1.24-25 Of the Church's Subjection to Christ

Section 1.24. Of the Church's Subjection to Christ.

Eph 5:24.—The Church is Subject unto Christ in Everything.

The duty which the church in way of thankfulness performs to Christ her Head for this great benefit, that He is her Savior, is subjection: Under which word is comprised all that obedience and duty, which in any kind Christ requires of the church, in and by the word.

Question. Is it possible for that part of the church which is here on earth, to yield such obedience?

Answer. It will faithfully endeavor to do what it can: and that honest and utmost endeavor Christ graciously accepts for a perfect performance of all.

In that it is here taken for grant, that the church is subject to Christ; I may, as from a general to particular, infer that—

Doctrine. Whosoever is of the true catholic church is subject to Christ, and yields obedience to his word. We will run after thee, [Song 1:4] says the church to Christ. My sheep hear my voice and follow me, [John 10:27] says Christ of that flock, which is his church.

Reason. For Christ conveys his own spirit into his mystical body the church, and into every member thereof: which spirit is much more operative, and lively than the soul of man. If therefore man's soul quickening every part of the natural body, make them subject to the head, much more will the spirit of Christ bring the members of his mystical body in subjection to himself. If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies, by the Spirit that dwelleth in you. [Rom 8:11]

Trial of True Churches

Use. Hereby let trial be made of particular visible churches and of particular persons, whether they are indeed of this true catholic church or no. Those visible churches which refuse to be governed by Christ's word, and are wholly governed by human traditions, which rise against Christ and play the adulteresses by committing idolatry, are not of this catholic church which is subject to Christ. No more are infidels that defy Christ, heretics that deny him, ignorant persons that know not his will, profane persons that despise him, worldlings that lightly esteem him, nor any that persecute or scorn him in his members. By this we may see that many have a name that they are of the church, who indeed are not.

Objection. Many such persons may belong to God's election, and so be of that body whereof Christ is a Savior.

Answer. Election indeed gives them a title to Christ, but they cannot reap any benefit by that title till they have a possession of Christ by virtue of their spiritual union with him. Neither can they have any assurance of their election, till they find by the quickening virtue of the spirit, that they are united unto Christ. Wherefore so long as men remain destitute of the Spirit of Christ, and are possessed with a contrary Spirit, they may well be judged for the present to be none of this body, nor to have any part in Christ, their future estate being referred to him who only knows what it shall be.

Section 1.25. Of the Extent of the Church's Subjection.

The extent of the church's subjection to Christ is without any restraint at all, in everything. For there is nothing which Christ requires of her, but she may with a good conscience, and must in obedience yield unto. Just, and pure, and perfect are all his commandments, there is no error in any of them: no mischief or inconvenience can follow upon the keeping of them. This extent being here taken for granted, I may further infer that—

Doctrine. They who are of the true catholic church will yield universal obedience to Christ: they will obey him in all and every of his commandments. David turned not aside from any thing that the Lord commanded him. [1 Kings 15:5] Josiah turned to the Lord with all his heart according to the law: [2 Kings 23:25] and Zacharias, and Elizabeth, walked in all the commandments of God. [Luke 1:6] All these were of this church: and of their mind are all others that are of this church.

Reason. For the Spirit of Christ which is in them works a thorough reformation: even as the flesh leads a natural man on to every sin, so the Spirit of Christ stirs him up to every good duty. In which respect it is said, that whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin. [1 John 3:9]

Objection. The best saints in all ages have transgressed in many things. [James 3:2]

Answer. Their sins though grievous, have not willfully in open rebellion against Christ been committed, but they have slipped from them partly through their own weakness, and partly through the violence of some temptation. So as that which the apostle says of himself, may be applied to all that are of the body of Christ, That which I do I allow not: Now then is it no more I that do it, but the sin that dwelleth in me. [Rom 7:15-17]

Trial of Integrity

Use. This extent is a good proof of the truth of subjection, for herein lies a main difference between the upright, and the hypocrite; yea between restraining and renewing grace. That restraining grace which is in many hypocrites stirs them to do many things which Christ commands, if at least they cross not their honor, profit, ease, and the like. Herod that notorious hypocrite did many things. [Mark 6:20] None that bears the name of the church, but will be subject in some things. But none but the upright, who are indeed renewed by the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, will in all things make Christ's will their rule, and in everything hold close to it, preferring it before their pleasure, profit, preferment, or any other outward allurement. They who so do, give good evidence that they are of the body of Christ, and may rest upon it, that Christ is their Savior.