T H E
C H R I S T I A N F A I T H
B E I N G
A S U M M A R Y O F B I B L E D O C T R I N E
I N T H E F O R M O F Q U E S T I O N S & A N S W E R S.
W i t h S c r i p t u r e P r o o f s.
If any man desires to do his will, he will know of the doctrine whether it is of God (John 7:17).
Knowing that you are not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. (1. Peter 1:18-19).
METHOD:
Direct Scripture quotations are given to verify each answer, wherever possible. This applies especially to the major doctrinal truths of the Bible. So rich is the bible that not all possible Scripture references are given for any statement, but sufficient are supplied to support the point made, allowing for further study by the reader. Some statements are made on just and necessary consequence from Scripture (the analogy of faith), and so are Scriptural, although in such a case no direct and specific quotations may be stated. This is a principle understood and applied in that previous excellent summary of the Biblical Reformed faith, the Westminster Confession of Faith (1.6): ‘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 by traditions of men.’ If effect these statements simply summarise and apply wider Biblical teachings and truths.
In this, as in all Confessions and doctrinal summaries of the faith, it must be clearly understood that the BIBLE itself, not the explication of it in the summary or Confession, is the only absolute authority. Saving faith does not lie in a Confession (however pure and correct) but in personal spiritual union with the Saviour, Christ Jesus. Faith and understanding can only advance when it is real, and active. However, a true Confession or doctrinal summary does have some divine authority, in so much as it is a faithful summary and explanation of divinely given Bible truth. Its authority is thus real, but secondary and imputed, so far as it is derived from the Holy Scriptures themselves.
What is the purpose of your life?
To know God, and to worship and enjoy him forever.
You have created all nations to come and worship before you, O Lord, and they shall glorify your name. (Psalm 86:9).
Your people shall all be righteous…so that I may be glorified. (Isaiah 60:21).
What must I know about myself, in order to know God?
Three things: how great my sins are1, how I may be delivered from my sins2, and how I may express my gratitude to God acceptably3.
1.How great my sins are:
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23).
The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (1. Corinthians 6:11).
I acknowledged my sin to you, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD. (Psalm 32:5).
I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin. (Psalm 38:18).
I said, LORD, be merciful to me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. (Psalm 41:4).
I confess my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, and you only, have I sinned, and done evil in your sight. (Psalm 51:3-4).
We and our fathers have sinned, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. (Psalm 106:6).
He who covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall find mercy. (Proverbs 28:13).
There is not a just man on earth, who does good and does not sin. (Ecclesiastes 7:20).
We have already proved that both Jews and gentiles are all under sin. (Romans 3:9).
If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1. John 1:9-10).
2. How I may be delivered from my sins:
The Lord, the LORD, is my strength and my song, he also has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2).
Do not fear for behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10).
There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12).
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you and your household shall be saved. (Acts 16:31).
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, who God foreordained to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remitting of sins in time past through the forbearance of God, to declare, I say, his righteousness at this time, that he might be just, and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus. (Romans 3:24-26).
In this is that love, not that we loved God but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins. (1. John. 4:10.)
3. How I may express my gratitude to God acceptably:
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4).
Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1. Corinthians 10:31).
That the abundant grace might rebound to the glory of God, through the thanksgiving of many. (2. Corinthians 4:15).
You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11).
Who is God?
God is an almighty1, spiritual being2, eternal3, incomprehensible4, invisible5, unchangeable6, unlimited7, all pure8, all good9, all knowing10, perfectly wise11, perfectly just12, all merciful13 whose very essence is love14, the creator and upholder of all things15, sovereign over all event16, the Holy One17, the only God.18
1.God is Almighty:
And when Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him: I am the Almighty God. (Genesis 17:1).
And God said to him: I am God Almighty. (Genesis 35:11).
God said to Moses: I AM THAT I AM. (Exodus 3:14).
Delight in the Almighty, and lift up your face to God. (Job 22:26).
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1).
All things are possible with God. (Mark 10:27).
2. God is a spiritual being:
God is Spirit and they who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24).
3. God is eternal:
The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27).
The counsel of the LORD stands forever, and the thoughts of his heart to all generations. (Psalm 33:11).
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. (Psalm 90:2).
You, O LORD, shall endure forever. (Psalm 102:12).
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending says the Lord, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 4:8).
4. God is incomprehensible:
He does great things past finding out, yes, wonders without number. (Job 9:10).
God thunders marvellously with his voice, yes, he does beyond our comprehension. (Job 37:5).
Concerning the Almighty, we cannot find him out. (Job 37:23).
We ought not to think that the Godhead is like gold, or silver, or stone, worked by art and man’s devices. (Acts 17:29).
5. God is invisible:
No man has seen God at any time. (1. John 4:12).
You saw no manner of shape on the day when the LORD spoke to you out of Horeb. (Deuteronomy 4:15).
No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, ever existing in the bosom of the Father, he declared him. (John 1:18).
6. God is unchangeable:
He is unchangeable, so who can turn him? (Job 23:13).
I am the LORD, I do not change. (Malachi 3:6).
The Father of lights with whom is no variableness, nor hint of change. (James 1:17).
7. God is unlimited:
Will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain you. ( 1. Kings 8:27).
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend up into heaven you are there, if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall your hand lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:7-10).
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, for his greatness is unsearchable. (Psalm 145:3).
Our Lord is great, and great in power, his wisdom is infinite. (Psalm 147:5).
Do I not fill heaven and earth, says the LORD? (Jeremiah 23:24).
The fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:23).
8. God is all pure:
You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look at iniquity. (Habakkuk 1:13).
9. God is all good:
Remember the marvellous works that he has done, his wonders, and the judgements of his mouth. (Psalm 103:5).
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his merciful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8).
There is none good but one, that is, God. (Matthew 19:17).
The riches of his loving kindness, forbearance, long suffering and goodness. (Romans 2:4).
10. God is all knowing:
Perfect knowledge is with you. (Job 36:4).
O LORD, you have searched me, and know me, you know my sitting down and my rising up, you understand my thoughts afar off. You accompany my walk and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways, for there is not a word in my tongue, but, O LORD, you know it completely. (Psalm 139:1-4).
All things are naked and helpless before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. (Hebrews 4:13).
God is greater than our hearts, and knows everything. (1. John 3:20).
11. God is perfectly wise:
O LORD, how many are your works! You have made them all in your wisdom, and the earth is full of your riches. (Psalm 104:24).
By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom. (Isaiah 10:13).
O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33).
There is no creature that is not displayed to his sight for all things are naked and helpless before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. (Hebrews 4:13).
12. God is perfectly just:
Shall the judge of the earth not do right? (Genesis 18:25).
Who will by no means clear the guilty. (Exodus 34:7).
His work is perfect for all his ways are just, he is a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right. (Deuteronomy 32:4).
He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (Psalm 96:13).
13. God is all merciful:
The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious. (Exodus 34:6).
The faithful God, who keeps his covenant mercy with those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deuteronomy 7:9).
Remember, O LORD, your tender mercies and your loving kindness. (Psalm 25:6).
I will keep my mercy for him forevermore. (Psalm 89:28).
The LORD is gracious and righteous, yes, our God is merciful. (Psalm 116:5).
The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. (2. Corinthians 1:3).
God who is rich in mercy. (Ephesians 4:2).
However, I obtained mercy. (1. Timothy 1:16).
Blessed be Go, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again. (1. Peter 1:3).
14. God’s essence is love:
I have loved you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3).
God is love. (1. John 4:8, 16).
15. God is the Creator and Upholder:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1).
God created man in his own image. (Genesis 1:27).
All his works that God created and made. (Genesis 2:3).
You have made heaven and earth. (2. Kings 19:15).
Lord, how many are your works! You have made them all by your wisdom. (Psalm 104:24).
You send forth your spirit and they are created. You constantly renew the face of the earth. (Psalm 104:30).
Our God is in the heavens, and he has done whatever he pleased. (Psalm 115:3).
The LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 40:28).
God the LORD, he who created the heavens and stretched then out, he who spread forth the earth, and that which comes out of it, he that gives breath to the people on it. (Isaiah 42:5).
I am the LORD who makes all things. (Isaiah 44:24).
I have made the earth, and created man on it. (Isaiah 45:12).
He has made the earth by his power, he has established the world by his wisdom, and stretched out the heavens by his discretion. (Jeremiah 10:12).
I have made the earth and the man and the beast that are on the ground by my great power and by my outstretched arm. (Jeremiah 27:5).
You have made the heaven and earth by your great power and stretched out arm , and there is nothing too hard for you. (Jeremiah 32:17).
He made the earth by his power, the established the world by his wisdom, he stretched out the heavens by his understanding. (Jeremiah 51:15).
He does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth. (Daniel 4:35).
Sovereign Lord, the God who made the heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them. (Acts 4:24).
The Creator, who is blessed forever. (Romans 1:25).
By him all things have been created. (Colossians 1:16).
God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 3:9).
Every house is built by someone, but he who builds all things is God. (Hebrews 3:4).
All things were made by him, and without him nothing was created that has been created. (John 1:3).
You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11).
16. God is sovereign over all things:
The LORD does whatever he pleases in the heavens and on the earth. (Psalm 135:6).
All the inhabitants of the earth are counted as nothing, and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth. (Daniel 4:35).
17. The Holy One:
I am Holy. (Leviticus 11:44).
I, the LORD, am holy. (Leviticus 20:26).
Give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. (Psalm 30:4).
Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts. (Isaiah 6:3).
Holy, Holy, Holy, the Lord God Almighty. (Revelation 4:8).
You only are holy. (Revelation 15:4).
Are there more Gods than one?
There is only one God, the true and living God.
Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God is the one LORD. (Deuteronomy 6:4).
Is there a God beside me? There is none. (Isaiah 44:8).
There is none beside me. (Isaiah 45:6).
The LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king. (Jeremiah 10:10).
There is one God, and there is no other but he. (Mark 12:32).
You turned from worship of idols to serve the true and living God. (1. Thessalonians 1:9).
There is no other God but one. (1. Corinthians 8:4).
There is just one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things. (1. Corinthians 8:6).
How many Persons are there in the Godhead?
There are three Persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, the same in substance and equal in power and glory.
The LORD said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool. (Psalm 110:1).
And Jesus, when he was baptised, went up at once from the water and the heavens were opened over him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting on him, and a voice from heaven saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I always delight. (Matthew 3:16-17).
Go and teach all nations, baptising them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19).
Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit…you have not lied to men but to God. (Acts 5:3-4).
God has sent the Spirit of his Son out into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6).
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty, but we shall all see the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces as in a mirror, and are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even by the same Spirit of the Lord. (2. Corinthians 3:17-18).
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. (2. Corinthians 13:14).
Through him we have access in one Spirit to the Father. (Ephesians 2:18).
The pillar and ground of the truth is, beyond any controversy, the great mystery of godliness that God was manifested in flesh, justified in the Spirit. (1. Timothy 3:16).
Elect according to the predestination of God the Father through sanctification of the Spirit into obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. (1. Peter 1:2).
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1).
When the Comforter has come, whom I will send you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father. (John 15:26).
He is antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son. (1. John 2:23).
There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. (1. John 5:7).
How are we to understand the names and titles Father Son and Holy Spirit, when referring to one undivided God?
Although the Trinity in unity is a deep mystery to human understanding, God existed eternally as both Three and One, in a covenanted relationship of mutual love and satisfaction1. The three Persons have each a distinct (but interconnected) role in the salvation of the elect. The Father sends the Son (who proceeds from the Father)2 and the Father and Son send the Holy Spirit (who proceeds from the Father and the Son)3 to work this salvation for his people.
1. I was by him…and I was daily his delight. (Proverbs 8:30).
This is my beloved Son, in whom I always delight. (Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22).
This is my beloved Son. (Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35, Luke 20:13).
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (2. Peter 1:17).
The Father loves the Son. (John 5:20).
The world may know that I love the Father. (John 14:31).
God is love, and he who dwells in love dwells in God. (1.John 4:16).
2. The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (1.John 4:14).
God has sent the Spirit of his Son out into your hearts. (Galatians 4:6).
3. When the comforter has come, whom I will send to you from the Father. (John 15:26).
How does the Bible prove that the three Persons of the Trinity are also one God?
By applying the same names and titles of the absolute God both to the Godhead and to each divine Person individually1, and by attributing the same qualities and activities to each of the divine Persons.
1. Names and titles:
Father: The same Lord over all (Romans 10:12).
Son: Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11).
Holy Spirit: Who has known the mind of the Lord? (Romans 11:43).
- Qualities and activities:
HOLY
Father: Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and glorify your name? You only are holy. (Revelation 15:4).
Son: You denied the holy and just one. (Acts 3:14).
Holy Spirit: The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit. (John 14:26).
