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34. Notes

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Notes [←1] Adjunct: something added to another thing, but not an essential part of it — WHG

[←2]

Socinians were antitrinitarian, denying the distinction of persons in the Godhead. Christ was the Logos, but Socinus denied His pre-existence; He was the Word of God only in being His interpreter. Christ was miraculously begotten as a perfect man, and as the appointed mediator, but He was not God (he was a deified man). He was not conceived of the Holy Spirit, but begotten by Joseph. His death did not bring about our redemption. Adam was free from sin only as a fact (i.e. his nature did not change at the Fall). Socinus denied the doctrine of original sin entirely. There was no hell; instead, the wicked were annihilated. — WHG

[←3] The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) began in England in the late 1640’s. The "founder" of Quakerism is generally considered to be George Fox. He became convinced that it was possible to have a direct experience of Jesus Christ without the mediation of clergy. Quakers individually strive to sense a "moving of the Spirit" to direct their actions. Sometimes it causes them to quake, hence the name "Quaker." They joined with other Non-Conformist groups of the time to oppose the state-run Anglican Church of England with its formulated worship; thus Quakerism was a political movement as well as religious. — WHG

[←4]

Samuel Parker (1640-1688) Bishop of Oxford and a fierce opponent of the Dissenters. He wrote A Defence and Continuation of the Ecclesiastical Politie. London: 1671. — WHG

[←5] Necessary for relief or supply.

[←6] That is, Jerome (c.347-420), translator of the Latin Vulgate bible.

[←7] Socinus (1539-1604) rejected the divinity of Christ, the Trinity, and original sin, leading to Unitarian theology.

[←8]

Photinus was a Galatian heretic of the 4th century; anti-Trinitarian. He considered the Father and the Word one Person. The Word became the Son only at the Incarnation, not at the creation, and was only a man (Sabellian/Nestorian heresies). — WHG

[←9] In Justification by Faith (General Considerations, Our Apostasy from God), Owen describes Pelagianism this way: "Pelagianism, at its core, is determined to minimize our condition. Not apprehending the dread of our original apostasy from God, and the consequence of the total depravity of our nature, they disown any need for either Christ to satisfy our debt, or divine grace to restore us. So they renounce the main purpose of the mission both of the Son of God and of the Holy Spirit by denying the deity of the one and the personality of the other. In their view, the fall we had was not very great, and the disease we contracted is easily curable. Because there is little or no evil in our nature, it is no big deal to be freed or justified from it by our own endeavors. They suppose the efficacious grace of God is not needed at all for our sanctification and obedience." — WHG

[←10]

Ordinarily this word means moral perversion, or an impairment of virtue. But it has a very specific meaning with regard to the Gospel, and to pleasing God. It refers to the pervasive effects of Adam’s fall on our nature as human beings. It is the innate and total corruption and disabling of our heart, mind, and soul – of our will, affections, and understanding – with regard to spiritual things. Owen will exhaustively describe this depravation, this inability, as he proceeds.

[←11]

It appears God was pleased to grant another opportunity. Those very topics are addressed in this compendium. It includes a number of Dr. Owen’s later works: Book VI pub. 1677, Book VII pub. 1682, and Book VIII pub. 1693 (posthumously).

[←12] Prevented or done away with.

[←13] Or Jerome (c.347-420) translator of the Latin Vulgate Bible (from the Hebrew and Greek into common Latin).

[←14]

Owen refers to ’St Jerome’s Dream’, a painting of Orazio Borgianni, c1600. St Jerome (c. 340-420) dreamed he was in the presence of God. When asked to identify himself, he replied that he was a follower of Jesus. God told him he was a liar and that he was a Ciceronian. Jerome stopped reading Latin authors and turned his efforts to translating the Bible into Latin — WHG.

[←15] Plausible but false; based on a pretense; deceptive.

[←16]

Ephesians 1:16-19 — I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; 18 so that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, you may know what is the hope of his calling, and the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 and the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.

[←17] This is Owen’s sarcastic humor at work. He’s saying that if he were to stop making this argument just because his opponents don’t want to hear it, that won’t keep the Spirit from acting on them anyway: what’s true is true. His caustic attack continues into the next paragraph. — WHG

[←18] Chrysostom, Ambrose, and Theophylactus.

[←19] Hate coupled with disgust.

[←20] Wrestled away from; obtained by seizing forcibly or violently.

[←21] Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11; Php 2:11

[←22] Quoted from Francis Bacon (1561-1626).

[←23] Crel. de Spir. Sanc., Prolegom., pp. 29-31.

[←24] 1 Corinthians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 10:23; 2 Corinthians 8:10.

[←25] An herb that causes bitterness or sickness.

[←26] Those who were with the Lord.

[←27]

"Præsentia spirituali cum eis erat ubique futurus post ascensionem suam, et cum tota ecclesia sua in hoc mundo usque in consummationem seculi: neque enim de solis apostolis potest intelligi, ’sicut dedisti ei potestatem omnis carnis, ut onme quod dedisti ei det eis vitam æternam;’ sed ubique de omnibus quibus in eum credentibus vita æterna datur." — Aug. Tractat. 106, in Evangel. Johan.

"Munus hoc quod in Christo est — in consummationem seculi nobiscum; hoc expectationis nostræ solatium, hoc in donorum operationibus futuræ spei pignus est; hoc mentium lumen, hic splendor animorum est." — Hilar, lib. ii. 35, de Trinitat.

[←28]

"Hic est qui prophetas in ecclesia constituit, magistros erudit, linguas dirigit, vertutes et sanctitates facit, opera mirabilia gerit, discretiones spirituum porrigit, gubernationes contribuit, consilia suggerit, quæque alia sunt charismatum dona componit et digerit; et ideo ecclesiam Domino undique et in omnibus consummatam et perfectam facit." — Tertul. "He is the one who raises up prophets in the Church, instructs teachers, guides tongues, sanctifies works, performs miracles, grants discernment of spirits, provides governments, suggests counsels, and orders and arranges whatever other charismata there are; thus He consummates the Lord’s Church everywhere, and perfects all things."

[←29]

Isaiah 59:21 "As for Me," says the LORD, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, will not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants," says the LORD, "from this time and forevermore."

[←30]

"Hic est qui operatur ex aquis secundam nativitatem, semen quoddam divini generis, et consecrator cælestis nativitatis; pignus promissæ hæreditatis et quasi chirographum quoddam æternæ salutis; qui nos Dei faciat templum et nos efficiat domum, qui interpellat divinas aures pro nobis gemitibus ineloquacibus, advocationis officia, et defensionis exhibens munera, inhabitator corporibus nostris ductus, et sanctitatis effector; hic est qui inexplebiles cupiditates coercet," etc. — Novat. de Trinitat.

[←31] Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:11.

[←32] 2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

[←33]

"Omnibus quidem quæ divina sunt cum reverentia et vehementi cura opertet intendere, maxime autem his quæ de Spiritus Sancti divinitate dicuntur, præsertim cum blasphemia in eum sine venia sit; ita ut blasphemantis poena tendatur non solum in omne præsens seculum, sed etiam in futurum. Ait quippe Salvator, blasphemanti in Spiritum Sanctum non esse remissionem, ’neque in isto seculo neque in futuro:’ unde magis ac magis intendere oportet quæ Scripturarum de eo relatio sit: ne in aliquem, saltem per ignorantiam, blasphemiæ error obrepat." — Didym, de Spir. Sanc. lib. i., Interpret. Hieron.

[Didymus, from whom Owen quotes so copiously in the following pages, was a professor of theology in Alexandria, and died A.D. 396 at the age of eighty-five. He became blind when only four years old, and yet contrived to acquire great distinction for his knowledge of all the sciences of the age, and especially of theology. His treatise on the Holy Spirit was translated by Jerome into Latin, and appears among the works of that father. — Ed.]

[←34] An area in which something (or someone) acts or operates or has power or control.

[←35]

Deuteronomy 18:20 `But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’

[←36] To destroy completely, as if down to the roots.

[←37]

1 Corinthians 10:20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.

[←38]

Ἐπειδὰν γὰρ τελεταῖς τισι καὶ μαγγανείαις κατέδησε δαίμονά τις εἰς ἄνθρωπον, καὶ ἐμαντεύετο ἐκεῖνος, καὶ μαντευόμενος ἐῥῤίπτετο, καὶ ἐσπαράττετο, καὶ ἐνεγκεῖν τοῦ δαίμονος τὴν ὁρνὴν οὐκ ἠδύνατο ἀλλ’ ἔμελλε διασπώμενος οὕτως ἀπόλλυσθαι, τοῖς τὰ τοιαῦτα μαγγανεύουσι φησί.

Λύσατε λοιπὸν ἄνακτα, βροτὸς Θεὸν οὐκ ἔτι χωρεῖ. — Chrysost. in 1 Corinthians 12.

[←39]

Jeremiah 5:30 "An astonishing and horrible thing Has been committed in the land: 31 The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their own power; And My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?

[←40] Mental infirmities.

[←41] Broach: to open up a topic for discussion; but in this sense, to instigate or provoke a dispute.

[←42] An artful trick; a sly artifice so that the performance escapes detection - "sleight of hand."

[←43] Originally "fathered their prejudices," etc.

[←44]

Matthew 24:24 "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

[←45]

1 John 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

[←46]

Analogy: An inference that if things agree in some respects they probably agree in others. In this case, it requires that their doctrine be consistent with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ "according to the Scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - that it affirms Jesus is the promised Messiah, "the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world," John 1:29 - that he "came into the world to save sinners," 1 Timothy 1:5, who must "believe in the name of the Son of God," 1 John 5:13 - WHG

[←47] Not just that "Jesus" has come in the flesh, but that he is the incarnate "Christ" - "the one who was to come" Matthew 11:3.

[←48]

2 John 1:7-11 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist... 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

[←49]

Romans 9:4-5 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

[←50]

Originally "cogging," which is to weight a die so as to cheat at gambling; to trick, deceive, or "palm off" as genuine.

[←51] That is, every believer is responsible to test false prophets by this standard.

[←52]

Deuteronomy 18:20-22 ’But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ 21 "And if you say in your heart, ’How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’— 22 "when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.

[←53] Hence, "Know what you believe, and why you believe it." - WHG

[←54]

Romans 12:2 be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Php 1:10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.

[←55] That is, testing their doctrine against the word of God.

[←56]

"Under their color" is flying their flag (their colors): it means putting up a false front or facade; being an imitation.

[←57]

"Ita dico, Lucili, sacer intra nos spiritus sedet, malorum bonorumque nostrorum observator et custos: hic prout a nobis tractatus est, ita nos ipse tractat." — Senec. Ep. xli.

[←58]

"Quoniam quidam temeritate potius quam recta via etiam in superna eriguntur, et hæc de Spiritu Sancto jactitant, quæ neque in Scripturis lecta, nec a quoquam ecclesiasticorum veterum usurpata sunt, compulsi sumus creberrimæ exhortationi fratrum cedere, quæque sit nostra de eo opinio etiam Scripturarum testimoniis comprobare; ne imperitiâ tanti dogmatis, hi qui contraria opponunt decipiant eos qui sine discussione sollicita in adversariorum sententiam statim pertrahuntur." — Didym. De Spir. Sanc. lib. i.

[←59] Gainsayers: those who question the truth or validity of something; or take exception to it, just to argue the point.

[←60]

"Appellatio Spiritus Sancti, et ea quæ monstratur ex ipsa appellatione substantia, penitus ab his ignoratur, qui extra sacram Scripturam philosophantur: solummodo enim in nostratibus literis et notio ejus et vocabulum refertur tam in nobis quam in veteribus." — Didym. de Spir. Sanc. lib. i.

[←61]

Colossians 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

[←62] That is, shouted down or decried.

[←63] The Philopatris was regarded as an attack on Christianity, and attributed to Julian the Apostate (emperor 361-363). Barthold Niebuhr (19th c. German historian), ascribed it to the reign of Nicephorus Phocas (963-969), a view now generally accepted.

[←64]

"If not chastely, yet charily;" or "If it is not done virtuously, then let it be done cautiously" (with circumspection).

[←65] Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."

[←66]

John 10:32 Jesus answered them, "Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?" 33 The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God."

[←67]

Psalms 22:7 All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!" Matthew 27:42 "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him (originally Matthew 21:38-39).

[←68] That is, to be made alive: Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive [or "quickened"], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

[←69]

2 Peter 1:19-21 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; to which you do well to take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the day star arises in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy did not come in olden times by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

[←70]

Galatians 4:29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.

[←71]

Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! Isaiah 45:18 For thus says the LORD, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: "I am the LORD, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22 "Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

[←72]

Acts 2:33 "Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. John 15:26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

[←73]

2Kngs 17:13 Yet the LORD testified against Israel and against Judah, by all of His prophets, every seer, saying, "Turn from your evil ways, and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by My servants the prophets."

[←74]

John 8:24 " I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

[←75]

Matthew 16:18 "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

[←76]

1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. John 5:23 "that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

[←77]

John 16:7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 "of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 "of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 "of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

[←78]

2 Peter 1:17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

[←79]

John 3:4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?"

[←80]

John 3:11 "Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. 12 "If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.

[←81] That is, convicting them of it – their conscience is convinced or convicted of their sin.

[←82] That is, those who verbally profess their faith in Christ and consider themselves Christians. This term "professor" is neutral as to someone’s actual eternal state, which is known only to God. There are other places where Owen specifies "elect" or "believers" in contrast to professors generally.

[←83] The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chap. I, par. 6, puts it this way: "either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture."

[←84] The relation between two words that are spelled the same way but differ in meaning.

[←85] Psalms 1:4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

[←86] The trait of forgetting or ignoring your responsibilities.

[←87]

Didym. lib. 2 de Spiritu Sancto, Athanas. ad Serapion, Basil. lib. 4. contra Eunom., among the Grecians, are similarly entangled with this corruption of the text; as was Concil. Sardicen. in Socrat. lib. 2 cap. 20.

[←88] A metonymy substitutes the name of an attribute or feature for the name of the thing itself (e.g., ’they counted heads’).

[←89]

Originally "chapiter" - The upper part of a column that supports the entablature, between the column and the roof.

[←90] The word for "breath" in this verse is the Heb. neshamah, which at times is also translated "spirit." — WHG

[←91] Psalms 135:17 They have ears, but they do not hear; Nor is there any breath (ru’ach) in their mouths.

[←92] Job 19:17 My breath (ru’ach) is offensive to my wife, And I am repulsive to the children of my own body.

[←93]

Ecclesiastes 8:8 No one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, And no one has power in the day of death. Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.

[←94]

Numbers 14:24 "But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.

[←95]

1Kngs 18:12 "And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of the LORD will carry you to a place I do not know;

[←96]

"Discant (homines) Scripturæ sanctæ consuetudinem, nunquam spiritum perversum absolute, sed cum additamento aliquo spiritum nuncupari: sicut ibi, Spiritu fornicationis seducti sunt; et in Evangelio, Cum autem spiritus immundus exierit de homine; et cætera his similia." — Hieron. Comment. in Hab. cap. ii.

[←97]

"Qui Spiritum negavit, et Deum Patrem negavit et Filium; quoniam idem est Spiritus Dei, qui Spiritus Christi est," cap. 3. "Unum autem esse Spiritum nemo dubitaverit; etsi de uno Deo plerique dubitaverunt," cap. 4. — Ambros. de Spir. Sanc. lib. i.

[←98]

Ὄνομα αὐτοῦ πνεῦμα ἅγιον, πνεῦμα ἀληθείας, πνεῦμα τοῦ Θεοῦ, πνεῦμα κυρίου, πνεῦμα τοῦ Πατρὸς, πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ, καὶ οὕτω καλεῖ αὐτὸν ἡ γραφή. Μᾶλλον δὲ αὐτὸ ἑαυτὸ καὶ πνεῦμα Θεοῦ, καὶ πνεῦμα τὸ ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ. — Chrysost. de Adorand. Spir.

[←99]

Crell. Prolegom

[←100]

"Sanctificationis bonitatisque vocabulum, et ad Patrem, et ad Filium, et ad Spiritum Sanctum æquè refertur; sicut ipsa quoque appellatio Spiritus. Nam et Pater Spiritus dicitur ut ibi, Spiritus est Deus, Joan. iv. 24. Et Filius Spiritus, Dominus, inquit, Spiritus ejus, 2 Corinthians 3:17. Spiritus autem Sanctus semper Spiritus Sancti appellatione censetur; non quod ex consortio tantum nominis Spiritus cum Patre ponatur et Filio, sed quod una natura unum possideat et nomen." — Didym. de Spir. Sanc. lib. iii.

[←101]

John 4:21; John 4:24 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father... 24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

[←102]

"Multa sunt testimonia, quibus hoc evidenter ostenditur, et Patris et Filii ipsum esse Spiritum, qui in Trinitate dicitur Spiritus Sanctus. Nec ob aliud existimo ipsum proprie vocari Spiritum, cum etiam si de singulis interrogemur, non possimus non Patrem et Filium Spiritum dicere; quoniam Spiritus est Deus, id est, non Corpus est Deus sed Spiritus; hoc proprie vocari oportuit eum, qui non est unus eorum, sed in quo communitas apparet amborum." — August. Tractat. xcix. in Johan.

[←103] Appellation: identifying word(s) by which someone or something is called and classified, or distinguished from others.

[←104]

Psalms 18:15 Then the channels of the sea were seen, The foundations of the world were uncovered At Your rebuke, O LORD, At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils (ru’ach aph).

[←105]

John 3:8 "The wind (to pneuma) blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit (tou pneumatos)."

[←106]

Ἄνωθεν παρὰ Θεοῦ κατιοῦσα ἐπὶ τοὺς ἄνδρας ἁγίους δωρεὰ, ἣν πνεῦμα ἅγιον ὀνομάζουσιν οἵ ἱεροὶ προφῆται. — Justin Martyr.

[←107]

Tormenting.

[←108]

Jugurtha (c. 160-104 BC) King of Numidia (today’s Algeria); he described Rome as "a city for sale and doomed to quick destruction, if it should find a buyer." He killed the two sons of his predecessor, and enlisted Rome’s aid by bribery and intrigues.

[←109]

Daniel 4:13-17 "I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. 14 He cried aloud and said thus: ... 15 let [Nebuchadnezzar] graze with the beasts On the grass of the earth. 16 Let his heart be changed from that of a man, Let him be given the heart of a beast, And let seven times pass over him. 17 `This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.’

[←110] Perhaps referring to Junius Philargyrius, an early commentator sometime in the 5th-7th centuries.

[←111] The Codex Alexandrinus, thought by some to have been written by Thecla, a female martyr of Egypt, shortly after the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325). Samuel Tragelles (1813-1875) thought it was written in a monastery dedicated to Thecla.

[←112]

Johannes Crellius, or John Crell (1590-1633) A Socinian theologian. In 1617 Grotius published a refutation of the alleged errors of Faustus Socinus, which Crellius replied to. I assume this refers to his prologue to that work — WHG.

[←113] Judges 3:10 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel.

[←114]

Genesis 2:4 This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God (Jehovah Elohim) made the earth and the heavens...

[←115]

Referring to the hypostatic union of the Godhead (all three persons are "of the same substance") - Council of Nicea 325.

[←116] "fons et origo Trinitatis."

[←117]

Εἴπερ πνεῦμα Θεοῦ οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμίν — ἴδε πνεῦμα Θεοῦ. Εἰ δέ τις πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ οὐκ ἔχει — καὶ μὲν ἐχρῆν εἰπεῖν, εἰ δέ τις πνεῦμα Θεοῦ οὐκ ἔχει, ἀλλ’ εἷπε πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ. Εἶπε Θεοῦ πνεῦμα καὶ, ἐπήγαγε τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Εἰ δέ τις πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ οὐκ ἔχει, οὗτος οὐκ ἔστιν αὐτοῦ, ἀλλὰ τοῦτο εἷπεν, ἵνα δείξῃ ὅτι ἒν πνεῦμα, καὶ ἴσον ἐστὶν εἰπεῖν πνεῦμα Θεοῦ, καὶ πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ. — Ibid.

[←118] To twist or contort.

[←119]

Such as the ceremonial law and the temple, with their system of sacrifices. See Book IV, chap. 4. They were only shadows of Christ — the reality having come, they ended (Hebrews 8:5-8; Hebrews 10:1; Hebrews 10:5).

[←120] "Actually" is used here in its literal sense: changed by an overt act.

[←121] Matthew 28:20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;

[←122] Mutual or reciprocal.

[←123]

"In hac divini magisterii schola, Pater est qui docet et instruit; Filius qui arcana Dei nobis revelat et aperit; Spiritus Sanctus qui nos replet et imbuit. A Patre potentiam, a Filio sapientiam, a Spiritu Sancto accipimus innocentiam. Pater eligit, Filius diligit, Spiritus Sanctus conjungit et unit." — Cypr. de Baptismo Christi.

[←124]

"’Hæc autem omnia operatur unus atque idem Spiritus, dividens singulis prout vult;’ unde dicentes operatricem, et ut ita dicam, distributricem naturam Spiritus Sancti, non abducamur ab his qui dicunt, operationem et non substantiam Dei esse Spiritum Sanctum. Et ex aliis quoque plurimis locis subsistens natura demonstratur Spiritus Sancti." — Didym. de Spir. Sanc. lib. ii.

[←125]

Ἐπειδήπερ τὸ δωρούμενον τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιόν ἐστι, καλεῖται καὶ τὸ δῶρον ὁμωνύμως τῶ χαρίσματι. — Chrysost.

