Lesson 1 Flashcards
What are the two ways God makes himself known to all people?
General/Natural Revelation (conscience - light of nature in men AND nature - works of God in creation and providence)
Belgic Confession Article 2 We know God by two means, first by creation, preservation, and government of the universe, since that universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book in which all creatures, great and small, are as letters to make us ponder the invisible things of God: his eternal power and his divinity, as the apostle Paul says in Romans 1:20. All these things are enough to convict men and to leave them without excuse.
Second, he makes himself known to us more openly by his holy and divine Word, as much as we need in this life, for his glory and for the salvation of his own.
& Special Revelation
What are the uses of natural revelation?
Can one develop natural theology?
- sufficient to reveal divinity, goodness, wisdom, and power of God
- leave men without excuse
Insufficient for salvation
no natural theology
See Institutes 1.1, fn2
Is one able to construct a natural theology from general revelation?
Calvin says we need the spectacles of scripture to read natural revelation accurately.
What are the two stages of special revelation?
- series of revelations culminating in Christ (Prophets/Apostles - Christ the Word Himself)
- Enscripturation of the Word - preserved in writing for our encouragement and instruction
What are the three ways God revealed himself in special revelation in the history of redemption? OR What are the three forms of special revelation?
- Visions - seen directly through eyes of soul - not physical senses - self-existence of the soul - could be carried in his soul down to Jerusalem
- dreams - God-sent rather than from self-conscious
- Face to Face - mouth to mouth with words
(Hebrews: In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son)
According to Calvin, why is inscripturation necessary?
Necessary because only way to salvation
- better preserving and propagating of the truth
- more sure establishment and comfort against
a. corruption of the faith
b. the malice of Satan and the world
Calvin self-consciously never went beyond scripture. Inferences ae fine, but where scripture is silent, we don’t need to go there.
Cessation of Revelation. Are there other places or means today by which God reveals Himself? Are we to look for special revelation in any other place other than the Bible?
No, well then we’re on the same page.
Dreams of Muslims? There’s enough of Christ in the Q’ran. There’s at least not any new material being communicated to them.
Not new Special Revelation
Does God call anyone without scripture?
Define scripture
the 66 books inspired by God the spirit and given to be the rule of faith and life/obedience
Define “inspiration.”
inspired is an onomapoetic word - “God-breathed”,
Beattie supernatural (not ordinary), dynamic (organic, completely the word of God), plenary (every word has been breathed out), verbal
What should be your response to scripture?
- We should believe.
- It should move our practice. The Scriptures should define more than just our theology, but also our life.
- We should treat it with reverence.
- It should be our treasure and fill us with great joy in realizing that God has given us His Word. (“Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” With anticipation.)
Of what value is the apocrypha?
It has historical value but not divine authority
Wherein lies the authority of scripture?
Its authority is in God Himself. He is the ultimate cause. He is the author and he spoke truly and perfectly.
Owen on the self-authenticating of the Scriptures… the Bible is light and power. Neither one needs to be defended, but only used. We don’t have to defend the existence of electricity. we just use it.
What are the three types of evidence for the authority of scripture?
- External - historical, testimony of church, outside ourselves - “the testimony of the church to an high and relevant esteem of the Holy Scripture.”
- Internal - Calvin I:8 - unity of whole and purity of all the parts
- Spiritual/Subjective - witness of the Spirit - As one reads the Word, the Spirit lightens the way. Prayerfully reading the Scripture will be what God will use to convict and convert, the Holy Spirit bearing witness BY and WITH the Word in our hearts (Romans 10:13-15)
How does the witness of the church bear on the authority of Scripture?
We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high and reverend esteem of the Holy Scripture.
What are the internal evidences for the authority of scripture listed in Westminster chapter 1 paragraph 5?
- the efficacy of the doctrine
- the majesty of the style
- the consent of all the parts
- the scope of the whole
What is the ultimate proof for the authority of scripture? How does this work?
the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts
As we prayerfully read the Scriptures, He lightens the way.
