PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Works of John Owen — Volume 23
John Owen · 307,706 words · 316 reading sections
Section 1
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2022 with funding from Kahle/Austin Foundation https://archive.org/details/worksofjohnowend00230wen THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, D.D. EDITED BY THE REV. WILLIAM H. GOOLD, EDINBURGH. VOL. XXIII. d : Please return to Graduate Theological Uaion Library OX: é oe QVERAMVS \ JOHNST…
902 wordsSECTION 2Section 2
whole ‘course is steered by the apostle in this place’is easy for any one to observe. (2.) Because of the wmportance of the matter in hand. He is. treating of the very head of all the differences between. the law and. the gospel, between those who adhered unto Mosaical institutions and those who embraced the faith. He…
911 wordsSECTION 3Section 3
And this is the first part of this verse, or the preface of what ensues. Secondly, The second part of it, in the following words, contains the first general pre-eminence of our high priest, and that taken from his present and eternal state or condition. And there are three things considerable in the words: 1. Our rela…
902 wordsSECTION 4Section 4
(3.) That the office of the priesthood of Christ is confined unto the church, unto believers. Theirs he is, and for them alone doth he administer before God in this office. 2. There is a general denotation of this priest, as to his gualifica- tions, in the word rowtror, He doth not now say, that ‘we have an high pries…
900 wordsSECTION 5Section 5
where he sat down; and this was év def, “ at the right hand.” See the exposition hereof, chap. i. 3. [3.] This right hand is said to be rod Spdvov rhs meyarwobvys. There is frequent mention in the Scripture of the throne of God. A throne is “insigne regium,”’—an ensign of royal power. That intended by it is the manifes…
957 wordsSECTION 6Section 6
12 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIII upon the earth ;—the highest condescension of God. And whereas the acting of his power on the earth is often called his coming down from heaven, Gen. xviii: 21, Isa. lxiv. 1, how much more may this infinite condescension of the second person in assuming our nature be so called! But …
929 wordsSECTION 7Section 7
- principally exercised about. And what greater security can they have hereof than the interest and glory which this their high priest hath in heaven? 1 John ii. 1, 2. VERSE 2. The second pre-eminence of our Lord Christ as our high priest, which the apostle calls over in this summary of his discourse, is contained in…
1,125 wordsSECTION 8Section 8
Tay ayiwr. , 16 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIII. holy things. And ours place “holy things” in the margin. And the sense is true, if the signification of the word be extended unto all holy things ; for the ministration of them all is committed unto Jesus Christ. But the word hath yet a more peculiar signification. …
1,007 wordsSECTION 9Section 9
sent, which it did not the fabric of the universe, but that especial pattern which was showed unto Moses in the mount. [2.] Some, with more probability, do judge that by “‘the true ’ tabernacle,’ the universal spiritual, catholic church,” is intended; VOL, XXIII. A 18 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIII. for this is …
915 wordsSECTION 10Section 10
5thly. He is the only way and means of our approach unto God in holy worship, as the tabernacle was of old; which we have else- where declared. That alone which seems to be of any force against this interpre- tation, is, ‘That the human nature of Christ is that whereby he is the minister of this tabernacle; it cannot …
916 wordsSECTION 11Section 11
Obs. 1V. The human nature of Christ is the only true tabernacle, wherein God would dwell personally and substantially.—The dwell- ing of God with men was ever looked on as an infinite condescen- sion. So Solomon expressed it, in his prayer at the dedication of the temple, “ But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behol…
963 wordsSECTION 12Section 12
Obs. VII. It is by Christ alone that we can make our approach unto God in his worship.—aAll sacrifices of old were to be brought unto the door of the tabernacle. What was offered elsewhere was an abomination to the Lord. With the instruments, with the fire, with the incense that belonged unto the tabernacle, were they …
1,344 wordsSECTION 13Section 13
Rabicrurcs. Mapa re nat 2 Sucias. 26 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIII at their first institution, Lev. 1.2: “ Ifany one among you bring his corban unto the Lorp.” And thereon the especial kinds of offerings and sacrifices are enumerated, which in general were all “corbanim.” So every thing that is brought unto the a…
1,077 wordsSECTION 14Section 14
Tovroy. ’ = Avaynuioy. "Byely. . € D Tio xpocsviynn. 28 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIII. performed by the priests of another order. Again; if he might have done so, and accordingly had done so, our apostle manitests that his priesthood must have been ineffectual as unto the proper ends of it. For “the law could m…
908 wordsSECTION 15Section 15
Obs. VI. Whatever state or condition we are called unto, what is necessary unto that state is indispensably required of us——So are holiness and obedience required unto a state of reconciliation and ~ peace with God. VERSE 4. Ei wiv yep iv eal vis, ove? av Hy iepeds, dvrwv ray lepewv reiv xpoopepéy- TOV Hare roy yomwo…
