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§. 108. Of the everlastingnesse of Christs Kingdom.
THese wordsa 1.1 for ever and ever, have reference to the Throne of Christ, where∣by his Kingdom is set out; So as it declares the everlastingnesse of Christs Kingdom.
The Greek word here translated ever, is the same that was translated worlds, v▪ 2. according to the notation of the Greek word it signifiethb 1.2 everbeing, namely, one and the same: Sometimesc 1.3 the singular number is singly used, as Mar. 3. 29. and sometimes doubled as here. Ofttimesd 1.4 the plural number is singly used, as Luk. 1. 32. but most frequentlye 1.5 doubled, especially in the Book of the Revelations where it is fifteen times doubled.
The doubling of the word addeth emphasis, and ratifieth the certainty of the Point, as the doubling of Pharaohs dreams did, Gen. 41. 32.
This word hath reference sometimesf 1.6 to former times, and intendeth eternity without beginning, as Eph. 3. 11. and is translated eternall. It hath also reference to future times, and intendeth everlastingnesse, as Ioh. 6. 51.g 1.7 He shall live for ever. Sometimes it implieth a continuance to the end of the world, as Luk. 1. 55. or to the end of a mans life, as Ioh. 8. 35.
Though the word ever singly used may synechdochically be put for a time that hath a date or period; yet whensoever it is doubled it signifieth an everlasting con∣tinuance without any date or end at all.
In the Hebrew Text which is here quoted there ish 1.8 a particle added to the word,* 1.9 ever; which in that use alwaies intendeth a proper everlastingnesse without any pe∣riod or end at all, and thereupon translated for ever and ever.
Christ in regard of his divine nature, as the Sonne of God, is a King for ever in the largest sense; having respect to former and future continuance, before and af∣ter all times, even from everlasting to everlasting, Psa. 90. 2.
But in regard of his office, as God-man, and Mediator betwixt God and man, this continuance hath respect to the future, and implieth an everlasting continu∣ance; And that,
- 1. From his ascention, when he was actually set upon his Throne in heaven. This exaltation of Christ is frequently noted to be after his humiliation and subjection unto death, Act. 2. 36. & 5. 30, 31. Rom. 8. 34. Phil. 2. 8, 9.
- 2. From his Incarnation; For so soon as his humane nature was united to his divine (which was at his first conception) he had a right to his Royall dignity. Thereupon it is said v. 6. when he bringeth in the first-begotten into the world, &c. So soon as he was born he was acknowledged a King, and answerably he was worship∣ed, and Presents brought to him, Mat. 2. 2, 11.
- 3. From the beginning of the world, even so soon as man fell, as Mediator he was also King; That which was said of Christ in regard of his sacrifice, he was a Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, Rev. 13. 8. may be applied to his roy∣alty, he was a King from the foundation of the world. For in every point of his Mediatorship he was the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever, Heb. 15. 8. that is, in all former times, in the present time, and for all future times. This was Christ in four especiall respects.
- 1. In regard of Gods Decree which was before all times▪
- 2. In regard of Gods promise, Gen. 3. 15.
- 3. In regard of the efficacy of Christs Mediatorship, for it was effectuall to all purposes so soon as God had promised him.
- 4. In regard of the vertue of faith which is the substance of things hoped for, Heb. 11. 1.
From what time soever we take the rise or beginning of Christs Kingdom, as he is Mediator, the continuance of it is everlasting: It hath no date at all, Psa. 145. 13. Dan. 7. 14. Luk. 1. 33.