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§. 33. Of Noah's being Heir of the Righteousness by Faith.
THE other effect following upon Noah's preparing the Ark, is thus set down, And became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. The first copulative particle, a 1.1 and, giveth evidence, that the two clauses joyned thereby, have some agreement; and that is this general, that they are both ef∣fects of the same thing: yet in the kind of effect they much differ. The former was a great judgement upon the world: but this a great recompence to him∣self.
There was before a great reward mentioned of Noah's faith in preparing the Ark; which was, the saving of his house. Here is a greater.
Every word in this clause carrieth much emphasis.
- 1. The copulative was noted before.
- 2. This verb, became, or b 1.2 was made, implyeth, that the occasion of the reward was taken from this evidence of Faith that is here set down, at least oc∣casion was thence taken of manifesting as much.
- 3. This dignity c 1.3 Heir, is no small one. It implyeth a singular and an especial prerogative. Indeed Noah was the supreme Lord of the whole World, and his Sons heirs under him. There never was so absolute a Monarch since Adam's time. It is said, that of the Sons of Noah the whole Earth was over∣•…•…ad, Gen. 19. 9. But here is intended a greater dignity; For
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4. d 1.4 Righteousness was it whereof he was an Heir. Could the beauty and glory of righteousness be thorowly discerned or conceived, it would be found to be (as indeed it is) the greatest dignity that a Creature can be advanced unto. It was mans chiefest excellency in his innocent estate: for it was the most prin∣cipal part of Gods image, in which man was at first created, Gen. 1. 27. That which is said of holines•…•…, may be applyed to righteousness, Chap. 3. v. 1. §. 7.
To set out this dignity the more, the Apostle useth this word synechdochi∣caly, for that also which follows upon it, righteousness together with eternal life: So as an heir of righteousness is an heir of that inheritance which is ob∣tained by righteousness. It is called a crown of righteousness, 2 Tim. 4. 8. The glorious attire of glorified Saints is the righteousness of Saints, Rev. 19. 8. Thus they are heirs of salvation. See Chap. 1. v. 14. §. 159, 160.
- 5. This righteousness is said to be by •…•…aith. It was not a righteousness which* 1.5 arose from himself, or inherent in himself: it was according to faith, or that righteousness which he attained by faith, and received from above. It was in∣deed the righteousness of Christ himself, whom he beheld in the Ark, that was a type of Christ. The Apostle excellently setteth out the righteousness of faith, and opposeth it to a mans own righteousness: He calleth it the righteousness of God. Rom. 10. 3. 6.
The righteousness which is by faith, is that which every Believer hath: and that whereunto he is fitted by faith; and that which cannot be had without faith.
All are soo•…•…led and for ever deprived of that inherent righteousness wherein God created Adam. God instead thereof makes his Elect, heirs of a far more excellent righteousness, the righteousness of God: and leaves it not in their power, to hold it, or let it go.
It is the righteousness of faith, for the continuance whereof we depend on Christ. We wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, Gal. 5. 5.