What are the two great areas to which God speaks in Scripture?
- what man is to believe concerning God
2. what duty God requires of man
What are the two ways God reveals himself to us in natural revelation?
- in the consciousness of men
2. in the created universe
Are there any real atheists?
There are no real atheists. Every man has a sense of deity. There are just those who claim atheism.
According to Calvin, what are the two reasons men are without excuse?
- They know they have a soul so there’s a God.
2. Thus they know they should be worshipping God.
What is natural revelation not sufficient for?
salvation
They cannot know God personally or know His will.
They know about God. They know they have a soul. They suppress that knowledge. That’s why there are “practical atheists.”
What’s the difference between natural revelation and natural theology?
Natural Revelation - what may be known of God innately and through creation and providence
Natural Theology
Dabny and Hodge begin with “natural truths” supposedly. Calvin would say that cannot do theology from natural revelation. You cannot develop a theological system from natural revelation.
Calvin said we had to have spectacles of scripture to rightly interpret that which is being revealed in nature.
What are the 3 aspects to the sufficiency of scripture?
- scope
- perspecuity
- perfection
What is the scope of scripture?
Scripture is to be the only rule for faith and practice.
all things necessary for his own glory, man’s own salvation, faith and life
What is the two-fold manner of teaching of scripture?
- things expressly set down in scripture
- deduced by good and necessary consequence (reasonable inference) logical conclusion (still binding) not into proof-texting
“It’s the glory of God to hide the thing and the glory of the king to seek it out.”
What is “good and necessary consequence?”
Reasonable inference
If A is true, B is true, C is true. A, B, and C must be true.
Jesus did this with the Sadduccees “He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” present tense so “He is not the God of he dead but of the living.”
The doctrine of the trinity is inferenced from scripture in a rational statement which does honor to God’s revealed truth in various places in scripture.
What two aspects of church life are emphasized in the paragraph of the confession discussing the Scope of the sufficiency of scripture (Chapter 1, paragraph 6)? How are these to be ordered?
The worship of God
The government of the church
Some aspects of these are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word.
Chapter 1, paragraph 7 is about the perspecuity of scripture. What is taught in this paragraph?
Not all things in Scripture are equally clear, but both the unlearned and the learned can understand salvation.
All things necessary for salvation are clear.
Perspecuity =Clarity
What are “ordinary means?”
It means that you read the Bible in the same way you read anything else (in context, paying attention to language and grammar)
We read scripture as any other literature with which 2 things in mind?
- Scripture interprets scripture (with due use of ordinary means)
- the Holy Spirit speaks through Scripture
What is the most important rule of interpretation?
Scripture interprets scripture.
Why must we learn Greek and Hebrew?
The Greek and Hebrew are the final authority
What mean authentical?
“kept pure in all ages”
We don’t have the originals but they’re still trustworthy. There has been an “authentic transmission of the original.”
Luther not only translated the Bible into German, but…
…beautiful literary German.
Are there any major differences of theology between the majority text and the received text?
No (Dan Wallace quote - very radical, wouldn’t agree with that at all)
Should we consider our English Bible as authoritative?
No
Which Bible translations does Dr. Pipa encourage us to use?
NKJV, ESV, NASB
How did Luther, Calvin, and the Quakers view the Holy Spirit in Scripture?
Luther - did not emphasize the role of he Holy Spirit (thought regenerated by baptism but only the elect would persevere)
Calvin shows that it’s only by the Holy Spirit that we can rightly understand
Quakers - don’t read Scripture - just the Holy Spirit
What are the four things the Scriptures make known of God?
- what God is
- the persons in the Godhead
- His decrees
- the execution of His decrees
What is the difference between paragraphs 1 and 2 in Westminster Confession chapter 2?
Paragraph 1: God who He is - nature of God
Paragraph 2: God in relation to his creation
“There is but one only living and true God.” What does this teach us about God? Why does He call Himself the living God? Later it says “most absolute,” what does this mean?
monotheistic
living - distinguished from idols - no other god is living
most absolute - He alone is God
What is the name of God?