ETERNAL
Father: The everlasting God. (Roman 16:26).
Son: I, Jesus…am the root and offspring of David, the bright and morning star. (Revelation 22:16).
Holy Spirit: The eternal Spirit. Hebrews 9:14.)
OMNIPRESENT
Father: Do I not fill heaven and earth, says the LORD? (Jeremiah 23:24).
Son: He has put all things under his feet. (Ephesians 1:22).
Holy Spirit: where shall I go from your Spirit? (Psalm 139:7).
TRUE
Father: He who sent me is true. (John 7:28).
Son: These things says he who is holy, he who is true. (Revelation 3:7).
Holy Spirit: The Spirit is truth. (1. John 5:6).
OF ONE MIND.
Father: Who has understood the mind of the Lord?
Son: We have the mind of Christ. (1. Corinthians 2:16).
Holy Spirit: The mind of the Spirit. (Romans 8:27).
LAWGIVER
Father: The law of God. (Romans 7:25).
Son: The law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2).
Holy Spirit: The law of the Spirit (Romans 8:2).
SINFUL TO TEMPT
Father: You shall not test the LORD your God. (Deuteronomy 6:16).
Son: Neither let us try Christ, as some of them tried him. (1. Corinthians 10:9).
Holy Spirit: How is it that you have agreed to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? (Acts 5:9).
DIVINE WORKS
Father: God who works all in all. (1. Corinthians 11:6).
Son: Christ is all in all. (Colossians 3:11).
Holy Spirit: These are wrought by the same Spirit. (2. Corinthians 12:11).
REVEALING TRUTH
Father: God will reveal even that to you. (Philippians 3:15).
Son: By revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:12).
Christ…speaking in me. (2. Corinthians 13:3).
God who spoke to our fathers in time past…has spoken to us by his Son. (Hebrews 1:1-2).
Holy Spirit: It is not you who speaks, but the Holy Spirit. (Mark 13:11).
It has been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit. (Luke 2:26).
TEACHING
Father: They shall all be taught of God. (John 6:45).
Son: It was taught…by revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:12).
Holy Spirit: The Comforter…shall teach you all things. (John 14:26).
LEADING
Father: I am the Lord your God…who leads you. (Isaiah 48:17).
Son: He calls his sown sheep by name, and leads them. (John 10:3).
Holy Spirit: As many as are led by the Spirit of God. (Romans 8:14).
WORKING CHRIST’S RESURRECTION
Father: God has raised up the Lord. (1. Corinthians 6:14).
Son: I will raise it up in three days. (John 2:19).
Holy Spirit: Quickened in the Spiritual body. (1. Peter 3:18).
CALLING MINISTERS
Father: God who has enabled us to be ministers of the new covenant. (2. Corinthians 3:5-6).
Son: Jesus Christ…putting me into the ministry. (1. Timothy 1:12).
Holy Spirit: The flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. (Acts 20:28).
WORKING SANCTIFICATION
Father: Those who are sanctified by God the Father. (Jude 1:1).
Son: Both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all of one, for he is not ashamed to call them brethren. (Hebrews 2:11).
Holy Spirit: Being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:16).
INDWELLING BELIEVERS
Father: God is certainly among you. (1. Corinthians 14:25).
Son: Jesus Christ is in you. (Romans 8:10).
Holy Spirit: The Spirit of truth…dwells in you, and shall be in you. (John 14:17).
The Holy Spirit who is in you, which you have from God, and so you are not your own. (1. Corinthians 6:19).
His Spirit that dwells in you. (Romans 8:11).
Was it necessary for one Person of the Godhead to become man, in order to work salvation for his people?
Yes. It was necessary that the nature that sinned, humanity, should pay the redemption price and bear the punishment due to human sin1. This required a perfect, unfallen, un-sinning true human2.
1. It was necessary for him to be made like his brethren. (Hebrews 2: 17).
Behold my servant, whom I uphold, in whom my soul delights. I have put my Spirit on him, and he shall bring forth judgment to the gentiles. (Isaiah 42:1). As the children are partakers of flesh and blood, so he himself also took on the same. (Hebrews 2:14).
2. He was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15).
He made him who knew no sin to be sin for us. (2. Corinthians 5:21).
Who did no sin, nor was guile found in his mouth. (1. Peter 2:22).
In him is no sin. (1. John 3:5).
Which Person of the Godhead undertook this task, and how was it achieved?
Called to this role by God the Father, God the Son undertook the task, by being conceived by God the Holy Spirit in a virgin’s womb, and born as a true man, yet without sin. In this way he could, in due time, offer a perfect sin-offering to the Tri-Une Godhead, in full atonement for all of the sins of his people.
The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you, therefore the holy child that you shall bear shall be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:35).
When the full time was come God sent forth his Son, born of a woman. (Galatians 4:4).
There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ. (1. Timothy 2:5).
The great mystery of godliness is that God was manifest in flesh. (1. Timothy 3:16).
Was God the Son, when incarnate as Jesus the Messiah, truly both fully God and fully man at the same time, and how may this be proved?
Yes. Jesus Christ was (and is) truly both God and man, simultaneously, and yet without confusion of natures. This is proven by the record of Christ’s limited knowledge and ability according to his human nature1, alongside his unlimited knowledge and power according to his divine nature2, and his ability to switch between these natures at will.
Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider his being equal with God questionable. (Philippians 2:6).
Christ came, who is God blessed over all. (Romans 9:5).
In whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9).
God was manifest in flesh. (1. Timothy 3:16).
- Limited knowledge as man:
The child continued to grow and become stronger is the Spirit, filled with wisdom. (Luke 2:40).
Seeing a lone fig tree afar off having many leaves, he came, if perhaps he might find anything on it. (Mark 11:13).
Of that day and that hour no one knows, no, not the angels who are in heaven, neither the Son, (human nature) but the Father. I and the Father are one (divine nature). (Matthew 24:36. with John 10:30).
- Unlimited knowledge as God:
Jesus, knowing their thoughts (Matthew 9:4, also Matthew 12:35, Luke 5:22, Luke 6:8).
He had no need for anyone to testify about mankind, for he knew what was in man. (John 2:25).
He who comes from heaven is above all and he testifies to what he has seen and heard. (John 3:31-32).Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I will go that I might awake him out of sleep. (John 11:11).You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. (1.John 2:20).
What is the sin against the Holy Spirit, and why is it unpardonable?
The sin against the Holy Spirit consists of deliberate rejection of the claims of Christ to be the sole and only possible Saviour, as he is presented to mankind by the Holy Spirit in the Bible, and through his activity in directing faithful preaching and witness. Although it is true that the reprobate will not be converted, yet, beyond their inherited sinful nature, they are responsible for their rejection of these claims of Christ. This is an unpardonable sin simply because there can be no pardon without repentance and faith in Christ, as he is presented to the world by the Holy Spirit.
All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men, but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven to men. (Matthew 21:31).
Whoever speaks a word against the Son of man shall be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven, neither in the present world, nor in that to come. (Matthew 21:32).
He who despised Moses law died without mercy on the word of two or three witnesses. Of how much more severe punishment do you suppose he will be judged who is convicted of having trodden underfoot the Son of God and treated the blood of the covenant…as an unholy thing. (Hebrews 10:28-29).
If we sin wilfully despite being taught the truth there remains no sacrifice for sin. (Hebrews 10:26).
What is meant by God’s work of creation?
The work of creation is God the Trinity’s work in making all things out of nothing by the word of his holy power, in the space of six literal days, and all in perfection.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1).
God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31).
You made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all things that are on it, the seas and all that is in them. (Nehemiah 9:6).
The Spirit of God made me, the breath of the Almighty has given me life. (Job 33:4).
The heavens were made by the word of the LORD, and all the hosts of them by the breath of his mouth. (Psalm 33:6).
I have made the earth and the man and the beast that are on the ground by my great power, and by my outstretched arm. (Jeremiah 27:5).
The LORD who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundations of the earth. (Zechariah 12:1).
The one true living God, who made heaven and earth and the sea and all things that are in them. (Acts 14:15).
Through faith we understand that God spoke the worlds into existence, so that the things that are visible were not made from anything that can be seen. (Hebrews 11:3).
You created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11).
Worship him who made heaven and earth. (Revelation 14:7).
What is meant by in the beginning?
That time as we know it began with God’s creation of the universe.
Then God said: Let there be lights in the expanse of heaven to separate day from night, and let them be for signs, and for months, and for days, and for years. (Genesis 1:14).
Were the days of Genesis Chapter One literal twenty-four hour days?
Yes. By limiting them each between an evening and a morning the Bible is explicit that the creation days were normal, twenty-four hour days.
God called the light day, and he called the darkness night. And there was an evening, and there was a morning, the first day. (Genesis 1: 5).
There was an evening and there was a morning, the second day. (Genesis 1: 7).
There was an evening and there was a morning, the third day. (Genesis 1:13).
There was an evening and there was a morning, the fourth day. (Genesis 1:19).
There was an evening and there was a morning, the fifth day. (Genesis 1:23).
There was an evening and there was a morning, the sixth day. (Genesis 1: 31).
God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on it he rested from all his works that God created and made. (Genesis 2: 3).
Does God continue to uphold and control his creation?
Yes. He constantly upholds and controls creation by his providence.
You, even you alone, are the LORD. You made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all the things that are on it, the seas, and all that is in them, and you preserve them all. (Nehemiah 9:6).
O Lord, you preserve man and beast. (Psalm 36:6).
For of him, and through him, and in him, are all things. (Romans 11:36).
What is God’s providence?
God’s providence is the almighty power by which he, as sovereign, sustains and governs his creation and all that it contains, eternally, and according to his own good pleasure.
Who holds our soul in life, and does not permit our feet to be moved. (Psalm 66:9).
O LORD, how many are your works! You have made them all in your wisdom, and the earth is full of your riches. (Psalm 104:24).
You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145:17).
The lot is shaken in the container, but the whole disposing of it is of the LORD. (Proverbs 16:33).
Are not two sparrows sold for a single assarion? Not one of them alights on the ground without your Father. (Matthew 19:29).
The very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Matthew 10:30).
Upholding all things by the word of his power. (Hebrews 1:3).
How did God create the first man, Adam?
On the sixth day God formed Adam from the soil of the earth, breathed life into him, and Adam became a living soul.
The LORD God formed Adam out of the soil of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7).
I am also formed out of the clay. (Job 33:6).
Although Adam was perfect and set above all creatures, did he lack anything?
Yes, he lacked a companion who was his equal.
Then the LORD God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make him a helpmate who is like him. (Genesis 2:18).
What suitable companion did God provide?
The first woman, Eve.
And Adam renamed his wife Eve, because she was to be the mother of all living. (Genesis 3:20).
How did God create Eve?
God made Adam sleep, and took one of his ribs and formed the woman, so that they were made two from one flesh.
The LORD God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep and as he slept he took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh in its place instead, and the LORD formed a woman from the rib he had taken from Adam, and he brought her to Adam. (Genesis 2:21-22).
What did this symbolise?
That it was God’s design that by marriage one man and one woman would join together, for mutual love and companionship, and to bring forth children to populate the earth. More specifically it shows forth the production of an elected covenant seed to love and serve God through all eternity.
You shall therefore keep his statutes and his commandments that I command you this day, that it may go well with you and with your children after you. (Deuteronomy 4:40).
The LORD shall increase them more and more, they and their children. (Psalm 115:14).
He has blessed your children. (Psalm 147:13.)
The seed of the righteous shall be delivered. (Proverbs 11:21).
For this reason a man leaves his father and his mother and is joined to a wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, for I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:31-32.)
What was the moral nature of Adam and Eve following their creation by God?
They were perfectly pure and holy in every way, dressed in God-given robes of creation righteousness, because created innocent in God’s image.
God made man upright. (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul be joyful in my God for he has clothed me with garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10).
Dressed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the saints righteousness. (Revelation 19:8).
Did Adam and Eve then possess a free will?
Only God has a truly free will, for only God is sovereign. Adam and Eve’s wills were voluntarily subject to God, and thus not sovereignly free.
Let us make man after our image and after our likeness. (Genesis 1:21).
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27).
A man’s heart devises his way, but the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9).
There are many devices in a man’s heart, nevertheless the counsel of the LORD shall stand. (Proverbs 19:21).
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD as the streams of water, he turns it wherever he will. (Proverbs 21:1).
What are angels?
Angels are spiritual beings created to serve God, superior to man in intelligence, invisible to those on earth.
The chariots of God are myriads, even many thousands of angels. (Psalm 68:17).
Thousands of thousands ministered to him and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. (Daniel 7:10).
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to minister to those who are to inherit salvation. (Hebrews 1:14).
The company of angels beyond counting. (Hebrews 12:22).
Who is Satan?
Satan or the Devil is a leading angel, who became evil and led a rebellion against God. He is the fount and cause of all evil and wickedness.
