II. Holding Fast to the Word of Faith

Question 1

What is general revelation, and in what sense, if any, is it inadequate?

Answer 1


General Revelation is truth revealed through nature, history, and mankind created in God’s image.

It renders man without excuse, but is not enough to present the way of salvation through Jesus.

Romans 1:20 “For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”

Question 2

What is special revelation, and in what sense, if any, is it inadequate? 


Answer 2

Special revelation is what God has revealed about himself through certain messengers (angels and prophets), Jesus and the Scriptures. Knowledge of salvation can only come through this method.

Romans 10: 14How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have never heard?

Question 3

Are the ways of God’s revealing His will in the past (dreams, visions, theophanies, audible voice, etc.) still employed by God in the Church 
today?

Answer 3

1 Cor 13:8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

Question 4

a) is there in the church today the office of prophet, as in the NT (1 Cor. 
12:28; Eph. 4:11)? If so, describe the office.
b) Is the gift of prophecy available to the church today, as in the NT (Eph. 3:5; I Cor. 14)? If so, describe its nature and function. 


Answer 4

The apostles and prophets of the NT were to lay down the foundation of the church by writing scripture. Prophecy as a means of foretelling has ended with the writing of Scripture.

Eph 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.

However, prophecy as forthtelling, 2 Tim 4:1-4–preach the word, be ready in and out of season, has not ended.

Question 5

Are men (or women) “carried along” by the Holy Spirit today (2 Pet. 1:21) as they were in the NT, and is there any information given to the Church today that is “God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16) apart from Scripture? 


Answer 5

2 Tim 3:17 The Scriptures are sufficeint for equipping man for every good work.

Told to preach this word, not create new words.

Galatians 1:8 Even if an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one preached to you, let him be accursed

Question 6

Are we to expect that miracle workers minister in the church today; that is, those invested with the gift of healing, commanding nature, etc. so that they can command to be healed as did Peter & Paul?

Answer 6

The gift of healing was a gift in the apostolic age to self-authenitcate the word of God, so that the foundation of the Scriptures might be laid. After that era, this gift being associated with one individual has ceased.

Ephesians 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the cornerstone.

Question 7

Agree or Disagree with the decisions of PCA GAs:

“[S]imply affirming the canon is closed, and that supposed new revelations from God add nothing to the deposit of truth found in Scripture does not cover all the negations concerning new revelation from God found in WCF I, 1, 6, and BCO 7-1.

“These statements of the standards also negate the idea that any extraordinary ways still continue in addition to Scripture as ways by which God verbally uncovers His will to His people” (M8GA, p. 93).

“Not only is the canon of Scripture closed, but no gift is to be allowed which has the practical effect of functioning as a normative source of truth or divine instruction from God, alongside the voice of the Holy Spirit Speaking in the Scripture” (M16GA, p. 215).

Answer 7

No, I do not disagree.

2 Tim 3:16-17 the Scriptures are sufficient and able to render a man perfect–nothing is deficient or needed beyond them–including all that’s needed to follow the will of God and know what we need to in order to glorify him.

Question 8

What is illumination and how does that differ from revelation?

Answer 8

Illumination is from Scripture to the man whereas inspiration/revelation is from the man to the Scriptures.

Illumination is the work of the HS to understand what is written in the Scriptures in the heart and mind.

Illumination 1 Cor 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Revelation 2 Tim 3:16 All Scriptures are breathed out by God and profitable

Question 9

Describe the proper use, and the limitations, of reason with respect to:

one’s acknowledgment of the authority of Scripture, and

Answer 9

Scripture’s authority is self-authenticating.

Therefore, we do not use reason, higher than Scripture to prove by reason’s authority Scripture should have authority.

However, we use reason to confirm and recognize the Scriptures as the self-authenticating Word.

John 10:27 My sheep recognize my voice and I know them and they follow me.

Question 10

Describe the proper use, and the limitations, of reason with respect to:

one’s understanding of the meaning of Scripture.

Answer 10

The meaning of Scripture should be understood good reason, but good reason should likewise be shaped by Scripture.

Be transformed by the renewal of your minds. The noetic effects of sin leave us blind to truly understand the Scriptures, though we may by reason understand the message of Scripture intellectually.

1 Cor 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are vfollyto him, and whe is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Question 11

What is anthropomorphism?

