Theology Flashcards
What is meant by “Systematic Theology?”
Systematic Theology is the organization and presentation of the Bible’s explicit as well as inferential doctrinal content.
What are the divisions of Systematic Theology?
The traditional divisions (or, loci) of Systematic Theology include Theology Proper (Doctrine of God), Anthropology, Christology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. Some theologians also include Bibliology, Hamartiology, Angelology, and Demonology.
What is the “Reformed Faith?” (explain as to a new Christian)
The Reformed Faith presents the Bible’s central teaching to be “God saves sinners.” God as Creator is wholly distinct from His creatures, and thus is uniquely able to redeem His creation. He has ordained this redemption, executed in, through, and by the Son of God Incarnate, Christ Jesus. We are unable to save or redeem ourselves because we are spiritually dead in our sins without His active intervention by His Word and Spirit. God’s saving work brings glory to Him alone, and our purpose is to exult in our Creator-Redeemer King.
What is Covenant Theology? Why is it important?
Covenant Theology identifies God’s personal dealings with His creation (namely, humanity made in His image) by way of unilateral condescension. In other words, God makes covenants with individuals and communities, beginning in the Garden of Eden with Adam, and continuing into the eschaton in and through Jesus Christ. This is important because it explains how creatures can relate to their Creator, and such an understanding of Scripture helps us accurately and helpfully to organize and understand Scripture as our only rule for faith and practice.
List and explain the Five Points of Calvinism.
Total Depravity describes the spiritual condition of men as so corrupted by sin that they are unable to save themselves (Romans 3:10-11). Unconditional Election describes God’s grace in salvation, in that there is nothing that men do to earn or deserve His favor. (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
(Ro. 9:11-13). Limited Atonement (aka Definitive Atonement) exalts the work of Christ to its proper place as completely and ineradicably effectual for all of God’s Elect. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
(Mat. 1:21). Irresistible Grace recognizes the power of God’s Spirit to call His Elect into communion with Christ and His church. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
(Jn. 6:37). Perseverance (or Preservation) of the Saints describes the Father’s faithfulness to bring His Elect home, through the trials, temptations, and lapses of this life. (John 10:27-30).
Where did the Five Points come from?
The Five Points of Calvinism summarize the Canons of Dort, which contain the determinations of the Synod of Dort, an international theological congress held in 1618-1619 in Dordtrecht, Netherlands. The Synod was called in response to the five Remonstrances of the Arminian party within the Reformed Church of the Netherlands. The Arminian party adopted semi-Pelagian doctrines, disturbing the peace and purity of the international Reformed church of the day.
Define and distinguish “general revelation” and “special revelation.”
God makes Himself known to us by two means. First, He generally reveals Himself to us through His works of creation and providence, which declare plainly that He exists just as He is. Second, He specially reveals Himself to us by His Word and Spirit for our salvation. Though general revelation leaves men without an excuse for denying Him, special revelation is absolutely necessary, sufficient, and effectual for salvation. Romans 1:19-20 NKJV
[19] because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. [20] For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
Romans 10:17 NKJV
[17] So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Define and defend (including Scripture proofs) the “inspiration” of Scripture.
To say that Scripture is inspired by God is to say that the Holy Spirit effectually and sovereignly moved men to produce the words He intended them to write, without compromising, coopting, or subverting their own personalities, writing styles, or vocabularies. The primary proof text for the doctrine of inspiration is II Timothy 3:16 NKJV
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
Define and defend the “necessity” of Scripture.
To say that Scripture is necessary is to say that God’s “Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal Him unto men for their salvation” (WLC 2). God’s Word is necessary for the attainment of the knowledge of God and His dealings with men, as unto salvation. Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
What is the “canon”? Defend it scripturally.
The canon is that “only rule of faith and obedience” (WLC 3) which God has provided to us for our salvation, and for His worship. Deuteronomy 4:2 defends the exclusivity of the canon in saying, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” Revelation 22:18-19 give internal testimony to the unity and integrity of the canon as whole and entire in saying, “I For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Re. 22:18-19)
Define and defend the “authority” of Scripture.