"Nec existimare debemus Spiritum Sanctum secundum substantias esse divisum quia multitudo bonorum dicatur — impassibilis enim et indivisibilis atque immutabilis est, sed juxta differentes efficientias et intellectus multis bonorum vocabulis nuncupatur; quia participes suos, non juxta unam eandemque virtutem communione sui donet, quippe cum ad utilitatem uniuscujusque aptus sit." — Didym. lib. i.

[←126]

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

[←127] e.g., John 12:48 "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him-- the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

[←128] Prosopopoeia: representing an abstract quality or idea as a person or creature.

[←129]

Galatians 4:8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. Romans 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.

[←130] Our adversaries prove this from Acts 20:32, Ephesians 6:10, Php 3:10, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, and they might do it from countless other places; although Acts 20:32 will not confirm what it is produced to countenance — Schlichting. de Trinitat. ad Meisner., p. 605.

[←131]

"Baptizate gentes in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. In nomine dixit, non in nominibus. Non ergo aliud nomen Patris, aliud nomen Filii, aliud nomen Spiritus Sancti, quam unus Deus." — Ambros. de Spir. Sanc. lib. i. cap. 4.

[←132] Literally, an outlandish fantasy; a concept foreign to the Faith.

[←133]

Matthew 3:16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. Luke 3:22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, "You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased." John 1:32 And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.

[←134] Owen also included here the Latin incubabat (to brood over) to convey the operation of the Spirit.

[←135]

Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.

[←136] Song of Solomon 1:15 THE BELOVED: Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes.

[←137]

Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. 3 His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; 4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.

[←138] Theodotion was a second century Hellenistic Jewish scholar who translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek (ca. 150).

[←139] The sons of Aaron who offered "strange fire" - that is, foreign fire.

[←140]

1Kngs 18:38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" 40 And Elijah said to them, "Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let one of them escape!" So they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the Brook Kishon and executed them there.

[←141]

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

[←142]

Malachi 3:2 "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire And like launderer’s soap.

[←143]

These are called "preincarnate" appearances of Christ, often signified by the name "the Angel of the Lord." Owen probably refers to his commentary on Hebrews - Exercitation X: ’Appearances of the Son of God under the old testament’ (1668), Hebrews vol.1, Works of John Owen, vol.17 (Goold, 1853).

[←144]

Owen’s sarcasm here refers back to those who reject the dove as a representation of the Spirit as a person (p. 74 above).

[←145] Thomas Goodwin — though he otherwise asserts "the deity of the Holy Ghost."

[←146]

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons; 1 Peter 1:11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 2 Peter 1:21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

[←147] In the Greek, quoted by Owen in the original, it is ὅπου ἂν ἡ ὁρμὴ τοῦ εὐθύνοντος βούληται, literally "wherever the impulse (Gr. horme) of the one steering might determine (or wish)." The ESV renders it "wherever the will of the pilot directs," which makes Owen’s point nicely: that the will is involved - and thus that the Spirit has a will, and He is therefore a person.

[←148] The word "wills" in the Greek is boulomai, the same word used in James 3:4.

[←149] That is, saying it without any basis or justification for it, in an attempt to circumvent the plain meaning of the text.

[←150]

Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

[←151]

Ephesians 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man;

[←152] Arguments over petty or irrelevant things.

[←153] Irrefragable: it cannot be refuted; it is indisputable, clearly right, incontrovertible.

[←154] "Disce, puer, virtutem ex me, verumque laborem; Fortunam ex aliis:" [Æn. xii. 435.]

[←155] In passing.

[←156]

Gr. Αφορίσατε δή μοι (Aphorisate deh moi) "Separate even to me"; "me" is personal dative singular case; hence, "to me".

[←157]

Acts 20:28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

[←158] Of sophistry: plausible but misleading.

[←159]

Leviticus 24:11 And the Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the name of the LORD and cursed; and so they brought him to Moses.

[←160] Incapable of being atoned for.

[←161]

1 Corinthians 12:6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

[←162]

Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.

[←163]

Acts 13:2; Acts 13:4 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." ...4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. Acts 20:28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

[←164] This is the Filioque, Latin for "and (from) the Son", a phrase included in some forms of the Nicene Creed (325).

[←165] In logic, it is only when causes are independent of each other that the nearest cause is determined to be the "proximate" cause of some event or effect. It is immaterial whether it is the first or last cause, or even the primary cause — it only matters whether it is the "responsible" cause. This phrase "next cause" refers to the responsible cause of something. Owen will use this phrase a number of times to identify the Spirit as the responsible cause of our salvation, and sanctification. Without Him, they are impossible.

[←166]

John 15:9 "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. Luke 19:10 "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

[←167]

Μία ἄρα καὶ ἐκ τούτων, ἡ τῆς Τρίαδος ἐνέργεια δείκνυατι. Οὐ γὰρ ὡς παρ’ ἐκάσοτυ διάφορα, καὶ διηρημένα τὰ διδόμενα σημαίνει ὁ ἀπόστολος. Ἀλλ’ ὅτι τὰ διδόμενα ἐν Τριάδι δίδοται, καὶ τὰ πάντα ἐξ ἑνὸς Θεοῦ ἐστι. — Athanasius, Epistol. [i. 31] ad Serapionem.

Μίαν ἐνέργειαν ὁρῶμεν πατρὸς καὶ υἱοῦ, καὶ ἁγίου πνεύματος. Basil. Homil. xvii., in Sanctum Baptisma. Ὧν αἱ αὐται ἐνέργειαι τούτων καὶ οὐσία μία, ἐνέργεια δὲ υἱοῦ καὶ πατρὸς μία ὡς τὸ· ποιήσωμεν ἄνθρωπον. Καὶ πάλιν· ἃ γὰρ ἄν ὁ πατὴρ ποιῇ ταῦτα καὶ ὁ υἱὸς ὁμοίως ποιεῖ. Ἄρα καὶ οὐσία μία πατρὸς καὶ υἱοῦ. — Idem advers. Eunom., lib. iv.

"Quicquid de Spiritu Sancto diximus hoc similiter de Patre et Filio communiter et indivise volumus intelligi; quia sancta et inseparabilis Trinitas nunquam aliquid se sigillatim operari noverit." — Ambrose in Symbol Apost. cap. ix.

[←168]

Πάντα τὰ θεοπρεπῶς λέγόμενα ἐπὶ τῆς ὑπερουσίου τρίαδος καθ’ ἑκάστης τῶν τριῶν ὑποστάσεων ἐξιδιοῦται καὶ ἐναρμόττεται πλὴν ἃ τὴν προαγωγὴν τούτων, ἤγουν τὴν ὑποστασικὴν γνώρισιν ἐμποιοῦνται. — Arethas, in Apocal. Commentar. cap. 1.

[←169] Official recognition or approval.

[←170] The act of taking something upon one’s self, or undertaking it.

[←171]

"Hoc non est inæqualitas substantiæ, sed ordo naturæ; non quod alter esset prior altero, sed quod alter esset ex altero." — Aug. lib. iii. contra Maxentium, cap. 14.

[←172]

Πᾶσα ἐνέργεια ἡ θεόθεν ἐπὶ τὴν κτίσιν διήκουσα, καὶ κατὰ τὰς πολυτρόπους ἐννοίας ὀνομαζομένη ἐκ πατρὸς ἀφορμᾶται, καὶ διὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ πρόεισι, καὶ ἐν τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἁγίω τελειοῦται. — Gregor. Nyssen. ad Ablabium Ἐν δὲ τῇ τούτων (ἀγγέλων) κτίσει, ἐννόησόν μοι τὴν προκαταρκτικὴν αἰτίαν τῶν γενομένων τὸν πατέρα, τὴν δημιουργικὴν τὸν υἱὸν, τὴν τελειωτικὴν τὸ πνεῦμα. — Basil. de Spir. Sanc. cap. xvi.

[←173]

Καὶ γὰρ διὰ μὲν τῆς παλαιᾶς ὡς προκαταρκτικὸν τῶν ὅλων ὁ πατὴρ πρώτως κηρύττεται. Καὶ δευτέρως δὲ ὁ υἱὸς ὡς δημιουργικὸν αἴτιον ἐμφανίζεται. Καὶ τρίτως ὡς τελειωτικὸν τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον. Τὰ τελειωτικὰ γὰρ τῶ τέλει φερωνύμως ἀναφαίνεται, τῆ προκοπῇ καὶ αὐξήσει τῶν πραγμάτων καὶ τῶν χρὸνων οἵα στέφανος ἀναῤῥήσεως ἐπὶ τοῖς ἀθλητικοῖς ἱδρῶσι κατὰ τὸ τέλος ἐναρμοζόμενος. Δὶα καὶ τὸν ἄνθρωπον πλάσας ὁ Θεὸς πρῶτον εἷτα τέλει ἐνεφύσησεν εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ πνεῦμα ζωῆς. — Jobius apud Photium, lib. cxxii. cap. 18.

[←174]

Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened. 2 Chronicles 18:18 "Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and His left.

[←175]

Jeremiah 19:13 "And the houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah shall be defiled like the place of Tophet, because of all the houses on whose roofs they have burned incense to all the host of heaven, and poured out drink offerings to other gods."

[←176]

Jeremiah 44:17 "But we will certainly do whatever has gone out of our own mouth, to burn incense to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her, as we have done, we and our fathers, our kings and our princes, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For then we had plenty of food, were well-off, and saw no trouble.

[←177]

Song of Solomon 6:10 Who is she who looks forth as the morning, Fair as the moon, Clear as the sun, Awesome as an army with banners?

[←178] This word in the original is בְּרוּחוֹ‎. To make it agree with שִּׁפְרָה, Owen must have adopted the opinion of Aben Ezra, that בְּ in the former word is redundant. Eminent critics demur to this conclusion; Simonis and others rendering the clause, "By his Spirit the heavens [are] beauty." — Ed.

[←179] Aspectable: having a pleasing and seemly appearance worthy of being looked at.

[←180] Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

[←181] See page 94 (original page number).

[←182]

Genesis 1:2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

[←183]

Originally humour. In Owen’s day it referred to one of the four fluids in the body whose balance was believed to determine the emotional and physical state of someone; more generally, it referred to an essential quality that flows and mixes like a liquid.

[←184]

2Pe 3:5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing [Gr. sunistemi: being formed together] out of water and in the water;

[←185]

Ephesians 4:24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.

[←186]

Ephesians 1:10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-- in Him.

[←187] Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

[←188] Psalms 104:30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.

[←189]

Judges 6:34 But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon; then he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites gathered behind him.

[←190]

Isaiah 45:1 "Thus says the LORD to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held-- To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: 2 `I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. 4 For Jacob My servant’s sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me.

[←191] This second part will begin at the bottom of the original page 116.

[←192]

There is an essential difference between God working powerfully in us (Colossians 1:29), and our working with God’s power.

[←193]

Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age;

[←194]

Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

[←195]

Luke 11:13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

[←196]

John 5:19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. John 5:26 "For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself,

[←197]

Ἀποστέλλεται μὲν τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον οἰκονομικῶς, ἐνεργεῖ δὲ αὐτεξουσίως. — Basil. Hom. xv. de Fide. John 16:13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

[←198] That is, both the Father and the Spirit have this end in mind: to make their love effectual to us.

[←199] Romans 4:4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace [i.e., as a gift], but as debt [something owed].

[←200]

Isaiah 55:1 "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.

[←201] This may cause confusion. If faith is required to receive the Holy Spirit as our comforter and guide, and yet faith is "an effect and fruit of the same Spirit," then how can we receive the Spirit, if we first need the Spirit to impart that faith? The short answer is that the Spirit first operates upon us, to regenerate us, Titus 3:5; so that having been born again (John 3:3) we are enabled to have faith in Christ, at which point we receive the Spirit who then operates within us - WHG.

[←202]

Matthew 7:22 "Many will say to Me in that day, ’Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 "And then I will declare to them, ’I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

[←203]

John 14:17 "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

[←204]

Originally "local mutation." The word mutation comes from the Latin for move, or change. Owen says the idea that the Spirit moves about from place to place, is inconsistent with His omnipresent nature. Therefore "sending" the Spirit means something different than physical mobility.

[←205] That is, unless the Spirit were absent in someone, there would be no need to send Him in order to give them light.

[←206]

"Etenim si de loco procedit Spiritus et ad locum transit, et ipse Pater in loco invenietur et Filius: si de loco exit quem Pater mittit aut Filius, utique de loco transiens Spiritus et progediens, et Patrem sicut corpus secundum impias interpretationes relinquere videtur et Filium. Hoc secundum eos loquor qui dicunt quod habeat Spiritus descensorium motum … Venit non de loco in locum, sed de dispositione constitutionis in salutem redemptionis." — Ambros. de Spir. Sanc. lib. i. cap. 11.

[←207]

"Quid igitur Spiritus Sancti operatione divinius, cum etiam benedictionum suarum præsulem Spiritum Deus ipse testetur, dicens, Ponam Spiritum meum super semen tuum, et benedictiones meas super filios tuos. Nulla enim potest esse plena benediction nisi per infusionem Spiritus Sancti." — Ambros. de Spir. Sanc. lib. i. cap. 7.

[←208]

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." 6 Then said I: "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth." 7 But the LORD said to me: "Do not say, ’I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.

[←209]

Maimonides (1135-1204) - considered the greatest Jewish scholar of the Middle Ages; he codified Jewish law in the Talmud.

[←210]

"Significat autem effusionis verbum largam et divitem muneris abundantiam; itaque cum unus quis alicubi aut duo Spiritum Sanctum accipiant non dicitur, ’Effundam de Spiritu meo,’ sed tunc quando in universas gentes munus Spiritus Sancti redundaverit." — Didym. de Spir. Sanc. lib. i.

[←211]

Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter (Heb. naba - pour out) dark sayings of old; Psalms 145:7 They shall utter (Heb. naba) the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness.

[←212]

Luke 4:1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

[←213]

Psalms 65:11-1 NKJ You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance. 12 They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, And the little hills rejoice on every side. 13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; The valleys also are covered with grain; They shout for joy, they also sing.

[←214]

John 1:33 "I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ’Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’

[←215]

John 7:38-39 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

[←216]

Isaiah 44:3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring;

[←217]

Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

[←218]

Isaiah 35:6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert. 7 The parched ground shall become a pool, And the thirsty land springs of water; In the habitation of jackals, where each lay, There shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

[←219]

Hebrews 6:7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;

[←220]

"Spiritus Sanctus qui a Patre et Filio procedit, nec ipse coepit; quia processio ejus continua est, et ab eo qui non coepit." — Ambros. in Symbol. Apostol., cap. 3.

"Spiritus quidem Sanctus nec ingenitus est nec genitus alicubi dicitur, ne si ingenitus diceretur sicut Pater, duo Patres in Sancta Trinitate intelligerentur; aut si genitus diceretur sicut Filius, duo itidem Filii in eadem estimarentur esse Sancta Trinitate: sed tantummodo procedere de Patre et Filio salva fide dicendum est. Qui tamen non de Patre procedit in Filium, et de Filio procedit ad sanctificandam creaturam, sicut quidam male intelligentes credendum esse putabant, sed simul de utroque procedit. Quia Pater talem genuit Filium, ut quemadmodum de se, ita et de illo quoque procedat Spiritus Sanctus." — Aug. Serm. xxxviii. de Tempore.

[←221] Like doubting Thomas (Joh 20-25-27).

[←222]

2 Corinthians 5:7. Οὐ γὰρ ἐπειδὰν πάμπαν ἀκατάληπτον τὸ Θεῖον διὰ τοῦτο που πάντως μηδόλως ζητεῖν περὶ αὐτοῦ προσῆκεν, ἀλλ’ ἐν ρᾳστώνῃ τὸν τοῦ βίου καταναλίσκειν χρόνον· κατὰ δὲ τὸ μέτρον τὸ μεριθὲν ἐκάστῳ παρὰ τοῦ κυριου, τῆς γνώσεως τὴν ἐξέτασιν φιλοπόνως ποιεῖσθαι· ὅτι μὲν ἀκατάληπτον ἀκριβῶς πεπεισμένους· ἐφ’ ὅσον δὲ χωροῦμεν διὰ τῆς θεωρίας, ἑαυτοὺς ἐκείνῳ συνάπτοντας. — Justin. Martyr. Expositio Fidei de rectâ Confess.

[←223] See Owen’s, A Brief Declaration of the Doctrine of the Trinity, 1669.

[←224]

"Nullus sine Deo, neque ullus non in Deo locus est. In coelis est, in inferno est, ultra maria est. Inest interior, excedit exterior. Itaque cum habet atque habetur, neque in aliquo ipse, neque non in omnibus est." — Hilar. lib. i. de Trinitat.

[←225]

Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

[←226] A form of punishment.

[←227] Unrestrained by convention or morality; debauched; degenerate.

[←228]

John 7:37 Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

[←229]

Isaiah 59:21 "As for Me," says the LORD, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants," says the LORD, "from this time and forevermore." Jeremiah 31:33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Jeremiah 32:39 `then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. 40 `And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. Ezekiel 11:19 "Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, 20 "that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God.

[←230]

Isaiah 40:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: "My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God "? Isaiah 49:14 But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me."

[←231] Or "animating spirits" — the instincts, inclinations, and emotions that visibily influence and guide human behavior.

[←232] Those who argue in a way that is specious or excessively subtle, and misleads others, intentionally or not.

[←233]

These initials refer to Samuel Parker, in whose "Defense and Continuation of the Ecclesiastical Polity," 1671, the sentiments to which Owen objects will be found. For an account of Parker, see vol. xiii., p. 344 of Owen’s works. — Ed.

[←234]

Ταῦτα, οἶμαι, σαφῶς παρὰ τῶν προφητῶν περὶ τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος μεμαθηκὼς Πλάτων εἰς τὸ τῆς ἀρετῆς ὄνομα μεταφέρων φαίνεται. Ὁμοίως γὰρ ὥσπερ οἱ ἱεροὶ προφῆται τὸ ἓν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα εἰς ἑπτὰ πνεύματα μερίζεσθαι φασίν, οὕτω καὶ αὐτὸς μίαν καὶ τὴν αὐτὴν ὀνομάζων ἀρετήν, ταύτην εἰς τέσσαρας ἀρετὰς μερίζεσθαι λέγει. — Justin. Martyr. ad Græc. Cohortat., [cap. xxxii.]

Aliter statuit Cyprianus seu quisquis fuit author lib. de Spir. Sanc. inter opera Cypriani. "Hic est Spiritus Sanctus quem Magi in Ægypto tertii signi ostensione convicti, cum sua defecisse præstigia faterentur, Dei digitum appellabant, et antiquis philosophis ejus intimarunt præsentiam defuisse. Et licet de Patre et Filio aliqua sensissent Platonici, Spiritus tamen tumidus et humani appetitor favoris santificationem mentis divinæ mereri non potuit, et ubi ad profunditatem sacramentorum deventum est, omnis eorum caligavit subtilitas, nec potuit infidelitas sanctitudini propinquare" — Cypr. de Spir. Sanc.

[←235]

Τῶν τοῦ ἁγίου· πνεύματος ἀξιουμένων ἐστὶ διαφορὰ, πλεῖον ἤ ἔλαττον λαμβανόντων τοῖ ἁγίου πνεύματος τῶν πιστευόντων. — Origen. Comment. in Matthæum.

[←236]

2Kng 2:9 And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me."

[←237]

Deuteronomy 21:17 "But he shall acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

[←238]

ἔχει Θεὸς ἔνδικον ὄμμα (echei Theos endikon omma).

[←239]

Exodus 31:2-6 "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4 "to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, 5 "in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. 6 "And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all who are gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you;

[←240] Isaiah 33:17 Your eyes will see the King in His beauty; They will see the land that is very far off.

[←241] John 8:56 "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad."

[←242]

Deuteronomy 3:24 `O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand, for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do anything like Your works and Your mighty deeds? 25 `I pray, let me cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, those pleasant mountains, and Lebanon.’

[←243]

Luke 10:23 Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; 24 "for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it."

[←244]

Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.

[←245]

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."

[←246]

Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,

[←247]

Luke 16:16 "The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.

[←248]

Matthew 11:11 "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist;"

[←249] In other words, the mere promise of the Seed in Genesis 3:15, required those religious duties (worship, sanctification, sacrifices, priestly intercession, etc.) which would later be codified in the Mosaic Law, and fulfilled in and by Jesus Christ. – WHG

[←250]

Genesis 20:7 "Now therefore [Abimelech], restore [Abraham’s] wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours."

[←251]

2 Peter 1:19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

[←252]

Οἳ δὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἄνθρωποι πνευματοφόροι πνεύματος ἁγίου, καὶ προφῆται γενόμενοι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐμπνευσθέντες καὶ σοφισθέντες ἐγένοντο θεοδίδακτοι, καὶ ὅσιοι καὶ δίκαιοι. — Theophil. ad Autolycum. lib. ii.

"Prophetæ voces itemque virtutes ad fidem divinitatis edebant." — Tertul. Apol. cap. xviii.

Οὐδ’ ἀνδρὸς τοῦτο ποιεῖν, ἢ σοφοῦ τινος καὶ θείου; ἢ θεὸς ἂν ἔχοι φαίη τις ἂν, τοῦτο τὸ γέρας. Καὶ γὰρ οὐ τοῦ μάντεως, τό διότι, ἀλλὰ τὸ ὅτι μόνον εἰποῦ. — Plotin. Ennead. iii. lib. 3.

[←253]

Numbers 11:17 "Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.

[←254] Owen assumes Hebrews was written by Paul, which many scholars today might dispute.

[←255] Job 33:23 "If there is a messenger for him, A mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness...

[←256]

Heb. רֹאֶה ra’ah (OT:07200), as in 1Sa 9:9; and חֹזֶה chozeh (OT:02374), as in 1Ch 29:29.

