§. 83. Of the meaning of these words, But after the power of an endlesse life.
THis clause, but after the power of an endlesse life, is added in opposition to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which was said of the carnall commandement: as is evident by this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of opposition a 1.1 BUT.
This last clause is spoken of Christs Priest-hood, That is it which was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 power of an endlesse life.
He calleth the word whereby Christ was made Priest, b 1.2 Power, in that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Priest-hood had a vertue, efficacy and power, to effect, and that to the full, all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 things for which it was ordained: as to cleanse from sin, to reconcile to God, to justifie our persons, to sanctifie us throughout, and eternally to save us.
These ends of Christs Priest-hood are comprised under this word, c 1.3 life: So as that which the Apostle saith of the Gospell, (Rom. 1. 16.) may b•…•… here fitly ap∣plyed to Christs Priest-hood, It is the power of God unto Salvation. It is a divine power: A power that can and will effect what it undertaketh.
The Greek Epithite translated, d 1.4 endlesse, is a double compound. The simple v•…•…rb signifi•…•…th to e 1.5 loose. John 1. 27. The first compound signifieth f 1.6 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Act. 6. 14. g 1.7 This double compound being with a h 1.8 privative preposition •…•…∣rifieth that which cannot be dissolved or destroyed: but ever remaineth the 〈◊〉〈◊〉: •…•…nd in that respect is fi•…•…ly translated, endlesse.
This Epithite is here used in distinction from, or opposition to our temporal life: or our body, which is thus described, Our earthly house of this Tabernacle, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is said that it may be dissolved, 2 Cor. 5. 1.
Here are three distinct points, wherein the excellency of Christs Priest-hood 〈◊〉〈◊〉 commend•…•…d: and whereby a supply is made of those things which the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Priest-hood could not do.
- 1. That it was a Priest-hood of power: In which respect it is said of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 1.9 He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, v. 25. Thus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 safely and securely rest upon him.
- 2. Christs Priest-hood brings to life. His power tends to this, even to sate, v. 25.* 1.10
- 3. The life which Christ brings men unto is indissolvable. In this respect 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stiled an inheritance i 1.11 incorruptible and k 1.12 that fadeth not away, 1 Pet. 14. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Crown of glory l 1.13 that fadeth not away, 1 Pet. 5. 4. The latter Epithite 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣slated, that fadeth not away is the name of a flower called, Amarantus, which is said to continue fresh and flourishing, Winter and Summer. The word Amarantus •…•…∣cording to the Greek notation signifieth that which fadeth not. A Crown or •…•…∣land made of such flowers, was counted a not fading Crown or Garland.
The foresaid benefit and effect of Christs Priest-hood is a strong motive to 〈◊〉〈◊〉