Chapter 10

CHAP. X.

Of Communion with Christ in privileges: of Adoption: the nature of it: the consequents of it: peculiar privileges attending it: Liberty, Title; Boldness, Affliction, Communion with Christ hereby.

Of Communion with Christ in priviledges: of Adoption: the nature of it: the consequents of it: peculiar priviledges attending it: Liberty, Title; Boldnesse, Affliction, Communion with Christ hereby.

The third-thing wherein we have communion with Christ is Grace of Privilege before God: I mean as §. 1 the third head of purchased Grace. The privileges we enjoy by Christ, are great and innumerable. To insist on them in particular, were work for a mans whole life, not a design to be wrapped up in a few sheets. I shall take a view of them only in the Head, the spring and Fountain whence they all arise and flow. This is our Adoption. Beloved, now we are the Sons of God. 1 Joh. 3. 2. This is our great and fountain privilege. Whence is it that we are so? it is from the Love of the Father, v. 1. Behold, what love the Father hath given unto us, that we should be called the sons of God. But by whom immediately do we receive this honour? As many as believe on Christ, he gives them this power to become the Sons of God, Joh. 1. 12. Himself was appointed to be the first borne among many brethren, Rom: 8. 29. and his taking us to be brethren, Heb. 2. 11. makes us become the Children of God. Now that God is our Father, by being the Father of Christ, and we his children, by being the brethren of Christ, being the head and sum of all the honour, privilege, right, and Title we have, let us a little consider the nature of that act, whereby we are invested with this state and title; namely our Adoption.

THe third-thing wherein we have communion with Christ is Grace of Priviledge before God: I meane as §. 1 the third head of purchased Grace. The priviledges we enjoy by Christ, are great and innumerable. To insist on them in particular, were work for a mans whole life, not a designe to be wrapped up in a few sheets. I shall take a view of them only in the Head, the spring and Fountain whence they all arise and flow. This is our Adoption. Beloved, now we are the Sons of God. 1 Ioh. 3. 2. This is our great and fountain priviledge. Whence is it that we are so? it is from the Love of the Father, v. 1. Behold, what love the Father hath given unto us, that we should be called the sons of God. But by whom immediatly doe we receive this honour? As many as believe on Christ, he gives them this power to become the Sons of God, Ioh. 1. 12. Himselfe was appointed to be the first borne among many brethren, Rom: 8. 29. and his taking us to be brethren, Heb. 2. 11. makes us become the Children of God. Now that God is our Father, by being the Father of Christ, and we his children, by being the brethren of Christ, being the head and summe of all the honour, priviledge, right, and Title we have, let us a little consider the nature of that act, whereby we are invested with this state and title; namely our Adaption.

Now Adoption is the Authoritative translation of a Believer by Jesus §. 2 Christ from the family of the world and Satan, into the family of God, with his investiture in all the privileges, and advantages of that Family.

Now Adoption is the Authorative translation of a Believer by Jesus §. 2 Christ from the family of the world and Satan, into the family of God, with his investiture in all the priviledges, and advantages of that Family.

To the complete Adoption of any person, these five things rre required. §. 3

To the compleat Adoption of any person, these five things rre required. §. 3

1. That he be actually, and of his own right, of another family, then that whereunto he is adopted. He must be the son of one family or other in his own right, as all persons are.

2. That there be a Family unto which of himself he hath no right, whereinto he is to be grafted. If a man comes into a family upon a personal right, though originally at never so great a distance, that man is not adopted. If a man of a most remote consanguinity, do come into the inheritance of any family by the death of the nearer heirs, though his right before were little better then nothing, yet he is a borne son of that Family, he is not adopted. He is not to have the plea of the most remote possibility of succession.

2. That there be a Family unto which of himselfe he hath no right, whereinto he is to be grafted. If a man comes into a family upon a personall right, though originally at never so great a distance, that man is not adopted. If a man of a most remote consanguinity, doe come into the inheritance of any family by the death of the neerer heires, though his right before were little better then nothing, yet he is a borne son of that Family, he is not adopted. He is not to have the plea of the most remote possibility of succession.

