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.
L.C.Q.17. How did God create man?
After God had made all other creatures, he created man male and female; formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground, and the woman of the rib of the man, endued them with living, reasonable, and immortal souls; made them after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfil it, and dominion over the creatures; yet subject to fall.
S.C.Q.10. How did God create man?
God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
What does it mean that Adam is made in the image of God?
Narrowly defined, it is his moral nature. He is endued with knowledge, righteousness, and holiness.
These three things were marred in the fall so that we are blind, unrighteous, corrupt, and unholy.
He still has the law of God written on His heart. Our conscience will bear witness against us before God.
This points ahead to the grace of the ten commandments which God has given to guide us.
This is confirmed in Colossians 3:10 and Ephesians 4:24 where we see that these are the three things renewed in us by Christ working in our heart.
Westminster Confession Chapter V - Paragraph I
God the Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by His most wise and holy providence, according to His infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of His own will, to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.
L.C.Q.18. What are God’s works of providence?
God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory.
S.C.Q.11. What are God’s works of providence?
God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing al his creatures, and al their actions.
Westminster Confession Chapter V - Paragraph II
Although, in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first Cause, all things come to pass immutably, and infallibly; yet, by the same providence, He ordereth them to fall out, according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.
Westminster Confession Chapter V - Paragraph III
God, in His ordinary providence, maketh use of means, yet is free to work without, above, and against them, at His pleasure.
Should we speak of providence as continuous creation?
Dr. Pipa doesn’t think that holds up.
What is providence? What are the two parts of providence? Define them.
Providence is the application of the decree.
- Upholding/Preserving - powerfully sustaining and upholding everything (Isaiah 9:6 - you give life to all of them. Hebrews - Christ holds all things together)
- Governing - ruling
Whatever God pleases He does.
You don’t have to teach a new Christian God’s sovereignty. You have to teach them armianism (what you get is irrationalism). At the end of the day, it must be God that is exalted and not man.
What does God have providence over? Can anything occur that’s not a part of God’s providence?
Nothing is too big or small for God. He cares about the sparrow and the hairs falling off of your head.
Proverbs 15:3 - the casting of dice
All creatures, actions, and things are under God’s providence.
What are the two views with respect to the origin of the soul? What are the problems with each? What is Dr. Pipa’s view?
Creationism - primary view in Reformed
Problems: distinct work of God, doesn’t give a background of original sin as easily. Children have clear personality and traits from their parents. Creationism doesn’t deal with that.
Traditionism - The soul is involved in a process of procreation
Problems: Can the soul as a spiritual thing divide itself?
Dr. Pipa is a hybrid. The Father takes the souls of the parents and creates out of that soul a soul for the new being. The guilt of original sin passes from the father.
How do we understand “laws of nature”?
They’re the “habits of God.”
Ordinarily all of these physical phenomenon happen reliably - cause and effect
John Owen has a beautiful passage on the Holy Spirit moving across whenever any of these wonder-filled things happen in creation.
What are the attributes of providence? Why might our plans fail?
It is Holy, Wise, and Powerful
Our plans fail because…
1. It wasn’t a good plan.
OR
2. We couldn’t bring it to actin.
What is the basis of providence? To what end? What is our response?
- infallible foreknowledge
- free and immutable counsel o f His own will
To the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy
Our response? Praise and Worship
God, in His ordinary providence, maketh use of means, yet He is free to work how? Give examples. What do we call these things?
without
above
and against them at His pleasure
Without - healing by a word, Red Sea crossing
Above - made wine out of water, man healed by being dipped
Against - stopped the sun, axhead floating, Red Sea crossing
We call these things miracles.
How do we distinguish between supernatural and miracle? At what three times have there been miracles?
We believe in the power of prayer and God’s ability to act. We should revel in the supernatural. We need to have prayer meetings.
A miracle is defined as a supernatural working of God through a human agent.
He doesn’t gift people with the power to perform miracles.
Only three times has there been miracles:
Moses and Joshua
Elijah and Elisha
Christ and the apostles
The other events (Daniel in Lion’s Den, Fiery Furnace) were supernatural events, but not through a human agent.
What are the means of providence?
God is always the first cause and all things come to pass immutably, and infallibly. Yet he also orders them to fall out according to the nature or second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.
God works ___ the sinner, but not ___ the sinner.
by but not in
Give examples of three types of second causes.
Necessarily: sun rises
Freely: Human choice
Contingent: unplanned for events - we might make plans, but things can thwart them
Westminster Confession Chapter V - Paragraph IV
The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God so far manifest themsselves in His providence, that it extendeth itself even to the first fal, and all other sins of angels and men; and that not by a bare permission, but such as hath joined with it a most wise and powerful bounding, and otherwise ordering, and governing of them, in a manifold dispensation, to His own holy ends; yet so, as the sinfulness thereof proceedeth only from the creature, ad not from God, who, being most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin.
L.C.Q.19. What is God’s providence towards the angels?
God by his providence permitted some of the angels, wilfully and irrecoverably, to fall into sin and damnation, limiting and ordering that, and all their sins, to his own glory; and established the rest in holiness and happiness; employing them all, at his pleasure, in the administrations of his power, mercy, and justice.
Does Dr. Pipa say 24-hour days?
No, he says ordinary days for we don’t know what the flood did.
What are the 3 attributes that are assigned (in Chapter V Paragraph IV) to providence and sin?
Almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, infinite goodness (attributed to sin! God’s manifestation is infinite perfect goodness)
What is the relation of God’s providence to the fall?
extends to first fall, and all other sins of angels and men
What does it mean when it says God’s providence in the fall is not by “bare permission.”
It’s not that God merely allowed it. He decreed it in His providence.
It is a wise and powerful bounding. They acted willfully, but God’s decree guaranteed it would occur.
What is concurrence? Give an example from scripture.
They acted wilfully, but God’s decree guaranteed it would occur.
“God’s acting in and through sinful agents in order to accomplish holy purposes”
Job (through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. He recognized God was behind everything.)
Westminster Confession Chapter V, Paragraph V
The most wise, righteous, and gracious God doth oftentimes leave, for a season, His own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled; and, to raise them to a more close and constant dependence for their support upon Himself, and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends.
What are the 3 attributes given in Chapter V Paragraph V with respect to sin and the believer?
wisdom, righteousness, and graciousness
What are the 5 purposes given (in Chapter V Paragraph V) for allowing the believer to fall into sin?
