A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 7. Of remainder of sin in the regenerate.

THat which the Apostle inferreth from the frequent offering of sacrifices, that there is a remembrance again of sins, giveth us to understand, that remembrance of sin implyeth a remainder of sin. On this ground, that we may know, that sin remains in us so long as we remain in this world, the Lord that prescribed the Lords prayer for all his Saints, hath inserted this Petition to be daily made, forgive us o•…•… tre•…•…passes. Mat. 6. 12.

Quest. How can this stand with Christs taking away the sins of be∣lievers?

Answ. By distinguishing betwixt the guilt, condemnation, raigning power, and re∣mainder of sin. Christ taketh away,

• 1. The guilt of sin from believers. Rom. 4. 7, 8.
• 2. He freeth them from condemnation. Rom. 8. 1.
• 3. By his Spirit he so subdueth the power of sin, as it raigneth not in believers. Rom. 6. 6, 14.

Yet there may be, and there are remainders of sin in the very best▪ Experience of all Ages gives evidence hereof. In reference hereunto, Christ saith of justified per∣sons,* 1.1 he that is washed, needeth not save to wash his feet, John 13. 10. This phrase of li∣mitation, save to wash his feet, implyeth a remainder of sin in him that is clean every whit, in regard of justification.

Had there been no sin in them, what needed a remembrance again of sin? that had been but a plain mockage.* 1.2

• 1. Doctrines delivered by many about perfection of sanctification in this world, appeare hereby to be false and presumptuous Do∣ctrines.
• 2. This may afford unto us a good direction for setting our selves apart, and* 1.3 examining our selves concerning such sins as remain in us: that we may see what they are, and what cause there is of remembrance again of sin. Wherefore, com∣•…•…ne with your own heart upon your bed, Psal. 4. 4. And let us try and search our wayes, •…•…am. 3. 40. Sin lyeth close, and the heart is deceitful: they who are most careful in searching themselves, hardly finde out all. Some Idols may remain, as there did in Iacobs Family, Gen. 31. 35. and 35. 2. what hope then can there be of finding out all, if no search at all be made?
• 3. Upon finding out sin, we ought to be humbled for it. A due consideration* 1.4 thereof, will make such as are duly affected therewith, to cry, unclean unclean. Lev.

• ... 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 7. 24.
• 4. Upon sight and sense of sin, and due humiliation for the same, it will be our* 1.5 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to look up unto Christ, who is an advocate with the Father, and the propitia∣•…•… for our sins. 1 John 1. 1, 2. Thus as the Israelites were healed, by looking up to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Serpent, Numb. 21. 9. So may such as by faith look upon Christ, be cu∣•…•… their sins. Iohn 3. 14, 15. In this case we may say to God as Iehosaphat did, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what to do, but our eyes are upon thee. 2 Chron. 20. 12. They who rightly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on Gods name, Christs merit and mediation, cannot but finde sure ground 〈◊〉〈◊〉 comfort.
• 5. Upon this ground we may, and ought to be bold in craving pardon, because* 1.6 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is a means sanctified for obtaining the same: and that first, generally, aske and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Mat. 7. 7. and then particularly concerning pardon of sin. Mat. 6. 12. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 5. 15.* 1.7
• 6. •…•…craving pardon for sins past, repentance must be truly intended. This is a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 annexed to one mans forgiving another. Luke 17. 4. Much more doth God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 repentance of those whose sins he pardoneth. True repentance moveth God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his wrath. God hath said it and sworn it, As I live, I have not pleasure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ath of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, &c. Ezek. 33. 11.* 1.8
• 7. To repentance for sins past, watchfulnesse against sin for the future must be ad∣•…•…ed. There is a pronenesse in our nature to sin, that if we be not the more watch∣•…•…l ov•…•…r our sins, we shall soon fall into sin again. Hereupon Christ gave this cave∣•…•…, to one whom he absolved, Go and sin no more. John 8. 11. Satan if he be cast 〈◊〉〈◊〉, will do what he can to return again whence he came out: and if he finde that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 empty, and that party secure, he will take with him seven other spirits, more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then himself, and they all enter in, and dwell there, Mat. 12. 44, 45.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Sin in the best.
• * 1.2

  Sanctificati∣on imper∣fect.
• * 1.3

  Examine selves.
• * 1.4

  Be humbled.
• * 1.5

  Look to Christ.
• * 1.6

  Pray for pardon.
• * 1.7

  Repent.
• * 1.8

  Watch against sinne.