A88594:609
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.
Sixthly, because God doth not choose men to life for the sake of Jesus Christ, therefore much less for their works sake.
Sixthly, because God doth not chuse men to life for the sake of Jesus Christ, therefore much lesse for their works sake.
It is true, and mistake me not, I confess, (and so all Divines that are confess this) that God saves a man for Christs sake, but God elects not a man for Christs sake, but merely for his own good pleasures sake. God in choosing a man to life, hath no reference to Christ, as if Christ were the motive. Christ was predestinated himself, therefore could not be the cause of our predestination, 1 Pet. 1.20. We are chosen in him its true, Eph. 1.4. as the common person; God elected Christ first in order, and all believers in him, but it is not for Christs sake, but according to his own will. As suppose a Kingdom to be newly set up, a King is chosen, and his successors to follow after; why then all the succeeding Kings are chosen in him that was first elected: so are we chosen in Christ. God ⟨p. 233⟩doth choose a man as freely, as if Christ did never die; and yet God saves none, but for Christs sax; and this makes election on Gods part most free. God doth not consider Christ, nor the good works we have, but tis only his own good will engages him to save some, and neglect others. And thus much for proving this point. There are some objections now that lie in the way, which must be removed.
It is true, and mistake me not, I confesse, (and so all Divines that are confesse this) that God saves a man for Christs sake, but God elects not a man for Christs sake, but meerly for his own good pleasures sake. God in chusing a man to life, hath no reference to Christ, as if Christ were the motive. Christ was predestinated himselfe, therefore could not be the cause of our predestination,