- chastise them for their former sins
- discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts that they may be humbled
- raise them to a more close and constant dependence for their support upon Himself
- make them more watchful against all future occasion of sin
- sundry other just and holy ends
Westminster Confession Chapter V - Paragraph VI
As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as a righteous Judge, for former sins, doth blind and harden, from them He not only withholdeth His grace whereby they might have been enlightened to their understandings, and wrought upon in their hearts; but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had, and exposes them to such objects as their corruption makes occasion of sin; and, withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan, whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the softening of others.
What does it mean that God hardens sinners?
He not only withholds the grace whereby they might have been enlightened, but also sometimes withdraweth the gifts which they had and exposes them to such objects as their corruption makes occasion of sin. He gives them over to their own lusts, temptations, and the power of Satan, whereby they harden themselves.
So it’s not just witholding grace, but it is also giving them over to blindness.
- blinds and hardens
- withholds grace
- sometimes withdraws gifts
- exposes to temptations which bring out their corruption
- completely gives them over to sin
Westminster Confession Chapter V - Paragraph VII
As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures; so, after a most special manner, it taketh care of His Church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof.
What’s an example of someone who had gifts and God removed them?
King Saul
Numbers 29:4
What does Chapter V - Paragraph VII tell us about God’s Providence and the Church? Give a Scripture. Give an example in our day.
God takes care of everything, but He especially takes care of His Church and works all things to our good.
He protects. He governs. Even when we fall into sin, He’s directing it for our good.
Ephesians 1:22, 23 - Christ all things placed under His feet given as head of the church. He is the Head of all things for the sake of his Church.
Afghanistan - God is at work and He is building His Church
How can we use the knowledge of God’s Providence and the Church in our decision-making?
If we step forward in faith, we can trust that He will work providentially through it.
But we keep our word and don’t disobey other commands because we think we’re seeing a sign from God (signed a contract, keep the contract)
Tyndale - translated Pentateuch, hears they’re hot on his trail - runs to printer and grabs manuscripts, ship wrecked - manuscripts destroyed but Tyndale lived. Does God not want me to do this? No. He saw it as a test and started over.
L.C.Q.24 What is sin?
Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, any law of God, given as a rue to the reasonable creature.
What are the two ways we can sin?
Fall short of the standard (sins of omission)
transgressing the rule (sins of commission)
S.C.Q.14. What is sin?
Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.
Westminster Confession Chapter VI - Paragraph I
Our first parents, being seduced by the subtilty and temptation of Satan, sinned, in eating the forbidden fruit. This their sin, God was pleased, according to his wise and holy counsel, to permit, having purposed to order it to His own glory.
L.C.Q.21. Did man continue in the estate wherein God at first created him?
Our first parents being left to the freedom of their own will, through the temptation of Satan, transgressed the commandment of God in eating the forbidden fruit; and thereby fell from the estate of innocency wherein they were created.
S.C.Q.13 Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?
Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.
S.C.Q.15 What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?
The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.
What do we learn about the Fall in Westminster Confession, Paragraph I?
- the fact of the fall, man tempted and seduced, left to the freedom of their will
- form of the sin, eating the forbidden fruit
- source of the temptation, Satan
- The relation of God to the fall, permitted by God according to His decree for His glory, God was pleased to permit (powerful bounding, didn’t leave man alone)
What is the character of our first parents with respect to this fall? What was their role?
They acted freely of their own good pleasure. They were left to their will.
What was Satan’s role?
He was free to seduce them by subtlety and temptation.
What was their sin?
eating the forbidden fruit
Westminster Confession Chapter VI - Paragraph II
By this sin they fell from their original righteousness and communion, with God, and so became dead in sin, and wholly defiled in all the parts and faculties of soul and body.
L.C.Q.23 S.C.Q.17 Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?
The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery?
What happened to them when they sinned?
- They lost the righteousness and
- communion they started with.
- They became dead in sin.
- completely corrupted by sin . They were wholly defiled in all parts and faculties of soul and body.
- Sin and Misery
What is death?
Spiritual Death - separated from god - loss of communion - which leads to hell - immediate
Judicial Death - stand condemned - loss of original righteousness - immediate
Physical Death - totally corrupt - that began
What is the name we give to this corrruption in Adam and Eve?
Total Depravity
They were brought into an estate of sin and misery.
Westminster Confession Chapter VI - Paragraph III
They being the root of al mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed, and the same death in sin, and corrupted nature, conveyed to all their posterity descending from them by ordinary generation.
L.C.Q.22 Did all mankind fall in that first transgression?
The covenant being made with Adam as a publick person, not for himself only, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in that first transgression.
How do we see in Genesis 3 that they are in an estate of sin and misery?
hide in shame lie in guilt break off communion by lying to God blame shifting war with the ground return to dust
S.C.Q.16. did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?
The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity; all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression.
Westminster Confession Chapter VI - Paragraph IV
From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all actual transgressions.
L.C.Q.25. Wherein consisteth the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?
The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consisteth in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of that righteousness wherein he was created, and the corruption of his nature, whereby he is utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good, and wholly inclined to all evil, and that continually; which is commonly called Original Sin, and from which do proceed all actual transgression.
S.C.Q.18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?
The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called Original Sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.
Westminster Confession Chapter VI - Paragraph V
This corruption of nature, during this life, doth remain in those that are regenerated; and although it be, through Christ, pardoned, and mortified; yet both itself, and all the motions thereof, are truly and properly sin.
L.C.Q.26. How is original sin conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity?
Original sin is conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity by natural generation, so as all that proceed from them in that way are conceived and born in sin.
What is the relationship of the human race to Adam and why is this sin made to our account?
Adam was the federal head of the human race. we all descend from Adam.
Angels are a host and not a race. Mankind is a race so he could stand in as our federal head.
There are those that think that there is a contradiction between L.C. 22 and 26. But the catechism is putting these things together.
We had to descend from him by ordinary generation so Eve did have a role. The passing on of sin is not simply the imputation of guilt. It is also the corruption of our nature. In God’s providence our nature comes to us through our parents.
The guilt comes from Adam. The corruption comes from our parents.
Christ could be the public head of His elect.
In Adam, it was a physical connection. In Christ is is a spiritual connection.
What are the consequences of us being in Adam?
