Lastly, in that Paul says, God “gave” and freely bestowed the “inheritance by the promise,” it must be considered that this giving is no private but a public donation. For Abraham must be considered as a public person. And that which was given to him was in him given to all that should believe as he did. Are you then a true believer? Do you truly turn unto God? Here is your comfort. The inheritance of eternal life is as surely yours as it was Abraham’s when he believed. For you are partaker of the same promise with him. And when God gave him life, he gave you also life in him. Again, persons backward and careless must be stirred up with all diligence to use all good means that they may believe truly in Christ and truly turn to God. For so soon as they begin to believe and to turn unto God, they are entered into the condition of Abraham, and if they continue, “They shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” And after this life, they shall rest in the bosom of Abraham. For that which was done to Abraham shall be done to all that walk in his steps.

William Perkins | The Works of William Perkins, ed. Paul M. Smalley, Joel R. Beeke, and Derek W. H. Thomas, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2015), 193–94.

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Post authored by:

• Tony Phelps

  

  Tony grew up in Rhode Island. He was educated at BA (University of Rhode Island) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He worked in the insurance industry for ten years. He planted a PCA church in Wakefield, RI where he served for eleven years. In 2015–18 he pastored Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Colorado Springs. He is currently pastor of Living Hope (OPC). Tony is married to Donna and together they have three children.

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