How have you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer? (Isaiah 14:12).
The good seed are the children of the kingdom, but the darnel are the children of the wicked one. (Matthew 13:38).
I watched Satan fell as lightning from heaven. (Luke 10:18).
The devil sinned from the beginning. (1. John 3:8).
A great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns and seven diadems on his heads, and his tail caught the third part of the stars of heaven and threw them down to the earth. (Revelation 12:3-4).
The dragon, that old serpent, who is the Accuser, Satan. (Revelation 20:2).
Can this rebellion succeed in any way?
Absolutely not. The Devil and his fallen angels are controlled by God’s sovereignty, have been condemned for their sin, and are reserved to be chained in darkness forever.
Then shall the Wicked be revealed, who the Lord will consume with the spirit of his mouth and destroy with the glory of his coming. (2. Thessalonians 2:8).
The angels who did not keep their original stations but abandoned their duties he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness until the judgment of the great day. (Jude 6).
God did not spare the angels who sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved for judgment. (2. Peter 2:4).
I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. (1. John 2:13).
The Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil. (1. John 3:8).
He who is begotten of God guards himself, and the wicked one cannot touch him. (1. John 5:18).
What pleasant work did God assign to Adam and Eve?
They were to exercise control over the creation, and especially to look after a beautiful garden called Eden. Adam was also required to keep or guard it.
The LORD GOD took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. (Genesis 2:15).
What special command was added to these duties?
They were forbidden to eat of the fruit of one specific tree in the middle of the garden.
The LORD God commanded the man, saying: You shall eat freely of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall certainly die. (Genesis 2:16-17).
Did Adam and Eve obey God in this?
No. Adam failed to guard against possible temptation, and Satan tempted Eve to eat the fruit, and she in turn tempted Adam, and they sinned in eating it.
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field that the LORD god had made. And he said to the woman: Has God really said, you shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman replied to the serpent: We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden, but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden God has said you shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. Then the serpent said to the woman: You shall not surely die, for God knows that in the day that you eat of it your eyes shall be opened and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit of it and ate, and gave to her husband with her also, and he ate. (Genesis 3:1-6).
What is sin?
Sin is anything that does not agree with, or breaks, the law of God.
If a soul sins, and commits any of those things that are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD, though he did not know it, yet he is guilty, and shall bear his iniquity. (Leviticus 5:17).
I was shaped in iniquity and in sin my mother conceived me. (Psalm 51:5).
Your iniquities have separated between you and God, and your sins have hidden his face from you. (Isaiah 59:2).
Whatever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:23).
When sinful urges have conceived they produce sinful acts, and when sinful acts become established they bring forth death. (James 1:15).
To him who knows to do good, and does not do it, that is sin in him. (James 4:17).
Whoever commits sin breaks the law, for sin is the breaking of the law. (1. John 3:4).
What did Adam and Eve lose, on becoming sinners?
They lost their created immortality and their created righteousness innocence and its shining robes, and so they became unclean and unholy and had to make artificial coverings for themselves. From then on they could only produce sinful children, in their fallen image.
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one! (Job 14:4).
By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners. (Romans 5:19).
Can God overlook sin?
No. God is holy and just and cannot overlook sin, which is wicked rebellion against his holiness.
You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity. (Habakkuk 1:13).
What does all sin deserve?
All sin deserves punishment.
In the day you eat of it you shall surely die. (Genesis 2:17).
What immediate punishment did God place on Adam and Eve?
By sin they became mortal, and would have to die. Adam would have to labour hard to provide for himself and his family. Eve would bring forth children in pain and sorrow.
He said to the woman: i will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception. You shall bring forth children in sorrow, and yet your desire shall still be to your husband, and he shall reign over you. And to Adam he said: Because you have heeded the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree concerning which I commanded you, saying, you shall not eat of it, the ground is depleted for your sake. You shall eat from it in sorrow all the days of your life. Thorns and thistles it shall bring forth to you, and you shall eat of the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken, for of the earth you are, and to the earth you shall return. (Genesis 3:16-19).
What eternal danger did sin place Adam and Eve in?
Sin against an Almighty God has an infinite aspect, demanding eternal punishment.
They shall be punished with everlasting destruction. (1. Thessalonians 2:9).
What has this first sin of Adam and Eve to do with me?
It defines your nature. All humans are descended from Adam and Eve, and therefore the genetic material that we spring from was present in them when they fell1. Therefore we all sinned in them when they sinned, and fell when they fell2.
1. Genetically present in Adam and Eve when they fell:
He has made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth. (Acts 17:26).
Death passed on all men through him in whom we all sinned. (Romans 5:12).
Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes in Abraham because he was in the lions of his father when Melchizedek met him. (Hebrews 7:9-10).
- All sinned in and withy them:
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one! (Job 14:4).
They have all gone out of the way, they have all together become unprofitable, there is none who does good, no, not one. (Romans 3:12).
Therefore sin entered the world by one man, and death by sin, and so death passed on all men through him in whom we all sinned. (Romans 5:12).
You were dead in trespasses and sins. (Ephesians 2:1).
Did Adam and Eve achieve free will by their fall, as Satan claimed they would?
No. Satan is a liar1. The fall affected every part of man, including his will. Mankind’s will is not free but is in bondage to sin. This is called total depravity2
1. There is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie he speaks according to his kind, for he is a liar. (John 8:44).
2. And the LORD 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. (Genesis 6:5).
The wicked, through the pride of their countenance, will not seek the LORD. God is not in their thoughts at all. (Psalm 14:3).
They have all turned aside, they have become altogether filthy, there is none that does good, no not one. (Psalm 14:3.)
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD. (Proverbs 15:26).
My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8).
The heart is deceitful above all things, and very wicked, who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9).
Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. (Matthew 15:19.
Out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these come from inside, and they defile the man. (Mark 7:21-22).
It stands written, there is none righteous, no, not one. (Romans 3:10).
We were children of wrath, even as others are. (Ephesians 2:3).
Does total depravity mean that humans are now totally and completely wicked?
No. Unsaved humans are by nature capable of many good things, but this is only on a physical level. Total depravity means that there is no part of the human being or nature that has not been corrupted by sin to some degree.
They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, none does good. (Psalm 14:1).
Behold, I was shaped in iniquity and in sin my mother conceived me. (Psalm 51:5).
As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one many are made righteous. (Romans 5:19).
What are now the limits of human reason and understanding?
Human intelligence and reason is capable of great understanding of the physical and visible things of creation, but of nothing beyond that1. Moreover, fallen man interprets these things so as to deny or exclude their witness to God2. Insight into the why, rather than just how, things are is an added element, that come only by faith.3
1.The invisible things of him are clearly discernable from the creation of the world. (Romans 1:20).
2. Who repress the truth in unrighteousness. (Romans 1: 18).
Thus they are without excuse because , although they knew God they failed to glorify him as God, nor were thankful, but became vain in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:20-21).
3. Faith is…the evidence of unseen realities. (Hebrews 11:1).
Was God’s plan for mankind disrupted by the fall into sin?
Certainly not. The almighty and all-knowing God knew all about the fall before it happened. He permitted the fall, but only in a way that was under his sovereign control. He would bring greater good out of evil by it.
Go into Pharaoh for I have hardened his heart, and the hearts of his servants, so that I might show these my signs among them. (Exodus 10:1).
And he said: Go, and tell this people, hear indeed, but do not understand, and see indeed, but do not perceive. Make the heart of this people fat and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts and change their ways, and be healed. (Isaiah 6:9-10, John 12:39-40).
Surely the wrath of man shall praise you, and the remainder of wrath you will restrain. (Psalm 76:10).
Whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their own good. (Jeremiah 34:5).
For that reason God will send them strong delusion so that they believe the lie, and so all will be condemned who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in unrighteousness. (2. Thessalonians 2:11-12).
God has put in their hearts to fulfil his will by agreeing to give their kingdom to the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled. (Revelation 17:17).
How did God in this way provide for the fall and its consequences, from eternity past?
God provided for the fall and its consequences from eternity past by way of a divine covenant.
This is my covenant to them, when I shall take away their sins. (Romans 11:27).
What is this divine covenant?
The divine covenant is a mutual agreement by which the three Persons of the Trinity agreed in love to rescue a special number of people from the punishment due to their sins and bring them to share in that covenanted love eternally.
The covenant was confirmed by God in Christ. (Galatians 3:17).
The blood of the everlasting covenant. (Hebrews 13:20).
I have proclaimed your name to the men yiu gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me. (John 17:6).
Father, I will that those you gave me shall be with me where I am. (John 17:24).
What is this covenant called?
It is called the Covenant of redemption, or the Covenant of grace.
Look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is near. (Luke 21:28).
Jesus Christ, who by God had been made our wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. (1. Corinthians 1:30).
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24).
God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, made us live together with Christ, by whose grace you are saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5).
The Holy Spirit of God in whom you are sealed until the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30).
By grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8).
What is the purpose of this divine covenant?
As sin is against an infinite God, and all humans were made sinners in Adam, and all sin in their own persons, all humans are liable to eternal punishment. Only an infinite being, that is one of the Persons of the Godhead, could so substitute for sinners as to satisfy God’s infinite justice.
Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider his being equal with God questionable, yet he made himself of no reputation and took on him the form of a servant and was found in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:5-7).
Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels in order to suffer death. (Hebrews 2:9).So it pleased him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, to bring many sons to glory by consecrating the author of their salvation through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10).
What mutual obligations and duties did the Persons within the Godhead covenant in love to undertake?
God the Father covenanted to grant an immense number of people to God the Son1. God the Son covenanted to take human form and suffer, in their place, the punishment due to them2, God the Holy Spirit covenanted to apply this salvation to them, individually, in time.3
1. This is the Father’s will who sent me, that of all those he has given me I should lose nothing. (John 6:39).
2. Then I said, I come, at the head of the book it is written of me…I come to do your will, O God. (Psalm 40: 7-8, Hebrews 10:7, 10).
3. This is my covenant with them, says the LORD, my Spirit is on you, and the words I have put in your mouth shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of your seed, nor out of the mouth of your seed’s seed, says the LORD, from now on, forever. (Isaiah 59:21).
Was God obliged to make this covenant, and so arrange to save these people?
Not at all. God would have been as holy and as just had he allowed the deserved eternal punishment to fall on all humanity. Salvation is entirely by God’s grace.
Your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20).
God has chosen you to salvation from the beginning. (2. Thessalonians 2:13).
He chose us in him before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4).
The church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven. (Hebrews 12:23).
No man can come to me except the Father who has sent me draws him. (John 6:44).
Does the church have any role in this covenant?
No. The covenant is between the Persons of the Godhead alone. The church, that is the elect in both Old and New Testament times, enter into the blessings of the covenant through God’s grace, as heirs and beneficiaries, not as partners. The church’s role is to thank, praise, and magnify God for his covenant provision for them.
So that you should pass into the covenant of the LORD your God. (Deuteronomy 29:12).
Was the covenant renewed at different times?
From God’s point of view, no. It was established once and for all time in eternity past. God’s people on earth are prone to forget the covenant, and so it has pleased God to remind them of its privileges periodically and restore his people to them, advancing its administration and even clarifying its terms, as to Adam, Noah, Abraham, and the Apostolic church.
God, who spoke to our fathers in time past at various times and in various manners by the prophets has, at the end of those times, spoken to us by his Son. (Hebrews 1:1-2).
As recipients of the covenant of grace or redemption do any people now have a special covenantal role?
Yes. Within the overarching provision of covenant salvation God has established earthly covenant heads- husbands and fathers to their families1, and church elders to the membership2.
1. The husband is head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church. (Ephesians 5:23).
If not your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. (1. Corinthians 7:14).
2. Take care for yourselves, and for all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. (Acts 20:28).
What are the Decrees of God?
God’s sovereign control and administration of all things, as creator, upholder, and as redeemer, as manifested in the covenant, is sometimes described in terms of his ‘decrees’. A decree is God’s sovereign decision to bring something he foreordained from eternity into being in time. More specifically the term refers to God’s decree of election to redeem a people from sin by virtue of the atoning sacrifice made by God the Son at Calvary.
I will declare the decree, as the LORD has said unto me. (Psalm 2:7).
I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3).
All his works from the beginning of the world are known to God. (Acts 15:18).
Having made known the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure. (Ephesians 1:9).
The purpose of him who works all things according to the purpose of his own will. (Ephesians 1:11).
Was God’s decree to save the elect made before or after man’s fall?
Neither- and both. The decree is the work of God and not of man, and God exists outside of time and space as finite creatures know it. God emphatically was not limited to a time sequence as humans are. Thus his decree existed from eternity, existed at the fall, existed since the fall, and will exist through all eternity to come. His timeless decree underpins election and the assured salvation of the elect.
