τος. 2:37. 16:29. 2 Tim. 1:7. Heb. u 16. Gal. 4:5-7. Eph. 1:5, 11-14. x Mark 14:36. Luke 11:2. 22: The (Notes, Eph. 4:30-32. 5:15-20. 1 Thes. 5:16- gratitude, submission, zeal, and admiring, ador22. 1 Pet. 1:22. Jude 20,21.) ing complacency; and are especially encouraged Debtors. (12) Opheral. See on 1:14.-To live and emboldened to call upon him as "a Father," after the flesh.] To Kara capka (v. 1,5,13. (Notes, for all things which they want, and for support I-9.)-Do mortify. (13) OavaTUTE. 36. See on and deliverance under all their trials, notwith7:4.-The deeds of the body.] Tas pakeis TH opa-standing their conscious unworthiness. 6:6. 7:24. Col. 2:11. Ipakis, 12:4. Matt. 16: word "Abba," is Syriac for "Father:" and the 27. Luke 23:51. Acts 19:18. Col. 3:9.-Some use of different languages, in this connexion, copies read πράξεις της σαρκος. sweetly indicates the harmony of Jews and Gentiles, and of different nations, in this filial worship of God according to the gospel. (Marg. Ref. x.-Notes, Matt. 6:6,9. Mark 14:36. Gal. 4-7.) Thus the Holy Spirit, by producing in believers the affections which dutiful children bear to a wise and good father, in their habitual state of heart toward God, most manifestly attests their adoption into his family. This is not done by a voice, or immediate revelation, or impulse, or merely by a text brought to the mind; (for all these things are equivocal and delusory;) but by "bearing witness with their spirits," or coinciding with the testimony of their own enlightened minds and consciences, as to their uprightness in embracing the gospel, and giving themselves up to the service of God. (Note, 2 Cor. 1:12-14, v. 12.) So that, while they are examining themselves concerning the reality of their conversion, and find scriptural evidence of it; the Holy Spirit, from time to time, shines on his own work, excites their holy affections into lively exercise, renders them very efficacious upon their conduct, and thus puts the matter beyond doubt: for while they feel the spirit of dutiful children towards God, as described in his holy word, they become satisfied concerning his paternal love to them. (Note, 9:1-3.) So that, this "witness of the Spirit" is borne along with that of our own consciences, not without it, nor against it: and it coincides with the testimony of the Holy Spirit, in the scripture, and must be proved and assayed by it. (Marg. Ref. y, z.) But this being clearly ascertained, we may confidently regard ourselves as the heirs of the heavenly inheritance, (for “if children, then heirs,") and of God himself as our Portion; even "joint heirs with Christ," the beloved Son of the Father, being accepted in him, and appointed with him to share the glorious inheritance: (Notes, John 14:15-17. 2 Cor. 1:21,22. Eph. 1:3-8,13,14. 1 Pet. 1:3—5.) and of this we may be still more fully assured, if we patiently endure sufferings after his example, and for his sake, and the hope of being also "glorified with him." (Notes, Luke 22:28-30. 2 Tim. 2:8-13. 1:9-11. 3:20—22.) V. 14-17. Regeneration by the Holy Spirit prepares the heart for receiving Christ by living faith; and communicates a new and divine life to the soul, though in a feeble state, as that of "a new-born babe." (Note, 1 Pet. 2:1-3, v. 2.) Believing in Christ, we become "the children of God" by adoption also. (Notes, John 1:10-13. Gal. 3:26-29.) Therefore all they, and they only, who are led by the Spirit, are "the children of God." (Marg. Ref. r, s.