A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 156. Of the Resolution and Observations of Heb. 3. 14.

14.

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast to the end.

THe Summe of this verse is, An evidence of our right to Christ▪

Herein we are to observe,

• 1. The Inference in this causal particle, FOR▪
• 2. The Substance. Wherein is set down,
  • 1. A Priviledge.
  • 2. An Evidence thereof.

In setting down the Priviledge, two points are expressed,

• 1. The kinde of Priviledge, Partakers of Christ.
• 2. The ground thereof in this Verb, We are made.

About the Evidence we may observe,

• 1. The manner of expressing it, by way of supposition, in this particle, IF▪
• 2. The matter.

Wherein is declared,

• 1. An Act.
• 2. The Subject.

The Act is,

• 1. Propounded, in this word Hold.
• 2. Amplified, and that two wayes:
  • 1. By the Extent, in this Epithete, Stedfast.
  • 2. By the Continuance thereof, Unto the end.

The Subject points at,

• 1. The Beginning.
• 2. The grace it self, Confidence, or Faith.

Doctrines.

• I. Men may be partakers of Christ. This is here plainly expressed, and taken for grant. See §. 151.
• II. To be partakers of Christ is a supernatural gift. This phrase, We are made, im∣plieth as much. See §. 151.
• III. Our right in Christ must make us faithful to him. So faithful as we never depart from him, nor be hardned against him. The causal particle For, intends thus much. See §. 151.
• IV. Faith upholds them that have it. In this respect faith is here stiled substance, or that which supports. See §. 152.
• V. Faith makes men partakers of Christ. In that continuance in faith is here set down as an evidence of our union with Christ, it follows that by faith that union is wrought. See §. 153.
• VI. Faith begun must be nourished. The prefixing of this word beginning before confidence or faith, clears this Doctrine. See §. 154.
• ...

• VII. They who are in Christ must look to their standing. This conditional particle IF, hints so much. See §. 154.
• VIII. Perseverance in faith gives evidence of our true right to Christ. The infe∣rence of the condition of perseverance upon the priviledge of being partakers of Christ, proves this doctrine. See §. 154.
• IX. Perseverance must be without intermission. This epithete stedfast, demon∣strates as much. See v. 6. §. 68.
• X. True perseverance holds out till death. For this is that end which is comprise•…•… under this phrase, Unto the end. See v. 6. § 68.