Blessed is the man you choose, and bring near to you to dwell in your courts. (Psalm 64:4).
No man can come to me except the Father who has sent me draws him. (John 6:44).
It is not you who have chosen me, but it is I who have chosen you. (John 15:16).
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:11).
All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28).
What is grace?
Unmerited favour, flowing from God’s essential attributes of beauty and goodness, administered in pure love.
The LORD is merciful and gracious. (Psalm 103:8).
The LORD is gracious and righteous. (Psalm 116:5).
The God of all grace. (1. Peter 5:10).
Can God’s grace ever be common or general to mankind?
No. In order to be grace it must be specific. Grace is an attribute of God, dispensed to the elect by virtue of Christ’s atoning work for them, and which is applied to them by the Holy Spirit, and so is applicable solely to the elect.
I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace. (Zechariah 12:10).
We believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved. (Acts 15:11).
The grace of God, and the gift by grace by the man Jesus Christ, is greater and abounded to many. (Romans 5:15).
At the present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:5).
But he gives more grace, for he says, God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6).
What term is used for those humans that God covenanted to save?
They are called the elect.
For the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. (Matthew 24:22).
They will gather together his elect from the four winds, and from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:31).
For the elect’s sake, whom he has chosen, he has shortened the days. (Mark 13:20).
Who will lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? (Romans 8:33).
That the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls. (Romans 9:11).
There is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:5).
Put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, a merciful heart with kindness, lowliness of mind, meekness and longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12).
According to the faith of God’s elect. (Titus 1:1).
Elect according to the predestination of God the Father through sanctification of the Spirit into obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. (1. Peter 1:2).
What term is used for those who God chose to leave to deserved destruction for their sins?
They are called the reprobate.
You never bore rule over them, they were never called by your name. (Isaiah 63:19).
Men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. (2. Timothy 3:8).
What attribute of God is glorified in the elect?
God’s loving mercy is glorified in the elect.
My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14).
By the LORD’S mercy we are not consumed. (Lamentations 3:22).
Rejoice because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20).
What attribute of God is glorified in the reprobate?
God’s holy justice is glorified in the reprobate.
The LORD has made all things for himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. (Proverbs 16:4).
Did God simply choose the elect from a foreseen mass of humanity?
No. God the Son is the true elect, because he elected to bear the punishment due to his people. All the saved ones are elected in him, and are saved by him. They are elect because their Saviour is elect.
Behold my servant whom I uphold, my elect in whom my soul delights (Isaiah 42:1).
Behold my servant who I chose, my beloved, in whom my soul delights. (Matthew 12:18).
Rejoice because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20).
Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and the grace that was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. (2. Timothy 1:9).
You gave him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as yiu have given him. (John 17:2).
What is preterition?
Preterition is God’s sovereign passing by those he chose not to elect. They in turn become reprobate through their inherited sin and their own sins, and so are finally justly punished.
They would not hear by hardened their necks, like the necks of their fathers who did not believe in the Lord their God. (2. Kings 17:14).
He has mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he wills he hardens. (Romans 9:18).
Does God give good things in this life to the reprobate as well as to the elect?
Yes. Worldly things such as health, warmth, prosperity, food, leisure time and family affection are given by God’s upholding providence, and are received by all people.
He did not leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons. (Acts 14:17).
In what manner do the reprobate receive these good things?
They receive them sinfully, because they do not acknowledge God’s provision of them, or give him thanks at all. They receive them by way of ever increasing debt.
They failed to glorify him as God, nor were thankful. (Romans 1:21).
The judgement of God is according to truth against those who commit such things. (Romans 2:2).
In what manner do the elect receive these good things?
They receive them thankfully, seeing their heavenly Father’s good hand in giving them, and they duly thank and praise him for them. They receive them by way of grace.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and never forget all his benefits…who satisfies your mouth with good. (Psalm 103:2,5).Why am I reproached for eating that for which I give thanks? (1. Corinthians 10:30).Whether we eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1. Corinthians 10:31).
How is it possible for the elect to be saved?
God the Son covenanted to take on a human body and to bear the punishment due to their sins in his own body and spirit, when he suffered and died in their place at Calvary.
It was necessary for him to be made like his brethren so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the things of God, making atonement for the sins of his people. (Hebrews 2:17).
Is Christ Jesus then both truly human and truly God?
Yes. From his conception and birth God the Son has been both really human as well as truly
The Word became flesh and tabernacle among us. (John 1:14).
No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, ever existing in the bosom of the Father, he declared him. (John 1:18).
Why was it necessary for God the Son to take on human form?
It was required that the nature that sinned be recovered. Only a perfect and sinless human could do that. As all of Adam’s race are sinful, God the Son covenanted to assume human nature, yet completely without sin, and in that nature to keep God’s law perfectly, and to pay the atoning price for his people’s sins.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor. (2. Corinthians 8:9).
How did Jesus Christ display both his human and divine natures, whilst on earth?
As a man Christ voluntarily humbled himself1 to become subject to the common infirmities, limits, and pains of humanity, yet as God he could cure diseases and even reverse death. His human knowledge was limited, yet at the same time his divine knowledge was unlimited. He could employ the attributes of each nature at will2.
1. Christ voluntarily humbled himself:
He is despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our faces from him. He was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isaiah 53:4). When the full time was come god sent forth his Son, born of a woman. (Galatians 4:4).
2. Christ could employ divine attributes at will:
Jesus knew their thoughts. (Matthew 12:25, Luke 6:8).
Jesus perceived their thoughts. (Luke 5:22).
He knew what was in man. (John 2:25).
There are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if every one were to be recorded I suppose that even the world could not contain the books that should be written. (John 21:25).
What is atonement?
God cannot simply overlook sin: all sin is against the Holy God and must be punished. God the Son, Jesus Christ, undertook to bear the exact equivalent punishment due to his people’s sins, when he suffered and died in their place on Calvary’s cross1. Thus Christ atoned for the sins of his people, making God and the elect at one together again2. This completed, he arose from the dead, conquering death for his people3.
1. Christ, on the cross, took the place of his elect:
He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our reconciliation was laid upon him, and we are healed by his stripes. (Isaiah 53:5).
When he was cut off from the land of the living he was being stricken for the transgressions of my people. (Isaiah 53:8).
It is he who shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21).
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. (1. Corinthians 15:3).
He has made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him.(2. Corinthians 5:21).
Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity. (Titus 4:17).
In his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree. (1. Peter 2:24).
Christ suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. (1. Peter 3:18).
2.Christ reconciled God and the elect:
You have delivered my soul from the pit of corruption in love, for you have cast all my sins behind your back. (Isaiah 38:17).
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (Psalm 32:1).
Making atonement for the sins of his people. (Hebrews 2:17).
3. Christ conquered death for his people:
Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, he is risen. (Luke 24:6).
When Jesus had risen early on the first day of the week he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. (Mark 16:9).
He is not here, he has risen, come and see the place where the Lord lay, then go quickly, and tell his disciples the Lord has risen from the dead, and, behold, he goes before you into Galilee. (Matthew 28:6-7).
The Lord has risen indeed, and appeared to Simon. (Luke 26:34).
He was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25).
You also rose with him through faith in the working of God who raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:12).
If you are risen with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ sits at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1).
What motive did God have in providing this atonement for his elect?
Pure, unmerited, sovereign love.
Because the LORD loved you. (Deuteronomy 7:8).
I have loved you. (Isaiah 43:4).
The LORD has appeared to me of old, saying, yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3).
I have loved you says the LORD. (Malachi 1:2).
Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God the Father who has loved us. (2. Thessalonians 2:16).
The Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20).
Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. (Ephesians 5:25).
God so loved the world that he gave his eternally begotten Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but has everlasting life. (John 3:16).
As I have loved you, you also love one another. (John 13:34).
As the Father loved me so I have loved you. (John 15:9).
Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood. (Revelation 1:5).
How is this atonement and salvation received by the elect?
God the Holy Spirit works in their lives to bring them to see their sin and the punishment due to it, to repent of it, and to come to Christ by exercising saving faith. This is the great gift of God.
Whose heart the Lord opened to attend to the things that Paul preached. (Acts 16:14).
For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8).
God who works in you both to will and to work of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13).
Is salvation possible without repentance?
No. Without repentance for sin there is no inward work of the Holy Spirit, and thus no salvation.
Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand. (Matthew 3:2).
The kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:25).
They went out and preached that men should repent. (Mark 6:12).
Unless you repent you shall all perish. (Luke 13:3).
Each one of you repent, and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38).
Repent and be converted so that your sins may be blotted out. (Acts 26:20).
The goodness of God leads on to repentance. (Romans 4:2).
Repent, or else I will come to you soon and fight against you with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2:16).
As many as I love I rebuke and chasten, therefore be zealous and repent. (Revelation 3:19).
Can we in any way contribute to our own salvation?
Not at all. Before salvation we were all dead in trespasses and sins, and can contribute nothing. Salvation is entirely of grace, unmerited in any way by the elect, worked in and for them by the Holy Spirit applying Christ’s God-satisfying atonement.
The man who wanders out of the way of understanding, he shall remain in the congregation of the dead. (Proverbs 21:16).
You, who were once dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he has quickened together with him, having forgiven you all your trespasses. (Colossians 2:13).
But you were dead in trespasses and sins. (Ephesians 2:1).
When we were dead in sins, made us live together with Christ. (Ephesians 2:5).
How does Christ save his people?
By his incarnation or coming to earth as a human being, by his keeping the law perfectly on behalf of his people (his active obedience in life1), by his paying the exact penalty due to their sins when he suffered in their place on the cross at Calvary (his active obedience in death2), and by his continued intercession for them in heaven3.
1. Christ’s active obedience in life:
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except by me. (John 14:6).
Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, made higher than the heavens. (Hebrews 7:26).
Who did no sin, nor was guile found in his mouth. (1. Peter 2:22).
He was manifested to take away our sins, and in him is no sin. (1. John 3:5).
2. Christ’s active obedience on the cross:
Knowing that you are not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. (1. Peter 1:18-19).
3. Christ’s continual intercession:
I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God. (Acts 7:56).
It is Christ who died, yes rather, who is risen again, who is even now at the right hand of God where he makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:34).
In whom we have boldness and confident access by faith in him. (Ephesians 3:12).
He is able to eternally save those who come to God by him, seeing that he ever lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25).
I pray for them, I do not pray for the world, but for those who you have given to me, for they are yours. (John 17:9).
We have an advocate with the Father. Jesus Christ the righteous. (1. John 2:1).
Why does the Bible emphasise the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross, during his atoning sacrifice for his elect?
Because without shedding of blood there can be no remission of sins. In the blood there is redemption1, forgiveness2, justification3, cleansing4, sanctification5, access to God6, peace7, victory8, and glory to come9.
1. Redemption:
The life of the flesh is in the blood and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your sins. (Leviticus 17:11).
In him we have redemption through his blood. (Ephesians 1:7).
You are not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold…but with the precious blood of Christ. (1. Peter 1:18-19).
2. Forgiveness:
There is forgiveness with you, that you may be feared. (Psalm 130:4).
God has exalted him to his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:31).
Be it known to you therefore, men and brethren, that through him is preached to you forgiveness of sins. (Acts 13:38).
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:14).
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace. (Ephesians 1: 7).
3. Justification:
Much more then, being justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath by him. (Romans 5:9).
4.Cleansing:
The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1. John 1:7).
5. Sanctification:
Jesus, in order to sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered beyond the gate. (Hebrews 10:19).
6. Access to God:
Therefore, brethren, have boldness to enter into the holiest place through the blood of Jesus. (Hebrews 10:19).
7. Peace:
Having made peace to reconcile all things to himself through the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:20).
8. Victory:
They overcame him by the blood of the lamb. (Revelation 12:11).
9. Glory to come:
These are they who came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb. (Revelation 7:14).
In what way do the elect partake of Christ’s sufferings?
United to him by faith they died (spiritually) when he died1, and rose with him in his resurrection2. The merits of his atoning sacrifice become theirs, not by a mere or theoretical imputation but by impartation, because they are as truly united with Christ in his salvation as they once were with Adam in his fall3.
1. The elect are united to Christ in his death:
You, who were dead in your sins, and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he has quickened together with him, having forgiven all your trespasses. (Colossians 2:13).
2. The elect are united to Christ in his resurrection:
Buried into his burial through baptism you also rose with him through faith in the working of God who raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:12).
3. The elect were once united to Adam in his fall:
As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one many are made righteous. (Romans 5:19).
In what way do the elect have Christ’s righteousness imparted to them?
