Please note this page is in the process of being added directly from the Westminster Confession and is not yet complete.
The Westminster Confession of Faith in Modern English Evangelical Presbyterian Church Evangelical Presbyterian Church 5850 T.G. Lee Blvd., Suite 510 Orlando, FL 32822 info@epc.org www.epc.org Third Edition 2010 15th Printing 2017 The Westminster Shorter Catechism by permission of Reformed Theological Seminary and Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company. Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1978 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Copyright © 2010 The Evangelical Presbyterian Church All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without permission, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or recorded by mechanical, electronic, photocopying, or other means without permission. i
Contents Preface ………………………………………………………………………………….. iii Essentials of Our Faith …………………………………………………………………………… iv Explanatory Statement to “Essentials of Our Faith” ……………………………………. v
Proof Texts …………………………………………………………………………………………… vi
The Westminster Confession
1. Holy Scripture …………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
2. God and the Holy Trinity ……………………………………………………………………… 6
3. God’s Eternal Decrees ………………………………………………………………………….. 8
4. Creation …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
5. Providence …………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
6. The Fall of Man, Sin, and the Punishment for Sin …………………………………… 13
7. God’s Covenant with Man ……………………………………………………………………. 14
8. Christ the Mediator ……………………………………………………………………………… 16
9. Free Will ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
10. Effectual Calling ……………………………………………………………………………….. 20
11. Justification ………………………………………………………………………………………. 21
12. Adoption ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23
13. Sanctification ……………………………………………………………………………………. 24
14. Saving Faith ……………………………………………………………………………………… 25
15. Repentance Leading to Life ………………………………………………………………… 26
16. Good Works ………………………………………………………………………………………. 27
17. The Perseverance of the Saints …………………………………………………………….. 29
18. The Assurance of Grace and Salvation ………………………………………………….. 30
19. The Law of God …………………………………………………………………………………. 32
20. Christian Freedom and Freedom of Conscience ……………………………………… 34
21. Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day ………………………………………………… 36
22. Lawful Oaths and Vows ……………………………………………………………………….. 38
23. Civil Authorities ………………………………………………………………………………….. 40
24. Marriage and Divorce …………………………………………………………………………… 42
25. The Church …………………………………………………………………………………………. 44
26. The Fellowship of the Saints …………………………………………………………………. 45
27. The Sacraments …………………………………………………………………………………… 46
28. Baptism ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 47
29. The Lord’s Supper ……………………………………………………………………………….. 48
30. Condemnation by the Church ………………………………………………………………… 50
31. Synods and Councils …………………………………………………………………………….. 51
32. The Condition of Man after Death and the Resurrection of the Dead ………….. 52
33. The Last Judgment ……………………………………………………………………………….. 53
34. The Holy Spirit ……………………………………………………………………………………. 54
35. The Gospel of the Love of God and Missions ………………………………………….. 55
Afterword on the Texts iii
PREFACE
The Constitution of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church consists of the Book of Order (comprised of The Book of Government, The Book of Discipline, and The Book of Worship), the Westminster Confession of Faith (including the Larger and Shorter Catechisms), and the document Essentials of our Faith. All these documents are subordinate to the Scripture, which is “the supreme and final authority on all matters on which it speaks.” You have in your possession the second volume of the Constitution of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. On the recommendation of the Christian Education & Publication Committee, the 28th General Assembly (2008) approved publishing the EPC Governing Documents in a more convenient and affordable format. What was once the loose leaf “Blue Book” will now be available as: The Constitution: Volume 1 – The Book of Order (including Rules for Assembly, Acts of Assembly, and Forms for Discipline) The Constitution: Volume 2 – The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms (In Modern English) The Service Forms, which were originally part of the “Blue Book”, will be published separately in booklet form, easily used by those presiding at the Sacraments or the ordination and installation of officers. A separate publication of Documents of the General Assembly is planned as a reference for churches. Having the Westminster standards as our doctrinal foundation since our beginning in 1981, the EPC adopted the modern English edition of the Confession in 1984. Subsequently the modern English Shorter Catechism came into popular use in the EPC, and the 24th General Assembly (2004) approved the modern English Larger Catechism. According the act of the 5th General Assembly (1985), “Essentials of Our Faith” is published herein along with the “Explanatory Statement” added by the 22nd General Assembly (2002).
