him, in whom you are elected to everlasting Life.
5thly. I argue from the Nature of the Election of the Blessed Angels: All the Angels that stand were elected, and it was this that secures them and preserves them from falling: Those that fell were not elected; and as evident it is, not one of the Elect Angels are fallen, nor can fall. I marvel any thinking Christians should doubt of Election, as it results from the absolute Soveraignty of God's Grace, or good Pleasure of his Will, since God by Election took hold of some of the Angels, as well as some of the lost Sons and Daughters of Adam. Was God unjust, because he did not secure, by his unchangeable Decree, the standing of all the Angels, but left some of them, and only fix'd upon so many as he in his own Wisdom thought good? They may as well charge this upon the Divine Majesty of God, as so to charge the Doctrine of particular Election of lost Sinners. Brethren, Though Christ is not a Redeemer of Angels, the Elect Angels needing none, yet he is the Head of Angels, and a Confirmer of them; He is the Head of Principalities and Powers: by him, and for him were all things created that are in Heaven, that are in Earth, visible and invisible; whether
6thly. Because they are chosen to Salvation, that is, to enjoy and possess Salvation; if they have it not, the Decree of God is frustrated: but his Eternal Decrees are as firm as Mountains of ⟨p. 182⟩Brass. If the Decree of God, in appointing his Elect to Salvation, be frustrated or made void, either it is done by himself, or by others. Now it cannot be made void by himself, because it is an absolute Decree, his Mind alters not, and none else are able to do it: And as to the Slips and Miscarriages of the Elect themselves, God foresaw all their Evils from Everlasting, and as that hindered not their Election, so be sure it shall never turn them out of it. But we are bound to give Thanks always to God for you, Brethren, because 1God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation, &c. From the beginning, that is, from before the World began, or from Eternity; for the absolute Decrees of God, according to his Eternal Counsel, are from Everlasting. After the Apostle had showed these Saints that there would come a falling away from the Faith, and that many would be deceived and damned for ever, to comfort and encourage them against the fear of final Apostasy, he brings this in the 13th Verse, But we are bound to give Thanks for you, Brethren, beloved of the Lord, &c. You need not fear, as if he should say, of being deceived, or of perishing by dangerous Errors, or otherwise.
6thly. Because they are chosen to Salvation, that is, to enjoy and possess Salvation; if they have it not, the Decree of God is frustrated: but his Eternal Decrees are as firm as Mountains of ⟨p. 182⟩Brass. If the Decree of God, in appointing his Elect to Salvation, be frustrated or made void, either it is done by himself, or by others. Now it cannot be made void by himself, because it is an absolute Decree, his Mind alters not, and none else are able to do it: And as to the Slips and Miscarriages of the Elect themselves, God foresaw all their Evils from Everlasting, and as that hindered not their Election, so besure it shall neeer turn them out of it. But we are bound to give Thanks always to God for you, Brethren, because 1God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation, &c. From the beginning, that is, from before the World began, or from Eternity; for the absolute Decrees of God, according to his Eternal Counsel, are from Everlasting. After the Apostle had shewed these Saints that there would come a falling away from the Faith, and that many would be deceived and damned for ever, to comfort and encourage them against the fear of final Apostacy, he brings this in the 13th Verse, But we are bound to give Thanks for you, Brethren, beloved of the Lord, &c. You need not fear, as if he should say, of being deceived, or of perishing by dangerous Errors, or otherwise.
1. Because you are beloved of the Lord.
2. And also are elected to Salvation; and because beloved, therefore elected: Whomsoever God doth absolutely appoint to this or that End, he will assist or enable to do whatsoever Means is necessary in order to that End. Now the Elect are chosen to Salvation, to inherit Eternal Life; if therefore any of them miss of it, his Decree and Purpose is frustrated, which cannot be. We have another 1Text of the like Nature with this; For God hath not appointed us to Wrath, but to obtain Salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. From 2hence the Apostle argues, that they needed not to doubt of their Salvation: and by what precedes, it appears, that Election is a great Motive to Holiness; as when a Man that is sure of the Victory will fight courageously, Let us who are of the Day, or Children of Light, not of Night, nor of Darkness, be sober, putting on the Breastplate of Faith and Love; for God hath not appointed us to Wrath, &c. Children of the Night shall perish, but none of the Children of the Light ever shall. The Apostle ascends to the original Cause of it, which is God's absolute Decree of Election; Salvation would wholly else depend upon the uncertainty of Man's Will, and not upon the immutable and unchangeable Will and Purpose of God. Th•• is more than appointing the Means, it is an appointing the Persons, not appointed to Salvation upon the foresight of Man's ⟨p. 183⟩Faith, because Faith is the Gift of God, and proceeds from his Counsel, that's appointed too: else a Man may say, that I might be saved, I must thank God; but that I am saved, I must thank my self, because it was left to the liberty of my own Will whether I would believe, and be saved, or no. Two things are necessary in our Salvation; (1.) The Merits of Christ's Blood: (2.) Faith to apply it; by which God's Image is restored to us, and preserved in us: and both these we have by his own free Grace, through Christ Jesus, as the Fruit of his electing Love.