The name of God is the names, titles, attributes, word, and works by which God reveals Himself.
What is an attribute?
a distinguishing characteristic
What does it mean that He is infinite in being and perfection?
infinite - without end, immeasurable
His infinity really defines everything else about Him (His ontological attributes).
What does it mean that He is a “most pure spirit?”
There are other spirits but He is the only most pure spirit. He is the essence from which all other spirits are derived. He is undivided/unmixed.
Spirit - has intelligence and will, invisible
Lays foundation for intelligence, personality, and will
What does it mean that He is invisible?
He does not have a body like a man. He is without body, parts, or passions.
What is passibility?
change according to passions or emotions
Our eotions are always reactive - it takes a stimulus.
What does it mean that God is impassable?
God responds to no stimulus. He does not have emotions like ours. He does not change.
How do we understand God’s love?
LOVE - act of a beautiful, glorious will to bestow favor and kindness on those He loves
hesed - covenant love - His kindness heaped on us
What is the simplicity of God?
He is.
Westminster Confession Chapter 1 - Paragraph 1
Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable, yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of His will, which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal Himself, and to declare that his will unto his Church, and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth,, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing: which maketh the Hoy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God’s revealing His will unto His people being now ceased.
LC Q. 1. What is the chief and highest end of man?
Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him for ever.
LC Q. 2. How doth it appear that there is a God?
The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.
SC Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.
Westminster Confession Chapter 1 - Paragraph II
Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testament, which are these, Of the Old Testament…
Of the New Testament …
All which are given by inspiration of God to be the rule of faith and life.
L.C. Q. 3 What is the word of God?
The holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the word of God, the only rule of faith and obedience.
S.C. Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
Westminster Confession Chapter 1 - Paragraph III
The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture, and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings.
Westminster Confession Chapter 1 - Paragraph IV
The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.
Westminster Confession Chapter 1 - Paragraph V
We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high and reverend esteem of the Holy Scripture. And the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is, to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God: yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.
L.C. Q. 4. How doth it appear that the scriptures are the word of God?
The scriptures manifest themselves to be the word of God, by their majesty and purity; by the consent of all the parts, and the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to God, by their light and power to convince and convert sinners, to comfort and build up believers unto salvation: but the Spirit of God bearing witness by and with the scriptures in the heart of man, is alone able fully to persuade it that they are the very word of God.
Westminster Confession Chapter 1 - Paragraph VI
The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of Men. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word: and that there are 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, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.
S.C. Q. 3. (L.C. Q. 5) What do the scriptures principally teach?
The scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
Westminster Confession Chapter 1 - Paragraph VIII
The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which, at the time of the writing of it, was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and, by His singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as, in all controversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them. But, because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them, therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, that, the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship Him in an acceptable manner; and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope.
Westminster Confession Chapter 1, Paragraph IX
The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more cleary.
Westminster Confession Chapter 1 - Paragraph X
The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.
L.C.Q.6. What do the scriptures make known of God?
The scriptures make known what God is, the persons in the Godhead, his decrees, and the execution of his decrees.
Westminster Confession Chapter 2 - Paragraph I
There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will, for His own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarded of them that diligently seek Him; and withal, most just, and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.
S.C.Q.5. (L.C.Q.8.) Are there more Gods than one?
Thee is but One only, the living and true God.
L.C.Q.7. What is God?
God is a Spirit, in and of himself infinite in being, glory, blessedness, and perfection; all-sufficient, eternal, unchangeable, incomprehensible, every where present, almighty, knowing all things, most wise, most holy, most just, most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.
S.C.Q.4. What is God?
God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
He is. And thus…
…every attribute defines all the others.
List and define the incommunicable attributes listed in Chapter II, Paragraph 1 of the Confession.
infinite in being, perfect and immeasurable, absolute omnipresent a most pure spirit invisible without body, parts, or passions immutable immense omniscient understanding infinite and infallible understanding is incomprehensible omnipotent sovereign, most free, working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will, for his own glory
Because God is a Spirit, should we make images of Him?