[←257]

Numbers 12:6 Then He said, "Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. 7 Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. 8 I speak with him face to face, Even plainly, and not in dark sayings; And he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant Moses?"

[←258]

Owen is distinguishing here the extraordinary gift of prophecy, from the ordinary gift, which he just desribed. Today prophesy is often used with its ordinary meaning, which is to proclaim the words of God as recorded in Scripture (see Nehemiah 8:5-9).

[←259]

"Sed et hoc notandum ex eo quod dixerat; ut videam quid loquatur, in me; prophetiam visionem et eloquium Dei non extrinsecus ad prophetas fieri, sed intrinsecus et interiori homini respondere. Unde et Zacharias, et angelus inquit, qui loquebatur in me." — Hieron. Comment. in Hab cap. ii

[←260]

2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness...

[←261]

Daniel 7:15 "I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. Daniel 7:28 "...my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart." Daniel 8:27 And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it. Habakkuk 3:16 When I heard, my body trembled; My lips quivered at the voice; Rottenness entered my bones; And I trembled in myself, That I might rest in the day of trouble. When he comes up to the people, He will invade them with his troops. Isaiah 21:2 A distressing vision is declared to me; The treacherous dealer deals treacherously, And the plunderer plunders. Go up, O Elam! Besiege, O Media! All its sighing I have made to cease. 3 Therefore my loins are filled with pain; Pangs have taken hold of me, like the pangs of a woman in labor. I was distressed when I heard it; I was dismayed when I saw it. 4 My heart wavered, fearfulness frightened me; The night for which I longed He turned into fear for me.

[←262] And because the ancients contend, against the Ebionites, Marcionites, and Montanists, (as Epiphanius, Advers. Hæres. lib. ii. tom. 1; Hæres. xlviii.; Hieron. Prooem. Comment. in Isa.,) that the prophets were not used ecstatically, but understood the things that were spoken to them, they did not intend that they had, by virtue of their inspiration, a full comprehension of the whole sense of the revelations made unto them, but only that they were not in or by prophecy deprived of the use of their intellectual faculties, as it befell satanical enthusiasts. Ταῦτα γὰρ ἀληθῶς προφητῶν ἐν ἁγίω πνεύματι, ἐρρωμένην ἐχόντων τὴν διάνοιαν καὶ τὴν διδασκαλίαν καὶ τὴν διαλογίαν, as Epiphanius speaks. Wherefore, upon these words of Austin, "Per quosdam scientes, per quosdam nescientes, id quod ex adventu Christi usque nunc et deinceps agitur prænunciaretur esse venturum," de Civitat. Dei, lib. vii. cap. 32, one well adds, "Prophetæ nec omnes sua vaticinia intelligebant, nec qui intelligebant omnia intelligebant; non enim ex se loquebantur sed ex superiore Dei afflatu; cujus consilia non onmia eis erant manifesta; utebaturque Deus illis non velut consultis futurorum, sed instrumentis quibus homines alloqueretur."

[←263]

1Pe 1:10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

[←264]

Daniel 12:8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, "My lord, what shall be the end of these things?" 9 And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

[←265]

Jeremiah 23:28 "The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; And he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat?" says the LORD.

[←266] Excessively agitated; distraught with fear or other violent emotion.

[←267]

1Ch 28:12 and the plans for all that he had by the Spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, of all the chambers all around, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries for the dedicated things;

[←268]

"Nec aer voce pulsatus ad aures eorum perveniebat, sed Deus loquebatur in animo prophetarum." — Hieron. Prooem., in lib. i. Comment. in Isa.

[←269]

Πνεῦμα δὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ πατὰ πᾶσιν μὲν οὐκ ἔστιν. Παρὰ δέ τισι τοῖς δικαίοις πολιτευομένοις καταγομένον, καὶ συμπλεκόμενον τῇ ψυχῇ, διὰ προαγορεύσεων ταῖς λοιπαῖς ψυχαῖς τὸ κεκρυμμένον ἀνήγγειλε. — Tatian. Assyr. Contra. Græcos.

[←270]

"Sunt autem multa genera prophetandi, quorum unum est somniorum quale fuit in Daniele." — Hieron. in Hieremian, cap. 23.

[←271]

Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."

[←272] Vaticination: Knowledge of the future said to be obtained from a divine source.

[←273]

Isaiah 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!" 4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.

[←274]

Jeremiah 23:33; Jeremiah 23:36 And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, asks you, What is the burden of the LORD? you will then say to them, What burden? I will even forsake you, says the LORD...36 And you will mention the burden of the LORD no more: for every man’s word will be his burden; for you have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.

[←275]

Habakkuk 1:1 The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw. Zechariah 9:1 The burden of the word of the LORD Against the land of Hadrach, And Damascus... Malachi 1:1 The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

[←276]

Exodus 19:18 Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.

[←277]

Ezekiel 24:19 And the people said to me, "Will you not tell us what these things signify to us, that you behave so?"

[←278]

Ezekiel 8:3 He stretched out the form of a hand, and took me by a lock of my hair; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven, and brought me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the north gate of the inner court, where the seat of the image of jealousy was, which provokes to jealousy. Ezekiel 11:24 Then the Spirit took me up and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to those in captivity. And the vision that I had seen went up from me.

[←279] Hebrews 1:1 God... at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets;

[←280]

"Prophetæ erant Baal, et prophetæ confusionis, et alii offensionum, et quoscunque vitiosos prophetas Scriptura commemorat." — Hieron. Comment. in Epist. ad Titum. cap. i.

[←281]

Ζητήσεις δὲ εἰ πάντες, εἴ τις προφητεύει, ἐκ πνεύματος ἁγίου προφητεύει; πῶς δὲ οὐ ζητήσεως ἄξιόν ἐστιν, εἴγε Δαβὶδ μετὰ τὴν ἐπὶ τοῦ Οὐρίου ἁμαρτίαν εὐλαβούμενος ἀφαιρεθῆναι ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ τὸ ἅγιον πνεῦμά φησι. Τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον σου μὴ ἀντανέλῃς ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ … Οὕτω δὲ ζητήσεως ἄξιόν ἐστι τὸ περὶ τοῦ αγίου πνεύματος εί δύναται εἷναι καὶ ἐν ἀμαρτωλῷ ψυχῇ — Origen. Commentar. in Johan. tom. 30.

"Prophetiæ mysterio usi sunt etiam qui exorbitaverant a vera religione, quia et illis dedit Deus verbum suum ut mysteria futura pronunciarent hominibus." — Hieron. Comment. in Job. cap. xxxiii.

"Nam et prophetare et dæmonia excludere et virtutes magnas in terris facere sublimis utique et admirabilis res est, non tamen regnum coeleste consequitur quisquis in his omnibus invenitur, nisi recti et justi itineris observatione gradiatur." — Cyprian. de Unitat. Ecclesiæ.

[←282]

Isaiah 41:22 "Let them bring forth and show us what will happen; Let them show the former things, what they were, That we may consider them, And know the latter end of them; Or declare to us things to come. 23 Show the things that are to come hereafter, That we may know that you are gods; Yes, do good or do evil, That we may be dismayed and see it together.

[←283] As with Abimilech’s dream about Abraham’s wife (Genesis 20:3 ff); or Pharaoh’s dream, interpreted by Joseph (Genesis 41:1 ff).

[←284]

John 11:51 Now he did not say this on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation;

[←285]

Εἴ τις μὲν οὖν Προφήτης ἐστὶ πάντως προφητεύει· εἰ δέ τις προφητεύει οὐ πάντως ἐστὶ Προφήτης … Ἐκ δὲ τῶν περὶ τὸν Καϊάφαν ἀναγεγραμμένων, προφητέυσαντα περὶ τοῦ σωτῆρος, ἔστιν ὅτι καὶ μοχθηρὰ ψυχὴ ἐπιδέχεται τοτὲ τὸ προφητεύειν. — Origen. Comment. in Johan. sect. 30.

[←286]

Alonso Tostado (ca. 1400–1455) Latin Tostatus Abulensis ("Tostado from Ávila"); a Spanish exegete and bishop of Ávila.

[←287]

KJV Isaiah 3:2 The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent [diviner], and the elder...

[←288] In ancient Greece, a woman who was regarded as an oracle or prophet, at Delphi for example.

[←289]

Augustine, City of God: "In this way, too, the kingdom of Saul himself, who certainly was reprobated and rejected, was the shadow of a kingdom yet to come which should remain to eternity. For, indeed, the oil with which he was anointed, and from that chrism he is called Christ, is to be taken in a mystical sense, and is to be understood as a great mystery; which David himself venerated so much in him, that he trembled with stricken heart when, being hid in a dark cave, which Saul also entered when pressed by the necessity of nature, he had come secretly behind him and cut off a small piece of his robe, that he might be able to prove how he had spared him when he could have killed him, and might thus remove from his mind the suspicion through which he had vehemently persecuted the holy David, thinking him his enemy. Therefore he was much afraid lest he be accused of violating so great a mystery in Saul, because he had thus meddled even with his clothes. For thus it is written: "And David was heart-stricken because he had taken away the skirt of his cloak." But to the men with him, who advised him to destroy Saul thus delivered up into his hands, he says, "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s Christ, to lay my hand upon him, because he is the Lord’s Christ." Therefore he showed so great a reverence to this shadow of what was to come, not for its own sake, but for the sake of what it prefigured." — from Philip Schaff’s Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series I, vol. 2, book 17, ch.6.

[←290]

1 Chronicles 28:19 "All this ...the LORD made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans."

[←291]

Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 36:18 : Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah; and Baruch wrote on a scroll of a book, at the instruction of Jeremiah, all the words of the LORD which He had spoken to him... 18 So Baruch answered them, "He proclaimed with his mouth all these words to me, and I wrote them with ink in the book."

[←292] See John Owen, The Divine Original of the Scripture, 1659, Works of John Owen, vol. 16.

[←293]

Genesis 17:5 "No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. — Abram: אַבְרָם (exalted father); Abraham: אַבְרָהָם (father of multitudes).

[←294]

Matthew 5:18 "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

[←295]

See his treatises on "The Divine Original of the Scriptures," "Vindication of Greek and Hebrew Texts," and "Exercitationes adversus Fanaticos," vol. xvi. of his works. — Ed.

[←296] That is, a direct cause, as opposed to an indirect, secondary, or "mediate" cause.

[←297]

Matthew 12:24-28 Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, "This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons." 25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 "If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 "And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.

[←298]

Acts 3:12; Acts 3:16 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ...16 "[Christ’s] name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

[←299]

Joshua 10:12 Then Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: "Sun, stand still over Gibeon; And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon."

[←300]

Joshua 10:14 And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel.

[←301]

Habakkuk 3:11 The sun and moon stood still in their habitation; At the light of Your arrows they went, At the shining of Your glittering spear.

[←302]

. A Greek scholar and exegete of the Hebrew texts. He translated his grandfather’s book of wisdom, Ecclesiasticus (or Sirach) from Hebrew into Greek, c. 169 BC.

[←303] Putid: rotten; fetid; stinking; base; worthless.

[←304]

John 5:36 "But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works [i.e., signs or miracles] which the Father has given Me to finish-- the very works that I do-- bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. John 10:24-25 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.

[←305] Marked by care and persistent effort.

[←306] The term elohiym is also translated "judges" (Exodus 21:6).

[←307]

John 10:34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, ’I said, "You are gods "’? 35 "If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36 "do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ’You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ’I am the Son of God ’? Psalms 82:6 I said, "You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High."

[←308]

Hosea 7:3 They make a king glad with their wickedness, And princes with their lies. 4 "They are all adulterers. Like an oven heated by a baker-- He ceases stirring the fire after kneading the dough, Until it is leavened. 5 In the day of our king Princes have made him sick, inflamed with wine; He stretched out his hand with scoffers.

[←309]

They credit it to their own labors: like a fisherman dragging his nets, who gives no credit to God for the fish he has caught.

[←310]

Judges 6:34 But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon; "came upon" is the Heb. labesh (OT:03847), to clothe.

[←311]

Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." [either referring to the lifespan of men, or to the time remaining until the flood]. 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by Whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

[←312]

Romans 16:26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith; 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

[←313]

Pedagogy means the activities of educating or instructing a child to adulthood, or the activities that impart knowledge or skill. Here it refers to the ceremonial law which continued with its priesthood and temple sacrifices, until Christ appeared. Yet what was contained in the law were but shadows of the Christ to come, and having come, the shadows were no longer needed. Galatians 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor [Gr. paidagogos, or ’pedagogue’] to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Hebrews 10:9 then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second.

[←314]

Isaiah 35:6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert. Isaiah 44:3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring; Joel 2:28 "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. Ezekiel 11:19 "Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh; Ezekiel 36:27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

[←315] Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6.

[←316]

Luke 11:9-13 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 "Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

[←317]

Matthew 7:11 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

[←318]

Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, Ephesians 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man; Colossians 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

[←319]

John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- 17 "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

[←320]

Hebrews 9:15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.

[←321] 2 Corinthians 1:22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

[←322]

John 16:7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16:13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

[←323] Here effectually means having legal efficacy or force; "authoritatively."

[←324]

Hosea 4:12 My people ask counsel from their wooden idols, And their staff informs them. For the spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray, And they have played the harlot against their God.

[←325]

"Gratias ago tibi clementissime Deus, quis quod quæsivi mane prior ipse donasti." — Cypr. de Baptism. Christi.

[←326]

Hebrews 1:1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; Ephesians 1:9-10 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth – in Him.

[←327]

2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

[←328]

Ephesians 3:8-11 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord; 1 Peter 1:10-12 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-- things which angels desire to look into.

[←329]

Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

[←330] John of Damascus (c. 675-749), an elder of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

[←331] Predication: (logic) a declaration of something self-evident; something that can be assumed as the basis for argument.

[←332]

Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

[←333]

Δῆλόν ἐστιν ὅτι καὶ τὴν τοῦ παντὸς τέλους ὥραν ὡς μὲν λόγος γινώσκει, ὡς δὲ ἄνθρωπος ἀγνοεῖ. Ἀνθρώπου γὰρ ἴδιον τὸ ἀγνοεῖν, καὶ μάλιστα ταῦτα. Ἀλλὰ καὶ τοῦτο τῆς φιλανθρωπίας ἴδιον τοῦ σωτῆρος. Ἐπειδὴ γὰρ γέγονεν ἄνθρωπος, οὐκ ἐπῃσχύνετο διὰ τὴν σάρκα τὴν ἀγνοοῦσαν εἰπεῖν, οὐκ οἷδα. Ἵνα δείξῃ ὅτι εἰδὼς ὡς θεὸς ἀγνοεῖ σαρκικῶς. — Athanas. Orat. iv. ad Arian.

Ἀγνοεῖ τοίνυν κατὰ τὸ σχῆμα τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος, ὁ γινώσκων τὰ πάντα κατὰ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς θεότητος. — Chrysost. tom. vii. serm. 117.

Πλὴν ἰστέον, ὅτι οἱ πολλοὶ τῶν πατέρων, σχεδὸν δὲ πάντες, φαίνονται λέγοντες αὐτὸν ἀγνοειν. Εἰ γὰρ κατὰ πάντα λέγεται ἡμῖν ὁμοούσιος, ἀγνοοῦμεν δὲ καὶ ἡμεῖς, δῆλον ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ἠγνόει. — Leontius Byzantinus, de Sectis.

[←334]

Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants-- things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John;

[←335]

Advanced is a verb here, not an adjective. Owen is saying that we may not perfectly understand how the divine properties are expressed beside Christ’s human nature, but however it is done, his human nature is not their subject. Hence Christ is fully man and fullyGod, without any admixture or diminution of either nature.

[←336] Opera Trinitatis ad extra sunt indivisa.

[←337]

"Maximum in totâ creaturâ testimonium de divinitate Spiritus Sancti corpus Domini est; quod ex Spiritu Sancto esse creditor secundum evangelistam, Mat i., sicut angelus ad Josephum dicit, Quod in ea natum est de Spiritu Sancto est." — Athanas. De Fid. Un. et Trin.

"Creatrix virtus altissimi, superveniente Spiritu Sancto in virginem Mariam, Christi corpus fabricavit; quo ille usus templo sine viri natus est semine" — Didym. de Spir. Sanc. lib. ii.

[←338] A figure of speech: using the name of a part for that of the whole, or the whole for the part; or using the special for the general, or the general for the special; or the material for the thing that is made of it. For example, "All hands on deck!"

[←339] KJV Hebrews 2:16 For truly he did not take on himself the nature of angels; but he took on himself the seed of Abraham.

[←340]

Genesis 2:19, Heb. yatsar (OT:03335), to form pre-existing material. In Genesis 1:1, "God created," ex nihilo Heb. bara (OT:01254).

[←341]

Jeremiah 33:16-26 In those days Judah will be saved, And Jerusalem will dwell safely. And this is the name by which she will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’ 17 "For thus says the LORD:`David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel; 18 `nor shall the priests, the Levites, lack a man to offer burnt offerings before Me, to kindle grain offerings, and to sacrifice continually.’"

19 And the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, 20 "Thus says the LORD:`If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that there will not be day and night in their season, 21 `then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant, so that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne, and with the Levites, the priests, My ministers.

[←342] Line of descent traced through the maternal side of the family; or more generally, related by blood.

[←343]

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

[←344] That is, kinship, or the relation of an offspring to its forbears.

[←345] That is, Christ’s body was only an effect of the creative power of the Holy Spirit; it did not establish a parent-child relationship; neither is Owen asserting that the person of Christ is a created being – "only" the body was created. John 6:38 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." Colossians 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

[←346] Defying expression or description.

[←347]

Εἴ τις λέγει πρῶτον πεπλάσθαι τὸ σῶμα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ μήτρᾳ τῆς ἁγίας παρθένου, καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα ἑνωθῆναι αὑτῷ τὸν Θεὸν λόγον, καὶ τὴν ψυχὴν ὡς προϋπάρξασαν, ἀνάθεμα ἔστω. — Concil. Constantinop. ad Origenistas.

[←348]

Genesis 4:1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, "I have acquired a man from the LORD."

[←349]

Aristotle claims four causes are needed to explain change in the world. These causes are material, formal, efficient and final. The material cause is what something is made of. The formal cause is either what makes a form singular; or what exemplifies it, like a concept in the mind which gives rise to that form. The efficient cause is what actually produces it. The final cause is why efficient causes do what they do and why formal causes do what they do – it concerns purpose and meaning. So carving a statue of a king begins in the sculptor’s mind (formal cause), requires a block of marble (material cause), physically carving it with hammer and chisel (efficient cause), to honor the king (its final cause).

[←350] For example, Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, Third Part, ’Treatise on the Incarnation,’ q. 32, point 2. Reply to Objection 1: Christ’s body, through not being consubstantial with the Holy Ghost, cannot properly be said to be conceived "of" [de] the Holy Ghost, but rather "from [ex] the Holy Ghost," as Ambrose says (De Spir. Sanct. ii.): "What is from someone is either from his substance or from his power: from his substance, as the Son who is from the Father; from his power, as all things are from God, just as Mary conceived from the Holy Ghost."

[←351] The 2nd century Mishnah (Kiddushin 3:12) says a Jew must be either the child of a Jewish mother or a convert to Judaism. Orthodox Jews say this rule dates from Moses at Mount Sinai; but most non-Orthodox scholars say it began either at the time of Ezra, or during Roman rule in the 1st–2nd centuries A.D. Patrilineal descent was the standard of Judaism prior to that time.

[←352] That is, self-deception. Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

[←353] Behavior that breaches the rule, etiquette, custom or morality.

[←354] The first part can be found in the previous chapter, at page 162. — WHG

[←355] That is, if Christ only had the capacity of Adam prior to the fall, it would not have been enough to live to God perfectly.

[←356] Isaiah 11:3, "His delight is in the fear of the LORD..." See that note on page 172.

[←357]

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, ’He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’" 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

[←358]

"Quomodo proficiebat sapientiâ Dei? doceat te ordo verborum. Profectus est ætatis, profectus est sapientiæ, sed humanæ. Ideo ætatem ante præmisit, ut secundum homines crederes dictum; ætas enim non divinitatis sed corporis est. Ergo si proficiebat ætate hominis proficiebat sapientiâ hominis. Sapientia autem sensu proficit, quia a sensu sapientia." — Ambros. de Incarnat. Dom. Mysterio, chap. vii.

"Nam et Dominus homo accepit communicationem Spiritus Sancti; sicut in evangeliis legitur, ’Jesus ergo repletus Spiritu Sancto, regressus est a Iordane.’ Hæc autem absque ullâ calumniâ de dominico homine, qui totus Christus, unus est Jesus Filius Dei, sensu debemus pietatis accipere, non quod alter et alter sit, sed quod de uno atque eodem quasi de altero, secundum naturam Dei, et hominis disputatur." — Didym. de Spir. Sanc. lib. ii.

[←359] See the note on the original page 172, point 3, concerning the Greek wording in Luke 2:40.

[←360]

Nescience: lack of knowledge; ignorance in its plainest sense. Hence Jesus went through a learning process, as we all do.

[←361] Bellarm. de Anim. Christi.

[←362]

Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers;

[←363]

Deuteronomy 18:18 `I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19 `And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.

[←364]

Acts 3:23 `And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ Hebrews 2:3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, John 8:24 "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

[←365]

Note: "quick understanding" is the KJV; the NKJ reads, "His delight is in the fear of the Lord." In Hebrew, "delight" is absent, as is "quick understanding." Verse 3 simply continues the the thought from verse 2, "The Spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord" and begins with a connector that might be rendered "even the fear of the Lord." Hebrew repeats a phrase for emphasis. Thus Owen is pointing to "Spirit of knowledge" in verse 2, Heb. da’ath (OT:01847), where it is not static, as if it were past knowledge or experience remembered, but "quick" or living knowledge being actively received and presently acted on.

