The world to come, verse 5. may well be that all, or every man for whom Christ tasted death: but that world to come is that happy age, which the Prophets did foretell should begin at the comming of Christ, whose accomplishment or fulfilling we expect as yet.Beza an not. in Heb. 2.5.
Corvin. in. Mol.
cap. 29. § 1.
Heb. 2.10,11,13.
Isa. 53.10.
Heb. 2.16. They for whom Christ died are in the same Chapter described to be one, that is, of the same nature and spirituall condition with Christ, to be his brethren, such as trust in God, the children of God given unto Jesus Christ, the generation or posterity of Christ, as the Prophet speaketh, whom Christ tooke by the hand and lifted up from their fall, the seed of Abraham. But these things agree to them only that possesse the fruits and benefits of Christ, for whom he died by way of application. If the maintainers of universall redemption consider their owne grounds, it will be hard to fit this Text to their purpose: or rather from them the former exposition may be confirmed. For either by all men, they must understand mankind in the common lapse, as fallen in Adam, and then Christ by his death hath restored them into the favour of God, they stand actually reconciled, they be regenerated, and if they die before by actuall sinne committed in their owne person they fall from that estate, are undoubtedly saved: or they must understand all men considered as obstinate, impenitent, rebellious, unbelievers. And then Christ died for all, and every man as obstinate, impenitent and unbelievers: which I cannot find that any of them hath or dare affirme: or by all men they must understand all beleevers, who apply and possesse the benefits of Christs death, which is that we affirme. They say (how truly I dispute not) his dominion over all men, that they are bound to obey him, and live unto him, is grounded upon his dying for every one. But if that be granted, is it not necessary that his death should be applied to every one in some sort, at least made knowne unto them in the word of life? For men are bound to obey and live unto Christ, as they will grant, not because he hath impetrated righteousnesse and salvabilitie, but because he hath entred into Covenant with them, made knowne unto them the way of life, imparted unto them his blessings, and they have accepted of the condition, and received him to be their Saviour.
And these words, By the grace of God, I should thinke, import more to them, then that velleity or common mercy, or generall affection of doing good, which Armin. and Corvin, makenaturall
