PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Works of John Owen — Volume 23
John Owen · 307,706 words · 316 reading sections
Section 61
- and the church remained in a peculiar manner. But whereas they all originally sprang from Abraham, who received the promise and sign of circumcision for them all, and because they were all equally in their forefather brought into the bond of the old covenant, they are here mentioned distinctly, that none of the seed …
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VER. 9.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 119 the effectual communication of the grace of it. And in respect there- unto did the privilege of the carnal seed of Abraham lie. Obs. XI. Those who are first and most advanced as unto outward privileges, are oftentimes last and least advantaged by the grace and mercy of them.—Thus …
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The greatest and utmost mercies that God ever intended to com- municate unto the church, and to bless it withal, were enclosed’ in the new covenant. Nor doth the efficacy of the mediation of Christ extend itself beyond the verge and compass thereof; for he is only the mediator and surety of this covenant. But now God h…
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Obs. I. The grace and glory of the new covenant are much set off and manifested by the comparing of it with the old.—This is done here by God, on purpose for the illustration of it. And it is greatly made use of in this epistle; partly to prevail with us to accept of the terms thereof, and to abide faithful therein; an…
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2. Who those fathers were with whom God made this covenant, is further evident from the time, season, and circumstances of the making of it :— (1.) For the time of it, it was done év juépe, that is, éxeiv,—“in that day.” That a “day” is taken in the Scripture for an especial time and season wherein any work or duty is…
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126 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIII. [4.] All these things had respect unto and issued in that actual deliverance which God then wrought for that people. And this was the greatest mercy-which that people ever were or ever could be made partakers of, in that condition wherein they were under the old. testament. As unt…
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1. God made this covenant with the people on Sinai, in the authoritative proposition of it unto them; and thereon the people solemnly accepted of it, and took it upon themselves to observe, do, and fulfil the terms and conditions of it, Exod. xix. 8, especially 4 Obx ivéwesvecy, 128 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP, VIIT.…
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2. Take the two different senses which the words, as commonly translated, do present, and there is nothing of contradiction, or in- deed the least disagreement between them. For the words, as we have translated them in the prophet, express an aggravation of the sin of the people: “They brake my covenant, although I was…
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Now, God thus uttered his severity towards them, that they might consider how he will «deal with all those who despise, break, or neglect his covenant. ‘So,’ saith he, ‘I dealt with them; and so ‘shall I deal with others who offend in an alike manner,’ This was the issue of things with them with whom the first cove- n…
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The design of the apostle, or what is the general argument which he is in pursuit of, must still be borne in mind throughout the con- sideration of the testimonies he produceth in the confirmation of it. And this is, to prove that the Lord Christ is the mediator and surety of a better covenant than that wherein the ser…
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(1.) The word "3, used by the prophet, doth not only sig- nify a “covenant” or compact properly so called, but a free, gra- twitous promise also. Yea, sometimes it is used for such a free purpose of God with respect unto other things, which in their own nature are incapable of being obliged by any moral condition. Such…
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VER. 10-12.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 137 before another. “ Many are called, but few are chosen ;” and what hath any one that he hath not received ? [3.] He actually takes some into the grace of tne covenant whilst they are engaged in an opposition unto the outward dispen- sation of it. An example of this grace he gav…
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Obs. V. God himself, in and by his own sovereign wisdom, grace, goodness, all-sufficiency, and power, is to be considered as the only cause and author of the new covenant; or, the abolishing of the old covenant, with the introduction and establishment of the new, is an act of the mere sovereign wisdom, grace, and autho…
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This in general was the time here designed for the making and establishing of the new covenant. But we must yet further inquire into the precise time of the accomplishment of this promise. And I say, the whole of it cannot be limited unto any one season abso- lutely, as though all that was intended in God’s making of t…
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(4.) This new covenant had the complement of its making and establishment in the resurrection of Christ. For in order hereunto the old was to have its perfect end. God did not make the first covenant, and therein revive, represent, and confirm the covenant of works, with the promise annexed unto it, merely that it shou…
