How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ, in our effectual calling.
Proofs
- The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, (Ephesians 1:13–14; John 6:37, 39; Ephesians 2:8)
- and thereby uniting us to Christ, in our effectual calling. (Ephesians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 1:9)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Is the application of redemption limited by the purpose of God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: It shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father, (Matthew 20:23)
And by the purchase of Christ?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Ye believe not because ye are not of my sheep, (John 10:26)
And by the operations of the Spirit?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For we are saved by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, (Titus 3:5)
Section 2
Is faith necessary in order to our participation of the blessings of redemption?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He that believeth not is condemned already, (John 3:18)
Is it the great thing necessary?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Only believe, all things are possible to him that believeth, (Mark 5:36)
Is it therefore bestowed upon all God’s redeemed ones?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They have all obtained like precious faith, (2 Peter 1:1)
Is the same measure of faith bestowed upon every one?
Answer: No.
Proof: For unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ, (Ephesians 4:7)
But does weak faith interest in gospel privileges as well as strong?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For the righteousness of God is unto all, and upon all them that believe, and there is no difference, (Romans 3:22)
Section 3
Are all true believers united to Christ?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, (John 17:23)
Are the souls of believers united to Christ?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit, (1 Corinthians 6:17)
And their bodies?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? (1 Corinthians 6:15)
Is this a vital union?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Because I live, ye shall live also, (John 14:19)
Is it a lasting and indissolvable union?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I will betroth thee to me for ever, (Hosea 2:19)
But is it an inexplicable and mysterious one?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: This is a great mystery, (Ephesians 5:32)
Section 4
Are we vitally united to Christ by the Spirit?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: We are an habitation of God through the Spirit, (Ephesians 2:22)
And that in our effectual calling?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: We are called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ, (1 Corinthians 1:9)
But is there an union prior to our effectual calling?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For we read of the grace given us in Christ before the world began, (2 Timothy 1:9)
Section 5
Are all the saints effectually called?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They are preserved and called, (Jude 1)
Is God the author of this call?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light, (1 Peter 2:9)
Is grace the motive of it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: It pleased God who called me by his grace, (Galatians 1:15)
Is the gospel the means of it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, (2 Thessalonians 2:14)
Is glory the end of it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Who hath called you to his kingdom and glory, (1 Thessalonians 2:12)
Should we then examine our title to this privilege?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Make your calling and election sure, (2 Peter 1:10)
And endeavour to improve it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (Ephesians 4:1)