PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Works of John Owen — Volume 21
John Owen · 325,389 words · 316 reading sections
Section 181
VER. 11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 341 of these are exceeding dreadful and terrible to our nature as mortal, weak, and infirm. Peter knew how it is with us in all our natural principles, when he advised his Lord and Master to spare himself, as he was foretelling of his own sufferings. Here the weakness of our nature wo…
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(3.) An interest of power. Hence sin is said to have “ strongholds” in us, which are not easily cast down, But hereof I have treated i in a peculiar discourse. Secondly, Another reason of the difficulty of this work ariseth from the combined opposition that is made unto it; for as the Egyp- tians, the Canaanites, and …
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Obs. III. Again, there is a present excellency in and a present reward attending gospel faith and obedience. They are an entrance into the rest of Christ, or they give us a present interest therein. They are not only a present means of entering into future eternal rest with God, but they give us a present participatio…
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Obs. V. It is better to have an example than to be made an ex- ample of divine displeasure; yet this will befall us if we neglect the former: for,— i Obs. VI. We ought to have no expectation of escaping vengeance under the guilt of those sins which others, in a like manner guilty of, have not escaped. We are apt to f…
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Kal duinvodpevos, “et pertingens,” “et pertinget.” Syr., S289}, “ et ingredi- tur,”—* and entereth,” “reacheth unto,” “ cometh into,” “ pierceth into.” "Axps weptonov puxns re noel xvedmaros, *usque ad divisionem anime et spiri- tus.” Beza, “anime simul ac spiritus,” “ both of soul and spirit;” expressing the particle…
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350 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IV. cularly for the word of threatening. Amongst the Protestants, few judge the essential Word, or Son of God, Jesus Christ, to be in- tended. Jacobus Cappellus and Gomarus I have only met withal that are positively of that mind. Among the rest, some take it for the word of God preached…
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1. From the subject ; ‘Because the Son of God, or Christ,is nowhere in the Scripture called 6 Aéyog rod @coi, “ the Word,” or.“ Word of God,” but only in the writings of John the apostle, as in his Gospel and the Revelation. By Paul he is everywhere, and in an especial manner in this epistle, called the Son, the Son of…
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I do judge, therefore, that it is the eternal Word of God, or the person of Christ, which is the subject here spoken of, and that upon the ensuing reasons: — First, 6 Aéyos, and 6 Adyog rod @cod, “the Word,” and “the Word of God,” is the proper name of Christ in respect of his divine nature, as the eternal Son of God.…
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8. The introduction of 6 Aéyos, or “the Word,” here, is with respect unto a commination or an admonition ; for the design of it is to beget a reverence or fear in the minds of men about their de- portment in the profession of the gospel, because of the consequents of disobedience in punishment and revenge. Now the Lord…
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(2.) It is évepy%c, “powerful.” Power for operation is an act of life; and such as is the life of any thing, such is its power for ope- ration. These things, life, power, and operation, answer one another. And this power signifies actual power, power acted or exerted,—actu- ated power, or power effectual in actual oper…
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(2.) This power of the Word is described by its effects: Arixvobuevog Cages mspiowod Luis re ral wvetwaros, cpudiv re nal wrerdvr nal xpirindg tvduunceav nal évvoidv xapd/ag. The act itself intended is in the first word, d:ixvobwevog. The object of that act is doubly expressed,—[1.]} By “soul and spirit ;” [2.] ‘‘ Join…
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The last expression, xpirinds évduujocon nai évvordv xopdiag,—is a dis- cerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart,”—is plainly declarative of what is elsewhere ascribed unto him, namely, that he is xapdsyvsorns,—he that “ knoweth and searcheth the hearts of men.” This is a peculiar property of God, and is often a…
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Tidvra 8: youd na) rerpayndrvoutva. The unusual application of the word rpaynr/fowos in this place hath made work more than enough for critics. But the design of the apostle is open and plain, however the use of the word be rare, with some especial allusion. All agree that rerpaynruo- véve is as much as repavepwuéva, “…
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There are many things remaining to be observed from these words, which are both of great importance in themselves, and do also serve to the further explanation of the mind of the Holy Ghost in these words, as to what of our instruction is particularly intended in them. And from the properties that are assigned to the W…
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And this power he putteth forth by his word and Spirit; for we declared, in the opening of the words, that the effects here ascribed unto the essential Word are such as he produceth by the word preached, which is accompanied with and made effectual by the dispensation of the Spirit, Isa, lix. 21. And the power here int…