[←366]

Psalms 45:7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions. Hebrews 1:8 But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions."

[←367]

Matthew 3:17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

[←368]

John 1:33 "I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ’Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’

[←369]

Luke 2:46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

[←370] In the Greek, ηὔξανε, καὶ ἐκραταιοῦτο πνεύματι, πληρούμενον σοφίας, it is literally "grow (imperfect active tense) and even be made strong (imperfect passive tense) in the Spirit, being filled (participle imperfect passive tense) of wisdom." – WHG.

[←371] A style that involves indirect ways of expressing things.

[←372] Literally out of measure.

[←373]

Isaiah 48:16 "Come near to Me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; From the time that it was, I was there. And now the Lord GOD and His Spirit Have sent Me."

[←374] Matthew 12:28 "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.

[←375]

[←376]

Mark 6:5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. Mark 9:39 But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. Luke 4:36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, "What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." Luke 5:17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. Luke 8:46 But Jesus said, "Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me." Luke 9:1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

[←377]

John 10:37 "If I don’t do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 "but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him."

[←378]

Also Luke 10:2.

[←379]

Isaiah 42:4 He will not fail nor be discouraged... Isaiah 42:6 "I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles; Isaiah 49:5 "And now the LORD says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, And My God shall be My strength), 6 Indeed He says, ’It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’" 7 Thus says the LORD, The Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, To Him whom man despises, To Him whom the nation abhors, To the Servant of rulers: "Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, Because of the LORD who is faithful, The Holy One of Israel; And He has chosen You." 8 Thus says the LORD: "In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages; Isaiah 50:7 "For the Lord GOD will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. 8 He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me.

[←380]

Hebrews 9:14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse [or purge] your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

[←381]

Hebrews 7:26-27 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.

[←382]

Hebrews 7:20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath 21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "The LORD has sworn And will not relent, ’You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek ’ ");

[←383]

Hebrews 5:2 He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.

[←384]

Psalms 40:6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. 7 Then I said, "Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. 8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart." Hebrews 10:5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ’Behold, I have come-- In the volume of the book it is written of Me-- To do Your will, O God.’"

[←385]

Romans 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

[←386]

Isaiah 53:11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors. Php 2:9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth;

[←387]

Isaiah 8:17 And I will wait on the LORD, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; And I will hope in Him. Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Job 13:15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.

[←388]

Psalms 22:9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts. 10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God. 11 Be not far from Me, For trouble is near; For there is none to help.

[←389]

Psalms 22:8 "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!" with Matthew 27:43 "He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ’I am the Son of God.’"

[←390]

Isaiah 50:7 "For the Lord GOD will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. 8 He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. 9 Surely the Lord GOD will help Me; Who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; The moth will eat them up.

[←391]

Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree "), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

[←392]

Oblation: A sacrificial offering to God; also, an offering of worship, thanksgiving, etc. See Leviticus 2:4-13; Leviticus 19:24; Psalms 54:6.

[←393]

Genesis 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, "I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.

[←394]

Romans 5:17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

[←395]

Acts 2:23 "Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;

[←396]

"Pains of death" – Heb. חֶבְלֵי־מָוֶת (OT:02256, 04194).

[←397] Our author must allude to a difference in the vowel-points; חֵבֶל as in Isaiah 66:7, signifying pains, and חֶבֶל , with the seghol instead of the tsere, being translated cord or rope. The word occurs also in composition with בְּ under the meaning of "cords," or "fetters," as in Job 36:8, בְּחַבְלֵי־עֹנִי . — Ed.

[←398] For חֶבְלֵי־מָוֶת , are the "sorrows of death," and , חֶבְלֵי־מָוֶת are the "cords of death." See Psalms 18:4;Psalms 116:3.

[←399]

Gr. odin thanatos, ὠδῖνες θανάτου (NT:5604, 2288).

[←400]

1Pe 1:11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

[←401]

2Pe 2:5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;

[←402]

Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years."

[←403]

Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

[←404] Originally "suffrage."

[←405]

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

[←406] John 9:29 "We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from."

[←407]

Acts 2:33 "Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear." — i.e., the evidence of the Spirit, proved that Jesus was the Christ – WHG.

[←408]

2 Corinthians 5:16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.

[←409]

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

[←410]

Revelation 12:6 Then the woman [i.e., the Church] fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

[←411] Cates, viands, i.e., stocks and supplies. — Ed.

[←412] Any receptacle in which wafers for the Eucharist are kept, or the vault in which they are stored.

[←413] Ephesians 4:20 But you have not so learned Christ;

[←414] Psalms 45:2 You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever.

[←415] Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

[←416]

Zechariah 3:9 For behold, the stone That I have laid before Joshua: Upon the stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave its inscription,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ’And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

[←417]

Zechariah 4:7 ’Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of "Grace, grace to it!"’

[←418]

Owen didn’t publish The Glory of Christ until 1684, which dealt extensively with Christ as Mediator. But there are many references to his office as Mediator in this present work; and so he may be referring to those generally. – WHG

[←419]

Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun; etc.

[←420]

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will;

[←421]

Καὶ μάλιστά γε τὸ ἀπολαύειν τοῦς ἀναπλασθέντας τοῦ ἁγιασμοῦ καὶ διαμένειν ἐν τῇ ἀναπλάσει, τῆς τοῦ παναγίου πνεύματος ἐστι δημουργίας τε καὶ συνοχῆς. — Jobius apud. Photium. lib. cxxii.

[←422]

Isaiah 44:3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring; Joel 2:28 "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. 29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

[←423] Absurd or silly because it is unlikely.

[←424]

2 Corinthians 3:6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. ... 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

[←425]

[←426] That is, the church as an institution, governed by Christ through his Spirit, having ministers called by him to rule in his name.

[←427] Or "the Vicarious Christ;" a vicar is one who represents another, acting in his name and on his behalf.

[←428] The words of Schmidt on Ephesians 4:10 are worthy of consideration: Ἵνα πληρώσῃ τὰ πάντα, "Per τὰ πάντα, aliqui intelligunt totum mundum, seu totum universum hoc, exponuntque ut omnipræsentia sua omnibus in mundo locis adesset, loca omnia implendo: et hi verbum πληρώσῃ de physicâ et crassâ impletione accipiunt; quam tamen talis πλήρωσις seu impletio locorum in mundo omnium quæ vel expansionem corpoream in quantitate continuâ, vel multiplicationem, imo infinitam multitudinem unius ejusdemque corperis in discreta præsupponit, et ex humana speculatione orta est, falsoque nostris ecclesiis affingitur" (in which yet he confesses that it is taught); "ne cogitanda quidem sit pio homini; sed potius omnipræsentia Christi hominis — uti promissa est, modo nobis ineffabili credi, et multo certius aliunde sciri possit ex ipsius promissione," Matthew 28:20. This way, as we say with the Scripture, is by his Spirit, the perfect manner of whose presence and operation is ineffable.

[←429] John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

[←430]

Matthew 11:27 "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

[←431]

Evangelical here means in keeping with the Gospel. Thus evangelical obedience is godiness in response to Gospel salvation, attained through faith alone, in Christ alone, by God’s grace alone (which is the Gospel). Such obedience reflects (however imperfectly) the perfect obedience of Christ that actually saved us, and it testifies of the newness of life we have in Christ.

[←432] vox naturæ clamantis ad Dominum naturæ.

[←433] vox Spiritus adoptionis clamantis per Christum, Abba, Pater.

[←434]

"Interest" is not just a curiosity about them, but having a share or stake in them. It’s like owning stock in a corporation that pays dividends (interest, or return on investment); or having a portion in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 10:9). John 13:8 Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part [or portion] with Me."

[←435] That is, obedience offered in response to God’s love in Christ.

[←436]

Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

[←437]

[←438] This displays Owen’s dry wit. His logic is this: not doing anything because you think the Spirit does everything, is proof that you don’t have the Spirit; because if you were saved, and had the Spirit, He would enable and ensure that you diligently do your duties. Therefore, it is foolish for any believer to even assert such a thing (Php 2:12-13).

[←439]

Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

[←440]

"Si in gratiâ, non ex naturâ aquæ, sed ex præsentiâ est Spiritus Sancti: numquid in aquâ vivimus, sicut in Spiritu? Numquid in aquâ signamur sicut in Spiritu?" — Ambros. de Spir. Sanc. lib. i. cap. 6.

[←441] e.g., 1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

[←442] Animated or made alive and vigorous.

[←443]

Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

[←444]

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.

[←445]

"Similiter ex Spiritu secundum gratiam nos renasci, Dominus ipse testatur dicens, Quod natum est ex carne, caro est, quia de carne natum est; et quod natum est de Spiritu, Spiritus est, quia Spiritus Deus est. Claret igitur spiritualis quoque generationis authorem esse Spiritum Sanctum, quia secundum Deum creamur et Filii Dei sumus. Ergo cum ille nos in regnum suum per adoptionem sacræ regenerationis assumpserit, nos ei quod suum est denegamus? ille nos supernæ generationis hæredes fecit, nos hæreditatem vindicamus, refutamus authorem; sed non potest manere beneficium cum author excluditur, nec author sine munere, nec sine authore munus. Si vindicas gratiam, crede potentiam; si refutas potentiam, gratiam ne requiras. Sancti igitur Spiritus opus est regeneratio ista præstantior, et novi hujus hominis qui creatur ad imaginem Dei author est Spiritus, quem utique meliorem hoe exteriori esse nostro homine nemo dubitaverit." — Ambros. de Spir. Sanc lib. ii. cap. 9.

[←446]

"Denique quomodo respondeat advertite, et videte latebras ambiguitatis falsitati præparare refugia, ita ut etiam nos cum primum ea legimus, recta vel correcta propemodum gauderemus." — August. de Peccat. Orig., cap. 18.

"Mihi pene persuaserat hanc illam gratiam de qua quæstio est confiteri; quominus in multis ejus opusculi locis sibi ipsi contradicere videretur. Sed cum in manus meas et alia venissent quæ posterius latiusque scripsit, vidi quemadmodum etiam illic gratiam nominare sed ambigua generalitate quid sentiret abscondens, gratiæ tamen vocabulo frangens invidiam, offensionemque declinans." — Id. de Grat. Christ., lib. i. cap. 37.

Vid. August. lib. i. cont. Julianum, cap. 5, lib. iii., cap. 1, Lib. de Gest.; Pelag., cap. 30, Epist. 95, ad Innocent.; Epist. Innocent. ad August.

"Negant etiam quam ad sacram Christi virginem Nemehiadem in oriente conscripsimus, et noverint nos ita hominis laudare naturam ut Dei semper addamus auxilium (verba Pelagii quibus respondet Augustinus), istam sane lege, mihique pene persuaserat, hanc illam gratiam de qua quæstio est confiteri." — Id. ubi supra.

[←447]

"Fefellit judicium Palæstinum, propterea ibi videtur purgatus; Romanam vero ecclesiam, ubi eum esse notissimum scitis fallere usque quaque non potuit, quamvis et hoc fuerit utrumque conatus. Tanto judices fefellit occultius, quanto exponit ista versutius." — August. Lib. de Peccat. Orig. cap. 16.

[←448] To destroy completely, "down to the roots."

[←449] Samuel Parker; see page 121 of this vol. — Ed.

[←450] See also Galatians 4:19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you;

[←451] Psalms 51:5; John 3:5; John 3:36; Romans 3:19; Romans 5:15-18; Ephesians 2:3; Titus 3:3-4.

[←452]

Ex opere operato – lit. "from the work worked." A Catholic doctrine that the efficacious grace of the Sacraments derives from the sacrament itself (or from Christ), as opposed to the merits or holiness of the administrator or recipient. That voids 1 Corinthians 11:27, "whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner..." Faith is required.

[←453] Put simply, baptism does not save; it is only a visible sign of salvation, a public profession of our faith in Christ.

[←454] The Greek word used here is antitupos (NT:499), or "antitype" – a symbol or counterpart of something. Salvation comes by the resurrection of Christ, and baptism is the symbol of that resurrection. Paul puts it this way: Romans 6:4 "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Owen cites this verse immediately below. – WHG

[←455]

Originally, "restipulation" – which is a responsive guarantee or promise. In Roman law, it is an oral contract or agreement made in question and answer form, which was necessary to give it legal force. "Do you so swear?" "I so swear."

[←456]

Romans 6:3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

[←457]

"Per inhærentem justitiam intelligimus supernaturale donum gratiæ sanctificantis, oppositum originali peccato, et in singulis animæ facultatibus reparans et renovans illam Dei imaginem, quæ per peccatum originale foedata ac disspata fuit. Origlnale peccatum mentem tenebris implevit, hæc infusa gratia lumine coelesti collustrat. Istud cor humanum obstinatione et odio Dei ac divinæ legis maculavit, hæc infusa justitia cor emollit et amore boni accendit et inflammat. Postremo illud affectus omnes atque ipsum appetitum rebellione infecit; hæc renovata sanctitas in ordinem cogit perturbatas affectiones, et ipsam rebellem concupiscentiam dominio spoliat, et quasi sub jugum mittit." — Davenant. de Justit. Habit. cap. iii.

"Fides tanquam radix imbre suscepto hæret in animæ solo; ut cum per legem Dei excoli coeperit surgant in ea rami qui fructus operum ferant. Non ergo ex operibus radix justitiæ, sed ex radice justitiæ fructus operum crescit." — Origen. lib. iv. In Epist. ad Roman.

[←458]

"Is qui Spiritus Sancti particeps efficitur, per communionem ejus fit spiritualis pariter et sanctus." — Didym. lib. i. de Spir. Sanc., p. 218, inter opera Hieronymi.

"Qui Spiritu Sancto plenus est statim universis donationibus Dei repletur, sapientia, scientia, fide, cæterisque virtutibus." — Id. ibid.

"Nunquam enim accipit quisquam spirituales benedictiones Dei, nisi præcesserit Spiritus Sanctus; qui enim habet Spiritum Sanctum consequenter habebit benedictiones." — Idem, p. 220.

[←459]

"Sicut in nativitate carnali omnem nascentis hominis voluntatem præcedit operis divini formatio, sic in spirituali nativitate qua veterem hominem deponere incipimus." — Fulgent. de Incarnat. et Grat. Christ. cap. 29.

"Forma præcessit in carne Christi, quam in nostra fide spiritualiter agnoscamus; nam Christus Filius Dei, secundum carnem de Spiritu Sancto conceptus et natus est: carnem autem illam nec concipere virgo posset nec parere, nisi ejus carnis Spiritus Sanctus operetur exordium. Sic etiam in hominis corde nec concipi fides potuit nec augeri, nisi eam Spiritus Sanctus effundat et nutriat. Ex eodem namque Spiritu renati sumus, ex quo Christus natus est." — Idem, cap. xx.

[←460]

Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

[←461]

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

[←462] Vicious: marked by vice.

[←463]

Matthew 19:16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" 17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "`You shall not murder,’`You shall not commit adultery,’`You shall not steal,’`You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 `Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ’You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’" 20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

[←464]

"Adjuvat nos Deus" (the words of Pelagius), "per doctrinam et revelationem suam, dum cordis nostri oculos aperit, dum nobis, ne præsentibus occupemur, futura demonstrat, dum diaboli pandit insidias, dum nos multiformi et ineffabili dono gratiæ cælestis illuminat." — August. Lib. de Grat. cont. Pelag. et Cælest. cap. vii.

[←465]

Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

[←466]

Ephesians 1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. Colossians 2:12-13 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,

[←467] Matthew 7:18 "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

[←468]

Matthew 3:10 "And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

[←469]

Ezekiel 36:25 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Jeremiah 31:33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Jeremiah 32:39-40 `then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. 40 `And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me.

[←470]

Romans 6:3-6 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Colossians 3:1-5 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 4:23-25 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.

[←471]

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[←472]

Originally "distempered" which indicates a mind "out of control," lacking in all moderation, and taken to extremes. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was taken for "diseased," as in Shakespeare’s Sonnet 153. Cupid had driven someone mad with desire, and there was no cure to be found except in his mistress’ eyes, from which the fiery disease (the distemper) was contracted. – WHG

[←473]

2Kng 9:5-6, 11-12 And when he arrived, there were the captains of the army sitting; and he said, "I have a message for you, Commander." Jehu said, "For which one of us?" And he said, "For you, Commander." 6 Then he arose and went into the house. And he poured the oil on his head, and said to him, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel:`I have anointed you king over the people of the LORD, over Israel... 11 Then Jehu came out to the servants of his master, and one said to him, "Is all well? Why did this madman come to you?" And he said to them, "You know the man and his babble." 12 And they said, "A lie! Tell us now." So he said, "Thus and thus he spoke to me, saying, ’Thus says the LORD: "I have anointed you king over Israel."’"

[←474] NKJ, "out of his mind."

[←475]

Acts 26:24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!" 25 But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.

[←476] Or "anguish of spirit." The passage describes how a righteous or just man is considered in the eyes of the wicked.

[←477]

Owen refers to the Roman Catholic practice of calling clergy "father" when they were not instrumental in their conversion.

[←478] An ethical or moral principle that inhibits action.

[←479] Our author quotes from Parker’s "Defense and Continuation of the Eccleaiastical Polity," etc. pp. 306, 307. See page 121 of this volume. — Ed.

[←480] Marked by care and persistent effort.

[←481]

1 John 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

[←482]

"Sunt quædam opera externa, ab hominibus ordinariè requisita, priusquam ad statum regenerationis, aut conversionis perducantur, quæ ab iisdem quandoque libere fieri, quandoque liberè omitti solent; ut adire ecclesiam, audire verbi præconium, et id genus alia.

"Sunt quædam effecta interna ad conversionem sive regenerationem prævia, quæ virtute verbi, spiritusque in nondum regeneratorum cordibus excitantur; qualia sunt notitia voluntatis divinæ, sensus peccati, timor poenæ; cogitatio de liberatione, spes aliqua veniæ." — Synod. Dordrec. Sententia Theolog. Britan. ad Artic. quartum, thes. 1, 2, p. 139.

[←483]

Unresisting.

[←484] Marked by care and persistent effort.

[←485] Official recognition or approval.

[←486]

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

[←487]

Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

[←488]

John 2:23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. John 12:42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;

[←489]

"Heu miserum, nimisque miserum quem torquet conscientia sua, quam fugere non potest; nimis miserum quem expectat damnatio sua quam vitare non potest, nisi Deus eripiat. Nimis est infelix cui mors æterna est sensibilis; nimis ærumnosus quem terrent continui de sua infelicitate horrores." — August. de Contritione Cordis.

[←490]

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Acts 16:30 And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

[←491]

Matthew 13:20-21 "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 2 Peter 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. Matthew 12:43 "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 "Then he says, ’I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45 "Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

[←492] Uncouth: foreign and unfamiliar.

[←493]

Originally, "humours in their complexions and constitutions." Below that, "fad" was originally "novelty."

[←494]

It was the Age of Enlightenment, or Age of Reason (1620s-1780s), when man’s intellect became the standard of truth.

[←495] That is, illumination, conviction, and reformation.

[←496]

Deception.

[←497] The condition of being useful in reaching an end, or carrying out a plan.

[←498]

Romans 6:17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 1 Corinthians 2:13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

[←499] That is, illumination of the mind without regeneration (rebirth) will not save, even though it is one means of salvation.

[←500] Liable to vanish or disappear; faint; weak; evanescent.

[←501] The image is of an untidy house being put in order (Matthew 12:44). Much is gatherered up for disposal, but not all.

[←502]

"Nonne advertimus multos fideles nostros ambulantes viam Dei, ex nulla parte ingenio comparari, non dicam quorundam hæreticorum, sed etiam minorum? Item nonne videmus quosdam homines utriusque sexus in conjugali castitate viventes sine querela, et tamen vel hæreticos vel Paganos, vel etiam in vera fide et vera ecclesia sic tepidos, ut eos miremur meretricum et histrionum subito conversorum, non solum sapientiâ et temperantiâ sed etiam fide, spe et charitate superari." — August. lib. ii. Quæs. ad Simplician. q. 2.

[←503]

"Nonconformist" refers to a Protestant clergyman in England and Whales who did not "conform" to, or comply with, the Act of Uniformity of 1662. Dissenters, such as Puritans, refused to comply because the act imposed Roman Catholic theology and practices on the Anglican Church. And so, nearly 2,000 Protestant clergymen were "ejected" from the established church, and barred from civil or military offices. Many, like John Bunyan, were imprisoned. Bunyan was released after 12 years, which was the same year this work of Owen was published (1674). So these were real and present wounds for him as he wrote.

[←504] See Samuel Parker’s "Defense and Continuation of the Ecclesiastical Polity," pp. 343, 344. — Ed.

[←505] An international Synod held in Dordrecht (Dordt) Netherlands (1618-1619), to settle a controversy initiated by the rise of Arminianism. In its conclusions, the Synod refuted the five points of the Arminian Remonstrance Articles (1610). The refutations became known as the five points of Calvinsim, or the Doctrines of Grace.

[←506]

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again [regenerate], he cannot see the kingdom of God [unregenerate]." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, [regenerate] he cannot enter the kingdom of God [unregenerate]. 6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh [unregenerate], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit [regenerate]. 7 "Do not marvel that I said to you, ’You must be born again.’ 8 "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

[←507]

"Dico veterem Nativitatem atque adeo omnes vires naturæ, quæ naturali propagatione transfunduntur in sobolem in scriptura damnari; maledictam cordis nostri imaginationem, rationem, os, manus, pedes peccato et tenebris involuta in nobis omnia." — Johan. Ferus in Evang. Joh. cap. i. v. 23. "Fide perdita, spe relicta, intelligentia obcæcata, voluntate captiva, homo quo in se reparetur non invenit." — De Vocat. Gent. lib. vii. cap. 3.