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But these things are not only liable unto many just exceptions, but do indeed overthrow the whole nature of the new covenant, and the text is not expounded but corrupted by them ; wherefore they must be removed out of the way. And,— 1. The exposition given can no way be accommodated unto the words, so as to grant a tr…
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(4.) It takes away that difference between this and the former covenant which it is the main scope of the apostle to prove; at least it leaves the difference to consist only in the gradual efficacy of out- ward means; which is most remote from his purpose. For there were by the old covenant means supplied to induce the…
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The first two expressions are of the same nature and tendency, “J will put my laws in their mind, and write them in their hearts.” In general it is the reparation of our nature by the restoration of the image of God in us,—that is, our sanctification —which is promised 148 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIII. in these w…
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That which is to! be put into this spiritual receptacle is in these words, Tods véuous wov, “My laws;” in the plural number. Expositors inquire what laws are here intended, whether the moral law only, or others also. But there is no need of such inquiry. There is a metonymy of the subject and _ effect in the words. It …
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Obs. VIII. The work of grace in the new covenant passeth on the whole soul, in all its faculties, powers, and affections, unto their change and renovation.—The whole was corrupted, and the whole must be renewed. ‘The image of God was originally in and upon the whole, and on the loss of it the whole was depraved. See 1 …
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(8.) God provided in the first place that there should be a media- tor, a sponsor, an undertaker, with whom alone he would treat about a new covenant, and so establish it. For there were, in the contrivance of his grace and wisdom concerning it, many things necessary unto it that could no otherwise be enacted and accom…
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VER. 10-12, | EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 155 2. The nature of this covenant relation is expressed on the one side and the other: “I will be unto them a God, and they shall be to me a people :”— (1.) On the part of God it is, “I will be unto them a God ;” or, as it is elsewhere expressed, “I will be their God.” And we mu…
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Obs. “XVIL Those whom God makes a covenant withal, are his in a peculiar manner.—And the profession hereof is that which the world principally maligneth in them, and ever did so from the be- ginning. Ver, 11. And they shall not teach every man his ret bour, and every man his brother, saying, Know ihe ord: for all shal…
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Howbeit some learned men have been so moved with this objec- tion, as to affirm that the accomplishment of this promise of the covenant belongs unto heaven, and the state of glory; for therein VER. 10-12. ] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. a bs) alone, they say, we shall have no more need of teaching in any kind. But as this …
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(1.) The first of these is, as in other places, so particularly ex- pressed, Deut. vi. 6-9, “ And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and whe…
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' which he will and doth make use of im and for the communication of the knowledge itself here promised, there is nothing intimated that is derogatory unto its use, continuance, or necessity. A suppo- sition thereof would overthrow the whole ministry of Jesus Christ himself and of his apostles, as well as the ordinary …
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2. The prophet expresseth the subject spoken of indefinitely, US yASs —“«A man his neighbour, a man his brother;” that is, any man: the apostle by the universal éxaoros, “every man;” which is also reducible unto any one,—every one that is or may be called to this work, or hath occasion or opportunity for it. For of thi…
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The distribution of them is made in a proverbial speech, “ From ‘Agd wines the least to the greatest,” used in a peculiar manner by adrév fws wee this prophet, chap. vi. 13, vii. 10, xxxi. 34, xl. 1, yerov aizer. xliv, 12. It is only once more used in the Old Testa- _ ment, and not elsewhere, Jonah iii. 5. And it may …
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(2.) The knowledge of these things is that which is promised. For notwithstanding the clear revelation of them, we abide in our- selves unable to discern them and receive them. For such a spiritual knowledge is intended as whereby the mind is renewed, being accom- Elyrousi me. 168 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIIL pa…
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to overthrow both the law and the gospel. ‘But then, on the other hand it will follow,’ they say, ‘that men are pardoned before they do believe; which is expressly contrary unto the Scripture.’ Ans. (1.) The communication and donation of faith unto us is an effect of the same grace whereby our sins are ' pardoned; an…