-Note, Gal. 5:1618.) The Holy Spirit leads a man into the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus, and of his own heart; into humble repentance, faith in Christ, holy love, communion with God, and delight in his worship and commandments: on the other hand, he leads him away from vanity and iniquity, from vice and ungodliness, from pride and discord: (Note, Ps. 143:8-10.) and in proportion as we willingly give up ourselves to be led in the paths of truth and holiness, we may know our adoption. The apostle further observed, that he and his brethren at Rome had not received again "the spirit of bondage," to serve God from slavish fear; for this all must do, who continue under the law as a covenant, if they attempt to serve him at all. The Mosaic dispensation had a greater tendency to foster this temper, than the Christian religion has: and the Jews, too generally, considering the whole as a covenant of works, worshipped God in this slavish manner. But the greater number of the Roman converts had never been under the Mosaic law; yet they are spoken of indiscriminately, as having been formerly influenced by "the spirit of bondage:" we may therefore suppose, that those convictions were also intended, under which awakened sinners, even if in consequence converted, act more from fear and selfish principles, than established believers do; abstaining from many sins through dread of consequences, without decidedly hating|| them; and practising duties without loving them. These convictions indeed proceed from the moving of the Spirit of God upon their minds, and prepare them for receiving Christ by faith: but they are very different from the disposition, and state of mind and heart, of those who are brought into the full light and liberty of the gospel, and have received "the Spirit of adoption." (Marg. Ref. t, u.-Notes, Num. 17:12,13. Matt. 25:2430. John 16:8-11,14,15. Gal. 4:4-7,21-31. Eph. 1:13,14. 2 Tim. 1:6-8. 1 John 4:18.) Then they are taught and animated to "serve God" with filial reverence, confidence, love, 1 Pet. 4:12-16. 5:1-4. Rev. As many as are led by the Spirit of God. (14) 'Oro Пvevμari Oes ayovrai. Luke 4:1. 1 Cor. 12:2. Gal. 5:18. 2 Tim. 3:6.-The Spirit of bondage. (15) Πνευμα δέλειας. Δέλεια, 21. Gal. 4:24. 5:1. Heb. 2:15.-The Spirit of adoption.] Πνευμα bioderias. 'Tiodeoia, 23. 9:4. Gal. 4:5. Eph. 1:5. -Beareth witness with. (16) Evppaprupei. 9:1. See 18 For I reckon, that the sufferings|| 21 Because the creature itself also of this present time, are not worthy to be shall be delivered from the bondage of compared with the glory which shall be corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God. revealed in us. e g 22 For we know that * the whole cre19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifesta-ation groaneth and 'travaileth in pain tion of the sons of God. together until now. 20 For the creature was made sub- 23 And not only they, but ourselves ject to vanity, not willingly, but by rea- also, which have the first-fruits of the son of him who hath subjected the same, Spirit, even we ourselves groan within in hope; ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, P the redemption of our body. d Matt. 5:11,12. Acts 20:24. 2 Cor. 4:17,18. Heb. 11:25,26. 35. 1 Pet. 1:6,7. e Col. 3:4. 2 Thes. 1:7-12. 2: 14. 1 Pet. 1:13. 4:13. 5:1. 1 John 3:2. f 23. Phil. 1:20. g ls. 65:17. Acts 3:21. 2 Pet. Συμπάσχομεν. 3:11-13. Rev. 21:1-5. h Mal. 3:17,18. Matt. 25:31- k 19. Rev. 22:3-5. 16:15. Mark n 26. 7:24. 2 Cor. 5:2-4. 7:5. Phil. 1:21-23. 1 Pet. 1:7. o 19,25. Luke 20:36. Phil. 3:20, 21. 2 Tim. 4:8. Tit. 2:13. Heb. 9:28. 1 John 3:2. 1 Ps. 48:6. John 16:21. Rev. on 2:15.-Joint heirs. (17) Evyxλпpovoμoi. Eph. 3: tures of God appear evil, through man's abuse of 6. Heb. 11:9. 1 Pet. 3:7-We suffer with him.] them; and even the enjoyment originally to be Cor. 12:26. Not elsewhere. We found in them, is turned into vexation, bitterness, may be... glorified together.] Zuvdoğardwμev. Here and disappointment, by man's idolatrous love of only. them and expectation from them. Yet this othV. 18-23. The apostle experienced an abun-erwise most deplorable state of the creation, is dant measure of the sufferings of Christ: (Notes, "in hope:" God intends to rescue it from this conCol. 1:24. 