§. 71. Of holding fast the profession of our Hope without waverring.
Let us hold fast the profession of our * 1.1 faith without wavering, (for he is faithfull that promised.)
IN this verse is set down an other generall duty required of Christians in regard of the priviledges which Christ hath purchased for them, See §. 70. I Doctrine.
This duty also concerneth Christians themselves.
The former was to gain what they wanted, See §. 62.
This is to maintain what they have.
This doth point at Hope, the second theologicall grace thus linked together, Faith, Hope, Charity, 1 Cor. 13. 3.
Our last English translators have turned it Faith. But the Greek word properly signifieth, a 1.2 Hope. It is in foure other places of this Epistle used: namely, Chap. 3. v. 6. Chap. 6. v. 11, 18. Chap. 7. v. 19. And in all these places translated Hope. So might it have been here also translated. For after he had exhorted us to faith, here he exhorteth us to hope. As faith produceth hope, So hope nourisheth faith.
Of Hope, See Chap. 3. v. 6. §. 62.
This grace of hope giveth evidence of the provident care of God over his Church* 1.3 and people. For the reason why God worketh this grace in them, is the condition wherein they are, and the danger whereunto they are subject in this world.
In regard of their condition they are as a ship in the sea: and as souldiers in the field. The sea lyeth open to many stormes, and ships therein are subject to great danger. So are souldiers when bullets as haile-stones fly about their ears. Such be∣ing their condition, and such the danger wherein they are, God affords them in re∣ference to the former metaphor of a ship in the sea, hope as an Anchor, See Chap. 6. v. 19. §. 153. And in reference to the other metaphor of souldiers and the danger wherein they are, he hath provided hope as an helmet. Hereof see the whole Ar∣mour of God on Eph. 6. 17. Treat. 2. Part. 7. §. 7.
Hereby we evidently see that God bringeth his people to tryals; and as David caus∣ed Uriah to be set in the fore-front of the hottest battell, purposely to be slain, 2 Sam. 11. 15. so he suffereth them to be in manifold dangers, not for their destruction but for proofe of the graces which he bestoweth on them: and for manifestation of his own Power, Wisdome, Mercy, and other divine properties in preserving them.
This grace of hope, we are here exhorted to hold fast. Of the Greek word 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fast, See Chap. 3. v. 6. §. 68. It implyeth persevering in that which is well begun.
The Apostle so expresseth his exhortation, as he incites others as well as himself, and himself as well as others to observe it. For it is set down b 1.4 in the first person and plurall number, See Chap. 2. v. 1. §. 4.
That wherein he would have them to persevere, is the c 1.5 profession of their hope. Of the Greek word translated profession, See Cap. 3. v. 1. §. 27. To hold fast implyeth an holy courage, and an invincible resolution to go on in our well-begun course, and a conscionable care in using means to continue in our holy profession.