A88594:34
A treatise of effectual calling and election. In XVI. sermons, on 2 Pet. 1.10…
A treatise of effectual calling and election. In XVI. sermons, on 2 Pet. 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 Lawrence Jury, London.
London: printed for John Rothwell, 1653
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, how can it be said, We must make our calling and election sure? Doth not the Foundation of God stand sure, as the Apostle saith? And are not the gifts and calling of God without repentance? How then must we make our Election sure, when all the Decrees of God stand sure?
Answ. Beloved, when it is said, you must make these sure, you must take it in this sense; not to make them sure on Gods part; for it cannot be made more sure there then it is already; whom he hath elected, shall be glorified: But make it sure on your parts; that is, Labour to have a real, bottomed, and grounded assurance that you are effectually called, that you are elected by God in his eternal Decree, to obtain life and glory by Jesus Christ.
Answ. Beloved, when it is said, you must make these sure, you must take it in this sense; not to make them sure on Gods part; for it cannot be made more sure there then it is already; whom he hath elected, shall be glorified: But make it sure on your parts; that is, Labour to have a real, bottom'd, and grounded assurance that you are effectually called, that you are elected by God in his eternal Decree, to obtain life and glorie by Jesus Christ.
Divines therefore give this distinction; 1That there is an assurance of the Object, and that is sure enough; for if God hath decreed you to glory, that will hold sure for ever. But then, there is a certitude of the Subject, an assurance to the person that is elected; and that is, when by a reflex act of faith you have a grounded persuasion in your own breasts, that you are effectually called, and eternally elected: An assurance in your own apprehension and knowledge.
Divines therefore give this distinction;