2 Tim. 2:8-13.) but, upon the most fused state, and to deliver it from being thus exact and deliberate computation of them, he "held in bondage" to man's depravity; that it found them "not worthy to be compared" with may partake of "the glorious liberty of his chilthat glorious recompense, which will be bestow-dren," and minister to it. Thus we are assured, ed on Christians, or "that glory which will be that "the whole creation groans" in every part, revealed" to them, and accomplished in them. as with one sympathizing expression of anguish, So that it would be the greatest folly imaginable, (like a woman in the pains of travail, not as one for him to shrink from the pursuit of this promis- in the agonies of death,) expecting and impatiented felicity, through the dread of the most terrible ly longing for a glorious event of all these dis of these transient sufferings. (Marg. Ref. d, e. tractions. This it has done ever since the fall, -Notes, 5:3-5. 2 Cor. 4:8-18. 6:3-10.)-In- and will do, in a measure, till the end of the deed the whole visible creation seems to "wait," world. The miseries also of the human species, with earnest expectation, for that important pe- through their own and each other's wickedness, riod, when the "children of God shall be mani- as well as the state of the inferior creatures, defested," in the glory which is prepared for them: clare the world to be in such a situation, as is not and in this, it resembles a man, who, with out- intended always to continue. (Marg. Ref. i—1.) stretched neck, looks, and waits with impatient Nay, not only do all creatures, and all other men longing, for the arrival of some beloved and ex- here below, as it were, groan under the burdens pected friend. (Marg. Ref. f—h.) For "the cre- imposed on them through sin: but even "the chilation itself was made subject to vanity" and disor- dren of God," who have "the Spirit of adoption," der, through man's apostasy: "not willingly," but and his holy consolations, as the first fruits and by a kind of constraint, through the guilt and pledge of their everlasting felicity, (Note, 14— righteous condemnation of Adam and his posteri- 17.) yet groan within themselves, through manity. By this awful dispensation, the Lord subject- fold pains, conflicts, temptations, and difficulties: ed the creatures of this lower world, and even and especially through the disquietude of indwellthe visible creation, to vanity. Every thing seemsing sin; (Notes, 7:22-25. 2 Cor. 5:1-8.) and perverted from its intended use: the inanimate in "waiting for the adoption," their public adcreatures are pressed into the service of man's mission into the family of God, and to the enjoyrebellion; the luminaries of heaven give him ment of their inheritance: at that season, when light, by which to work wickedness; the fruits of their bodies also shall be redeemed from the the earth are sacrificed to his luxury, intemper- grave, incorruptible, immortal, and glorious. ance, and ostentation; its bowels are ransacked (Marg. Ref. m-p.-Note, 1 Cor. 15:50-54.) for metals, from which arms are forged for pub-Then Satan, sin, death, misery, and all wicked lic and private murder and revenge; or to gratify creatures, will be confined to hell; and the rest of man's avarice, and excite him to fraud, oppres- God's creation will appear glorious, pure, beautision, and war. The animal tribes are subject ful, orderly, and happy; in every respect answerto pain and death through man's sin: and their ing the end for which it was formed, and in nothsufferings are exceedingly increased by his cru- ing abused to contrary purposes. (Notes, Rev. elty, who, instead of a kind master, is become 20:11-15. 21:1-4.)