[←508]

John 9:41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ’We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.

[←509]

"Si quis per naturæ vigorem evangelizanti predicationi nos consentire posse confirmet absque illuminatione Spiritus Sancti; hæretico fallitur spiritu." — Conc. Arausic. ii. Song of Solomon 7.

[←510] This is Owen’s sarcasm at its finest: those asserting such nonsense obviously have a depraved mind; thus they are incapable of giving a reasoned response, seeing that their own minds need a regenerating work of the Spirit.

[←511] That is, it was a darkness of the mind; and so the Spirit enlightens the mind.

[←512] Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

[←513]

Psalms 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

[←514]

2 Peter 1:19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

[←515]

[←516]

Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: "Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world."

[←517] In the sense of "placed before," "presented." — Ed.

[←518]

See treatise, "Communion with God," and his "Vindication" of it in reply to Dr. Sherlock, vol ii. — Ed.

[←519] An intervening and indispensable cause of something, even though it is not direct (e.g. a hammer driving a nail).

[←520] Vitiated: impaired, corrupted, or made imperfect (i.e., defective).

[←521]

"Quomodo nempe lux incassum circumfundit oculos cæcos vel clausos, ita animalis homo non percipit ea quæ sunt Spiritus Dei." — 1Cor ii. 14; Bernard. Ser. i. sup. Cantic.

[←522]

"Si quis per naturæ vigorem bonum aliquod quod ad salutem pertinet vitæ æternæ, cogitare ut expedit, aut eligere, sive salutari, id est, Evangelicæ prædicationi consentire posse confirmat, absque illuminatione et inspiratione Spiritus Sancti, qui dat omnibus suavitatem consentiendo et credendo veritati, hæretico fallitur spiritu." — Conc. Arausic. ii. Song of Solomon 7.

"Ideo dictum est quia nullus hominum illuminatur nisi illo lumine veritatis quod Deus est; ne quisquam putaret ab eo se illuminari, a quo aliquid audit ut discat, non dico si quenquam magnum hominem, sed nec si angelum ei contingat habere doctorem. Adhibetur enim sermo veritatis extrinsecus vocis ministerio corporali; verumtamen neque qui plantat est aliquid, neque qui rigat, sed qui incrementum dat Deus. Audit quippe homo dicentem vel hominem vel angelum, sed ut sentiat et cognoscat verum esse quod dicitur, illo lumine mens ejus intus aspergitur, quod æternum manet, quod etiam in tenebris lucet." — August. de Peccat. Meritis et Remissione, lib. i. cap. 25.

[←523]

Ephesians 4:19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

[←524]

Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

[←525]

Proverbs 7:11 She was loud and rebellious, Her feet would not stay at home. 12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner.

[←526] John 1:5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

[←527]

Ephesians 4:18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;

[←528]

[←529]

Ephesians 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

[←530] Owen will now address the efficacy and power of this darkness, the second point mentioned on page 246.

[←531]

Acts 17:28 "for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ’For we are also His offspring.’ Psalms 104:30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.

[←532]

Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Job 10:12 You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit.

[←533]

Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

[←534]

Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), Php 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

[←535]

Romans 14:7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

[←536]

Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

[←537]

John 6:68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Acts 5:20 "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."

[←538]

Romans 6:22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. Php 1:11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

[←539]

1 Timothy 5:6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. James 5:5 You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.

[←540]

Romans 7:9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death.

[←541]

Romans 9:32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. Romans 10:3 For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

[←542] Romans 5:6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

[←543]

1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. Jude 1:19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.

[←544]

Tractat. 98, in Johan: "Animalis homo, i.e., qui secundum hominem sapit, animalis dictus ab anima, carnalis a carne, quia ex anima et carne constat omnis homo, non percipit ea quæ sunt Spiritus Dei, i.e., quid gratiæ credentibus conferat crux Christi." And another: "Carnales dicimur, quando totos nos voluptatibus damus; spirituales, quando Spiritum Sanctum prævium sequimur; id est, cum ipso sapimus instruente, ipso ducimur auctore. Animales reor esse philosophos qui proprios cogitatus putant esse sapientiam, de quibus recte dicitur, animalis autem homo non recipit ea quæ sunt Spiritus, stultitia quippe est ei," Hieronym. Comment. in Epist. ad Galatians cap. v. And another: Ψυχικός ἐστιν ὁ τὸ πᾶν τοῖς λογισμοῖς τῆς ψυχῆς διδοὺς, καὶ μὴ νομίζων ἄνωθέν τινος δεῖσθαι βοηθείας, ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀνοίας, καὶ γὰρ ἔδωκεν αὐτὴν ὁ Θεὸς ἴνα μανθάνῃ, καὶ δέχηται τὸ παρ’ αὐτοῦ, οὐχ ἵνα ἑαυτῇ αὐτὴν ἀρκεῖν νομίζῃ. Καὶ γὰρ οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ καλοὶ καὶ χρήσιμοι, ἀλλ’ ἐὰν βούλωνται χωρὶς φωτὸς ὁρᾷν, οὐδὲν αὐτοὺς τὸ κάλλος ὀνίνησιν, οὐδὲ ἡ οἰκεία ἰσχὺς, ἀλλὰ καὶ παραβλάπει. Ὅυτω τοίνυν ἡ ψυγὴ ἑὰν βουληθῇ χωρὶς πνεύματος βλέπειν, καὶ ἐμποδὼν ἑαυτῇ γίνεται, Chrysostom on 1 Corinthians 2:15

[←545]

1 Corinthians 2:11-12 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

[←546] Speaking of 1 Corinthians 2:1-14.

[←547]

[←548]

"Firmissime tene et nullatenus dubites, posse quidem hominem, quem nec ignorantia literarum, neque aliqua prohibit imbecillitas vel adversitas, verba sanctæ legis et evangelii sive legere sive ex ore cujusquam prædicatoris audire; sed divinis mandatis obedire neminem posse, nisi quem Deus gratiâ suâ prævenerit, ut quod audit corpore, etiam corde percipiat et æcepta divinitus bonâ voluntate atque virtute, mandata Dei facere et velit et possit." — August. de Fide ad Petrum, cap. 34.

[←549]

Romans 2:23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? 24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written.

[←550]

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

[←551]

Ezekiel 18:25 "Yet you say, ’The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair?

[←552]

"Magnum aliquid Pelagiani se scire putant quando dicunt, non juberet Deus quod sciat non posse ab homine fieri; quis hoc nesciat? sed ideo jubet aliqua quæ non possumus ut noverimus quid ab illo petere debeamus. Ipsa enim est quæ orando impetrat, quod lex imperat." — August. de Grat. et Lib. Arbit. cap. 19.

"Mandando impossibilia non prævaricatores homines fecit, sed humiles; ut omne os obstruatur; et subditus fiat omnis mundus Deo; quia ex operibus legis non justificatibur omnis caro coram illo. Accipientes quippe mandatum, sentientes defectum, clamabimus in coelum, et miserebitur nostri Deus." — Bernard. Serm. 50, in Cantic.

[←553]

Romans 6:17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

[←554]

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

[←555]

1 Corinthians 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

[←556]

Ephesians 3:9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places; Job 28:20 "From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? 21 It is hidden from the eyes of all living, And concealed from the birds of the air. 22 Destruction and Death say, ’We have heard a report about it with our ears.’

[←557]

1 Corinthians 1:22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness; 1 Corinthians 1:26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,

[←558] "prodeunt oratores novi, stulti adolescentuli."

[←559]

2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

[←560]

Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

[←561]

2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

[←562] "In nullo gloriandum, quia nihil nostrum est." — Cypr. lib. 3. ad Quirin.

"Fide perdita, spe relicta, intelligentia obcæcata, voluntate captiva, homo qua in se reparetur non invenit." — Prosp. De Vocat. Gent. lib. i. cap. 7.

"Quicunque tribuit sibi bonum quod facit, etiamsi nihil videtur mali manibus operari, jam cordis innocentiam perdidit, in quo se largitori bonorum prætulit." — Hieron. in Pro cap. xvi.

[←563] "NKJ: "You are not willing to come to Me that you may have life."

[←564]

Dr. Henry Hammond in his Paraphrase and Annotations Upon the New Testatment, 1653, modernized here, re 1 Corinthians 2:14. It was the first lengthy commentary published in English. Hammond has been called the Father of English Exegesis. – WHG

[←565] (Οὐ δέχεται NT:3756,1209)

[←566]

2 Corinthians 4:4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

[←567] Obdurate: hardened, hard-hearted, intractable, unrepentant, recalcitrant.

[←568]

Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

[←569]

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

[←570] Difficult to solve or alleviate.

[←571] That is, inwardly and unseen – "enclosed."

[←572]

Lessened.

[←573]

Romans 1:23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Psalms 106:20 Thus they changed their glory Into the image of an ox that eats grass.

[←574]

Micah 6:6 With what shall I come before the LORD, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? Isaiah 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; Fearfulness has seized the hypocrites: "Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?" Genesis 4:13 And Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear!

[←575] This could mean either elaborate, or bizarre. Heresies tend to be both, because they’re fascinating, captivating.

[←576] Unrestrained by convention or morality; debauched; degenerate.

[←577]

Or, "You did not say, ’It’s hopeless,’ for you found new life in your own strength," so you did not turn to God.

[←578]

Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age;

[←579] 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

[←580]

Ephesians 3:7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. 8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

[←581] Created at the same time.

[←582]

Romans 2:14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them).

[←583]

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures;

[←584]

Romans 6:17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. Galatians 4:19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you. Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age; 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

[←585] Enervate: to weaken and enfeeble – to drain or bleed off the power of something.

[←586] Ruined in character or quality; corrupted morally; impaired or diminished; rendered imperfect and ineffective.

[←587]

John 1:5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

[←588]

Isaiah 5:20.

[←589]

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

[←590]

1 Timothy 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Hebrews 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

[←591]

Ephesians 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved); John 5:21 "For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will." John 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

[←592]

Originally Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;

[←593]

"Actus vivificantis in vivificatum [vivificandum according to the translation. — Ed.] per unionem utriusque;"

[←594] The primary or initiating act. The union of soul and body by the Spirit is the original act which produces a living being.

[←595]

Psalms 115:4 Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. 5 They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; 6 They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; 7 They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat.

[←596] Elicit, brought into actual existence. — Ed.

[←597] Imperate, done by the direction of the mind. — Ed.

[←598] Obediential power – a power to obey, not a power to command.

[←599] A quickening principle, says Owen, is what induces life into any creature; life is not inherent in the material of the creature itself. When God breathed life into Adam, He breathed a quickening principle into him, which acted to give life to Adam’s flesh.

[←600]

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

[←601]

Ecclesiastes 7:29 Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes."

[←602] That is, Adam’s life in his fallen condition (which is any life apart from Christ), and a believer’s life in his restored condition.

[←603]

Ephesians 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.

[←604] Neither in fact, nor legally.

[←605]

See page 245.

[←606]

Matthew 7:18 "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Matthew 12:33 "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.

[←607]

Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.

[←608]

"Magnum aliquid Pelagiani se scire putant quando dicunt, non juberet Deus quod scit non posse ab homine fieri, quis hoc nesciat? sed ideo jubet aliqua quæ non possumus ut noverimus quid ab illo petere debeamus. Ipsa enim est fides quæ orando impetrat, quod lex imperat." — August. de Grat. et Lib. Arbit. cap. xvi.

"O homo cognosce in præceptione quid debeas habere; in corruptione cognosce tuo te vitio non habere; in oratione cognosce unde accipias quod vis habere." — Idem, de Corrupt. et Grat. cap. iii.

"Mandando impossibilia, non prevaricatores homines fecit, sed humiles; ut omne os obstruatur; et subditus fiat omnis mundus Deo. Accipientes nempe mandatum, sentientes defectum, clamabimus in coelum." — Bernard. Serm. 50 in Cant.

"Quamvis dicamus Dei donum esse obedientiam, tamen homines exhortamur ad eam: sed illis qui veritatis exhortationem obedienter audiunt, ipsum donum Dei datum est, hoc est, obedienter audire; illis autem qui non sic audiunt, non est datum." August. de Dono Perseverant. cap. xiv.

[←609] Originally, "vehicula gratiæ."

[←610]

James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. 1 Peter 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever;

[←611] In other words, man’s relationship to God is not neutral. If he is not for God, he is against Him (Matthew 12:30).

[←612]

Hebrews 9:14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

[←613] Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

[←614] James 1:15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

[←615]

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

[←616]

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

[←617]

[←618]

Jeremiah 31:33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Ezekiel 36:26 "I will give you a new heart and (1) put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 "I will put My Spirit within you and (2) cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

[←619] That is to concern themselves about them, or to make every effort to do them (i.e., righteous deeds).

[←620]

"Manifestissimè patet in impiorum animis nullam habitare virtutem; sed omnia opera eorum immunda esse atque polluta, habentium sapientiam non spiritualem sed animalem, non coelestem sed terrenam." — Prosper. ad Collat. cap. xiii.

"Omne etenim probitatis opus nisi semine veræ

Exoritur fidei, peccatum est, inque reatum Vertitur, et sterilis cumulat sibi gloria poenam."

Prosper. de Ingratis. cap. xvi. 407-409.

"Multa laudabilia atque miranda possunt in homine reperiri, quæ sine charitatis medullis habent quidem pietatis similitudinem, sed non habent veritatem." — Idem, ad Rufin. de Lib. Arbit.

[←621] Isaiah 64:6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags;

[←622] bonum oritur ex integris, malum ex quocunque defectu.

[←623] Ruined in character or quality.

[←624]

Isaiah 1:11 "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?" Says the LORD. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, Or of lambs or goats. 12 "When you come to appear before Me, Who has required this from your hand, To trample My courts? 13 Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies-- I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. 14 Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. Hosea 1:4 Then the LORD said to him: "Call his name Jezreel, For in a little while I will avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel on the house of Jehu, And bring an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.

[←625] Originally, Matthew 10:26.

[←626] Owen concludes there was nothing inherently wrong with Cain’s sacrifice: the defect was in him.

[←627]

Genesis 4:4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering,

[←628] The duties being good in themselves, they may be required of all men, regardless of their state of grace. But the duties of those who are not in a state of grace, are so corrupted by their fallen state as to make them unacceptable to God. Isaiah 64:6, "we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags." Numbers 19:22 "Whatever the unclean person touches shall be unclean." But all our spiritual sacrifices, done in faith, are made acceptable in Christ by God’s grace (1 Peter 2:5).

[←629]

We are not to temper the requirements of the law; for God will temper its penalty: Luke 12:47 "And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 "But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

[←630] Obediential power – a power to obey, but not a power to command.

[←631]

Colossians 2:11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ;

[←632] Canting is a tilt, tendency, or inclining – like a hat canted on the head leans one way.

[←633]

[←634] "Natura sic apparet vitiata ut hoc majoris vitii sit non videre."

[←635]

Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil. Romans 3:10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one." 13 "Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit"; "The poison of asps is under their lips"; 14 "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." 15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace they have not known." 18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes." 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

[←636] Characterized by making an absolute and final decision

[←637]

Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit;

[←638]

Cornelis Jansen (d. 1638) was a Catholic theologian, who emphasized original sin, human depravity, the necessity of divine grace, and predestination, following the teachings of Augustine of Hippo. He was opposed by the Jesuits who coined the term "Jansenism" to identify Jansen and his followers as Calvinistic. Jesuits prefere logic and ethical principles to resolve moral issues.

[←639]

Thomas Bradwardine (c. 1290-1349) – English scholastic theologian, mathematician, physicist, courtier and Archbishop of Canterbury for a short while. He was known as Doctor Profundus, "the Profound Doctor."

[←640]

Austin (Augustine of Hippo, 354-430); Hilary of Poitiers (c. 300–c. 368); Prosper of Aquitaine (c. 390–c. 455), a disciple of Augustine; Fulgentius may refer to bishop Fulgentius of Ruspe (c. 467–533), or more likely, to Gottschalk (c. 808–867), called Fulgentius after the bishopof Ruspe, or perhaps after Fabius Planciades Fulgentius (the mythographer), who was either himself the bishop of Ruspe, or else his contemporary.

[←641] To use or employ to good purpose; to turn to profitable account.

[←642]

Isaiah 5:3 "And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, Judge, please, between Me and My vineyard. 4 What more could have been done to My vineyard That I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, Did it bring forth wild grapes? 5 And now, please let Me tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it shall be burned; And break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. Proverbs 29:1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 Chronicles 36:14 Moreover all the leaders of the priests and the people transgressed more and more, according to all the abominations of the nations, and defiled the house of the LORD which He had consecrated in Jerusalem. 15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. 16 But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy.

[←643]

1 Corinthians 4:15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. 1 Peter 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever;

[←644]

Matthew 4:15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: 16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." Acts 26:16 `But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 `I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 `to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 20:20 "how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 "testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:26 "Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

[←645]

Receptive.

[←646]

Harmful.

[←647]

Τί τὸ ὄφελος, ἐὰν εὐσύνθετος μὲν ὁ λόγος, κακοσύνθετος δὲ ὁ τρόπος; εἰ μὲν γὰρ σοφιστοῦ διδασκαλεῖον ἦ ἡ ἐκκλησία εὐγλωττίας ἧν ὁ καιρός. Ἐπειδὴ δὲ τρόπων ἀγὼν καὶ καρποφορία τὸ προκείμενον, καὶ προσδοκία οὐρανῶν τὸ προσδοκώμενον, μὴ γλυπτα ζητείσθω ἀλλ’ ὁ τρόπος. — Athanas. de Semente.

[←648] In other words, eloquence doesn’t convert anyone without the work of the Spirit; but neither is it ineffective in the work.

[←649]

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

[←650]

Ephesians 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

[←651] Originally, "metaphorical."

[←652]

Owen’s point is that the Spirit operates through means: both the means of preaching, and the means of the faculties of men. And by these means, it is not a coercive ("real") operation by the Spirit, but a persuasive ("moral") operation. He enables us to receive the gospel, and in being enabled (regenerated), we are persuaded by the effectual means God has provided.

[←653]

"Non est igitur gratia Dei in natura liberi arbitrii, et in lege atque doctrina sicut Pelagius desipit, sed ad singulos actus datur illius voluntate de quo scriptum est; pluviam voluntariam segregabis Deus hæreditati tuæ. Quia et liberum arbitrium ad diligendum Deum primi peccati granditate perdidimus; et lex Dei atque doctrina quamvis sancta et justa et bona, tamen occidit, si non vivificet Spiritus, per quem fit non ut audiendo sed ut obediendo, neque ut lectione sed ut dilectione teneatur. Quapropter ut in Deum credamus et pie vivamus, non volentis neque currentis sed miserentis est Dei; non quia velle non debemus et currere, sed quia ipse in nobis et velle operatur et currere. Non ergo gratiam dicamus esse doctrinam, sed agnoscamus gratiam quæ facit prodesse doctrinam; quæ gratia si desit, videmus etiam obesse doctrinam." — August. Epist. ccxvii, ad Vitalem.

[←654]

"Sed quid illud est quo corporum sensus pulsantur, in agro cordis cui impenditur ista cultura, nec radicem potest figere nec germen emittere, nisi ille summus et verus Agricola potentia sui operis adhibuerit, et ad vitalem profectum ea quæ sunt plantata perduxerit?" — Epist. ad Demetriadem.

[←655] A deliberately invalid argument displaying ingenuity in reasoning in the hope of deceiving someone.

[←656]

"Omni dictamini rectæ rationis potest voluntas se conformare; sed diligere Deum super omnia est dictamen rectæ rationis; ratio enim dictat inter omnia diligenda esse aliquid summe diligendum. Item homo errans potest diligere creaturam super omnia, ergo etiam Deum; mirum enim valde esset, quod voluntas se conformare possit dictamini erroneo et non recto." — Biel, ii. Sent. distinc. 27, q. art. 4.

[←657]

These were the scholastics Duns Scotus (c. 1266-1308), and William of Occam (c. 1287-1347). Scholasticism was a methodology of thought taught in medieval European universities, based on Aristotelian logic and the writings of the early Church Fathers. Gabriel Biel (c. 1425-1495) was a German scholastic.

[←658]

"Hoc piarum mentium est, ut nihil sibi tribuant, sed totum gratiæ Dei; unde quantumcunque aliquis det gratiæ Dei, etiamsi subtrahat potestati naturæ aut liberi arbitrii a pietate non recedit; cum vero aliquid gratiæ Dei subtrahitur et naturæ tribuitur quod gratiæ est, ibi potest periculum intervenire." — Cassander. Lib. Consult. art. lxviii.