Jeffrey Jeremiah, Stated Clerk October 2010
Essentials of Our Faith
All Scripture is self-attesting and being Truth, requires our unreserved submission in all areas of life. The infallible Word of God, the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is a complete and unified witness to God’s redemptive acts culminating in the incarnation of the Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible, uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit, is the supreme and final authority on all matters on which it speaks. On this sure foundation we affirm these additional Essentials of our faith. 1. We believe in one God, the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To Him be all honor, glory and praise for ever! 2. Jesus Christ, the living Word, became flesh through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and His virgin birth. He who is true God became true man united in one Person forever. He died on the cross a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. On the third day He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He now is our High Priest and Mediator. 3. The Holy Spirit has come to glorify Christ and to apply the saving work of Christ to our hearts. He convicts us of sin and draws us to the Savior. Indwelling our hearts, He gives new life to us, empowers and imparts gifts to us for service. He instructs and guides us into all truth, and seals us for the day of redemption. 4. Being estranged from God and condemned by our sinfulness, our salvation is wholly dependent upon the work of God’s free grace. God credits His righteousness to those who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation, and thereby justifies them in His sight. Only such as are born of the Holy Spirit and receive Jesus Christ become children of God and heirs of eternal life. 5. The true Church is composed of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit are united together in the body of Christ. The Church finds her visible, yet imperfect, expression in local congregations where the Word of God is preached in its purity and the sacraments are administered in their integrity, where scriptural discipline is practiced, and where loving fellowship is maintained. For her perfecting, she awaits the return of her Lord. 6. Jesus Christ will come again to the earth–personally, visibly, and bodily–to judge the living and the dead, and to consummate history and the eternal plan of God. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20) 7. The Lord Jesus Christ commands all believers to proclaim the gospel throughout the world and to make disciples of all nations. Obedience to the Great Commission requires total commitment to “Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.” He calls us to a life of self-denying love and service. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10) These Essentials are set forth in greater detail in the Westminster Confession of Faith.
In Essentials …………………. Unity
In Non-Essentials …………. Liberty
In All Things ………………… Charity
Explanatory Statement to “Essentials of Our Faith”
The Westminster Confession of Faith is a confessional statement of orthodox Presbyterianism. The Westminster Confession of Faith is our standard of doctrine as found in Scripture. It is a positive statement of the Reformed Faith. The Westminster Confession of Faith constitutes a system of biblical truth that an officer of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church is required to believe, acknowledging that each individual court has the freedom to allow exceptions which do not infringe upon the system of doctrine in the Westminster Confession of Faith.
“Essentials of Our Faith” is an irenic statement of historic evangelicalism. The purpose of “Essentials of Our Faith” is to define core beliefs of the Christian Faith. It expresses historic Christian beliefs common to all true believers and churches throughout the world. “Essentials of Our Faith” is not intended to be the exclusive test of orthodoxy for ordination. It is not intended to be used as an explicit standard for minimal core beliefs for candidates, ordination or ministerial examinations. It is not to be construed as a substitute for the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Both the Westminster Confession of Faith and “Essentials of Our Faith” are important documents in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The Westminster Confession of Faith and “Essentials of Our Faith” are not alternative statements of truth, nor are they competitive statements of truth. They each serve important and harmonious purposes within the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The Westminster Confession of Faith preserves our commitment to the historic orthodoxy of the Reformed Faith.
Proof Texts
This edition contains a composite of all the proof texts ever cited to support the positions articulated in the British and American editions of the Westminster standards. There have been three major versions of the proof texts for the Confession of Faith: (a) the 1647 British edition, (b) a revision by the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (PCUSA) in 1894, and (c) an equally extensive revision by the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) in 1910. The two revisions have hundreds of additions and deletions. None of the deletions are indicated in the notes here, but all of the additions are, along with the original proof texts. For the Larger Catechism of 1648, PCUSA also did an extensive revision in 1894, which was largely followed by PCUS. The briefer proof texts for the Shorter Catechism have basically remained the same. Scriptural references are cited by book, chapter, and verse, using abbreviations according to The Chicago Manual of Style.
In its 1910 revision of the proof texts, PCUS added the following for both the Confession and Larger Catechism:
General Note: At several points the Confession of Faith [or Larger Catechism] is more specific in its statements than the Scriptures. These statements are inferences drawn from the Scriptures or from statements based on the Scriptures, or from the experience and observation of the Church. In such cases, no texts are cited, but reference is made to this
General Note. The proof texts to the new, American Chapters 34 and 35 were simply grouped by sections.
The Westminster Confession of Faith
Chapter 1 Holy Scripture
1. Our natural understanding and the works of creation and providence so clearly show God’s goodness, wisdom, and power that human beings have no excuse for not believing in him.1 However, these means alone cannot provide that knowledge of God and of his will which is necessary for salvation.
2 Therefore it pleased the Lord at different times and in various ways to reveal himself and to declare that this revelation contains his will for his church.
3 Afterwards it pleased God to put this entire revelation into writing so that the truth might be better preserved and transmitted and that the church, confronted with the corruption of the flesh and the evil purposes of Satan and the world, might be more securely established and comforted.