-The sufferings of animals their inhuman butcher and tyrant. Above all, though very many and grievous, yet being unfear nearly every part of the creation has been and ised and transient, are doubtless overbalanced by perverted, in one way or other, to idolatry, which is especially "vanity." (Note, 1:21-23.) The heavenly luminaries, the earth, rivers, woods, and mountains, as well as animals, have been adored as gods; while metals, stone, and wood, have been fashioned into idols, and decorations of idols; and all the prime of the productions of the earth have been offered in sacrifice unto them. So that, every thing is in an unnatural state: the good crea their enjoyments; and to infer an individual resurrection of all or any of them, from this pass age, is surely one of the wildest reveries, which ever entered into the mind of a thinking man.The happy effects produced by the gospel, when extensively successful, even in this present world. may be considered as earnests of the glorious scene, of which the apostle speaks: (Note, Rev. 20:4-6.) but "the manifestation of the sons of r 24 For we are saved by hope: but || we should pray for as we ought; * buz hope that is seen is not hope; for what a the Spirit itself maketh intercession for man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? us, y with groanings which cannot be ut25 But if we hope for that we see tered. not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: " for we know not what q 5:2. 12:12. 15:4,13. Ps. 33:18, 22. 146:5. Prov. 14:32. Jer. 17:7. Zech. 9:12. 1 Cor. 13:13. Gal. 5:5. Col. 1:5,23,27. 1 Thes. 5:3. 2 Thes. 2:16. Tit. 2:11-13. Heb. 6:18,19. 1 Pet. 1:3,21. 1 John 3:3. r2 Cor. 4:18. 5:7. Heb. 11:1. 1 Pet. 1:10,11. $ 23.2:7. 12:12. Gen. 49:18. Ps. 27:14. 37:7-9. 62:1,5,6, 130:5 -7. Is. 25:9. 26:8. Lam. 3:25, 9. 13.10. 14:12. t 15:1. 2 Cor. 12:5-10. Heb. 4: u Matt. 20:22. Luke 11:1, &c. God" (19), and "the adoption, to wit, the redemption of the body" (23), clearly shew that the gencral resurrection, and the state which follows, were especially, and indeed exclusively meant; for then only will "the children of God be manifested" as such, and be separated from all others. (Note, 1 John 3:1-3, v. 2.) 27 And he that searcheth the hearts, a knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. с [Practical Observations.] x 15. Ps. 10:17. Zech. 12:10. y 7:24. Ps. 6:1-9. 42:1-5, 55: 21:17. Acts 1:24. 15:8. 1 Thes. 2:4 Heb. 4-13. Rev. 2:23. a Ps. 38:9. 66:18,19. Jam. 5:16. * Or, that. c Jer. 29:12,13. John 14:13 overpowered if left to themselves; yet the Spirit of God so helps them, and supports them, and so powerfully aids their exertions feeble and infirm in themselves, that they are not entirely overcome. Indeed, as their strength and comfort, amid conflicts, must be obtained by prayer, and as they are so ignorant, forgetful, or unbelieving, I reckon. (18) Aoyopat. See on 2:3. 3:28.-In that they know not what to ask for, or how to us.] Eis pas. "Unto us." (Notes, 2 Thes. 1:5— ask for any thing in a proper manner, and with 10, vv. 7,10. 1 Pet. 4:12—16, v. 13.)—The earnest proper affections; the same Spirit compassionate. expectation. (19) ATоKapadokia. Phil. 1:20.-Of the ly assists their memories, excites their desires creature.] Tns KTLOEWS. 20-22,39. 1:20,25. Mark and hopes, and increases their faith. Thus he 10:6. 16:15.-Waiteth.] AREкdexeral. 23,25. 1 Cor. becomes an inward "Intercessor," by teaching 1:7. Gal. 5:5. Phil. 3:20. Heb. 9:28.-The mani- them to offer such prayers, as are pleasing to festation.] Thy amokadvis. 16:25. 1 Cor. 1:7. 14: God, and meet to be accepted through their heav 26. Gal. 1:12. 2:2. Rev. 1:1, et al. Añoкadunтw, 18. enly Advocate. (Marg. Ref. t, u.-Notes, Ps. See on Matt. 16:17.-Was made subject. (20) 37:4. Jam. 5:16-18. 1 John 5:14, 15. Jude 20, 'Yerayn-Who hath subjected.] Tov izoтаžavra. 7. 21.) These prayers do not so much consist in 10:3. 13:1,5, et al. Tacow, ordino. See on Acts copious and fluent expressions, which are often 13:48. To vanity.] Tn paraiorni. Eph. 4:17. 2 destitute of suitable affections; but in deep acPel. 2:18. Not elsewhere N. T.-Ps. 4:2. Ec. 1: quaintance with their own wants and miseries, 2,14. 2:1,11,15, et al. Sept. A paratos, 1 Cor. 3: earnest longings after spiritual blessings, and be20.-Shall be delivered.] (21) EXcv6pwncral. See lieving expectations of them, which are someon 6:18.-The bondage of corruption.] Tns dsdeias times productive rather "of groans" than of Tns popas. See on 15. Sopa, 1 Cor. 15:42,50. || words: or they are uttered in broken sentences Gal. 6:8. Col. 2:22. 