An exposition of the Symbole of the Apostles, or rather of the articles of faith. In which the chiefe points of the euerlasting and free couenant betweene God and the faithfull is briefly and plainly handled. Gathered out of the catechising sermons of Gasper Oleuvian Treuir, and now translated out of the Latine tongue into the English for the benefite of Christ his Church. By Iohn Fielde.

He ascended into heauen.

Testimones out of the Prophetes and Apostles.

THE Apostle in the fourth Chapter to the Ephesi∣ans citeth a prophecie out of the 68. Psalme con∣cerning the ascension of Christ: but vnto euerie one of vs, grace is giuen according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, when hee as∣cended vp on high, he led captiuitie captiue, and gaue giftes vnto men. And the prophecie in the hundred and tenth Psalme of the sitting of the Messias at the right hand of God, comprehendeth in it a prophecie of the ascension into the heauens, as it were an entrie of that glorious exaltation at the right hande of God, the which thing is confirmed by the testimonie of the holy Ghost himselfe, by the mouth of Peter. Actes 2.34. Since then that he by the right hande of God hath ben exalted, and hath receaued of his father the promise of the holy Ghost, he hath shedde foorth this amongest you, which you see and heare. For Dauid is not ascen∣ded into heauen, but hee saith, The Lorde saide to my LORDE, sitte at my right hande, vntill

I make thine enimies thy footestoole. So also Mark•• the Euangelist in the sixteenth Chapter, ioyneth the en∣trie with the sitting it selfe at the right hand: so af∣ter the Lord had spoken vnto them, he was receiued in∣to heauen, and sitteth at the right hande of God. And Christ Iohn 14. foresheweth his ascension into hea∣uen, let not your heart be troubled ye beleeue in God, be¦leeue also in mee. In my fathers house are many dwel∣ling places: otherwise I woulde haue tolde you, I goe to prepare a place for you. And seeing I goe to prepare a place for you, I will come againe and receiue you vnto my self, that where I am, there you may be also. The E∣uangelists describe a sure & manifest fulfilling of these foresayinges concerning the ascension of Christ, Marke in the place nowe aledged, and Luke in his Euangelicall historie, chapter 24. Loe I doe sende the promise of my father vppon you: but tarie ye in the citie of Ieru∣salem, vntill yee bee indued with power from on high. Now he ledde them out into Bethaniah and lifting vp his handes he blessed them. And it came to passe that whiles he blessed them, being separate from them, he•• was carried vp into heauen, and they worshipping him, returned to Ierusalem with great ioye, and were con∣tinually in the temple lauding and praysing God. And in the first of the Actes, And when he had spoken these thinges, while they behelde, hee was taken vp, and a cloude tooke him out of their sight, and while they looked stedfastly towardes heauen, beholde two men stoode by them in white apparell, who saide: Yee men of Galilie, why stande yee gasing into heauen? This Iesus which is taken from you into heauen, shall so come as yee haue seene him goe into heauen. And Peter Actes 3, And nowe brethren I knowe that

through ignorance▪ ye did these thinges, as also did your gouernours, but those thinges which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophetes, that Christe shoulde suffer, he hath thus fufilled. Amend your liues therefore and turne, that your sinnes may be put away, when the time of refreshing shall come from the pre∣sence of the Lord, and when he shall send Iesus Christ which before was preached vnto you: whom the hea∣uen must containe, vntill the time that all things bee restored which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets, since the world began.

The meaning of these wordes, He ascen∣ded into heauen.

