Chap. 39 about confefon. c&ueft. Why ought we to makeconfe on with themouth Alfa,. Fira, in rega d ofGod : and that, I . Becaufe its an homage , and fervice that God requiresof us, Ifa,45. 23. with Rom.14.11. 2. God the Fatbe r did confeffe, andgive teflimonybya voice from heaven to his Sonne Christ Jefus, Mattis. 3. 17. and 17. 5. So Christ faith , 'John s, 3 2, 3 7. and 8. 18. and herein we fhould be folloversof God , as dear children, Ephef. 5.1. 3. Hereby we give glory to God, Phil.2.1 i, Joh.7.19. Rom. 15.6. Secondly, in refpect of lhrift, and that I. Becaufe its Chrifts privilede to be confeffed, or an honorary that wascon- ferredon him byCod for his deephu.niliation, Pn;l. a.9,1o. and not to confefs him, is to rob himofthat glory N. hich ispeculiar tohim. 2. It was Chrifts pradtice, both in life and death. He confeffed his Father , john 5.18. and 8.38. that God is a fpirit, John 4.24. HoN he will be worshipped : John 15.1 S. and 3.32. He did bear witneffe to the truth, 79h.18.37.Hence Rev. I. 5. and3. 14. Thirdly, in regard ofour'felves : and that, 1. Becaufe we are Gods witneffes, Ifa,43, Io. To this end Godgives us more knowledge and gracethen he doth to others, that we might (peak snoreof , and for God thenothers. Hence,Mat.13.16. Itsour honour to bewitneffes ofChrist, Joh.1.7 and 21.24. a Cor 11.5. Att.26.16.and9.15. 2. Ifwe confeffe God , and Christ , and his truth , we !hall be confeffed by both. 1. By the Father, who will ownand avouch us to be hispeople, portion, jewels, friends, &c. andthat, i1. Before men : If we teltifie for God, he will give tefiimony of us, as he did of Abraham, Abel, Mofes, Daniel, Enoch , C7e. Heb. 11.4, 5. Hence Gods fervants have appealed to God to be their wit- < neffe, Job 16. 19. Pfal.139.23,24. and 7. 8. and 26.1,2. Ifwe plead for God, he will plead for us ; as, Numb.12.8. Jab. 42.7. Lam. 3. 58. 1 Pfal. 37.6. l2. Before Devils. So, Job 1.8. and2.4. 2. By the Sonne: If we confeffeChrift, he will confeffe us, Mat. Io. 32. Luke i 2.8. 3. Ifwe confeffeGod and Christ, we (hall be encouraged, defended, andho- noured even here. C1, We (hall be encouraged and flrengthned by Christ too, and inour te- ítimony, eATt.t8.9. and 23.10,15. z I, z .4.16,57. 2. We(hall be defended , and delivered from the a(faults , and defines { ofour enemies, Alts 18.9,1o. and 26,16,17. and 23. to, 11, 20,21. 2 rim.4.17. t.3. Ifwehonour Godby confeflion,hewill honour us, and that fr. With favour, affeftion, and refpe& frommen, IPet.4.14. 404.33. 1 Rev.3.8, 9. 1 2. Withviaorycver Satan, Rev.t2.t0,1 I. 3. Yea, God willhonour us with mutual inhabitation, which implies in- ¿ timare communion, 1 Joh.4.15. 4. If we confeffeChris} aright, we Ihallbe faved, Confeflion tends to fat- vation. 1. As.a way appointed us to God, to walkin towards heaven. 2. As atharaiter, property, and pra&ice offuch as(hall be faved. 3. As afurtherance ofour falvation, becaufe its a means, or help to ourper- feverance inthe faith,even tothtend : and then, Mat.2.03. Heb.10.23. Ddd Fourth
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