4 Since God no longer reveals himself to his people in those earlier ways,5 Holy Scripture is absolutely essential.6
1. Rom 2.14-15, 1.19-20, Ps 19.1-4, Rom 1.32, 2.1.
2. 1 Cor 1.21, 2.13-14, 2.9-12, Acts 4.12, Rom 10.13-14.
3. Heb 1.1-2, Gal 1.11-12, Dt 4.12-14.
4. Prv 22.19-21, Lk 1.3-4, Rom 15.4, Mt 4.4,7,10, Is 8.19-20, Lk 24.27, 2 Tm 3.16, 2 Pt 3.15-16.
5. Heb 1.1-2, see General Note.
6. 2 Tm 3.15-16, 2 Pt 1.10, Lk 16.29-31, Heb 2.1-3.
2. What we call Holy Scripture or the written word of God now includes all the books of the Old and New Testaments which are:
Genesis 2 Chronicles Daniel Exodus Ezra Hosea Leviticus Nehemiah Joel Numbers Esther Amos Deuteronomy Job Obadiah Joshua Psalms Jonah Judges Proverbs Micah Ruth Ecclesiastes Nahum 1 Samuel Song of Solomon Habakkuk 2 Samuel Isaiah Zephaniah 1 Kings Jeremiah Haggai 2 Kings Lamentations Zechariah 1 Chronicles Ezekiel Malachi The New Testament: Matthew Ephesians Hebrews Mark Philippians James Luke Colossians 1 Peter John 1 Thessalonians 2 Peter Acts 2 Thessalonians 1 John Romans 1 Timothy 2 John 1 Corinthians 2 Timothy 3 John 2 Corinthians Titus Jude Galatians Philemon Revelation
Holy Scripture
All of these books are inspired by God and are the rule of faith and life
7. Lk 16.29,31, Eph 2.20, Rv 22.18-19, 2 Tm 3.16, Mt 11.27.
3. The books usually called the Apocrypha are not divinely inspired and are not part of the canon of Scripture. They therefore have no authority in the church of God and are not to be valued or used as anything other than human writings.8
8. Lk 24.27,44, Rom 3.2, 2 Pt 1.21.
The Canon of Scripture is not established by explicit passages, but by the testimony of Jesus and his apostles; of ancient manuscripts and versions; of ancient Christian writers and church councils, and by the internal evidence exhibited in the separate books.
4. The Bible speaks authoritatively and so deserves to be believed and obeyed. This authority does not depend on the testimony of any man or church but completely on God, its author, who is himself truth. The Bible therefore is to be accepted as true, because it is the word of God.9
9. 2 Pt 1.19,21, 2 Tm 3.16, 1 Jn 5.9, 1 Thes 2.13, Gal 1.11-12. 5.
5. We may be influenced by the testimony of the church to value the Bible highly and reverently, and Scripture itself shows in so many ways that it is God’s word; for example, in its spiritual subject matter, in the effectiveness of its teaching, the majesty of its style, the agreement of all its parts, its unified aim from beginning to end (to give all glory to God), the full revelation it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, its many other incomparably outstanding features, and its complete perfection. However, we are completely persuaded and assured of the infallible truth and divine authority of the Bible only by the inward working of the Holy Spirit, who testifies by and with the word in our hearts.10
10. 1 Tm 3.15, 1 Jn 2.20,27, Jn 16.13-14, 1 Cor 2.10-12, Isa 59.21,
1 Cor 2.6-9. 6.
6. The whole purpose of God about everything pertaining to his own glory and to man’s salvation, faith, and life is either explicitly stated in the Bible or may be deduced as inevitably and logically following from it.11 Nothing is at any time to be added to the Bible, either from new revelations of the Spirit or from traditions of men.12 Nevertheless we do recognize that the inward illumination of the Spirit of God is necessary for a saving understanding of the things which are revealed in the word.13 We also recognize that some provisions for the worship of God and the government of the church are similar to secular activities and organizations; these are to be directed according to our natural understanding and our Christian discretion and should conform to the general rules of the word, which are always to be observed.14
11. Mk 7.5-7.
12. 2 Tm 3.15-17, Gal 1.8-9, 2 Thes 2.2. This statement is an inference from the sufficiency of the Scriptures.
13. Jn 6.45, 1 Cor 2.9-10, 12. 14. 1 Cor 11.13-14,
14.26,40.
7. The meanings of all the passages in the Bible are not equally obvious, nor is any individual passage equally clear to everyone.15 However, everything which we have to know, believe, and observe in order to be saved is so clearly presented and revealed somewhere in the Bible that the uneducated as well as the educated can sufficiently understand it by the proper use of the ordinary means of grace.16
15. 2 Pt 3.16, Jn 6.60, 16.17.
