Lord Jesus Christ who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us againe unto a lively hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead unto an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for us 1 Pet. 1. 3 4. 3. To assure us of our resurrection For the resurrection of the Members depends upon the resurrection of the Head the resurrection of Christians depends upon Christs Resurrection See after upon those words The resurrection of the body Quest But if Christ rose the third day to wit after that he dyed how is it said that he should be three dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth that is in the grave Matth. 12. 40. Answ That is not so to be understood as if Christ were three dayes and three nights compleat in the grave but onely some part of three dayes and three nights He dyed as the Evangelists shew the day before the Jewish Sabbath that is on Friday as we call it in the afternoon and was buryed the same day That part of the day stands for the whole day and also the night going before which the Jews beginning their naturall day that consists of 24 hours at Evening Levit. 23. 32. did belong unto it Then he rested in the grave all the night following and the next day which we call Saturday And the night after hee also remained in the grave rising early in the Morning on Sunday as we call it Now together with that night is rekoned the day following to which it belonged and so taking the part for the whole as sometimes it is taken Christ was three dayes and three nights in the grave though otherwise hee was little above two nights and one day in it After this manner is it said that Esther and the Jewes did fast three dayes and three nights Esth 4. 16. for the Fast was ended on the third day as is clear by Esthers putting on her royall apparell and addressing her selfe to the King on that day Esther 5. 1. As Christ rose from the dead corporally so must we spiritually wee must rise from the death of sinne to the life of grace Awake thou that sleepest and stand up from the dead and Christ shall give thee light Ephes 5. 14. We are buryed with him by Baptisme into death that like as Christ was raised by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newnesse of life Rom. 6. 4. And Vers 11. Likewise reckon ye your selves dead indeed unto sinne but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. And Col. 2. 12. Buryed with him by Baptisme wherein also you are risen with him c. And Col. 3. 1. If ye then be risen with Christ seeke those things which are above where Jesus Christ sitteth at the right hand of God He ascended into heaven This is the second step of Christs exaltation That Christ ascended into heaven the Scripture testifies Mark 16. 19. Luke 24. 51. Acts 1. 9. Of Christs Ascension into Heaven It was requisite that Christ should ascend into heaven Reasons why Christ ascended into Heaven First because he came down from heaven not that he brought his body from heaven as some Hereticks imagined but in that by his Incarnation he made himself manifest upon earth whereas before he onely kept residence as it were in heaven The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory as the glory of the onely begotten Sonne of God c. Iohn 1. 14. In this respect Christ is called The Lord from Heaven 1 Cor. 15. 47. And it s said that he came down from Heaven John 1. 13. Now as Christ thus came down from heaven so having finished the worke for which he came it was meet hee should return to heaven I came forth sayes Christ from the Father and am come into the world again I leave the world and go to the Father John 16. 28. And speaking to his Father I have glorified thee on earth said he I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O Father glorifie me with thine ownself with the glory which I had with thee before the World was Iohn 17. 4 5. Secondly that it might appeare that his Kingdome is not of this world as he said John 18. 36. Thirdly that hee might shew himself to triumph over sinn death and him that had the power of death that is the Devill Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive Psal 68. 18. That was spoken of Christ as the Apostle sheweth Ephes 4. 8. To lead captivitie captive is as much as to lead a multitude of Captives as appears by Iudges 5. 12. Fourthly that he might send down the Spirit and inrich his Church with the gifts and graces of the Spirit Thou hast ascended on high c. thou hast received gifts for men Psal 68. 18. When hee ascended up on high c. he gave gifts unto men Ephes 4. 8. The holy Ghost was not yet given to wit in such measure as afterward because that Iesus was not yet glorified Iohn 7. 39. It is expedient for you that I go away for if I goe not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you said Christ to his Disciples Iohn 16. 7. Fiftly that having offered himself a Sacrifice for us on the Crosse he might present himselfe likewise unto God in heaven and make intercession for us For Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it selfe now to appear in the presence of God for us Hebr. 9. 24. 6. That he might make way for us to ascend into heaven also I go to prepare a place for you said he to his Disciples John 14. 2. Whither the forerunner is for us entred even Jesus c. Heb. 6. 20. He is called the forerunner because he going before and preparing the way we also in due time shall follow after But in the mean time in our hearts and affections we must ascend into heaven whiles in respect of our bodies wee are here upon earth Set your affections on things above not on things on the â—arth Col. 3. 2. For our câ—nveâ—sâ—tion is in heaven Phil. 3. 20. Of Christs sitting at the right hand of God And sitteth on the right hand of God This is the highest step of Christs exaltation It is expresly mentioned Mark 16. 19. Hebr. 1. 3. and in other places But how is Christ said to sit And how on the right hand of God First for sitting it is not here taken properly as it imports such a distinct kinde of bodily posture What is meant by sitting It is not the intent of the Holy Ghost in the Scripture to shew what bodily posture now in heaven Christ useth to what purpose were it for us to know that But to sit we know is a posture of
