Lectures upon the vvhole Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians, deliuered in St. Peters Church in Oxford: by the reuerend and faithfull seruant of Christ Henry Airay ... and now published for the vse of Gods Church by C.P. ...

LECTƲRE LXXIII.

PHILIP. 3. Vers. 2••.

Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashio∣ned like vnto his glorious body according to the working &c.

IT remaineth now that wee proceede vnto the third and last branch, where the Apo∣stle in the behalfe of himselfe, and such others as walked as he did, maketh Chri∣stian profession of their certaine hope of the glorification of their vile bodies by the powerfull working of Christ Iesus, set downe in these words, who shall change &c. They had their conuersation in heauen, looking for the Sauiour from heauen, euen the Lord Iesus Christ; and from heauen they looked for the Lord Iesus Christ, knowing that then hee should change their vile bodies and make them like vnto his glo∣rious body &c.

The generall point then here spoken is the glorification of our vile bodies in the day of Christ by the power of Christ. The particular circumstances which here the Apostle noteth are these, 1. who shall glorifie vs, namely the Lord Iesus Christ who shall change &c. 2. What he shall glorifie in vs, namely our bodies whose soule-conuersation hath beene in heauen. 3. the condition of our bodies what now they are, namely bodies of vilenesse, basenesse, and abiectnesse, i. Vile, base, and abiect bodies, subiect to corruption, sinne, and all kinde of vanitie. 4. The time when he shall glorifie our vile bodies, namely in that day when he shall come in the cloudes of heauen to iudge both the quick and the dead, which I note out of this that he saith, who shall change, to wit in that day when he shall come from whence they looke for him. 5. The manner how he shall then glorifie our vile bodies, namely not by changing the sub∣stance

of our bodies, in the forme, or feature, or lineaments, or mem∣bers of them, but by changing our vile bodies, .i. our bodie•• which were created of God holy and good, but are now de••••∣led with our vilenesse, by changing these vile bodies, and fa∣shioning them in qualitie like vnto his owne glorious body, so that of mortall they become immotall, of corruptible in∣corruptible, of naturall spirituall, of weake glorious. 6. And lastly, the meanes whereby he shall thus glorifie our vile bo∣dies, namely by that diuine power, and effectuall working whereby he raised his owne body from the graue, and where∣by he is able to doe what he will, euen to subdue all things vnto himselfe. These be the particular circumstances of this third branch of the Apostles reason. Which noting of them in this sort that we haue done, may serue also for the explica∣tion and opening of the meaning of these words. Let vs now therefore see what profitable notes we may gather hence for our farther vse and instruction.

The first thing which I note is, who it is that shall change our vile bodies that they may be fashioned like vnto his glo∣rious bodie: which is, the Lord Iesus Christ. The obserua∣tion then hence is, that after we haue slept in the dust Christ Iesus shall raise vs againe by his power, and make our vile bo∣dies like to his glorious body. He it is that being one God with the Father from before all beginnings in the beginning of time created vs, formed vs, and made vs, and breathed in∣to vs the breath of life, and made vs liuing soules. All things (saith Iohn) was made by it,* 1.1 namely by the incarnate word of God, by the euerlasting Sonne of the Father, and without it was made nothing that was made. And the Apostle saith, that by the Sonne of God were all things created which are in heauen and in earth,* 1.2 things visible and invisible: by him (I say) not onely as an instrument, but as an efficient cause: For (as the Apostle saith) of him,* 1.3 and through him, and for him are all things. He likewise it is that in the fulnesse of time came into the world to redeeme them which were vnder the law, and to saue his people from their sinnes. When the fullnesse of time was come, (saith the Apostle) God sent forth his Sonne made of a woman,* 1.4 and made vnder the law, that he might redeeme them which were