Answer 11

Exodus 3:20 “So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all my miracles.”

The attributing of human characteristics to something that is not human. God is anthropomorphized to describe him in Scripture though He is Spirit, he has human body parts, though he is all knowing, he asks and seeks, though he is everywhere he come down and walks.

Question 12

What is divine immanence and divine transcendence; and what is the significance of each for the believer?

Answer 12

Divine immanence is God closeness to us–his immediate accessibility in his omnipresence

(Psalm 139). He knows when I sit down and when I rise up.

However, he is also transcendent–categorically other, holy, incomprehensible. Impossible to fully capture God or relate to him as anything more than a creature relating to a creator.

Isaiah 55:8-9 My thought are not your thoughts, my ways are not your ways.

Both must be held together to have a God who is relational and accessible but can never be possessed or controlled.

Question 13

What is the distinction between the ontological and economic Trinity?

Answer 13

Ontological - God as he exists necessarily an eternally apart from creation. In terms of ontology, all persons are equal in nature and attributes. Includes their personal properties as, unbeggotten, begotten, and proceeding. No subordination. Euqal in power and glory and being.

John 1;1 In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God

Economic Trinity - What God does and how he is his person operate in the world according to their roles. The Father sends, the son earns redemption, and the Spirit applies. Elect, justify, and call. Their roles are not necessary to their being. Subordination here.

John 5:19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.

Question 14

Comment on, and indicate Scriptural support for:

“God, from all eternity, did … unchangeably ordain whatsoever 
comes to pass;”

Answer 14

Ephesians 1:11 having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.

Question 15

Comment on, and indicate Scriptural support for:

“yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin;”

Answer 15

James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

Question 16

Comment on, and indicate Scriptural support for:

“nor is violence offered to the will of the creature;”

Answer 16

Acts 2:23 This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of sinful men.

Question 17

Comment on, and indicate Scriptural support for:

“nor is the liberty of contingency of second causes taken away, but 
rather established.”

Answer 17

John 19:11 You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore, he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.

Question 18

Discuss the infinity of God and the doctrine of creation ex nihilo.

Answer 18

Infinity is used adjectivally to describe his other attributes–infinite power or infinite knowledge. Generally it covers his omnipotence and omnipresence.

Col 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisble, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through him and for him.

God by his word all things were created. Gen 1:1

Ex Nihilo: according to his infinite power. He is present in the midst of his creation, but creation is never perceived in a pantheistic sense, that creation is God or emanated from him to make it an extension of God himself. God’s infinity, as an incommunicable attribute, is never passed on to creation. Therefore, creation must have a beginning.

Question 19

Explain your views regarding the length of the days of Creation.

Answer 19

Given various poetic elements that are present in the creation story

• repetition,
• the division of the days 1-3 as the realms and 4-6 as the rulers,
• the presence of night and day before the creation of Sun and moon,
• and the problem of tohu webohu being addressed by these two realms.

While the days could be 24 hours, I do not believe that they must be. Yom has some flexibility in Hebrew so they could be longer. hour days. I do believe in creation ex nihilo, that creation was by the word of God. I am simply not sure how long these creation days were according to the text.

Question 20

What is “common grace” and what is the function of the doctrine in the theology of creation?

Answer 20

This is the grace of God that has been given commonly to everyone.

Undeserved and sovereignly administered.

Common grace curbs the power of sin so that though totally depraved, all are not as depraved as possible.

Common grace allows a context into which the special revelation of salvation can be spoken

2 Peter 3:16 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation.

Matthew 5:45 “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust.”

Question 21

Explain and defend the doctrine of providence, with particular emphasis on the relation between providence and sin.

Answer 21

Hebrews 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.

Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things and in him all things hold together.

God is preserving creation through Jesus, especially through common grace and the promise not to destroy the world on account of sin. This is in part a result of God’s promise to Noah (Genesis 9:21-22) that he will not curse the ground because of man, neither will he strike down every creature. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.

Question 22

What is meant by special providence?

Answer 22

• Special providence is God special care and preservation of a people for himself, namely the church.
• Romans 8:28 He works all thing together for the good of those who love him.
• God preserves a special remnant, Romans 9-11.
• God sustained the writing and transcription of the Bible so that we might know him.

