Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/34

 This is gathered from Verse 17.

Reason 1. Because God in executing his judgements is no respecter of persons, as it is in the Text. Now the name and profession of the faith, is nothing else, but the person of the Christian; as circumcision and the profession of the law was the person of the Iew: Such a profession therefore without sound holinesse cannot stand before Gods Tribunall. 2. Because God doth in some sort more severely require holinesse of those that by their calling draw neere unto God, & call him Father, as it is in the Text, then he doth of others, Levit. 10 3. I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me.

Vse. This may serve to admonish us not to cosen our selves in relying wholly upon the outward profession of faith, but to appeare before God alwayes with feare and reverence, as it is in the Text: because our God is a consuming fire, Heb. 12. 29. Doct. 9. The consideration of our redemption should be a strong argument to stir up in our hearts a desire of holinesse.

Reason 1. Because we are redeemed from all our vaine conversation, although it be commended unto us by the use and tradition of our Fathers, Vers. 18. Therefore for a man to follow such fashions, after that he is come to the knowledge of redemption, is nothing else, but to oppose himselfe against his owne redemption, and as much as in him lies, to make it void and of none effect.

2. Because by this redemption we are bought to be the servants of God, 1 Cor. 6. 20. & 7. 23. So that we ought no longer to serve sinne, nor the world, nor to live according to our owne will and pleasure, but according to the will of God and our Redeemer.

3. Because the price wherewith we are redeemed; is of so great worth, that it doth farre surpasse all the most precious things of this world: therefore there ought to be made an excellent use thereof; and yet notwithstanding only those that endeavour to be holy, make any esteeme of it, Vers. 18, 19.

Vse 1. This may serve to condemne those that by their life dishonour Christ, and put their Redeemer to an open shame, Heb. 6. 6. they doe as it were tread under foot his blood, that was the price of our redemption,and count it an unholy thing Heb. 10. 29.