the new Jerusalem, and as they enjoyed the Ordinances of grace, whereby Christ was applied, so the Apostle speakes of them as Saints and beloved and faithfull. And in the same sense in other places, they are reckoned amongst the faithfull, beloved and elect, who believe for a time, and professe the doctrine of Salvation, and partake the seales of the Covenant, though afterwards they fall away: and as they are called beleevers, converts, disciples, members of Christ, temples and sonnes of God; as they are said to be justified, sanctified, and redeemed, so is Christ to have died for them, as he is applyed in the Ordinances of grace, and they partake of the benefits of his death. But as for them that be not in Covenant, we shall never reade that their sinnes are pardoned,Act. 10.43.
Joh. 5.24.
Joh. 15.2.
Act. 15.9.
Rom. 5.1.
Rom. 9.25,26.
Col. 1.21.
Joh. 3.36.
2 Cor. 6.15,16.17. that they are delivered from death, purged from their sinnes, reconciled unto God, received into favour: nay, the contrary is plainly affirmed of them, that they are not the people of God, that they have no communion with Christ, that they are enemies in their minds by wicked works, alienated from God, that the wrath of God abideth on them, that they are without God in the world; which is never said of them for whom Christ died. The Scripture speaketh expressely, that Christ died for his Church, his sheep, his children, his people, the people or children of God, those that are given unto him of the Father, his brethren. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father, and I lay downe my life for my sheep. Joh. 10. 15. Take heed unto your selves, and to all the flocke, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own bloud. Act. 20. 28. Christ is the head of the Church, and he is the Saviour of the body. Eph. 5. 23. Christ loved the Church, and gave himselfe for it. ver. 25. He shall save his people from their sinnes. Matth. 1. 21. Who gave himselfe for us, that he might redeeme us from all iniquity, and purifie unto himself a peculiar people. Tit. 2. 14. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternall life to as many as thou hast given him. Joh. 17. 2. He prophesied that Jesus should die for that Nation; and not for that Nation only, but also that he should gather together in one, the children of God that were scattered abroad. Joh. 11. 51, 52. For both he that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified are all one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy Name to my brethren, Heb. 2. 11, 12. The Church and people of God in themselves considered were sinners, ungodly, enemies, alienated from God, and Christ died for them,not
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for whom he died and rose againe.
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