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ment, and manifests the equity of the sanction of the law;-—it is an unrighteous thing, Herewith the conscience of the sinner is affected, if he be convinced of sin in a due manner. The original perfection of his nature consisted in this righteousness towards God, by ren- dering his due unto him in a way of obedience. …
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that of what sort soever this promised covenant should be, yet the former was still to continue in force, obliging the church unto all the institutions of worship thereunto appertaining. Hereon depended the main controversy that the apostle had with them ; for he knew that this persuasion was destructive to the faith o…
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[3.] From the giving of this promise, God did variously by his providence break in upon and weaken its administration ; which by ‘its decaying age was rhore and more manifested. For,— 1st. Immediately after the giving of this promise, the Babylonian captivity gave a total intercision and interruption unto the whole ad…
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TQ Os@ ddFa. CHAPTER IX. Tuer general design of the apostle in these discourses is to mani- fest and prove that the old covenant made with the church at Sinai, with all the ordinances of worship and privileges thereunto belong- ing, was taken away, or ceased to be of any force in the church, Hereon did a total altera…
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Three things there were which were the glory of those administra- tions, and which the Hebrews so rested in as that they refused the gospel out of an adherence unto them: 1. The priestly office. 2. The tabernacle with all its furniture, wherein that office was exercised. 3. The duties and worship of the priests in th…
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2. His design requires that the first covenant be intended; for he is not en- gaged in a comparison between the tabernacle and the new testament, but between the o/d covenant and the new. And the words of the text, with those that follow, contain a concession of what belonged unto the old covenant, parti- cularly in th…
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\ Sa Méy ovy xai. 1 Various Reaping.—An absurd jealousy against the critical amendment of the sacred text has sometimes been imputed to our author, from his controversy with Walton. The extent to which Owen’s views have been misapprehended has been indicated in vol. xvi. of his miscellaneous works, p. 345. In this ver…
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These ordinances or statutes were so Aarps/as, “ of service;” that ney os is, aS we render it, ih divine service.” Aarpsfe is origin- ally of as large a signification as dovAe/a, and denotes any service whatever. But it is here, and constantly in the New Tes- tament, as is also the verb Aarpebw, restrained unto “ div…
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1st. The apostle, treating of the services, sacrifices, and place of worship, under the old testament, doth not instance in nor insist upon the temple, with its fabric and the order of its services, but in the tabernacle set up by Moses in the wilderness. And this he doth for the ensuing reasons :— (ist.) Because his …
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(3dly.) It was a fixed seat of all divine worship, wherein the truth and purity of it were to be preserved. Had the observation of the ordinances of divine service been left unto the memories of private persons, it would quickly have issued in all manner of foolish prac- tices, or have been utterly neglected; but God a…
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Ver. 2.— unr} yeep nareonevdodn 4 xparn, ev Te Auyvin, wold 4 rpd- Tela, nal 1 wpobeors Tay Kprav, Aris Abyercs Kylee Vulg. Lat., “tabernaculum enim factum est primum;” “the first tabernacle was made;” puinenoody: as we shall see, Syr., 722787 S727 NIDL2, “jn taber- naculo primo quod factum erat;” “in the first taberna…
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(1.) There was in it 4 Avyv/a,—“the candlestick.” The Vulgar Latin . 192 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IX. reads “candelabra,” in the plural number. Hence many disputes arise among the expositors who adhere unto that transla- tion. Some of them contend that the apostle hath re- spect unto the temple of Solomon, wherein…
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VOL. XXIII. 13 ‘H xpobeors TOY Lpray, 194 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IX. square, they appeared with many faces; that is, as many as they had sides, But they cannot evince this to have been the fashion of them, and it is absurd to imagine that they had such a name given unto them from their outward form. This is al…
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The candlestick, with its seven branches, and its perpetual light with pure oil, giving light unto all holy administrations, did re- present the fulness of spiritual light that is in Christ Jesus, and which by him is communicated unto the whole church. “In him was life; and the life was the light of men,” John i, 4. Go…
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it might as far represent it as any thing could do which is of this creation, as all these things were, verse 11. But that the Lord Christ is the only bread of life unto the church, the only spiritual food of our souls, he himself doth fully testify, John vi. 32-35. He, therefore, he alone, was represented by this “con…
