Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/54

 2. Because being compacted in this body, they partake of the very life of Christ, Ephes. 4.16. 3. Because they shew forth this life or power in bringing forth fruits answerable thereunto, Iohn 15.5, 16. Vse 1. This may serve to comfort us, when we rightly esteeme of the dignity of this condition, it will strengthen our mindes against all the troubles that can befall us therein. 2. To exhort us, so to carry our selves as it becommeth those, that are called to partake of the life of Christ. Doct. 17. By that union which all the faithfull have with Christ, they are made spirituall temples, Priests, and sacrifices acceptable to God.

This is gathered from the 5 verse.

Reason 1. Because God is in an especiall manner present with them, and dwels in them by his Spirit and grace, as in his Temple, 2 Cor. 6.16. 2. Because By the same spirit he makes them fit and ready to performe those duties, that are more acceptable unto him, then were ever any externall sacrifices, Psalme 51.18, 19. Heb. 13.16. 3. Because in performing these duties before God they do offer and dedicate themselves wholly unto God. Vse 1. This may serve to admonish us, to have a care accordingly not to defile the Temple of God, 1 Cor. 3.16, 17. that our Priesthood doth not dishonour God, and that our Sacrifices be not lame, and maimed, and such as are not acceptable unto God. 2. To exhort us, to addict our selves wholly to Gods glory and his worship; for God will be sanctified in those that draw neere him, Levit. 10.3. 3. To refute the Papists, that rob Christians of this honour, and obtrude carnall Temples, priesthoods, and sacrifices upon God and men in stead of spirituall. Doct. 18. Those duties which we performe in Christ are acceptable unto God by Christ.

This is gathered from the 5 verse, at the end. But they are acceptable not as merits, but as sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, as it is intimated in the Text.

Reason 1. Because by Christ our persons are reconciled