3. That there be an Authoritative legal translation of him, by some that have power thereunto, from one family into another. It was not by the Law of old, in the power of particular persons, to adopt when, and whom they would. It was to be done by the Authority of the Sovereign power.

3. That there be an Authoritative legall translation of him, by some that have power thereunto, from one family into another. It was not by the Law of old, in the power of particular persons, to adopt when, and whom they would. It was to be done by the Authority of the Soveraigne power.

4. That the adopted person be freed from all the obligations that be upon him unto the family, from whence he is translated: otherwise he can be no way useful, or serviceable unto the family, whereinto he is engrafted: He cannot serve two masters, much less two Fathers.

4. That the adopted person be freed from all the obligations that be upon him unto the family, from whence he is translated: otherwise he can be no way usefull, or serviceable unto the family, whereinto he is engrafted: He cannot serve two masters, much lesse two Fathers.

5. That by virtue of his Adoption, he be invested in all the rights, Privileges, Advantages, and Title to the whole inheritance of the family into which he is adopted, in as full and ample manner, as if he had been borne a son therein.

5. That by vertue of his Adoption, he be invested in all the rights, Priviledges, Advantages, and Title to the whole inheritance of the family into which he is adopted, in as full and ample manner, as if he had been borne a son therein.

Now all these things and Circumstances do concur, and are found in the Adoption of believers.

Now all these things and Circumstances doe concurre, and are found in the Adoption of believers.

1. They are by their own original right of another family, §. 4 then that whereinto they are adopted. They are by Nature the children of wrath, Eph. 2. 3. Sons of wrath: of that family whose inheritance is wrath; called the power of darkness, Col. 1. 13. For from thence doth God translate them into the Kingdom of his dear Son. This is the family of the world and of Satan, of which by nature believers are. What ever is to be inherited in that family; as wrath, curse, death, Hell, they have a right thereunto. Neither can they of themselves, or by themselves get free of this family: a strong man armed, keeps them in subjection. Their natural estate is a family condition, attended with all circumstances of a family; family duties and services; rights and titles; Relations, and observances. They are of the black family of sin, and Satan.

1. They are by their own originall right of another family, §. 4 then that whereinto they are adopted. They are by Nature the children of wrath, Eph. 2. 3. Sons of wrath: of that family whose inheritance is wrath; called the power of darknesse, Col. 1. 13. For from thence doth God translate them into the Kingdome of his deare Son. This is the family of the world and of Sathan, of which by nature believers are. What ever is to be inherited in that family; as wrath, curse, death, Hell, they have a right thereunto. Neither can they of themselves, or by themselves get free of this family: a strong man armed, keeps them in subjection. Their naturall estate is a family condition, attended with all circumstances of a family; family duties and services; rights and titles; Relations, and observances. They are of the black family of sinne, and Satan.

2. There is another family whereinto they are to be translated, §. 5 and whereunto of themselves, they have neither right nor title. This is that family in heaven and earth, which is called after the name of Christ. Eph. 3. v. 15. The great family of God: God hath an house, and family for his children, of whom, some he maintains on the riches of his grace, and some he entertains ¹with the fullness of his glory. This is that house whereof the Lord Christ is the great dispenser, It having pleased the Father to gather in one all things in him, both which are in heaven, and which are in earth, even in him Ephes 1. v. 10. Herein live all the Sons and daughters of God, spending largely on the Riches of his Grace. Unto this family of themselves they have no right, nor Title: they are wholly alienated from it. Eph. 2. 12. and can lay no claim to any thing in it. God driving fallen Adam out of the Garden, and shutting up all ways of Return with a flaming sword ready to cut him off, if he should attempt it; abundantly declares that he, and all in him, had lost all right of approaching unto God, in any family relation. Corrupted, cursed nature is not vested with the least right to any thing of God: therefore

2. There is another family whereinto they are to be translated, §. 5 and whereunto of themselves, they have neither right nor title. This is that family in heaven and earth, which is called after the name of Christ. Eph. 3. v. 15. The great family of God: God hath an house, and family for his children, of whom, some he maintaines on the riches of his grace, and some he entertaines ¹with the fullnesse of his glory. This is that house whereof the Lord Christ is the great dispenser, It having pleased the Father to gather in one all things in him, both which are in heaven, and which are in earth, even in him Ephes 1. v. 10. Herein live all the Sons and daughters of God, spending largely on the Riches of his Grace. Unto this family of themselves they have no right, nor Title: they are wholly alienated from it.

