Wednesday, October 7, 2009

JESUS IS LIFE

Unto them that believe unto the saving of the soul, he (Jesus) is, he always has
been, precious — the sun, the rock, the life, the bread of their souls —
every thing that is good, useful, amiable, desirable, here or unto eternity.
In, from, and by him, is all their spiritual and eternal life, light, power,
growth, consolation, and joy here; with everlasting salvation hereafter. By
him alone do they desire, expect, and obtain deliverance from that woeful
apostasy from God, which is accompanied with — which containeth in it
virtually and meritoriously whatever is evil, noxious, and destructive unto
our nature, and which, without relief, will issue in eternal misery.

By him are they brought into the nearest cognation, alliance, and friendship with
God, the firmest union unto him, and the most holy communion with him,
that our finite natures are capable of, and so conducted unto the eternal
enjoyment of him. For in him “shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and
shall glory;” (Isaiah 45:25;) for “Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an
everlasting salvation;” they “shall not be ashamed nor confounded, world
without end:” verse 17.

from John Owen's Preface page 1:

A DECLARATION OF THE GLORIOUS MYSTERY
OF THE PERSON OF CHRIST — GOD AND MAN:

WITH

The Infinite Wisdom, Love, And Power Of God In The Contrivance
And Constitution Thereof;

AS ALSO,

Of The Grounds And Reasons Of His Incarnation; The Nature Of
His Ministry In Heaven; The Present State Of The Church Above
Thereon; And The Use Of His Person In Religion:

WITH

An Account And Vindication Of The Honor, Worship, Faith, Love,
And Obedience Due Unto Him, In And From The Church.