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VER. 12, 13.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 369 things secretly in our own thoughts, and to please ourselves in our own darkness; the power of Christ in the word will reach and search out all; for it “pierceth to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow.” So that,— Obs. TV. Though men may c…
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VER. 12, 13.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 371 his eye upon them. For this cause is he said to be “of quick un- derstanding in the fear of the LorD,” so as “ not to judge after the sight of his eyes, nor approve after the hearing of his ears;” that is, according to the outward appearance and representation of things, or th…
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In the foregoing verses, having greatly cautioned the Hebrews against backsliding and declension in their profession, acquainting them with the nature and danger of unbelief and the deceitfulness of sin whereby that cursed effect is produced, the apostle in these verses gives an account of the reason of his earnestness…
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(1.) Indwelling sin is fixed on as the next cause of declensions and backslidings, This the apostle in this epistle chargeth (under the names of a “root of bitterness,” of “the sin that doth so easily be- set us,” an “evil heart of unbelief,” and the like) with the guilt of this evil. And he himself declares this princ…
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[1.] This is constancy in profession in a time of danger and per- secution. The hearts of men are often seduced with vain thoughts of holding their faith and love to Christ, which they hope will save them eternally, whilst they omit that profession of them which would endanger them temporally. A duty that also shall be…
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VER. 12, 13.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 379 tion,” which are required to the maintaining of a just and due pro- fession. And against the effect of such impressions we are frequently warned in the Beraptoré. [4.] Again; these corrupt and Se tiecet us Teasonings do cover and conceal the entrances of apostasy, by proposin…
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VER. 12, 18.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 381 whilst the Bridegroom standeth at the door. There is, then, no greater evidence of an unsound heart than to be careless about the beginnings of spiritual decays in any kind. When men once lay up all their spiritual interest in retaining some kind of persuasion that in the end …
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3. Weariness of troubles and persecutions is of the same ten- dency. It opens a door to apostasy. They are for the most part VER. 12, 13.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 383 the portion of believers in this world. Nor have they cause to com- plain of their lot. They are told of it beforehand. Had they been allured on unto f…
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3. Whereunto, in the wisdom and grace of God, do these things tend, if managed aright in us and by us? There is nothing that the Scripture doth more abound in, than in giving us assurance that all the evils which we do or may undergo upon the account of Christ and his gospel, shall work effectually towards our unspeak-…
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VFR. 12, 13.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 387— testifieth a pure, unmixed, uncorrupted faith and love towards him, Where, therefore, there is any thing of sincerity, there will be a continual care about these things upon the account of the concern- ment of Christ in them. And,— 3. We may do well to remember that he so se…
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? In the original edition the word is “ sin,’—an evident } misprAa for “ grace,” or some similar word.—Ep, ; VER. 12, 13.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, 389 to be no better than a dog, Matt. xv, 27, 28. He doth not only bear his lambs in his arms, the weakest of the flock who have an ap- pearance of life, and of following …
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2. He sees and perceives the principle and actings of grace in that very sorrow and trouble wherewith the soul is even over- whelmed in an apprehension of the want of it. He knows that much of many a soul’s trouble for want of grace is from grace. There is in it the search of grace after an increase and supply. He sees…
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In these verses, then, the apostle makes a transition unto, and an entrance upon his great design. But whereas his direct scope and aim was to prevail with the Hebrews, and all others in the like con- dition with them,—that is, all professors of the gospel,—unto per- manency and stability in faith and obedience, he dot…
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Aicanrubira rovg odpavods, “that is passed into the heavens.” So our translation; in which expression the thing intended is plain, but the difficulty that is in the words is as plainly concealed, and somewhat of their proper sense and meaning. Syr., “who is ascended into heaven;” laying the emphasis upon and directing …
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"Inooty roy Tidy rod Oeod, “Jesus the Son of God.” Translations do not well express the emphasis of these words, through the interposition of the article, *Inooi» rdy Yidy,—the Son eminently, peculiarly, that Son of God; that is, the natural, only-begotten Son of the Father. And there is in the words a double designati…