THE meaning is, I beleeue Christe who according to his diuine nature was alwayes in the heauens, Iohn 1. and 3. after that he had fulfilled the office of ambassage, and by the space of fourtie dayes had instructed his disci∣ples concerning y^e trueth of his resurrection, in that same true bodie of his, that was taken out of the substance of Marie the virgine, that it hanged vppon the crosse, was deade and buried, that being glorified rose againe, y^t in the selfe same body I say together with a very humaine & resonable soule, he ascended into the heauens, where y^e seat is of euerlasting felicitie. The scrip∣ture in the first Chapter of the Actes doeth set out the matter most liuely before our eyes. And in an other place he saith the same things

that CHRIST departed from his disci∣ples, and was lifted vp into heauen, Luke 24. that hee went from them, Iohn 14. that hee left this worlde, Iohn. 16. that hee was ta∣ken awaye Actes 15. from vs, Luke 24. into those same holy tabernacles, not made with hands: Hebrewes 9. into heauen it selfe, Mark. 16. that he is there continually and without a∣ny interruption, Hebrewes 10. that heauen must holde him vntill the time of the resto∣ring of all thinges. Act. 2.

Howe Christ being absent, is yet present.

BVT if y^t Christ went from vs, & hath left this worlde, howe is that promise of Christ fulfilled, Beholde I am alwayes with you vnto the ende of the worlde? Matthew 28. Surely it is so fulfilled, euen like as that same other word of Christ was fulfilled. Verilie I say vnto you, that before Abraham was, I am. Iohn 8. For like as hee fulfilled that, by the presence not of his fleshe, but of his diuinitie, and yet fea∣red not to say, I; admit that he vnderstoode it onely of the presence of his diuinitie: so also according to his maiestie, according to his prouidence, according to his vnspeakeable and inuisible grace, that saying was fulfilled of him, Beholde I am with you alwayes, euen to the ende of the worlde. For indeede according to the flesh which y^e worlde hath taken on it,* 1.1 accor∣ding to that that was borne of the virgin, ac∣cording

to y^t which was taken of y^e Iewes, which was nayled to the tree, that was taken down from the crosse, that was lapped in linnen, that was laide in the graue, that was many∣fested in the resurrection, You shall not alwayes haue mee with you. Why so? Because hee was conuersant according to his bodily presence, fourtie dayes with his disciples, and leading them by seeing, but not by following, he as∣cended into heauen, and is not here. For hee is there, and sitteth at the right hande of the father: and is here, for the presence of his ma∣iestie hath not departed. And otherwise ac∣cording to the presence of his maiestie we haue Christ alwaies: but according to the presence of the fleshe, it was well said vnto his disciples, but me ye shall not haue alwayes.

Of the fruite of the ascension.

FVrthermore wee must speake of the fruits, which faith doeth lay holde vpon by the as∣cension of Christ. And first of all like as our iustification is ascribed vnto the resurrecti∣on: so the proceeding and continuing of the same iustification is ascribed vnto the ascension, and that two manner of wayes: first because in the same bodie, which was accurssed in our sinnes, he could not ascende into heauen, vnlesse first he had beene fully in our name iustified from them. For euen like as hee coulde not haue risen into life, if there had but one of our sinnes remayned vnsatisfied for, and vnlesse all beleuers had ben iustified in him, whose person

tooke vppon him, when hee shoulde bee con∣demned in them: so much lesse coulde he haue entred into that same high light wherevnto there was no way, & whither no impure thing coulde attaine, yea where God doeth shewe himselfe to be seene of the blessed Angels, vn∣lesse he had beene fully iustified for our sinnes, and we in him when he ascended thither in our name. Iohn. 14 The holy Ghost shall reprooue the worlde of righteousnes, because I goe to the father, and you shall see me no more. For like as it was not lawfull for the high priest to enter into the ho∣ly of holiest, without bloode for his owne sins, and the sinnes of the people, Heb. 3.27. so that same true sanctuarie had not beene open to Christ, to wit, that same entrie into heauen, vnlesse first he had satisfied for our sins, which he had taken vpon him. Heb. 1. verse 2. and 9. verse 7.11.12. Therefore whiles Christ doth enter into that same sanctuarie not made with handes, heauen it selfe, by his owne bloode: it is a sure demonstration, and thereby the world is conuinced, that euerlasting righteousnesse is brought by Christ as Daniel had foretolde. And surely the Apostle Ephes. 4. doeth lay out that same ascension of Christ as a publike te∣stimonie of our iustification, as it were in a tri∣umph to be beholden of the eyes, of our faith, When he ascended on high, he led captiuitie captiue, & gaue giftes vnto men. Surely he led not captiui∣tie with him into y^e heauens, that is to say death & sin: for neither is there any place there for sinne & death. What then? That same ascension

was as it were a publike testimonie of sinne ouercome, and of damnation taken away, and of righteousnesse obteined and of full victorie.