16. Ps 119.105, 130, Acts 17.11-12.
8. The Old Testament in Hebrew (the native language of the ancient people of God) and the New Testament in Greek (the language most widely known internationally at the time the New Testament was written) were directly inspired by God17 and have been kept uncontaminated throughout time by his special care and providence. They are therefore authentic and are to be the church’s ultimate source of appeal in every religious controversy.18 The original languages of the Bible, however, are not understood by all of God’s people. But all of God’s people have a right to an interest in the Bible and God himself commands them to read it thoroughly with awe and reverence for him.19 Consequently the Bible should be translated into the native language of every people to whom it is introduced. Then, the word of God will live fully in everyone; everyone will be able to worship God in an acceptable way; and all believers may have hope through the endurance and the encouragement of the Bible.20
17. See note under Section 3 above.
18. Mt 5.18, Is 8.20, Acts 15.14-18, Jn 5.9,46.
19. Jn 5.39, 2 Tm 3.14-15, 2 Pt 1.19, Acts 17.11.
20. 1 Cor 14.6, 9, 11-12, 24, 27-28, Col 3.16, Rom 15.4, Mt 28.19-20.
9. The infallible standard for the interpretation of the Bible is the Bible itself. And so any question about the true and complete sense of a passage in the Bible (which is a unified whole) can be answered by referring to other passages which speak more plainly. 21
21. 2 Pt 1.20-21, Acts 15.15, Jn 5.46, Mt 4.5-7, 12.1-7.
10. The Holy Spirit speaking in the Bible is the supreme judge of all religious controversies, all decisions of religious councils, all the opinions of ancient writers, all human teachings, and every private opinion.22 We are to be satisfied with the judgment of him who is and can be the only judge.
22. Mt 22.29,31, Eph 2.20, Acts 28.25, Lk 10.26, Gal 1.10, 1 Jn 4.1-6.
Chapter 2 God and the Holy Trinity
1. There is only one living and true God,1 who is infinite in being and perfection,2 a completely pure spirit,3 invisible,4 without body, parts, or emotions,5 unchangeable,6 immensely vast,7 eternal,8 limitless,9 almighty,10 completely wise,11 completely holy,12 completely free,13 and completely absolute.14 He works everything according to the purpose of his own unchangeable and completely righteous will15 for his own glory.16 He is completely loving,17 gracious, merciful, and long-suffering. He overflows with goodness and truth. He forgives wickedness, transgression, and sin, 18 and rewards those who diligently seek him.19 His judgments are completely just and awesome; 20 he hates all sin21 and will not acquit the guilty.22
1. Dt 6.4, 1 Cor 8.4,6, 1 Thes 1.9, Jer 10.10
2. Jb 11.7-9, 26.14, Jer 23.24, Ps 147.5, 1 Kgs 8.27, Ps 139.
3. Jn 4.24.
4. 1 Tm 1.17.
5. Dt 4.15-16, Jn 4.24, Lk 24.39, Acts 14.11,15.
6. Jas 1.17, Mal 3.6.
7. 1 Kgs 8.27, Jer 23.23-24.
8. Ps 90.2, 1 Tm 1.17.
9. Ps 145.3, Rom 11.33.
10. Gn 17.1, Rv 4.8.
11. Rom 16.27.
12. Is 6.3, Rv 4.8.
13. Ps 115.3.
14. Ex 3.14, Is 44.6, Acts 17.24-25.
15. Eph 1.11.
16. Prv 16.4, Rom 11.36, Rv 4.11.
17. 1 Jn 4.8-10, 16, Jn 3.16.
18. Ex 34.6-7.
19. Heb 11.6.
20. Neh 9.32-33, Heb 10.28-31.
21. Ps 5.5-6, Heb 1.13. 22. Na 1.2-3, Ex 34.7.
2. God has all life, glory, goodness, and blessedness in and of himself.23 He alone is all-sufficient in and unto himself, nor does he need any of his creations or derive any glory from them. Rather, he manifests his own glory in, by, unto, and on them.24 He is the only source of all being, by whom, through whom, and to whom everything exists.25 He has completely sovereign dominion over all things and does with, to, or for them whatever he pleases.26 Everything is revealed and completely open to him.27 His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and does not depend on any created being,28 so that to him nothing is conditional or uncertain.29 He is completely holy in all his purposes, works, and commands.30 To him is due whatever worship, service, or obedience he is pleased to require from angels, human beings, and all other creatures.31
