A53678:398
A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…
A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews viz, on the sixth, seventh, eight, ninth, and tenth chapters : wherein together with the explication of the text and context, the priesthood of Christ ... are declared, explained and confirmed : as also, the pleas of the Jews for the continuance and perpetuity of their legal worship, with the doctrine of the principal writers of the Socinians about these things, are examined and disproved / by J. Owen ...
London: printed for Nathaniel Ponder, 1680
Exegesis of chapter 6 › Exegesis of verses 7, 8: VERSE 7, 8.
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.
Where ever there are any sincere Fruits of Faith and Obedience found in the Hearts and Lives of Professors, God graciously accepts and blesseth them. Nothing is so small, 1but that if it be sincere he will accept; and nothing so great but he hath an overflowing Reward for it. Nothing shall be lost that is done for God, A Cup of cold water, the least refreshment given unto any for his sake, shall be had in remembrance. All we have and are, is antecedently due to him, so as that there can be no Merit in any thing we do. But we must take heed lest whilst we deny the Pride of Merit, we lose not the Comfort of Faith as to Acceptance of our Duties. It is a Fruit of the Mediation of Jesus Christ that we may serve God without fear in Righteousness and Holiness all our days. But if we are always anxious and solicitous about what we do, whether it be accepted with God or no; how do we serve him without fear? This is the worst kind of fear we are obnoxious unto, most dishonourable unto God, and discouraging unto our own Souls, 1 Joh. 4. 18. For how can we dishonour God more than by judging that when we do our utmost in sincerity in the way of his Service, yet he is not well pleased with us, nor doth accept of our Obedience? Is not this to suppose him severe, angry, always displeased, ready to take advantage, one whom nothing will satisfy? Such thoughts are the marks of the wicked Servant in the Parable, Luke 19. 20, 21, 22. where then is that infinite ⟨p. 71⟩Goodness, Grace, Condescension, Love, Compassion, which are so Essential to his Nature, and which he hath declared himself so to abound in? And if it be so, what use is there of the Mediation and Intercession of Jesus Christ? what benefit in the promises of the Covenant? And what is there remaining that can encourage us in and unto Duties of Obedience? Merely to perform them because we cannot, we dare not do otherwise, a Servile Compliance with our Conviction, is neither acceptable unto God, nor any ways comfortable unto our own Souls. Who would willingly lead such a life in this world, to be always labouring and endeavouring, without the least satisfaction that what he does will either please them by whom he is set on work, or any way turn to his own account? Yet such a life do men lead who are not persuaded that God graciously accepts of what they sincerely perform.