940 wordsSECTION 16Section 16
| 2. The state and condition of his priesthood :—If he were on the earth, or had a priesthood of the same order and constitution with that of the law; if he were to have offered the same sacrifices, or of the same kind with them, which were to be perfected on the earth; if he were not to have offered himself, wherein h…
1,087 wordsSECTION 17Section 17
~ 2. Unto the second inquiry, I say the Lord Christ could not by any means take away that other priesthood, until he himself had accomplished all that ever was signified thereby, according unto God’s institution. The whole end and design of God in its institu- tion had been frustrated, if the office had ceased “ de jur…
982 wordsSECTION 18Section 18
Ver. 5.—Who serve [in sacred worship | unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, even as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount. 1. We must first consider the reading of these words, …
1,085 wordsSECTION 19Section 19
(1.) AerywariZw, which is framed of de7yuu, is but once used in the New Testament, Col. ii. 15, where we render it to “make a show;” that is, a representation of what was done. ‘Yaéderywa, the word here used, is an “ example” showing or declaring any thing in a way of instance: John xiii. 15, ‘Yxéderywu tdana iui,—<I h…
996 wordsSECTION 20Section 20
In the supper of the Lord, the church of Rome in particular is not contented that we have a representation and instituted memorial of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the signs of his body as broken and his blood as shed for us, with an exhibition of grace in - the word of promise, or the gospel; but they will ha…
903 wordsSECTION 21Section 21
accompanied withal, 1 Pet.i. 10,11. [2.] In earnest desire after the enjoyment of what they saw afar off, and which was obscurely represented unto them, Cant. ii. 17, iv. 6. From both these arose that fervent love unto,’ zeal for, and delight in those ordinances of worship, which did so lead them unto these things t…
944 wordsSECTION 22Section 22
VER. 5.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 43 There was nothing left unto them but to do and observe what he had appointed.’ And it is true; when God first reveals the way of his worship immediately from himself, as he did first by Moses, and last of all by his Son Jesus Christ, the people have nothing to do therewith, but only…
1,011 wordsSECTION 23Section 23
For the pattern itself, expositors generally agree, that on the top of the mount God caused to appear unto Moses, the form, fashion, dimensions, and utensils, of that tabernacle which he was to erect. Whether this representation were made to Moses by the way of in- MiAAwy. °*Emirensiy | | | | | | | | VER. 5.] EPIST…
908 wordsSECTION 24Section 24
Athly. That God did spiritually and mystically represent unto Moses the incarnation and mediation of Christ, with the church of the elect which was to be gathered thereby, and its spiritual © worship. And moreover, he let him know how the tabernacle and all that belonged thereunto, did represent him and them. For the t…
922 wordsSECTION 25Section 25
[3dly.|-He gave a substantial representation of the eternal idea of his wisdom and grace in the incarnation of the Son, *in whom the fulness of the Godhead dwelt substantially, and in the discharge of his work of mediation. [4thly.] An exposition of the whole is given us in the Gospel, which is God’s means of instruct…
911 wordsSECTION 26Section 26
1. The introduction of the assertion is by the panei vv) 08,— “but now.” Noy, “now,” is a note of time, of the pre- sent time. But there are instances where these adver- bial particles, thus conjoined, do not seem to denote any time or season, but are merely adversative, Rom. vi. 17; 1 Cor. v. 11, vu. 14, But even in t…
993 wordsSECTION 27Section 27
3. The general way whereby our Lord Christ came unto this ministry is expressed: Térevye,— He obtained it.” Tuyxdvw is either “sorte contingo,” “to have a lot or portion,” or to have any thing befall a man, as it were by accident ; or “assequor,” “ obtineo,” to “attain” or “obtain” any thing which before we had not. Bu…
922 wordsSECTION 28Section 28
54 AN EXPOSITION OF THE ' [CHAP. VIL. other priests, and reiterated sacrifices, which make up the worship of the church of Rome? If they rest in the ministry of Christ, why do they appoint one of their own to do the same things that he hath done,—namely, to offer sacrifice unto God ? Secondly, The proof of this asser…
911 wordsSECTION 29Section 29
(2.) That the persons entering into covenant be in such a state and condition as that it is no way convenient or morally possible that they should treat immediately with each other as to the ends of the covenant; for if they are so, a mediator to go between is altogether needless. So was it in the original covenant wit…
1,118 wordsSECTION 30Section 30
[2.] That he should procure and purchase, in a way suited unto the glory of God, the actual communication of all the good things prepared and proposed in this covenant; that is, grace and glory, 58 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP, VIII. with all that belong unto them, for them and on their behalf whose surety he was. And …
1,078 wordsSECTION 31Section 31