Question 23

What is the Covenant of Works and its relation to the work of Christ?

Answer 23

• The covenant of works is the covenant originally made with Adam as our representative, wherein life was promised to Adam and his posterity upon condition of perfect obedience.
• Genesis 2:16 You shall not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil or you will surely die) As our federal head, Adam’s sin and the consequent death was applied to us and we all broke the covenant of works.
• Jesus Christ as our second, new federal head perfectly obeyed the covenant of works (actively and passively), and his fulfillment of the covenant of works is imputed to us by faith in Jesus.
• Romans 5: 15 For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.

Question 24

What is meant by an “administration” of the Covenant of Grace?

Answer 24

The covenant of grace is administered through various different seasons as they develop in the unfolding of Scripture. The covenant of grace began in a very simple form, the promise of the offspring (Gen 3:15_ and the covering by the skin of animals (Gen 3:21).

Then more fully administered in the sign of circumcision and a nation through which all would be blessed.

Under the Mosaic administration there was a more elaborate clarification of purification through the sacrificial system to atone for sins revealed by a more elaborate law.

With the NT, the new covenant is that same covenant of grace offered to all people by new sacraments and a revelation that all of grace was offered in Jesus’ death and resurrection–replacing the shadow and prefigures that pointed to Jesus in other administrations.

Question 25

What is the “four-fold state” of man?

Answer 25

Before Fall: able to sin, able to not sin (but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. Gen 2:17)

After Fall: able to sin, not able to not sin (No one does good, not even one Romans 3:12)

After Christ: able to sin, able to not sin (Ez 36:26 I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.)

After being glorified: not able to sin, able to not sin (Rev 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”)

Question 26

Explain your views with respect to dichotomy and trichotomy.

Answer 26

I prefer to follow the Westminster Confession and the dichotomy view of man as body (material) and soul/spirit (immaterial).

matthew 10:28 Do not fear the one who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear the one who can destroy both both soul and body in hell.

Genesis 2:7 Take the material body and breathes life into him.

Trichotomist: Body, soul (intellect, will and emotions) and spirit (God consciousness) In this view the spirit is dead/dormant and upon redemption is restored to primacy. This idea is Platonic and has no spiritual basis. Salvation involves the whole person. Soul used as a category of the psychology independent of Scripture, worship, or responsibility to God.

Hebrews 4:12 Dividing body and soul. Doesn’t mean dividing between two thing but penetrating and exposing each of the things (which makes sense because you would never split apart marrow and marrow but go into the deepest parts of man.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Lists all three but other list contain two or four parts of man–not definitive. (23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.)

Question 27

What significance does the historicity of Adam have with respect to Federal theology?

Answer 27

In order to maintain the theology of Romans 5, original sin, and imputation as a whole, Adam must be the first historical man. Jesus’ own discussions of Adam and the genealogies both assume that this is the case.

1 Cor 15: 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

(The covenant being made with Adam not only for himself but also for his posterity, all mankind sinned and fell with him.)

Question 28

What is the essential nature of sin; what is its manifestation?

Answer 28

1. Sin is any want of conformity to r transgression of God’s law (WSC 14)
2. Sin is real evil
3. Sin is positive, not just absence of something
4. It is moral and worng
5. Violation of God’s law
6. Pollution–to make unholy
7. Guilt - demerit and judgment of demerit
8. 1 John 3:4 Sin is lawlessness.

Question 29

If fallen man is totally depraved, in what sense, if any, can the unregenerate do good works?

Answer 29

Unbelievers may do good works that outwardly accord with God’s commandments, such that they bring some temporal good to themselves or others, but they are not accepted because they

1. do not proceed from HEART OF FAITH
   
   1. ​Hebrews 11:6 - without faith it is impossible to please him
2. not done with a MANNER OF LOVE
   
   1. ​1 Cor 13:3 have not love, I gain nothing
3. nor done toward END OF GLORY, the glory of God
   
   1. 1 Cor 10:31 do all things for the glory of god

Question 30

Are all sins equal; will all sins be equally punished? In each case, why or why not?