Againe, that same entrie into that high san∣ctuarie, is not onely a testimonie of our righ∣teousnes; but also that same abiding in the same sanctuarie, and shewing of himselfe before the Father, is an euerlasting continuance of the same righteousnes: to wit, whiles by the vertue of his onely one sacrifice, being iustified for euer from our sinnes, he appeareth there in our name, that we might be esteemed righte∣ous perpetuallie in him, and to the ende hee might giue giftes vnto men, to wit the giftes of the holie Ghost, amongest which the Apostle doth speciallie commende faith, whereby he doth engraffe vs into him selfe as members vn∣to the head, and doth applie his benefites vnto vs Ephes. 4. vers. 12.13.15.16. But of this same shewing of Christ before the Father, there will be a more fit place, when we shal entreate of the sitting at the right hand of God.

How the death, resurrection, ascension, and sitting of Christ at the right hand of GOD, make to the iustification of faith.

BVt nowe seeing before mention was made of our righteousnes in the death and resur∣rection of Christe, some man will demande not without cause, by what waie and meanes the death, resurrection and ascension, and the

sitting at the right hand of God, doth make to the iustification of Faith.

I. The obedience of the death of Christ, is the thing it selfe that is imputed to vs to righte∣ousnesse. For that satisfieth for our sinnes: nei∣ther is there any thing wanting to this obedi∣ence, as Christ saith: It is finished. And the Apo∣stle Rom. 5. doth set the obedience of Christ, a∣gainst our disobedience.

II. The resurrection from the dead is a pub∣like testimonie and demonstration both of Christe his righteousnes and ours, to wit that Christ is iustified from all our sinnes, and we also likewise in him: for otherwise if there had remained but one sinne vnpunished, he could not haue arisen. And this is that same confident demanding which our conscience maketh to God through the resurrection of Christ, where∣of Saint Peter entreateth in his 1. Epistle Chap∣ter. 3. But we haue spoken more of this matter in his place.

III. The ascension is the proceeding & con∣tinuance of his righteousnesse. First because in his owne bodie that was accursed in our sins, he could not ascend in our name, I say into that high glorie, vnlesse he had bene fullie iustified from our sinnes, and we likewise in him, who are ingraffed into him through faith. Hebrues 1. verse 7.

IIII. Nowe that same ascension and entrance into that highe sanctuarie, is not onely a pub∣like testimonie of our righteousnesse, but also the sitting at the right hand of God, that is

that abiding of his and perpetuall shewing of himselfe before the face of the Father, in that same highe glorie, is the continuing of the e∣uerlasting righteousnesse of Christ and of ours, like as we haue taught, and shal afterwardes teach more fully in the article of sitting at the right hand of God.

Paule setteth downe all these degrees in the eight Chapter to the Romanes, Who shall laie a∣ny thing to the charge of God his chosen? It is GOD that iustifieth, who shal condemne? It is Christ which is dead (loe the matter for which we are iustified from accusation and condemnation, the death of Christ) yea or rather which is risen againe (which is an vndoubted token that that same death of Christ which he tooke vpon him, was sufficient for the full absolution and forgiuenes of our sinnes: otherwise he must haue abiden in death) who is also at the right hand of God, (which yet is a greater testimonie that the captiuitie of sinne and damnation is vanquished: so that nowe we are deliuered and iustified through Christ from it) which also maketh entreatie for vs, whilst he sai∣eth, for vs, which also sheweth that there is far∣ther a newe confirmation of our faith to be ad∣ded to the nexte of the free iustification tho∣rough Christe, to wit, that hee also is at the right hande of God, whether he could not haue come, vnlesse he had beene iustified from our sinnes: and that he entreateth also for vs, to wit whilest by the power of that onely one sacrifice, he appeareth euerlastingly righteous for vs. 1. Iohn. 2 1.