60 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIII. And in the following verses there are two covenants, a first and a latter, an old and a new, compared together. We must therefore consider what was that other covenant, than which this is said to be better ; for upon the determination thereof depends the right under- standing of th…
1,038 wordsSECTION 32Section 32
62 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP, VIIT. which it threatens is answered. Hence, if any man believeth not, “the wrath of God abideth on him.” For its commands and curse depending on the necessary relation between God and man, with the righteousness of God as the supreme governor of mankind, . they must be answered and fulf…
948 wordsSECTION 33Section 33
[1.] If this covenant of grace was made from the beginning, and if the Lord Christ was the mediator of it from the first, then where is the privilege of the gospel-state in opposition unto the law, by virtue of this covenant, seeing that under the law also the Lord Christ was the mediator of that covenant, which was fr…
921 wordsSECTION 34Section 34
[1.] The nature of God who maketh these covenants requireth that so it should be., It becometh his greatness and goodness, in all his voluntary transactions with his creatures; to propose that unto them wherein their advantage, their happiness and blessedness, doth consist. We inquire not how God may deal with his crea…
972 wordsSECTION 35Section 35
All this appears most evidently in the covenant. of grace, which is here said to be “established on promises;” and that on two accounts. For,— [1.] At the same time that much is required of us in the way of -duty and obedience, we are told in the Scripture, and find it by experience, that of ourselves we can do noth…
1,084 wordsSECTION 36Section 36
This entrance hath-the apostle made into his discourse of the two covenants, which he continues unto the end of the chapter. But the whole is not without its difficulties, Many things in particu- lar will occur unto us in our progress, which may be considered im their proper places. In the meantime there are some thing…
900 wordsSECTION 37Section 37
3. That by the covenant of Sinai, as properly so called, separated from its figurative relation unto the covenant of grace, none was ever eternally saved. | 4. That the use of all the institutions whereby the old covenant was administered, was to represent and direct unto Jesus Christ, and his mediation. _ These thin…
1,099 wordsSECTION 38Section 38
4. In the way of worship required under each administration. For under that which was legal, it seemed good unto God to ap- _ point a great number of outward rites, ceremonies, and observances; and these, as they were dark in their signification, as also in their use and ends, so were they, by reason of their nature, n…
1,019 wordsSECTION 39Section 39
3. Whilst the church enjoyed all the spiritual benefits of the promise, wherein the substance of the covenant of grace was con- tained, before it was confirmed and made the sole rule of worship unto the church, it was not inconsistent with the holiness and wis- dom of God to bring it under any other covenant, or prescr…
922 wordsSECTION 40Section 40
1. This covenant, called “the old covenant,” was never intended to be of itself the absolute rule and law of life and salvation unto the church, but was made with a particular design, and with respect unto particular ends. This the apostle proves undeniably in this epistle, especially in the chapter foregoing, and thos…
1,023 wordsSECTION 41Section 41
(1.) It declared the impossibility of obtaining reconciliation and peace with God any other way but by the promise. For representing the commands of the covenant of works, requiring perfect, sinless obedience, under the penalty of the curse, it convinced men that this was no way for sinners to seek for life and salvati…
902 wordsSECTION 42Section 42
the church was to walk with God; or, “ the seed” was not yet come, as the apostle here speaks, to whom the promise was made. In the meantime some order must be taken about sin and transgression, that all the order of things appointed of God might not be over- flowed by them And this was done two ways by the law:— [1.]…
969 wordsSECTION 43Section 43
[1.] That they should have a certain abiding place or country, ~ which they might freely inhabit, distinct from other nations, and under a rule or sceptre of their own. So it is said of them, that “the people should dwell alone, and not be reckoned among the nations,” Num. xxiii. 9; and “the sceptre was not to depart f…
926 wordsSECTION 44Section 44
[1.] In a multitude of precepts, hard to be understood, and diffi- cult to be observed. The present Jews reckon up six hundred and thirteen of them; about the sense of most of which they dispute endlessly among themselves. But the truth is, since the days of the Pharisees they have increased their own yoke, and made ob…
901 wordsSECTION 45Section 45
[1.] There was the renovation of the rule of the covenant of works for righteousness and life. And this they would have to be given unto them for those ends, and so sought for righteousness by the works of the law, [2.] There was ordained in it a typical representation of the way and means whereby the promise was to b…
1,088 wordsSECTION 46Section 46