State and of Authority Judges and Magistrates use to sit and others in token of reverence subjection to stand before them Moses sate to judge the people and the people stood by Moses c. Exod. 18. 14. Therefore to shew Christs honour and dignity his power and authoritie he is usually in Scripture said to sit at the right hand of God Onely when he appeared to Stephen it is said that be stood at the right hand of God Act. 7. 55 56. He then appeared as ready to aid Stephen in the great conflict that he endured for his sake In this sense God is said to sit God sitteth upon the Throne of his holinesse Psal 47. 8. It notes Gods Majestie and Power for otherwise properly God can neither sit nor stand What is meant by the right hand of God So for the right hand of God it is taken metaphorically and not properly For God is a Spirit John 4. 24. and therefore properly he hath no hand either right or left When eyes ears hands and the like are attributed unto God it is figuratively the Scripture condescending to the weaknesse of our capacity and speaking of God after the manner of men Thus here because amongst men it is an honour to be set at ones right hand Salomon sitting himself in his Throne caused his mother to sit at his right hand 1 Kings 2. 19. Therefore Christ is said to fit at Gods right hand to shew the high honour to which he is exalted The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand untill I make thine enemies thy footstool So David spake of Christ Psal 110. 1. The Apostle expresseth it thus He must reign untill his enemies be made his footstool 1 Cor. 15. 25. So that Christs sitting at the right hand of God imports his Kingly Power his reigning over all It imports that which Christ said after his Resurrection All power both in heaven and earth is given unto me Matth. 28. 18. S. Paul speaking of Christ saith God set him at his owne right hand Farre above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion and every Name that is named not onely in this world but also in that which is to come Ephes 1. 20 21. So S. Peter saith that Câ—rist is gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him 1 Pet. 3. 22. Christ as man sitteth at the right hand of God Now this most high and glorious exaltation of Christ belongs unto him as man As in respect of his Manhood he suffered was crucified dead and buryed and descended into Hell so in respect of that nature also hee rose againe from the dead ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God So that this sitting at the right hand of God doth not import equality with God for that honour the humane nature is not capable of but it imports honour next unto God above all Creatures whatsoever even as Sâ—lâ—mâ—ns Mother being set at his right hand and he in his Throne had honour next to him above others yet beneath him This makes wonderfully for the comfort and encouragement of such as trust in Christ that hee is thus exalted Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that dyed yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Rom. 8. 34. Of Christs comming to judge both the quick and the dead From thence he shall come to judge both the quick and tâ—e dead From whence shall he come Not from the right hand of God which was immediately before mentioned no for then especially shall Christ appear to sit at the right hand of God when he commeth to judgement Hereafter ye shall see the Sonne of man sitting on the right hand of Power that is of God to whom belongeth Power Psal 62. 11. and comming in the Clouds of Heaven to wit to judgement Matth. 26. 64. From whence Christ shal come to judge the quick and the dead Therefore these words from thence have reference to Heaven He ascended into Heaven and there sitteth on the right hand of God And from thence that is from heaven He shall come to judge both the quick and the dead The Scripture is clear and expresse for this Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gazing up into Heaven This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven So spake an Angel unto those who were with Christ at his Ascension Acts 1. 11. So S. Paul speaking of Christs comming to judgement saith He shall descend from heaven 1 Thes 4. 16. And 2 Thess 1. 7. He shall be revealed from Heaven To judge both the quick and the dead So likewise the Scripture expresseth it Acts 10. 42. and 2 Tim. 4. 1. and 1 Pet. 4. 5. Who are meant by the quick and the dead Now by quick and dead are meant first in generall all whosoever they be We must all appeare before the judgement seat of Christ Rom. 14. 10. and 2 Corinth 5. 10. But more particularly and distinctly by quick are meant all that shall bee found alive at Christs coÌ„ming by dead are meant all that were dead before that time who then shall be raised up and so come to judgement Behold saith the Apostle I shew you a Mysterie wee shall not all sleep that is die but we shall all be changed In a moment in the twinckling of an eye at the last Trumpe for the Trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we he means all such as are then found alive shall be changed 1 Cor. 5. 51 52. So 1 Thess 4. 15 16 17. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord that we which are alive and remaine unto the comming of the Lord shall not prevent them which which are asleepe that is which are dead For the Lord himself shall descend from â—eaven with a shout with a voice of the Archangel and with the Trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the aire c. These places shew who are meant by quicke who by dead when it is said that Christ shall come to judge both the quick and the dead That Christ shall bee the Judge of all besides the places before alledged the Scripture plainly testifies Act. 17. 31. and Rom. 2. 16. which places shew that God will judge all but by Christ whom he hath exalted and set at his owne right hand to rule and govern all and to execute judgement upon all Thus is that meant John 5. 22. The father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgement to the Sonne That is The Father judgeth not immediately by himselfe but mediately by the Sonne by Christ And
