the same effect amongst the faithfull that are now dead; to wit, that they being condemned by men, did patiently beare that condemnation, and lived according to God in the spirit, verse 6.
The Doctrines arising herehence.
Doct. 1. We should all arme our selves with such meditations, as the contemplation of Christs death affoords as.
This is gathered from v. 1.
Reas. 1. Because we are thereunto called, that we should be made conformable unto Christ. 2. Because Christs death, or Christ crucified is a briefe Epitome of all saving knowledge, 1 Cor. 2.2. 3. Because by such meditations we doe more and more put on Christ, and by his power are our minds strengthened and fore-armed, as with a compleat armour, against all kind of temptations, and in this respect is this phrase, arme your selves, used in the text. Vse 1. This may serve to admonish us, to arme our mindes daily with godly and Christian meditations, that so we may not be exposed to the danger of temptations unarmed and naked; in the bearing of a blow, or suffering any violence, there is great difference betwixt a man that is armed, and one that is not armed. 2. To direct us, in our meditations chiefely to contemplate upon Christ, and those things which pertaine unto his death and resurrection. Doct. 2. He that hath true communion with Christ, hath ceased from sinne, and by meditation thereupon doth daily more and more cease from it.
This is gathered from verse 1, at the end.
Reason 1. Because our communion with Christ is by the Spirit of Christ, which makes us conformable to his death and resurrection, Rom. 6. throughout the whole Chapter.
2. Because in our conversion unto Christ, there is alwayes included an aversion from sinne by serious repentance.
3. Because such meditations are the ordinary meanes whereby the worke of the Spirit is perfected, and our repentance renewed and furthered.