Jesus is not simply a man - He is the God-man. What we have is the Lord’s Supper. We have no physical description. If you say, “I’m just representing His human nature, well then that image is a lie. If you say, “I’m representing His divinity, that’s blasphemous.”
L.C. 109 - What are the sins forbidden in the second cmmandment?
The sins forbidden in the second commandment are, all devising, counseling, commanding, using, and any wise approving, any religious worship not instituted by God himself; tolerating a false religion; the making any representation of God, of all or any of the three persons, either inwardly in our mind, or outwardly in any kind of image or likeness of any creature whatsoever; all worshipping of it, or God in it or by it;
What does it mean for attributes to be communicable?
those that we share in
List and define the communicable attributes mentioned in Confession Chapter 2, Paragraph 1.
wisdom holiness love grace mercy long-suffering goodness truth just most free most absolute
When it says “most” next to the attribute, what does that indicate?
As image-bearers, we can share in these in some degree.
As you read your Bibles, why should you always pay attention to what name God uses?
Whatever name God uses in that context relates to something He’s saying in that context.
Who believes that God is constantly learning?
open theists
Westminster Confession, Chapter 2 - Paragraph II
God hath all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of Himself; and is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which He hath made, nor deriving any glory from them, but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them. He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things; and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever Himself pleasetth. In His sight all things are open and manifest, His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to Him contingent, or uncertain. He is most holy in al His counsels, in all His works, and in al His commands. To Him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience He is pleased to require of them.
What god is in relation to other creatures. What does Westminster Confession chapter 2, paragraph 2 teach us about God?
Dr. Pipa’s list…
- Self-existent
- Self-sufficient
- The sole source and end of all things
- Sovereign over all things
- Deserves all worship
- He alone unto Himself is all-sufficient.
- He is not in need of any creatures.
- He does not derive any glory from His creatures
- His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent
- He manifests His own gory in, by, unto, and upon them.
- He alone is the fountain of all being.
- He has sovereign dominion over them.
- To Him is due worship, service, or obedience
- He doesn’t learn anything
What is the only consistent arminian doctrine?
open theism - God is always learning. He doesn’t know what will take place.
Westminster Confession Chapter 2 - Paragraph III
In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost: the Father is of none, neither begotten, nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.
L.C.Q.9. How many persons are there in the Godhead?
There be three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one true, eternal God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory; although distinguished by their personal properties.
S.C.Q.6 How many persons are there in the Godhead?
There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
What is the traditional proof that there are three persons and each is fully divine?
L.C.Q.11 - The scriptures manifest that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father, ascribing to them such NAMES, ATTRIBUTES, WORKS, and WORSHIP as are proper to God only.
Prove from Scripture that the Son and Spirit have names of God.
Names given to the Son:
Isaiah 6:3; 5:8; John 12:41
Spirit: Acts 5:3-4 (accuses them of lying to God, Spirit there called God)
Prove from Scripture that the Son and Spirit have attributes of God.
Attributes
Son: Omniscience (John 2:24) Eternal (John 1:1) Isaiah 9:6 He’s called God
Holy Spirit: Omniscient (1 Cor. 2:10-11)
Prove from Scripture that the Son and Spirit do the work of God.
Son: Creation (John 1:2; Colossians 1:16)
Holy Spirit; Creation (Genesis 1:2)
Prove from Scripture that the Son is worshipped as God.
Son: Thomas (John 20:28)
Baptismal formula (Spirit and Son): Matthew 28:19
Apostolic benediction gets both in 2 Corinthians 13:14
L.C.Q.10. What are the personal properties of the three persons in the Godhead?
It is proper to the Father to beget the Son, and to the Son to be begotten of the Father, and to the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son from all eternity.
What is the second thing God reveals about himself?
the persons of the Godhead
What is the personal attribute of each member of the Godhead?
Father - is one. None. He begets, not begotten
Son - eternally begotten of the Father
Holy Ghost - proceeds from the Father through the Son
Why is it a bad reading of the text to derive the false doctrine of “eternal subordination of the Son” from 1 Corinthians 11?