David that he is both dead and buryed and his Sepulchre remaineth with us unto this day Acts 2. 29. By Davids sepulchre remaining with them unto that day he means that David was left in Hell and therefore when he said Thou wilt not leave my soule in Hell did not speak of himself but of Christ and of his resurrection Therefore being a Prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his loyns according to the flesh he would raise up Christ to sit on his Throne he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ that his soul was not left in Hell nor his flesh did see corruption Verse 30. and 31. Now if such a Hell be meant as in which David was left and such a Hell we must understand if we will make S. Peters argument good then can it not be the Hell of the Damned the place of torment for David was not left in that Hell he never was in it being none of the Reprobate to whom alone that Hell appertaineth Further it appears rather by Scripture that when Christ dyed as his body went to the earth so his soul went to Heaven and therefore not to Hell as it signifies the place of the Damned This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise said Christ to the beleeving Thiefe that was crucified with him Luke 23. 43. now by Paradise is meant the third Heaven the place of Blisse and Happinesse as appears 2 Cor. 12. 2. compared with 4. These reasons are sufficient to evince that by Hell here in the Creed and so in those places of Scripture upon which this Article is grounded is not meant the Hell of the Damned But may some say what is then meant by it I answer the estate of the dead or the power of death is meant by Hell and the meaning of the Article is that Christ so humbled himself as that for a while he was in the estate of the dead and under the power of death though as David prophesied of him he did not long continue in that estate but was soon delivered out of it Christ being risen from the dead saith the Apostle dyeth no more death hath no more dominion over him Rom. 6. 9. That intimates that for some time though but a short time Christ was under the power of death and it had dominion over him This power and dominion of death whereby it having separated the soul from the bodie keeps it still in that state of separation untill the body be raised up and the soule and it re-united together this I say is that which is meant by Hell when Christs descending into Hell or his not being left in Hell is spoken of The words in the Originall which are translated Hell Sheol Hades do not properly and directly signifie Hell as taken for the place of Torment but they signifie either the grave or the power of death and the estate of the dead in generall whether their souls be in the place of torment or in the place of comfort And thus our English word Hell is sometimes used As Psa 89. 48. in the old vulgar Translation which is in the Book of Common Prayer What man is hee that liveth and shall not see death and shall he deliver his soul from the hand of Hell The Interrogation hath the force of a strong Negation and the meaning is that certainly there is no man living that shall not see death none that shal deliver his soul frō the hand of Hell that is either of the grave as our last translation hath it or of the power of death For it were absurd there to understand the Hell of the Damned many through Christ being delivered from that Hell And so Revel 20. 14. where it is said Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of fire by Hell cannot be meant the Hell of the Damned for that is meant by the Lake of fire but the Power and Dominion of death is meant which after the resurrection there spoken of shall have no place any where but in that Lake of fire which is there called The second death Of Christs rising from the dead The third day he rose again from the dead After Christs humiliation followed his exaltation the first step and degree whereof was his Resurrection or rising from the dead That Christ rose from the dead all the Evangelists have diligently recorded and the Apostles diligently preached See Acts 1. 22. and 4 33. and 1 Cor. 15. 4 15. This Article of Christs rising from the dead is of such concernment that S. Paul sayes If Christ be not risen then is our preaching vaine and your faith is also vain 1 Cor. 15 14. And again vers 17. If Christ be not risen your faith is in vain you are yet in your sinnes Reasons why Christ rose from the dead It was necessary that Christ though hee dyed and was buryed and remained a while under the power of death yet should rise again 1. For the fulfilling of the Scriptures For it was written of him that his soul should not be left in Hell nor his flesh see corruption Psal 16. 10. Therefore there was a necessity of his rising from the dead as S. Peter sheweth Acts 2. 24. 25 c. Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it For David speaketh concerning him c. So elsewhere in the Old Testament Christ is spoken of as abiding for ever Psal 110. 4. Dan. 7. 13 14. Which did not import as some erroniously conceived John 12. 32 33 34. that Christ should not die but that hee should not remain dead but be raised up and live for ever O fools and slow of heart to beleeve all that the Prophets have written Ought not Christ to suffer these things and to enter into his glory Luke 24. 25 26. So spake Christ to some who startled at his death and when they were told of his resurrection were slow to beleeve it And in that same Chapter verse 45 46. it is said that comming to his Apostles He opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures And said unto them Thus it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day 2. To make it appear that by his death he had fully satisfied for our sinnes and wrought out our redemption for us Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification Rom. 4. 25. We trusted that it had been he that should have redeemed Israel Luk. 24. 21. So they spake who knew Christ to have been dead but doubted of his rising again They did before expect redemption by him but now they had small hope of it And indeed if Christ had onely dyed and not risen from the dead all hope in him might well have dyed with him But Blessed be God and the Father of our