A89503:118
A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude
A practical commentary, or An exposition with notes on the Epistle of Jude. Delivered (for the most part) in sundry weekly lectures at Stoke-Newington in Middlesex. By Thomas Manton, B.D. and minister of Covent-Garden.
London: printed by J.M. for Luke Fawn, 1658
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
2. There are grounds on Christs part; his everlasting Merit, and close Union between him and us, and constant Intercession. For his Merit see Heb. 9. 12. He is entered into the holy place, having obtained an eternal Redemption for us. Legal expiations did but last from year to year, but Christs merit for ever and ever; his Redemption is eternal, not only as 'tis of use in all ages of the Church, but in respect of every particular Saint: those who are once redeemed by Christ, they are not redeemed for a time, so as to fall away again; that would argue that the virtue of Christs Blood were spent, and could preserve them no longer; but they are for ever kept to Salvation. So Heb. 10. 14. By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified: He hath not only purchased a possibility of Salvation, but all that we need to our full perfection; 'tis not for a certain time, but for ever. Then there is a close Union between him and us; this is the notion of the Text, preserved in Christ. *Look as 'tis impossible to sever the leaven and the dough, when they are once mingled and kneaded together; so Christ and a Believer, when they are united together, there is no parting more: Can Christs mystical Body be maimed? or lose a joint? Then his constant Intercession, that's another ground, a Copy of which we have in the 17 of John, where he saith, Keep them through thy Name, &c. and Keep them from the evil, &c. See Heb. 7. 25. He is able to save to the uttermost those that come to God by him, for he liveth for ever to make Intercession for them: He is interceding with God, that the merit of his death may be applied to us; and what's that? *Salvation to the uttermost or to the end. The heirs of Salvation need not fear miscarrying: Jesus Christ, who is the Testator, who by Will and Testament made over the heritage to them, he also is the Executor, he liveth for ever to see his own Will executed; he dyed once to make the Testament, and he liveth for ever to see it made good: when ever we are in danger, he is entreating his Father for supports and assistances of grace.