John Biddle's Twofold Scripture Catechism (1654)

Part 2 - Chapters 6 to 13


CHAP VI
Of Salvation by Christ

Qu. Is not Christ in Scripture called a Saviour?
A. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 2 Pet.3.18.

Qu. Is Christ our Saviour originally as of himself, or because he was given, exalted and raised up by another to be a Saviour?
A. There is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts.4.12.
Him hath God exalted to be a Prince and Savour. Acts 5.31.
Of this mans seed hath God, according to his promise, raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus, Acts13.23.

Qu. How do the Saints expect to be saved by Christ?
A. We shall be saved by his life. Rom. 5.10 .
We look for a Saviour , the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile bodies that they may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Phil 3.20,21.
 


 

CHAP V11
Of Christs Mediation

Qu. Is not Christ called the Mediator between God and men?
A. There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the main Christ Jesus. I Tim. 2.5.

Qu. Is not Christ also called the Mediator of the New Covenant? or of a better Covenant?
A. Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant. Heb 12.24.
He is the Mediator of a better covenant. Heb. 8.6.
 


 

CHAP VIII
Of Christs Prophetick Office

Qu. Is not Christ dignified as with the title of Mediator, so also with that of Prophet?
A. He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me. Acts 3.20,22.

Qu. Forasmuch as Christ was to be a Prophet like unto Moses, and Moses had this priviledge above other Prophets, that God made not himself known to him in a union, nor spake to him in a dream, but face to face, as a man speaketh to a friend, and shewed to him the similitude of the Lord, Exod. 33.11. Num. 12.6,7,8. can you cite any passage of the Scripture, which intimateth that Christ did see God, before the discharge of his Prophetick Office?
A. Every man that hath heard and learned from the Father, cometh to me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is from God, he hath seen the Father. Joh. 6.45,46.

Qu. From whence doth it appear that Christ, like to Moses, heard from God the things that he spake?
A. Ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard from God. Joh.8.40.
He that hath sent me is true, and I speak to the world those things which I have heard from him. As my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. Joh. 8.26, 28.
All things that I have heard from my Father, have I made known unto you. Joh. 15.15.
I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them. Joh. 17.8.

Qu. Can you further cite any passages to prove that Christ as a man ascended into heaven, and was there, and came from God out of heaven, before he shewed himself to the world and discharged his Prophetick Office; so that the talking of Moses with God in the person of an angel bearing the name of God, was but a shadow of Christ's talking with God?
A. No man hath ascended into heaven but he that came down from heaven, the Son of man, which is ( or, rather, was) in heaven . Joh. 3.13.
What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascending up where he was before? Joh.6.62.
I came down from heaven not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. Joh. 6.38.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven. Joh. 6.51.
Moses gave you not that bread from heaven, but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life to the world. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which cometh down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Joh. 6:32, 33, 41, 42.
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so, he that eateth me, shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven. Joh. 6.57,58.
I proceeded forth and came from God. Joh. 8.42.
Ye are from beneath, I am from above: ye are of this world, I am not of this world. Joh. 8.29.
Jesus knowing that he was come from God , and goeth to God. Joh. 13.1,3.
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now thou speakest plainly, and speakest no parable. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Joh.16.28, 29, 30.
I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them, and known surely that I came out from thee. Joh. 17.8.

Qu. Of what consequence was it, in the judgement of Christ himself, that his disciples had believed that he came out from God? what saith he?
A. The Father himself loveth you, because ye have believed that I came out from God. Joh. 16.27.

Qu. Doth not John the Baptist affirm that Christ surpassed all others, because he came down from heaven above? what saith he?
A. He that cometh from above, is above all: he that is of the earth, ( or rather, was from the earth) is earthly, ( or rather, is of the earth) and speaketh of the earth. He that cometh from heaven, is above all.
And what he had seen and heard, that he speaketh. Joh. 3.30,31,32.

Qu. You have already shewed that Christ was like unto Moses in seeing God, and hearing from him the things which he spake. But Moses exceeded all other Prophets likewise in that he onely was a law giver. Was Christ therefore like unto Moses in giving a law also? and is there any mention of his law?
A. Bear ye one anothers burthens , and so fulfil the law of Christ. Gal. 6.7.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Rom. 3.27.
The law of liberty. Jam. 2.12.
The perfect law of liberty. Jam. 1.25.

