Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/18

 2. Because Christ rose, as the first fruits of all the regenerate, 1 Cor.15.20. and the first borne from the dead, Col.1.8. Apoc.1.5. Use. This may serve to exhort us, for the confirmation and quickning of our hope, to put before our eyes the resurrection of Christ. Doct. 6. That salvation which we hope for, is a celestiall and incorruptible inheritance, Vers. 4. Reason 1. It comes from God our Father to us his regenerate and adopted sonnes, as worldly inheritances use to come from fathers to their children. 2. Because it is not obtained by buying or any other such like meanes of our owne, but it comes by the will and testament of our heavenly Father. Now as for these reasons, it is rightly called an inheritance; so also in the nature of it it hath this excellency above all other inheritances, that it is celestiall and immortall: in which respect it doth not only excell worldly possessions, but also even that very condition of life which Adam had before the fall. Use 1. This may serve to admonish us, not to suffer our hearts at any time to cleave to the things of this world, or to depend upon them, because our inheritance is not terrestriall, or of this world, but celestiall and incorruptible. 2. To exhort us to walke as it becommeth those that are called to so great an inheritance. For this is it which the Apostle meanes, when he usually admonisheth us to walke according to our calling, and when he prayes, that God would enlighten the eyes of our mindes, and grant us to know what is the hope of his calling, & what the riches, Ephes.1.18. as if that they that did cleerly see this and meditate upon it, could not faulter or faile in any duty. Doct. 7. The exceeding great power of God, his fidelity and constancie, doth make this inheritance firme and sure unto us.

This is gathered out of the 5. verse, and you may see it prov'd, Eph.1.19.

Reason 1. Because God doth powerfully perform all things, whatsoever hee hath decreed and promised. 2. Because all the whole businesse of our salvation depends upon the omnipotency of God: for the enemies of our salvation, and the