2. And also are elected to Salvation; and because beloved, therefore elected: Whomsoever God doth absolutely appoint to this or that End, he will assist or enable to do whatsoever Means is necessary in order to that End. Now the Elect are chosen to Salvation, to inherit Eternal Life; if therefore any of them miss of it, his Decree and Purpose is frustrated, which cannot be. We have another
7thly. It doth further plainly appear, that Election does eternally secure all Christ's Sheep, all true Believers, from final Falling, or everlasting Ruin, from the words of our Blessed Lord himself; For there shall arise false Christs, and false Prophets, and shall show 1great Signs and Wonders, insomuch that (if it were possible) they should deceive the very Elect. Now is it not easy for any Man from hence to draw an Argument, that the Elect cannot fall finally away, so as to perish? for if it is so, that they cannot be deceived, i. e. finally, or take in damnable Errors, so as to perish, of which our Saviour speaks; for the Elect have otherwise in a great measure, and in many things (I mean some of them) been deceived; but it is impossible they should be so deceived as to be damned. And if this be granted, then Election secures them, they cannot finally fall. If they might perish eternally, they might be deceived with damnable Heresies, and bring upon themselves swift and utter Destruction; but they cannot be so deceived, because they are the Elect, therefore they cannot fall away so as to perish.
7thly. It doth further plainly appear, that Election does eternally secure all Christ's Sheep, all true Believers, from final Falling, or everlasting Ruin, from the words of our Blessed Lord himself; For there shall arise false Christs, and false Prophets, and shall shew 1great Signs and Wonders, insomuch that (if it were possible) they should deceive the very Elect. Now is it not easy for any Man from hence to draw an Argument, that the Elect cannot fall finally away, so as to perish? for if it is so, that they cannot be deceived, i. e. finally, or take in damnable Errors, so as to perish, of which our Saviour speaks; for the Elect have otherwise in a great measure, and in many things (I mean some of them) been deceived; but it is impossible they should be so deceived as to be damned. And if this be granted, then Election secures them, they cannot finally fall. If they might perish eternally, they might be deceived with damnable Heresies, and bring upon themselves swift and utter Destruction; but they cannot be so deceived, because they are the Elect, therefore they cānnot fall away so as to perish.
Arg. If the Election of Grace be absolute, as the Decree of 1Day and Night, or as that of Christ dying for our Sins: If we are elected in Christ as the Head, we being all Members, given to him to make up his Mystical Body; if those that are elected, shall be called, justified, and glorified; if the Means, as well as the End, be under God's absolute Decree and Purpose; if our Election doth as absolutely secure us from final Apostasy, as the Election of the Holy Angels does secure them; if we are elected to Salvation; if it be impossible for any of the Elect to be finally deceived; then none of them, none of the Elect, or no Sheep or Lambs of Jesus Christ, can so fall away as to perish eternally: but all this is true, therefore none of them can so perish.
Arg. If the Election of Grace be absolute, as the Decree of 1Day and Night, or as that of Christ dying for our Sins: If we are elected in Christ as the Head, we being all Members, given to him to make up his Mystical Body; if those that are elected, shall be called, justified, and glorified; if the Means, as well as the End, be under God's absolute Decree and Purpose; if our Election doth as absolutely secure us from final Apostacy, as the Election of the Holy Angels does secure them; if we are elected to Salvation; if it be impossible for any of the Elect to be finally deceived; then none of them, none of the Elect, or no Sheep or Lambs of Jesus Christ, can so fall away as to perish eternally: but all this is true, therefore none of them can so perish.
So much shall suffice as to the first Argument, to prove the Saints final Perseverance.
Secondly, My next Argument shall be taken from the Nature of 1God's Infinite Love to all his Saints: The Love of the Father, and Love of the Son doth secure them from perishing; it is wonderful, it passeth all Understanding: It is because God's Love is set upon them; and it is such a Love, What a Love?
1. I answer, it is an Everlasting Love: The Lord appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an Everlasting Love, &c. It is a Love from Everlasting, therefore it must be a first Love, an early Love; and because he loved them from Eternity, he elected them from Eternity.
2. It is a firm Love a strong Love, an endeared Love, nay, an inconceivable Love: I in them, and thou in me; and that the World may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved 1me: A Love of the same Nature, of the same Quality. O! what is the Nature of that Love the Father hath to Jesus Christ? Who can conceive of it, much less express it? It is impossible for us to comprehend how firm, strong and endearing it is; but thus he loves all his Elect Ones: Christ as Mediator is the Object of the Father's Love, so are all his Members: The same Love that is let out to the Head, as to the Nature of it, is let out to his Mystical Body, and to every particular Member thereof.
3. The Father's Love is a Love of Delight: He is said to love others with a Love of Pity, but he loves his Saints with a Love of Complacency: He will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his 1Love; he will rejoice over thee with singing. He takes delight and satisfaction in his Love; not in our Love to him, but in his Love to us. Again, it is said, As the Bridegroom rejoiceth over the Bride, so 2shall thy God rejoice over thee.