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To complete our profession, yea, to constitute our émoAoy/a, there is required that we make a solemn declaration of our subjection unto the gospel in these things. And this is made two ways. (1.) By works. (2.) By words. (1.) Our profession by works, is our constant and solemn observa- tion of all Christ’s commands in…
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sion. This all who make profession do, whether they build upon’ the rock or upon the sand. And when this house is built, “the rain will descend, and the floods will come, and the winds will blow and beat upon it.” Profession will be assaulted and pressed by all manner of hazardous and dangerous oppositions. And if the…
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VOL. XXI. 26 402 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IV. this evil it is our duty to “hold fast our profession.” None doubt of it until they are under the power of the contrary evil, and are blinded or hardened thereby. And this total desertion from the gospel is twofold:—(1.) Hxpress, by an open abrenunciation of it. This w…
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404 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [ CHAP. IV. wards them. Whose heart will not the consideration hereof refresh ? whose spirit will it not revive? (2.) As our high priest, he gives us actual help and assistance in this case. The ways licnabys he doth this have been partly de- clared on chap. ii. 18; and must yet be spoken unt…
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[2.] He dealeth so likewise in reference unto our duties: for, as he “ bears the iniquity of our holy things,’ Exod. xxviii. 38, that they should not be rejected because of any sinful imperfections cleaving to them; so he adds unto them the sweet incense and per- fume of his own righteousness, Rev. viii. 3,4, which cau…
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408 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. Iv. was about a mile from Jerusalem. It was on the east side of the city, whither our Lord Jesus did often retreat for prayer and rest. It was a hill so high, that from the top of it a man might look into all the streets of Jerusalem, and into the temple. This was the last of his bodily…
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(4thly.) The disposal of his enemies is also declared, Ps. xviii. 18: “He ascended on high, he led captivity captive ;” that i is, the authors of all bondage, of all captivity in sin and misery. See the phrase explained, Judges v. 12. And this our apostle expresseth, Col. ii. 15, “ He spoiled principalities and powers,…
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Whatever other rule, dignity, or pre-eminence there would or might have been in that state amongst men, the office of priesthood would have been needless, and would not therefore have been ap- pointed; for it is not natural, but a mere institution. So are things among the angels.) ‘There is dignity and pre-eminence in …
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(1st.) Here the sacred truth of the trinity of persons in the divine nature or essence openeth itself unto the creatures. The nature, the essence, or being of God, is absolutely and numerically one. All the natural and essential properties of that being are abso- lutely and essentially the same; and all the operations …
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great a length. VERSE 15. _ But this precedent description of our high priest may be thought to include a discouragement in it in reference unto us, which may take off from all the encouragements which might be apprehended to lie in his office. For if he be in himself so great and glorious, if so exalted above the hea…
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VOL, XXI. 27 418 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IY. wards it; but, still keeping what it had before, it was carried on towards that completeness and perfection which it is capable of in this world, and which it hath received by Jesus Christ. Presently upon the giving of the first promise, God instituted some kind of wor…
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Svyrabjoos. I have showed how variously this word is translated, —“to suffer,” “to suffer with,” “to have compassion,” “to be touched with a feeling,” “to be affected with a sense,” “to condole” or “ be- wail.” The word is once more used by our apostle in this epistle, and nowhere else in the New Testament, chap. x. 34…
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Taig dobeveiors quay, “our infirmities” ’ Acéeveia, “ imbecillitas,” “ debilitas,” “infirmitas,” is used, both in the Scripture and all Greek authors, for any debility, weakness, or in- firmity, of body or mind. Frequently bodily diseases are expressed by it, as by the adjective dobevjc, and the verb dotevéw, “to be si…
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1. As it is an eminent virtue in human nature as absolutely in- nocent. So was the nature of Christ from the beginning; for therein was he “holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners.” Now, though in that blessed estate wherein we were created there was no actual object for us to exercise compassion upon or t…
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1. It issome relief to be pitied in distress. The want hereof Job com- plained of, and cried out pathetically about it: chap. xix. 21, “ Have pityupon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.” It went unto his heart, to find that his triends were not affected with a sense of his suff…
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Kark revere, Kal suoornra. Xupls amaprins. 428 ‘AN EXPOSITION OF THE - [ouap. Iv. spects unto temptation mentioned. He neither was tempted by sin, such was the holiness of his nature; nor did his temptation pro- duce any sin, such was the perfection of his obedience. And con- cerning all these things the reader may…