Answer 30

• WSC: Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
• Sins are all the same in that they merit eternal punihsment, but some have more harmful consequences and offend God more deeply. Intentional and unintentional.
• James those who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
• Sin against the HS is unpardonable (willful malicious, rejection and slander of HS work attesting to Jesus.
• 1 Cor 6:18 All other sins are outside the body
• Numbers 15 Sins that are unintentional vs intentional
• matthew 18:6 Causing the little one to stumble–millstone around neck and thrown into the sea.

LC 151: What are those aggravations that make some sins more heinous than others?

Sins receive their aggravations,

1. From the persons offending; if they be of riper age, greater experience or grace, eminent for profession, gifts, place, office, guides to others, and whose example is likely to be followed by others.
2. From the parties offended: if immediately against God, his attributes, and worship; against Christ, and his grace; the Holy Spirit, his witness, and workings; against superiors, men of eminency, and such as we stand especially related and engaged unto; against any of the saints, particularly weak brethren, the souls of them, or any other, and the common good of all or many.
3. From the nature and quality of the offence: if it be against the express letter of the law, break manycommandments, contain in it many sins: if not only conceived in the heart, but breaks forth in words and actions, scandalize others, and admit of no reparation: if against means, mercies, judgments, light of nature, conviction of conscience, public or private admonition, censures of the church, civil punishments; and our prayers, purposes, promises, vows, covenants, and engagements to God or men: if done deliberately, willfully, presumptuously, impudently, boastingly, maliciously, frequently, obstinately, with delight, continuance, or relapsing after repentance.
4. From circumstances of time, and place: if on the Lord’s day, or other times of divine worship; or immediately before or after these, or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages: if in public, or in the presence of others, who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled.

Gal 2:11-14 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.[a] 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

Question 31

Explain the part that each member of the Trinity plays in the work of redemption.

Answer 31

Father: elects and sends

Son: the Redeems and accomplihses the word

• Gal 4:4-5 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Spirit regenerates and applies

• Romans 8:9 You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you

Question 32

Did God die on the cross? Explain your answer.

Answer 32

Yes. Jesus died on the cross. And Jesus is God. What can be rightly attributed to one nature of Jesus can be applied to the whole person of Jesus, who has two natures.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[d] from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Question 33

What are thefour principle theories of the atonement

Answer 33

1. Ransom/ Christus Victor
2. Moral Theory
3. Satisfaction view
4. Penal Substitution

Question 34

Ransom/ Christus Victor

(define, assess, theologian)

Answer 34

Church fathers (Athanasius and Augustine)

Jesus paid the ransom to the Satan, recusing those under Satan’s bondage.

Origen developed this theory.

God paid the ransom to Satan to free us from Satan’s clutches. The price of death was owed, and God tricked Satan to receive Jesus’ death, not knowing that he would resurrect.

Question 35

Moral Theory

(define, assess, theologian)

Answer 35

Peter Abelard, later liberals like Schleiermacher.

Jesus died and rose to bring positive moral change to humanity. Jesus death and res. inspires us to do good.

Question 36

Satisfaction view

(define, assess, theologian)

Answer 36

Anselm of Canterbury

To make restitution, paying back what was broken.

The justice of God had to be atoned for.

Chrsit suffered as a substitute to satisfy the demands of God’s honor. Human sin defrauds God of what is due him. Therefore, Jesus death brings honor to God and God was pleased with it. Aquinas codified this theory that Jesus made a general penalty to pay for all.

Question 37

Penal Substitution

(define, assess, theologian)

Answer 37

Calvin.

Penalty is specific to certain person for their sins. Pays the penalty of death due as a consequence of sin. Jesus took the place of sinners.

Punishment and penalty we deserved was laid on jesus instead of us.

Isaiah 53:6 He laid on him the sin of us all.

Romans 4:25 who was delivered up for our trespass and raised for our justification.

Question 38

Explain “Particular Redemption” and its relation to the call of the gospel.

Answer 38

Particular redemption means that Jesus died for a specific people.

Romans 10:13 everyone who call on the name of the lord will be saved

John 10:15..I lay down my life for the sheep.

The call of the Gospel is universal in that anybody who hears it and believes it will be saved.

Jesus Christ makes atonement effectively.

Question 39

Explain the sufficiency of, and continuing ministry of, Christ in His three offices in the experience of the believer.

Answer 39

Priest - once and for all sacrifice, his continuing intercession for us.

