(1.) “ Knowing that we have in ourselves.” The things which they had lost were their “ goods,” or their “ substance,” as they are called, Luke xv. 18. Unto these he opposeth the “substance ;” which of what nature 1t is he declares in comparison with those other goods. Those other “goods” were so theirs as that they were without them, things liable unto rapine and spoil,—such as they
Mire xupus.
572 AN EXPOSITION OF THE f [CHAP. x.
might be, such as they were deprived of; men could and men did take them away: But this “substance” is “in themselves,” which none could take away from them, none could spoil them of. Such is the peace and joy that our Lord Jesus Christ gives unto his church here below, John xiv. 27, xvi. 22. And if the “substance” here in- -tended be that which was “ in themselves,” in opposition unto those external “ goods,” which they might be and were deprived of ; then it is that subsistence in the soul and unto the experience of believers which faith gives unto the grace and love of God in Christ Jesus, with all the consequents of it here and for evermore, This is that which comforts believers under all their troubles; this fills them with “joy unspeakable and full of glory,” even im their sufferings. This will make them to “ take joyfully the spoiling of their goods,” when they lay it in the balance against them. In this sense yuvio- novres expresseth an assurance arising from experience, as.the word ' is often used. They knew they had it in themselves, from the power- ful experience which faith gave them of it. So the whole of it is intended and at large explained by the apostle, Rom. v. 1-5. Faith gives us justification before God, access unto him, and acceptance with him; and therewithal gives joy and rejoicing unto the soul. And this it doth in an especial manner under tribulations and suffer- ings, enabling men to “take joyfully the spoiling of their goods;” for it stirreth up all graces in such a condition unto their due exer- cise, issuing in a blessed experience of the excellency of the love of God, and of his glory in Christ, with a firm and stable hope of future _ glory. Yea, and by these things doth the Holy Ghost shed abroad the love of God in our hearts; which will give joy in any condition. And this “substance” hath both the qualifications here assigned unto
Kpirroe, it. [1.] It is xpeirrw, “ better,” “more excellent,” in-
comparably so, than the outward goods that are subject
Méivouzay. to rapine and spoil. And, [2.] It is pévovew, “ abid- ing,”—that which will not leave them in whom it is, can never be taken from them. “My joy shall no man take from you.”
Obs. X. Faith giving an experience of the excellency of the love of God in Christ, and of the grace received thereby, with its incom- parable preference above all outward, perishing things, will give joy and satisfaction in the loss of them all, upon the account - an in- -terest in these better things.
(2) If we follow the ordinary reading, and retain those wotds “in heaven,” the whole must be somewhat otherwise expounded; for it is not the grace of faith, but hope, that is expressed. And,—
[1.] That expression, “knowing in yourselves,” declares the evi- dence they had ot the grounds whereon they rejoiced in the spoiling of their goods. It was manifest and evident unto themselves. The world looked on them under another notion, They took them and
VER. 82-34. | EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 573
declared them to be persons who deserved all manner of evil in this world, and such as would perish for ever in that which is to come. So they did to Christ himself, when they reproached him with his trust in God when he was on the cross. In this case the apostle doth not direct them unto any outward defence of themselves, but only unto the uncontrollable evidence which they had in themselves of future glory. And this they had, 1st. From the promises of Christ; 2dly. From the testimony and witness of the Holy Ghost. 3dly. From the experience which they had of the beginnings and first-fruits of this glory in themselves. Faith in and by these means will give an infallible evidence of heavenly things, secure against all opposition; and in all these things it works by hope, because it re- spects things that are future.
[2.] This “substance” is said to be “in heaven.” It is there prepared, there laid up, there to be enjoyed. Where- fore it compriseth the whole of the future state of blessedness. And it is well called “substance,” as it. is also “riches,” and an “inheritance,” and a “weight of glory;” for in comparison of it, all other things temporary have no substance in them.
[3.] They are said zyev, to “have” this substance; not in pre- sent possession, but in right, title, and evidence. They knew in themselves that they had an undeniable title unto it, which none could deprive them of, but that they should cer- tainly enjoy it in the appointed season. Wherefore they are said to “have” it, lst. Because it is prepared for them in the will, plea- sure, and grace of God. “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” 2dly. Because it is purchased for them by the blood of Christ; he hath “purchased,” or “obtained eternal re- demption.” 3dly. It is promised unto them in the gospel. 4thly. It is secured for them in the intercession of Christ. 5thly. Granted unto them in the first-fruits. 6¢hly. All this is confirmed unto them by the oath of God. The first-fruits they had in possession and use, the whole in right and title; and continual application of it was made unto their souls by the hope which will not make ashamed.