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He describes this part of the tabernacle, 1. From its sitwation ; it was “after the second veil.” 2. From its name, given unto it by God himself; it was called “The holiest of all,” or “The holy of holies.” 3. From its utensils or vessels; which were, (1.) The golden censer; (2.) The ark,—what was in tt or with it: [1.…
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Obs. I. The more of Christ, by the way of representation or exhi- bition, any institutions of divine worship do contain or express, the more sacred and holy are they in their use and exercise. But,— Obs. II. It is Christ alone who in himself is really the Most Holy, the spring and fountain of all holiness unto the chu…
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That in general by incense, prayer is signified, the Scripture expressly testifieth: “ Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense,” Ps, exli. 2, And there isa fourfold resemblance between them: (1.) In that it was beaten and pounded before it was used. So doth acceptable prayer proceed from “a broken and contrit…
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Obs. VI. We are always to reckon that the efficacy and preva- lency of all our prayers depends on the incense which is in the hand of our merciful high priest.—It is offered with the prayers of the saints, Rev. viii. 4. In themselves our prayers are weak and imper- fect; it is hard to conceive how they should find acce…
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(3.) In this ark, as it was placed in the tabernacle, the apostle affirmeth that there were three things:— [1.] “The golden pot that had manna.” When the manna first xréuvos xp» tell, every one was commanded to gather an omer, for oh txovex = his own eating, Exod. xvi. 16. Hereon God appointed ae that a pot should be…
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Ver. 5.—“ And over it the cherubim of glory, shadowing the mercy-seat; of which things we cannot now speak particularly.” The apostle proceedeth in his description of the immediate ap- purtenances of the ark. He hath declared what was disposed with reference unto it, as the golden censer; what was before it, as the po…
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2. The making and frame of it is declared, Exod. xxv. 17. In the Hebrew itis called capporeth, or cipporeth, from eaphar. The verb in Kal signifies “to cover,” “to pitch over,” and thereby to cover, Gen. vi. 14.. Thence is capporeth, “a cover- ing.” But this cépporeth is rendered by our apostle iAaorgpiov, a “ propitia…
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This is a brief description of the utensils of the most holy place. The ark, which was as the heart and centre of the whole, was placed at the west end of it, with its ends towards the sides of the place, the face as unto the entrance, and the back part unto the west end. Before it was placed the pot of manna, and the …
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(2.) That the resemblance of heavenly things in them was but dark and obscure, as the apostle expressly affirms, Heb. x. 1. This both the nature of the things themselves, being earthly and carnal, with that state wherein the church was to be kept unto the ful- ness of time, did require. 2. This yet is certain and indu…
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216 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IX, as his perpetual testimony. That, therefore, which he taught the © church by and in all this, in the first place, was, that this law was to be fulfilled and accomplished, or they could have no advantage of or benefit by the covenant. (4.) This law was given unto the people with gr…
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In all these things did God instruct the church by the tabernacle, especially by this most holy place, the utensils, furniture, and services of it. And the end of them all was, to give them such a representa- tion of the mystery of his grace in Christ Jesus as was meet for the state of the church before his actual exhi…
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1. The whole scheme, frame, fashion, use, and service of the tabernacle, with all that belonged thereunto, was a mere arbitrary effect of the sovereign will and pleasure of God. Why he would by this way and by these means declare himself appeased unto the church, and that he would graciously dwell amongst them; why he …
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5. That worship which was outwardly performed in and by these © | things was full of beauty and glory, 2 Cor. iii. It was also suited to beget a due reverence of the majesty and holiness of God. It was God’s way of worship, it was God’s order; and so had characters of divine wisdom upon it. Wherefore, although the peop…
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Eig de rq devrépav. Vulg. Lat., “in secundo autem.” Syr., 12 wud mira 21, “and into the tabernacle that was within it,” or “within the other.” “Tn secundum autem,” “sed in alterum;” “ but into the second,” or “the other.” “Agwé, Syr., 7 879; which Boderus renders substantively, “unum est,” “ that inward tabernacle was…
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Yet must it be observed, that although this was the peculiar ser- vice of the priests, yet was it not their only service. Their whole sacred employment was not confined unto this their entrance into the sanctuary. There was a work committed unto them, whereon their whole service in the sanctuary did depend. This was th…
956 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.
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Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.