A88594:583
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.
First, if Election were changeable, then God must be changeable; which to think, there is nothing more absurd. If Gods decree be changeable, Gods essence and nature were so also; election being nothing else, but God himself choosing: for every thing in God, is God. And this the Scripture tells us, is far from him; for there is no variableness or shadow of change in God. Jam. 1.17. Isa. 46.10. Mal. 3.6.
First, if Election were changeable, then God must be changeable; which to think, there is nothing more absurd. If Gods decree be changeable, Gods essence and nature were so also; election being nothing else, but God himselfe chusing: for every thing in God, is God. And this the Scripture tels us, is farre from him; for there is no variablenesse or shadow of change in God. Jam. 1.17. Isa. 46.10. Mal. 3.6.
Secondly, if the elect could perish, then Jesus Christ should be very unfaithful to his father, because God the father hath given this charge to Christ, that whomsoever he elected, Christ should preserve them safe, to bring them to heaven. Now should not this be accomplished, Christ would be unfaithful to his father. John 6.39. This is the fathers will, which hath sent me into the world, that of all that he hath given me, I should lose nothing, but that I should raise them up at the last day. This is the will of God, to save many by Christ. Now, should not this be made good, Christ must needs be unfaithful to the Commission of his father.