And so that same abiding at the right hande of God and shewing him selfe before the Fa∣ther, is a continuing of that euerlasting iusti∣fication of ours, to the end that there should be no place left for any accusation against be∣leeuers: so full euerie manner of waie is our iu∣stification in Christ, so euerlasting and so vn∣derpropped vpon most sure foundations, to the knowledge whereof Paule in the place nowe alledged, would leade vs by those argumentes, as it were by certaine steppes and degrees.

Of the second fruite of the ascension.

THe second fruite is, that by his ascension in∣to heauen, he hath made vs to sit with him in heauenlie places, Ephes. 2.6. So that we do not onely in a naked hope looke for heauen: but we possesse it in the head, and in Christ our brother: aswell because that same earthly, and bodily pledge, which he hath taken of vs, full expiation & cleansing, being made of our sins, doth possesse the heauens nowe in our name: as also because we our selues doe possesse a spi∣ritual and heauenly pledge receaued againe frō him, to wit the spirite of Christ dwelling in vs: & so by the power of the holie Ghost through faith in the promise of the Gospell we are in∣graffed into him. And therfore Ro. 10.6.8. The righteousnes which is of faith saith thus, Say not in thy heart, who shal ascend into heauen? That is to bring Christ from aboue, &c. But what saith it? The worde is neare thee, euen in thy mouth, and in thine

heart, that is, that same worde of Faith whiche wee preache.

Surely the spirituall first fruites of this do∣ctrine are most sweete. For it bringeth to passe by the power of Christ his spirite, that now in a certain and vndouted hope in our head Christ, we possesse heauen. Therefore let vs confirme our mindes in this most profitable doctrine by some most euident oracles of y^e scripture. Christ himselfe nowe about to goe into that heauen∣ly possession in our name, speaketh on this sort, Iohn. 14. In my fathers house there are many abyding places, if it had bene otherwise, I had tolde you. I go to prepare a place for you. The same Iohn. Chap. 20. I ascend to my father, and to your father; to my God, & to your God. The Apostle also maketh vs so sure of the certaintie of the earnest and pledge which Christ hauing of vs, hath aduanced into the heauens, that he saith in the second of the Ephesians, that God hath made vs to sitte with Christ in heauenly places. Againe, of sending that same earnest or comforter vnto vs Christe speaketh thus in Ioh. 16. I speake the truth vnto you, it is pro∣fitable for you that I goe: for if I go not, that same com∣forter shal not come vnto you. Peter also witnesseth of this same earnest already sent in Actes 2. also Paule in 2. Cor. 1. Who hath sealed vs and gi∣uen the earnest of his spirite in our heartes: And most plaine of all other places in the 2. Cor. 5. See also Tertullian in his booke of the resurrecti∣on of the flesh, where amongest other thinges he writeth thus, This Iesus called the Mediator of God & men, of the trust of either part committed vnto

him doth keepe the pledge of the flesh in himselfe as the earnest of the whole summe. For like as he hath left the earnest of his spirit with vs, so also he hath taken of vs the earnest of the flesh, and hath aduanced into heauen the pledge of the whole summe hereafter to be brought thither. Be quiet therefore O flesh and bloud, you haue vsurped both heauen & the kingdome of God in Christ, or if they denie you in Christ, let them also denie Christ to be in heauen, who haue denied heauen vnto you.

Of the thirde fruite.

THe third fruite is, that Christ therefore sit∣teth in the highest heauens, that through his power shed into our hearts, from thence he may drawe vs from these earthly and carnal things present, and may quicken them and lift them vp to desire and meditate vpon hea∣uenly and spiritual thinges to come. Philip. 3. Our cōuersation is in heauen, from whence we looke for our Lorde Iesus Christ.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Augustine.