Qu. Doth not Christ then partly perfect, partly correct the law of Moses? What is the determination of Christ himself concerning this matter?
A. Ye have heard, that is was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill: and whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgement. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with this brother without a cause, shall be in danger of the judgement: and whosoever shall say unto his brother, Raka, shall be in danger of the councel : but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell-fire.
Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh upon a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement. But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced, committeth adultery.
Again, ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths. But I say unto you, Swear not at all, neither by heaven, for it is Gods throne. Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; nay, nay: for whatsoever is more then these, cometh of evil.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for any eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
And if a man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee, turn not thou away.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matth. 5.21,22,27,28, &c.

Qu. You have made it plainly to appear that the law of faith, or the new covenant, whereof Christ was the Mediator, is better then the law of works, or the old covenant, whereof Moses was the Mediator, in respect of precepts: is it also better in respect of promises?
A. He hath obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much he is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Heb. 8.6.
The law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did. Heb. 7.19.

Qu. Were those better promises of God touching eternal life and immortality hidden in the dark, and not brought to light under the law?
A. Christ Jesus hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. 2 Tim. 1.10.

Qu. Though the promises of the Gospel be better then those of the law, yet are they not (as well as those of the law) proposed under conditions of faith and perseverance therein, of holiness and obedience, of repentance, of suffering for Christ and his truth. &c ? How speaketh the Scripture hereupon?
A. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness; even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. He that believeth on him, is not condemned: but he that believeth not, is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the onely begotten son of God.
He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life: but the wrath of God abideth on him. Joh. 3.14, 15, 16, 18, 36.
Then said Jesus to the Jews that believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. Joh.8:31.
We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast to the end. Heb.3.14.
But Christ as a Son over his own house; whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence, and the rejoycing of the hope firm unto the end. Heb. 3.6.
If a man purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour. 2 Tim. 2.21
If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit mortifie the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Rom.8.13.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Act. 3.19.
Remember from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of this place, except thou repent. Rev. 2.6.
Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Rev.2.16.
If ye know these things, happie are ye if ye do them. Joh.13.17.
Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doth them., I will shew you to whom he is like. He is like a man which built a house and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock. But he that heareth, and doth not, is like a man that without a foundation built a house upon the earth. Luk.6.47,48,49.
If we suffer, we shall also raign with him: if we deny him, he will also deny us. 2 Tim. 2.12.
If children, then heirs, heirs of God and joynt -heirs of Christ: if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Rom. 8.17.


 

CHAP. IX
Of Remission of Sins by Christ

Qu. Who shall have remission of sins by Christ? What saith the Apostle Peter?
A. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him , shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10.43.

Qu. Doth not Christ himself forgive sins? What saith the Apostle Paul?
A. . As Christ forgave you,, so also do ye . Col.3.13.

Qu. When Christ forgave sins on the earth, did he forgive them as being God, or as being a man impowered by God? Likewise when he now forgiveth sins in heaven, doth he forgive them as God, or as one exalted by God to that end? Cite the Scriptures pertinent hereunto.
A. Jesus seeing their faith, saith to the sick of the palsey, Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And behold, certain of the Scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts, said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say, Arise and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins (then speaketh he to the sick of the palsey) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. And when the multitude saw it, they marvelled and glorified God, which had given such power to men Matth.9.2,3,4,5,6,7,8.
Him hath God exalted to be a Prince and Saviour, for to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel. Acts 5.31.
 


 

CHAP. X
Of Christs Kingly Office

Qu. Was not Christ Jesus to be a King? what saith the angel Gabriel to the virgin Mary concerning this?
A. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: And he shall raign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1.31,32,33.

Qu. Is Christ Jesus already invested in his kingdom . and did he after his ascension into heaven, and sitting at the right hand of God, exercise dominion and soveraigncy over men and angels? Rehearse some clear passages of the Scripture to this purpose.
A. That ye may know What is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power: Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named not onely in this world; but also in that which is to come. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the Church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.. Ephe.1.18,19,20,21,22,23.
By the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers, being made subject to him 1 Pet.3.21,22.
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness and the first-begotten of the dead, and Prince of the kings of the earth: Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God even his Father: to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Rev.1.5,6.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5.30,31.
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I overcame, and am set with my Father in his throne. Rev.3.21.
I Jesus have sent mine angel , to testifie unto you these things in the Churches. Rev.22.16.
Brother Saul, the Lord (even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest) hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy Ghost. Act. 9.17.
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. Rev. 17.14.
He was clothed with a vesture dipt in blood, and his name is called, The word of God.
And he hath on his vesture, and on his thigh a name written , King of kings, and Lord of lords. Rev 9.13,16.
All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world. Matth.28.18,19,20.
So then after the Lord had spoken to them, he was received up into heaven, and sate on the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere ; the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signes following. Mark 16.19,20

Qu. For what cause, and to what ends was Christ Jesus exalted to his kingdom?
A. He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil.2.8,9,10,11.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Acts. 5.31.