2 Pet. 1:4. 2:12,19.-The and detached and earnest ejaculations, rather glorious liberty.] Tny elevdeρiav Tns dons. "The than a continued prayer; or they are larger than liberty of the glory." 18.-1 Cor. 10:29. 2 Cor. any words, however suitable, can express; as im3:17. Gal. 2:4. 5:1,13. Jam. 1:25. 2:12. 1 Pet. 2: plying more than a man can find words to utter. 16. 2 Pet. 2:19.-Groaneth. (22) Evstrašu. Here-Perhaps the humble, broken-hearted supplionly. Ex συν et seval, 23. Mark 7:34. 2 Cor. 5: cant, when thus groaning out his desires after 2. Heb. 13:17. Jam. 5:9.-Travaileth in pain to- | pardon and deliverance from sin, is ashamed to gether.] Συνωδίνει. Here only. Ex ovv, et wdivw, offer such incoherent requests: but the heartparturio. Ab wowv, dolor partus.-The first-fruits. searching God well understands and approves (23) Tnv araρxnv. 11:16. 16:5. 1 Cor. 15:20. 16: this energetic language; which expresses "the 15. Jam. 1:18. Rev. 14:4.-Lev. 23:10. Deut. 26: mind of the Spirit," when making intercession 2. Sept.-The adoption.] Yoroiav. See on 15.- for the saints, in whom he dwells; according to The redemption.] Tny azokurowoiv. Eph. 1:14. 4: the will of God, both in his promise, command30. Luke 21:28. See on 3:24. ment, and providence: and such prayers will sureV. 24-27. True believers are saved "by," ly be answered, when the well-worded addresses or in, "hope;" they have been actually brought of formalists will be rejected. (Marg. Ref. x, into a state of safety; but their comfort consists y.)-Mind of, &c.] The phrase is here "in hope," rather than fruition. Now that which very same that was used in the sixth verse; and is the object of sight, sense, or enjoyment, can-'expresses, not merely the meaning, but the not properly be called "hope:" for how can a temper and disposition, of the mind, as under the man be said to hope for the vision or fruition of influences of the divine Spirit, pursuing and that which he at present beholds and enjoys? The breathing after such blessings, as suit its rationfuture felicity of the saints will chiefly consist in al and immortal nature.' Doddridge. (Notes, 5 beholding the manifested glory of God; some-9. Eph. 6:18-20, v. 18.)-The clause in one glimpses by faith they here "see as in a glass of the collects of our liturgy, seems well to exdarkly;" for the full vision and fruition of his glo- press this: "That they may love the thing which ry they hope, and wait, in reliance on his promise, thou commandest, and desire that which thou and "by patient continuance in well doing," "dost promise.' When the Holy Spirit produces amidst manifold trials and temptations: and from this state of the judgment and affections; the this hope they cannot be diverted, by the vain ex-prayers which spring from it, will be graciously pectation of finding satisfaction in the things of accepted through our heavenly Advocate by the time and sense. (Marg. Ref. q-s-Notes, 5:3 holy heart-searching God. (Marg. Ref. z-c.) -5. 1 Pet. 1:3-5.) For, though their infirmi- By hope. (24) Tn cλmidi. 20. 4:18. 5:2,4,5. 12. ties are many and great, and they would soon bell 12. 15:4,13. Gal. 5-5, et al. "In the hope." (Notes, ... the 28 And we know that all things work || be the irst-born among many brethren. together for good, to them that love God, 30 Moreover whom he did predestito them who are the called according nate, them he also called; and whom he to his purpose. called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. h 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might 9. 2 Thes. 2:13,14. 2 Tim. 2: d 35-39. 5:3,4. Gen. 50:20. Deut. 8:2,3,16. Jer. 24:5-7. Zech. 13:9. 2 Cor. 4:15-17. 6.1. Phil. 1:19-23. 2 Thes. 1: 5-7. Heb. 12:6-12. Jam. 1: 3,4 1 Pet. 1:7,3. Rev. 3:19. e 5:5. Ex. 20:6. Deut. 6:5. Neh. 1:5. Ps. 69:36. Mark 12:30. 1 Cor. 2.9. Jam. 1:12. 2:5. 1 John 4:10,19. 5:2,3. f 30. 1:6,7. 9:11,23,24. Jer. 51: 29. Acts 13:48. Gal. 1:15. Eph. 1:9,10. 