Two Queries Worthy of Serious Consideration

TWO QVERIES worthy of serious Consideration, concerning the Gospel Faith of the LORD JESUS the CHRIST once given unto the Saints, Matth. 16.16. 1 John. 5.1.

1 Qu. WHether that ministry, that preacheth freely the Gospel faith, that the Lord Jesus is the Christ; as the Apostle Peter did: Act. 2.36. Be not truly orthodox.

I that am a loyal Covenanter for a pure Reformation in England, and Jreland, according to the Word of God: maintain that they are truly Orthodox for these reasons. The Word of Christ being the Judge of the controversy: John 12.48.

1. Because Jesus the Christ is the Rock; the foundation of the spiritual house: 1 Peter 2.4.5. Which house are we: Heb. 3.6. vid. believers in Jesus the Christ baptized, that continue in the Doctrine of the Apostles Ephes: 2.20: and in breaking of bred and prayer. Acts 2.42. Seeing other foundations no man can lay save that is laid Jesus Christ: 1 Cor. 3.11. For their salvation in none other: Acts 4.11.12. 1. Pet. 2.6. Esa. 28.16.

2. Because this is the primative faith; or confession that Peter made (upon the rehersal of the divers opinions that went of Christ; Matth. 16.13.14.) thou art the Christ the Son of the living God upon which confession, Christ pronounceth Peter blessed. Blessed art thou Simon Barjona; flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto thee: but my father in Heaven.

To this Gospel faith that Jesus was the Christ whom Peter confessed; the power of the keys were given: Matth. 16.19. I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom and what thou bindeth on earth shall be bound in Heaven &c.

And Peter communicated it to the whole Church, that had obtained like precious faith in Jesus the Christ with him: 2 Pet. 1.1. Then they had the like precious privilege to bind and looses as appeareth Matth. 18.17, 18.

3. Because the confession of this Gospel faith that Jesus is the Christ, doth manifest and declare to the 〈◊〉 that ask them. Whether they be males or females; that they are borne from above of the holy Spirit: John 5.1. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is borne of God. John 1.12.13.

Yea and taught of the holy Spirit: 1 Cor. 12.3. For no man can say (that is confess as Peter did) that Jesus is the Lord and Christ, but by the holy Spirit.

4. Because they that confess, that Jesus is the Christ (as the En … did to Philip ) and are baptized manifest that they are borne of water and of the holy Spirit, and are fit spiritual matt • r (liv •• y stones, that have received life from Jesus the Christ living stone) to be received into the spiritual kingdom of the Lord Jesus; John 5.5. Except a man be borne of water and the holy Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. And as many as are baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal. 3, 27. ( vidilicet by a visible profession) that all the world may know whose disciples they are: Here it is said; John 4.1. The Pharisees heard that Jesus made; and baptized more Disciples, then John: (he made them, that is he manifested, that they were his disciples) hear baptism manifested Jesus to Israel at Jordan to be the Son of God: John 1.31. compared with Matth. 3.16.17:

5. Because it is the Gospel faith, that Jesus commanded his Disciples to preach after his resurrection unto all Nations: Luke 24.46. Thus it behooveth the Christ to suffer, and to rise again the third day, 47. And that repentance; and remission of sins, should be preached in his name amongst all Nations beginning at Jerusalem 48: And ye are witnesses of these things.

6. Because there was no way revealed, for the poor trembling Jews, that were pricked in their hearts at the preaching of Peter, for crucifying the Christ Act: 21.36. to save themselves from that froward generation (who had killed the Lord Jesus and their own Prophets) upon whom the wrath of God was coming to the uttermost: 1 Thes. 2.14, 15, 16. When they cried out, what shall we do? until they yield obedience to the voice of the everlasting Gospel; that the holy Spirit speak to them, by the mouth of Peter; Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus the Christ for the remission of sins; And ye shall receive the gift of the holy Spirit: For the promise is to you, and to your Children, and to them that are a far off even so many us the Lord our God shall call. And with many such other words he said; save your souls from this froward generatio • . Then they which gladly received his word were baptized and added to them three thousand souls: Act. 2.38, 39, • 0, 41.

And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved. Act. 2.47.