Romans 8:34 - Who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is intereceding or us

King - He effectively subdued us and brought is into his kingdom. He is ruling over the church with sovereign power

Rev 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Prophet - Jesus effectively convinced us of how we could be saved. still speaking through his Spirit in the Word.

Matthew 17:5 This is my son, listen to him.

Question 40

Discuss the ordo salutis, particularly with respect to divine and human agency at each stage.

Answer 40

Election. Romans 9:18 (He has mercy on whomever he wills and he hardens whomever he wills) Only a divine activity

Outward Call - Romans 10:14-15

Effectual Calling John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. We hear the Gospel, which is our activity but it is God who calls.

Regeneration - monergistic. We were dead in our sins so this is God’s activity (Eph 2: 1 You were dead in the trespasses and sins

Conversion:

1) Repentance Romans 10: 9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. A human activity that is the result of divine activity

2) Saving Faith - Romans 10:9 Faith is a gift of God and the HS quickens us to believe but it is a human activity to confess and something we choose to do (synergistic–proclaim and HS gives us ability to do it)

Justification Romans 3:28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. We put our faith and he justifies us.

Adoption - We call out to God as a result of receiving the spirit of Adoption Gal 4:4-5 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Sanctification - synergistic Jude 24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.

Glorification - Phil 1:6 I am confident that he who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of the Christ Jesus. .

Question 41

Explain the relation of regeneration and faith

Answer 41

Regeneration is the work of God.

We are dead in our transgression beforehand (Eph 2) This regeneration gives us the desire for a holy and righteous life.

Faith is the means by which we receive the grace of God. faith is a gift, but something we choose to use or not. Faith is cooperative.

Question 42

What is the difference between “infusing righteousness” and imputation as the ground justification?

Answer 42

The RC idea of infused righteousness is that righteousness is a process vs. imputed righteousness is a one time forensic event of being declared not guilty.

Infused blends ideas of justification and sanctification by faith and works whereas imputation is by faith alone.

Romans 5–righteousness of Christ imputed to us.

Rom 5:16: “For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.

Question 43

Explain the work of the Holy Spirit in assurance; with respect to this work, what does the Confession mean by the phrase “without extraordinary revelation, in the right use of ordinary means”?

Answer 43

Romans 8:16 The HS testifies with our spirit that we are the children of God.

Eph 1:13-14 And we were sealed with the promised HS, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.

We are to pursue assurance by the ordinary means of grace, including participating in our sanctification, reading about the promises of God in Jesus, prayer, sacraments

Illuminating the Scriptures to us, not giving us new revelation

Question 44

How are elect infants and other elect persons incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word, saved?

Answer 44

Regeneration precedes faith, and does not presuppose any intellectual deliberation. Saved by God’s sovereign choosing,

We recognize that sin is imputed to us through Adam.

Elect infants, are regenerated and saved by Christ through Spirit, who worketh when and where and how he pleaseth.

Luke 18:15-16 The kingdom belongs to the little children.

Luke 1:15 John the Baptist wasd filled with the Spirit in the mother’s womb.

Question 45

What are the three uses of the law, and how do these uses continue in the life of the believer?

Answer 45

1st - reveal to us our sin. Romans 7:7 Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. The law shows us our sinfulness and our need for the grace in Jesus.

2nd - The restraint of evil and the evil in us. It is a limited judgment to maintain justice before the final judgment. (Romans 13:3-4 The Rulers are not a terror to good conduct but to bad.

3rd - Reveals what is pleasing to God and how we might love and glorify God. The law as a rule of life1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God that we keep his commandments.

Question 46

Are works in any sense necessary to salvation? If so, in what sense?

Answer 46

No, we are saved by faith alone.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For grace you have been saved through faith. This is not of yourselves that it is the gift of God not a result of works so that no one may boast.

But saving faith naturally works–faith apart from works is dead. James 2:26

Question 47

What is a) the goal, b) the motive, and c) the rule of Christian obedience?

Answer 47

Motive: Love for Jesus 2 Cor 5:14-15 The love of Christ controls us

Goal: Glory of God 1 Cor 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all things to the glory of God.

Rule: Scripture 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments

Question 48

What relevance does the civil law of Old Testament Israel have to contemporary politics?

Answer 48

To them also, as a body politic, he gave sundry judicial laws, which expired together with the State of that people; not obliging under any now, further than the general equity thereof may require.

