John 17:18

The first Argument pressing this petition, is taken from their emploiment and calling to be his Embassadours in the world, which presseth the necessity of their sanctification. This their calling and Commission is amplified from its similitude and likenesse unto the Fathers sending of him. Which (as all similitudes have their own dissimilitudes, and are not to be strictly pressed in every thing) is not to be extended to all the ends of Christs coming into the world, for he alone came to die for, and redeem his people; but only to his Ministerial office of preaching the Gospel; In which, albeit there was some resemblance betwixt Christ and the Apostles, as to the matter of extraordinary calling and assistance, immediate direction, and great difficulties; yet there was also as great difference, both in respect of their persons and authority, he being the Lord and true God, but they were men and servants: in respect of the manner of their furniture, he being furnished inwardly by the substantial in-dwelling of the Godhead, they by extrinsecal revelation and assistance; and, in respect of the measure of assistance, he being furnished without measure and constantly, and they only but in part, and when it pleased the Spirit to breath. Doct. 1. Christ is the great Apostle of our Profession, sent to us by the Father; so that we need not think shame of a Profession which is owned by such a one as he is; for, Thou hast sent me into the world. See Heb. 3.1. 2. Christ hath employed the Apostles, and their successours in their own room, to be his Embassadours, and to supply his place as he was a Preacher of reconciliation; so that as they ought to study an imitation of him, 1 Cor. 11 1. so they ought to be received in their Ministry, as coming in Christs stead, 2 Cor. 5.20. Gal 4.14. Therefore, saith he. As thou hast sent me into the world, so have I also sent them, as is before explained. 3. It doth commend the love of God, that he hath employed the Ministry of his Son and servants even in this corrupt world, that out of such base materials he may build up an excellent Church and habitation to himself; and that he may encourage the most desperate to come to him, who out of such gathereth his precious jewels, 1 Cor. 6.9, 10, 11. Tit. 3.2, 3.4. Therefore it is said that both he and they are sent into the world. 4. Beside the obligations and necessitie which lie upon Ministers, with all Saints, to be holy, Heb 12.14. their calling doth particularly call for sanctification and separation from the world, as necessary by divine precept, and for the well-being of the Ministry, that so they may stand in their Masters counsel, and be kept near him, that their face may shine, and they may be more successeful in their Ministry; for, this is a condition calling for the granting that suit that they may be sanctified, even that they are sent into the world. It is true, men may be lawful Ministers, yea, and successeful also in their Ministry, who are not sanctified themselves; for, even Judas was an Apostle. And Christ is here more expresly praying for his eleven Apostles, who beside that they were Apostles, were given to him also by the Father, in opposition to the world, and the son of perdition, who yet was an Apostle, v 9, 12. yet his reasoning in prayer doth lay before all Ministers, how needful it is they be sanctified, not only in order to their own salvation, but even that their labour may be more successeful, and this his reasoning doth plead for holinesse to all Ministers, (who employ him for that end) in their own measure; however the extraordinary emploiment of the Apostles did plead for an extraordinary measure of this sanctification, that they might be kept from errour, being sanctified through the truth, and made fruitful in their great work. 5. When God doth call his servants to any employment, his calling may assure them of furniture, and what they need for discharge of that calling: And particularly, Christ will have a special care to furnish Church-officers sent out by himself; for, this is the face of Christs pleading in prayer, which prevails with the Father, that since they are sent into the world, therefore they may get sanctification, Sanctifie them, v. 17. for, I have sent them into the world. See John 20.21, 22.