23. Jn 5.26, Acts 7.2, Ps 119.68, 1 Tm 6.15, Rom 9.5.
24. Acts 17.24-25, Jb 22.2,23, Ps 50.12, Is 4.12-17.
25. Rom 11.36, Is 40.12-17.
26. Rv 4.11, 1 Tm 6.15, Dn 4.25, 35, Eph 1.11.
27. Heb 4.13.
28. Rom 11.33-34, Ps 147.5.
29. Acts 15.18, Ez 11.5, Is 46.9-11, Prv 15.3.
30. Ps 145.17, Rom 7.12.
31. Rv 5.12-14, 7.11-12.
3. In the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, having one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.32 The Father exists. He is not generated and does not come from any source. The Son is eternally generated from the Father, 33 and the Holy Spirit eternally comes from the Father and the Son.34
32. 1 Jn 5.7, Mt 3.16-17, 28.19, 2 Cor 13.14, Eph 2.18.
33. Jn 1.14,18, 17.24, Heb 1.2-6, Col 1.15-17.
34. Jn 15.26, Gal 4.6.
Chapter 3 God’s Eternal Decrees
1. From all eternity and by the completely wise and holy purpose of his own will, God has freely and unchangeably ordained whatever happens.1 This ordainment does not mean, however, that God is the author of sin (he is not), 2 that he represses the will of his created beings, or that he takes away the freedom or contingency of secondary causes. Rather, the will of created beings and the freedom and contingency of secondary causes are established by him.3
1. Eph 1.11, Rom 11.33, Heb 6.17, Rom 9.15,18, Acts 4.27-28, Mt 10.29-30, Eph 2.10, Is 45.6-7.
2. Jas 1.13-14, 17, 1 Jn 1.5, Eccl 7.29, Ps 5.4.
3. Acts 2.23, Mt 17.12, Acts
4.27-28, Jn 19.11, Prv 16.33, Acts 27.23-24, 34, 44.
2. Although God knows whatever may or can happen under all possible circumstances, 4 he has not ordered anything because he foresaw it in the future as something which would happen under such circumstances.5
4. Acts 15.18, 1 Sm 23.11-12, Mt 11.21,23, Ps 139.1-4, Prv 16.33.
5. Rom 9.11,13, 15-16, 18, 2 Tm 1.9, Eph 1.4-5. 3.
In order to manifest his glory God has ordered that some men and angels should be predestined to everlasting life6 and that others should be foreordained to everlasting death.7
6. 1 Tm 5.21, Mt 25.31,41, Acts 13.48, Rom 8.29-30, Jn 10.27-29, Mk 8.38, Jude 6.
7. Rom 9.22-23, Eph 1.5-6, Prv 16.4, Mt 25.41, Jude 4. 4.
This predestination and foreordination of angels and men are precise and unchangeable. The number and identity of angels and men in each group are certain, definite, and unalterable.8
8. 2 Tm 2.19, Jn 13.18, 10.14-16,27-29, 6.37-39, Acts 13.48, Jn 17.2,6,9-12. 5.
Before the creation of the world, 9 according to his eternal, unchangeable plan10 and the hidden purpose and good pleasure of his will, 11 God has chosen in Christ12 those of mankind who are predestined to life and to everlasting glory.13 He has done this solely out of his own mercy and love and completely to the praise of his wonderful grace.14 This choice was completely independent of his foreknowledge of how his created beings would be or act. Neither their faith nor good works nor perseverance had any part in influencing his selection.15
9. Eph 1.4.
10. Eph 1.11.
11. Eph 1.9.
12. 2 Tm 1.9.
13. Rom 8.30, 1 Thes 5.9, 1 Pt 5.10.
14. Eph 1.5-6, 12.
15. Rom 9.11, 13, 15-16, Eph 1.4,6,9, 2 Tm 1.9, Eph 2.8-9.
6. Just as God has determined that the elect shall be glorified, so, too, in the eternal and completely free purpose of his will he has foreordained all the means by which that election is accomplished.16 And so, those who are chosen, having fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ.17 They are effectually called to faith in Christ by his Spirit working in them at the right time,18 and they are justified,19 adopted,20 sanctified,21 and kept by his power through faith unto salvation.22 Only the elect, and no others, are redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved.23
16. 1 Pt 1.2, Eph 1.4-5, 2.10, 2 Thes 2.13.
17. 1 Thes 5.9-10, Ti 2.14, Rom 5.19.
18. Rom 9.11, 2 Thes 2.13-14, 1 Cor 1.9.
19. Rom 8.30.
20. Eph 1.5.
21. 2 Thes 2.13, Eph 1.4, 1 Thes 4.3.
22. 1 Pt 1.5, Jn 10.28.