3:11. 1 Thes. 5. γμοις. 10. k 19. 1 Pet. 5:10. g 11: 2. Ex. 33:12. Jer. 1:5. h Eph. 1:5,11 1 Pet. 1:20. m 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Is. 41:9. 1 21 28. 1:6. 9:23,24. n 1,17,18,33-35. 5:8-10. John 15. 1 Pet. 3:9. 4:13,14, 5:10. o See on 4:1. pGen. 15:1. Num. 14:9. Deut 33:29. Josh. 10:42. 1 Sam. 14: 6. 17:45-47. Ps. 27:1-3. 46. 1-3,7,11. 56.4,11. 84:11.12. 112:6. Is. 50:7-9. 54:17. Jer. 1:19. 20:11. John 10:28-30. 1 John 4:4. 5:3-5. 2 Cor. 4:13-18, vv. 17,18.)-If we hope. John 10:26-31.)-The persons intended once (25) Ei ednisoμev. 24. 15:12,24. Matt. 12:21. 1Cor. did not "love God;" (Noles, 5-9. 5:7-10.) but 13:1. 2 Cor. 5:11. Heb. 11:1. 1 Pet. 3:5, et al.—they had been “called” into a state of reconciliaPatience.] Ὑπομονης. See on 2:7.-Helpeth. (26)||tion and love to him, “according to his purpose” Evvavriλaubaverai. See on Luke 10:40.-Ex. 18:22. and choice of them, which he will never suffer to Ps. 89:21. Sept. "Lays hold together with our be frustrated. Having in his infinite, but incominfirmities;" as one helps another to take up and prehensible wisdom and righteousness, permitted carry a burden, which he is too weak to carry the fall and apostasy of man; he looked upon the alone.-Maketh intercession.] 'YEDEVTUYXava. Here whole human species as deserving of destruction, only. Evruyxavw, 27,34. 11:2. Acts 25:24. Heb. and meet for it: yet, purposing to provide and re725. Tuyxare, Acts 24:3.-Groanings.] Ereva- veal a gracious salvation to them, for the glory Acts 7:34. Not elsewhere N. T.-Ex. 2: of his name, he knew that they would as certain24. 6:5. Sept. Erevaw, 23.-Which cannot be ut- ly reject this salvation, as they would break his tered.] Alaλnrois. Here only.-He that search- holy law. For reasons therefore not revealed to eth the hearts. (27) 'O sperrev Tas kapdias. 1 Cor. 2: us, he determined to leave some deservedly to Rev. 2:23.-See on John 5:39.-The mind of perish in obstinate enmity; and graciously to rethe Spirit.] Το φρόνημα το Πνεύματος. See on 6. cover others by regeneration and efficacious V. 28-31. From the preceding considera- grace. These "he foreknew," not merely in res-tions, the apostle assuredly concluded, that all pect of external privileges, or as a part of favorevents, in life or death, concurred in promoting ed nations, but as individually chosen to eternal the eternal good of every true believer, however life: for in consequence of this foreknowledge, bitter and painful they might at present be: for "he predestinated," or before decreed, them to nothing could ever defeat the great end, propos- be conformed to the image of his son." (Marg. ed in all the dispensations of God respecting Ref. f-h.-Note, Acts 2:22-24.) In this life them, even their everlasting salvation.-Provi- they are in part renewed to his holy image, and dential appointments are doubtless primarily in- walk in his steps; and, having passed, like Jesus, tended: but as these often lead men into tempta- through many sufferings, they will hereafter be tion, and so prove occasions of sin, we could have completely conformed to his holy human nature, no assurance that they would "all work together both in body and soul: that so he may appear for good," if we were absolutely to except the among them as "the first begotten," and Head effects of our own sin and folly. (Note, Gen. 22: "of the many brethren," which shall constitute 1.) The sins, indeed, even of true believers, are the family of God; that, being admitted through not always over-ruled for their increase of pres him to be children and heirs, they may thus be ent grace, or of future glory; in this respect they made meet with him to enjoy their inheritance. "suffer loss, and are saved as by fire:" (Note, 1||(Note, 15-17.) As this was the "determined Cor. 3:10-15.) yet the whole concurs, as one purpose and foreknowledge of God" respecting complex plan, to prepare them for the inherit- them; so all the intermediate steps were equalance intended for them; and many of their own ly pre-determined. Thus the Lord "calls" to mistakes and miscarriages, being deeply repent- repentance, faith in Christ, and newness of life, ed of, work together eminently for their humilia-every one whom he has "predestinated;" he "justion, and the increase of their grateful love. tifies," through the righteousness of Christ, every (Marg. Ref. d, e.