Qu. How ought men to honour the son of God Christ Jesus?
A. Even as they honour the Father. Joh. 5.23.

Qu. What danger is there in not honouring the Son?
A. He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father that sent him. Joh. 5.23.
Qu. Ought men to honour the Son as they honour the Father, because he hath the same essence with the Father, or because he hath the same judiciary power? What is the decision of the Son himself concerning this point?
A. The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgement unto the Son:
That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. Joh.5.22,23.

Qu. Did the Father give judiciary power to the Son, because he had in him the divine nature personally united to the humane , or because he was the Son of man. What is the decision of the Son himself concerning this point also?
A. He hath given him authority to execute judgement, because he is the Son of man. Joh. 5.27.

Qu. Is it the will of God that Jesus Christ should be worshipped of angels and men?
A. When he bringeth the first-begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. Heb. 1.6.
God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth. Phil.2.9,10.

Qu. Did men worship Jesus Christ before his death and resurrection? what examples thereof have you?
A. Then they that were in the ship, came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. Matth.14.33.
Jesus said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
And he said, Lord I believe: and he worshipped him. Joh.9.35,36,37,383.

Qu. Did men worship Christ after his resurrection and ascension? And what example thereof have you?
A. It came to pass while be blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven:
And they worshipped him , and returned to Jerusalem, with great joy. Luke 24.51,52.

Qu. When men ascribe glory and dominion to Christ Jesus in the Scripture, and withal intimate the ground thereof, is it because they conceive him to be very God of very God, and to have been eternally begotten out of the Divine essence, or because he gave himself to death? Let me hear how they explain themselves.
A. Unto him that hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And hath made us Kings and Priests unto God even his Father: to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Rev.1.5,6.

Qu. Are the Angels of the same opinion with the Saints, when they also ascribe glory and dominion to him ? let me hear how they also explain themselves.
A. I beheld, and heard the voice of many angels, saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain , to receive power, and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Rev.5.11,12 .

Qu. May men call upon the name of Jesus Christ? and have you examples of such as have prayed to him?
A. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy Saints at Jerusalem:
And here he hath authority from the chief priests, to binde all that call upon thy name. Acts9.13,14.
With all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Cor.1.2.
And they stoned Stephen, saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Acts. 7.59.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Rev.22.20.
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and a good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 2 Thess.3.16,17.
Now God himself even our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you. 1Thess.311.
 


 

CHAP. XI
Of Christs Priestly Office

Qu. Is not Christ Jesus a Priest?
A. We have a great high priest, Jesus the son of God, Heb.4.14.

Qu. Did not Christ take this honour to himself?
A. Christ glorified hot himself to become an high-priest : but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. Heb.5.5.

Qu. What maner of high-priest is Christ ?
A. Such an high-priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majestie in the heavens: A minister of the sanctuary, and of the tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. Heb. 8.1,2

Qu. Was not Christ a priest whilst he was on earth, namely when he died on the cross?
A. If he were on earth he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests who offer gifts according to the Law. Heb.8.4.
And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedeck there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Heb.7.15,16.

Qu. What benefit happeneth by Christs priesthood?
A. He became the author of eternal salvation, Called of God an high-priest after the order of Melchisedeck . Heb. 5.9,10 .

Qu. Unto whom is Christ, as a Priest, become the authour of eternal salvation ?
A. Unto all them that obey them. Heb. 5.9.

Qu. How can Christ save them by his priesthood?
A. He is able to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Heb 7.25.
Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. Heb.9.28

Qu. Is not the sacrifice of Christ to be reiterated, as that of the Levitical Priests? If no what is the reason thereof?
A. Every priest standeth daily ministring and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sate down at the right hand of God: from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Heb.10.11,12,13,14.

Qu. How did Christ enter into the holy place to offer himself?
A. By his own blood. Heb.9.12.

Qu. Why would God have Christ come to his priestly office by sufferings?
A. It became him, for whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. That he might be a merciful and faithful high-priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Heb 2.10,17,18.