It uses “Christ” which is the name for the God-man so it is not appropriate to apply this to the ontology of the Son
This is arguing from human realities up to the divine relationship and that is bad theology.
Where do we see the Spirit proceeding from the Son as well?
John 14, 15, and 16
What is the Ontological trinity? What is the economical trinity?
ontological - God as He is
economical - God as He acts
With the personal properties, we can understand something of God as He acts. What is the classic formula?
The Father acts by the Son through the Spirit.
What are the distinguishing works of each member of the Godhead?
Father - decrees
Son - accomplishes
Spirit - perfects
(We see this in creation.)
What is the difference between sending and proceeding?
Sending - act in time (the Son sends the Spirit for the church)
Procession - from all eternity
Westminster Confession Chapter 3 - Paragraph I
God from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures; nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.
L.C.Q.12 What are the decrees of God?
God’s decrees are the wise, free, and holy acts of the counsel of his will, whereby, from all eternity, he hath, for his own glory, unchangeably foreordained whatsoever comes to pass in time, especially concerning angels and men.
S.C.Q.7. What are the decrees of God?
The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.
Westminster Confession Chapter 3 - Paragraph II
Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions, yet hath He not decreed anything because He foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.
Westminster Confession Chapter 3 - Paragraph III
By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death.
L.C.Q.13. What hath God especially decreed concerning angels and men?
God, by an eternal and immutable decree, out of his mere love, for the praise of his glorious grace, to be manifested in due time, hath chosen some men to eternal life, and the means thereof: and also, according to his sovereign power, and the unsearchable counsel of his own will, (whereby he extendeth or ithholdeth favour as he pleaseth,) hath passed by and foreordained the rest to dishonourand wrath, to be for their sin inflicted, to the praise of the glory of his justice.
Calvin tries to clarify some confusion with the difference between Greek and Latin and essence and subsistence. What does he then say essence refers to? susbsistence?
essence - being
subsistence - three persons
What is the third thing Scripture makes known about God?
his decrees
What are some other terms for decree?
ordain/ordinance, acts, eternal purpose, foreordain, will, predestination,
counsel
How many decrees are there?
We speak in terms of decrees (plural) as our way of understanding, but really there’s one purpose, one decree, throughout history.
What are the attributes of God’s decree?
eternal, wise, holy (even when unholy things are being decreed), unchangeable, of his own free, good pleasure
How do we explain Genesis 6:6 when it says God regretted that He had made man and it grieved it heart AND 1 Samuel 15:11 when it says that He regretted that He had made Saul King.
Divine Accommodation anthropomorphic, analogical language - Hs way of expressing His righteous will. This is God’s way of saying that He is heavily and righteously angry at what is going on.
Further in 1 Samuel 15 it says that “God is not a man that He should change His mind.”
From our perspective, the sun moves across the sky, but actually it is us that are moving around the sun.
What is the relation between God’s decree and man’s will? What is the pastoral application?
“nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures; nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.”
We shouldn’t be fatalistic, but hopeful. Grief and suffering establish who God is. He has known. He is working all things for your good. This keeps us from grumbling
Stonewall Jackson: I am as safe here in battle as at home on my bed.
It should give us boleness.
(Calvin on pg. 220)
What does God’s decree encompass?
whatsoever comes to pass in time;
all things great or small;
things seemingly chance
evil things
contingent events (chapter 11, paragraph 2)
What do Hypercalvinism and Arminianism have in common?
They are both rationalism. Both reason their way through with their limited human understanding.
Does God decree evil?
Isaiah 45:6-7: “that people may know, from the rising of the sun
and from the west, that there is none besides me;
I am the Lord, and there is no other.
7 I form light and create darkness;
I make well-being and create calamity;
I am the Lord, who does all these things.”; Acts 2:23: “ this Jesus,[a] delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.”
(Calvin on Job)
He decreed it all from eternity past.
