Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/15

 be Christ, from the 4 vers. to the 13. where is the generall end of this institution.

The description, vers. 3, 4 5. of the state of this grace is placed in regeneration or effectuall calling, in these words: hath begotten us againe: which regeneration is described, 1. by the principall efficient cause thereof, which is set down to be, God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ. 2. By the impulsive cause thereof, the mercy of God, which is described by the quantity of it, abundant. 3. By the immediate effect thereof, a lively hope: the singular cause whereof is shewed to be the resurrection of Christ from the dead. 4. By the remote and last effect thereof, which is laid hold on also, and in some sort possessed by that hope, that is, salvation and life everlasting, vers. 4. Betwixt which effect and its cause he affirmes that there is a very certaine connexion, when he saith, that that inheritance is reserved in heaven for all the regenerate; and he gives a most certaine reason of his connexion, vers. 5. which he shewes to consists in three things. 1. In the power of God, whereby the regenerate are kept unto salvation. 2. In their faith, whereby they adhere to this power of God. 3. in the eternall degree of God, whereby he hath both provided this salvation for all the regenerate, and appointed a certaine time, wherein to bestow it upon them. But this description of Gods grace is not simply and barely proposed by the Apostle, but after such a manner as is agreeable to the nature of the thing, that is, with thanksgiving and glorifying of the name of God, in that he hath vouchsafed to bestow so great a grace upon miserable sinners, in that first word, Blessed be God. The Doctrines drawne from this. Doct. 1. The state of grace depends upon and flowes from effectuall calling.

This is gathered from hence, that the Apostle speaking of the grace wherein the faithfull stood, begins with regeneration, by which is understood effectuall calling.

Reason 1. Because by our true calling we have union with Christ the fountaine of all grace.

2. Because in this regeneration there is begotten in us a principle of spirituall life, which is nothing else but the grace