§. 31. Of Five Steps on which Apostates may ascend towards Salvation.
IN setting forth the danger, whereunto Professors are subject, the Apostle shew∣eth how far such as fall, may ascend upon the ladder to Salvation; and withall how far they may fall from thence.
There are Five Steps, each higher then other, whereon he that falleth clean a∣way, may ascend. * 1.1 Some refer those Five Steps to the forementioned principles of the Doctrine of Christ: as,
- 1. Illumination, to repentance from dead workes. For till a man be enlightned, he cannot know his naturall, miserable condition: but being enlightned, he well discemeth the same: so as he is brought to think of repentance from dead works.
- 2. The taste of the heavenly gift, to saith towards God. For faith is an heavenly gift: and the means whereby we partake of such gifts as come from God, who is in heaven.
- 3. Participation of the holy Ghost, to the Doctrine of Baptismes: for they who having heard the word were Baptized, had gifts of the Holy Ghost bestowed upon them, as a Seal of Gods accepting them Acts 2. 38.
- 4. A taste of the good word of God, to the laying on of hands: for they, who ha∣ing given evidence of their faith, were Baptized, were further by imposition of hands confirmed. Thus the Gospel, which is here called the good word of God, was of use to build them up further, 1 Pet. 2. 2. Acts 20. 32.
- 5. A taste of the powers of the world to come, to resurrection of the dead, and eternall judgement: which are the two last principles: and they are the very begin∣ning of that full happiness and glory, whereof here we have a taste.
By this comparing of these things together, some light is brought to a more full opening of them.
We will further proceed in handling the foresaid five steps distinctly by them∣selves.