Romans 13: 1-3 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

Question 49

What, if any, is the difference between the Church’s calling with respect to the state and the Christian citizen’s calling?

Answer 49

The civil government has the right and responsibility to protect the church but not interfere in ecclesiastical government

The Chrsitian citizen is to follow civil laws and is under the civil authorities and over his people for his own glory and for their good

Matthew 22:21 render to Caesar what is Caesar’s

Romans 13:1-5 authorities are established by God

Question 50

What is your view of “civil disobedience”; are there any laws in force today that you believe you must obey?

Answer 50

Acts 5:29 We must obey God rather than men.

Yes we can disobey when the laws are directly oposed to the law of God. But we should not merely say that suffering or sorrow or persecution is grounds for disobedience.

Phil 1:29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for him.

Question 51

Is it legitimate for a Christian to participate in war, and if so, under what conditions?

Answer 51

Yes. War is a means by which God disciplines the nations. Amos 4:10n

• Self-defense (ex 22:2) and protecting the innocent
• Romans 13 God is sovereign over rulers

Acts 10-when centurion converted, as not called to stop being a centurion

Question 52

What does the Confession mean when it says, with respect to the visible church, “out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation” (25.2)?

Answer 52

Romans 10:14 How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? How can they hear without a preacher?

The ordinary means of salvation is the church–though it may be possible to be saved by the Word alone or a tract–which are still offshoots of the church.

Question 53

What is the relation between Israel and the Church?

Answer 53

Galatians 6:16 Peace and mercy be upon them, even the Israel of God.

The church by faith in Jesus and being united to Jesus are the people of God together with those Israeltes who believed in Jesus through shadows and types. There is only one tree (Romans 11), one household of God (Hebrews 3)

Question 54

What is the work of the Church, and by what means does it accomplish that work?

Answer 54

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Question 55

Evaluate:

Preaching is the exposition and application of the Word of God.

Answer 55

2 Tim 4:2 Preach the Word, be ready in and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Preaching must bridge the gap between the original audience and the church.

Question 56

Evaluate:

The preaching of the Word of God is the Word of God

Answer 56

Originally (By preachers lawfully called)

The Idea should not be that the preaching is the same as the inerrant infallible Scriptures, but that preaching the Word carries the same authority of God and is not merely the suggestion of man but should be received as a matter of authority and submission.

2 Tim 4:2 Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season.

1 Thes 2:13…when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men[b] but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

Question 57

What reality is demonstrated in the duty of the saints to “relieve each other in outward things” and how does this duty relate to the “right each man hath in his goods and possessions”?

Answer 57

Whoever has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, and shuts his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 4:17

Question 58

What is the relation of the children of a believer to the church?

Answer 58

They are members of the covenant family, under the blessing and curses of covenant faithfulness.

1 Cor 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

Question 59

What is the significance of the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers for the daily experience of the believer?

Answer 59

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

All have access to God through Jesus Christ and need no other mediator

Question 60

What is the meaning of the confession when it refers to “some circumstances concerning the worship of God and government of the Church common to human actions and societies which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence”? How is this principle distinguished from the Lutheran view of adiaphora?

Answer 60

Adiaphora, meaning indifferent, are those that are spiritually neutral. In terms of the worship of God, we are called to do all things to the glory of God–even seemingly indifferent things can be done to his glory or not. Thus seek to apply the Scriptures in a way that is contextually appropriate and puts no constraints on Christian liberty, and is a wise and appropriate application of worship principles.

IE - meeting time and pews vs chairs–these things are in some sense neutral but in another way must maximize the glory of God and not put stumbling blocks before people.

1 Cor 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God

Question 61

Discuss the relation between God’s moral standards and the conscience 
of the unbeliever; of the believer. 


Answer 61

Unbelievers have consciences that convict them of the moral standards, though these consciences can be seared So they are without excuse.

Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Believers are given a new heart but are still called to be transformed and have their conscience cleansed

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Question 62

What is your view of marriage, divorce, and remarriage after divorce?

Answer 62

Marriage should be between those equally yoked. Divorce is not permissible except in cases of adultery and willful desertion. Remarriage is permitted in the case of widows and widowers or for those who are victim to sin.