GUILT of Adam’s first sin imputed to us
Punishment imputed to us
WANT of original righteousness
CORRUPTION of his nature
Indisposed
Disabled
Made Opposite to all that is spiritually good
Wholly inclined to all evil
commonly called Original Sin - and from which proceed all actual transgressions
Does total depravity mean that any person is as corrupt as he can be?
No, it means all parts of him are corrupted.
a little poison permeates all of the water
Are we responsible to make confession of our original sin? Why?
Yes, it’s ours.
What are the punishments for sin?
- made guilty in the sight of God
- Under the wrath of God WRATH - children of wrath (born under wrath of God) bondslaves to Satan
- Under the curse of the law CURSE - His displeasure and curse
- Subject to DEATH - spiritual (loss of communion with God), temporal/physical, eternal/judicial
- subject to all miseries justly liable to all punishments in this world (expanded in L.C. 28)
- eternal damnation - and in the world to come (expanded in L.C. 29)
Westminster Confession Chapter VI - Paragraph VI
Every sin, both original and actual, being a transgression of the righteous law of God, and contrary thereunto, doth, in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sinner, whereby he is bound over to the wrath of god, and curse of the aw, and so made subject to death, with all miseries spiritual, temporal, and eternal
L.C.Q.27 What misery did the fall bring upon mankind?
The fall brought upon mankind the loss of communion with God, his displeasure and curse; so as we are by nature chilldren of wrath, bond slaves to Satan, and justly liable to all punishments in this world, and that which is to come.
S.C.Q.19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?
All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.
L.C.Q.28. What are the punishments of sin in this world?
The punishments of sin in this world are either inward, as blindness of men, a reprobate sense, strong delusions, hardness of heart, horror of conscience, and vile affections; or or outward, as the curse of God upon the creatures for our sakes, and all other evils that befall us in our bodies, names, estates, relations, and employments; together with death itself.
L.C.Q.29. What are the punishments of sin in the world to come?
The punishments of sin in the world to come, are everlasting separation from the comfortable presence of God, and most grievous torments in soul and body, without intermission, in hell-fire for ever.
Westminster Confession Chapter VII - Paragraph I
The distance between god and creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto Him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of Him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension God’s part, which He hath been pleased to express by way of covenant.
L.C.Q.20. What was the providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created?
The providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created, was the placing him in paradise, appointing him to dress it, giving him liberty to eat of the fruit of the death; putting the creatures under his dominion, and ordaining marriage for his help; affording him communion with himself; instituting the sabbath; entering into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience, of which the tree of life was a pledge; and forbidding to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.
S.C.Q.12. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherrein he was created?
When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.
Westminster Confession Chapter VII - Paragraph II
The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, wherein life was promised to Adam; and in him to his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.
Westminster Confession Chapter VII - Paragraph III
Man, by his fall, having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second, commonly called the covenant of grace; wherein He freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ; requiring of them faith in Him, that they may be saved, and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto eternal life His Holy Spirit, to make them willing, and able to believe.
L.C.Q.30. Doth God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?
God doth not leave all men to perish in the estate of sin and misery, into which they fell by the breach of the first covenant, commonly called the Covenant of Works
S.C.20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?
God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.
Why is covenant necessary?
If this had not happened, we would be damned forever by one sin.
We would not know Him as our fruition and reward if God didn’t voluntarily descend.
There would be no relationship. No way to come into personal relationship. Just had to obey.
L.C.Q.31. With whom was the covenant of grace made?
The covenant of grace was made with Christ as the second Adam, and in him with all the elect as his seed.
L.C.Q.32. How is the grace of god manifested in the second covenant?
The grace of God is manifested in the second covenant, in that he freely provideth and offereth to sinners a Mediator, and life and salvation by him; and requiring faith as the condition to interest them in him, promiseth and giveth his Holy Spirit to all his elect, to work in them that faith, with all other saving graces; and to enable them unto all holy obedience, as the evidence of the truth of their faith and thankfulness to God, and as the way which he hath appointed them to salvation.
A covenant in our relationships would be a _____. There would be what 3 things?
contract
parties
stipulations
sanctions
Why can there not be a mutual agreement between God and man? What is the nature off God’s covenant?
because of the distance between God and man
Sovereignly imposed
What are three different names for this first covenant?
Covenant of Works/Life/Creation
Why is it called a Covenant of Works?
Because it is based on Perfect, Personal, and Perpetual Obedience
This is a covenantal reward not ontological. Man could in no way merit God’s favor. Christ won ontological reward.
Ontological - in his being he perfectly fulfilled and merited eternal obedience
Why is it called the covenant of life?
because it was the covenant by which God would give eternal life to His creatures
Why is it called the covenant of creation?
Because it was made with Adam and creation
What was the Tree of Life in the covenant?
It was a sign or a sacrament. They would be reminded of the covenant and strengthened just as we are by the sacrament.
In what way is the Covenant of Works a gracious covenant?
It is God’s way of bringing man into a wonderful relationship with God Himself.
What is the context of the covenant of works?
Parties: God, Adam, the race
Promise: life to Adam and his posterity
Threat: death to disobedience
Condition: Perfect, Personal, Perpetual Obedience
Adam broke the covenant
What is the particular test of the covenant of works? Why this particular test? What kind of law is this an example of?
Perfect obedience - not eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil
Adam should have said, “Not my will, but yours.” which is what Jesus said before going to the cross.
It was a test for a probationary period. If Adam had resisted the temptation, he would have been saved. Eve would have been destroyed and Adam would have a new wife.
This is an example of positive law.
Does the covenant of works change?
The covenant of works is no longer a transaction by which any mere creature can be right with God though its demands continue because God is unchangeable.
Does the covenant of works change?
The covenant of works is no longer a transaction by which any mere creature can be right with God though its demands continue because God is unchangeable.
If you would have eternal life, you must obey God perfectly and if you sin you must die eternally. That has not changed.
Why do we say it was God’s will for Adam to sin?
The Covenant of Grace was not Plan B. God had from eternity past planned to do it this way and chose who He would save in Christ.
Who are the parties in the covenant of grace? What is the promise? What is the condition?
Parties: Christ and the elect as seed
Promise: eternal life, the gift of the Holy Spirit
Condition: Faith (elect sinner must exercise faith to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, Even this is a gift of God) Obedience
The majority of reformed people see which two covenants are after the covenant of works?