vnder the law. And againe, This is a true saying,* 1.5 and by all meanes worthy to be receiued, that Iesus Christ came into the world to saue sinners. And therefore was his name called Iesus,* 1.6 be∣cause he should saue his people from their sinnes. He also it is that in the end of times shall raise our bodies out of the dust, and make them like vnto his glorious body.* 1.7 For the houre shall come, (saith Iohn) in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voice; and they shall come forth that haue done good vnto the resurrection of life, but they that haue done euill vnto the resurre∣ction of condemnation. And in the chapter following,* 1.8 Whoso∣euer eateth my flesh, saith Christ, and drinketh my bloud, hath eter∣nall life, and I will raise him vp at the last day. And our Apostle in this place, from heauen we looke for the Sauiour, euen the Lord Iesus Christ, who shall change our vile body &c. So that he that in the beginning of time created vs and made vs, and in the fullnesse of time redeemed and saued vs, shall also in the end of time, raise vs vp out of the dust of death, and glorifie vs with himselfe. Whereof also he gaue vs a sure testimonie when he raised vp himselfe from the dead no more to returne vnto the graue: And therefore the Apostle saith,* 1.9 He which hath raised vp the Lord Iesus shall raise vs vp also by Iesus, and set vs with the Saints.

Let this then serue to confirme and strengthen vs in the point of our resurrection and glorification. Christ Iesus hath taken it vpon him that he will raise vs vp at the last day, and glorifie vs with himselfe. Let vs then lie downe in peace, and commit that to him, and he shall bring it to passe. For is the glory and strength of Israel as a man that he should lie? Hath he said it, and shall it not be done? Let the Sadduces denie the resurrection:* 1.10 let the Philosophers and disputers of Athens mocke at Paul when they heare him preach the resurrection: let the profane Atheist scoffe and iest at the resurrection of the dead, and their glorification with the Saints, yet let vs with Martha know that our brethren and we shall rise at the last day.* 1.11 He that raised the Rulers daughter from death to life in the house: he that raised the widowes sonne from death vnto life, as they were carying him out to be buried:* 1.12 he that raised vp Lazarus from death vnto life,* 1.13 hauing laid foure daies in

the graue, shall also raise vs vp, and shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious body. Let vs therefore hold fast this hope vnto the end without wauering, and let vs lay this vpon Christ Iesus, who will surely doe it, and will not faile.

The second thing which I note is, the time when Christ shall change our vile bodies, and make them like vnto his glo∣rious body. The time is in that day when the faithfull looke that he shall come in the clouds of heauen to iudge both the quicke and the dead. Which I gather from this that he faith, who shall change &c, ioyned with that he had said before, from whence also we looke &c. For the meaning is, that from heauen they looke for the second comming of Christ, who then in his second comming shall change &c. The obseruation then hence is, that in the last day, when Christ shall come in the clouds of heauen to iudge the quicke and the dead, then shall he raise vp the bodies of them that haue slept in the dust, and glorifie them with his owne selfe. Which point of the time of our second resurrection, and glorification of our bodies, the Holy Ghost often precisely noteth: as where it is said, The houre shall come in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voice &c:* 1.14 and againe, where Christ saith, I will raise him vp at the last day:* 1.15 and againe, where the Apostle saith, that they that are of Christ, at his comming shall rise againe: and againe where he saith, we shall not all sleepe, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet. All which places plainely shew the time of the resurrection, and of the glorification of our bodies to be in the last day at the second comming of Christ vnto iudgment. In the meane time they shall sleepe in the dust, and make their beds in the graue,* 1.16 they shall say to corruption, thou art my father, and to the worme, thou art my mother, and my sister.

This should teach vs patiently with the faithfull children of God to waite and looke for the second comming of Christ Iesus, yea euen to long and reach after it, because then these crackt and fraile vessels shall be in better case then now they be. Now they are vile, and rotten, and naught, but then shall they be changed & made like vnto Christ his glorious body;

and then shall they be vnited to the soules to receiue that bles∣sed inheritance which God the Father of old hath prepared, God the Sonne of late hath purchased, and God the Holy Ghost doth daily seale in the hearts of Gods children. That is the time for our full deliuerance, our full redemption when al things shall be subdued vnder him. And till that time after that death once destroy these bodies, the graue shall be our house, and we shall make our bed in the darke.

