Moreover, we have in this matter the examples of those who have gone before us in the faith, proposed unto our imitation and for our consolation. They had that evidence and assurance of an interest in Christ which we insist upon. So our apostle declares in the name of all believers, Rom. viii. 38, 39: “Iam persuaded,” saith he, “that nothing shall separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And the rejoicing, yea, triumphant man- ner wherein he expresseth this his persuasion manifests his full satisfaction in the truth which he proposed. And so the apostle John tells us, that we both “ perceive the love of God” towards us, and that “we know that we have passed from death unto life,” 1 Epist. iii. 14, 16; both which depend on our union with Christ, and which by them is made evident and sure unto us. See Ps. xxiii. 6. Hereon
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is founded that great command, that we should “ give diligence to make our calling and election sure,” 2 Pet. i. 10; that is, unto our own souls, for in themselves they are unalterable. And if this, in the use of means, may not be effected, there were no room left for this precept or exhortation.
This is also confirmed unto us from the nature and use of the sacraments; which I know not what they think of who deny this truth. In the one of them God sets his seal unto our initiation into Christ: for it is, as circumcision was of old, the “seal of the righteousness of faith,’ Rom. iv. 11; which, as I have showed, we obtain not but by a participation of Christ and initiation into him. And therefore is there required in us the restipulation of a good con- science, to answer the testimony of God therein, 1 Pet. iii. 21. The other expressly confirms our participation of Christ, and our interest in the pardon of sins through his blood; being appointed of God as the way whereby mutually is testified his grace unto us and our faith in him. See 1 Cor. x. 16, 17. And if we may not, if we ought not, to rest assured of what God testifies unto us and sets his seal unto, it cannot but be our duty sometimes to make God a liar; for so we do when we believe not his testimony, 1 John v. 10. But to prevent any hesitation in this matter, he hath not left this under a bare testimony, but hath also confirmed it by his oath; and that to this end, that we might have “ strong consolation,”—which, without an undeceiving assurance, we cannot obtain, Heb. vi. 17. 18. Itis therefore certain that there may be, and there are, in- fallible evidences of a present participation of Christ. But yet ob- serve further, that,—
Thirdly, No grace, no sign or mark, will any longer or any further be an evidence or testimony in this matter, but only as the soul is effectually influenced unto perseverance thereby. If any grace whatever once lose its efficacy in or upon the soul, unto all such acts of obedience as are required unto constancy and persistency in our profession, it loseth all its evidencing power as to our present state and condition. For instance, faith, as unto the nature of it, and as unto its main effect, of our adherence unto Christ, may abide in us, when yet, by reason of the power of temptation or prevalency of corruptions, it may not act effectually unto spiritual experience for the constant performance of all such duties as are required unto our persistency in Christ in a due manner, nor as unto such an ab- stinence from all sin as is required thereunto. But when it doth so fail, it can no longer evidence our union with Christ, but the soul wherein it is will be left unto many disquietments and uncertain- ties. It is faith only that is effectual, by love and in universal obedience, and only as it is so, will give in this evidence. Although, therefore, perseverance is not of the essence of faith, but is a grace
156 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [ CHAP. III.
superadded thereunto, yet the evidencing power of faith in this case is taken from its efficacy towards that end, namely, as it is ex- perimentally subservient unto the power of God to preserve us unto salvation. Hence, before the completing of our perseverance, which is not to be before the full end of our course, it is the principal evi- dence of our union with Christ, in the ways and means whereby itself is continued and preserved.
Fourthly, It is an evidence of union, in that it is an effect of it; and there is a good demonstration of a cause from its proper and peculiar effect. Where an effect is produced that cannot be wrought but by such a cause, it is declared and manifested thereby; as even the magicians concluded from the miracles of Moses, that “the finger of God” was in them. Now, our constancy and perseverance, as I have showed, are an effect of our union with Christ, and from no other original can they be educed. And this doth most eminently appear in the time and case of trials and oppositions, such as was the season and condition that the Hebrews were under at present. When a believer shall consider what difficulties, distresses, and spiritual dangers he hath passed through, and been delivered from, or hath prevailed against; and withal that he hath in himself no power, strength, or wisdom, that should procure for him such a suc- cess, but rather that on the contrary he hath been often ready to faint, and to let go the “ beginning of his confidence ;” it will lead him to a discovery of those secret springs of supplies that he hath been made partaker of; which are nothing but this union with Christ, and participation of him. Besides, this perseverance is the due issue and exsurgency of grace constantly exercised, with an im- provement and growth thereby. And all growth in grace, in what kind soever it be, is an emanation from this one foundation of our union with Christ, which is therefore manifested thereby.