23. Jn 17.9, Rom 8.28-39, Jn 6.64-65, 8.47, 10.26, 1 Jn 2.19, Acts 13.48.
7. According to the hidden purpose of his own will, by which he offers or withholds mercy at his pleasure, and for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, it pleased God not to call the rest of mankind24 and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin25 to the praise of his glorious justice.26
24. Mt 11.25-26, 1 Pt 2.8.
25. Rom 9.14-22, Jude 4, Rom 2.8-9, 2 Thes 2.10-12.
26. 2 Tm 2.19-20, Rv 15.3-4.
8. This important and mysterious doctrine of predestination must be treated with special discretion and care, so that, paying attention to and obeying the will of God revealed in his word, men may be assured that they have been eternally chosen from the certainty of their effectual calling. In this way the doctrine of predestination will elicit not only our praise, reverence, and admiration for God, but also a humble and diligent life, fully supporting everyone who sincerely obeys the gospel.27
27. Rom 9.20, 11.33, Dt 29.29, 2 Pt 1.10, Eph 1.6, Rom 11.5-6, 20, 8.33, Lk 10.20, see General Note.
Chapter 4 Creation
1. In the beginning it pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 1 to create the world out of nothing in order to reveal the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness.2 He made everything in the world, visible and invisible, in the space of six days, and it was very good.3
1. Heb 1.2, Jn 1.2-3, Gn 1.1-3, Jb 26.13, 33.4, Rom 11.36, 1 Cor 8.6.
2. Rom 1.20, Jer 10.12, Ps 104.24, 33.5-6.
3. Gn 1, Heb 11.3, Col 1.16, Acts 17.24, Ex 20.11.
2. After God had made all the other creatures, he created man, male and female,4 with reasoning, immortal souls.5 He endowed them with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness in his own image6 and wrote his law in their hearts.7 God also gave them the ability to obey his law and the potential to disobey it; i.e., he gave them freedom of their own will, which could change.8 In addition to this law written in their hearts, they were commanded not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.9 As long as they obeyed God’s law and kept this commandment, they were happy in fellowship with God10 and had dominion over the other creatures.11
4. Gn 1.27.
5. Gn 2.7, Eccl 12.7, Lk 23.43, Mt 10.28, Ps 8.5-6, Gn 2.19-20.
6. Gn 1.26, Col 3.10, Eph 4.24.
7. Rom 2.14-15.
8. Eccl 7.29, Gn 3.6,17, 2.16-17, Col 3.10, Eph 4.24.
9. Gn 2.16-17.
10. Gn 2.17, 3.8-11, 23. 11. Gn 1.26,28, Ps 8.6-8, Gn 1.29-30.
Chapter 5 Providence
1. God, who created everything, also upholds everything. He directs, regulates, and governs every creature, action, and thing, from the greatest to the least,1 by his completely wise and holy providence.2 He does so in accordance with his infallible foreknowledge3 and the voluntary, unchangeable purpose of his own will,4 all to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.5
1. Heb 1.3, Dn 4.34-35, Ps 135.6, Acts 17.25-26,28, Jb 38-41, Mt 10.29-31, 6.26,30, Neh 9.6, Ps 114.14-16.
2. Prv 15.3, 2 Chr 16.9, Ps 104.24, Ps 145.17.
3. Acts 15.18, Ps 94.8-11.
4. Eph 1.11, Ps 33.10-11.
5. Is 63.14, Eph 3.10, Rom 9.17, Gn 45.7, Ps 145.7.
2. God is the first cause, and in relationship to him everything happens unchangeably and infallibly.6 However, by this same providence, he orders things to happen from secondary causes. As a result of these secondary causes, some things must inevitably happen;7 others may or may not happen depending on the voluntary intentions of the agents involved; and some things do not have to happen but may, depending on other conditions.8
6. Acts 2.23, see under figures 3 and 4 above, Jer 32.19.
7. Gn 8.22, Jer 31.35.
8. Ex 21.13, Dt 1 9.5, 1 Kgs 22.28,34, Is 10.6-7, Gn 50.19-20.
3. God uses ordinary means to work out his providence day by day.9 But, as he pleases,10 he may work without,11 beyond,12 or contrary to these means.
9. Acts 27. 24, 31, 44, Is 55.10-11, Hos 2.21-22.
10. 2 Kgs 6.6, Dn 3.27, 1 Kgs 18.17-39, Jn
11.43-45, Rom 1.4. 11. Hos 1.7, Mt 4.4, Jb 34.10.
12. Rom 4.19-21.
4. God’s providence reveals his almighty power, unknowable wisdom, and infinite goodness. His providence extends even to the fall13 and to all other sins of angels and men.14 These sins are not simply allowed by God, but are bound,15 ordered, and governed by him in the fullness of his wisdom and power so that they fulfill his own holy purposes.16 However, the sinfulness still belongs to the creature and does not proceed from God, whose holy righteousness does not and cannot cause or approve sin.17
13. This statement is sustained by the doctrines of God’s decrees and providence. See citations under Chapter 3 and Chapter 5, Sections 1, 2, 3.