To be accepted by God it is necessary to keep the law perfectly. Christ kept the law fully and perfectly throughout his life on earth. This is his active obedience in life. Christ then paid the penalty due to the sins of his elect, on Calvary’s cross. Christ was active on the cross as he deliberately remained there until he has borne the full punishment due to the sins on his people, and then he actively dismissed his spirit, when that atonement was fully accomplished. As their Priest Christ presented this combined righteousness to the Godhead on behalf of his people. United to him by saving faith, this righteousness is actually also theirs on the day of judgement. These are two inseparable facets of salvation.
You are renewed in the spirit of your minds, and have put on the new man which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:23-24).
If Christ kept the law perfectly for his people, are they not then free from the law?
No. Law keeping was never a way to salvation. The law serves to show us what God requires, and how far we fall short of it. It is a rule for life: a constant measure of the believer’s advance in holiness and sanctification.
Do not think that I came to invalidate the law or the prophets. I have not come to invalidate, but to fulfil for truly I say to you that until heaven and earth pass away, not one jodh or one hiriq shall in any way pass away from the law, until all is fulfilled. (Matthew 5:17-18).
Therefore the law served to lead us to learn of Christ, that we might be justified by faith. When that faith has come we are no longer under a teacher, for you are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:24-25).
How do the elect partake of this atonement and receive salvation?
By repenting of their sins1, and calling on and accepting Christ in faith2. This is receiving forgiveness3. It is also called the new birth4.A
1. Repenting of sin:
Repent, and turn from all your transgressions and your iniquity shall not be your ruin. (Ezekiel 18:30).
Repent, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15).
He commands all men everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30).
2. Accepting Christ by faith:
I will call on the LORD, worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies. (2. Samuel 22:4).
It shall come to pass that whoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be saved. (Joel 2:32).
They shall call on my name, and I shall hear them, and I will say: These are my people, and they shall say: The LORD is our God. (Zechariah 13:9).
Whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21).
Those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (Acts 2:22).
3. Receiving forgiveness:
There is forgiveness with you, that you may be feared. (Psalm 130:4).
Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. (Romans 4:7).
Having forgiven you all your trespasses. (Colossians 2:13).
Forgiving each other, even as God in Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32).
I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. (1.John 2:12).
4. The new birth:
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever. (1. Peter 1:23).
Except a man is born again he cannot recognise the kingdom of God. (John 3:3).It is essential to be born again. (John 3:7).
Is saving faith then a work that we can do?
No. Faith is the sovereign gift of God, earned for us by Christ, by which we come to trust in him to save us.
Christ, by whose grace you are saved. (Ephesians 2:5).
By grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one my boast. (Ephesians 5:8-9).
Where then does saving faith originate?
In Christ’s suffering the punishment due to the sins of his people on Calvary’s cross there was more than a mere legal or technical substitution, for this was undertaken in specific love to the elect. Even in suffering Christ knew that they could not partake of the salvation he was purchasing for them without faith, and that no one can exercise faith by themselves. Therefore in his atoning suffering Christ purchased the gift of faith for the elect, to be granted and applied to them by the Holy Spirit, each in due time.
The just shall live by faith. (Habakkuk 2:4, Galatians 3:11, Romans 1:17).
Justified by faith we have peace with God. (Romans 5:1).
Without faith it is impossible to please him. (Hebrews 1:6).
By grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8).
To you it is freely given by Christ…to believe on him. (Philippians 1:29).
Faith that was delivered to the saints. (Jude 3).
The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given to us. (Romans 5:5).
The measure of faith God has dealt to each one. (Romans 12:3).
What does this sovereign gift include?
God the Holy Spirit convicting of sin1, working repentance, leading to Christ, gifting saving faith, assuring of forgiveness2 and acceptance by God. It is God the Holy Spirit who applies to God’s people the atonement earned for them by God the Son, and who will preserve3 them unto eternity (otherwise called the perseverance or preservation of the saints), to the glory of the Triune Godhead.
1. Conviction of sin:
I confess my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. (Psalm 51:3).
Acknowledge your iniquity and that you have transgressed against the LORD your God. (Jeremiah 3:13).
2. Assurance of forgiveness:
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (Psalm 32:1).
Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD, although your sins are as scarlet they shall be white as snow, although they are as read as crimson they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18).
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. (Isaiah 43:25).
All manner of sinfulness and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men. (Matthew 12:31).
Through him is preached to you forgiveness of sins. (Acts 113:38).
3. Preserved:
I will not leave you until I have done that which I have spoken unto you. (genesis 28:15, Hebrews 13:5).
The LORD loves judgement and never forsakes his saints. (Psalm 37:28).
The redemption of souls in precious, it endures forever. (Psalm 49:8).
The LORD will not cast off his people, nor forsake his inheritance. (Psalm 94:14).
He will not permit your foot to be moved, he who guards you shall not slumber. (Psalm 121:3).
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil, he shall preserve your soul. (Psalm 121:7).
I will make an everlasting covenant with them, and I will not turn away from doing them good, but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. (Jeremiah 32:40).
I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail. (Luke 22:32).
All things are yours, because you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. (1. Corinthians 3:22-23)This is the Father’s will who has sent me, that of all those who he has given me I should lose nothing. (John 6:39)They shall in no way perish, nor shall anything pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:29).
Those who you gave me I have kept safe and none of them is lost. (John 17:12).
Does Christ the Saviour still work for his people?
Yes. Christ upholds and intercedes for them in heaven. Christ, with the Father, sends the Holy Spirit to apply his salvation, and lead his people through life to the perfection of heaven.
I pray for them. I do not pray for the world, but for those who you have given me. (John 17:9).
How does Christ now intercede for his people?
Otherwise called the work of Christ as an advocate Christ constantly applies the merits of his atoning death before the Godhead to cover the on-going daily sins of his elect people on earth, whilst the Holy Spirit works repentance for them in those people.
It is Christ…who is even at the right hand of God where he makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:34).
He is able to eternally save those who come to God through him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:24).
Christ did not enter into the most holy place made by hands…but into heaven itself, to appear for us in the presence of God. (Hebrews 9:24).
Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant. (Hebrews 12:24).
I pray for them, I do not pray for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. (John 17:9).
Father, I will that those who you gave me shall be with me where I am. (John 17:24).
Will this intercession of Christ be eternal?
No. Only the church militant, the elect here in earth, still struggle with sin, and (although eternally saved) need constant intercession. When Christ returns the number of the elect will be completed, the bride of Christ perfected, and sin destroyed forever, Then there will no longer be any need for intercession, as the whole church will be gloriously free from sin and danger.
Then he shall deliver up the kingdom to God the Father, when he has conquered all rule and all authority and power. (1. Corinthians 15:24.)
What is God the Holy Spirit’s role in our salvation?
God the Holy Spirit works for the elect: effectual calling, conviction of sin, justification, adoption, reconciliation, assurance, and glorification.
The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit who the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things. (John 14:26).
Has the Holy Spirit then replaced Christ in the church since Christ’s ascension?
No. Rather the Holy Spirit provides the dynamic link between the believer on earth and Christ in heaven.
There is another who bears witness of me, and I know that the witness that he shall witness of me is true. (John 5:32).
When the Comforter has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he shall bear witness of me. (John 15:2).
What then are the Holy Spirit’s ongoing activities concerning the believer?
God the Holy Spirit: applies Christ’s salvation by regenerating1 and renewing2, he sanctifies3, indwells4, comforts5, enlightens6, aids in prayer7, gives knowledge8, guides in the truth9, seals10, and leads11, but can be grieved12.
1. Regenerating:
If Christ is in you..the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (Romans 8:10).
How much more shall the blood of Christ…through the eternal Spirit, purge our consciences from dead works. (Hebrews 9:14).
Except a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5).
That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:6).
2. Renewing:
A washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5).
3. Sanctifying:
Chosen you to salvation from the beginning through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth. (2. Thessalonians 2:13).
4. Indwelling:
God, who has given his Holy Spirit to us. (1. Thessalonians 4:8).
When you believed you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:13).
Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you? (1. Corinthians 6:19).
When he had said this he breathed on them, and said to them: Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22).
He has given us his Spirit. (1. John 4:13).
5. Comforting:
I will request the Father and he will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. (John 14:16).
The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit. (John 14:26).
If I do not go away the Comforter will not come to you, but if I depart I will send him to you. (John 16:7).
6. Enlightening:
The Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. (1. Corinthians 2:10).
To one the Spirit gives the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. (1. Corinthians 12:8).
7. Aids in prayer.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:18).
8. Gives knowledge:
The Spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 11:2).
It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. (Luke 2:26).
The Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. (Luke 12:12).
These are the things that we speak of , not in words suggested by human wisdom but which the Holy Spirit teaches. (1. Corinthians 2:13).
That was not known to the sons of men in earlier generations but is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. (Ephesians 3:5).
9. Guides in truth:
I state the truth in Christ…my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 9:1).
10. Seals:
When you believed you were sealed with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13).
11. Leads:
As many as are lead by the Spirit of God. (Romans 8:14).
12. Can be grieved:
Do not cast me away from your presence, do not take your Holy Spirit away from me. (Psalm 51:11).
They rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 63:10).
Do not quench the Holy Spirit. (1. Thessalonians 5:19).
Never grieve the Holy Spirit of God. (Ephesians 4:30).
What is effectual calling?
Out of the mass of humanity some people are awakened to their separation from God and are brought to a concern for their eternal future. Those effectually called cannot rest until they have received Christ’s salvation.
The LORD your God will circumcise your heart, and the hearts of your seed, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live. (Deuteronomy 30:6).
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my judgments and do them. (Ezekiel 36: 26-27).A
As many as were ordained to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:48).
Whose heart the Lord opened to attend to the things that Paul preached. (Acts 26:18).A
We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is of God so that we might understand the things that are freely given to us by God. (1. Corinthians 2:12).
God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2. Corinthians 4:6).
The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may grant to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of him. The eyes of our understanding being enlightened that you may understand the hope of his calling and the riches of the glory of the inheritance he gives to his saints. (Ephesians 1:17-18).
What is conviction of sin?
No one wishes to be saved unless and until they see clearly what they need to be saved from. God the Holy Spirit shows the true evil of every sin, and convicts the person of the punishment due to their own sins.
My sin is ever before me. (Psalm 51:3).
What is repentance?
Being convicted by the Holy Spirit of sin and of its eternal just deserts the elect one rejects, turns from, and is truly sorry for his or her sins, constantly praying for forgiveness through Christ’s atonement, and constantly endeavouring new obedience to God’s law.
If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways ten I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins. (2. Chronicles 7:14).
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet to your testimonies. (Psalm 119:59).
Rend your heart and not your garments, and turn back to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness. (Joel 2:13).
Demonstrate fruit suitable for repentance. (Matthew 3:8).
There shall be greater joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. (Luke 15:7).
Repent, and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38).
God has also granted repentance to life to the gentiles. (Acts 11:18).
You turned from the worship of idols to serve the true and living God. (1. Thessalonians 1:9).
Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation never to be repented of. (2. Corinthians 7:10).
What is justification?
Justification is the sentence of life given to those whose sins are atoned for by Christ. Although arranged for and certain from eternity, there is a moment in time when, on receiving the benefits of faith, the Holy Spirit declares our justification in heaven.
A man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 2:16).
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24).
Blessed is the man to whom God will not impute sin. (Romans 4:8).
Whom he predestinated he also called, and whom he called he also justified, and whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:30).
Who shall bring anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (Romans 8:33).
What is reconciliation?
Sin made a breach between mankind and God, that could only be healed by a reconciliation. God the Father sent God the Son to reconcile his elect to their Creator by substitutionary atonement. God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, needed no reconciliation as he has chosen his elect from eternity past and made provision for Christ’s atonement for their sins, and the Holy Spirit’s application of salvation to them, in due time. Despite their fall in Adam and their own sins, these were catered for, as God had them in his everlasting love all along.
All things are of God. Who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given unto us the ministry of reconciliation. (1. Corinthians 5:18).
God commends his love towards us in that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. (Romans 5:8).
If when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10).
That he might reconcile both together to God as one body by his cross. (Ephesians 2:16).
What is adoption?
As the elect are united to Christ by faith they become truly the sons and daughters of God and so are adopted into God’s family. Thus they partake of the covenant love that exists between the Persons of the Godhead. God, as Father, will provide for all of their needs, now and forever.
Just as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him. (Psalm 103:13).
Pray in this manner: Our Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9).
When you pray, say, Our Father who is in heaven. (Luke 11:2).
To redeem those who were under the law, so that you might receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:5).
I will redeem you and be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. (2. Corinthians 6:17-18).
Peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7).
We have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15).
If children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17).
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father. (Philemon 3).
Having predestinated us in love to adoption as his children through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of his will. (Ephesians 1:5).
As many as received him, to those he gave power to become the children of God. (John 1:12).
Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God. (1. John 3:1).
What is conversion?
Not to be mistaken for the new birth or regeneration, conversion is the evidence of received salvation shown in a changed or converted life. Conversion is the basis of sanctification.