The third thing which here I note is, what it is that Christ in that day shall raise vp againe, and glorifie, namely our vile body. Whence my first obseruation is, that since sinne en∣tred into the world, and death by sinne, such is the condition of our bodies here that they be vile, subiect to all infirmities, miseries, mortalitie, corruption, and all kinde of vanity. The experience whereof is so common, and so well knowne vnto vs all, that it shall not be needfull to proue it vnto any of vs How many aches, infirmities, diseases are we troubled withall in our bodies? What wounds, and swellings, and sores full of all manner of corruption are our bodies subiect vnto? What labours, what perils, what watchings, fastings, cold, na∣kednesse, imprisonments, how many kinds of death are they subiect vnto? How soone are they cut downe like grasse? How soone doe they wither as the greene herbe? How soone doe they returne vnto the dust whence they first came? Or what priuiledge here haue the bodies of them that come of noble houses, of honourable parents, of the bloud royall? None at all, but their bodies are as vile, as here the Apostle meaneth, as subiect to diseases, as needing all helps for health, is vnable to endure labour, heat, cold, hunger, thirst, as vn∣able to want sleepe, rest, foode, apparell, as soone cut downe by the hand of death, as soone deuoured by the wormes, as soone turned vnto the dust as the bodies of other men. And therefore our bodies without exception in the holy scriptures are called and likened vnto grasse, the flower of the field, to earthen vessels, to earthly houses, to tabernacles, to dust and ••athe, &c. All flesh is as grasse,* 1.17 and all the glory of man is as the flower of grasse: the grasse withereth, and the flower falleth away. Yea looke what Iobs bodie was that all our bodies are,

if the Lord shall lay his hands vpon them: Yea this shall be the state of our bodies to be thus vile, as the Apostle speak∣eth, till they bee changed, and made like vnto his glorious body.

This should teach vs to plucke downe our sailes, and to abate the great daintinesse of our bodies whereunto we are growne. Such silks and veluets, such ruffes and lawnes, such frizling and painting, such chaines, bracelets, and rings, as now commonly we vse, what else is it, but to cloth and adorne proud rottennesse? Such choice of meats, daintinesse of fare, variety of dishes, as in this heauy time of dearth and famine is some where vsed, what else is it but to feede the neuer sa∣tisfied belly? Nay are not some growne so nice that they may not suffer the winde to blow vpon them, nor the sunne to shine vpon them? Is it not for some so hot in summer, and againe so cold in winter, that they can finde no time to come to heare euen the holy word of God? And what else is it that we doe thus cherish but a vile body, subiect to all kinde of va∣nity? The beginning whereof what is it but earth? the being whereof what is it but as from the earth? the end whereof what is it but to the earth? And yet what curiositie in clo∣thing, and what daintinesse in feeding this vile body? An al∣lowance there is, and meete there should be, that according to each mans degree there be both costlinesse in clothing, and daintinesse in feeding. But in each degree there is such ex∣cesse of decencie, as that it may be thought that no degree considereth what a vile body it is that they cherish. How much better were it that we should consider our selues, and that we should moderate our selues in these things each man accord∣ing to his degree? Let vs therefore whether we eat, or drinke, or cloth our selues, remember that the bodies which we cherish are but vile bodies, dust and ashes, euen very rottennesse, and subiect to all kinde of vanity.

My second obseruation hence is, that Christ in the last day shall change our bodies not our soules, and raise vp our bodies not our soules. For our soules in their very deliuerance from the contagion of our bodies are purged and cleansed from euery spot of sinne, and immediatly translated into hea∣uen,

