In these words of the apostle, he seems to allude to the building of an house: as in that we first lay. good and sure foundation, but do not rest there, but proceed in raising up the fabric; in like manner, it is neither satisfactory nor sufficient to advance no further in the Christian religion, th... [ Continue Reading ]
Still our apostle pursues his metaphor, in comparing Christianity to. building, and the first rudiments of principles of the Christian religion to. foundation which supports the superstructure. Next he summarily declares what these fundamental doctrines, and first principles of the Christian religio... [ Continue Reading ]
By the ENLIGHTENED here, understand those that were baptized and embraced Christianity: The ancients called baptism ILLUMINATION, and baptized persons THE ENLIGHTENED; because of that divine illumination which was conveyed to the minds of men by the knowledge of Christianity. BY TASTING THE HEAVENL... [ Continue Reading ]
The design and scope of our apostle in these words is threefold. 1. To set forth the excellency and necessity of the gospel, dispensed to us in the the ministry of the word; he compares it to rain, which doth soften, refresh, and fructify the earth. 2. He discovers the different effect which the w... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The holy widom of our apostle, in mollifying the severity of the foregoing commination and prediction; and the good hope, and firm persuasion he had of the Hebrews' perseverance in grace unto salvation, notwithstanding all the cautions and warnings he gave them of apostasy and apost... [ Continue Reading ]
Note here, 1. That although the apostle had. firm persuasion, that they were sincere and upright, and would hold on their way, yet he exhorts them to show the same diligence which they had done, and to persevere to the end, as they had begun. Learn hence, That ministerial exhortation unto duty is n... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle, having exhorted the Hebrews to great diligence in good works in the former verse, in this verse endeavours to excite and provoke them to it by the examples of deceased saints, who are now reaping the reward of their former pains, and inheriting the promises. Here note, 1. cautionary di... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle having told us in general, that the saints by faith and patience do inherit the promises; instances here paticularly in Abraham, unto whom God made. promise of multiplying his seed greatly to him, and confirmed that promise by and oath; but Abraham waited long by faith and patience for t... [ Continue Reading ]
These words contain. reason, why God, in gracious condescension to man's infirmity, is pleased to confirm his promise with an oath; it is to determine. controversy, and put an end to. strife depending between God and the falled creatures: And this is the general reason for an oath amongst men, it is... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the apostle acquaints us with the design of God in confirming his promise, namely, to manifest the immutability of his counsel to us; that is, his decree and purpose for our salvation; to the intent, that by his word and oath we might have strong consolation. So unspeakable is the weakness of o... [ Continue Reading ]
In these words we have the nature of. Christian's hope described. 1. By. metaphorical; 2. By. typical similitude. 1. Observe the metaphor made use of, to set forth the nature and office of hope, it is compared fo an anchor; WHICH HOPE WE HAVE AS AN ANCHOR OF THE SOUL. Doth the anchor hold fast the... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, The person spoken of, Christ: the subject matter spoken of him, his entering into heaven; and the quality in which he entered heaven; namely, as our forerunner. This denotes, 1. His public capacity, that he entered heaven in our name, and to negotiate our affairs. 2. His absolute pre... [ Continue Reading ]