§. 159. Of Salvation.
THE word here translated Salvation, is frequently used in the New Testament. I finde it three times put for temporal preservation or deliverance, as Act. 7. 25. where this phrase a 1.1 give salvation is thus translated (according to the true mean∣ing) deliver, and Act. 27. 34. where the same b 1.2 word is turned health, and Heb. 11. 7. where this phrase c 1.3 to the salvation, is thus expounded, to the saving.
The d 1.4 Hebrew word which the * 1.5 LXX use to interpret by the word in this Text translated salvation, sets out for the most part some temporary preservation or de∣liverance. But in the New Testament it sets out (except the three fore▪ mentioned* 1.6 places) the eternall salvation of the soul; and that as it is begun and helped on in this world (Luk. 19. 9. 2 Cor. 16. 2.) or perfited in the world to come: 1 Pet. 1. 5, 9.
There is another e 1.7 Greek word derived from the same root, and translated sal∣vation, four times used in the New Testament (namely Luk. 2. 30. & 3. 6. Act. 28. 28. Eph. 6. 17.) But for the most part put metonymically for the authour and pro∣curer of Salvation, The Lord Jesus Christ.
The primary f 1.8 root from whence all the Greek words are derived, which signifie not only safe, exempt, and free from all evil, danger and fear, but also entire and perfect; So as it setteth out both the privative part of blessednesse, full freedome from sin, Satan, death, hell, and all fears; and also the positive part thereof, inte∣grity, and perfection of soul and body, and of all gifts and graces appertaining to them, and withall immortality, agility, beauty, and other excellencies even of the body, Phil. 3. 21.
By the salvation here mentioned is meant, that blessed and glorious estate which is in heaven reservd for the whole mysticall body of Christ.
Well may that estate be called salvation, in that all that have attained or shall* 1.9 attain thereunto, are delivered out of all dangers, freed from all enemies, and set safe and secure from all manner of evil.
Into heaven, where that rest, safety, security, and salvation is enjoyed, no devil, no evil instrument, can enter to disturb the same. There shall God wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. Rev. 21. 4. All contentment, agreement, tranquillity, unani∣mity, joy, pleasure, and what can be desired shall be there everlastingly enjoyed. There shall be a continuall communion with glorious Angels, glorified Saints; yea, with Christ the head and husband of his Church, and with God himself, whom we shall in his glory so farre behold as our nature is capable of beholding such glory, This beatifical vision will not only fill our heads with admiration, but our hearts also with joy and delight; These are the things which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entred into the heart of man, 1 Cor. 2. 9.