§. 104. Of salvation appropriated to those that come to God.
GReat is the benefit which is brought to the sons of men by Christs Priest-〈◊〉〈◊〉 even full and perfect salvation: but it is here limited and restrained to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 en•…•…vour to obtain it. This endevour is expressed under this phrase of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to God. And the parties that partake of the foresaid benefit are thus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a 1.1 They that come unto God.
This in generall giveth proof, that mans endevour must be used for attaining •…•…∣vation. See Chap. 4. v. 11. §. 63.
The limitation of the salvation which Christ bringeth to such persons, is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be taken in reference to the power of Christ, as if that were restrained 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ but to the fruit and b•…•…nefit of that which Christ hath done, whereof none can •…•…∣take but such as come to God.
Of this word, comming, as here used, See Chap. 4. v. 16. §. 92. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 metaphoricall, transferr•…•…d from the body to the soule. The foot of the soul 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by we go to God is faith: that hath a power to cary up our soul to heaven 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God sitteth on a throne of gra•…•…: so as to go or come to God, and to come to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 throne of grace, do both intend one and the same thing.
The point here intended is this, That they only partake of salvation, that by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Christ, seek it of God, and rest on God for it. This is frequently set fo•…•… •…•…∣der the metaphor of comming, or going, as Isa. 55. 1 Matth. 11. 28. Heb. 4. 1•…•…▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 10. 22. Rev. 22. 17.
This act of comming, doth not imply any matter of merit. For what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there in a beggars comming to one for almes and craving it.
This duty is enjoyned to raise up in •…•…s a desire of salvation, and an expectati•…•… thereof, together with a good esteem thereof.
- 1. Hereby we see that the benefit of redemption is not universall. All shall not be saved.
- 2. This cannot be but a matter of great terrour to all such as on any ground •…•…∣fuse* 1.2 to come to God. Note the issue of all those that refused to come to the Kin•…•… supper, Luk. 14. 2•…•…. It skill•…•…h not whether their refusall be upon despising the offer, or upon despair. If they come not to God, they cannot be saved.
- 3. This should stir us up to go to God by prayer, by frequenting all his •…•…∣ces, and by oft raising our hearts unto him. Salvation is worth the seeking.
- 4. This is a matter of great comfort to such as have their hearts b•…•…nt to go to God. Him that commeth to me, I will in n•…•… wise cast out, saith Christ, Io•…•…. 6. 37.
In that salvation is thus app•…•…opriated to them that come to God, by just con•…•…∣quence it followeth, that they who come to God, shall be saved.