Covenant of Redemption made in the Trinity. Christ is the party who agrees to pay the penalty of sin
Covenant of Grace - Christ is then the mediator and assurety of the covenant of grace.
What is the view of the covenant after the covenant of grace in the Confession?
The Covenant of Grace can also be called the Covenant of Redemption. Christ is the head of the covenant of redemption.
Some say not holding to Covenant of Redemption has what problem?
They claim seeing Christ as the head of the Covenant of Grace can lead to antinomianism. Dr. Pipa doesn’t follow why that would have to be the case. He says it’s the only way for Christ to be the second Adam.
Define the Covenant of Grace
God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.
Why is it called the Covenant of Grace?
The grace of God is manifested in the second covenant, in that
- he freely provideth and offereth to sinners a Mediator,
- and life and salvation by him;
3, and requiring faith as the condition to interest them in him, promiseth and giveth his Holy Spirit to all his elect, - to work in them that faith,
- with all other saving graces;
- and to enable them unto all holy obedience, as the evidence of the truth of their faith and thankfulness to God,
- and as the way which he hath appointed them to salvation.
Why is the covenant of grace called the testament?
in reference to the dath of Jesus Christ the Testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it, therein bequeathed
Westminster Confession Chapter VII - Chapter IV
This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in Scripture by the name of a testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ the Testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it, therein bequeathed.
Is testament an appropriate understanding even if “testament” is not the best translation?
We have the inheritance now. Bavinck argues: There were two laws with respect to testamentary inheritance. Syrian/Greek law- inherit while testator still alive
Roman law - had to have a death
Westminster Confession Chapter VII - Paragraph V
This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law, and in the time of the gospel: under the law it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all foresignifying Christ to come; which were, for that time, sufficient and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the promised messiah, by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal salvation; and is called the old Testament.
L.C.33. Was the covenant of grace always administered after one and the same manner?
The covenant of grace was not always administered after the same manner, but the administrations of it under the Old Testament were different from those under the New.
L.C.34. How was the covenant of grace administered under the Old Testament?
The covenant of grace was administered under the Old Testament, by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the passover, and other types and ordinances, which did all fore-signify Christ then to come, and were for that time sufficient to build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they then had full remission of sin, and eternal salvation.
What is the difference between covenant administration in Old Testament and New?
Paragraph V - external administrations (promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews) all efficacious to instruct and build up the elect in faith
- Administered through prophecies, types, promises, ordinances
- Given to Jews “to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah”
- For the full remission of sins
Paragraph VI - Under the Gospel, the ordinances in which the covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the Word and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Ordinances:
1. Preaching of the word
2. sacraments
Provided for the elect of all nation
There are not two covenants of grace, differing in substance, but one and the same, under various dispensation.
What is the difference between dispensationalism and covenantalism with regard to the administration of the covenant?
We believe the Old Covenant saints to be saved in believing in a savior to come.
Westminster Confession Chapter VII - Paragraph VI
Under the gospel, when Christ, the substance, was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper: which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity, and less outward glory, yet, in them, it is held forth in more fullness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy, to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles; and is called the new Testament. There are not therefore two covenants of grace, differing in substance, but one and the same, under various dispensations.
L.C.Q.35. How is the covenant of grace administered under the New Testament?
Under the New Testament, when Christ the substance was exhibited, the same covenant of grace was and still is to be administered in the preaching of the word, and the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s supper; in which grace and salvation are held forth in more fulness, evidence, and efficacy, to all nations.
Why may we not take comfort in the sins of the fathers in the Old Testament?
We have the gift of the Holy Spirit indwelling us which they did not have. We have superior graces and gifts.
Westminster Confession Chapter IX - Paragraph I (Dr. Pipa said to get this down.)
God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that it is neither forced, nor, by any absolute necessity of nature, determined to good, or evil.
Westminster Confession Chapter IX - Paragraph II
Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom, and power to will and to do that which was goodd and well pleasing to God; but yet, mutably, so that he might fall from it.
Westminster Confession Chapter IX - Paragraph III
Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability to will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation: so as, a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead n sin, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.
What do we mean when we say “free will”?
Proper exercise of the image of God - We believe every person freely chooses everything they decide to do.
Arminianism divorces the will from the person. The will is but a part of the person and never operates apart from intellect and affections. The will is not indeterminate but determined.
L.C.Q.149. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
No man is able, either of himself, or by any grace received in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.
What does Chapter IX - Paragraph I tell us about free will?
neither forced nor by absolute necessity of nature, determined
God does not force our will
What does “necessity of nature” mean? Fair to apply this to any type of sin that people try to blame on their physical nature. There’s nothing physically in your nature that will determine your will. You may have a predilection toward certain types of sin (alcohol, side B homosexual, etc.), but your will is not forced.
My will cannot be determined by my physical nature. By my moral nature, yes, but not by my physical nature.
TULIP can communicate something false. Does God force a sinner to act contrary to his nature?
No, he changes his nature.
That’s why the grace is irresistible. It’s not by compulsion.
What is man’s free will before the fall?
- Freedom and ability to choose good
- Freedom and ability to choose evil
Man in his state of innocence, had FREEDOM and POWER to will and to do that which was good and well pleasing to God, but yet, mutably, so that he might fall from it.
He had liberty AND ability.
Potestes non picari - able not to sin
It was perfect, but not confirmed in perfection.
No one is morally upright unless sustained by God. We must daily depend on the grace of God to sustain us.
He was under no moral obligation to sustain them. They needed to seek His grace. As He removed His grace, they were not sustained.
S.C.Q.82 Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.
What is man’s free will after the fall?
- Man still free to choose good or evil
- Not able to choose spiritual good (averse to God and unable to please him, dead in trespasses, unable to concert themselves)
Natural Man - Totally Depraved - is not able to will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation
unable not to sin
He cannot even prepare himself for salvation. If He is moved, He is moved by God’s grace.
Westminster Confession Chapter IX - Paragraph IV
When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, he freeth him from is natural bondage under sin ; and, by His grace alone, enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good; yet so, as that by reason of his remaining corruption, he doth not perfectly, nor only, will that which is good, but doth also will that which is evil.
What is man’s free will in the regenerate - in the renewed man?
- At conversion God frees from bondage to sin
- By grace enables men to choose spiritual good
- ree not to sin, but still not able completely
We are able not to sin, but not perfectly able.
This is because of the remnant of sin which is still in us.
The more you grow in holiness, the more you become aware of the depth of corruption. The battle just gets more severe.
Westminster Confession Chapter IX - Paragraph V
The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to do good alone in the state of glory only.
What is man’s free will in the glorified state?
- Man free and able to choose good
- Unable to choose sin, because confirmed in holiness
perfectly and immutably free to do good alone - not able to sin
Westminster Confession Chapter VIII - Paragraph I
It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man, the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Savior of His Church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world: unto whom He did from all eternity give a people, to be His seed, and to be by Him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.
Westminster Confession Chapter VIII - Paragraph II
The Son o God, the second person of the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance and equal with the Father, did, when the fullness of time was come, take upon Him man’s nature, with all the essential properties, and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin; being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance. So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion. Which person is very God, and very man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man.
L.C.Q.36. Who is the Mediator of the covenant of grace?
The only Mediator of the covenant of grace is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, of one substance and equal with the Father, in the fulness of time became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person, for ever.
S.C.Q.21 Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, for ever.
L.C.Q.37. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
Christ the Son of God became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary, of her substance, and born of her, yet without sin.
S.C.Q.22 How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.
What does the term “mediator” mean?
Someone who stands between. Christ stands between us and God for the purpose of reconciling God to sinful men and women.
When was he commissioned? Is Christ elect?
Before the foundation of the world
He was chosen and ordained. He was the first elect. (in prospect of becoming the incarnate mediator - not becoming the second person of the Godhead)
What three offices was Christ given?
Prophet, Priest,
King
What are the three functions of Christ?
Head and savior of the church
Heir of all things
Judge of the world
L.C.Q.38. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God?
It was requisite that the Mediator should be God, that he might sustain and keep the human nature from sinking under the infinite wrath of God, and the power of death; give worth and efficacy to his sufferings, obedience, and intercession; and to satisfy god’s justice, procure his favor, purchase a peculiar people, give his Spirit to them, conquer all their enemies, and bring them to everlasting salvation.
L.C.Q.39 Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be man?
It was requisite that the Mediator should be man, that he might advance our nature, perform obedience to the law, suffer and make intercession for us in our nature, have a fellow feeling of our infirmities; that we might receive the adoption of sons, and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace.
L.C.Q.40. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and man in one person?
It was requisite that the Mediator, who was to reconcile God and man, should himself be both God and man, and this in one person, that the proper works of each nature might be accepted of God for us, and relied on by us, as the works of the whole person.
L.C.Q.41 Why was our Mediator called Jesus?
Our Mediator was called Jesus, because he saveth his people from their sins.
Westminster Confession Chapter VIII - Paragraph III
The Lord Jesus, in His human nature thus united to the divine, was sanctified, and anointed with the Holy Spirit, above measure, having in Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; in whom it pleased the Father that ll fullness should dwell; to the end that, being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth, He might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a Mediator and Surety. Which office He took not unto Himself, but was thereunto called by His Father, who put all power and judgment into His hand, and gave Him commandment to execute the same.
L.C.Q.42. Why was our Mediator called Christ?
Our Mediator was called Christ, because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure; and so set apart, and fully furnished with all authority and ability, to execute the offices of prophet, priest, and king of his church, in the estate both of his humiliation and exaltation.
S.C.Q.23. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?
Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.
What does Christ mean?
anointed one
When did this anointing take place?
in His baptism - further emphasize that He was baptized by pouring not immersion - all anointings were by pourings
L.C.Q.43. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in his revealing to the church, in all ages, by his Spirit and word, in divers ways of administration, the whole will of God, in all things concerning their edification and salvation.
S.C.Q.24. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.
Westminster Confession Chapter VIII - Paragraph V
The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He through the eternal Spirit, once offered up onto God, ha fully satisfied the justice of Hs Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father has given unto Him.
L.C.Q.44. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be reconciliation for the sins of his people; and in making continual intercession for them.
S.C.Q.25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual intercession for us.
L.C.45.How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
Christ executeth the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory, and their good; and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel.
S.C.Q.26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling nd defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
Westminster Confession Chapter VIII - Paragraph VII
Christ, in the work of mediation, acts according to both natures by each nature doing that which is proper to itself; yet, by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the person denominated by the other nature.
Westminster Confession Chapter VIII - Paragraph IV
The office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake; which that He might discharge, He was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfil it; endured most grievous torments immediately in His soul, and most painful sufferings in His body; was crucified, and died, was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. On the third day He arose from the dead, with the same body in which He suffered, with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of His Father, making intercession, and shall return, to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.
L.C.Q.46. What was the estate of Christ’s humiliation?
The estate of Christ’s humiliation was that low condition, wherein he for our sakes, emptying himself of his glory, took upon him the form of a servant, in is conception and birth, life, death, and after his death, until his resurrection.
S.C.Q.27. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?
Christ’s humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
L.C.Q.47. How did Christ humble himself in his conception and birth?
Christ humbled himself in his conception and birth, in that, being from all eternity the Son of God, in the bosom of the Father, he was pleased in the fulness of time to become the son of man, made of a woman of low estate, and to be born of her; with divers circumstances of more than ordinary abasement.
L.C.Q.48. How did Christ humble himself in his life?
Christ humbled himself in his life, by subjecting himself to the law, which he perfectly fulfilled; and by conflicting with the indignities of the world, temptations of Satan, and infirmities in his flesh, whether common to the nature of man, or particularly accompanying that his low condition.
L.C.Q.49. How did Christ humble himself in his death?
Christ humbled himself in his death, in that having been betrayed by Judas, forsaken by his disciples, scorned and rejected by the world, condemned by Pilate, and tormented by his persecutors; having also conflicted with the terrors of death, and the powers of darkness, felt and borne the weight of God’s wrath, he laid down his life an offering for sin, enduring the painful, shameful, and cursed death of the cross.
L.C.Q.50. Wherein consisted Christ’s humiliation after his death?
Christ’s humiliation after his death consisted in his being buried, and continung in the state of the dead, and under the power of death till the third day; which hath been otherwise expressed in these words, He descended into hell.
Westminster Confession Paragraph VIII - Chapter IV
This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake; which that He might discharge He was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfil it; endured most grievous torments immediately in His soul, and most painful sufferings in His body; was crucified, and died, was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption.
On the third day He arose from the dead, with the same body in which He suffered , with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sits at the right hand off His Father, making intercession, and shall return, to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.
L.C.Q.51. hat was the estate of Christ’s exaltation?
The estate of Christ’s exaltation comprehendeth his resurrection, ascension, sitting at the right hand of the Father, and his coming again to judge the world.
S.C.Q.28. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?
Christ’s exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.
L.C.52. How was Christ exalted in his resurrection?
Christ was exalted in his resurrection, in that, not having seen corruption in death (of which it was not possible for him to be held,) and having the very same body in which he suffered, with the essential properties thereof, (but without mortality, and other infirmities belonging to this life,) really united to his soul, he rose again from the dead the third day by his own power, whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God, to have satisfied divine justice, to have vanquished death, and him that had the power of it, and to be Lord of quick and dead; all which he did as a public person, the head of his church, for their justification, quickening grace, support against enemies, and to assure them of their resurrection from the dead at the last day.
L.C.Q.53 How was Christ exalted in his ascension?
. Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that having after his resurrection often appeared
unto and conversed with his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the
kingdom of God, and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all nations, forty
days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our head, triumphing over enemies,
visibly went up into the highest heavens, there to receive gifts for men, to raise up our
affections thither, and to prepare a place for us, where he himself is, and shall continue
till his second coming at the end of the world.
L.C.Q.54 How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God?
Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced
to the highest favour with God the Father, with all fulness of joy, glory, and power
over all things in heaven and earth; and does gather and defend his church, and subdue
their enemies; furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts and graces, and maketh
intercession for them.
L.C.Q.55. How doth Christ make intercession?
Christ maketh intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in
heaven, in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth, declaring his will to have it
applied to all believers; answering all accusations against them, and procuring for them
quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings, access with boldness to the throne of
grace, and acceptance of their personsand services.
L.C.Q.56 How is Christ to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world?
Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world, in that he, who was unjustly
judged and condemned by wicked men, shall come again at the last day in great power,
and in the full manifestation of his own glory, and of his Father’s, with all his holy angels,
with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, to judge the
world in righteousness.
L.C.Q.57 What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation?
Christ, by his mediation, hath procured redemption, with all other benefits of the
covenant of grace.
Westminster Confession Chapter VIII - Paragraph VI
Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after His
incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were communicated unto the
elect, in all ages successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices, wherein He was revealed, and signified to be the seed of the woman
which should bruise the serpent’s head; and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the
world; being yesterday and today the same, and forever.
Westminster Confession Chapter VIII - Paragraph VIII
To all those for whom Christ has purchased redemption, He does certainly and
effectually apply and communicate the same;
199 making intercession for them,
200 and
revealing unto them, in and by the word, the mysteries of salvation;201 effectually
persuading them by His Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by His
word and Spirit;
202 overcoming all their enemies by His almighty power and wisdom, in such manner, and ways, as are most consonant to His wonderful and unsearchable
dispensation
L.C.Q.68 Are the elect only effectually called?
All the elect, and they only, are effectually called: although others may be, and often
are, outwardly called by the ministry of the Word, and have some common operations of
the Spirit; who, for their wilful neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them, being
justly left in their unbelief, do never truly come to Jesus Christ.
Does Christ speak solely by the Word today?
No, by the Spirit as well.
Why did Christ need to have these offices of Prophet, Priest, and King?
Adam was a prophet , priest, and king. He knew God perfectly as God revealed Himself. He had righteous fellowship and communion. He ruled over creation.
Christ takes on these 3 offices to restore these things.
What are the aspects of the narrow image of Christ in Adam? How is this related to Prophet, Priest, and King?
Knowledge (Prophet), Righteousness (King), and Holiness (Priest)
What are the two parts of Christ’s priestly work?
making a sacrifice
making intercession
What mean only rule of faith and practice?
It is the only rule. Every doctrine taught any manner of way in religion must be brought to this rule, and if it agree not with it, must be rejected, Isaiah 8:20. Hereby traditions must be tried, Matthew 15:3; and spirits or revelations, 1 John 4:1; and nothing must be added to it, Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18. I shall shut up with a few inferences.
Inferences.
Inference 1. The opinions of fathers, decrees of councils, acts of assemblies, covenants, and minister’s sermons, are not the rule of faith to us; nor can any of them bind us but in so far as they are agreeable to the word of God, by which all of them must be judged and examined, Isaiah 8:20.
Inference 2. Translations of the scriptures into the vulgar languages are most necessary and profitable. How otherwise should the unlearned read them, if they were not translated? It was by means of these translations that Romish Babel was brought down at the Reformation, as by the division of tongues the building of old Babel was hindered. And that makes the Papists such enemies to translations of the scriptures. We have reason to bless God for human learning, by which these translations are made, seeing the prophets and apostles wrote in languages which but few understand.
Inference 3. This may give us a just abhorrence of Popery, which almost in every point on this head casts dust on the scriptures. The Papists deny the necessity of translations; will not allow the people the free reading of the Bible; cry out on it for its obscurity; accuse it of imperfection; and add their traditions to it, that it may not be the only rule. And thus they blaspheme both God and his word, and expose themselves to that direful threatening, Revelation 22:18.
Inference 4. This may also give us a just detestation of Quakerism, which sets up the light within men, which in very deed is nothing but a natural conscience, and the spirit without the scriptures, to be a rule to men. But their light is but darkness, and their spirit a spirit of darkness and delusion, if it agree not with the scriptures, Isaiah 8:20, and must be tried and examined by the scriptures, 1 John 4:1. The Quakers are a dangerous set of people that overturn the foundation of true religion.
Inference 5. This may likewise give us a just abhorrence of the superstition and ceremonies of the church of England, wherewith they have corrupted the worship of God, rejecting the simplicity of gospel worship, and regulating their worship in many things not by the scripture, but the dregs of Antichrist: Deuteronomy 4:2, “Ye shall not add unto the word that I command you.” What word? Statutes, Deuteronomy 4:1, ceremonies and rites of worship. To baptize with water is Christ’s command; but who has added the sign of the cross? Christ instituted the sacrament of the supper: but who has added kneeling, to overturn the table-gesture, which we have from Christ’s own example? The Lord’s day is of divine institution: but whose are the numerous holidays observed in the church of England? Matthew 15:9. What is all this but an accusing the scripture of imperfection, as if God had not laid down a sufficient rule to teach us how we may glorify him: as if they were ashamed of simple scripture-worship, but they must deck it up in the whorish garments made by their own brains? God has a special zeal for his worship; and it becomes us to quicken our zeal for it, in a time when enemies are bringing in innovations in worship into this church, and setting up their Dagon beside the ark. But though God should, for our contempt of our pure worship, plague the land with this superstitious worship once more, yet as sure as Babylon shall fall, it shall fall and flee before the glory of the latter days.
Inference 6. Lastly, Be exhorted to study the holy scriptures. Read them in your families, and read them in secret, and cry for the Holy Spirit, who dictated them, to make you understand them. Lock them not up in your chests, and let them not lie dusty in your windows, as too many do to their shame and disgrace, lest the dust of them witness against you. Prefer the Bible to all other books, as the book whereof God himself is the author. Prize and esteem it, as shewing you the way to salvation, as a lamp to your feet, and a light to your paths.
What does infinite mean?
perfect and immeasurable
What is the relation between God’s decree and man’s will?
- man free to act according to his nature
- non-elect does evil, because it is the very thing he wants
- elect try to do the will of God because that is what they want to do
All decrees are unconditional. What does this mean and what is the pastoral application?
- God knows all things that will come to pass
- the decree is not based on foreknowledge
Pastoral Application: Romans 8:28
What are the benefits of teaching on predestination?
- brings assurance
- motivates the believer to praise and worship God
- humbles and makes the believer more diligent in his faith
- brings consolation
How do we reconcile ex nihilo with Gen. 1?
Isaiah 40:28; 45:18
What are the means of creation?
by the word of His power
What is the climax of creation?
the institution of the Sabbath for human beings as worshippers
What is God’s special manner of providence toward the Church?
- protects
- governs
- believers and sin: chastisement
- cause all things to work for good
In what way is sin still in Christians?
- continued conflict
- pardoned by Christ
- Old Nature is mortified
- Still sin, remnant of sin
What is free will?
Man is by nature free to choose good or evil according to his nature
Why are Christ’s offices important according to Calvin? (2.15)
a
What is the five-fold purpose of the mediator? What according to Calvin is the purpose? (2:6)
- Redeem
- Call
- Justify
- Sanctify
- Glorify
Prove Jesus’ divine nature.
John 1
Names - only begotten Son (speaks of eternal deity)
Works- work of creation
Attributes (divine distinguishing characteristic ) - eternal
Worship-v. 12 - believing in Him would be an act of worship because faith in God is an act of worship
Prove Jesus’ human nature. What did docetists believe?
- all infirmities (hunger thirst, tiredness, human emotions-wept, grew as a man, had a fear of what lay before him)
physical, mental, and emotional attributes clearly expressed in scripture - No sin (important exception)
Docetists believed he only appeared to be a man.
Why did Jesus need to be God?
No human nature would have remained undestroyed by what he bore.
His divine nature upheld him and then gave efficacy to His works.
The one who bore the penalty had to have in His actions a quality of infinity and eternity.
Why did Jesus need to be man? What does Calvin say? (2.12)
- to fulfill all of the law of God on our behalf
- to suffer as a human in our place under the wrath of God
- to feel our weaknesses and infirmities
- in order that we might receive adoption of sons in Him and have that boldness in Him to access the father at the throne of grace
What qualified Christ to be mediator?
As God..
- in himself contained all knowledge and wisdom
- in him is the full revelation of God
As man-God
- Divine attributes (holy, harmless, undefiled, full of grace and truth)
- appointed to task as Mediator
- set aside and anointed by the Holy Spirit
- given full authority and power
What distinct attributes for Christ to execute his task?
- holy
- harmless
- undefiled
- full of grace and truth
In what does Christ’s humiliation consist?
- took his office as mediator voluntarily (knosis theory - emptied himself of divine glory
took on the form of a servant) - came under the law and kept it perfectly
- tormented in body
- crucified, dead, buried, and remaining dead without decaying
In what does Christ’s exaltation consist?
- resurrection, raised, exalted
- ascension
- sitting at the right hand of the father; session; intercedes
- returns to judge
What is the three-fold significance of Christ’s rising?
- complete salvation
- guarantees mortification
- guarantees our resurrection
What are the three benefits of Christ’s ascension?
- to receive gifts for men
- to raise up our affections thither
- to prepare a place for us, where himself is, and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world
What is the work of a prophet?
to reveal to the church, in all ages, by His Spirit and word, in divers ways of administration, the whole will of God, in all things concerning their edification and salvation
What are some consequences of Christ’s priestly ministry?
- fully satisfied the justice of His Father
- purchased reconciliation
- purchased an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father has given unto him
- He makes continual intercession for us
What is active obedience?
Christ put himself under the law.
what is passive obedience?
Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice.
- satisfied divine justice
- reconciled us to God
- gained an eternal inheritance
What is the extent of Christ’s work as mediator? Why is this important?
To all those for whom Christ has purchased redemption, He does certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same, making intercession for them, and revealing unto them, in and by the Word, the mysteries of salvation; effectually persuading them by His Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by His Word and Spirit…
It’s important because it’s all linked in a golden chain.
How was the work of the mediator applied before the incarnation of Christ?
- the mediation was communicated to the elect of all ages before Christ
- communicated by promises, types, sacrifices
- because Christ is eternal
How was the work of the mediator applied after the incarnation of Christ?
a. effectually applied to all the elect
b. makes intercession for them
c. revealing the mysteries of salvation to them
d. regenerating
e. governing
f. protecting and conquering their enemies
g. all in harmony with his saving word
Relate effectual calling to what we learned about depravity.
No one deserves it. It is by free grace - out of His free and special love of His elect.
At an appointed time, God effectually calls the elect. Who does the calling? According to what?
God the Father according to his good pleasure and not foresight, Men in no way deserve to be called. Free and special love.
Who are effectual called?
a. the elect
b. called at a time appointed by God
c. General call, LC 68, a call that is broader than election
What are the means of effectual calling?
a. Word of God
b. Spirit of God
How does the calling relate to union with Christ?
LC 66- We are spiritually and mystically, yet really and inseparably, joined to Christ as our head and husband - at our effectual calling
What is the work of effectual calling?
a. the Spirit enlightens the mind that they may spiritually and savingly understand the things of God
b. takes away heart of stone and gives a heart of flesh
c. renewing their minds and wills to do that which is good
d. effectually drawing them to Christ
Dr. Pipa: General Call -> Regeneration -> Effectual Call
But regeneration and effectual call are simultaneous - the Dutch had posited presumptive regeneration, but no
What is the result of the calling?
They come freely, being enabled by the Holy Spirit
What is the relation of the calling to God’s grace?
Effectual calling is the work of God’s almighty power and grace, whereby out of his free and special love to his elect, and from nothin gin them moving him thereunto, he doth, his his accepted time, invite and draw them to Jesus Christ, by his word and Spirit
Can anyone be saved apart from the gospel?
a. non-elect may have some common operations of the Spirit, yet never truly come to Christ
b. Men are saved in no other way than Jesus Christ
Elect infants dying or other elect persons incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word are regenerated and saved by Christ.
Scripture shows us infant regeneration (Jeremiah, David’s son, John the Baptist)
What do we learn about the extent of the atonement in the last sentence of L.C. 60?
Christ is the Saviour only of his body the church.
Nature of Justification: Who are the parties?
- God
- All those effectually called by God are justified.
There can be no faith except in one who is regenerated by the Spirit of God. And regeneration is accomplished in those whom the Lord has chosen from the foundation of the world.
What is justification?
Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us, and received by faith alone.
What are the two parts of justification?
- pardoning sinners
- declaring sinners righteous in His sight (imputation)
If justification was just pardoning, we would just be where Adam is.
What is addressed in infused righteousness?
Roman Catholics believe in infused righteousness
But we still sin. We are not perfectly righteousness.
What contributes to justification?
Nothing done by men, not their good works, faith, or evangelical obedience
It is God’s imputing the obedience and satisfaction of the work of Christ unto the elect (not infusing)
How do men partake of justification?
3 aspects of saving faith
- knowledge
- receive Christ/cast yourself on Christ
- rest in Him and His righteousness alone
What is the instrument of justification?
Faith alone is the instrument of justification.
What do we say that justification is of free grace?
The instrumental means of justification is God’s free grace.
Define faith
Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and His righteousness
It works by love.
the assurance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen
What does it mean that the faith is not alone?
If a person truly exercises faith, the other saving graces will follow.
What are the grounds of justification?
paragraph III - Christ’s work
Active & Passive Obedience
At what time in the experience of the elect person does he receive justification?
when the Holy Spirit doth apply Christ to them
- God from all eternity elected some to be justified.
- Christ died in the fullness of time.
- Not justified until the Spirit applies the work of Christ to us.
Antinomians were teaching eternal justification and faith was just realizing they were actually justified.
If we are justified, why do we need to confess sins?
- God continues to forgive all the sins of the justified.
- The true Christian can never fall from this grace.
- Christian can lose fellowship.
- So Christian is always responsible to repent and confess his sins.
How were old covenant saints justified?
By faith, just like in the new covenant.
Whom does God adopt?
Those elected unto adoption (accompanies the act of justification)
all those whom are justified whom we know were effectually called whom we know were elect - an act of God’s free grace.
It accompanies justification. They can’t be separated.
Justification - God as judge
Adoption - God as Father
What does God do in adoption?
- Act of God’s free grace.
- The justified person is numbered among the children of God with all liberties and privileges of such
- receives the name of God’s son
- Receives the spirit of adoption, this is the Holy Spirit working in us
What are the privileges of adoption?
- bold access to God
- pitied as children
- protected
- provided for
- chastened
- never disinherited, but sealed to day o freedemption
- receives the promises
- heirs of the everlasting salvation
How was it that Christ was conceived withour sin?
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary.
He did not descend from Adam by ordinary generation.
Because of circumcision, Dr. Pipa concludes that it is through the father that the guilt of original sin is transmitted.
What is the hypostatic union?
Christ is one person, not two. He was not a human being. If he were a human being, that would make him a person with a human nature.
The way the early church wrestled with this was with two words: hyperstasis
the logos/divine person took to himself a human nature. He is not a human being. He has a human nature that’s in perfect unity with his divine nature and is exalted now and given divine glory in heaven. This is called the hypostatic union.
These natures are absolutely distinct from each other. These natures were inseparably joined together.
No conversion, no composition, no confusion
Subsistence: same in substance equal in power and glory
Substance: personal characteristics of each nature
What illustration does Calvin give for the hypostatic union?
body and soul
When we speak, we might say we ache and we’re speaking about physical things. We might say we’re sad and we’re speaking out emotional things.
What does anhypostasis mean?
He did not have a human personality.
What does enhypostasis mean?
He received his personal animation from the second person of the Godhead.
What does it mean that Christ placed himself under the law?
as the mediator he placed himself under the law’s obligations
under the curse of the law
under the ceremonial law
had to fulfill the law in his person in order to accomplish our redemption
What does it mean that Christ was impeccable? How can he help us when we’re tempted?
He could not sin. He would have been tempted to a degree that is unfathomable for you and me. We’re never tempted beyond that which we’re able. Because he was unable, he could be tempted with such extremity and force.
What is signified by those two phrases “by his perfect obedience” and “sacrifice of himself?”
Perfect Obedience - Active Obedience (putting himself under the law of God)
Passive Obedience - sacrifice of himself
They are altogether one. We don’t make a hard, fast wall between them.
His active obedience is imputed to us. His passive obedience is how we’re justified. (But we don’t separate them)
Done by the person (not one of the natures without the other) - thus all acceptable to God
What is propitiation?
Christ became the wrath-bearer that we could be justified.
What is reconciliation?
Reconciliation doesn’t mean that we’re happy with God, but God is laying down His weapons against us.
L.C..Q69. What is the communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?
A. The communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is their partaking of the virtue of his mediation, in their justification, adoption, sanctification, and whatever else, in this life, manifests their union with him.
What is the ordo salutis?
the order of salvation
Calling (which produces repentance and faith), Conversion, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Glorification
It’s preferable to talk about effectual call rather than irresistible grace. Why is that?
Men come freely, not under compulsion. The language of irresistible grace would give the impression that there was some divine compulsion.
No one can come unless the Father who sent Me draws him.
What is double imputation?
2 Cor. 5:21 - He became sin who knew no sin that we might become His righteousness.
t’s a two-way transaction.
Imputed our sins to Christ and Christ’s righteousness to us.