[←659]

"Pelagiana hæresis quo dogmate catholicam fidem destruere adorta sit, et quibus impietatum venenis viscera ecclesiæ atque ipsa vitalia corporis Christi voluerit occupare, notiora sunt quam ut opere narrationis indigeant. Ex his tamen una est blasphemia, nequissimum et subtilissimum germen aliarum, quâ dicunt gratiam Dei secundum merita hominum dari. Cum enim primum tantam naturæ humanæ vellent astruere sanitatem, ut per solum liberum arbitrium posset assequi Dei regnum; eo quod tam plene ipso conditionis suæ præsidio juvaretur; ut habens naturaliter rationalem intellectum facile bonum eligeret malumque vitaret, et ubi in utrâque parte libera essent opera voluntatis, non facultatem his qui mali sunt ad bonum deesse, sed studium. Cum ergo, ut dixi, totam justitiam hominis ex naturali vellent rectitudine ac possibilitate subsistere, atque hanc definitionem doctrina sana respueret, damnatum a catholicis sensum et multis postea hæreticæ fraudis varietatibus coloratum, hoc apud se ingenio servaverunt, ut ad incipiendum, et ad proficiendum, et ad perseverandum in bono necessariam homini Dei gratiam profiterentur. Sed in hac professione quo dolo vasa iræ molirentur irrepere, ipsa Dei gratia vasis misericordiæ revelavit. Intellectum est enim, saluberrimeque perspectum hoc tantum eos de gratia confiteri, quod quædam libero Arbitrio sit magistra, seque per cohortationes, per legem, per doctrinam, per creaturarum contemplationem, per miracula, perque terrores extrinsecus judicio ejus ostentet; quo unusquisque secundum voluntatis suæ motum, si quæsierit inveniat; si petierit, recipiat; si pulsaverit, introeat." — Prosp. ad Rufin. de Lib. Arbit.

[←660]

"Inaniter et perfunctorie potius quam veraciter pro eis, ut doctrinæ cui adversantur credendo consentiant, Deo fundimus preces, si ad ejus non pertinet gratiam convertere ad fidem suam, ipsi fidei contrarias hominum voluntates." — August. Epist. ccxvii.

[←661]

"Prima divini muneris gratia est, ut erudiat nos ad nostræ humilitatis confessionem, et agnoscere faciat, quod, si quid boni agimus, per illum possumus, sine quo nihil possumus." — Prosp. Sentent. cv. ex August.

[←662]

"Quicunque tribuit sibi bonum quod facit etiamsi videtur nihil mali manibus operari, jam cordis innocentiam perdidit in quo se largitori bonorum prætulit." — Hieron. in cap. xvi. Proverb.

[←663] Ille ad Deum digne elevat manus, ille orationem bonâ conscientiâ effundit qui potest dicere.

[←664]

Tu nosti Domine quam sanctæ et puræ et mundæ sint ab omni malitia, et iniquitate, et rapina quas ad te extendo manus: quemadmodum justa et munda labia et ab omni mendacio libera quibus offero tibi deprecationes, ut mihi miserearis. (On the Proceedings of Pelagius, chap. 6, Synod of Diospolis, 415 AD).

[←665]

"O bone Domine Jesu, etsi ego admisi unde me damnare potes, tu non amisisti unde salvare soles. — Verum est conscientia mea meretur damnationem, et poenitentia mea non sufficit ad satisfactionem. Sed certum est quod misericordia tua superat omnem offensionem. Parce ergo mihi, Domine, qui es salus vera et non vis mortem peccatoris: miserere, Domine, peccatrici animæ meæ, solve vincula ejus, sana vulnera ejus. Ecce misericors Deus coram te exhibeo animam meam virtutum muneribus desolatam, catenis vitiorum ligatam, pondere peccatorum gravatam, delictorum sordibus foedatam, discissam vulneribus dæmonum, putida et foetidam ulceribus criminum: his et aliis gravioribus malis quæ tu melius vides quam ego obstrictam, oppressam, circumdatam, obvolutam, bonorum omuium relevamine destitutam," etc.

[←666]

"Ploremus coram Domino qui fecit nos et homines et salvos. Nam si ille nos fecit homines, nos autem ipsi nos fecimus salvos, aliquid illo melius fecimus; melior est enim salvus homo quam quilibet homo. Si ergo te Deus fecit hominem, et tu te fecisti bonum hominem, quod tu fecisti melius est." — August. de Verb. Apost. Serm. x.

"Natura humana, etiamsi in illa integritate in qua est condita, permanet, nullo modo seipsam, creatore sua non adjuvante, servaret. Unde cum sine Dei gratia salutem non posset custodire quam accepit, quomodo sine Dei gratia potest recuperare quam perdidit?" — Prosp. Sentent. 308.

[←667]

Owen is saying that God’s word is powerful in and of itself to accomplish its purposes (Isaiah 55:11). And that is true whether it is proclaimed to the elect, or the unregenerate. The issue is not the power or effect of what is proclaimed (Jeremiah 23:29 "Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD, "And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces). The issue is the receptivity of the one to whom it is proclaimed (Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:3-9). Why is regeneration indispensable to conversion? Because the Holy Spirit must make the sinner receptive to the gospel, by preparing the soil of his heart to receive its powerful life-giving seed (John 6:63; John 8:43). The Spirit turns stony, weed-ridden soil, into good fertile soil. For example, in the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, Luke 13:6-9, the Spirit is the vinedresser who prepares the soil so the tree will become fruitful, and profitable to the owner of the vineyard (i.e., to God the Father). Owen will now describe the Spirit’s preparatory work as "immediate" (direct) and "physical", effecting a real change in the heart, mind, and soul of the elect. As he put it on the previous page, it is "real effective grace." This is the corollary to what he said about the natural faculties. They don’t change. Their effectiveness changes, because of the Spirit. – WHG

[←668] "At vero onmipotens hominem cum gratia salvat, Ipsa suum consummat opus, cui tempus agendi Semper adest quæ gesta velit: non moribus illi Fit mora, non causis anceps suspenditur ullis.

Nec quod sola potest curâ officioque ministri Exequitur, famulisve vicem committit agendi.

Qui quamvis multa admoveat mandata vocantis, Pulsant non intrant animas; Deus ergo sepultos Suscitat et solvit peccati compede vinctos.

Ille obscuratis dat cordibus intellectum:

Ille ex injustis justos facit, indit amorem Quo redametur amans, et amor quem conserit, ipse est.

Hunc itaque affectum quo sumunt mortua vitam, Quo tenebræ fiunt lumen, quo immunda nitescunt;

Quo stulti sapere incipiunt ægrique valescunt Nemo alii dat, nemo sibi."

Prosp. de Ingrat. cap. xv. 384-398.

"Legant ergo et intelligant, intueantur atque fateantur, non lege atque doctrina insonante forinsecus, sed internâ atque occultâ, mirabili atque ineffabili potestate operari Deum in cordibus hominum non solum veras revelationes, sed bonas etiam voluntates." — August. Lib. de Grat. Christ. adv. Pelagium et Cælest., cap. xxiv.

[←669]

"Quid est, Omnis qui audivit a Patre, et didicit, venit ad me; nisi nullus est qui audiat a Patre, et discat et non veniat ad me? Si enim omnis qui audivit a Patre et didicit, venit, profecto omnis qui non venit non audivit a Patre nec didicit; nam si audisset et didicisset veniret; — hæc itaque gratia quæ occulte humanis cordibus divina largitate tribuitur, a nullo duro corde respuitur; ideo quippe tribuitur ut cordis duritia primitus auferatur." — August. de Prædest. Sanct. lib. i. cap. 8.

[←670]

Isaiah 43:13 Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?" The KJV reads, "...I will work, and who shall let it?" [i.e., who will grant or disallow it?]

[←671]

"O qualis est artifex ille Spiritus! nulla ad discendum mora agitur in omne quod voluerit. Mox enim ut eligeret mentem docet; solumque tetigisse docuisse est. Nam humanum subito ut illustrat immutat affectum; abnegat hoc repente quod erat, exhibet repente quod non erat." — Gregor. Hom. xxx. in Evangel.

[←672]

"Christus non dicit, duxerit, ut illic aliquo modo intelligamus præcedere voluntatem; sed dicit, traxerit, quis autem trahitur si jam volebat; et tamen nemo venit nisi velit, trahitur ergo miris modis ut velit, ab illo qui novit intus in ipsis hominum cordibus operari; non ut homines, quod fieri non potest, nolentes credant, sed ut volentes ex nolentibus fiant." — August. cont. Duas Epist. Pelag. cap. xix.

"Certum est nos velle cum volumus, sed ille facit ut velimus bonum, de quo dictum est, Deus est qui operatur in nobis velle." — Idem de Grat. et Lib. Arbit. cap. xvi.

[←673] It is not about a meeting of the minds.

[←674] So Austin, cont. Duas Epistol. Pelag. lib. i. cap. 19: "Trahitur [homo] miris modis ut velit, ab illo qui novit intus in ipsis cordibus hominum operari; non ut homines, quod fieri non potest, nolentes credant, sed ut volentes ex nolentibus fiant." "For [the man] is drawn in wondrous ways, by the one who knows the hearts of men working in them; not as men, for that cannot be, for they refused to believe; but in spite of their unwillingness."

[←675] Potentially possible.

[←676] Logically potential.

[←677] Physically potential.

[←678] Operating grace.

[←679] This is precisely what John Wesley would later assert under his notion of "prevenient grace" (1740).

[←680] Matthew 20:16 "So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."

[←681]

"Si quis sine gratia Dei credentibus, volentibus, desiderantibus, conantibus misericordiam dicit conferri divinitus; non autem ut credamus, velimus, per infusionem et inspirationem Spiritus Sancti in nobis fieri confitetur, anathema sit." — Conc. Arausic. 2. Song of Solomon 6.

"Datur potestas ut filii Dei fiant qui credunt in eum, cum hoc ipsum datur ut credant in eum. Quæ potestas nisi detur a Deo nulla esse potest ex libero arbitrio, quia nec liberum bono erit quod liberator non liberaverit." — August, lib. i. cont. Duas Epist. Pelag. cap. 3.

[←682]

"Restat ut ipsam fidem unde omnis justitia sumit initium, non humano, quo isti extolluntur, tribuamus arbitrio, nec ullis precedentibus meritis, quoniam inde incipiunt bona quæcunque sunt merita, sed gratuitum Dei donum esse fateamur, si gratiam veram, id est, sine meritis cogitamus." — August. Epist. cv.

[←683] Actual faith: faith that acts (James 2:20).

[←684]

"Semper quidem adjutorium gratiæ nobis est a Deo poscendum, sed nec ipsum quod possumus viribus nostris assignem. Neque enim haberi potest ipse saltem orationis affectus nisi divinitus fuerit attributus. Ut ergo desideremus adjutorium gratiæ, hoc ipsum quoque est gratiæ, ipsa namque incipit effundi ut incipiat posci." — Fulgent. Epist. vi. ad Theod.

[←685]

"Hoc est enim, promittit Deus quod ipse facit; non enim ipse promittit et alius facit; quod jam non est promittere sed prædicere. Ideo non ex operibus sed ex vocante, ne ipsorum sit, non Dei." — August. de Spir. et Lit. cap. xxiv.

[←686]

"Hæc gratia quæ occultè humanis cordibus divina largitate tribuitur, a nullo duro corde respuitur; ideo quippe tribuitur, ut cordis durities primitus auferatur" — August. de Prædest. Sanct. cap. viii.

[←687]

Acts 16:14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.

[←688] In other words, that would make our salvation performance-based, instead of grace-based. As soon as we stop performing, we cease to be saved. Owen’s point is that something is graciously infused in us at our regeneration, and that is what saves us.

[←689]

"Prorsus si Dei adjutorium defuerit, nihil boni agere poteris; agis quidem illo non adjuvente libera voluntate, sed male; ad hoc idonea est voluntas tua quæ vocatur libera, et male agendo fit damnabilis ancilla." — August. Serm. xiii. de Verb. Apost.

[←690]

"Erat lumen verum quæ illuminat omnem hominem venientem in hunc mundum; ideo dictum est, quia nullus hominum illuminatur, nisi illo lumine veritatis quod Deus est, ne quisquam putaret ab eo se illuminari a quo aliquid audit ut discat; non dico si quenquam magnum hominem, sed nec si angelum ei contingat habere doctotem. Adhibetur enim sermo veritatis extrinsecus vocis ministerio corporalis; verumtamen neque qui plantat est aliquid, neque qui rigat, sed qui incrementum dat Deus. Audit quippe homo dicentem vel hominem vel angelum, sed ut sentiat et cognoscat verum esse quod dicitur, illo lumine intus mens ejus aspergitur quod æternum manet, quod etiam in tenebris lucet." — August. de Peccat. Merit. et Remiss. lib. i. cap. 25.

[←691]

Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; Acts 26:18 `to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

[←692]

2 Corinthians 4:4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

[←693] "Libertas sine gratia nihil est nisi contumacia, non libertas." — August. Epist. lxxxix.

[←694]

1 Corinthians 4:7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

[←695]

Matthew 19:25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." John 6:37 "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

[←696]

Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

[←697]

"Quis istis corda mutavit, nisi qui finxit singillatim corda eorum? Quis hujus rigoris duritiem ad obediendi mollivit affectum, nisi qui potens est de lapidibus Abrahæ filios excitare?" — Prosp. ad Rufin. de Lib. Arbit.

"Ploremus coram Domino qui fecit nos et homines et salvos. Nam si ille nos fecit homines, nos autem ipsi nos fecimus salvos, aliquid illo melius fecimus. Melior enim est salvus homo quam quilibet homo. Si ergo te Deus fecit hominem et tu te fecisti bonum hominem, quod tu fecisti melius est. Noli te extollere super Deum, … confitere illi qui fecit te, quia nemo recreat nisi qui creat, nemo reficit nisi qui fecit." — August. de Verb. Apost. Serm. x.

"Nemo quisquam hominum sive ad cogitandum, sive ad operandum quodcunque bonum potest esse idoneus; nisi qui fuerit munere gratuito divinæ opitulationis adjutus; ab ipso namque est initium bonæ voluntatis, ab ipso facultas boni operis, ab ipso perseveantia bonæ conversationis." — Fulgent. lib. i. ad Monim.

[←698]

Matthew 16:17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit; Ephesians 2:9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

[←699]

"Jam divini amor Numinis, Patris omnipotentis prolisque beatissimæ sancta communicatio; omnipotens Paraclete Spiritus; moerentium consolator clementissime, jam cordis mei penetralibus potenti illabere virtute, et tenebrosa quæque laris neglecti latibula, corusci luminis fulgore pius habitator lætifica, tuique roris abundantia, longo ariditatis marcentia squalore, visitando fecunda." Augustine, Meditations, ch. 9. AND now, O Holy Spirit, love of God, who proceeds from the Almighty Father and his most blessed Son, powerful advocate, and sweetest comforter, infuse your grace, and descend plentifully into my heart; enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling, and scatter there your cheerful beams. I dwell in that soul which longs to be your temple; water that barren soil, over-run with weeds and briars, and lost for want of cultivating, and make it fruitful with your dew from heaven. (translated by Geo. Stanhope, D.D.)

[←700]

After a youth spent in vicious excess, Augustine was converted to the faith of the gospel, and admitted into the church by Ambrose at Milan, a. d. 387. Ten years afterwards he wrote his "Confessions," in thirteen books; of which ten are occupied with a detail of his sinful conduct in early life, the circumstances of his conversion, and his personal history up to the period of his mother’s death, while the remaining three are devoted to an exposition of the Mosaic account of creation. The work is altogether of an unique and extraordinary character — a direct address to the Deity, sustained with considerable skill and occasionally in strains of animated devotion, abounding in the most humble confession of the sins of the author’s youth, and marked everywhere with the vigor of genius. As a faithful and minute record of the internal workings of his heart, these "Confessions" of Augustine are of great service in illustrating the nature of the spiritual change implied in conversion. It is on this account Owen draws from them so largely in this chapter. Milner, for similar purposes, has embodied the substance of them in his "History of the Church." The quotations made by Owen have been compared with Bruder’s edition of the "Confessions" (1837). In some instances these quotations are translated by Owen, but wherever a formal translation is not supplied, the reader may understand that the substance of what is quoted is given immediately afterwards in our author’s own words. — Ed. Where Owen did not translate the Latin himself, an English translation has been provided from Albert Outler’s 1955 edition of Augustine’s Confessions. The Latin text has been moved into footnotes. – WHG

[←701]

"Irrideant, me arrogantes et nondum salubriter prostrati et elisi a te, Deus meus, ego tamen confitear tibi dedecora mea, in laude tua," Confess. lib. iv. cap. 1;

[←702]

Confess. lib. i. cap. 6, "Paulatim sentiebam ubi essem, et voluntates meas volebam ostendere eis per quos implerentur, et non poteram … Itaque jactabam membra, et voces, signa similia voluntatibus meis, pauca quæ poteram, qualia poteram; et cum mihi non obtemperabatur, vel non intellecto, vel ne obesset, indignabar non subditis majoribus, et liberis non servientibus, et me de illis flendo vindicabam." This again he repeats, cap. 7: "An pro tempore illa bona erant, flendo petere etiam quod noxie daretur; indignari acriter non subjectis hominibus, liberis et majoribus, hisque a quibus genitus est; multisque præterea prudentioribus, non ad nutum voluntatis obtemperantibus, feriendo nocere niti, quantum potest, quia non obeditur imperiis quibus perniciose obediretur? Ita imbecillitas membrorum infantilium innocens est, non animus infantium."

[←703]

"Istane est," he says, "innocentia puerilis? non est, Domine, non est, oro to, Deus meus. Nam hæc ipsa sunt quæ a pædagogis et magistris, a nucibus et pilulis et passeribus, ad præfectos et reges, aurum, prædia, mancipia, hæc ipsa omnino quæ succedentibus majoribus ætatibus transeunt [sicuti ferulis majora supplicia succedunt]," lib. i. cap. 18.

[←704] Obduration: hardening, as in hardness of heart.

[←705]

Owen’s translation. "Non videbam voraginem turpitudinis in quam projectus eram ab oculis tuis. Nam in illis jam quid me foedius fuit, [ubi etiam talibus displicebam], fallendo innumerabilibus mendaciis, et pædagogum et magistros et parentes amore ludendi, studio spectandi nugatoria [et imitandi ludicra inquietudine?]" lib. i. cap. 18 (par. 30). Outler’s translation: "I did not perceive the gulf of infamy in which I was cast away from your eyes. For in your eyes, what was more infamous than I was already, since I displeased even my own kind and deceived, with endless lies, my tutor, my masters and parents – all from a love of play, a craving for frivolous spectacles, a stage-struck restlessness to imitate what I saw in these shows?"

[←706]

"Furta etiam faciebam de cellario parentum et de mensa, vel gula imperitante, vel ut haberem quod darem pueris, ludum suum mihi, quo pariter delectabantur tamen, vendentibus," lib. i. cap. 18 (par. 30).

[←707] An inordinate desire for sexual intimacy; lust.

[←708] Vehicles of lust.

[←709] The Greek is epithumia (NT:1939), a craving or excessive desire for what is forbidden. The NKJ renders it "evil desire."

[←710] Job 20:11 His bones are full of his youthful vigor, But it will lie down with him in the dust.

[←711]

Owen used oblique language to avoid over-using Austin’s name. But "Austin" has been inserted as needed to clarify. – WHG

[←712]

"Neque enim tibi, Deus meus, sed apud te narro hæc generi meo, generi humano, quantulacunque ex particula incidere potest in istas meas literas. Et ut quid hoc? Ut videlicet ego et quisquis hæc legit, cogitemus de quam profundo clamandum sit ad te," lib. ii., cap. 3 (par. 5).

[←713] Dullness; the habit of sin has made them indifferent and calloused to it.

[←714]

Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

[←715]

There is a point at which God abandons men to their sin (Genesis 6:3; Romans 1:24-28). But even the elect may not come when first called. That is what Owen describes here. On p. 336 he noted that the Spirit "works effectively, powerfully, and irresistibly in [conversion]." On p. 335 he said that God makes "those who were unwilling and obstinate, to be willing and obedient — and that is freely and of our own choice." This is the mystery of election, in which God first acts, so that we may "come to Christ most freely, being made willing by His grace." WCF ch. 10, par. 1. But "freely" implies that irresistible isn’t always immediate.

[←716]

Owen’s translation. Confess. lib. ii. cap. 7 (par. 15): "Diligam te, Domine, et gratias agam, et confitear nomini tuo, quoniam tanta dimisisti mihi mala et nefaria opera mea. Gratiæ tuæ deputo et misericordia tuæ quod peccata mea tanquam glaciem solvisti, gratiæ tuæ deputo et quæcunque non feci mala; quid enim non facere potui qui etiam gratuitum facinus amavi? Et omnia mihi dimissa esse fateor, et quæ mea sponte feci mala, et quæ te duce non feci. Quis est hominum, qui suam cogitans infirmitatem, audet viribus suis tribuere castitatem atque innocentiam suam, ut minus amet te, quasi minus ei necessaria fuerit misericordia tua, quâ condonas peccata conversis ad te? Qui enim vocatus ad te secutus est vocem tuam et vitavit, et quæ me de meipso recordantem et fatentem legit, non me derideat ab eo medico ægrum sanari, a quo sibi prestitum est ut non ægrotaret, vel potius ut minus ægrotaret; et ideo te tantundem imo vero amplius diligat, quia per quem me videt tantis peccatorum meorum languoribus exui, per eum se videt tantis peccatorum languoribus non implicari;"

[←717]

1 Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

[←718]

Matthew 12:31 "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. Luke 12:10 "And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.

[←719]

"Puer coepi rogare te auxilium et refugium meum, et in tuam invocationem rumpebam nodos linguæ meæ, et rogabam te parvus non parvo affectu, ne in schola vapularem." "Invenimus homines rogantes te, et didicimus ab eis, sentientes te ut poteramus esse magnum aliquem; qui posses etiam non adparens sensibus nostris, exaudire nos et subvenire nobis," lib. i. cap. 9 (par. 14).

[←720] Flagitious: shockingly wicked.