7. Neither is there any other way revealed by the holy Spirit in the Scriptures for them who have lived in Idolatrous and superstitious times amongst them; that have denied that Jesus is the Christ (whom the holy Spirit of God calleth liars, and Antichristians) that denieth the Father and the Son: 1 John 2:22: For in denying the Sons authority to be the eternal King • n • Prophet of his Church in all his outward administrations according to his royal Commission: Matth. 28:18, 19, 20. Mark. 16, 15, 16. Luke 24:46:47: in admitting of members into his spiritual Kingdom; (though they own him their eternal Priest that ever liveth to make intercession to God for them: Heb. 7.25.) Because Christ divided, becometh no Christ to the divider. They (in so doing) deny the Father, that sanctifieth the Son, and sent him into the world: John 10 36. and raised him from the dead, and exalted him to be Lord and Christ. Act. 2:36: Eternal King and Prophet of his Church as well as Priest: now when they through the Gospel ministry (which God that cannot lie hath promised to raise up again to prophesy before many people, and Nations, and Tongues, and Kings, Revel. 10.11. Compared with Revel. 14.6. shall through the inward work of the holy spirit be pricked in their hearts: (that they have been in the number of them, that have persecuted Jesus the Christ in his members, that have contended for the Gospel faith of Jesus the Christ: Matth. 16:16: Luke 24.46.47. 1 John 5, 1. once given unto the Saints: And for which cause, the wrath of God is coming on all those false states (whom the holy Spirit of God calleth Liars and Antichristians, that deny the Father; and the Son; as I have shown you before in a few words 1 John 2:22. Because in them is found the blood of Prophets and Saints, and all that were slain upon the earth: Revel: 18:24: as once was of old in the Jewish state, which the Apostle Peter calleth a froward generation (which that Apostle exhorted the trembling Jews that were pricked in their hearts crying out; What shall we do? to save themselves from: and the Apostle Paul rendereth this reason: Because they had both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own Prophets, and they have persecuted as (believers baptized) and they please not God; and are contrary to all men: For bidding us speak unto the Gentiles that they might be saved: to fill up their sins always [For the wrath of God is] come on them unto the uttermost. 1 Thes. 2:15.16.

Qu. Matth. 23.33, 34, 35, 36. So that the trembling cry out, How shall we escape the wrath of God that is coming on us for consenting to shed the blood of the Saints, and prophets that contend for the Gospel faith; namely, that Jesus, who was crucified, dead, and risen, is the Christ; Act. 2:36:

Answ. Must not the Gospel minister (to whom is committed the word of reconciliation; 2 Cor. 5.18.) preach unto them the everlasting Gospel; As Peter, did to the inquiring Jews: Act. 2.38: Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins: And ye shall receive the gift of the holy spirit; For the promise is to you; and to your Children; viz. to the Jews first; Act. 3.36: unto you first, God hath raised up his Son Jesus Christ sent him to bless you in turning away everyone of you from your iniquiries; Secondly, sent him to bless you first; in fulfilling the Prophesy of Joel: Joel 2:28: In powering out his spirit upon your Sones, and Daughters: And to all viz. flesh afar off; the remotest Gentiles, and even so many as the Lord our God shall call: 39. v: And with many other words he must testify, and exhort, saying; Save yourselves from this untoward generation: 40: Seeing the Gospel of Jesus the Christ is eternal: 1 Pet: 1.25. And whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning; that we through patience, and comforts of the Scriptures might have hope: Rom: 15.4.

Now so many as shall gladly receive (that is believe John 1.12:) this Gospel of Salvation and arise and be baptized; shall be saved from the wrath that is coming on them;

As Noah and his family were by faith saved in the ark from perishing by water. Heb: 11:7: seeing the Apostle saith: the like figure whereunto even baptism, doth also save us, ( viz. that believe) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: So. the Lord added daly to his Church such as should be saved: Act. 2:47.

8. Because none of what rank or degrees soever; can prove themselves Saints by calling, and that intruth, they have a visible right to be admitted into the spiritual house, even to the fellowship of Saints, in breaking of bread and prayer.