14. Rom 11.32-34, 2 Sm 24.1, 1 Chr 21.1, 1 Kgs 22.22-23, 1 Chr 10.4, 13-14, 2 Sm 16.10, Acts 2.23,4.27-28, see citations under Chapter 3 and Chapter 5, Sections 1, 2, 3, Is 45.7. 15. Acts 14.16, Ps 76.10, 2 Kgs 19.28, Is 10.5-7, 12, 15.
16. Gn 50.20, Is 10.6-7, 12-15, see under figure 15 above.
17. Jas 1.13-14, 17, 1 Jn 2.16, Ps 50.21. Providence 12
5. In the fullness of his wisdom, righteousness, and grace God often allows his own children to be tempted in various ways and for a time to pursue the corruption of their own hearts. God does this to chastise them for their previous sins and to reveal to them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness in their hearts, so that they may be humbled.18 In addition to various other just and holy results, believers are thereby raised to a closer and more constant dependence on God for their support and are also made more alert in detecting and resisting opportunities to sin.19
18. 2 Chr 32.25,26,31, 2 Sm 24.1,25, Dt 8.2, Lk 22.31-32.
19. 2 Cor 12.7-9, Ps 73, 77.1-12, Mk 14.66-72, Jn 21.15-19.
6. It is different for the wicked and the ungodly. As punishment for their previous sins, God, the righteous judge, spiritually blinds and hardens them in their own sinfulness.20 From them God not only withdraws his grace, by which they might have been spiritually enlightened,21 but sometimes he also withdraws whatever gift of spiritual understanding they already had22 and deliberately exposes them to the opportunities for sinning which their corrupt nature naturally seeks.23 He thereby gives them over to their own desires, to the temptations of the world, and to the power of Satan,24 and so it happens that they harden themselves even under those circumstances which God uses to soften others.25
20. Rom 1.24-26,28, 11.7-8, 2 Thes 2.11-12.
21. Dt 29.4, Mk 4.11-12.
|22. Mt 13.12, 25.29, Acts 13.10-11, 2 Cor 11.13,15.
23. Dt 2.30, 2 Kgs 8.12-13.
24. Ps 81.11-12, 2 Thes 2.10-12, 2 Cor 2.11, 11.3.
25. Ex 7.3, 8.15,32, 2 Cor 2.15-16, Is 8.14, 1 Pt 2.7-8, Is 6.9-10, Acts 28.26-27
7. Just as the providence of God in general extends to every creature, so, in a very special way it takes care of his church and orders all things for its good.26
26. 1 Tm 4.10, Am 9.8-9, Rom 8.28, Is 43.3-5,14, Eph 1.22, Mt 16.18.
Chapter 6 The Fall of Man, Sin, and the Punishment for Sin
1. Our first parents were led astray by the cunning temptation of Satan and sinned in eating the forbidden fruit.1 It pleased God to allow them to sin, because in his wisdom and holiness he planned to order their sin to his own glory.2
1. Gn 3.13, 2 Cor 11.3, Gn 3.1-14.
2. Rom 11.32, 5.19-21.
2. By this sin they fell from their original righteousness and fellowship with God,3 and so became dead in sin4 and completely polluted in all their faculties and parts of body and soul.5
3. Gn 3.6-8, Eccl 7.29, Rom 3.23, Gn 2.17.
4. Gn 2.17, Eph 2.1-3, Rom 5.12,
5. Ti 1.15, Gn 6.5, Jer 17.9, Rom 3.10-19, 8.6-8, Ps 58.1-5. 3.
Since Adam and Eve are the root of all mankind, the guilt for this sin has been imputed to all human beings,6 who are their natural descendants and have inherited the same death in sin and the same corrupt nature.7
6. Gn 1.27-28, 2.16-17, Rom 5.12,15-19, Acts 17.26, 1 Cor 15.21-22,45,49.
7. Ps 51.5, Gn 5.3, Jb 14.4, 15.14, Jn 3 and 6, Rom 3.10-18.
4. This original corruption completely disinclines, incapacitates, and turns us away from every good, while it completely inclines us to every evil.8 From it proceed all actualized sins.9
8. Rom 5.6, 7.18, 8.7, Col 1.21, Jn 3.6, Gn 6.5, 8.21, Rom 3.10-19.
9. Jas 1.14-15, Eph 2.2-3, Mt 15.19.
5. During life on earth this corrupt nature remains in those who are regenerated,10 and, although it is pardoned and deadened in Christ, yet it and all its impulses are truly and properly sinful.11
10. 1 Jn 1.8,10, Rom 7.14, 17-18, 21-23, Jas 3.2, Prv 20.9, Eccl 7.20.
