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 ...

§. 50. Of the Author of Salvation.

THere is another effect of Christs sufferings, whereby the scandall of his Crosse is taken away, thus expressed, He became the author of salvation.

The Greek word translated a 1.1 author, is not elsewhere to be found in the New Testament▪ b 1.2 Heathen Philosophers attribute it to their gods, whom they make the authors of all the good they have.

In such a sense as Christ is here called the author of salvation, he is styled the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of salvation, Chap. 2. v. 10. §. 95.

Christ is here called the author of salvation in a double respect.

• 1. In reference to his Father of whom he purchased those whom he saveth, Act.* 1.3 20. 28. Eph. 1. 14.
• 2. In reference to Satan, whose slaves all mankinde were. Him Christ over∣came, and delivered them who were in bondage to him, and having rescued t•…•…em, made them heirs of salvation, Heb. 2. 14. & 1. 14.

• 1. Herein lieth an especiall difference betwixt Christ the true Priest, and all other* 1.4 Priests whatsoever. No Priest that ever was before Christ, was author of s•…•…lvation. If any had been so, Christ needed not have been a Priest.
• 2. This giveth us good ground to look unto Iesus, (Heb. 12. 2.) because he is the* 1.5 author of salvation. We may safely rest and rely upon him for salvation. Incre∣dul•…•…us persons, who refuse to rest upon Christ; and Idolaters, who rest upon

• any other, deprive themselves of salvation, and deservedly perish.
• 3. Ascribe all glory for that hope of salvation which ye have, unto Christ: 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.6 they who cried and said, Salvation to our God that sitteth on the Throne, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the Lamb, Rev. 7. 10. The equity hereof is thus set down, Of him, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, and to him are all things: to him be glory for ever, Rom. 11. 36.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• b 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Isocrat. a•…•… Phil.
• * 1.3

  Christ author of salvation by purchase and conquest.
• * 1.4

  Difference be∣twix•…•… Christ & other Priests.
• * 1.5

  R•…•…st on Christ for salvation.
• * 1.6

  Ascribe salva∣tion to Christ.