Repent and be converted so that your sins may be blotted out. (Acts 3:19).
I will show you my faith by my works. (James 3:19).
What is sanctification?
Although justification is instantly completed, Godward in eternity, yet we live as humans in time, in sinful bodies amidst a fallen and sinful world. We must constantly strive to be more pleasing to God, knowing that we shall not achieve sinless perfection in this life. Our current measure of godliness is our sanctification1. This is thus the measure of the believer’s holiness2: incomplete on earth, perfected in heaven.
1. The believer’s sanctification:
Keep your servant back from open sins, let them not have dominion over me. (Psalm 19:13).
I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes. (Ezekiel 36:25-27).
May the God of peace sanctify you wholly , that your whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1. Thessalonians 5:23).
God has chosen you to salvation from the beginning through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth. (2. Thessalonians 2:13).
Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creature, old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new. (2. Corinthians 5:17).
Sin shall not have dominion over you. (Romans 6:14).
Sanctify them through your truth, your word is truth. (John 17:17).
2. The believer’s holiness:
You are a holy people to the LORD your God. (Deuteronomy 7:6, 14:2).
And they shall call them, the holy people, the redeemed of the LORD. (Isaiah 62:12).
Be holy, for I am holy. (Leviticus 11:44, 1. Peter 1:16).
Is our sanctification constant?
No. By coldness1, doubting2 falls into sin, or backsliding3 we can diminish our level of sanctification. Repentance of these things and revival and increase in faith and love advances our sanctification. It is a struggle through sin and weakness towards ultimate sinless perfection in glory.
1. Coldness:
Because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall become cold. (Matthew 24:12).
Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spew you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16).
2.Doubting:
O you of little faith, what were you doubtful about? (Matthew 14:31).
If you have faith and do not doubt. (Matthew 21:21).
3. Backsliding:
I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely. (Hosea 14:4).
Turn, O backsliding children, says the LORD. (Jeremiah 3:14).
What are the signs or proofs of progressive sanctification in ourselves or others?
Evidence of growth in sanctification included increasing morality1, increasing humility2, increasing spiritual courage3, increasing love of the Bible4, increasing hatred of sin5, increasing love of prayer6, increasing submission of God’s sovereign will7, and a desire for an ever closer walk with God8.
1. Morality:
How then could I do such great wickedness, and sin against God? (Genesis 39:9).
2. Humility:
I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes see you. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5-6).
3.Spiritual courage:
The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1).
He shall not be afraid of bad news, for his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. (Psalm 112:7).
4. Love of the Bible:
O how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. (Psalm 119:97).
Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them. (Psalm 119: 129).
Your word is very pure, therefore your servant loves it. (Psalm 119:140).
5. Hatred of sin:
I will set no wicked thing before my eyes, I hate the deeds of those who turn aside. (Psalm 101:3).
By your precepts I get understanding, and therefore I hate every false way. (Psalm 119:104).
I hate vain thoughts, but I love your law. (Psalm 119:113).
I value your precepts, and hate everything that is false. (Psalm 119:128).
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. (Proverbs 8:13).
Do not this abominable thing that I hate. (Jeremiah 44
6. Love of prayer:
You shall make your prayer to him, and he shall hear you. (Job 23:27).
You have comforted me when I was in distress: have mercy on me and hear my prayer. (Psalm 4;1).
Hear my prayer, O God, give ear to the words of my mouth. (Psalm 54:2).
Your prayer has been heard…and has been recorded in the sight of God. Acts 10:31).
Pray for us that God would open a door for us to preach the mystery of Christ. (Colossians 4:2).
In everything let your requests be known to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. (Philippians 4:6).
7. Submission to God’s will:
I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that you have afflicted me in faithfulness. (Psalm 119:75).
Accept, I beseech you, the glad offerings of my mouth, and teach me your judgments. (Psalm 119:108).
8. Closer walk with God:
Enoch walked with God. (Genesis 5:22).
Noah was a just man, and perfect in his generation, and Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9).
The lord appeared to Abram and said to him: I am the Almighty God. Walk before me, and be perfect. (Genesis 17:1).
Your children take heed to their ways and walk before me as you have walked before me. (1. Kings 8:15).
What completes our sanctification, and when is it completed?
When the believer arrives at glory the active obedience of Christ as perfect law-keeper is perfected in them, completing their sanctification and presenting them absolutely holy and sinlessly complete before God.
And it was granted to her that she should be dressed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the saints’ righteousness. (Revelation 19:8).
If sin placed the human will under bondage, does salvation mean that the saved one has a restored free will?
No. The human will is never sovereignly free, for that belongs to God alone. Human will is either gladly subject to God’s will (in the case of the elect) or continues in bondage to sin and Satan (in the case of the reprobate.)
I will put my law within them, and I will write it in their hearts. (Jeremiah 31:33).
It is God who works in you both to will and do of his own good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13).
What is assurance?
Assurance is the gift of the Holy Spirit by which we know that we have passed from death to life by the gracious atonement of Christ, are justified from our sins, and are certain of full sanctification and a place in heaven.
For the gospel did not come to you in word only but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with great assurance. (1. Thessalonians 1:10).
So that their hearts may be comforted and united in love, into all the riches of the full assurance of understanding. (Colossians 2:2).
Let us draw near with true hearts full of assurance of faith. (Hebrews 10:22).
Therefore rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election beyond doubt, for if you do these things you
shall never fall, and an abundant entrance shall be ministered to you into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2. Peter 1:10-11).
We know that we are of the truth, and can assure our hearts before him. (1. John 3:19).
Is assurance perfect in this life?
No. As we struggle with in-dwelling remaining sin we can never achieve absolute assurance without some lingering doubts. Assurance is allied to sanctification. When we sin or fall back and lose some of our sanctification it is natural to feel some loss of assurance. Conversely when we progress in faith and love and advance in sanctification we feel our assurance equally strengthening. It all depends on how closely we are walking with God. Nevertheless all believers have some level of assurance at all times, for it is a facet of God’s love to us in the gift of saving faith, and is not in any way from ourselves.
There is not a just man on earth, who does good and does not sin. (Ecclesiastes 7:20).
Who can know how often he errs? Cleanse me from my unnoticed sins. (Psalm 19:12).
Does lack of assurance mean that a believer could possibly fall from grace and fail to be saved?
Certainly not. Those granted to God the Son by God the Father in eternity past, who have redemption applied by God the Holy Spirit, are totally secure under God’s sovereign saving power. Despite falls and backslidings in life they are eternally safe. They persevere in grace. They do so because they are preserved in grace by God.
He will not fail you, nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8).
Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will continue it until the day of Christ. (Philippians 1:6).
He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5).
Kept by the power of God through faith to salvation. (1. Peter 1:5).
What is God’s blessing?
God’s blessing is the receiving, by the elect, of the benefits of God’s grace towards them.
I will bless you, and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. And I will bless those who bless you. (Genesis 12:3).
In blessing I will bless you. (Genesis 22:17, Hebrews 6:14).
You, O Lord, will bless the righteous, you will cover him with your favour as with a shield. (Psalm 5:12).
God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to you first, to bless each one of you who turns away from his iniquities. (Acts 3:26).
What is glorification?
Glorification is the sure and certain promise that one day, either when we die or when Christ returns, we will leave all remnants of sin behind, be perfectly holy (sanctified) and assurance will be fulfilled in sight and experience. Then the believer will be with Christ in unimaginable happiness for all eternity to come.
Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 25:34).
Whom he predestinated he also called, and whom he called he also justified, and whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:30).
To depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (Philippians 1:23).
What are the Christian’s good works?
Doing good works has no merit towards salvation, but such works are an evidence of salvation. The good we do is never our own for God gives us good works to walk in, as his servants fulfilling his will. Being employed by God in this way encourages the believer in their assurance of salvation, and being more Christ-like in our walk greatly aids our sanctification. Good deeds are first and foremost to be done to the needy in the household of faith, and secondarily to outsiders who are genuinely helpless and in need.
Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in, naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…truly I say to you, by doing it to one of the least of these my brethren you did it to me. (Matthew 25:34-26, 40).
Let us do good to everyone, but especially to those who are of the household of God. (Galatians 6:10).
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27).
Has God provided a summary of his law?
God’s law revealed in the Old Testament contained both a) ritual or ceremonial aspects, and, b) moral aspects. The ritual elements were all teaching devices (types) pointing to Christ, and so were fulfilled and have passed away with his ministry on earth. The moral elements are for all people and all time, and are summed up in the so-called Ten Commandments given in Exodus 20:1-17.
God spoke all these words, saying: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods besides me. You shall not make for yourselves any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them nor serve them for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me and showing mercy to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not use the name of the LORD your God vainly, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name vainly. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor the stranger who is within your gates, for the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them in six days, and rested the seventh day, therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long on the land that the LORD your God gives you. You shall do no murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. You shall not covet your neighbour’s house, you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbour’s.
He who says I know him, and does not keep his commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him. (1. John 2:4).
If the moral law is for all people at all time, what is its function for the unsaved?
The law exposes their sin, and leaves them without excuse.
The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who repress the truth in unrighteousness…thus they are without excuse. (Romans 1:18, 20).
Is the moral law then in force for the believer as a rule for life?
No, not directly. The believer is not under law as law, because he or she is not under law but under grace, and so is free from the law, because Christ has kept the law perfectly on their behalf. This explains why the severe punishments for breaking the law in the Old Testament (for example stoning for Sabbath breaking, Numbers 15:32-36 ) are not in force in the New Testament: they were visible and typical teaching devices. The same sanctions do certainly apply now for breaking the law, but now they are spiritual, invisible, and have eternal consequences.
The law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly, and for sinners, for the unholy and profane. (1. Timothy 1:9).
What then is the Christian’s rule for life?
The Christian’s rule for life and conduct is now the moral law fulfilled in Christ1. It is the law deepened and spiritualised, and established on an altogether higher plane2. Every one of the Ten Commandments is repeated and enforced within the New Testament3, but now with sanctions that concern the heart and the will, rather than just forbidding external acts. True believers actually keep the moral law more strictly now than those under the Old Testament, because they do so out of love and gratitude. They have no fear of the law, but obey it in order to please their God and Saviour, and advance their own sanctification.
1. Shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? Far from it! (Romans 6:15).
2. We know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully. (1. Timothy 1:8).
You have heard that it was said to them of old time, you shall not kill…but I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without cause shall be danger of the judgment. (Matthew 5:21).
You have heard that it was said by them of old time, you shall not commit adultery, but I say to you that whoever indulges in watching someone’s wife to lust after her has committed adultery against her already in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28).
3. FIRST COMMANDMENT: You shall have no other gods besides me.
NEW TESTAMENT: to us there is just one God. (1. Corinthians 8:6).
SECOND COMMANDMENT: You shall not make for yourselves any graven image.
NEW TESTAMENT: Nor be idolaters, as some of them were. (1. Corinthians 9:7).
THIRD COMMANDMENT: You shall not take the name of the LORD your God vainly.
NEW TESTAMENT: I say to you, do not swear at all. (Matthew 5:34).
Above all things, my brethren, do not swear, neither by heaven, neither by earth, nor by any other oath. (James 5:12).
FOURTH COMMANDMENT: Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
NEW TESTAMENT: On the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread. (Acts 20:7).
I became in Spirit on the Lord’s Day. (Revelation 1:10).
FIFTH COMMANDMENT: Honour your father and your mother.
NEW TESTAMENT: Children, obey your parents in all things. (Colossians 3:20).
Children, obey your father and mother in the Lord. (Ephesians 6:10).
SIXTH COMMANDMENT: You shall do no murder.
NEW TESTAMENT: Let none of you suffer as a murderer. (1. Peter 4:15).
SEVENTH COMMANDMENT: You shall not commit adultery.
NEW TESTAMENT: Whore users and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4).
EIGHTH COMMANDMENT: You shall not steal.
NEW TESTAMENT: Let him who stole steal no more. (Ephesians 4:28).
NINTH COMMANDMENT: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
NEW TESTAMENT: Therefore, putting away all lying, let everyone speak truth to his neighbour. (Ephesians 4:25).
TENTH COMMANDMENT: You shall not covet.
NEW TESTAMENT: Any other kind of uncleanness, or covetousness, let these not be so much as named among you. (Ephesians 5:3).
What is the relationship of the Holy Spirit with the elect?
The Holy Spirit dwells in them, witnessing with their spirits that they are the children of God. This has been the Sprit’s work in all generations of the Church, before as well as after Christ’s coming in human flesh.
The Spirit of truth…dwells in you, and shall be in you. (John 14:17).
His Spirit dwells in you. (Romans 8:11).
The Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God. (Romans 8:16).
What is the essential difference between the light of nature and of revelation?
