A49258:515
A treatise of effectual calling and election In XVI. sermons, on 2 Peter 1.10.…
A treatise of effectual calling and election In XVI. sermons, on 2 Peter 1.10. Wherein a Christian may discern, whether yet he be effectually called and elected. And what course he ought to take that he may attain the assurance thereof. Preached by that faithful servant of Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, late minister of Laurence Jury, London.A treatise of effectual calling and election In XVI. sermons, on 2 Peter 1.10. Wherein a Christian may discern, whether yet he be effectually called and elected. And what course he ought to take that he may attain the assurance thereof. Preached by that faithfull servant of Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, late minister of Laurence Jury, London.
London: printed for John Rothwell, 1655
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.
But now, though the Scripture be thus clear, yet there are some objections that seemingly oppose this truth, which I must satisfy. The Papists, as far as I have read in their writings, I find five objections they draw from Scripture against this truth, that a man may be assured of his Election: for, say they, it was an act of Gods, done before we had a being, and how can we be assured of that? I will therefore, beloved, first produce those Scriptures that they pretend will overthrow this point, and then take off what seems to make against it. The first Text they urge, is 1 Pet. 1.17. Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. This Scripture (say they) bids us pass our time in fear; and if so, then we cannot be assured of our Election, but we must fear all the days of our life, whether we are elected or no.
But now, though the Scripture be thus clear, yet there are some objections that seemingly oppose this truth, which I must satisfie. The Papists, as far as I have read in their writings, I finde five objections they draw from Scripture against this truth, that a man may be assured of his Election: for, say they, it was an act of Gods, done before we had a being, and how can we be assured of that? I will therefore, beloved, first produce those Scriptures that they pretend wil overthrow this point, and then take off what seemes to make against it. The first Text they urge, is 1 Pet. 1.17. Passe the time of your sojourning here in fear. This Scripture (say they) bids us passe our time in fear; and if so, then we cannot be assured of our Election, but we must fear all the daies of our life, whether we are elected or no.
To this I shall answer briefly. You must know the fear that the holy Ghost here presseth, that men should pass their time in fear, is not meant of a fear about our election; but it is meant of a fear of sin; that we must not sin against God, but fear God, and fear to provoke God by our sin. And if you ask how this appears, I make it appear plainly thus; for vers. 18. it is said, Knowing beloved, that you are not redeemed with corruptible things, as Silver and Gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, &c. Now this verse proves clearly, that they knew they were redeemed by Christs blood, and so by consequence knew their Election. Therefore the Apostle did not press a fear, to beat down the knowledge of their election; bt, pass your time in fear, i.e. fear to offend God, and fear to sin against him.