and there abide till the last iudgement. They die not, nor sleepe, nor wander vp and downe, as some doe foolishly imagine, but being spirituall substances they liue and abide for euer, aswell out of the body, as in the body. Which ap∣peare as by the soules of the rich man and Lazarus,* 1.18 the one of which had immediatly ioy in Abrahams bosome, the other suffered woe and torments in hell immediatly; so doth it also appeare by that vision of Iohn,* 1.19 where he saw the soules vnder the Altar &c: for there the present state wherein they are af∣ter their departure out of their bodies vntill the last iudgment is described, namely that they are vnder the Altar, .i. that they remaine continually vnder the hand of our Lord Iesus, and that they be in ioyfull rest vnder his custody and protection. Our soules then are not changed or raised vp in the last day, but our bodies; euen as we make confession in our Creede, when we beleeue the resurrection of the body: For therein we confesse that we beleeue that in that day when the Lord shall descend from heauen with a shoute, and with the voice of the Archangell, and with the trumpet of God, he shall raise againe these selfe-same bodies out of the dust of death, and vnite them vnto our soules, that in soule and body wee may liue for euer with him in heauen in the perfect state of bles∣sednesse.

Yea but doth not the Preacher say,* 1.20 that the condition of the children of men, and the condition of beasts are euen as one condition vnto them? If then there be no resurrection of the bodies of beasts after this life, how doe we say that there is any resurrection of the bodies of men? The meaning of the Preacher is, that man is not able by reason and iudgment to put a difference betweene the dying of man and beast, as by his eye to iudge otherwise of a man being dead, then of a beast being dead. But neither he there speakes of mans estate after death, neither what we know by the word of God touch∣ing the condition of man and of beast. For thence we know that the spirit of man ascendeth vpward when it leaueth the body, and that the spirit of the beast descendeth downeward to the earth; and that the body of the beast sleepeth for euer in the dust, but the body of man shall be raised vp at the last

day vnto life euerlasting in the heauens How then doth the Apostle say,* 1.21 that flesh and bloud cannot inherit the kingdome of God? There the meaning of the Apostle is, that the naturall body as it is now subiect to sinne and corruption cannot inhe∣rit the kingdome of God, vntill it be glorified, forasmuch as none vncleane thing entreth into it. This therefore is it that we teach, Christ shall raise vp our vile bodies in the last day, and make them like vnto his glorious body, and so possesse vs in soule and body of that kingdome prepared for vs from before all beginnings.

Here then is a notable comfort for all Gods children, that not onely our soules after this life ended shall goe vnto God that gaue them, but our bodies likewise in the last day shall be raised vp againe, and be made like vnto Christ his glorious body, that our soules and bodies being vnited together wee may liue for euer with him in his kingdome of glory. For hereupon thus we may resolue with our selues: What though I be afflicted and tormented? What though my miseries be as many and grieuous as Iobs were? What though I bee racked, torne in peeces with wilde horses, my body cast to the birds of the aire, to the beast of the land, or to the fishes in the sea? I know that after this life ended there will follow a ioyfull resurrection. Thus Iob comforted himselfe amidst all his extremities,* 1.22 saying, I know that my Redeemer liueth, and that he shall stand the last on the earth; and though after my skin wormes destroy this body, yet shall I see God in my flesh, whom I my selfe shall see, and mine eyes shall behold, and none other for me, though my reines be consumed within me. And so we read that the Saints of God mentioned to the Hebrues comforted themselus:* 1.23 For when they were racked and tormented they would not be deliuered: and why? because they looked for a better resurrection. Whatsoeuer therefore trouble, affli∣ction, aduersitie, misery, death doe befall vs or our friends, let vs comfort our selues in this that there shall be an end of all troubles when all teares shall be wiped from our eyes, and that there shall be a ioyfull resurrection in the last day, and glorification of our mortall bodies.

My third obseruation hence is, that the resurrection of bo∣dies

vnto glorification is only of them whose soule-conuersa∣tion in this life is in heauen. For albeit in the resurrection not only the sheepe, but the goats, not only they that haue done good, but they that haue done euill shall rise againe with their bodies, yet the one only vnto euerlasting ioy and glory, the other vnto euerlasting woe and miserie. So saith Iohn,* 1.24 They shall come forth that haue done good vnto the resurrection of life, and they that haue done euill vnto the resurrection of condemnation. The same also is most plaine by that separation of the sheepe from the goats in the last day, where it is said,* 1.25 that the one shall stand at his right hand, the other at his left; that the por∣tion of the one shall be with the Saints of God in heauen, the portion of the other with the deuill and his Angels in hell; that the one shall goe into life eternall, the other into euer∣lasting paine.