11. Rom 7.5, 7-8, 25, Gal 5.17.
6. Every sin, both original and actual, transgresses the righteous law of God and brings guilt on the sinner.12 Every sinner is consequently subjected to the wrath of God,13 the curse of the law,14 and death,15 with all the resultant miseries, spiritual, temporal, and eternal.16
12. 1 Jn 3.4, Rom 2.15, 3.9,19.
13. Eph 2.3, Rom 5.12.
14. Gal 3.10.
15. Rom 6.23, Gn 2.17.
16. Eph 4.18, Rom 8.20, Lam 3.39, Mt 25.41, 2 Thes 1.9, Rom 1.21-28, Lv 26.14ff, Dt 28.15ff.
Chapter 7 God’s Covenant with Man
1. The distance between God and his creation is so great, that, although reasoning creatures owe him obedience as their creator, they nonetheless could never realize any blessedness or reward from him without his willingly condescending to them. And so it pleased God to provide for man by means of covenants.1
1. Is 40.13-17, Jb 9.32-33, 1 Sm 2.25, Ps 100.2-3, 113.5-6, Jb 22.2-3, 35.7-8, Lk 17.10, Acts 17.24-25, see General Note.
2. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works.2 In it life was promised to Adam and through him to his descendants,3 on the condition of perfect, personal obedience.4
2. Hos 6.7, Gn 2.16-17, Gal
3.10, Rom 5.12,19, 1 Cor 15.22,47, Gal 3.12. 3. Rom 5.12-20, 10.5.
4. Gn 2.17, Gal 3.10; Compare Gn 2.16-17 with Rom 5.12-14, 10.5, Lk 10.25-28, and with the covenants made with Noah and Abraham.
3. By his fall, man made himself incapable of life under that covenant, and so the Lord made a second, the covenant of grace.5 In it he freely offers sinners life and salvation through Jesus Christ. In order to be saved he requires faith in Jesus6 and promises to give his Holy Spirit to all who are ordained to life so that they may be willing and able to believe.7
5. Gal 3.21, Rom 3.20-21, 8.3, Gn 3.15, Is 42.6, Mt 26.28, Heb 10.5-10.
6. Mk 16.15-16, Jn 3.16, Rom 10.6,9, Gal 3.11, Acts 16.30-31, Mt 28.18-20, Rom 1.16-17.
7. Ez 36.26-27, Jn 6.37,44-45, 5.37, 3.5-8, Acts 13.48, Lk 11.13, Gal 3.14.
4. This covenant of grace is frequently identified in Scripture as a testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ, the testator, and to the everlasting inheritance and everything included in that legacy.8
8. Heb 9.15-17, 7.22, Lk 22.20, 1 Cor 11.25.
5. This covenant was administered differently in the time of the law and in the time of the gospel.9 Under the law it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances given to the Jewish people, all foreshadowing Christ.10 For that time the covenant administered under the law through the operation of the Spirit was sufficient and effective in instructing the elect and building up their faith in the promised Messiah,11 by whom they had full remission of their sins and eternal salvation. This administration is called the Old Testament.12
9. 2 Cor 3.6-9, Heb 1.1-2.
10. Heb 8-10, Rom 4.11, Col 2.11-12, 1 Cor 5.7, Col 2.17.
11. 1 Cor 10.1-4, Heb 11.13, Jn 8.56, Gal 3.6-8.
12. Gal 3.7-9, 14, Acts 15.11, Rom 3.30.
6. Under the gospel Christ himself, the substance13 of God’s grace, was revealed. The ordinances of this New Testament are the preaching of the word and the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s supper.14 Although these are fewer in number and are administered with more simplicity and less outward glory, yet they are available to all nations, Jews and Gentiles,15 and in them the spiritual power of the covenant of grace is more fully developed.16 There are not then two essentially different covenants of grace, but one and the same covenant under different dispensations.17
13. Gal 2.17, Col 2.17.
14. Mt 28.19-20, 1 Cor 11.23-25, 2 Cor 3.7-11.
15. Mt 28.19, Eph 2.15-19, see under figure 11 above, Lk 2.32, Acts 10.34-35.
16. Heb 12.22-28, Jer 31.33-34, Heb 8.6-13, 2 Cor 3.9-11.
17. Lk 22.20, Heb 8.7-9, Gal 3.14,16, Acts 15.11, Rom 3.21-23,30, Ps 32.1, Rom 4.3,6,16-17,23-24, Heb 13.8, Gal 3.17,29, see context and citations under figure 10 above, Heb 1.1-2.