They have an Authoritative translation from one of these families §. 6 to another. It is not done in a private underhand-way, but in the way of Authority. Joh: 1, 12. to as many as received him, he gave power to become the sons of God. Power, or Authority. This investing them with the power, excellency, and right of the Sons of God, is a forensicall act, and hath a legal proceeding in it. It is called the making us meet for the inheritance of the Saints in light, Col. 1. v. 12. A Judicial exalting us into ¹membership in that family, where God is the Father, Christ the elder Brother, all Saints and Angels Brethren and fellow children, and the inheritance a Crown immortal and incorruptible, that fades not away.

They have an Authoritative translation from one of these families §. 6 to another. It is not done in a private underhand-way, but in the way of Authority. Ioh: 1, 12. to as many as received him, he gave power to become the sons of God. Power, or Authority. This investing them with the power, excellency, and right of the Sons of God, is a forensicall act, and hath a legall proceeding in it. It is called the making us meet for the inheritance of the Saints in light, Col. 1. v. 12. A Judiciall exalting us into ¹membership in that family, where God is the Father, Christ the elder Brother, all Saints and Angells Brethren and fellow children, and the inheritance a Crowne immortall and incorruptible, that fades not away.

1. 1Rom. 8. 29. Heb. 2. 12.

Now this Authoritative translation of Believers from one family into another, consisteth of these two parts. §. 7

1. An effectual Proclamation and declaration of such a persons immunity from all Obligations to the former family, to which by Nature he was related, And this declaration hath a threefold object.

1. An effectuall Proclamation and declaration of such a persons immunity from all Obligations to the former family, to which by Nature he was related, And this declaration hath a threefold object.

1. Angels: It is declared unto them, they are the Sons of ⟨p. 241⟩God. They are the Sons of God, and so of the family whereunto ¹the adopted person is to be admitted, and therefore it concerns them to know, who are invested with the rights of that family, that they may discharge their duty towards them; unto them then it is declared, that Believers are freed from the family of sin, and hell, to become fellow Sons, and servants with them: and this is done two ways.

1. Angells: It is declared un to them, they are the Sons of ⟨p. 241⟩God. They are the Sons of God, and so of the family whereunto ¹the adopted person is to be admitted, and therefore it concernes them to know, who are invested with the rights of that family, that they may discharge their duty towards them; unto them then it is declared, that Believers are freed from the family of sinne, and hell, to become fellow Sons, and servants with them: and this is done two waies.

1. 1Job. 1. 16. 38. 7. Heb. 12. 22, 23, 24. Revel. 22. 9.

1. Generally by the doctrine of the Gospel, Eph. 3. 10. Unto the principalities, and powers in heavenly places is made known by the Church, the manifold wisdom of God.

1. Generally by the doctrine of the Gospell, Eph. 3. 10. Unto the principalities, and powers in heavenly places is made known by the Church, the manifold wisdome of God.

1. By the Church is this wisdom made known to the Angels: either as the doctrine of the Gospel is delivered unto it, or as it is gathered thereby. And what is this Wisdom of God, that is thus made known to principalities and powers? It is that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body with us, v. 6. The mystery of Adopting sinners of the Gentiles, taking them from their slavery in the family of the World, that they might have a right of heirship, becoming Sons in the family of God, is this wise. dome thus made known. And how was it primitively made known? It was revealed by the spirit unto the Prophets and Apostles, v. 5.

1. By the Church is this wisdome made known to the Angells: either as the doctrine of the Gospell is delivered unto it, or as it is gathered thereby. And what is this Wisdome of God, that is thus made known to principalities and powers? It is that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body with us, v. 6. The mystery of Adopting sinners of the Gentiles, taking them from their slavery in the family of the World, that they might have a right of heirship, becoming Sons in the family of God, is this wise. dome thus made known. And how was it primitively made known? It was revealed by the spirit unto the Prophets and Apostles, v. 5.