The light of nature reveals what might (and should) be know of God, leaving unsaved people without excuse1. Revelation shows what must be believed about God in order to come to a loving relationship with him2.
1. The invisible things of him are clearly discernible from the creation of the world, when they are understood by the things that are made: even his eternal Godhead and power. Thus they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20-21).
2. You have known the sacred Scriptures which are able to make you wise unto salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ. (2. Timothy 3:15).
We also have a more sure word of prophecy to which you would do well to take heed as to a light that shines in dark places. (2. Peter 1:19).
What is prayer?
Prayer is the believer’s communication with God, spoken or silently, raising their requests and needs for themselves and others to God’s throne of grace and mercy1. Prayer is made in Christ’s name2, is assisted by God the Holy Spirit3, and should include confession to God of our sins4, and thanksgiving to God for his goodness and mercy5. Prayer may be individual and private6, or corporate and united with the prayers of others.7
1. Raising our requests:
Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and you shall find, knock, and it shall be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7).
Continue in supplication night and day. (1. Timothy 5:5).
Continue instant in prayer. (Romans 12:12).This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (1. John 5:14).
2. In Christ’s name:
Truly and certainly I say to you, whatever you shall request the Father in my name he will give it to you.(John 16:23).
3. Assisted by the Holy Spirit:
I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication. (Zechariah 12:10).
We do not know what we should pray for as we should but the Spirit makes intercession for us with an intentness that cannot be described. (Romans 8:26).
4. With confession of sins:
I acknowledged my sin to you, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said: I will confess my transgressions to the LORD. (Psalm 32:5).
I prayed to the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said: O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to those who love him and to those who keep his commandments, we have sinned, we have committed iniquity and have done wickedly. (Daniel 9:4-5).
If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1. John 1:9).
5. With thanksgiving:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and never forget all his benefits. (Psalm 103:2).
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything let your requests be known to God through prayer ans supplication with thanksgiving. (Philippians 4:6).
6. In private:
Hannah prayed in her heart, only her lips moved although her voice was not heard. (1. Samuel 1:13).
But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and when you have shut your door pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who is ion secret shall reward you openly. (Matthew 6:6).
7. United:
All these continued united in prayer and supplication. (Acts 1:14).
Has God provided a sample or model of acceptable prayer for our guidance?
Yes. In the so-called Lord’s Prayer given in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4.
Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed by your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, as in heaven, so also on earth. Give us each day our necessary food and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Abandon us not to temptation, but deliver us from evil, for yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13).
When you pray, say, our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done as in heaven so on earth. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who has offended us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Luke 11:2-4).
What visible aids does God the Holy Spirit provide for God’s people?
The Bible1 and the Church2.
1. Your word is lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105).
Seek out the book of the LORD, and read it. (Isaiah 34:16).
2. They assembled themselves with the church, and taught many people. (Acts 11:26).
The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47).
What is the Bible?
The Bible is a library of sixty-six Books, collected into one volume, all given by the inspiration of God.
The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me and his word was in my tongue. (2.Samuel 23:2).
Prophecy did not come in old time by the will of men but the holy men of God spoke only as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2. Peter 1:21).
What is inspiration?
Literally God breathed, inspiration is the giving of each Bible Book by God to men prepared by him to write his message down, without alteration or error.
The LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek. (Isaiah 61:1).
He spoke all these words to me with his mouth, and I wrote them in a scroll. (Jeremiah 36:18).
As it truly is, the word of God that works effectively in you. (1. Thessalonians 2:13).
All the Scriptures were given by inspiration of God. (2. Timothy 3:16).
Holy men of God spoke only as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2. Peter 1:21).
I have given them the words that you gave me. (John 17:8).
Is the Bible inspired, or where the writers inspired?
Both. The Bible is permanently inspired, the writers were temporarily inspired when they received and recorded the words of the Bible.
The Spirit of the LORD spoke to me and his word was in my tongue. (2. Samuel 23:3).
Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me: Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. (Jeremiah 1:9).
Then the secret was revealed to Daniel. (Daniel 2:19).
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than anyone living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that you might know the thoughts of your heart. (Daniel 2:30).
Your word is settled in heaven forever, O Lord. (Psalm 119:89).
You shall speak my words to them. (Ezekiel 1:7).
Not in words suggested by human wisdom but which the Holy Spirit teaches. (1. Corinthians 2:13).
As it truly is, the word of God. (1. Thessalonians 2:13).
The Holy Spirit who the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things and bring everything to your remembrance. (John 14:26).
As the Scriptures were penned by human writers whose various styles are seen in the Bible, is it then true to say that the Bible contains both human and divine elements?
No. The Godhead produced the Bible, creating, calling, equipping, and, by God the Holy Spirit, when required inspiring the penmen to write and record God’s words. The whole process was thus entirely from and by God. There is no human element in the contents of the Bible.
Your word is settled in heaven forever. (Psalm 119:89).
Your word is pure, therefore your servant loves it. (Psalm 119:140).
Every word of God is pure. (Proverbs 30:5).
All the Scriptures were given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for doctrine, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2. Timothy 3:16).
Prophecy did not come of old time by the will of men but the holy men of God spoke only as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2. Peter 1:21).
As the original was inspired, are later copies and translations also inspired?
Yes, so far as they are accurate copies and translations.
Take another scroll, and write on it all the former words that were in the first scroll. (Jeremiah 36:28).
Do any errors in translation or transmission destroy the element of inspiration?
No. The error is not inspired, the rest remains so.
Why must translations of the Bible always be as fully accurate as possible?
To preserve and carry forward that vital factor of inspiration.
The Scriptures cannot be broken. (John 10:35).
Does a Bible translation then have divine authority to settle disputes?
Yes, to the degree that it is accurate and faithful to the original, and thus partakes of the transmitted inspiration it is of equal authority as God’s word. Given such versions, only the deepest and most complex queries require reference to the Hebrew and Greek originals to be settled.
What is Bible infallibility?
Bible infallibility means that the Bible is without error. God gave it so originally, and true versions carry this factor forward. There are no mistakes in the Bible.
Your word is truth. (Psalm 119:43).
Your word is settled forever in heaven. (Psalm 119: 89).
Your word is very pure. (Psalm 119:40).
What is Bible inerrancy?
Originally an astronomical term, errancy describes movement, implying change. Inerrancy describes something that does not change, move, or wander. In Bible terms inerrancy means that the Bible’s contents and message have not suffered any change or adaptation over time. The word describes God’s overseeing preservation of his word.
The words of the LORD are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. You will preserve them, O LORD, and will keep them from this generation onward forever. (Psalm 12:5-7).
His truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100:5).
The works of his hands are truth and judgment, all his commandments are steadfast. They stand forever and ever, done in truth and uprightness. (Psalm 111:7-8).
You have settled your testimonies forever. (Psalm 119:152).
Has every copy of the Bible been miraculously preserved, and inerrantly transmitted?
No. Such a huge miracle could not be expected. Humans have been involved in copying and translating the Bible, and mistakes occur in various copies, as well as deliberate alterations in some copies.
How then has God preserved the Bible?
A believing comparison of texts will detect scribal errors in individual copies, and such comparison with awareness of God’s truth and plan of salvation, will expose fraudulent alterations. The large corpus of surviving manuscripts, providentially preserved, allows sanctified scholarship to vindicate the true text. God calls men to serve him in this way, as part of his overall providence, rather than working a continual miracle.
How is the Bible arranged?
In two sections, the Old (or Older) Testament containing thirty-nine inspired Books, and the New (or Newer) Testament containing twenty-seven inspired Books, making sixty-six inspired Books in all.
How may the Old Testament be divided?
It may be divided into three sections: Histories, Devotional writings, and Prophecy.
All things must be fulfilled which stand written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms. (Luke 24:44).
What Books are in the history section?
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1. Samuel 2. Samuel, 1. Kings, 2. Kings, 1. Chronicles, 2. Chronicles, Esther, Nehemiah, Ezra, and Job.
What Books are in the devotional section?
Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
What Books are in the prophetic section?
Jonah, Joel, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Habakkuk, Daniel, Ezekiel. Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
What two elements are there throughout the history section?
Unfolding external or visible events, and an unfolding invisible or spiritual plan.
He does according to his will. (Daniel 4:35).
The mystery that was kept secret since the world began. (Romans 16:25).
What are some of the main visible events recorded?
The creation of all things. Man’s fall into sin. The old world and its apostasy. The world-wide deluge. The re-peopling of the earth. The confusion of languages. The call of a special people in Abraham and his seed. The captivity in Egypt. The Exodus. The conquest of Canaan. The period of the Judges. The Hebrew kingdom, at first one and later divided into two, with repeated apostasies and renewals. The captivity in Babylon. The return of a faithful remnant. The rebuilding of the Temple, and the synagogue system.
What spiritual plan was unfolding over this history?
That God always has a special, call, and set-aside people. That he is constantly faithful to them. That he was preparing the way for the coming of his Son in flesh in order to pay the penalty for the sins of his people. How they should worship him, and look forward in saving faith to that coming.
I have proclaimed your name to the men you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. (John 17:6).
What does God provide in the devotional Books?
God provides a complete and perfect manual of praise in the inspired Book of Psalms. He provides practical, sanctified, wisdom for everyday living in the Book of Proverbs. He provides a model of the constant love between the Saviour and his church in the Book of the Song of Solomon.
I will confess you among the gentiles, and sing to your name. (Romans 15:9).
Why did God provide a Book of Praise in the Psalms?
Because the church’s praise is a sacrifice to God1. All sacrifices must be perfect to be acceptable to the All Holy God2. Only what God himself provides is perfect. God has graciously and lovingly provided the sacrifice that the church can render to him in praise3, because he cannot hear or accept in heaven any sacrifice that is flawed, human, or imperfect4. Christ himself says that he (invisibly) worships in sung sacrifice of praise along with his people5. It is impossible for God the Son to offer anything human and flawed to the Godhead.
1. They shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. (Jeremiah 33:11).
2. It must be perfect to be accepted, there shall be no blemish in it. (Leviticus 22:2).
3. Let us then offer the sacrifice of praise to God. (Hebrews 13:15).
4. Cursed shall be the deceiver…who sacrifices a corrupt thing to the LORD. (Malachi 1:14).
5. Both he who sanctifies, and those who are sanctified are all of one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: I will declare your name to my brethren, in the midst of the church I will sing praise to you. (Hebrews 2:11-12).
What then must the church offer in sung praise?
The church is mandated to sing the Psalms1, and the Psalms only2, in worship. Only then may God receive a pure sacrifice of praise, and only then can Christ worship along with his church
1. Sing to him, sings psalms to him, proclaim all his wondrous works. (1. Chronicles 16:9).
They sang together responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD. (Ezra 5:11).
I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. (Psalm 7:17)
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. (Psalm 27:6).
Whoever offers praise glorifies me, and I will show the salvation of God to him who arranges his way rightly. (Psalm 50:23).
I will praise the name of God with a psalm, I will magnify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30).
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and sing praises to your name, Most High. (Psalm 92:1).
O come, let us sing to the LORD, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. (Psalm 95:1).
Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. (James 5:13).
2. Who were instructed in the songs of the LORD. (1. Chronicles 25:7).
You have brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sickly, as your solemn offerings, and i will not accept these at your hand, says the LORD. (Malachi 1:13).
Who must offer this acceptable sacrifice of praise?
The entire covenant community, adults, children, and infants as soon as they can begin to sing.
Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children and those who suck the breasts. (Joel 2:16).
What is prophecy?
Prophecy is a supernatural knowledge given to specially called men, whenever God desired to make something known to his people. This special knowledge could be of things near or far, present or future.
No prophecy of Scripture came by private impulse for prophecy did not come in old time by the will of men, but holy men of God spoke only as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2. Peter 1:20-21).
What was the major theme of prophecy?
The major theme of prophecy was the coming to earth in human form of God the Son, his ministry, and his atoning death to redeem his people from their sins.
These are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that in believing this you might have life though his name. (John 20:31).
What minor themes are frequent in prophecy?
Minor themes include chastisement for apostasy and sin, individual and national, judgments on foreign nations for their idolatry and persecution of God’s people, and promises of restoration and prosperity on repentance and renewed faithfulness.
No one knows the things of God except by the Spirit of God. (1. Corinthians 2:11).
The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him and he cannot understand them, because they require spiritual discernment. (2. Corinthians 2:14).However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth. (John 16:13).
What prophecy links the Old and New Testaments?
The last writing prophet, Malachi, describes the coming of John the Baptist, Christ’s fore-runner.
I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD and he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the land with a curse. (Malachi 4:5-6).
All the prophets and the law prophesied until John, and if you will receive it, he is the Elijah who was to come. (Matthew 11: 13-14).
He shall go before them in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children. (Luke 1:17).
What is typology?