How do we hold together the fact that God decrees evil and is not the author of sin? How do we explain God decreeing for Joseph to be sold into slavery?
Bare permission is not a Biblical doctrine. He decreed it, but God is not the active agent.
And we understand that the purpose o God was that good might come.
Westminster Confession Chapter III - Paragraph IV
These angels and men, thus predestinated, and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed, and their number so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished.
Westminster Confession Chapter III - Paragraph V
Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will, hath chosen, in Christ, unto everlasting glory, out o His mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith, or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving Him thereunto: and all to the praise of His glorious grace.
What does the Bible mean by the term “foreknowledge”?
Foreknowledge is deeper than just cognitive. It also involves love. Adam “knew” his wife. In Romans 8, we as the elect are foreknown. Not all of mankind is foreknown. Foreknowledge is specifically mentioned with respect to the elect.
Westminster Confession Chapter III - Paragraph VI
As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath He by the eternal and most free purpose of His will, foreordained all the means thereunto. Wherefore, they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, are effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.
Westminster Confession Chapter III - Paragraph VII
The rest of mankind was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of His own will, whereby He extendeth or withholdeth mercy, as he pleaseth, for the glory of His sovereign power over His creatures, to pss by; and to ordain them to dishonour and wrath for their sin, to the praise of His glorious justice.
What is the difference between men and angels?
Angels are not a race, they are a host, thus they could not be redeemed.
Westminster Confession Chapter III - Paragraph VIII
The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care, that men, attending the will of God revealed in His Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election. So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God; and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the Gospel.
What is election?
God in Christ hath chosen some men to eternal life (used primarily in positive sense)
Placing his love and affection on one class of men and choosing them for salvation
Is there a difference between predestination and election?
The framers of the confession used predestination and election positively for those predestined to eternal life and foreordination in the context o reprobation. Dr. Pipa is not sure that this holds up theologically. Linguistically there is not a great deal of difference.
L.C.Q.14 How doth God execute his decrees?
God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will.
S.C.Q.8 How doth God execute his decrees?
God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.
What are some of the attributes of election?
Eternal Immutable Number is set source of the decrees is the secret counsel and good pleasure of God means the atonement of Christ end is the salvation of elect unto their eternal perfection purpose, glory of God unconditional means also ordained
purpose is the glory of God, glorious grace, eternal, power, justice, immutable
In Christ (in eternity God designed the covenant of grace by which He would save sinners)
Unconditional (not based on anything we do or any foreknowledge of our receptivity) not anything in us
What does unconditional election mean?
It is not based on anything that we do or any prior foreknowledge God has of our willingness to receive His grace.
Not anything in us.
Does election rule out means? Why not?
God, in desiring to bring glory to His name and to manifest His glory in His decree has chosen not to immediately zap His elect up into heaven, but has chosen through the cross and the work to apply the redemption bought by Christ by the Holy Spirit.
What are these means of salvation?
the redemption of Christ, effectual calling justification adoption sanctification perseverance in grace Christ's atonement especially for the elect
If people are elect, why pray?
Dr. Pipa: I pray because I know there are people who are elect. I’m praying to God to convert these people knowing that God uses prayer.
We see in election the perfect harmony of _____ and _____ as God Himself has ordained all of the means for redemption and glorification of His elect.
Divine sovereignty and Human responsiblity
English Hypothetical Universalism said that:
Why is this problematic?
Christ died for all and some were redeemed
They end up redefining redemption which has a Biblical definition.
God wanted to die for all people so Christ died for all people.
Because of total depravity, none of those for whom Christ died would respond so then God chose those for whom He would apply the saving work of Christ. So you have to in some way water down the atonement in order to get there.
Can someone desire to be saved, but not be saved because he is not elect?
No, the elect are given faith so they have the desire to be saved.
What are the two parts of reprobation?
preterition - withholding of mercy, leaving them in their state (this is not passive, but an active decree to pass by)
condemnation - ordination to dishonor because of their sin
Why are the reprobate damned?