2. In Particular by Immediate Revelation. When any particular soul is freed from the family of this World, it is revealed to the Angels. There is joy in the presence of the Angels of God (that is among the Angels, and by them) over one sinner that Repenteth, Luke 15. v. 10. Now the Angels cannot of themselves absolutely know the true Repentance of a sinner in it self. It is a work wrought in that Cabinet, which none hath a key unto but Jesus Christ: by him it is revealed to the Angels, when the peculiar care, and charge of such an one is committed to them. These things have their transaction before the Angels, Luk. 12. v. 8, 9. Christ owns the names of his brethren before the Angels; Revel. 2. 5. when he gives them admittance into the family where they are, Heb. 12. 22. he declares to them that they are Sons, that they may discharge their duty towards them; Heb. 1. last.

2. In Particular by Immediate Revelation. When any particular soule is freed from the family of this World, it is revealed to the Angells. There is joy in the presence of the Angells of God (that is among the Angells, and by them) over one sinner that Repenteth, Luke 15. v. 10. Now the Angells cannot of themselves absolutely know the true Repentance of a sinner in it selfe. It is a work wrought in that Cabinet, which none hath a key unto but Jesus Christ: by him it is revealed to the Angells, when the peculiar care, and charge of such an one is committed to them. These things have their transaction before the Angels, Luk. 12. v. 8, 9. Christ ownes the names of his brethren before the Angells; Revel. 2. 5. when he gives them admittance into the family where they are, Heb. 12. 22. he declares to them that they are Sons, that they may discharge their duty towards them;

2. It is denounced in a judicial way unto Satan, the great §. 8 master of the family whereunto they were in subjection. When ⟨p. 242⟩the Lord Christ delivers a soul from under the power of that strong armed one, he binds him: ties him from the exercise of that power and dominion which before he had over him. And by this means doth he know that such an one is delivered from his family; and all his future attempts upon him, are encroachings upon the possession, and inheritance of the Lord Christ.

2. It is denounced in a judiciall way unto Satan, the great §. 8 master of the family whereunto they were in subjection. When ⟨p. 242⟩the Lord Christ delivers a soule from under the power of that strong armed one, he binds him: tyes him from the exercise of that power and dominion which before he had over him. And by this meanes doth he know that such an one is delivered from his family; and all his future attempts upon him, are encroachings upon the possession, and inheritance of the Lord Christ.

3. Unto the Conscience of the Person adopted. The spirit of Christ testifies to the heart and Conscience of a Believer, that he is freed from all engagements unto the family of Satan, and is become the Son of God, Rom. 8. 14, 15. and enables him to cry Abba Father, Gal. 4. 6. Of the Particulars of this testification of the Spirit, and of its absolving the soul from its old alliance, I shall speak afterward. And herein consists the first thing mentioned.

3. Unto the Conscience of the Person adopted. The spirit of Christ testifies to the heart and Conscience of a Believer, that he is freed from all engagements unto the family of Satan, and is become the Son of God, Rom. 8. 14, 15. and enables him to cry Abba Father, Gal. 4. 6. Of the Particulars of this testification of the Spirit, and of its absolving the soule from its old alliance, I shall speak afterward. And herein consists the first thing mentioned.

2. There is an Authoritative engrafting of a Believer actually §. 9 into the family of God, and investing him with the whole right of Sonship. Now this, as unto us, hath sundry acts.

1. The giving a believer a new name in a white stone, Revel. 1. 17. they that are adopted are to take new names: They change their names they had in their old families, to take the names of the families whereinto they are translated. This new name is, A Child of God: that is the new name given in adoption: and no man knoweth what is in that name, but only he that doth receive it. And this new name is given, and written in a white stone; that is the Tessera of our admission into the house of God. It is a stone of judicial acquitment. Our adoption by the spirit is bottomed on our Absolution in the blood of Jesus: and therefore is the new name, in the white stone; privilege grounded on discharge. The white stone quits the claim of the old family; The new name gives entrance to the other.

