§. 40. Of Sanctified ones.
THe persons that are perfected by Christ are here said to be, a 1.1 them that are sanctified. Of the meaning of this word, sanctifying, see Chap. 2. v. 11. §. 102, 103. Among other significations the word sanctified, is used for setting apart to a sacred use or end: and also for making a thing holy.
In the former sense it here implyeth, that Christ perfecteth such as are set* 1.2 apart by his Father: even such as by Gods eternal decree are ordained to life. These are they that are given to Christ by his Father, Ioh. 6. 37. Eight times doth Christ make this the ground of that which he did: namely, that such and such were given unto him of God, Ioh. 17. 2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 24. Cleerly is this manifested by the Apostles golden Chain: the first link whereof is predestination. Rom. 8. 30. Hence is it said, that as many as were ordained to eternall life, believed, Act. 13. 48.
- 1. This cleerly manifesteth the freenesse of Gods grace towards them that are perfected by Christ.
- 2. It is an argument against the universality of redemption. See Chap. 2. v. 9. §. 81.
- 3 It inciteth those who are perfected, to give the glory thereof to God: it is he that hath made the difference betwixt them and others, Matth. 11. 25. Rom. 11, 35, 36.
In the latter sense, as sanctification is put for making holy: the application of that* 1.3 act of Christ, in making perfect, manifesteth that sanctification is an evidence of per∣fection. They who are made perfect, are such as are made holy: Not that sanctifica∣tion as distinguished from justification is perfect in this world: but that it compri∣seth under it also justification. Indeed men are perfectly justified here in this world: but the perfection of their sanctification is reserved to the world to come. There, spirits of just men are made perfect, Chap. 12. v. 23.
- 1. They who are made perfect are also made holy, by reason of that cleansing vir∣•…•…e which accompanieth the merit of Christs blood, Chap. 9. v. 14. This was evi∣denced by the water and blood that issued out of Christs side on the Crosse, Io•…•…. 19. 34.
- 2. It is a proper work of faith, whereby we are justified, to purifie the heart, Act. 15. 9.
- 1. Hereby we may gain evidencence of Christs mighty work on earth in perfe∣cting us. Sanctification is a work of the Spirit in us: for by sanctification soul and body with all the powers and parts of them, are altered from their natural di∣sposition. So as this work is sensible, yea, and visible: and thereupon it will be a good help to find out our spirituall disposition.
- 2. This is a strong motive to labour after sanctification, both the getting, and al∣so for the increasing of it. Hereof, see Chap. 3. v. 1. §. 5, &c.