[←721]

Peter Waldo (c. 1140-1205), founder of the Waldensians. "We are not told under what form death appeared to the friend of Peter Waldo; all we know is that the grim tyrant [death] seized him, as he sat at the festal board. Like the companion of another great Reformer, [Luther], he was struck dead at his friend’s side, and the effect on both survivors was the same—a sudden and solemn conviction of the necessity of repentance, and an unalterable determination, from that awful moment, to give themselves up to the service of God." J.L. Willyams, A Short History of the Waldensian Church (Nisbet and Co., London, 1855), p. 31.

[←722]

2Kngs 5:15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, "Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant." 16 But he said, "As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing." And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 17 So Naaman said, "Then, if not, please let your servant be given two mule-loads of earth; for your servant will no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD.

[←723]

1 Peter 3:1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

[←724]

1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

[←725] Liable to vanish or disappear; faint; weak; evanescent.

[←726] An ethical or moral principle that inhibits action.

[←727] Something used to achieve a purpose.

[←728] Literally, He "arrays" them: He lines them up before us, rank upon rank, file upon file.

[←729] Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

[←730]

[←731]

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart..." NKJ Acts 24:25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid...

[←732]

[←733] John 16:8 "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

[←734]

See Confess. lib. 5. cap. 7-9, etc. "Tu spes mea [et portio mea] in terra viventium, ad mutandum terrarum locum pro salute animæ mea, et Carthagini stimulos quibus inde avellerer admovebas, et Romæ illecebras quibus attraherer, proponebas mihi per homines, qui diligunt vitam mortuam, hinc insana facientes, inde vana pollicentes, et ad corrigendos gressus meos, utebaris occulte et illorum et mea perversitate,"

[←735]

2 Peter 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."

[←736]

Matthew 13:5 "Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. Matthew 13:21 "yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

[←737]

Luke 11:24 "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ’I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 "And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 "Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first." Hosea 6:4 "O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, And like the early dew it goes away.

[←738]

Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 2 Peter 3:4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

[←739]

"Libera me, Domine, ab his hostibus meis, a quibus me liberare non valeo. Perversum et pessimum est cor meum, ad deploranda propria peccata mea est lapideum et aridum, ad resistendum insultantibus molle et luteum, ad inutilia et noxia pertractanda velox et infatigabile, ad cogitanda salubria fastidiosum et immobile. Anima mea distorta et depravata est ad percipiendum bonum; sed ad voluptatum vitia nimis facilis et prompta, ad salutem reminiscendam nimis etiam difficilis et pigra." — Lib. de Contritione Cordis, inter opera August. cap. iv.

[←740]

Romans 7:8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.

[←741] lib. 8. cap. 5: "Suspirabam ligatus non ferro alieno, sed mea ferrea voluntate. Velle meum tenebat inimicus, et inde mihi catenam fecerat et constrinxerat me. Quippe ex voluntate perversa facta est libido, et dum servitur libidini, facta est consuetudo; et dum consuetudini non resistitur, facta est necessitas. Quibus quasi ansulis sibimet innexis, unde catenam appellavi, tenebat me obstrictum dura servitus." And he shows how faint and languid his endeavors were for reformation and amendment: "Sarcinâ sæculi, velut somno adsolet, dulciter premebar, et cogitationes quibus meditabar in te, similes erant conatibus expergisci volentium, qui tamen superati soporis altitudine remerguntur." And he confesses that although, through the urgency of his convictions, he could not but pray that he might be freed from the power of sin, yet, through the prevalence of that power in him, he had a secret reserve and desire not to part with that sin which he prayed against, cap 7: "Petieram a te castitatem et dixeram, Da mihi castitatem et continentiam, sed noli modo. Timebam enim ne me cito exaudires, et cito sanares a morbo concupiscentiæ, quam malebam expleri quam extingui."

[←742]

"Vere abyssus peccata mea sunt, quia incomprehensibilia profunditate, et inestimabilia sunt numero et immensitate. O abyssus abyssum invocans! O peccata mea, tormenta quibus me servatis abyssus sunt, quia infinita et incomprehensibilia sunt. Est et tertia abyssus, et est nimis terribilis; judicia Dei abyssus multa, quia super omnem sensum occulta. Hæ omnes abyssi terribiles sunt mihi undique, quia timor super timorem et dolor super dolorem. Abyssus judiciorum Dei super me, abyssus inferni subtus me, abyssus peccatorum meorum est intra me. Illam quæ super me est timeo ne in me irruat; et me cum abysso mea, in illam quæ subtus me latet, obruat." — Lib. de Contritione Cordis, inter opera August. cap. ix.

[←743] A soldier, perhaps of the praetorian guard. Confess. lib. 8 "There came to visit Alypius and me at our house one Ponticianus, a fellow countryman of ours from Africa, who held high office in the emperor’s court.", cap. 6, par. 14. This man told them the tale of two courtiers who came across a book about the life of St. Antony. The one courtier turned to the other: "He fixed his eyes on his friend, exclaiming: ’Tell me, I beg you, what goal are we seeking in all these toils of ours? What is it that we desire? What is our motive in public service? Can our hopes in the court rise higher than to be ’friends of the emperor’? But how frail, how beset with peril, is that pride! Through what dangers must we climb to a greater danger? And when shall we succeed? But if I chose to become a friend of God, see, I can become one now.’" par. 15. "Such was the story Ponticianus told. But while he was speaking, you, O Lord, turned me toward myself, taking me from behind my back, where I had put myself while unwilling to exercise self-scrutiny. And now you set me face to face with myself, that I might see how ugly I was, and how crooked and sordid, bespotted and ulcerous. And I looked and I loathed myself; but where to fly from myself I could not discover." cap. 7, par. 16.

[←744]

Lib. viii. cap. 7. "Narrabat hoc Pontitianus; tu autem, Domine, inter verba ejus retorquebas me ad meipsum, auferens me a dorso meo ubi me posueram, dum nollem me attendere, et constituebas me ante faciem meam, ut viderem quam turpis essem, quam distortus et sordidus, maculosus et ulcerosus: et videbam et horrebam, et quo a me fugerem non erat. Et si conabar a me avertere aspectum narrabat ille quod narrabat, et tu me rursus opponebas mihi, et impingebas me in oculos meos, ut invenirem iniquitatem meam et odissem." And a little after, "Ita rodebar intus et confundebar pudore horribili vehementer, cum Pontitianus talia loqueretur."

[←745]

Owen’s translation. Lib. viii. cap. 5 "Voluntas nova quæ mihi esse coeperat, ut te gratis colerem fruique te vellem, Deus, sola certa jucunditas, nondum erat idonea ad superandam priorem vetustate roboratam. Ita duæ voluntates meæ, una vetus, alia nova, illa carnalis, illa spiritualis, confligebant inter se, atque discordando dissipabant animam meam. Sic intelligebam in me ipso experimento id quod legeram, quomodo ’caro concupisceret adversus Spiritum, et Spiritus adversus carnem.’ Ego quidem in utroque, sed magis ego in eo quod in me approbabam quam in eo quod in me improbabam. Ibi enim magis jam non ego, quia ex magna parte id patiebar invitus, quod faciebam volens;"

[←746]

Owen’s translation. "Arripui librum, aperui, et legi … Nec ultra volui legere, nec opus erat; statim quippe cum fine hujusce sententiæ, quasi luce securitatis infusâ cordi meo, omnes dubitationis tenebræ diffugerunt. Tum interjecto aut digito aut nescio quo alio signo, codicem clausi, et tranquillo jam vultu indicavi Alypio. At ille quid in se ageretur, quod ego nesciebam, sic indicavit: petit videre quid legissem. Ostendi, et attendit etiam ultra quam ego legeram, et ignorabam quid sequeretur. Sequebatur vero, ’Infirmum autem in fide recipite,’ quod ille ad se retulit, mihique aperuit. Sed tali admonitione firmatus est, placitoque ac proposito bono, et congruentissimo suis moribus, quibus a me in melius jam olim valde longeque distabat, sine ulla turbulenta cunctatione conjunctus est. Inde ad matrem ingredimur. Indicamus, gaudet. Narramus quemadmodum gestum sit; exultat et triumphat, et benedicit tibi, qui potens es ultra quam petimus aut intelligimus facere," lib. viii. cap. 12;

[←747] Romans 7:9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.

[←748]

Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

[←749]

Hebrews 2:14-15 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

[←750]

Genesis 3:8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" 10 So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself."

[←751]

Galatians 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar.

[←752] Immit: to input or infuse (the correlative of emit).

[←753]

Isaiah 32:1 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, And princes will rule with justice. 2 A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, And a cover from the tempest, As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. 3 The eyes of those who see will not be dim, And the ears of those who hear will listen. 2 Chronicles 16:12 And in the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe; yet in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but the physicians.

[←754]

Romans 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 7:12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. 13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.

[←755]

Romans 3:4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged."

[←756]

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 1 Peter 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. Ephesians 3:8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places;

[←757]

Romans 10:13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"

[←758]

1 John 5:10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. John 3:33 "He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.

[←759]

John 3:14 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 "that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?

[←760]

Isaiah 55:1 "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. 3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you-- The sure mercies of David. Isaiah 65:1 "I was sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. I said, ’Here I am, here I am,’ To a nation that was not called by My name.

[←761]

Psalms 130:4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared. Job 33:24 Then He is gracious to him, and says, ’Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom’; Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

[←762]

Romans 3:25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree ").

[←763]

2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. Isaiah 53:11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors. Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

[←764]

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God-- and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-- 31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

[←765]

Owen, as proper to formal English, used "they" rather than "we" to refer to those advocating enabling regeneration. But he also used "they" to refer to those attacking it. Because this was confusing, it has been changed to "us" and "them. – WHG

[←766]

Deception.

[←767]

"Ut ventum est ad horam profitendæ fidei quæ verbis certis conceptis retentisque memoriter, de loco eminentiore, in conspectu populi fidelis, Romæ reddi solet ab eis qui accessuri sunt ad gratiam tuam, oblatum esse dicebat Victorino a presbyteris, ut secretius redderet, sicut nonnullis qui verecundia trepidaturi videbantur, offerri mos erat; illum autem maluisse salutem suam in conspectu sanctæ multitudinis profiteri. Non enim erat salus, quam docebat in rhetorica, et tamen eam publice professus erat. Quanto minus ergo vereri debuit mansuetum gregem tuum pronuncians verbum tuum, qui non verebatur in verbis suis turbas insanorum! Itaque ubi ascendit ut redderet, omnes sibimet invicem quisque ut eum noverant, instrepuerunt nomen ejus strepitu gratulationis, (quis autem ibi eum non noverat?) et sonuit presso sonitu per ora cunctorum collætantium, Victorinus, Victorinus. Cito sonuerunt exultatione quia videbant eum, et cito siluerunt intentione ut audirent eum. Pronunciavit ille fidem veracem præclara fiducia, et volebant eum omnes rapere intro in cor suum; et rapiebant amando et gaudendo. Hæ rapientium manus erant," lib. 8. cap. 2.

[←768]

Exploded: the first recorded use of this word was around 1538, from the Latin verb explōdere meaning to "drive out or off by clapping". The meaning was originally theatrical, "to drive an actor off the stage by making noise;" hence it means to "to drive out" or "to reject." In English, it did not mean to "go off with a loud noise" until around 1790.

[←769]

Strongly urged.

[←770] Aesop’s Fables, "The Frog and the Ox."

[←771]

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; ὀλοτελεῖς (NT:3651) oloteleis.

[←772] Compare with his definition on p. 386.

[←773] A uniform that identifies a servant’s position.

[←774] NKJ and other translations, "all my days," Heb. yowm (OT:03117).

[←775] Flagitious: shockingly wicked.

[←776] Specious, here, means "gilded."

[←777]

1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

[←778]

Ephesians 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.

[←779]

2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Colossians 1:25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

[←780] Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

[←781]

Galatians 3:2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

[←782] John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

[←783] An effort above and beyond the call of duty.

[←784] A great sacrifice; an ancient Greek or Roman sacrifice of 100 oxen.

[←785] See 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (above, p. 377, footnote).

[←786]

[←787]

Luke 17:10 "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ’We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’"

[←788] One who is bound by vows to a religious life of worship and service.

[←789]

Christ did everything necessary to merit our salvation; by substituting or adding our own works, we reject his. – WHG

[←790] That is, something to motivate them to be holy – some tangible reward to make holiness "worthwhile."

[←791] Munificence: liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous with material wealth.

[←792] For instance: Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Ezekiel 36:25 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them; 1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit;

[←793] Compare this with his definition on p. 369.

[←794]

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other;

[←795]

Colossians 2:19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

[←796]

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father...

[←797] Hosea 6:3 Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD.

[←798]

Hebrews 4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

[←799] That is, reasons.

[←800]

2 Corinthians 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

[←801]

[←802]

Owen extends Psalms 22:1 "Why have you forsake me?" to include Psalms 22:9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts. 10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God.

[←803]

Ephesians 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love; Colossians 1:10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.

[←804] Psalms 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;

[←805] To fail or go wrong; be unsuccessful.

[←806]

Luke 13:6 He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 "Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ’Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 "But he answered and said to him, ’Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it." — The first Adam was the keeper of the Lord’s garden. And so too, the last Adam, by his Spirit, keeps the Lord’s vineyard (the church), to ensure it is watered, fed, and fruitful in its season; Psalms 1:3. – WHG

[←807]

Colossians 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. Colossians 2:19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

[←808]

"It" can refer to grace, seed, or sanctification; but grace always plants and preserves the seed of holiness in a believer.

[←809]

Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you." 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert. Isaiah 40:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: "My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God "? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

[←810]

"Crescit occulto velut arbor ævo." An adaptation of Horace’s Odes (I.12, lines 45–46): "The fame of Marcellus increases, as a tree does in the insensible progress of time."

[←811]

Psalms 66:8 Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, 9 Who keeps our soul among the living, And does not allow our feet to be moved. Psalms 31:19 Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!

[←812]

Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

[←813] Here this means exceptional, an aberration: existing outside of or not in accordance with the new nature.

[←814] Mars, spoils, weakens, impairs, debases, and makes ineffective.

[←815]

1 Peter 1:5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

[←816]

Php 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

[←817]

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

[←818] See note, page 59.

[←819] The Spirit comforts us because of Christ, as we share in his sufferings through proclaiming the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Peter 4:13).

[←820]

John 16:6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send him to you.

[←821]

Exercised believers: those acting on (exercising) their belief in Christ, in the cause of Christ. This doesn’t mean that believers are not comforted by the Spirit in physical or emotional distress (p. 411, Q3) – only that non-believers are not comforted by Him at all.

[←822]

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." Owen apparently did not see the Spirit as the gift, but the gift as being from the Spirit.

[←823]

1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. See Jeremiah Burroughs, Gospel Worship.

[←824]

1 Corinthians 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

[←825] That is, none are short-changed by the Spirit; but neither are all gifted alike.

[←826]

Ex congruo, because it is fitting or appropriate; ex condigno, because it is a right. Romans 4:4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt [as a right]. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness [as appropriate to God’s gracious promise].

[←827] That is, private as opposed to occupying a public office in the church, such as an evangelist, minister of the gospel, etc..

[←828]

Luke 11:13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

[←829]

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

[←830]

Acts 9:11 So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

[←831] 1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

[←832] The article "the" is present in the Greek, "the faith in me" but it’s left out of most translations. Owen rendered it "the faith that is in me" or "that is placed in me." He does this to point out two things: (1) what sort of faith it is, and (2) what the object of that faith must be. Our faith, or trust, must be placed specifically and only in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; John 15:5; Acts 4:12).

[←833] Titus 1:15; Romans 14:14.

[←834]

Colossians 2:12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 3:7 ...in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

[←835] Owen may be referring to the universal atonement of Arminianism. See his treatise, Display of Arminianism, 1642.

[←836]

[←837] In other words, all mankind has God’s law written on their hearts, but the sin nature corrupts it; hence all need Christ.

[←838]

Ephesians 4:19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

[←839] Marked by care and persistent effort.

[←840] A false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone’s words or actions.

[←841]

There is widespread confusion about the difference between objective sanctification, or imputed righteousness (which is Christ’s), and subject sanctification, i.e., inherent or evangelical righteousness (which is our own). Christ’s righteousness is perfect, and it is the only cause or basis of our justification. Our righteousness is imperfect, and it is the result of, or our response to, justification. Those who attack this doctrine conclude that inherent righteousness isn’t required. They’re mistaken: for we’re saved by faith alone, but not by a faith which is alone. "Faith without works is dead," says James. All those who are called to salvation, are also called to sanctification, both objectively and subjectively. It is "infallibly" worked in us by God, to be seen by men (Matthew 5:16).

[←842] That is, we may be more holy or less holy at times; but we remain saints – God’s holy ones – always.

[←843] The quality of being deceptive.

[←844] And because it is our entire nature, that comprises all our faculties, which include the mind. – WHG

[←845] Or causing to possess.

[←846]

"Fieri non potest ut sanctifcato Spiritu non sit sanctum etiam corpus, quo sanctificatus utitur Spiritus." — August. Lib. de Bono Viduitat.

[←847]

Concommitance means existing together or in connection with one another. Therefore, because body and soul are inseparable parts of our nature, and because our nature is corrupted by original sin, the body and all its faculties are corrupted with it. Thus our body participates in the sins of the soul. Both are driven by the same governing principle of our nature, for evil or for good.

[←848] That is, the body is not made holy by conversion, but by the soul’s dedication to God by faith. As the soul acts faithfully in dedicating itself to God and holiness, the body too is made holy, at the same time and to the same extent, by grace.

[←849]

Romans 8:10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Php 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. 2 Corinthians 4:14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God... 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

[←850] Palliate: to lessen or try to lessen the seriousness or extent of something.

[←851] Originally "such a fomes" – a contaminant, i.e., a means by which disease spreads.

[←852] Proverbs 30:12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.

[←853]

Numbers 31:23 "everything that can endure fire, you shall put through the fire, and it shall be clean; and it shall be purified with the water of purification. But all that cannot endure fire you shall put through water.

[←854]

Malachi 3:2 "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire And like launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness.

[←855] Leviticus 20:23; Jeremiah 44:4; Habakkuk 1:13; Zechariah 8:17.

[←856] Psalms 38:3-7; Psalms 51:12-14.

[←857]

Psalms 80:16; Isaiah 66:15; Jeremiah 2:22; Malachi 3:2-3; Matthew 3:11. Nitre is vinegar on carbonate of soda (or lye), which foams and sizzles.

[←858] Expiate: to make up for, compensate, or make reparation for wrongdoing or causing offence.

[←859] 1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;

[←860]

Poena sensus is the "sense of pain" or of heart-brokenness and guilt over sin; poena damni is the "pain of loss" or of the consequences of sin; which include separation from God, loss of spiritual gifts and graces, loss of faith, etc.

[←861] Lustration: to purify by means of a ritual.

[←862] A right of access; or the act of attaining or gaining access to a new office or right or position.

[←863]

Jeremiah 2:26 "As the thief is ashamed when he is found out, So is the house of Israel ashamed; They and their kings and their princes, and their priests and their prophets;

[←864] Like a cesspool, fomes is a source of contamination, a means by which disease spreads.

[←865]

Job 42:5 "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. 6 Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes."

[←866]

Ezekiel 16:3 "and say, ’Thus says the Lord GOD to Jerusalem: "Your birth and your nativity are from the land of Canaan; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. 4 "As for your nativity, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed in water to cleanse you; you were not rubbed with salt nor wrapped in swaddling cloths. 5 "No eye pitied you, to do any of these things for you, to have compassion on you; but you were thrown out into the open field, when you yourself were loathed on the day you were born.

[←867]

Ezekiel 16:36 `Thus says the Lord GOD: "Because your filthiness was poured out and your nakedness uncovered in your harlotry with your lovers, and with all your abominable idols, and because of the blood of your children which you gave to them, 37 "surely, therefore, I will gather all your lovers with whom you took pleasure, all those you loved, and all those you hated; I will gather them from all around against you and will uncover your nakedness to them, that they may see all your nakedness.

[←868]

[←869]

Titus 1:15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.

[←870]

Jeremiah 2:22 For though you wash yourself with lye, and use much soap, Yet your iniquity is marked before Me," says the Lord GOD.

[←871]

Hebrews 10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

[←872]

"By virtue of the work worked" – that is, they claim that baptism in and of itself purges the corruption of original sin.

[←873]

2 Peter 1:9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

[←874] A spare anchor used in times of emergency.

[←875] The three things dealing with polution are found at the bottom of p. 424, previous chapter.

[←876] Occasional here doesn’t mean now and then; it means depending on the occasions and circumstances of our life.

[←877]

[←878] Originally "principal of grace."

[←879]

Zechariah 13:1 "In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.

[←880]

τί τὸ φρόνημα τοῦ Πνεύματος.

[←881] Having the power to atone for, or being offered in expiation for sins; thus it is intended to reconcile or appease.

[←882] What compensates for a wrong; atones for sin; and appeases God.

[←883] ζῶσα καὶ πρόσφατος.

[←884] Heb. תָּמִיד (OT:3117) Exodus 29:38-39.

[←885] Yowm kippur, the Day of Atonement, Leviticus 23:27.

[←886]

Hebrews 9:9 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience-- 10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation. 11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

[←887]

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word;

[←888]

Isaiah 1:16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. 18 "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. Psalms 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

[←889]

Jeremiah 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withheld, And there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot’s forehead; You refuse to be ashamed.

[←890]

[←891]

Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?

[←892]

[←893]

Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

[←894]

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

[←895]

Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him; 1 John 3:3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

[←896]

Deuteronomy 4:4 "But you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive today, every one of you. Joshua 23:8 "but you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day. Acts 11:23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cling to the Lord.

