“No believer should ever doubt that Christ has redeemed us, miserable slaves once subject to sin and the devil. Paul reminds both the Romans and the Ephesians that Christ has obtained our release from the penalty of sin by His blood so freely shed for us on the cross.
We must, therefore, rightly acknowledge Him as our Master. Among the sons of kings and great princes, is it not lawful and common practice that the firstborn has lordship over his younger brothers? (Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7; 2:13)
Whoever has read both sacred and secular histories, as well as observed the governments of realms and kingdoms in this world, knows that this is the case.
All believers are children of God, as both the Roman and Galatian letters plainly declare. The Romans are told ‘the Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.’ To the Galatians it is said, ‘So that you may be his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts.’ (Rom. 8:16; Gal. 4:6)
As believers we are now all brothers and sisters by God’s adoption. But the firstborn of all is Christ, as it is written in Romans: ‘We are conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.’ (Rom. 8:29)
It is no wonder, then, that the apostle Paul— that holy and learned vessel elect of God— almost always in his letters calls God “Father” and then gives Jesus Christ the title “Lord.” This usage we have retained in the Church, so that in our prayers when we make request or give thanks for what is already ours, we do it all through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Since what has been affirmed of the Lordship of Jesus Christ is so clear and definite, which of us (having such a Master and Brother) can allow himself to become a slave of vile tyrants?
Which of us will disown so great a head as Christ, to serve enemies already defeated and broken by Him but still hostile to our best interests? Who among us will rebel against so gracious a Lord, and put himself under one who only conspires to destroy us, body and soul?
I do not think that anyone who has tasted the sweetness of His sovereignty [la soavità di questa dolce signoria] could ever do so. Even as Christ Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burdens are light.” (Matt. 11:30)
He speaks of a submission that is spontaneous and willing, as was prophesied in Psalm 110 according to the Old Testament revelation, where it is said to the Messiah: “Your people freely offer themselves.”
Paul says, “You are no longer under law, but under grace.” (Ps. 110:3; Rom. 6:15) Every pressure and weight involved in his lordship has been put not on our shoulders but on those of our Lord Jesus Christ. As Isaiah prophesied of him, “the government will be on His shoulders.” (Isa. 9:6)
Note well: it does not say that the burden will be on some miserable subjects. From such a mild and gentle kingship Christian princes should take their pattern and example for government, putting aside any tendency to tyranny.
Turning from them, let us rejoice in Him. By divine goodness we have been gathered into the happy army and under the banner of so noble a prince and so great a brother. He will spare neither goodwill nor great power to help us.
Let us yield ourselves completely to Him. We cannot serve in a better or more useful way. Let us serve Him thoughtfully and diligently, obeying Him heartily and revering Him everlastingly because it is our duty and His deserving.”
–Peter Martyr Vermigli, Early Writings: Creed, Scripture, Church, ed. John Patrick Donnelly and Joseph C. McLelland, trans. Mariano Di Gangi and Joseph C. McLelland, vol. 1, The Peter Martyr Library (Kirksville, MO: The Thomas Jefferson University Press; Sixteenth Century Journal Publishers, Inc., 1994), 1: 35–36.
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