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430 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IV. is now by Christ removed and taken away, Gal. iv. 4-6. Christ was “made under the law,” to deliver us from the dread and bon- dage of it; whereby, also, we receive the adoption of children, and therewithal the Spirit of Christ, to treat with God with the liberty, boldness, and ingen…
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432, AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IV. the account of his undertaking for us, his appearance before God on our behalf, the atonement he hath made, we may come in his name with confidence of acceptance unto the throne of God. See Rev. iv. 2, 8, v. 6, 7; Heb. vii 25. I cannot omit one argument that is used by Primasius, …
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This sense is pious, and agreeable to the analogy of faith; for our free, gracious acceptance with God is the foundation and cause of all that grace or assistance that we are made partakers of. But,— 2. The apostle is not treating of the personal acceptance of sinners or believers in or by Christ in this place, but of…
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2. A time of persecution is such a season, yea, it may be the prin- cipal season here intended ; for hence arose the great danger of these Hebrews in the course of their profession, as our apostle declares at large, Heb. x. And this is the greatest trial that in general God exer- ciseth his church withal. In such a sea…
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Now it is easy to apprehend how great an influence these things have into our whole course of walking before God, and how much of our lives and ways is taken up with them,—either afflictions, or persecutions, or temptations, or defections from God, or signal dif- ficult duties, or changes, are continually before us, an…
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VER. 1.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 439 ries of the gospel, begun in this, and carried on in the beginning of the next chapter, verses 11-14. In the first part, the general description of a high priest is given: 1. From his original ; he is “ taken from among men.” 2, From the nature of his office; he is “ordained for m…
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This is the substance of the discourses of this chapter, considered apart by themselves, We must also inquire into their relation unto those foregoing, and the design of the apostle in them, which is twofold; for,— First, They have respect unto his general purpose and aim. And herein they contain an entrance into a fu…
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lis yap &pysepevs,—that is, Sinan 3 23 , “every chief” or “great priest.” Or as the Syriac, 82233 27 22, “ prince” or “chief of the priests.” The first mention of a high priest is Lev. xxi. 10, YHND bin 1313, “the priest that is great among his brethren.” LXX., 6 iepeds 6 uéyas ard ray ddeXpdv adrod. Jun., “sa- cerdos …
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"RE dvbpdirwv AawCavuevos, “taken from among men.” ‘This ex- pression is not part of the subject of the proposition, or descriptive merely of that which is spoken of, as if the whole should be, “ every high priest taken from among: men;”-in which way and sense they are restrictive of the subject spoken of, as containin…
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1. God gave command that he should be set apart to the office of the priesthood. “Take Aaron thy brother,” saith God to Moses, « Syn a Fim,” “ from amongst the children of Israel ” (that is, ¢ dvopdaov, “from among men”) “that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office,” Exod. xxvii. 1. This was the foundation of h…
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2. He is described from the nature of his office in general. He is “ordained for men in things pertaining to God.” There are things to be done with God on the behalf of men as sinners, and with re- 448 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [cHaP. v. spect unto sin, as is declared in the close of the verse. Hence arose the necessity o…
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Obs. VIL. Much more glorious is our privilege under the gospel, since our Lord Jesus hath taken upon him, and actually discharged, this part of his office, in offering an absolutely perfect and complete sacrifice for sin. Here is the foundation laid of all our peace and happiness. And this is now plainly proposed unto …
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1. That all real, necessary, useful conditions and qualifications of a high priest, as required in him by the law, were all of them found in Jesus Christ as our high priest, whereby he did answer and fulfil the representation and prefigurations that were made of him under the old testament. 2. That whatever did adhere…
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Merpioradsiy. 454 AN EXPOSITION OF THE ' (CHAP. v. man Moses was 78939” (apatg oédpm), “very meek above all men.” It is spoken of him with respect unto his quiet and patient bearing of exasperating provocations, when he was opposed and re- proached by Miriam. and Aaron. He was werpiradjs; but as the best in the best …
1,101 wordsSource & rights
Public-domain historical edition (1850–1870); OCR text from Internet Archive. OCR may contain scanning/transcription errors. Verify quotations against page images when precision matters.
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Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.