A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Having spoken of the State, I come now to speak of the Author of it, God the Father. But why is it so distinctly attributed to the Father? is not Christ our Sanctification? 1 Cor. 1. 30. and is it not called the Sanctification of the Spirit? 2 Thes. 2. 14. The Answer shall draw out the strength of the phrase in these Propositions. 1. It is true, that the whole Trinity one way or other concurreth to the work of holiness; those works ad extra are indivisa common to all the Persons; the Father sanctifieth, the Son sanctifieth, and the Holy Ghost sanctifieth: the same may be said of preserving and calling. 2. Though all work jointly, yet there are distinct personal operations, by which they make way for the glory of each other; the love of the Father for the glory of the Son, and the glory of the Son for the power of the Spirit. See how the Scripture followeth these things: You shall find first, that no man cometh to the Son but from the Father by Election; John 6. 37. All that the Father giveth shall come to ⟨p. 47⟩me: so vers. 65. No man cometh unto me, unless it be given him of my Father. Look again and you shall find that no man cometh to the Father from the bondage of sin and Satan, but by the Son, through his Redemption and Mediation; John 14. 6. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me. Again, you shall see no man is united to the Son but by the Holy Ghost, who worketh in those whom the Father did choose and the Son redeem; and therefore the Sanctification of the Spirit is as necessary as the Blood of Jesus, 1 Pet. 1. 2. So that you see all have their distinct work; the Inchoation is from the Father, the Dispensation by the Son, and the Consummation by the Spirit: from the Father, in the Son, and through the Spirit; there is Gods choice, Christs purchase, and the Spirits application: all are joined in one Verse, for indeed they must not be severed, even in the place last alleged, 1 Pet. 1. 2. 3