A golden mine opened, or, The glory of God's rich grace displayed in the…

2. Let it be considered, that there is a twofold being in Christ spoken of in God's Word; as Christ also is compared to a Vine under a twofold Consideration.

(1.) There is a Spiritual, Real and Invisible being in Christ, by Faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; and these are grafted into Christ the Vine, spiritually considered, and so have that true Union with him of which we speak.

(2.) There is also an External or Visible being in Christ, by an outward profession: Hence those that are baptized in his Name, are said to be baptized into Christ. Paul saith of some, that they were in Christ before me. How did he know who were savingly, invisibly in Christ? No doubt he speaks of their visible being in him, by that Profession they made of the Gospel, and by their being baptized; and in this respect Vine is to be taken for the Church, which sometimes bears Christ's Name. Now evident it is, many that thus are in Christ, that is, by a Profession and Sacramental Implantation, may bring forth some sort of Fruit for a while; but for want of a real Union with Christ, they having not a Supply of Grace, and Divine Sap from the Root, they abide not in Christ, that is, in a visible Profession, but are cast forth as withered Branches, and at last will be cast into the Fire. But now whosoever bringeth forth true Spiritual Fruit, who is visibly in Christ the Vine, him will God purge that he may bring forth more Fruit. And that this is the true meaning of this Text, is plain, if we consider what Christ saith of all his Elect Ones, (as hinted to you before) viz. That he had not only chosen them, but ordained them, that they ¹should go and bring forth Fruit, and that their Fruit shall remain: And this he speaks to his Disciples soon after in this very Chapter, to comfort them, lest they might fear miscarrying, and become like such who are withered Branches. And this is sufficient to remove this Objection.