§. 24. Of future good things set down in the Present Tense.
THe thing promised is expressed in these words, a 1.1 We do enter into rest. Of the rest here intended, and of entring into it, See §. 6, 8, 9.
This is here set down in the Present tense [We do enter] in a double re∣spect:
- 1. In regard of the certainty of the thing. It is as sure as a thing in present possessi∣on.* 1.2 The Prophets did use to •…•…et out future things, which were sure and certain, in the Present tense, as Isa. 62. 11. Zech. 9. 9. As for the point in hand, Assura•…•…ce is attributed to saith as a special property thereof, Heb. 10. 22. He that said, I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that my Redeemer liveth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God, &c. (Iob 19. 25, 26.) was sure of enjoying this rest. So he, who said, I know whom I have believed, and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day, 2 Tim. 1. 12. And again, I am perswaded that neither death, &c. Rom. 8. 38. For true believers are fully per∣swaded that what God hath promised, he is able also to perform, Rom. 4. 21. It therefore becomes all that would be accounted true believers, to get this evidence of the truth of their faith.
- 2. In regard of the beginning of that rest, which is here actually enjoyed. Of the* 1.3 beginning of heavenly Rest here on earth enjoyed, See §. 6. The beginning of that Rest is like that Olive-leaf, which the Dove brought to Noah in the Ark, which shewed that the earth was sending forth her fruit, Gen. 8. 11. And like the cluster of grapes, and the pomgranats and the figs, which the searchers of the Land of Canaan brought, and gave evidence of the fertility of that Land, Numbers 13. 23. And like the first fruits that gave hope of a future harvest, 2 King. 4. •…•…0. Even so the beginning of rest here enjoyed gives evidence of a full, perfect, and glorious rest to come.
These first▪ fruits the Lord here bestoweth on us to strengthen our faith in the full possession of that Rest which is to come: to keep us from doubting: and to uphold us against the difficulties which we are like to meet withall, and against the obstacles that lie in the way to that Rest.
Behold here the good care of God over man. He hath prepared a Rest for him; but he seeth it meet to reserve it for time to come, and to bring men thorow many troubles thereunto: and thereupon gives grounds of assurance thereof be∣fore-hand.