Now he who made us for this very thing is God, who also gave to us the down payment of the Spirit.
Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing,.... By "the selfsame thing" is meant, either the cross, the burden of sorrows and afflictions, under which the saints groan whilst here, which God has appointed them unto, and therefore to be bore patiently by them; or that glory and immortality, which they, as vessels of mercy, were prepared by him for from everlasting; for...
That is, he that hath wrought and appointed us, he that hath prepared and fitted us, for this glorious change, and hath set our souls a-longing for this immortal state, is God; who hath also given us by his Spirit those holy affections, fervent desires, and faithful endeavours, which are the earnest of heaven before we enjoy it. Learn hence, 1.
5. Now he that hath fitted us. This is added in order that we may know, that this disposition is supernatural. For mere natural feeling will not lead us forward to this, for it does not comprehend that hundredfold recompense which springs from the dying of a single grain. (John 12:24.) We must, therefore, be fitted for it by God.