1579-1622

 

 

An Exposition Upon the Epistle to the Colossians  1617, p. 99.  This quote was compiled by David Ponter.

Who has made us fit.  Doctrine:  We are neither naturally happy, nor universally so; not naturally, for we are made fit; not born so, not universally; for He has made [us] fit, not all men.  Christ died for his sheep only (John 10), for his Church only (Eph. 1), not for the world (John 17).  And therefore when the Scripture says, Christ died for all men, we must understand it:

First, in respect of the sufficiency of his death, not in respect of the efficiency of it. 

Secondly, in respect of the common oblation of the benefits of his death externally in the Gospel unto all.

Thirdly, as his death extends to all the Elect: for all, that is, for the Elect.  

Fourthly, for all, that is, for all that are saved, so that none that are justified and saved, are so, but by the virtue of his death.  

Fifthly, for all, that is for all indefinitely, for all sorts of men, not for every man of every sort.  

Lastly, He died for all, that is not for the Jews only, but for the Gentiles also.

 

 

A Commentary Upon the Three First Chapters of the First Epistle General of St. Peter 1637.  These quotes were compiled by Tony Byrne.

p. 417.  

Question: But how may we know when this season of grace is?

Answer: It is then when God sends the Gospel to us in the powerful preaching of it: when the light comes, then comes this day: when the doctrine of salvation is come, then the day of salvation is come, and God offers his grace then to all within the compass of that light.  God keeps his visitation at all times, and in all places, when the Word of the Kingdom is powerfully preached: the time of the continuance of the means is the day here meant, in a general consideration.  

But if we look upon particular persons in places where the means is, then it is very hard precisely to measure the time when God does visit, or how long He will offer his grace to them: only this is certain, that when God strikes the hearts of particular men with remorse, or some special discerning or affections in matters of religion, and so brings them near the Kingdom of God; if they trifle out this time, and receive this general grace in vain [see 2 Cor. 6:1], they may be cast into a reprobate mind, and into incurable hardness of heart: and so God shuts the kingdom of God against them, while it is yet open to others, Mat. 3:12; Isa. 6:10, compared with Mat. 13:14,15.

 

p. 420

And besides, all such as enjoy the means of grace, and yet have not felt this visitation of God, should be much allured to the care of attending upon the means, and be made desirous to receive the grace of God, and that effectually: it should much move them that God has now sent them the means, and keeps his public visitation; and that God stands not upon desert, nor does He make exception of them, but offers his grace unto all, and desires not the death of any sinner, yea beseeches them to be reconciled [see 2 Cor. 5:20]; and to that end has committed the Word of reconciliation to his servants, with express commandment that they should be instant, and with all patience instruct men, and call upon them, and persuade them to save their souls.

 

 

 

Related Pages

The Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel

Historic Reformed Quotes on the Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel

1600’s – Puritan Quotes on the Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel