Doctrine 3. The foundation of all this grace and salvation, lies in the humiliation and exaltation of our Lord Iesus Christ.
This is gathered from the eleventh Verse.
Reason. Because the whole mediation of Christ, whereby our salvation is procured, is contained in those two parts.
Use 1. This may serve to exhort us, alwayes to joyne those two things together, in the seeking of our salvation: for they are in their owne nature so conjoyned, that if they should be separated, our faith and hope would be made altogether void. This is the rock of offence at which the Jewes did, and to this day do stumble, in that they look for outward glory and majesty in their Messias, even without any suffering or humiliation going before.
2. To exhort us alwayes in all things to build upon this foundation.
Doctrine 4. Not only the essence it selfe of this mystery is usually enquired after by the godly, but even all the circumstances thereof, as far forth as they may be comprehended.
This is gathered from those words: searching what or what manner of time.
Reason 1. Because in this mysterie there is nothing of so small consequence, as that it may be neglected without losse to our selves.
2. Because love is careful to enquire into al things that pertaine to the thing beloved, though otherwise they may seeme to be very small.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to think it enough to have some confused knowledge of the common principles of the Gospell, but to exercise our selves to come to a more full and distinct knowledge of every grace of God.