Page 375
§. 133. Of receiving the Kingdome from God.
Wherefore we receiving a Kingdome which cannot be moved, let us have grace, where∣by we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear.
IN these words the Apostle maketh the use of that large and long commendation which he hath given to the Gospel, and the ministry thereof; viz. That we who live under it, should have an especial care of serving God, and approving our selves to him. For our better encouragement thereunto, the Apostle setteth down the bles∣sing which we do enjoy under the Gospel, and that is a Kingdome; whereby is meant Gods special Kingdom, whereby he governeth his Church, and elect people, which is begun here in this world, and in that respect called the Kingdome of grace; and perfected in the world to come, in which sense it is called the Kingdome of glory. So that hereby the Apostle giveth us to understand, That the Church of Christ is a King∣dome, under which title it is oft set out both in the old and new Testament. See hereof Chap. 1. v. 8. §. 112.
The meanes whereby we come to enjoy this Kingdome, is in this word a 1.1 recei∣ving, which implieth, that we have it not of our selves; we have it of another; so much the word receiving implies. That other can be none but God, for it is the King∣dome of God, he hath the ordering and disposing of it. So that it is not of a mans self to be of the Kingdome of God, or to have it: therefore its said to be prepared for us, Matth. 25. 34. and we are said to be chosen heires of this Kingdome, as Iam. 2. 5. yea to be called thereunto, as 1 Thess. 2. 12. and translated into it, Col. 1. 13.
The truth whereof doth clearly appear, both from the excellency of the King∣dome it self, and from our own disability.
- 1. Such is the excellency of this Kingdome (which in that respect is stiled the Kingdome of God, the Kingdome of heaven) as by all the men and means in the world, it cannot be obtained. What is said of the redemption of souls Psal. 49. 7, 8. may be applied to the possession of this Kingdome; Its more worth then the whole world, and all things therein.
- 2. On the other side, such is mans disability, as he hath nor power, nor means, nor mind to get it.
- 1. He hath no power to get it, 2 Cor. 3. 5.
- 2. Nor means, 1 Cor. 4. 7. Rom. 11. 35, 36. 1 Chro. 29. 11, 12, &c.
- 3. Nor mind, Rom. 8. 5, 7 1 Cor. 2. 14. Matth. 23. 37. Prov. 1. 20. Luk 14. 18.
- ...
1. This may inform us in the difference betwixt this and other Kingdomes.
Other Kingdomes may be by men sundry waies obtained, as
- 1. Many are born heirs of Kingdomes, as Kings eldest Sons: yea all the Chil∣dren of free subjects are members of the Kingdome.
- 2. A right to the priviledges of an earthly Kingdome may be purchased by mony, Acts 22. 28.
- 3. Such a right may be obtained by favour and friendship of men. So Herod became King of Galile. So many are made free-Denisons.
- 4. Such as by conquest obtaine it. As sundry Kings of Israel, and their fol∣lowers. As William the Conqueror, and his followers.
By none of these means, nor any other like them, can the Kingdome of God, or any right thereto be obtained; it must be given of God, and so received.
- 2. This should stir us up to seek this Kingdome of him from whom only it can be received. Note Iohn 4. 10. Plead and presse his promise, Matth. 7. 7. And to strengthen thy faith, remember Luke 12. 32. See more hereof, My Guide to go to God, §. 46.
- 3. How should we blesse God for this Kingdome amongst us? we have received it: we ought therefore to be gratefull and thankfull for it, Rom. 11. 36. The more free a gift is, the more worthy of thanks, especially so great, so usefull, so beneficiall a gift, as it is not vouchsafed to all.
Of the property belonging to this Kingdome, in these words, b 1.2 which cannot be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, we have formerly spoken.