-Notes, 2 Chr. 32:24-33. one whom he calls;" and he will finally "gloriMatt. 26:69-75. 2 Cor. 12:7–10. P. O. 1-10.) fy" every one whom he "justifies." (Marg. Ref. As far as they act in character, and live in the ha- g-n.)-Sanctification is not expressly mentionbitual exercise of "love to God," all things con- ed in this golden chain: but "predestination to be cur in augmenting their final recompense. When conformed to the image" of Christ, effectual callthey act out of character, corrections, and per- ing, and final glory, so describe the beginning, haps terrors, will be employed to bring them the progress, and the consummation of sanctifi back again: and if a man allow himself in sin, cation, that no omission can in this respect be expecting to derive good from it, he "does evil imputed to the apostle. In the language of faith that good may come," he "sins on that grace and hope, he speaks of the whole work as already may abound," he bears the broad mark of a hyp-done, because ensured by the purposes and promocrite, and "his damnation will be just." So that we need not invalidate this animating assurance, to guard it from the perversion of wicked men, as some have done, to the great discouragement of humble Christians; who fear nothing so much by far, even in their sharpest afflictions, as their own lamented propensity to sin (Note, ises of God; and he demands what can be said unto, or against, such things. For if God be thus "for us," freely and absolutely, our unchangeable Friend, and thus determined to bless us with everlasting felicity; who or what can be so against us, as to defeat his gracious purpose? Or what need have we to fear the rage and power of all Ката Acts 11:23.-He did foreknow. (29) Пρоɛуv. 11:2. Acts 26:5. 1 Pet. 1:20. 2 Pet. 3:17. Пpoyvwars' See on Acts 2:23.-He did predestinate.] Пpowpice. 30. See on Acts 4:28.-To be conformed.] Evppoppus Phil. 3:21. Not elsewhere. Evupoopsμevos, Phil. 3:10.-The image.] Tns cikovos. 1 Cor. 11:7. 15:49. 2 Cor. 3:18. 4:4. Col. 1:15. 3:10. Heb. 10:1. See on 1:23.-The first-born.] ПOWтотоKOV. Matt. 1:25. Col. 1:15. Heb. 1:6. 11:28. 12:23. Rev. 1:5. creatures, if they should combine against us? in due season; they through grace obey the call(Marg. Ref. o, p.)-From this and similar passaging; they be justified freely; they be maue the es, some persons have absurdly spoken of our hav- sons of God by adoption; they be made like the ing been justified from eternity, &c. but the fixed image of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ; they intention of doing any thing, is perfectly distinct walk religiously in good works, and at length by from the actual performance of it. God as abso- 'God's mercy, they attain to everlasting felicity.' lutely determined the final glorification of every-Love God, &c. (28) Notes, Jam. 1:12. 2:5-believer, as he did the justification of every elect|| 7. 1 John 4:9—12,19. person: we might then as well say, they have Work together. (28) Evveрye. 'Omnia in utilitabeen glorified in body and soul from all eternity: tem verorum Dei cultorum cedere.' Schleusner. this could not be more absurd or unscriptural, See on Mark 16:20.-The called.] Tois Kantois. than the notion of being justified from eternity; See on 1:1,6.-According to his purpose.] and probably it would be less capable of perver-podcow. 9:11. Eph. 1:11. 3:11. 2 Tim. 1:9. See on sion.