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 ...

§. 150. Of Christs continuance at Gods right hand.

TO the greatnesse of Christs dignity is added his continuance therein, which is* 1.1 until one principall end of his high advancement shall be accomplished, which is the subduing of all his enemies.

This word until though it point at a time how long Christ shall retain his dignity, yet it setteth not down a date thereof or a period thereto; For it hath not alwaies reference to the future time as excluding it; but to that whole space of time, that is to passe to the accomplishing of the thing mentioned; including in it all that space of time, and that because the question is concerning it alone; as where Christ saith, Till heaven and earth passe, one jot, or one tittle, shall in no wise passe from the Law, Mat. 5. 18. his meaning is not, that the Law shall passe when heaven and earth passe away, but that so long as the world continueth the Law shall remain to be the rule of righteousnesse.

This word until oft implieth rather a deniall of a determination then an affirma∣tion thereof; as 2 Sam. 6. 23. where it is said, that Michal had no childe until the

day of her death; None will imagine that after her death she had any, but because the question of having a childe must be about the time of her life▪ this phrase, Until the day of her death, is used. In the same sense a like phrase of the Virgin Maries bringing forth the Lord Jesus is used, Mat. 1. 25. Joseph knew her not till she had brought forth her first born Sonne, that is, he never knew her.

Thus is this word until here to be taken, Sit on my right hand until I make thi•…•…e enemies my footstool: Sit till then and ever after that; So as here is implied an ever∣lasting continuance of Christs dignity; If until all his enemies be subdued, then for ever; For what shall hinder it when there be no enemies? Will his Subjects hin∣der it? Will his members that are advanced with him hinder it? Will good Angels whose Ministry is made the more glorious thereby hinder it? Will his Father whose love and respect to him is unchangeable and everlasting hinder it?

Obj. Subduing of enemies is here set down as the end of Christs sitting at Gods right hand; when that end is accomplished there will be no need of his sitting there.

Answ. Though subduing of enemies be one end, yet it is not the only end. Sun∣dry other ends have have been noted before, §. 149.

It will be requisite that Christ having to the full accomplished all things that were to be done or endured for mans full redemption and eternal salvation, should for ever retain that dignity whereunto he was advanced after he had accomplished all. To depart from any part of his dignity at any time would be some impeach∣ment of his glory.

Object. 2. It is expresly said that when the end cometh the Sonne shall deliver up the Kingdom to God the Father; And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Sonne also himself be subject. &c. 1 Cor. 15. 24, 28.

The Answer to these words is set down before, §. 109.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