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 ...

§. 82. Of the Inference of the 14^th verse.

Verse 14.

Seeing then that we have a great Highpriest, that is passed into the hea∣vens, Iesus the Son of God, let us hola fast our profession.

THis, and the two next verses do so expresly speak of Christs Priesthood, as a 1.1 some Expositors think it fit to begin the fifth Chapter with them. But I see to great cause to alter the ordinary division of these Chapters: For those three 〈◊〉〈◊〉 verses are as a perfect transition, which looketh backward and forward.

• 1. They look backward to that which had been said of Christs sitting on high, •…•…ing the Sonne of God, (Chap. 1. v. 3, 5.) and to Christ Iesus his being the High∣priest of our profession, Chap. 2. 17. & 3. 1. In reference to these and other like passages, the Apostle maketh this inference, Seeing then that we have a great High∣priest, &c.
• 2. They look forward as the summe of that which the Apostle delivereth in the Chapters following, concerning Christs Priesthood.

The note b 1.2 of reference is this ordinary illative Conjunction therefore, (which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 here translate then:) and it implieth a consequence. The consequence here •…•…ended may be that which is here comprised under this phrase, Let us hold fast our •…•…ssion.

In looking backward it may imply a generall, particular and immediate re∣ference.

• 1. The generall reference is to all that hath been before spoken concerning the Priesthood, Exaltation and Sonship of Iesus, all which are here hinted as a motive to •…•…ld fast our profession.
• 2. The particular reference is to that main point which the Apostle presseth in this and the former Chapter about entring into Gods rest. For if the question be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, What hope we poor sinners may have of entring thereinto; the Apostle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 maketh answer, That Christ our great Highpriest being passed into heaven, we also in and by Him have hope to enter.
• 3. The immediate reference is to that which he had delivered of the power of Gods Word, and piercing sight of God himself, ver. 12, 13. We shall be as∣suredly found out if we fall from our profession: it becomes us therefore to hold it fast.

All and every of these references teach us to improve to our best advantage the* 1.3 means which God affordeth to us. God hath given us his own Sonne, whose Throne is in the heaven, who is the Apostle and Highpriest of our profession, who hath prepared an everlasting rest for us, whose Word is exceeding powerfull, and who himself is a searcher of hearts, therefore we ought to persevere in the faith of Christ, and hold fast our profession.

Thus will it not repent the Lord that he hath given us his Sonne to be our King, Priest and Prophet; and with him his powerfull Word. Thus shall we finde and feel the sweet comforts and refreshments that flow from Christ, and partake of all •…•…is benefits. Thus shall we see just cause to blesse the Lord for those great gifts be∣stowed on us.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Luther, Calvin.
• b 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.3

  Means of grace to be improved