In the words there is a double supposition, of a twofold opposite state and a twofold opposite event, whose foundation is laid in the verse foregoing, The states are broorod%s on the one hand, and siorswg on the other. The events are perdition on the one hand, and saving the soul on the other. The first of these is denied, the latter affirmed, concerning these Hebrews.
1. “ We are not brocrorts sig &awreray.” Hven among them that were called in those days this twofold state was found. No small number there were who were then falling into apostasy; but they were a certain determined number which that plague should prevail against, 2 Tim. ii. 17-21,. They were “appointed to stumble at the word,” being “ of old ordained unto this condemnation ;”’—those of Israel unto whom the Lord Christ was “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence;” the reprobates among them, which were called, but not to be saved. This whole band of rovers, though in profession they were harnessed like the children of Ephraim, yet turned their backs in the day of battle. The event of this defection was “ destruction.” Gradual decays and declensions there may}be among true believers, from which they may be recovered; but those here intended are such as fall into eternal ruin. For although some respect may be had unto that woful fiery destruction that was coming upon them, in the desola- tion of the city, land, and temple, yet it is eternal ruin and destruc- tion that is principally intended, as is manifest in the episvhosis, Xt wherein it is opposed unto “the saving of the soul.”
Obs. XXIIL. The Scripture everywhere testifieth, that in the
“Yeroo roAts ry ae tis wrwAsiaoy,
VER. 37-39. ] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, 598
visible church there is a certain number of false hypocrites, whose end and lot it is to be destroyed.
Obs. XXIV. It is our duty to evidence unto our own consciences, and give evidence unto others, that. we are not of this sort or number.
Obs. XXV, Nothing can free apostates from eternal ruin.
2. That which is asserted of these believing Hebrews is, that they belonged unto another state, that had another event. This state is, that they were of “the faith;’ so our apostle useth this expression, Gal. ii. 7, 8: that is, true believers, and heirs of the promises. He there declares, that they are not only such as make profession of the faith, but such as truly and really believe;—a state of them unto whom all the promises as unto present preservation and eternal salva- tion are made in the word. ‘ Weare of that faith which is effectual unto the saving of the soul.’ Both here and in the former clause, not only the event, but the actual influence of apostasy on the one hand unto destruction, and of faith on the other to the saving of the soul, are intended ; so the preposition «i¢ doth denote. ‘Faith that _is effectual unto the acquisition of life;’ that is, to the obtaining of it as by a due means for the saving of our souls from eternal ruin, and the obtaining of eternal life, Acts xxvi. 18. For,—
Obs. XX VI. Sincere faith will carry men through all difficulties, hazards, and troubles, unto the certain enjoyment of eternal bless- edness.
END OF VOL, VI.
EDINEURGH: PRINTED BY JOHNSTONE & HUNTER,
VER. 37-39,] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 593
visible church there is a certain number of false Bopoenites, whose end and lot it is to be destroyed.
Obs. XXIV. It is our duty to evidence unto our own consciences, and give evidence unto others, that we are not of this sort or number.
Obs. XXV, Nothing can free apostates from eternal ruin.
2. That which is asserted of these believing Hebrews is, that they belonged unto another state, that had another event. This state is, that they were of “the faith;’ so our apostle useth this expression, Gal. iii. 7, 8: that is, true believers, and heirs of the promises. He there declares, that they are not only such as make profession of the
_, faith, but such as truly and really believe;—a state of them unto
whom all the promises as unto present preservation and eternal salva- tion are made in the word. ‘ Weare of that faith which is effectual unto the saving of the soul.’ Both here and in the former clause, not only the event, but the actual influence of apostasy on the one hand unto destruction, and of faith on the other to the saving of the soul, are intended ; so the preposition ¢/¢ doth denote. ‘Faith that is effectual unto the acquisition of life;’ that is, to the obtaining of it as by a due means for the saving of our souls from eternal ruin, and the obtaining of eternal life, Acts xxvi. 18. For,—
Obs. XX VI. Sincere faith will carry men through all difficulties,
hazards, and troubles, unto the certain enjoyment “of eternal bless. edness.
END OF VOL, XXIII.
EDINBURGH ; PRINTED BY JOHNSTONE & HUNTER,
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