2. There is another family whereinto they are to
be translated, and whereunto of themselves they have neither right nor
title. This is that family in heaven and earth which is called after the
name of Christ, Eph. iii.
15, — the great family of God. God hath a Hab. iii.
6. house and family for his children; of whom some he
maintains on the riches of his grace, and some he entertains with the
fulness of his glory. This is that house whereof the Lord Christ is the
great dispenser, it having pleased the Father to “gather
together in one all things in him, both which are in heaven, and which are
on earth, even in him,” Eph. i.
10. Herein live all the sons and daughters of God, spending
largely on the riches of his grace. Unto this family of themselves they
have no right nor title; they are wholly alienated from it, Eph. ii. 12, and can lay no claim to
any thing in it. God driving fallen Adam out of the garden, and shutting
up all ways of return with a flaming sword, ready to cut him off if he
should attempt it, abundantly declares that he, and all in him, had lost
all right of approaching unto God in any family relation. Corrupted,
cursed nature is not vested with the least right to any thing of God.
Therefore, —