Qu. What is the true and genuine use you would have us make of the doctrine?
A. Seeing that we have a great high-priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high-priest that cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb.4.14,15,16.
 


 

CHAP. XII
Of Christs Death

Qu. Was it the will and purpose of God that Christ should suffer the death of the cross? What saith the apostle Peter to the Jews concerning this?
A. Jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God among you, Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Act.2.22,23.

Qu. What say the disciples in general concerning the same?
A. They lift up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Of a truth against thy holy childe Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. Acts.4.24,27,28.

Qu. Did Christ die to reconcile and bring God to us, or on the contrary, to reconcile and bring us to God?
A. When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son. Rom.5.10.
He is our peace, who hath made both one. That he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. Eph.2.14,16.
God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. 2Cor.5.19.
Christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. 1Pet.3.18.

Qu. For whom did Christ die?
A. We thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead. And that he died for all, that they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose again. 2Cor.5.14,15.
There is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave himself a ransome for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Tim.2.5,6.
We see Jesus, who was made a little lower then the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour, that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Heb.2.9.
I am the living bread, which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. Joh.6.51.

Qu. What was the procuring cause of Christs death?
A. He was delivered for our offences. Rom.4.25.
He was wounded for our transgressions , he was bruised for our iniquities. Isai.53.5.
Christ died for our sins , according to the Scriptures. 1Cor.15.3.

Qu. What are the ends of Christs suffering and death, intimated by the Scripture?
A. He learned obedience by the things which he suffered. Heb.5.8.
Christ suffered for you, leaving us an example , that we should follow his steps. 1Pet.2.21.
Christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. 1 Pet.3.18.
This is my blood of the New Testament, (or, New Covenant) that is shed for many for the remission of sins. Mat.26.28.
That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death , that is, the devil; And deliver them, who through fear of death were all their life-time subject unto bondage. Heb.2.14,15.
That he might sanctifie the people with his own blood. Heb.13.12.
That whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 1 Thess.4.10.
That they which live should not henceforth live to themselves, but to him which died for them, and rose again. 2Cor.5.15.
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world. Gal.1.4.
Ye who were sometimes far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us: Having abolished in his flesh the law of commandments in ordinances for to make in himself of twain, one new man, so making peace. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. Eph.2.13,14,15,16.
It pleased the Father that in him all fulness should dwell, And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things to himself (or rather, for him) by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your minde by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled, In the body of his flesh through death. Col.1.20,21,22.
 


 

CHAP. XIII
Of the Universality of Gods Love

Qu. Those Scriptures which you have already alleadged , when I enquired for whom Christ died, intimate the universality of Gods love to men: yet forasmuch as this is a point of the greatest importance, without the knowledge and belief whereof, we cannot have any true and solid ground of coming unto God, (because if he from all eternity intended good onely to a few, and those few are not set down in the Scriptures, (which were written that we through comfort of them might have hope, Rom.15.4.) no man can certainly, yea probably infer that he is in the number of those few, the contrary being, ten thousand to one more likely) what other clear passages of Scripture have you, which shew, that God, in sending Christ, and proposing the Gospel aimed not at the salvation of a certain elect number, but of men in general?
A. God so loved the world, that he gave his onely begotten Son, that whoso ever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world, to condemn the world , but that the world through him might be saved. Joh.3.16,17.
The bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life to the world. Joh.6.33.
Now we believe, not because of thy saying, for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the world. Joh.4.4.
We have seen and do testifie , that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1Joh.4.14.
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. Joh.12.46,47.
Go ye into all the world , and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not, shall be condemned. Mark 16.15,16.
If ye continue in the faith grounded and setled , and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven, whereof I Paul am made a minister. Col.1.23.
We preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Col.1.28.
I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, WHO WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, AND TO COME UNTO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. 1 Tim.2.1,3,4.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, (as some men count slackness) but is long-suffering to us-ward, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE. 2Pet.3.9.
God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses to them. 2Cor.5.19.
We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours onely , but also for the sins of the whole world. 1Joh.2.1,2.

Qu. These texts which you have now cited, are all taken out of the New Testament; is there not a like manifestation of the universality of Gods love in the Old? How speaketh the prophet Ezekiel?
A. Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezek..33.11.
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed, and make you a new heart, and a new spirit; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. Ezek.18.31,32.

Qu. What saith Jeremiah?
A. He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. Lam.3.33.

Qu. What saith David?
A. The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion: slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all : and his tender mercies are over all his works. Psal.145.8,9.
 

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