WCF I.4: “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.”
2 Peter 1:19 - We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts…For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
(2Pe. 1:21). If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
(1Jn. 5:9). All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(2Ti. 3:16). For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
(1Th. 2:13)
Define and defend the “sufficiency” of Scripture.
Scripture is sufficient for accomplishing its purpose of instructing men in what “to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man” (WSC 3; WLC 5). That is, “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…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” (WCF I.6). And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2Ti. 3:15-17). It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. (Jn. 6:45). But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (1Co. 2:9-12).
Define and defend the “perspicuity” of Scripture.
Define and defend the “perspicuity” of Scripture.
To say that Scripture is perspicuous is to say that “those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them” (WCF I.7). Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(Ps. 119:105). The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
(Ps. 119:130).
What is distinctive about Reformed interpretation of Scripture?
The Reformed interpretation of Scripture is governed by God through Scripture itself. “The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the truth and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly” (WCF I.9). There is one sense of Scripture, and difficult passages are to be understood with the help of clearer passages. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
(2Pe. 1:20-21)
What principles should guide our interpretation of Scripture?
We must interpret Scripture in dependence upon God, understanding its uses (2 Timothy 3:16) and ends (2 Timothy 3:17; Soli Deo Gloria), seeking the Spirit’s help, and interpreting more difficult passages through the use of clearer passages as we look for the single “true and full sense” (WCF I.9) of a given passage of Scripture
Define and defend (including Scripture proofs) the “inerrancy” of Scripture.
Because God is infallible (incapable of erring), so too is His inspired Word infallible. Because God’s inspired Word is infallible, it is without error, and therefore inerrant. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
(Ps. 18:30). Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
(Jn. 17:17).
What do the Scriptures principally teach?
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“The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man” (WSC 3; WLC 5).
What is God?
“God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth” (WSC 4).
“God is a Spirit, in and of Himself infinite in being, glory, blessedness, and perfection; all-sufficient, eternal, unchangeable, incomprehensible, everywhere present, almighty, knowing all things, most wise, most holy, most just, most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (WLC 7).
Briefly explain and defend (including Scripture proofs) the doctrine of the Trinity.
“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” (WSC 6). Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
(De. 6:4). Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(Mat. 28:19). Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
(1Pe. 1:2). But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (Ac. 5:3-4). But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
(He. 1:8).
What are the attributes of God? Which are communicable? Which are incommunicable? (Be prepared to offer Scripture proofs)
INCOMMUNICABLE
*Aseity - And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
(Ex. 3:14).
*Eternity - Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
(Ps. 90:2).
*Infinity - Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?
It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?
The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
(Job 11:7-9)
*Independence - Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
(Ac. 17:25)
*Immutability - For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
(Mal. 3:6)
*Omnipresence - Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
(Ps. 139:7-8)
COMMUNICABLE
*Holiness - And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
(Re. 4:8)
*Love - He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
(1Jn. 4:8)
*Wisdom - Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
(Ps. 147:5)
*Power - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
(Ep. 3:20)
*Truth - And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
(Ex. 34:6)
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” (WSC 7)
“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” (WLC 12).
What is the difference between infralapsarian and supralapsarian views of God’s decrees?
Infralapsarianism is the position that God decreed election and reprobation after He decreed Creation and the Fall. Supralapsarianism is the position that God decreed election and reprobation before He decreed Creation and the Fall.
What is an Amyraldian view of God’s decrees?
Amyraldism is the belief that God initially decreed Christ’s atonement for all alike if they believe, but He then elected those whom He will bring to saving faith in Christ, seeing that none would believe on their own.
How does God execute His decrees?
“God executeth His decrees in the works of Creation and Providence” (WSC 8).
“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” (WLC 14).
What is God’s 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” (WSC 9).
“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” (WLC 15).
Briefly discuss the length of the days of creation.
Genesis 1-2, Exodus 20, Exodus 31, Deuteronomy 5 indicate that by “yom” is meant a 24-hour period, or regular calendar day. The context set by the toledoth formula strengthen the 24/6 view. Three other views are accepted by most presbyteries in the Presbyterian Church in America, Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and Associate Reformed
Evaluate biblically the theory of evolution.
The Theory of Evolution, otherwise known as molecules-to-man evolution contradicts Scripture at several points. Aside from purely physical, geological, biological, chemical, and otherwise scientific considerations, the most important contradictions are theological in nature. First, a belief in a “common ancestor” of all sentient life on Earth denies the uniqueness of Man as bearer of the imago dei. Second, evolutionists almost uniformly deny the historical Adam and Eve. Christian evolutionists are forced to weaken Adam’s role as federal head of the human race, as well as our involvement in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, then Christ’s penal substitutionary atonement is meaningless. Finally, the proposal that there was death of humanoids in the Garden of Eden is a blasphemous desecration of the ground upon which God intended to receive most holy and blessed worship from His image bearers. These are the most problematic theological issues with the Theory of Evolution, outside of ethical issues.
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)” (WSC 11; WLC 18).
What is a miracle?
“God, in His ordinary providence, maketh use of means, yet is free to work without, above, and against them, at His pleasure” (WCF V.3). A miracle is God’s intervention in space and time to work without, above, and/or against ordinary means in order to bring greater glory to Himself through the accomplishment of a particular purpose.
Do miracles occur today? Explain.
Yes, miracles occur today in those rare instances when God works without, above, and against those means of His ordinary providence. Apostolic gifts of miraculous healing, inspired speech, and speaking in tongues have not continued beyond the lifetimes of the Apostles.
Is God responsible for sin? Did he decree it? Did he permit it? Who is the ultimate cause of all things? What is theodicy?
WCF 3.1 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 second causes taken away, but rather established. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
(Ep. 1:11). Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
(Ja. 1:13). The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
(Pr. 16:33). Theodicy is the vindication of divine goodness and providence in view of the existence of evil in the human experience.
If God is good and all-powerful, explain the existence of evil.
From whence came our concept of good and evil in the first place? The moral/ethical shadows we detect prove the light of divine goodness and perfection. Disasters, pandemics, and violence are all the result of God’s curse on creation for Man’s fall into sin and rebellion. The fact that anyone experiences life at all is a sign of God’s perfect goodness. His upholding the universe proves his power and might. His permitting of evil should not cause us to question His existence, but rather should lend urgency to our search for Him.
Discuss the biblical teaching regarding predestination, election, and reprobation.
God creation all things for His own glory. God elects some to everlasting life for His own glory in the revelation of His infinite mercy and grace. God condemns the reprobate to everlasting death in Hell for His own glory in the revelation of His perfect justice and righteousness, and for the vindication of His name. Predestination is a term that encapsulates both election and reprobation. Sometimes the phrase “double predestination” is used to describe both acts of God, together. Romans 9 is the locus classicus for this doctrine, and especially verses 13-23.
Distinguish the Reformed and Arminian understandings of these doctrines (predestination, election, and reprobation).
The question is one of initiative and ability. Reformed thinkers give God all the initiative, and deprive men of even the spiritual ability to seek salvation on their own. Arminian thinkers hold man responsible to seek salvation from God, and also grant man the ability to do so.
Reformed thinkers believe that God predestines individuals, whereas Arminians understand predestination, election, and reprobation in very generic terms, leaving it to individual men to exercise saving faith on his own.
Are these doctrines (predestination, election, and reprobation) compatible with belief in real human choice and responsibility?
“God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that is neither forced, nor, by any absolute necessity of nature, determined to good, or evil” (WCF IX.1). As sinful men, we actively, responsibly, and really choose and are rightly held responsible for those courses of sin which we desire, will, and are attracted to.
What should be some of the practical results of believing the doctrine of election?
Strong belief in the doctrine of election should encourage assurance of God’s grace in our salvation, confidence in evangelism and missions, and doxology to God alone for saving us.
Is there a real, personal devil? Explain from Scripture.
The devil is clearly a real, personal figure. In Genesis 3, he makes his opening appearance as a serpent who dialogues persuasively with Eve. In Matthew 4, Luke 4, and Mark 1:12-13, Jesus personally confronts Satan in the wilderness. In Job 1, Satan stands to accuse Job (and God). Jesus even describes the devil as the “father” of liars in John 8:44-45.
What is the chief end of man?“
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever” (WSC 1).
“Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him for ever” (WLC 1).
What is the supreme activity of man? That is, what does God require of man?
“The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to His revealed will” (WSC 39; WLC 91).
“The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law” (WSC 40).
“The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocence, and to all mankind in him, besides a special command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was the moral law” (WLC 92).
What does the Bible teach about the creation of human beings?
“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” (WLC 17).
In what way is man created in the image of God?“
“God created man male and female, after His own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures” (WSC 10).
Are all men in the image of God? If so, to what extent?
Yes, all men are made in the image of God in that they are designed to resemble and reflect Him “in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures” (WSC 10). However, since the Fall, all men descended from Adam by ordinary generation have “become wicked, perverse, and correupt in all his ways, he hath lost all his excellent gifts which he had received from God, and only retained a few remains thereof, which, however, are sufficient to leave man without excuse; for all the light which is in us is changed into darkenss, as the Scriptures teach us, saying: ‘The light shienth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not;’ where St. John calleth men darkness” (Belgic Confession XIV.1).
Where did man’s soul come from?
God created man “with reasonable and immortal souls” (WCF IV.2), but not with eternal souls. Our souls, like our bodies, have a beginning in time. The souls of Adam and Eve were created after their bodies were created, and one school of thought (creationism) holds that each person’s soul has been uniquely called into existence by God at conception. Another school of thought (traducianism) holds that each person’s soul is derived from the souls of his parents, just as each person’s body is derived from the bodies of his parents. In any case, the human soul is created distinct from his parents at conception
How does the doctrine of the image of God influence debates about gender roles?
“God created man male and female, after His own image” (WSC 10), which entails the fundamental equality of men and women, as each is a full image-bearer of God in his/her own right. It is wholly inappropriate to read back the complementarity of men and women into inter-Trinitarian relations under the auspices of the Reformed doctrine of the imago Dei.
What is sin? Include Scripture proofs.
“Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of the law of God” (WSC 14).
“Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, any law of God, given as a rule to the reasonable creature” (WLC 24).
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1Jn. 3:4). For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
(Ga. 3:10-12)
Discuss the guilt of sin and the corruption of sin.
“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” (WSC 18).
“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 transgressions” (WLC 25).
Define and discuss original sin (include Scripture proofs).
Original sin is “the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature” (WSC 18; Romans 3:10-19; 5:6, 12, 19; 8:7-8; Ephesians 2:1-3; and Genesis 6:5). It “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” (WLC 26; Psalm 51:5; Job 14:4, 15:14; John 3:6). By the corruption of his nature, man is “utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good, and wholly inclined to all evil, and that continually” (WLC 25; cf. WCF VI.4).
How can original sin be reconciled to the canons of justice, either human or divine?
“God is not only supremely merciful, but also supremely just. And His justice requires (as He hath revealed Himself in His Word), that our sins committed against His infinite majesty should be punished, not only with temporal, but with eternal punishment, both in body and soul; which we cannot escape unless satisfaction be made to the justice of God” (Canons of Dort II.1).
Is there any good remaining in a fallen, sinful man? Explain
“Indeed we are (wholly incapable of doing any good, and inclined to all wickedness), except we are regenerated by the Spirit of God” (Heidelberg Catechism 8). And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
(Ge. 6:5). What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight.
How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?
(Job 15:14-16).
In what ways does man sin?
Man sins by neglecting the duties required by, and actively transgressing, the law of God in thought, word, and deed. Man’s desires, inclinations, will, thoughts, attitudes, speech, and conduct are all liable to - and actually twisted in - sin.
What are some of the consequences of sin?
“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” (WSC 19).
“The punishments of sin in this world are either inward, as blindness of mind, a reprobate sense, strong delusions, hardness of heart, horror of conscience, and vile affections; 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” (WLC 28).
“The punishments of sin int he 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” (WLC 29).
Due to sin, we cannot fellowship with God, or worship Him as He created us to, both now and forever.