1. The giving a believer a new name in a white stone, Revel. 1. 17. they that are adopted are to take new names: They change their names they had in their old families, to take the names of the families whereinto they are translated. This new name is, A Child of God: that is the new name given in adoption: and no man knoweth what is in that name, but only he that doth receive it. And this new name is given, and written in a white stone; that is the Tessera of our admission into the house of God. It is a stone of judiciall acquitment. Our adoption by the spirit is bottomed on our Absolution in the blood of Jesus: and therefore is the new name, in the white stone; priviledge grounded on discharge. The white stone quits the claime of the old family; The new name gives entrance to the other.

2. An enrolling of his name in the Catalogue of the household of God. Admitting him thereby, into fellowship therein. This is called the writing of the house of Israel, Ezek. 13. 9. that is the roll, wherein all the names of the Israel, the family of God are written. God hath a Catalogue of his household; Christ knows his sheep by name. When God writeth up the people, he counts that this man was borne in Zion, Ps. 87. 6. This is an extract of the Lambs book of life.

2. An enrolling of his name in the Catalogue of the houshold of God. Admitting him thereby, into fellowship therein. This is called the writing of the house of Israel, Ezek. 13. 9. that is the roll, wherein all the names of the Israel, the family of God are written. God hath a Catalogue of his houshold; Christ knows his sheep by name. When God writeth up the people, he counts that this man was borne in Sion, Ps. 87. 6. This is an extract of the Lambs book of life.

3ly Testifying to his Conscience, his Acceptation with God, enabling him to behave himself as a child, Rom. 8. 15. Gal. 4. 5, 6.

3ly Testifying to his Conscience, his Acceptation with God, enableing him to behave himselfe as a child, Rom. 8. 15. Gal. 4. 5, 6.

The two last things required to Adoption are, that the adopted person be freed from all Obligations to the family from §. 10 whence he is translated, and invested with the Rights and Privileges of that whereunto he is translated. Now because these two comprise the whole issue of Adoption, wherein the Saints have Communion with Christ. I shall handle them together, referring the concernments of them unto these four heads.

The two last things required to Adoption are, that the adopted person be freed from all Obligations to the family from §. 10 whence he is translated, and invested with the Rights and Priviledges of that whereunto he is translated. Now because these two comprize the whole issue of Adoption, wherein the Saints have Communion with Christ. I shall handle them together, referring the concernments of them unto these foure heads.

1. Liberty: 2. Title, or right: 3. Boldness: 4. Correction. §. 11 These are the four things in reference to the family of the Adopted person, that he doth receive by his Adoption, wherein he holds communion with the Lord Jesus.

1. Liberty: 2. Title, or right: 3. Boldnesse: 4. Correction. §. 11 These are the four things in reference to the family of the Adopted person, that he doth receive by his Adoption, wherein he holds communion with the Lord Jesus.

1. Liberty: The spirit of the Lord, that was upon the Lord Jesus did anoint him to proclaim liberty to the captive: Isaiah: 67. 1. And where the spirit of God is, (that is the spirit of Christ given to us by him because we are Sons) there is Liberty: 2 Cor. 3. 17. All spiritual liberty is from the spirit of Adoption. What ever else is pretended, is licentiousness. So the Apostle argues, Gal. 4. 6, 7. he hath sent forth his spirit into their hearts crying Abba Father, wherefore ye are no more Servants, no more in bondage, but have the liberty of Sons; And this Liberty respects in the first place, the family from whence the adopted person is translated; it is his setting free from all the obligations of that family.

1. Liberty: The spirit of the Lord, that was upon the Lord Jesus did anoint him to proclaime liberty to the captive: Esay: 67. 1. And where the spirit of God is, (that is the spirit of Christ given to us by him because we are Sons) there is Liberty: 2 Cor. 3. 17. All spirituall liberty is from the spirit of Adoption. What ever else is pretended, is licentiousnesse. So the Apostle argues, Gal. 4. 6, 7. he hath sent forth his spirit into their hearts crying Abba Father, wherefore ye are no more Servants, no more in bondage, but have the liberty of Sons; And this Liberty respects in the first place, the family from whence the adopted person is translated; it is his setting free from all the obligations of that family.