1 Cor 7:15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the borther or sister is not enslaved.

Matthew 5:32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the groun of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery and whoever marries as divorced woman commits adultery.

Question 63

What is your view of the Lord’s Day: its nature, purpose and duties?

Answer 63

The Lord’s Day is a day of rest allowing us to gather as the church and remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. We are called not to work but on that day are given freedom to glorify God and enjoy him. We are called to rest from labor and gather together as the church for worship.

Sabbath as a blessing to be enjoyed.

Mark 2:7 The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Question 64

Give a brief definition of each and state your view:

Answer 64

A-millennialism - That the 1000 year reign is a symbolic period of victory over Satan and the ruling of Christ. This is the entire church age, up until Jesus’ return.

Post-millennialism - Jesus will r_eturn after a 1000 year kingdom_ of rule has been established on earth.

Historic Pre-millennialism - Jesus will return after the tribulation and establish a kingdom (Church and Israel) in a literal thousand year reign before the final judgment and a full coming of the New Heavens and New Earth

Dispensational Pre-millennialism - jesus will come, carry away believers in the Rapture, then the 7 Year tribulation, then Israel will rule for 1000 years, then come the final judgment.

The Tribulation - A time of suffering signalled before the end of the world, To Futurists–short time of hardship and death in future before 2nd coming, to the preterist–the judgment on Jerusalem in 70AD, To the historicist - the time of Papal antichrist during the Reformation to the Idealist - the various persecutions and suffering before jesus comes again.

The Beast
 - the human kingdoms that are opposed to the kingdom of God. (Historicist=pope) (Preterists=caesar) (Futurist=future evil political leader)

Question 65

For what purposes in this world should a believer seek to be heavenly- minded, or what is the relation between eschatology and ethics?

Answer 65

Col 3:1 If you have been raised with Christ seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Hebrews 11:6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

To love the things on earth is to miss Jesus and the eternal rewards that are above. Love of the world is hatred of God.

Eschatology rewards our ethics, is living out of our eschatological identity and our identity in Jesus and not in our earthly identity. In our obedience we seek future grace–reward promised–the greatest of which is the pleasing of God, union with Jesus, and seeing God face to face.

Question 66

Justify the eternal duration of Hell.


Answer 66

Jesus makes it clear–Mark 9:48 where their world does not die and the fire is not quenched.

Rev 14:11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever and the have no rest day or night

Question 67

Can a person be “scared” into heaven; if not, why should the doctrine of hell be preached?

Answer 67

Fear alone cannot save, just as work cannot save. If being scared about hell leads people to see their own judgment and seek salvation by faith in Jesus, then that’s legitimate. It should be preached because it is honest, because Jesus did, and because we preach the whole counsel of God.

Luke 13:3 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Mark 9:48 Where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched.

Question 68

Do you believe in Jesus’ future bodily return? Why?

Answer 68

Yes. John 14:3 If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself that where I am you may be also.

Question 69

Explain the practical significance of the Headship of Christ over the Church.

Answer 69

Eph 4:15 Speaking the truth in love we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.

Jesus is the head of the church so he sets the agenda. The church exists to glorify him, spread his Gospel, do what he would do and say what he would and did.

Question 70

Explain and defend the Regulative Principle, and show its application to the elements of public worship and the presence of unbelievers in public worship.


Answer 70

Lev 10:1-2 Now Nadab and Abihu…offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. 2 And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.

The regulative principle states that we should only worship God as he has commanded. it is to protect from traditions of men taking over the worship and forcing them to follow the traditions and inventions of men as opposed to Scripture. God has given us instruction in how we are to worship him. Therefore, we are commanded to sing songs, to preach the word, to gather together. Unbelievers should be drawn into joyful and reverent worship and called to worship with us because they have heard the good news of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).

Question 71

Are the tongues that were a part of the worship of the church at Corinth, as described and regulated in I Cor. 14:.

Answer 71

• possible for churches in the post-apostolic age, but for some reason rarely so, 

• a divine prescription for churches in the post-apostolic age, but most churches disobediently resist, or 

• by divine appointment not available for the church in the post- apostolic age?

No. They were by appointment for the apostlolic age, and not for the post-apostolic age, though the front lines of the Gospel could show those gifts–i cannot bind the holy Spirits possible working.

1 Cor 13:8 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.