§. 104. Of the Son of God and sonnes of men being one.
THe two forementioned relates, Sanctifier and Sanctified are said to be all of one. The Greek word in the case here used, and translated a 1.1 of one, is common to all genders▪ Some therefore take it in the masculine, and referre it to God; as if this were the meaning. The Sons of God and Saints are all of God. This, in the generall matter, is a truth: but not a truth pertinent to the point in hand. For the Apostle alledgeth here this union as a reason, why Christ was man and suffered for such and such, namely, because he and they were of one. But it cannot be tru∣ly said that he was man and died for all that were of God: in that they had their being of God. In this sense not only men, but Angels also and all other creatures (for whom Christ neither took upon him mans nature nor undertook to suffer) are of God.
Others apply this ONE to Adam, of whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ* 1.2 came, Luke 3. 23, 38. This also is a truth: But I suppose it to be more agreeable to the Apostles scope, to take this particle, of one, in the neuter gender, as if it were thus expressed, of one stock: and that for these two reasons.
- 1. The Greek particle translated, b 1.3 OF, is properly a note of the materiall cause.
- 2. This must have reference to the sanctified, as well as to the sanctifier. For All are of one: as the Sanctifier is of the same stock, whereof the sanctified are: so the sanctified of the same whereof the Sanctifier.
In the former respect, that humane nature whereof the sanctified are, is the stock whereof Christ also is. And the spirituall nature whereof Christ is, (called the Di∣vine nature, 2 Pet. 1. 4.) is the stock whereof the sanctified are. In this respect such are said to be of Christs slesh and of his bone, (Eph. 5. 26.) which phrase is my∣stically and spiritually to be taken. In relation to this spirituall being, sanctified ones are stiled spirit, Joh. 3. 6. And they are said to be in the spirit, to be after the spirit, to minde the things of the spirit, and to walk after the spirit: and the spirit is said to dwell in them, Rom. 8. 4, 5, 9.
Of this mysticall union betwixt Christ the Sanctifier and Saints the sanctified▪ See more in Domest. Dut. on Eph. 5. 30. Treat. 1. §. 70, &c.
This generall particle ALL, as it includes the Head and the Body, so it compri∣seth* 1.4 under it all the members of that Body. If it had reference to the Head and Body, only as to two distinct parts, he would have said both are of one, rather then ALL. For ALL compriseth more then two. But because the body consi∣steth of many members, and all the members are sanctified, he fitly and properly* 1.5 useth this generall ALL: and hereby gives us to understand, that all that are Christs are partakers of the same spiritual being.
This is evidenced by Christs prayer, That they all may be one, &c. Ioh. 17. 21. The metaphors whereby the union betwixt Christ and Saints is set out, give further proof hereof: as Head and members (1 Cor. 12. 12.) Vine and branches (Ioh. 15. 5.) Shepherd and sheep (Ioh. 10. 14.) Now members, branches and sheep are all of one: so are brethren also; which title is used in this verse.
This union of all, should work unity, unanimity, amity, charity, sympathy and condescention to them that are of low estate, and a willingnesse to be confor∣mable to them that suffer for Christ and his Gospel sake. Of this minde was Moses, Heb. 11. 25.