Whereof we are to make this vse, that if we will haue our part in the second resurrection after this life vnto glory, wee must also haue our part in the first resurrection in this life vn∣to grace. In this life wee must rise from the death of sinne vn∣to the life of God in righteousnesse and true holinesse, if in that day wee will rise from the power of the graue vnto life euerlasting and blessednesse in the heauens.* 1.26 For blessed and holy is he, yea only blessed and holy is he that hath his part in the first resurrection: for on such the second death hath no power. Let vs therefore follow the counsell of Peter, let vs amend our liues,* 1.27 and turne vnto the Lord, that our sinnes may be done away when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Let vs in this life grow vp in grace, that in that day we may rise vp in glory. Thus much of the third point, viz. what Christ in that day shall raise and glorifie.

The fourth thing which I note, is touching the manner how Christ shall in that day glorifie our vile bodies, namely by changing not the substance of our bodies, but by changing our vile bodies and fashioning them in qualitie like vnto Christ his glorious body. Whence I obserue what shall be the glorified bodies of the Saints of God wherein at the hearing of his voice, and the sound of the trumpet they shall rise in that day. And this it is: Our corruptible bodies shall be rai∣sed

vp in incorruption, our mortall bodies shall be raised vp in immortalitie, our bodies which were vile carcases shall be rai∣sed vp in glory, our bodies which were weake shall be raised vp in power, our bodies which were naturall, needing foode, raiment, rest, sleepe, physicke, and the like, shall be raised vp spirituall, needing none of these things, but being as the An∣gels of God exempt from all wants and infirmities of this life. Our bodies in substance, in figure, in lineaments, and in mem∣bers shall be the selfe-same that they were in this life, inasmuch as in these there was no change by the sinne of our first pa∣rents: but in such vile qualities as by sinne they were poisoned and infected with, they shall so be changed as hath beene said. And this is the glorification of our bodies in that day. He that shall come to be glorified in his Saints, shall thus change the vilenesse of our bodies, and fashion them like vnto his owne glorious body. Of this glorification Daniel speaketh, where he saith,* 1.28 that they that be wise shall shine as the brightnesse of the firmament, and they that turne many vnto righteousnesse shall shine as the starres for euer and euer.* 1.29 And a glimpse of it Peter, Iames and Iohn saw when Christ was transfigured in the mount be∣fore them.* 1.30 And the Apostle at large shewes the whole manner of it to the Corinthians.

First then hence wee learne that the body of Christ is not so deified or glorified, as that the essentiall properties of God are communicated to it, as to be omnipotent, infinite, present euery where, &c. For this being true, that our bodies shall be made like vnto his glorious body, then our bodies also should then be omnipote••••, infinite, euery where, &c. which no man will say. They erre therefore that maintaine the body of Christ to be really present euery where.

Secondly, hence we may learne not to be dismaied at what∣soeuer sicknesse, danger, or death. It may be that thus our bodies may be turned into the graue, and that death haue there dominion ouer vs for a season: but in the last day our bodies shall be taken out of the power of death, and made like vnto Christ his glorious body.

Thirdly, hence we may receiue great comfort that we haue such a Sauiour as will thus change our vile bodies, and make

them like vnto his glorious body. Hee will be a perfect Saui∣our, and therefore as he receiues our soules at their depar∣••ure out of our bodies, to keepe them safe vnder his custodie ••and protection, so will hee also in the last day change our vile ••odies, and make them like vnto his glorious body, that so he may be a perfect Sauiour both of our soules and bodies.

