The Study of Salvation
N. Byfield. 1 Peter 1:10-12 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you:… I. First, THAT THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION OF GOD'S PEOPLE IS A SUBJECT ABLE TO FILL THE CONTEMPLATION OF THE DIVINEST AND WISEST MEN. The prophets have a subject able to fill them; yea, more than they are able to conceive of to the full, which may serve for two uses. First, for humiliation, that we should be so barren-hearted and able to conceive so little of so Divine a subject. Secondly, for singular consolation to the godly. For by this it appeareth that they have an admirable portion in that such worthy men so much admire it. II. Secondly, THAT AS ANY HAVE MORE GRACE, SO THEY ARE MORE HEARTILY AFFECTED WITH THE ESTIMATION AND DESIRE AFTER THE SALVATION OF GOD'S ELECT. Certainly, so long as we can admire anything more than the grace of God to His people, our hearts are void of grace. III. Thirdly, THAT WHEN WE GO ABOUT ANYTHING THAT CONCERNS SALVATION, ESPECIALLY OUR OWN SALVATION, WE SHOULD HERE LEARN OF THE PROPHETS TO DO IT WITH ALL DILIGENCE. There are three sorts of men Satan doth in the Church bewitch. 1. The first are they that will take no pains at all, nor trouble themselves to study about their religion and what belongs to their souls. 2. The second are they that, though they will study diligently, yet it is in by-studies, as matters of controversy, or the general knowledge of religion, or matter that may fit them for discourse, or the like. 3. Now a third sort there are that will not be drawn aside from the needfulest studies, as repentance, assurance, order of life, etc., but their fault is that they study not these diligently. For they soon give over and finish not their works either of mortification, or sanctification, or illumination, or preparation for salvation. (N. Byfield.) Parallel Verses KJV: Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: WEB: Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,