-Dr. Whitby says, that all the fathers, before Augustine, understood this passage of those, "whom God foresaw would love him.' But does God foresee, that any of our race, while unregenerate, will love him? (Note, Eph. 1:3-8.) And is not the clause "called according to his purpose," of the same import as regenerated? And can this choice of some, rather than others, of our fallen race, because of something spiritually good in them, as the ground of it, in order to their being thus "called," possibly consist with the doctrines of original sin, or the total depravity of human nature, and of a regeneration from the death of sin to the life of righteousness? Does it not border on Pelagianism? This, however, gives up the notion of a national election being intended. Indeed, if all the Gentiles, or all the inhabitants of any one nation, whom God foreknew, and determined to call into his church, be actually || "conformed to the image of Christ," and "justified," and shall, without exception, partake of eternal glory; the interpretation of the passage, as referring to the election of collective bodies, may stand; but otherwise it cannot. So that, if this were the only passage, in which the humiliating subject was expressly mentioned; we might confidently maintain, that the doctrine of individual predestination to eternal life, and the authority of the apostle as an inspired writer, must stand or fall together. Nothing more fully shews this, than the difficulties to which its very learned and sagacious opposers are reduced; and the different and discordant grounds on which they rest their cause: for they scarcely agree in any thing, but in determining to oppose the most natural and obvious meaning of the words. Perhaps the apostle's doctrine was never more justly expressed by any uninspired writer, than in the former part of the seventeenth article of our church. Predestination unto life, is the everlasting 'purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the world were laid,) he hath constantly de'creed by his counsel, secret to us, to deliver from 'curse and damnation those whom he hath chosen "in Christ out of mankind; and to bring them by 'Christ to everlasting salvation, as vessels made 'to honor. Wherefore they which be endued 'with so excellent a benefit of God, be called ac'cording to God's purpose, by his Spirit working V. 32-34. The omnipotence and omniscience of God had been, in the preceding verse, opposed to the puny efforts of every enemy: here, his former benefits are shewn to be assured pledges of final felicity, to all real Christians. The holiness of God and man's sinfulness seemed to bar the way to man's happiness; but the free love of God to them, when rebels and enemies, induced him to "give his own Son" to be their Surety and Sacrifice, who willingly assumed their nature, in order to bear their sins: and in this, the Father "spared him not, but delivered him up" to agony, ignominy, and death; notwithstanding his personal dignity and excellency, the perfection of his obedience, and his own inconceivable love of him. (Marg. Ref. q, r.-Notes, 5:6-10. Is. 53:7-10. 2 Pet. 2:4-9.) Thus he bore the curse in the stead of all his people, and so expiated their guilt, even when they were enemies: and having, in virtue of that atonement, and his own eternal choice, called them into a state of peace with him, and taught them to love and obey him; how can it be supposed, that he will now withhold any thing from them? (Marg. Ref. s.-Notes, Ps. 84:11,12. 1 Cor. 3:18-23. Eph. 3:20,21.) All things in heaven and earth, the universal creation, yea, the everlasting enjoyment of the Creator himself as their Portion, are not so great a display of his free love to them, as the gift of his co-equal Son to be the atonement on the cross for their sins; and all the rest necessarily follows upon their union with him, and interest in him. (Note, John 3:16.) The emphasis is evidently here laid, not on Christ as incarnate, being given up to death for us; but in God's giving his own Son to become incarnate for such a purpose. (Note, John 5:17,18.)—Who then "can lay any thing to the charge of God's elect;" to the charge of those whose election is manifested, by their being called to the fellow. |