[←897]

Hebrews 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

[←898]

John 15:3 "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

[←899]

Exodus 15:25 So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them. And there He tested them;

[←900]

Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; And He bore them and carried them All the days of old. Acts 9:5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." Colossians 1:24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,

[←901]

1 Kings 17:18 So she said to Elijah, "What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?"

[←902]

Psalms 89:30 "If his sons forsake My law And do not walk in My judgments, 31 If they break My statutes And do not keep My commandments, 32 Then I will punish their transgression with the rod, And their iniquity with stripes. Lamentations 3:33 For He does not afflict willingly, Nor grieve the children of men.

[←903]

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

[←904]

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

[←905]

Numbers 5:2 "Command the children of Israel that they put out of the camp every leper, everyone who has a discharge, and whoever becomes defiled by a corpse.

[←906]

Isaiah 3:16 Moreover the LORD says: "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, And walk with outstretched necks And wanton eyes, Walking and mincing as they go, Making a jingling with their feet, 17 Therefore the Lord will strike with a scab The crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, And the LORD will uncover their secret parts." 18 In that day the Lord will take away the finery: The jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents; 19 The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils; 20 The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands; The perfume boxes, the charms, 21 and the rings; The nose jewels, 22 the festal apparel, and the mantles; The outer garments, the purses, 23 and the mirrors; The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes. 24 And so it shall be: Instead of a sweet smell there will be a stench; Instead of a sash, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, baldness; Instead of a rich robe, a girding of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty. 25 Your men shall fall by the sword, And your mighty in the war. 26 Her gates shall lament and mourn, And she being desolate shall sit on the ground.

[←907]

Revelation 21:27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

[←908]

[←909]

Isaiah 66:24 "And they shall go forth and look Upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh."

[←910] Like a cesspool, fomes is a source of contamination, a means by which disease spreads.

[←911]

Matthew 23:25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.

[←912]

Revelation 3:16 "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 "Because you say, ’I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’-- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

[←913]

[←914]

Hosea 5:13 "When Ephraim saw his sickness, And Judah saw his wound, Then Ephraim went to Assyria And sent to King Jareb; Yet he cannot cure you, Nor heal you of your wound.

[←915]

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

[←916] Psalms 38:5 My wounds are foul and festering Because of my foolishness.

[←917]

Hosea 5:13 "When Ephraim saw his sickness, And Judah saw his wound, Then Ephraim went to Assyria And sent to King Jareb; Yet he cannot cure you, Nor heal you of your wound. Jeremiah 2:22 For though you wash yourself with lye, and use much soap, Yet your iniquity is marked before Me," says the Lord GOD. Job 9:30 If I wash myself with snow water, And cleanse my hands with soap, 31 Yet You will plunge me into the pit, And my own clothes will abhor me.

[←918]

2 Peter 1:4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

[←919]

Romans 4:19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 10:6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "Do not say in your heart, ’Who will ascend into heaven?’" (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, "`Who will descend into the abyss?’" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart " (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

[←920]

Hebrews 4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

[←921] That is, put it away, as opposed to masking it with false humility. Pride is an unavoidable remainder of sin in believers, and so it must be acknowledged and actively opposed. Job 33:17 In order to turn man from his deed, And hide pride from man, 18 He keeps back his soul from the Pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.

[←922]

[←923]

Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh-- who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

[←924]

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1 Corinthians 6:15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For "the two," He says, "shall become one flesh." 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

[←925] That is, the withering and killing (or mortification) of sin, by drying up its root, and not just removing its fruit (Romans 8:13).

[←926]

Proverbs 9:13-18 The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. 14 She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, 15 calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, 16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" And to him who lacks sense she says, 17 "Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." 18 But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. (ESV)

[←927]

Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Colossians 2:11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ;

[←928]

Hebrews 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

[←929]

John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

[←930] Romans 8:10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

[←931]

Romans 7:19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

[←932]

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

[←933]

Genesis 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.

[←934]

John 15:2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:8 "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

[←935]

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

[←936]

Deuteronomy 29:29 "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

[←937]

Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. 20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations-- 21 "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," 22 which all concern things which perish with the using-- according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

[←938]

Deuteronomy 6:24 `And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. 25 `Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us.’ Psalms 119:9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

[←939]

[←940]

[←941]

Titus 2:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age;

[←942]

Genesis 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.

[←943]

Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

[←944]

[←945]

Isaiah 1:3 The ox knows its owner And the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider."

[←946]

Jeremiah 8:7 "Even the stork in the heavens Knows her appointed times; And the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow Observe the time of their coming. But My people do not know the judgment of the LORD.

[←947] That is, it doesn’t operate independently, under its own power.

[←948]

Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-- Christ-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Colossians 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. John 4:14 "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."

[←949] Php 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

[←950]

[←951]

[←952]

Romans 9:31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

[←953]

John 16:2 "They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.

[←954]

Decried.

[←955] The meaning of "surprised" here, is ambushed or waylaid – ensnared. Our guard is down, so we "enter into temptation." Matthew 26:41.

[←956]

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

[←957] The natural faculties include the intellectual faculties, the mind and understanding; the will and its resolve or self-control; the affections and what they are drawn to, etc. The conflict is not between these severally, but within each one individually. And so the depravity of man is said to be "pervasive" throughout the faculties, and not just in one or a few of them. Therefore, sanctification must likewise be pervasive — its principle of holiness progressively restores all the faculties of the new creature. – WHG

[←958]

Romans 5:21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.

[←959] See vol. vi. of his works. — Ed.

[←960]

Owen is saying that men have convictions of right and wrong, even in an unregenerate state. These convictions are born of "education, instructions, and example" (p. 474 above). Each society imparts a social conscience to its members, instructing them in what is and is not acceptable behavior. While this may keep a society from murder, theft, and violence (hindering the principle of sin), it may also keep it from biblical godliness (hindering the principle of holiness). A society may teach that adultery is OK, for example, while the Bible declares it is sin. And so these social convictions, which accept marital infidelity, hinder the principle of godliness, which abhors it. The pronoun "they," as in "they hinder," refers to these social convictions.

[←961] See Book III, Chapter III.

[←962]

Ephesians 1:17 [I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints;

[←963]

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

[←964]

1 John 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

[←965]

Hebrews 5:14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

[←966] That is, there is no more inclination towards one than the other. We can "take it or leave it" either way.

[←967] Or, "Who in his right mind...?"

[←968]

Deuteronomy 30:6 "And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

[←969]

Song of Solomon 5:2 I sleep, but my heart is awake; It is the voice of my beloved! He knocks, saying, "Open for me, my sister, my love, My dove, my perfect one; For my head is covered with dew, My locks with the drops of the night." 3 I have taken off my robe; How can I put it on again? I have washed my feet; How can I defile them?

[←970] Uncouth: here it means unacceptable.

[←971] Benignity: the quality of being kind and gentle.

[←972]

Psalms 78:34 When He slew them, then they sought Him; And they returned and sought earnestly for God. 35 Then they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer. 36 Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, And they lied to Him with their tongue; 37 For their heart was not steadfast with Him, Nor were they faithful in His covenant.

[←973] Connate: inherent or natural.

[←974]

Simply put, a man of rigid habits is known to be rigid, and his habits are rigid in nature – which, in turn, make him rigid.

[←975]

Originally this was "particular or universal" – as if applying to the extent of the atonement, an apparent slip. It has been changed to "general" to match Owen’s wording below, so it would be easier to follow his illustration.

[←976] Vocation: our calling to salvation.

[←977]

Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

[←978]

2 Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love... 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

[←979]

Romans 11:5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace... 7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.

[←980]

Romans 5:2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

[←981]

Impetrate: to obtain by entreaty – Christ is our Intercessor. He pleads our case before the Father’s throne — yes, for forgiveness; but also for our enabling — for the grace and strength to live to God. John 16:14-15 The Spirit will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

[←982]

Oblation refers to Christ offering his atoning blood to God for acceptance (John 20:17), upon which it is "sprinkled" on believers by the Holy Spirit (Exodus 24:7-8) — this is its "application to our souls." He cleanses us in order to clothe us with Christ in holiness (Exodus 28:40-41; Leviticus 16:32; Zechariah 4:4; Romans 13:14). – WHG

[←983]

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Hebrews 9:14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

[←984] Improve: To use or employ to good purpose; to turn to profitable account.

[←985] Virtually is used literally here: "by virtue of."

[←986] Similar in nature, or present from birth; here, ushered in with the "new birth".

[←987] Uncouth: foreign and unfamiliar.

[←988]

1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

[←989]

1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. Matthew 23:10 "And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.

[←990]

Isaiah 45:22 "Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Zechariah 12:10 "And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.

[←991] That is, seasoned or palatable, rather than timely.

[←992]

Matthew 7:16 "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 1 John 3:10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

[←993]

2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of [i.e., participants in] the divine nature. Ephesians 4:4-7 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

[←994]

John Cassian (c.360–440 AD) –A Semi-Pelagian monk, residing in Gaul (modern France) who introduced Egyptian monasticism to the western church. "The Semi-Pelagian doctrine taught by John Cassian admits that divine grace (assistance) is necessary to enable a sinner to return to God and live; yet it holds that, from the nature of the human will, man may first spontaneously, of himself, desire and attempt to choose and obey God." A.A. Hodge

[←995]

Quaker pietism is justification by works (Pelagianism); they reject imputed righteousness. Owen had five primary criticisms of Quakerism: 1) He saw its teaching about the inner light is an attack on the work and person of the Holy Spirit; the role of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ, not himself. 2) Quakers deny the sacraments as unbiblical; they forsake the gospel’s emphasis on the atoning work of Christ in order to focus on the inward light. 3) They deny the Trinity; "Convince any of them of the doctrine of the Trinity, and all the rest of their imaginations vanish into smoke." 4) They deny the necessity of Scripture and the doctrine of ’sola Scriptura’ (Scripture alone). Quakers insist that Scripture is not needed once a person heeds the "inner light." 5) Their doctrine of the inner light is a denial of the fall of man into sin, and the consequent radical depravity of humanity. Since Adam’s fall, his descendants are born in sin; and therefore they are by nature in darkness. From A Puritan Theology, Joel Beeke & Mark Jones (Reform. Heritage, Grand Rapids MI, 2012), pp. 429-441.

[←996] Titus 2:12 ...denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age;

[←997]

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

[←998]

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

[←999]

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

[←1000]

Php 1:19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ;

[←1001]

See Ephesians 1:17; Acts 9:31; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:15; Romans 8:23; Romans 8:26; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Romans 14:17; Romans 15:13; Romans 15:16.

[←1002] A rhetorical device: immediate rephrasing for intensification or justification.

[←1003] Complete and confirmed integrity; having strong moral principles

[←1004] As God respected Abel and his offering, but had no respect for Cain and his offering, Genesis 4:4-5.

[←1005] See vol. vi. of his works. — Ed.

[←1006]

Substituting the name of an attribute or feature for the name of the thing itself (as in ’they counted heads’).

[←1007] NKJ: "and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness.

[←1008]

Mortify – Colossians 3:5 νεκροῦν (NT:3499); and Romans 8:13 θανατοῦν (NT:2289) – "put to death" in the NKJ.

[←1009]

Hebrews 11:12 καὶ ταῦτα νενεκρωμένου, καθὼς — kai tauta nenekroomenou kathoos.

[←1010]

Using the name of one thing for something closely associated with it – e.g., "he spent the evening reading Shakespeare" subsitutes the author’s name for the author’s works.

[←1011] In procinctu is a Latin term which literally means "the grit for battle". It’s a military phrase meaning "girding up" — i.e., preparing oneself for battle by donning your armor. It also refers to the will that is made out by soldiers before a fight to the death. Owen is saying that our enemy is prepared for a fight to the death. Are we? – WHG

[←1012]

Owen translates it "the wills," (DRA) rather than "the desires" (KJV). The Greek is θελήματα, thelemata (NT:2307).

[←1013] That is, "taking the side of grace."

[←1014] An indirect way of expressing something.

[←1015]

Ephesians 1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places;

[←1016] A threat of divine punishment or vengeance.

[←1017]

Romans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

[←1018]

Romans 8:7 Because the carnal [fleshly] mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

[←1019] John 15:5; John 15:8.

[←1020]

Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet." 8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.

[←1021]

James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

[←1022] A black garment worn as a sign of mourning and sorrow.

[←1023] Psalms 38:17 For I am ready to halt [i.e., fall or stumble], and my sorrow is continually before me.

[←1024] Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

[←1025]

Jeremiah 31:18 "I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself:`You have chastised me, and I was chastised, Like an untrained bull; Restore me, and I will return, For You are the LORD my God. 19 Surely, after my turning, I repented; And after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh; I was ashamed, yes, even humiliated, Because I bore the reproach of my youth.’ 20 Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a pleasant child? For though I spoke against him, I earnestly remember him still; Therefore My heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him, says the LORD.

[←1026] Oblation: a sacrificial offering – in this case, an atoning sacrifice to appease the wrath of God.

[←1027]

Romans 6:3-5 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection;

[←1028] Dolorous: pitiful or sorrowful; evoking great emotion.

[←1029]

1 Samuel 18:1 Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

[←1030] John 16:8 "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

[←1031] Part II is in the next chapter. And each subsequent part is in its corresponding chapter.

[←1032] Flagitious: shockingly, brutally wicked and cruel.

[←1033]

Psalms 50:21 These things you have done, and I kept silent; You thought that I was altogether like you; But I will rebuke you, And set them in order before your eyes.

[←1034]

KJV Job 4:18 He put no trust in His servants, and His angels He charged with folly; Job 15:15 Behold, he puts no trust in his saints; indeed, the heavens are not clean in his sight.

[←1035] Contemporation: to temper or moderate something by mixing it with something of a different nature.

[←1036]

Isaiah 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; Fearfulness has seized the hypocrites: "Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?"

[←1037] "sobriety and usefulness" – that is, "sober-minded", and utilitarian (pragmatic).

[←1038]

τῆς θείας φύσεως – Though most translations give the definite article, it does not exist in the Greek text. Owen seems to hit the true meaning of the phrase in the remark appended to the quotation, when he refers it, not to the divine nature, but to one resembling or corresponding to it. — Ed.

[←1039]

Genesis 3:5 "For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

[←1040]

2 Peter 2:12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption;

[←1041]

Isaiah 43:4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

[←1042] Assimilating: those graces which, by their exercise, make us more like God, who is their source and epitome.

[←1043] Information known only to a special group.

[←1044]

Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

[←1045]

Matthew 5:43-48 "You have heard that it was said, ’You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 "And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

[←1046]

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

[←1047] That is, inherently. It is our own righteousness for sanctification, not the imputed righteousness of Christ for justification.

[←1048] This seems preposterous. How can an infant be made habitually and radically holy by personal obedience? Indeed, Owen quoted from Augustine on the nature of an infant being born into sin and disobedience (see p. 339). In book VII, chap. VIII, Owen writes that all elect are "sanctified from the womb." (Psalms 22:10) He explains, in respect to prayer, that while the infant does not and cannot exercise its regenerate ability to pray, it nonetheless has that principle or grace inherent in it. Short of death, it will evidence itself.

[←1049]

Matthew 24:24 "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

[←1050]

2 Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

[←1051]

Deuteronomy 29:29 "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

[←1052]

Acts 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 13:48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

[←1053]

2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

[←1054]

Resentment once denoted a lively sense of good or favor conferred, as well as irritation under wrong or injustice. It is obviously used in the former meaning in this passage. — Ed. — It is a "re-sentiment," or here, a response to love. – WHG

[←1055]

Deuteronomy 7:6 "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. 7 "The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; 8 "but because the LORD loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt... 11 "Therefore you shall keep the commandment, the statutes, and the judgments which I command you today, to observe them.

[←1056] The 1660s and 70s in England were turbulent times. London suffered a plague in 1665, and the Great Fire in 1666. Philosopher John Locke was busy establishing the Enlightenment, and Classical Liberalism (Natural Rights). Charles II of England and Louis XIV of France signed the Treaty of Dover in 1670 in which Louis paid Charles £200,000 per year to relax the laws against Catholics, so they could regain power. Pope Clement IX was persecuting the Jensenists and clashing with France. Pope Clement X granted indulgences for attending holy places. Spain and England were fighting over the Caribbean islands. There was piracy at sea and hiwaymen on land. Spain attacked the English colony at Charleston SC. England declared war on the Dutch, which France and Germany soon joined... and so on — just as it is in every age, for the nature of man canot change apart from Christ. – WHG

[←1057] An allusion to Esther 6:6.

[←1058] This means the time it takes to twirl a man around, or "do a 180." It’s taken from the Satires of Horace.

[←1059]

Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

[←1060]

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, "`You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 "This is the first and great commandment. 39 "And the second is like it:`You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

[←1061]

Ephesians 4:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

[←1062]

Isaiah 29:13 Therefore the Lord said: "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, 14 Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, A marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden."

[←1063] That is, "those things in the commands of God which put such an indispensable obligation on us to holiness."

[←1064]

Owen’s implicit argument is that if we evangelize only because we believe someone’s salvation depends on us, and not because God commanded it, it is not holiness. A great quandary arises with regard to election as it relates to those who never hear the gospel (Romans 2:12-16). In the same way that Arminians condition salvation on a profession of faith, Calvinists tend to condition salvation on the proclamation of the gospel. We say that those in the Old Testament "looked forward" to Christ, and were saved by faith (Hebrews 11, Romans 4). Even though they had no certain object for their faith (Christ), they had faith in the One who promised. And so it may be presumptuous to say that anyone’s salvation depends on the actions of other men to evangelize them, rather than depending solely on the eternal decree of God. But this does not make the Great Commission optional; for we are certainly God’s ordained means. Yet to make the outcome of anyone’s salvation absolutely dependent on another man’s obedience, perhaps goes beyond Scripture. It redefines the elect as those to whom the gospel is presented, and who accept it, rather than those whom God chose before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4); an Arminian might heartily agree. See also page 630. — WHG

[←1065] Equal here, means fair or equitable.

[←1066] Rule of right; and rule from punishment.

[←1067]

2 Samuel 12:9 `Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon.

[←1068]

Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 "If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 "But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."

[←1069]

Psalms 12:4.

[←1070] Referring to the Old Testament "Church".

[←1071] That is, we looked for (invented) ways around the contraints of holiness; we schemed to get our own way.

[←1072] Instated: installed, brought under, or included in.

[←1073] Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love;

[←1074]

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. Php 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God;

[←1075]

There is a work of grace in regeneration which has nothing to do with a believer’s ability – in fact, the believer must be reborn from above because he is unable to be reborn from below. It is "monergistic" – of God alone. But having professed faith in Christ, the believer is enabled and called to obedience by the Spirit at work in him – it is "synergistic." Colossians 1:29 "To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily." And so both are of grace, and both are to the glory of God.

[←1076]

He has had frequent occasion to refer to this passage, but see more especially book iv. chap. ii., on page 395 of this volume. — Ed.

[←1077]

Php 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; Php 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

[←1078]

Psalms 30:6 Now in my prosperity I said, "I shall never be moved." 7 LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

[←1079]

External trappings, designed to captivate the eye and emotions, are used as props in the absence of a principle of holiness.

[←1080] Formal grace that imparts the principle of holiness, and actual grace that enables holiness itself.

[←1081]

Romans 7:20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.

[←1082]

[←1083] Contemporation: to temper or moderate something by mixing it with something of a different nature.

[←1084]

Micah 6:6 With what shall I come before the LORD, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

[←1085] Not the principle of holiness, but a natural motivation ("the light of nature" or "moral virtue") which ignores God’s command.

[←1086] Something used to achieve a purpose.

[←1087]

Hebrews 1:3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;

[←1088]

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

[←1089]

John 17:15 "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

[←1090]

John 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. John 3:2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." John 17:6 "I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.

[←1091]

Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers;

[←1092]

Matthew 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, ’You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ’Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ’You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire... 27 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, ’You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

[←1093]

Excision: cutting off or cutting out; e.g., Genesis 17:14 "And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant."

[←1094]

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

[←1095]

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.5 ...unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Ephesians 4:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

[←1096]

Deuteronomy 18:18-19 `I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19 `And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him."

[←1097] Not just possibly, but with considerable certainty – but we must first accept who Christ is when he speaks.

[←1098]

John 6:45 "It is written in the prophets, ’And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.

[←1099] Uncouth: uncultivated.

[←1100] Perspicuous: transparently clear; easily understandable.

[←1101]

John 12:37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: "Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?" 39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: 40 "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them."

[←1102] Ingenuously: sincerely and genuinely.

[←1103]

NKJ Romans 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves... 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature... 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

[←1104]

Romans 3:10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one." 13 "Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit"; "The poison of asps is under their lips"; 14 "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." 15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace they have not known." 18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."

[←1105]

Psalms 69:14 Deliver me out of the mire, And let me not sink; Let me be delivered from those who hate me, And out of the deep waters.

[←1106] An unrestrained expression of emotion; an explosive outburst.

[←1107] That is, the faculties and actings of our minds, wills, and affections.

[←1108]

Luke 11:21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. 22 But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.

[←1109]

Owen used "confusion" (chaos) here; but "anarchy" seemed a better contrast with the stable rule of grace. — WHG

[←1110] Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

[←1111]

Isaiah 11:6 "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. 7 The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.

[←1112] Physiognomy: facial appearance. The incident is taken from Plato’s Dialogue Phaedo ("On the Soul").

[←1113] Flagitious: extremely wicked.

[←1114] Untoward: not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society.

[←1115] Cogency: persuasiveness.

[←1116]

[←1117] Flagitious: shockingly wicked.

Owen Pneumatologia - Part 1

A modernized restatement of Owen's comprehensive treatise on the Holy Spirit (Pneumatologia). Part 1 covers the person, nature, and work of the Holy Spirit, examining how the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, His role in creation and providence, and His special operations in the church …

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