Doctrine 9. The faithfull must seeke not only to have an entrance into the kingdome of God, but also an entrance in a plentifull and abundant manner.
Men may be considered to be in a fourefold condition in respect of the kingdome of God. For some are very farre off from it: namely, such as the Apostle speaks of, Ephesians 2.12. That are without Christ, and without God, aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise: such are all those that either understand nothing at all of those things which pertaine unto this kingdome, or else nothing care for them, having their consciences seared as it were with a hot iron, as the Apostle speaks, 1 Timothy 4.2. Others there are which come neere unto the kingdome of God, although they are not partakers of it, such as that Scribe was of whom Christ saith, Mark 12.34. that he was not farre from the kingdome of God; and King Agrippa, Acts 26.28. Others there are that enter into the kingdome of God by faith and repentance, Iohn 3.3. He that is borne againe seeth the kingdome of God, that is, he enters into it, as it is, verse 5. But then againe others there are, (with whom also in that respect God is very well pleased,) that do not only enter into it, but enter in a plentifull and abundant manner, as in this place. The difference betwixt these two last sorts is such, as is betwixt those that make entrance only into the borders of a countrey, and those that go even into the most inward parts of it: or as is betwixt those that make entrance only into a discipline, and those that have throughly learned, and do exercise the very mysteries thereof. This Doctrine is confirmed, Colossians 3.15,16. And to that purpose is that in Colossians 1.9.
Reason 1. Because these spirituall things are such, that they can never exceed measure: there is nothing in them too much.
2. They are of such a nature, that they do whet and stirre up the desire, so that whosoever hath tasted the sweetnesse of them, doth still desire to be more and more filled with them, untill he shall come to the highest perfection, as we may see in their examples, who in this respect are most commended in Scripture.
Vse 1. This may serve to reprove and condemne those, to whom the bare profession of piety seemes to be enough and too much, that feare lest they should be too godly, that is, lest they should be too happy: this is a certaine token of a carnall minde.
2. To exhort us, 1. To give God thanks, that he hath not only admitted us into the suburbs, as it were, and gates of this kingdome, but hath also revealed unto us those things which are more inward and secret. 2. To be diligent and carefull, that we do not neglect or despise so great grace, but day by day earnestly to strive to make a greater progresse in this kingdome, which we shall do, if we be more diligent and religious in those exercises, whereby this kingdome is advanced.
Verse 12. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you alwayes in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
Verse 13. Yea, I think it meet as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stirre you up, by putting you in remembrance:
Verse 14. Knowing that shortly, I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Iesus Christ hath shewed me.