3. Because for our sakes and for our good was that glory given unto Christ, which our faith and hope look and seeke after.
Use. This may serve to exhort us, alwayes to look unto Iesus Christ the author and finisher of our faith, Hebrews 12.2. and by looking unto him to quicken our faith and hope.
Doctrine 12. The calling of the faithfull hath the purification of the soule joyned with it.
This is gathered from the beginning of the 22 Verse. So 2 Peter 2.20. Hence it is that the washing of baptisme represents that grace which is given in their calling: Now this purification and washing, which is communicated in their calling, and signified by baptisme, is not by justification only, which consists in the imputing thereof unto remission of sinnes, but also by sanctification and the reall clensing of the soule, 1 Corinthians 6.11. Titus 3.5. And this sanctification is chiefly referred to the soule as to its proper object.
Reason 1. Because outward purification and sanctification is nothing worth at all, if it be divided from the inward: for this was the hypocrisie of the Scribes and Pharisees, that are said to have made clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, when within they were full of extortion and excesse, Matthew 23.15.
2. Because the operation of the Spirit begins at the soule, and from the soule is derived to the outward man: for as all pollution proceeds first out of the heart, Matthew 15.19. so also purification.
3. Because if the soule be once purified within, outward purity will follow of its owne accord, Matthew 23.26.
4. Because this purity doth more properly consist in the affection & intention of the soule, then in the outward practise; for the same outward works may be done by impure men; but the [♦]faithfull differ from all impure hypocrites by their inward dispositions and affections.
[♦] “faithull” replaced with “faithfull”
5. Because the faithfull themselves are oftentimes sustained and receive comfort by the purity which they have within in their will and purpose, though they cannot produce it into act according to their desire, Romans 7.21,25.