Now in this sense, the liberty which the Saints have by Adoption, §. 12 is either from that which is real, or that which is pretended; that which is real respects a twofold issue of Law, and Sin. The moral unchangeable Law of God, and Sin, being in conjunction, meeting with reference to any persons, hath, and hath had a twofold issue;

Now in this sense, the liberty which the Saints have by Adoption, §. 12 is either from that which is reall, or that which is pretended; that which is reall respects a twofold issue of Law, and Sinne. The morall unchangeable Law of God, and Sin, being in conjunction, meeting with reference to any persons, hath, and hath had a twofold issue;

1. An Economical institution of a new Law of Ordinances, keeping in bondage those to whom it was given, Col. 2. 14.

1. An Oeconomicall institution of a new Law of Ordinances, keeping in bondage those to whom it was given, Col. 2. 14.

2. A Natural (if I may so call it) pressing off those persons with its power and efficacy against sin, whereof there are these parts.

2. A Naturall (if I may so call it) pressing off those persons with its power and efficacy against sin, whereof there are these parts.

1. Its rigour, and terror in commanding.

1. Its rigor, and terror in commanding.

2. Its Impossibility for accomplishment, and so insufficiency for its primitively appointed end.

3. The Issues of its transgression, which are referred unto two heads: 1. Curse: 2. Death. I shall speak very briefly of these, because they are commonly handled, and granted by all.

2. That which is pretended, is the power of any whatever §. 13 over the conscience, when once made free by Christ.

First then, Believers are freed from the instituted Law of Ordinances, which upon the testimony of the Apostles, was a yoke §. 14 which neither we nor our Fathers (in the faith) could bear, Acts 15. 10. Wherefore Christ blotted out this hand writing of Ordinances that was against them, which was contrary to them, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his Cross: Col: 2. 14. and thereupon the Apostle after a long dispute concerning the Liberty that we have from that Law, concludes with this instruction, Gal. 5. 1. stand fast in the Liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.

First then, Believers are freed from the instituted Law of Ordinances, which upon the testimony of the Apostles, was a yoke §. 14 which neither we nor our Fathers (in the faith) could beare, Acts 15. 10. Wherefore Christ blotted out this hand writing of Ordinances that was against them, which was contrary to them, and took it out of the way, nayling it to his Crosse: Col: 2. 14. and thereupon the Apostle after a long dispute concerning the Liberty that we have from that Law, concludes with this instruction, Gal. 5. 1. stand fast in the Liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.

2. In reference to the Moral Law! the first thing we have liberty from, is its rigour, and terror in commanding, Heb. 12 §. 15 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. We are not come to the Mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, to the whirl-wind, darkness, and tempest, to the sound of the trumpet, and the voice of words, which they that heard besought that they might hear it no more; But we are come to mount Zion &c. As to that administration of the Law wherein it was given out with dread, and terror, and so exacted its obedience with rigour, we are freed from it, we are not called to that estate.

2. In reference to the Morall Law! the first thing we have liberty from, is its rigor, and terror in commanding, Heb. 12 §. 15 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. We are not come to the Mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, to the whirle-wind, darknesse, and tempest, to the sound of the trumpet, and the voice of words, which they that heard besought that they might heare it no more; But we are come to mount Sion &c. As to that administration of the Law wherein it was given out with dread, and terror, and so exacted its obedience with rigor, we are freed from it, we are not called to that estate.

2. Its Impossibility of accomplishment, and so insufficiency §. 16 for its primitive End by reason of sin. Or we are freed from the Law as the instrument of Righteousness, since by the impossibility of its fulfilling as to us, it is become insufficient for any such purpose. Rom. 8. 2, 3. Gal. 3. 21, 22, 23. There being an impossibility of obtaining life by the Law, we are exempted from it as to any such end, and that by the righteousness of Christ, Rom. 8. 3.

2. Its Impossibility of accomplishment, and so insufficiency §. 16 for its primitive End by reason of sin. Or we are freed from the Law as the instrument of Righteousnesse, since by the impossibility of its fulfilling as to us, it is become insufficient for any such purpose. Rom. 8. 2, 3. Gal. 3. 21, 22, 23. There being an impossibility of obtaining life by the Law, we are exempted from it as to any such end, and that by the righteousnesse of Christ, Rom. 8. 3.

3. From the Issue of its transgression.