3. They “differ in the manner of their promulgation and estab- lishment. There were two things remarkable that accompanied the solemn declaration of the first covenant :— (1.) The dread and terror of the outward appearance on mount Sinai, which filled all the people, yea, Moses himself, with fear and trembling, Heb. x…
902 wordsSECTION 47Section 47
6. They differ, and that principally, in the manner of their dedi- cation and sanction. This is that which gives any thing the for- mal nature of a covenant or testament. There may be a promise, there may be an agreement in general, which hath not the formal nature of a covenant, or testament,—and such was the covenant…
950 wordsSECTION 48Section 48
(4.) From the nature of the whole ministry of the law, which was the “ ministration of death” and “condemnation,” 2 Cor. iii. 7, 9; which declared the desert of every sin to be death, and denounced death unto every sinner, administering by itself no relief unto the minds and consciences of men. So was it the “ letter t…
968 wordsSECTION 49Section 49
94 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIII. that gives that conscientious fear of sin, that awe of God in all our thoughts, actions, and ways, that careful and circumspect walking, that temperance in_things lawful, that abstinence from all appear- ance of evil, wherein they judge the greatest bondage on the earth to consist.…
956 wordsSECTION 50Section 50
- effected by the ministry of angels, but the new by the immediate operation of the Holy Ghost himself. But this difference princi- pally consists herein, that under the new testament the Holy Ghost hath graciously condescended to bear the office of the comforter of the church. That this unspeakable privilege is peculi…
967 wordsSECTION 51Section 51
16. They differ in their efficacy; for the old covenant “made nothing perfect,” it)could effect none of the things it did represent, nor introduce that perfect or complete state which God had designed for the church. But this we have at large insisted on in our expo- sition of the foregoing chapter. Lastly, They diffe…
943 wordsSECTION 52Section 52
3. God dealing with them in the way of a covenant, whereunto the mutual consent of all parties covenanting is required, it was “proposed unto them for their acceptance, and they did accordingly willingly receive it, Exod. xxiv., Deut. v.; so as that they had not whereof to complain. 4, In that state of discipline wh…
1,034 wordsSECTION 53Section 53
Indeed this promise of a new covenant, diverse from that made at Sinai, or not like unto it, as the prophet speaks, is sufficient of itself to overthrow the vain pretences of the Jews wherein they are hardened to this day. The absolute perpetuity of the law and its worship,— that is, of the covenant at Sinai,—is the pr…
1,128 wordsSECTION 54Section 54
In brief, that which the apostle designeth to prove is, that the first covenant was of that constitution, that it could not accomplish the perfect administration of the grace of God unto the church, nor was ever designed unto that end; as the Jews then falsely, and their posterity still foolishly also imagine it to hav…
952 wordsSECTION 55Section 55
3. These words may be diversely distinguished and read. For, (1.) Placing the note of distinction thus, Mewpéduevos yap, Toor gc airoig reve, the sense is, “ For finding fault,” com- yi, — abccis plaining, blaming, “he saith unto them;” so that ex- 7+ Yd. pression, wzwpsuevos, “finding fault,” respects the covenant its…
1,123 wordsSECTION 56Section 56
2. The temptations which are prevalent, and which unavoidably we are exposed unto. Every age and time hath its especial temp- tations; and it is the will of God that the church should be exer- cised with them and by them. And it were easy to manifest, that 108 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIII. the darkness and ignora…
953 wordsSECTION 57Section 57
Obs. VI. The things and concernments of the new covenant are all of them objects of the best of our consideration, As such are they here proposed ; and what is spoken of the declaration of the nature of this covenant in the next verse is sufficient to confirm this observation. 3. The time is prefixed for the accomplis…
1,000 wordsSECTION 58Section 58
And this was called a “ testament” for three reasons :— [1.] Because it was confirmed by death; that is, the death of the sacrifices that were slain and offered at its solemn establishment. So saith our apostle, “The first testament was not dedicated without blood,” Heb. ix. 18. But there is more required hereunto; fo…
1,015 wordsSECTION 59Section 59
(3.) Notwithstanding the promises which they had received, yet the whole system of their worship sprang from, and related unto the covenant made at Sinai. But now God promiseth a new state of spiritual worship, relating only unto the promises of grace as brought into the form of a covenant. Obs. VIII. The new covenant…
935 wordsSECTION 60Section 60
[2.] The wisdom of tts contrivance. The making of any cove- nant to be good and useful, depends solely on the wisdom and fore- sight of them by whom it is made. Hence men do often make covenants, which they design for their good and advantage, but they are so ordered, fox want of wisdom and foresight, that they turn un…
954 wordsSource & rights
Public-domain historical edition (19th century); OCR text from Internet Archive. OCR may contain scanning/transcription errors. Verify quotations against page images when precision matters.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.