Question 7 — What are the chief things that we ought to aim at in our observation of the institutions of Christ in the g
John Owen A Brief Instruction in the Worship of God and their iniquities will he remember no more," Heb. viii. 9–12. And whatever men attain unto, it is by virtue of the grace of that covenant; nor is there any grace promised in the covenant to lead men in this life, or to give them up into a state of perfection, short of glory. Unto this covenant are the institutions of gospel-worship annexed, and unto that administration of it which is granted unto the church upon the coming and death of Christ. Without a renunciation and relinquishment of that covenant and the grace of it, these institutions cannot be omitted or deserted. If men suppose that they have attained to an estate wherein they need neither the grace of God, nor the mercy of God, nor the blood of Christ, nor the Spirit of Christ, it is not much material what they think of the ordinances of worship. Their pride and folly, without that mercy which is taught, promised, and exhibited in those ordinances, will speedily be their ruin. Besides, the Lord Christ is the absolute
Lord "over his own house," Heb. iii. 3–6; and he hath given out the laws whereby he will have it guided and ruled whilst it is in this world. In and by these laws are his ordinances of worship established. For any persons, on what pretence soever, to plead an exemption from the obligation of those laws, it is nothing but to cast off the lordship and dominion of Christ himself. And yet farther to secure our obedience in this matter, he hath expressly commanded the continuance of them until his coming unto judgment, as in the places above quoted will appear.
Question 7 — What are the chief things that we ought to aim at in our observation of the institutions of Christ in the gospel? a b Answer — To sanctify the name of God; to own and avow our professed subjection to the Lord c d Jesus Christ; to testify and confirm our mutual love, as we are believers. a to build up ourselves in our most holy faith; and,
Lev. x. 3; Heb. xii. 28, 29. b Deut. xxvi. 17; Josh. xxiv. 22; 2 Cor. viii. 5. c Eph. iv. 11–16; Jude 20. d 1 Cor. x. 16, 17.
Explication — That we may profitably and comfortably, unto the glory of God and our own edification, be exercised in the observation of the institutions and worship of God, we are always to consider what are the ends for which God hath appointed them and commanded our attendance unto them, that so our observance of them may be the obedience of faith. For, what end soever God hath appointed them unto, for that end are they useful and effectual, and to no other. If we come to them for any other end, if we use them for any other purpose or with any other design, if we look for any thing in them or by them, but what God hath appointed them to communicate unto us, we dishonour God and deceive our own souls. This we ought diligently to inquire into, to know not only what God requires of us, but wherefore also he requires it, and what he aims at therein; some of the principal things whereof are enumerated in this answer. And it is well known how horribly