§. 91. Of such as are called.
AMong those that were under the first Testament, such only did partake of the benefit of Christs death, as a 1.1 were called: of the notation and derivation of this word, called, see chap. 2. v. 11. §. 107. Hereby are meant those who are said to be partakers of the heavenly Calling. See chap. 3. v. 1. §. 13.
Some refer this to Gods calling of Abraham from his Fathers house, Gen. 12. 1.* 1.2 and extend it to him and his whole seed. But certain it is, that many which came from Abraham, never enjoyed that eternal inheritance, which they did who are here meant. Therefore in this acception of the word, there will be either too great an extent: or too great a restraint of the persons here intended; for if it be applyed to all the posterity of them that came out of Chalde with Abraham, the extent is too great; for many of them had no right to this inheritance. If it be restrained only to such persons, the restraint is too great: for many others besides them had a right thereto. Yet I will not deny, but that by way of allusion, it may have reference to them: that, as they who were called out of idolatrous Chalde, inherited fruitful Canaan: •…•…so they who are called out of this idolatrous world, shall enjoy the glo∣rious inheritance here intended.
The Calling here meant is a more spiritual and heavenly Calling then that was▪ That was a Calling from one place to another on earth. Of this Calling a very re∣probate may partake: But the Calling intended by the Apostle, is from one estate or condition to another: namely, from a natural condition to a spiritual, where∣of only the Elect do partake.
Redemption being appropriated unto them, cannot be universal to all of all sorts.
They who would gain assurance of their redemption, and of the eternal inheri∣tance following thereupon, must try their Calling, 2 Pet. 1. 10.