§. 37. Of the union of all nations under the new covenant.
THe conjunction of the two foresaid houses Israel and Iudah, setteth out the union of all manner of nations, who by the Gospell shall be brought under the new covenant. This is expresly proved, Eph. 2. 14, 15, 16, 17. There.
- 1. The point it self is plainly expressed in these phrases, made nigh, one, one body, and one new man. The Gentiles who were before, two, being out of the Church, of a∣nother profession, and conversation, are made nigh by being in the Church, and professing the true faith: yea, they being two before, two distinct people, having di∣vers lawes and ordinances, are now one in all priviledges; all of one body, under one head Jesus Christ; and one new man by the grace of adoption and regenerati∣on.
- 2. The meanes whereby this union is made, is declared to be by the blood and •…•…sse of Christ: that is by his death, for at the death of Christ, the vaile of the Tem∣ple was rent (Matth. 27. 51.) and thereby the partition wall betwixt Jew and Gen∣tile was broken down.
- 3. The manner of uniting them is by making them all, one new man.
- 1. This is a motive to all that live under this new covenant, to endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This was foretold, Isa. 2. 4.
- 2. This also is a motive to pray for the recalling of the Jewes, For as the Gen∣tiles* 1.1 are comprised under the house of Israel and Iudah; so much more the Jewes. That Jewes may be Christians is shewed, Chap. 3. v. §. 28. Of their calling, See the •…•…rogresse of divine providence, in a Sermon on Ezek. 36. 11. §. 17.
This new covenant is made with the seed of the Jewes as well as with the Gen∣tiles: Such Jewes as shall believe are accounted to be of the spirituall stock and house: even of the house of Israel and Iudah.
As we ought to take notice of all Gods promises, and pray for the accomplish∣ment of them (Ezek. 36. 37.) so of this particular concerning the calling of the Jewes; and pray for the accomplishment thereof. This is so much the rather to be done, because the time was, when we were out of Christ; and then they prayed for us: so as zeale of Gods glory, desire of the enlargement of Christs Kingdome, and gratefulnesse to that stock whence they come, ought to stir us up to do what lies in us for the accomplishment of Gods promise, concerning their call.