1. Namely, until they have manifested their repentance from dead works; by saving or separating of themselves from those false states (whom the spirit of God calleth liars, and Antichristians that deny the Father and the Son: 1 John 2:23:) that persecute the members of Christ for contending for the Gospel faith of Jesus the Christ: Math. 16:16: Luke 24:46: 47. 1 John 51 1. Once given unto the Saints: 〈◊〉 Saul, Act. 9. and Jailor once did: Act: 16:24.

2. Until they manifect (to them that demand in) a reason of the hopes that is in them by a belief of the heart; and a confession of their lips, that the Lord Jesus, who was crucified dead; and risen, is exalted to be the Christ as the Enuch did to Philip Acts 8.37.

3. Until they yield obedience unto the Gospel Commandment: Be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Act: 2:38. because it is written; He that saith I know him (that is Jesus the Christ) and keepeth not his Commandments is a liar; and there is no truth in him, 1 John 2.4. Seeing these three principles of the doctrine of Christ; Are the way for all that truly believe in Jesus the Christ, to take up, and walk in (as the members of the Churches of Judea; which were in Christ once did, Heb. 6.1. 2. before they were added unto the Church, to continue in the Apostles doctrine, and fellowship, in breaking of bread, and prayer, Act. 2, 41, 42.

9. Because; there is no promise of salvation for any (whether they be males or females) but for them only, that believe in Jesus the Christ, Act. 4.10, 11, 12. For there is salvation in none other.

10. Because there is no promise of pardon of sin for any persons: save only for them that believe in the blood of Jesus the Christ, 1 John 1.7. the blood of Jesus Christ his Son which cleanseth from all sin.

11. Because no manner of persons whatsoever have aright to all; or any of the promises, until they believe in Jesus the Christ, 2 Cor. 3.20. For all the promises in him (that is in Jesus the Christ are ye: And in him Amen: Knowing that till we are made one with Jesus the Christ by faith, Gal. 3.28.29. ye are all one in Christ, if Christ then Abraham seed, then heirs according to promise, v. 29. We are but strangers from the Covenant of promise; and without hope in the world Ephes. 1.12. verse 1.

12. Because no Son of the first Adam, hath a spiritual right to any of the creatures to be sanctified for his life: But as their life, and spiritual interest is restored to them through faith in Jesus the Christ, 1 Cor. 3.21. All things are yours 22. Whether Paul or Apollos: or Caephas, or the world, or life, or death; or things present; or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ; And Christ is God's; 1 Cor. 3.23.

13. Because there is no hope of the resurrection of the dead; nor of an assurance of the eternal inheritance in glory; but through Faith in Jesus the Christ; 1 Cor. 15.22. John. 11. • 5. Jes •• said, I am the Resurrection and the Life; he that believeth in the though he were dead, yet shall he live; And he that liveth and believeth in me shall not die forever, 1 Pet. 1.3, 4, 5 verse.

14. I affirm, that no man (by what name, or title soever he be called) can prove himself a faithful Teacher sent of God; unless he believe with all his heart, and confess with his lips, that the Lord Jesus is the Christ, vid. the eternal King and Prophet, and Priest of his Church, in things appertaining unto his conscience.

First, I do conceive; that in this (all the learned and loyal Covenantors in the Nation do agree with me) that Jesus the Christ, is anointed of God, to be our eternal High Priest, that ever liveth to reconcile us unto God, Heb. 7.25. But the difference is whether the same Jesus the Christ is anointed, and appointed of God to be our Prophet, Mat. 17.5. This is my beloved Son hear him; And that in all things whatsoever he shall say unto us, Act. 3.22. So Moses, and the Apostle Peter testifieth, Deut. 18.18. the danger followeth, if we hear him not, our souls must perish. Act. 3.23.

Now Jesus the Christ saith in the Scriptures of the New Testament, that professing Faith and Repentance shall be baptized, Heb. 6.12. Act. 8.36, 37, 38. Act. 2.41. They which gladly received his Word were baptized.

But where doth Christ say; that the Infant of a Beleiver, or the Seed of Believers shall be baptized.

1. If any Teacher affirm they may, and have not a word from Jesus the Christ to warrant what he saith; he is a false Teacher, and by the Law h • is accursed, Deut. 18 20. But the Prophet which shall presume to speak a word in my Name, which I have not commanded him to speak; even that Prophet shall dy.