According to His glorious grace, they are not damned because God passes them by. They are condemned because of their sinfulness.
What does God show by damning the reprobate?
His glory, sovereign power, and glorious justice
What is infralapsarian? What is supralapsarian?
infralapsarian - creation, fall, election
supralapsarian - one class he is going to save, other not going to save
What is the principle that must guide us as we look at what the Bible says about creation?
Hebrews 11:3: By Faith we understand that the worlds were prepare by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible
Westminster Confession Chapter IV - Paragraph I
It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, in the beginning,, to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days; and al very good.
What could you say is the principle theme of Biblical Calvinism?
God does what He does for His own glory.
All the other parts are subcategories.
Demonstrate that creation was the work of the triune God.
Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
1:2 the Spirit was hovering over the face of the waters.
John 1:3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Colossians 1:16 - For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible
L.C.Q.15 What is the work of creation?
The work of creation is that wherein God did in the beginning, by the word of his power, make of nothing the world, and all things therein, for himself, within the space of six days, and all very good.
L.C.Q.16. How did God create angels?
God created all the angels spirits, immortal, holy, excelling in knowledge, mighty in power, to execute his commandments, and to praise his name, yet subject to change.
S.C.Q.9 What is the work of creation?
The work of creation is God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good.
What does the expression mean, “In the beginning?”
Creation has a starting point.
It is a way of contrasting eternity and time.
What does it mean to make “of nothing”?
no matter, no energy, no time, and no space
In what two ways does God execute his decrees?
in the works of creation and providence - these are outside of God - what He does on the basis of what He decrees
Everything is always specifically for ______
His glory.
How do we know that when God is introduced as Elohim in Genesis 1, that refers to God the Father?
The Spirit is mentioned in the very next verse
What does the Spirit always refer to?
a person and not a power
Elohim is a ______ taking a _______.
plural noun taking a singular verb
Dr. Pipa thinks “the heavens and the earth” refers to…
Job mentions…
heavens - third heaven with angels
Job mentions angels singing at the creation of the stars
How is the power of God manifested at creation?
by the Word of His power
This is the Word that Christ made manifest.
There is no difference in this word and the preaching of the Word when the Spirit blesses it.
Is there any neutrality in preaching?
No, either you’re changed or hardened.
When the Spirit blesses the Word, it has all of the power of God.
The Father decrees, the Son accomplishes, the Spirit perfects.
When it says the Spirit was hovering, what does that word mean in Hebrew?
It is like a bird on its eggs.
What things were created each day?
Day 1: light - whole matter of the energy field - electrons flipping from one shell to another = light. On Day 1 he takes care of the darkness
Day 2: Separates the waters and starts to create a world that can be inhabited
Day 3: separates the water from the dry land; and puts on plants
Day 4: heavenly bodies (light-bearers in Hebrew)
Day 5: sea creatures and air creatures
Day 6: land creatures (dinosaurs (dragons in Bible not metaphors)
Genesus from which all of the animals could come
What is meant by the phrase “in space of six days?”
The default meaning of “yom” by itself is either a 24-hour period or daylight.
Looking at Ussher, we see him really meaning six literal, ordinary days.
Westminster Confession Chapter IV - Paragraph II
After God had made all other creatures, He created man, male and female, with reasonable and immortal souls, endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after His own image; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfill it: and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being eft to the liberty of their own will,
How did God create Adam?
from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life
How is man in contrast to all of the other creatures?
God breathed the breath of life - giving man a soul
Man has a divinely made soul - unique from animals
How is man in contrast to all of the other creatures?
God breathed the breath of life - giving man a soul
Man has a divinely made soul - unique from animals
Why did God make Eve in this manner - out of Adam’s rib?
Looking for a helper for Adam. Adam is head of race. If Eve had been made from the ground, then she would have been a separate race.
All of us are descendants of Adam through Eve. She is made from his side to show that she is his helper.
She is made second to show Adam is the Head.
Yes, there are ontological gender differences. She has distinctive characteristic that are better than men. Men have distinctive characteristics that are better than hers.