The fift and last thing which from these words I note, is ••ouching the meanes whereby Christ in that day shall glorifie ••ur vile bodies. For here is the doubt which the carnall man ••akes. He cannot see nor conceiue how the bodies which are ••urned into dust and ashes, which haue beene some torne in ••eeces by the beasts of the land, some deuoured by the fishes of the sea, some eaten vp by the fowles of the aire, how they ••he same in substance should possibly be raised vp againe and ••lorified. To meet then with this, my obseruation hence is, ••hat Christ by that diuine power and effectuall working ••hereby hee raised vp his owne body from the graue, and ••hereby hee is able to doe what hee will, euen to subdue all ••hings to himselfe, shall raise our bodies in that day, euen the ••el••e same in substance that wee laid downe, and shall glorifie ••hem. Christ he is the first-fruits of them that sleepe, and by ••is resurrection he hath sanctified all the elect thereunto: and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 according to the working of his mighty power hee raised ••imselfe from the dead, so by the same working of his migh∣••ie power shall he also raise vs vp. It may be that this may ••eeme impossible with men:* 1.31 but the things that are impossible ••ith men are possible with God. And why should it seeme so im∣••ossible? Can the potter make a new vessell of the same lumpe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 clay if the first fashion did dislike him? and is not God ••uch more able out of our dust to raise againe our dead bo∣••••es? Can the Goldsmith by his Art sunder diuers metals ••ne from another, or the Alchymist draw one metall out of ••••other? and is not God much more able to distinguish the ••ust of mens bodies from the dust of beasts, and the dust of ••ne mans body from another, and to draw out our bodies ••o•• whencesoeuer they lie? Was God able in the beginning 〈◊〉〈◊〉 create all things of nothing, and is hee not much more able 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make euery mans body at the resurrection of his owne

matter? Againe, shall napkins be brought from Pauls body, and diseases depart from them? shall the shadow of Peter helpe the weake and sicke? shall Elizeus his bones giue life to a dead corpes cast into his graue? and shall not Christ much more by his diuine power change these vile bodies, and make them like vnto his glorious body? Hee that doubteth of his power, shall be drencht vp of his maiestie. Take this one proofe further from our daily experience. At night wee lie downe and sleepe, and in the morning wee wake and rise vp againe. Our death what else is it but as a sleepe, and our resur∣rection what else but as it were an awaking againe? And as in the one it is, so in the other the mighty power of God shall be seene, when by his power hee shall raise vs vp out of the sleepe of death, and glorifie vs with himselfe in the kingdome of hi•• Father.

This then may serue vs to meet with all doubts against this point of the resurrection and glorification of our mortall and vile bodies. He which is willing hath also power to doe it, and by his power hee shall raise vs vp in the last day, and shall change our vile bodies, that they may be fashioned like vnto his glorious body. We are not therefore to doubt of it, lest so wee also denie his power; but rather wee are to comfort o•••• selues in this, that he who by his power is able to subdue all things vnto himselfe, will also by his power raise vp our bodies in the last day, and will change our vile bodies, that they may be fashioned like vnto his glorious body.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ioh. 1.3.
• * 1.2

  Col. 1.16.
• * 1.3

  Ro. 11.36.
• * 1.4

  Gal. 4.4.5.
• * 1.5

  1 Tim. 1.15
• * 1.6

  Mat. 1.21.
• * 1.7

  Joh. 5.28.29.
• * 1.8

  6.54.
• * 1.9

  2 Cor. 4.14.
• * 1.10

  Act. 17.18.
• * 1.11

  Mat. 9.25.
• * 1.12

  Luc. 7.15.
• * 1.13

  Ioh. 11.44.
• * 1.14

  Ioh. 5.28.6.54.
• * 1.15

  1 Co. 15.23.51.52.
• * 1.16

  Iob 17.14.
• * 1.17

  1 Pet. 1.24.
• * 1.18

  Luc. 16.23.
• * 1.19

  Apoc. 6.9.
• * 1.20

  Eccl. 3.19.
• * 1.21

  1 Co. 15.10.
• * 1.22

  Iob. 19.25.26.27.
• * 1.23

  Heb. 11.35.
• * 1.24

  Ioh. 5.29.
• * 1.25

  Matt. 25.
• * 1.26

  Apoc. 20.6.
• * 1.27

  Act. 3.19.
• * 1.28

  Dan. 12.3.
• * 1.29

  Matt. 17.2
• * 1.30

  1 Cor. 15.
• * 1.31

  Luk. 18.27