2. He is a lying Teacher; for he addeth to the word Seed, or Infant of a Beleiver; •• at God hath not added, Prov. 30.6. Add not thou to his word lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar ye shall not add unto the Word which I have commanded you, Deut. 4.2. If any shall add to these words, God will add unto him all the Plagues written in this Book, Rev. 22.18.

3. He is a lying Teacher that cometh in his own name, John. 5.43. and God hath not sent him, Ier. 23.25. they cause my people to forget my Name by their dreams; as their Father hath forgotten my Name for Baal, 2.7. the Prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; And he that hath my Word, let him speak my Word faithfully; what is Chaff to the Wheat, saith the Lord, verse. 28.

4. 〈◊〉 saith; th • ugh it were himself, or an Angel from Heaven, that should preach any other Gospel unto you, then that we have preached (that Jesus, who was crucified, dead, and risen; through whom we that believe in his Name shall have remission of sins, whom God hath exalted to be the Christ) let him be accursed, Gal. 18, 9.

Thirdly, the same Jesus, the Christ is anointed and appointed of God to be our eternal King, and that his Commission shall be eternal, Matth. 28.18, 19, 20. Mar. 16.15, 16. Luk. 24.46, 47, 48. Now the Commission of King Jesus saith; such as believe the Gospel Faith of Jesus the Christ shall be baptized: but Infidels, and unbelievers are not to be baptized.

Now saith Christ, these mine Enemies that would not I should reign (King and Prophet in all my outward administrations, according to my Royal Commission given me of my Father when he raised me from the dead, Mat. 28.18, 19, 20. in admitting of members into my spiritual Kingdom) bring them hither, and slay them before me, Luke 19.27.

Hence it is, that Christ's sheep refuse to hear the voice of those false Teachers, that refuse to obey the voice of Jesus the Christ, their King and Prophet, John. 10.4, 5.

1. Because they in denying the Sons authority to the eternal King and Prophet of the Church, they deny the Father that sanctified his Son, and sent him into the world, John 10 36. and raised him from the dead, and exalted him to be Lord Christ, Act. 2.36.

2. He that honoreth not the Son as King and Prophet, honoreth not the Father that sent him, Josh. 5.23.

3. They refuse to hear the voice of those Teachers, that preach for Doctrine the commandment of men; because in so doing they make the Commission of Jesus the Christ (their King and Prophet, Matth. 28.18, 19, 20.) of none effect that they may keep their own traditions, Matth. 15.3, 6.

4. They are commanded to mark and avoid all • uch as cause division contrary to the Doctrine of Christ, that they have learned of him, Rom. 16.16, 17, 18.

5. Yea to withdraw from them that teach otherwise; and consent not to the wholesome words, even the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Doctrine which is according to godliness, 〈◊〉 6, 3, 4, 5.

6. Yea from all such, as transgress, and abide not in the do •• rine of Christ; they are commanded not to bid God-speed: For he that biddeth them God-speed is partakers of their evil deeds, 2 Job. 9.10, 11.

If these things be so (as the holy Scripture heareth record that they are,) Resolve me then, I pray; And beseech, any that are truly godly, and learned, judicious, loyal Covenanters, this following Quaere.

Qu. Whether it be agreeable to the Word of God contained in the inspired Scriptures to silence, or inhibit any Ministers of Jesus the Christ for preaching the Gospel Faith freely; Namely, that Jesus Christ, who was crucified, dead, and risen is the Christ, Act. 2.36. Through whose Name all that believe shall receive remission of sins, Act. 10.43. and maintaining publicly with Apollo against all opposers; that the Lord Jesus is the Christ, Act. 18.28. As the Jews of old cast the blind man out of their Synagogue, for confessing, that Jesus was the Christ, John. 9.22, 34.

A Postscript.

NOw I know that the English Ministry, Tit. 1.16. profess that the Lord Jesus is the Christ.

I do eanestly desire, that they would resolve me then, these two Quaeres.

Qu. 1. What is the everlasting Gospel; that Jesus the Christ commanded his Disciples to preach to all Nations beginning at Jerusalem.

Qu. 2. Whether they preach now the everlasting Gospel in the same manner to them, that inquire after it: As Peter did to the troubling Jews, Act. 2.3 • .