Typology is a God-arranged process by which a tangible or visible person, item, or event has its own importance, but also has a deeper, wider (and usually later in time) spiritual significance. The first is the type, the latter its antitype.
These things, brethren, I have transferred to myself and to Apollos as an example for your sakes. (1. Corinthians 4:6).
What is meant by fulfilment in typology?
That the type is completed and fulfilled in and by its antitype. The type is not at all abolished, but continues onward in a new and more complete spiritual form.
May a prophecy be fulfilled twice?
A prophecy that is fulfilled visibly may also be fulfilled later spiritually. This is not a double fulfilment but two levels or phases of the predicted event, the one being typological of the other.
Jesus said to them: Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you there shall not be one stone left here on another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat on the Mount of Olives the disciples came to him privately saying: Tell us, when shall these things be? What shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 24:2-4.)
What is a Theophany?
Sometimes less accurately called a Christophany, these were limited and short-term appearances of God in Old Testament times in the likeness of the body God the Son would have during his life and ministry on earth. It is important to remember that Christ never acted alone, but as the representative of the Tri-Une Godhead in all matters.
No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten son, ever existing in the bosom of the Father, he declared him. (John 1:18).
I and my father are one. (John 10:30).
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19).
What was the purpose of the Theophanies?
From the promise of the coming of the seed of the woman made to Adam and Eve salvation has been through faith in the substitutionary atoning work of Christ. These occasional appearances renewed and strengthened that faith during the long centuries before Christ’s birth and ministry. They demonstrated the unity of the faith in both Testaments, and thus were an absolute promise of Christ’s coming. They also satisfied a God-given desire in God’s people to see God1, in the only way that they could, as God in human form2.
1. Philip said to him: Lord, show us the Father, and that is enough for us. (John 14:8).
2. Jesus said to him: Have I been with you so long a time and you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. (John 14:9).
To whom were some important Theophanies granted?
There are indications of many short appearances of Christ as God in the Old Testament, but the most notable were to Abraham1, to Hagar2 to Jacob3, to Moses4, to Balaam5 and to Joshua6.
1. To Abraham:
The LORD appeared to Abram. (Genes 12:7).
When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram. (Genesis 17:1).
And God said to Abram… (Genesis 17:15).
And the LORD appeared to him in the plains of Mamre. (Genesis 18:1).
And Abraham stood still before the LORD. (Genesis 18:1).
2. To Hagar:
The angel of the LORD found her…and she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, you, God, see me. (Genesis 16:7, 13).
3. To Jacob:
Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him there until the breaking of the day…and Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, for he said: I have seen God face to face. (Genesis 32:14, 30).
4. To Moses:
The angel of the LORD appeared to him…moreover he said: I an the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. (Exodus 3:2,5). No prophet like Moses arose since in Israel, whom the LORD knew face to face. (Deuteronomy 34:10).
5. To Balaam:
God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the Angel of the LORD stood in his path. (Numbers 23:22).
6. To Joshua:
There stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and asked: Are you for us, or for our adversaries? And he replied: No. I have come as ruler over the host of the LORD, Then Joshua fell on his face and worshipped…and the ruler of the LORD’S host said to Joshua: Loose the sandal from off your foot, for the place where you are standing is holy. (Joshua 5:13-15).
Why did Theophanies cease?
Theophanies were foreshadows of Christ’s coming incarnation, and thus were typological. Fulfilled in that coming, they were no longer needed. Following Christ’s ascension the invisible permanent presence of God the Holy Spirit more than supplies the occasional Old Testament appearances of God in the Person of the Son as representative of the Trinity.
When the Comforter has come, who I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness of me. (John 15:26).
It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I do not go away the Comforter will not come to you, but if I depart I will send him to you. (John 16:7).
How many the New Testament be divided?
The New Testament may also be divided into three sections: Histories, Doctrinal writings, and Prophecy.
What Books are there in the history section?
The Gospels, of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Gospel of John.
What are the main events recorded in the history section?
Christ’s pre-existence from eternity as God the Son. His coming to earth as a man by being born to a virgin. His sinless life in which he fulfilled God’s law perfectly on behalf of his people. His miracles, that proved his divinity. His teaching and his compassion. The Jews willingness to consider him a human Messiah, but being bitterly opposed to his divine-human nature. His betrayal, trial, and condemnation by the Jews. His mocking and crucifixion by the Romans. His death and glorious resurrection. His perfect resurrection body, and his ascension into heaven. The sending of the Holy Spirit in Christ’s place and the bestowal of temporary apostolical gifts for the establishing of the church. The missionary outreach establishing churches. The call of the gentiles revealing the elect as being the spiritual Israel in all nations.
What Books are there in the doctrinal section?
Paul’s first and seconds letters to the Thessalonians, Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Paul’s first and second letters to the Corinthians, Paul’s letter to the Romans, Paul’s letter to the Colossians, Paul’s letter to Philemon, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Paul’s first and second letters to Timothy, Paul’s letter to Titus, Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, the letter of James, the letter of Jude, the first and second letters of Peter, and the first, second, and third letters of John.
What is the major significance of the doctrinal Books?
Many of the events throughout the Old Testament, and even during Christ’s time on earth, had been typological- figures and examples of great spiritual truths. These greater and deeper meanings are revealed and explained by the Holy Spirit in the doctrinal Books, events retaining their significance but now revealed to have had higher meaning by being fulfilled in Christ’s ministry and atoning death.
What examples may be given of this factor of type to antitype fulfilment continuation?
Physical Jerusalem is fulfilled in the spiritual Jerusalem from above. The true Israel, that is the elect amongst the Jews, is fulfilled in the spiritual elect Israel called out from all nations. The bloody sacrifice of Passover is fulfilled in the bloodless Lord’s Supper1. The bloody rite of circumcision is fulfilled in bloodless baptism2. The physical Temple is fulfilled in the living temple of the elect3.
1. Our Passover, Christ, was sacrificed for us, therefore let us keep the feast. (1. Corinthians 5:7).
2. You are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands…by the circumcision of Christ when you were united with his burial by baptism. (Colossians 2: 10-11).
3. Do you not know that you are the temple of God? (1. Corinthians 3:16).
Do you not know that your whole body is the temple of the Spirit of God? (1.Corinthians 6:19).
All the building, being suitably fitted together, is built into the holy temple of the Lord, into which you are also built together, as a habitation for God. (Ephesians 221-22).
You are the temple of the living God, as God has said, I will dwell in them, nd walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (2. Corinthians 6:16).
When was this fulfilment change made?
Spiritually when Christ shed his blood (which had been typologically prefigured in sacrifice and in circumcision) and died, and visibly to mankind on the destruction of the Jewish State and Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D.
What Book is there in the prophecy section?
The Revelation given to John.
What does the Book of Revelation principally teach?
It was necessary that the final Book of the Bible summarised the pattern of type and antitype, predication and completion, visible event and spiritual fulfilment that had run through the entire Bible. Revelation has a visible and historical, typological, level, which describes and predicts the important events surrounding the judgment on and downfall of the Jewish polity and the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D., and it has a spiritual and antitypical level, which prophecies the events of the end of the age and the final judgment to come, these being, in God’s sight, phases of the same event.
What shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 24: 3).
May we say that the Old Testament speaks of Law, and the New Testament of Grace?
No. In the Old Testament law is foremost, but behind it and along with it there is always the grace of the gospel. In the New Testament the grace of the gospel is foremost, but behind it and along with it there is always the regulation of God’s law.
Do we then make the law void through faith? Certainly not! We actually establish the law. Romans 3:31.
It is of faith, that it might be by grace, to the end that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only that which is of the law, but also to that which is of Abraham’s faith, who is the father of us all. (Romans 4:16).
What other visible aid has God the Holy Spirit provided for God’s people?
The church.
What is the church?
The church is a special and called-out people, comprising all those who were gifted to God the Son by the Tri-Une God in eternity past, in order that he would suffer and die for them in time, and that God the Holy Spirit would individually call, convict, and convert them during their lives. The true church of God is thus identical to the elect.
I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18).
The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47).
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing. (Ephesians 5:27).
The house of God, which is the church of the living God. (1. Timothy 3:15).
Into what two sections may the church be divided?
Into the church militant1, which includes all true Christians who are alive at any given time, and the church triumphant2, which comprises all Christians who have lived and now are with God in glory.
1. The church of God which he has purchased with no other than his own blood. (Acts 20:28).
Give no offense either to the Jews or to the gentiles, that is to the whole church of God. (1. Corinthians 10:32).
2. Today you shall be with me in Paradise. (Luke 23:43).
When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you will also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4).
Where I am, there shall my servant also be. (John 12:26)I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:3).
Father, I will that those who you gave me shall be with me where I am so that they may behold my glory. (John 17:24).
Hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes I will permit to eat of the tree of life which is the midst of the Paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7).
Into what two sections may the church militant be divided?
Into the visible church, which includes all who call themselves Christian, elect and non-elect1, and the church invisible, which comprises all within it who are truly elect and are, or will be, saved.2 The true church is thus a called-out body of people, adults, children, and infants, special to God3.
1. They are not all Israel who are of Israel. (Romans 9:6).
They went out from us, but none of them was ever part of us, for if they had been of us they would without question have continued with us, but they went out that it might be made clear that they were never truly with us at all. (1. John 2:19).
2. The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47).
3. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your seed after you. (Genesis 17:7, 10).
Sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those who suck the breasts. (Joel 2:16).
I will pour my Spirit on your seed, and my blessings on your offspring. (Isaiah 44:3).
What loving title does Scripture give to the true elect church?
The true elect church is called the bride of Christ.
He who has the bride is the bridegroom. (John 3:29).
I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 19:2).
Come here and I will show you the bride, the lamb’s wife. (Revelation 21:9).
The Spirit and the bride say, come. (Revelation 22:17).
What is another important title given to the church in Scripture?
The Israel of God. In all ages the elect who are brought to saving faith have been God’s Israel: in the Old Testament more confined to the Jews, in the New Testament made up of elect Jews and gentiles.
There is now neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus, and if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:27-28).
As many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, even as being the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:16).
Is the church then just a great number of true believers, or must it be visibly organised?
In the very early days the church was distributed among the families of the patriarchs, who served as pastors within their family groups. With the multiplication of mankind and the sharp distinction between the godly and the ungodly this division was marked by the visible organisation of worshipping communities, from the time of Abraham onward.
You are the body of Christ, and each a specific member. (1. Corinthians 12:27).
We, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members of one another. (Romans 12:5).
Who is, and always has been, the sole head of the churchChrist Jesus, God the Son, is, and always has been, the sole head of the church.
The government shall be upon his shoulder. (Isaiah 9:6).
I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18).
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I AM, in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20).
All authority has been given me in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 27:18).
The church of God which he has purchased with no other blood than his own. (Acts 20:28).
What offices does Christ fulfil, as invisible head of the church in all ages?
Christ fulfils the offices of Prophet1, Priest2, and King3.
- Prophet:
I will raise up a prophet like you from among their brethren and I will put my words in his mouth and he shall speak all that I command unto them. (Deuteronomy 18:18).
This is the prophet Jesus, of Nazareth in Galilee. (Matthew 21:11)You, child, shall be called the prophet of the Highest. (Luke 1:76).
A great prophet has risen up amongst us. (Luke 7:16).
Jesus of Nazareth, who proved himself a prophet mighty in word and deed. (Luke 24:19).
This is in truth the prophet who was to come into the world. (John 6:14).
Moses truly said to the fathers, a prophet like me the Lord your God shall raise up to you from your brethren. (Acts 3:22). Priest:
Consider the apostle and high priest who we profess, Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 3:1).
You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:6).
We have a high priest who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 8:1).
King:
The king shall say to those at his right hand, come, you blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom. (Matthew 25:34).
Blessed be the king who comes in the name of the Lord. (Luke 19:38).
What is the nature of Christ’s present kingdom, and will it be permanent?
Christ’s now-existing kingdom is his mediatorial kingdom. It will last until the final one of God’s elect is saved, the church is completed, and Christ returns as judge. At that date Christ will deliver up his kingdom to the Father, to merge into the eternal kingdom of the Tri-Une Godhead in unity.
When all things shall be subdued by him then shall the Son be subject to him who put all things under him, that the Godhead may be all in all. (1. Corinthians 15:28).
May the church be said to be holy?
Yes, but federally holy, because united by the Holy Spirit to Christ, who is holy.
Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone in whom all the building, being suitably fitted together, is built into the holy temple of the Lord, in which you are also built together as a habitation for God, through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:20-22).
The house of God, which is the church of the living God. (1. Timothy 3:15)
It is necessary for salvation to join a true church?
Whenever possible, yes. The church is God’s provision for his people, where they specifically meet with him, and where he provides teaching, pastoral oversight, sacramental grace, and fellowship. Where no sound church exists believers should endeavour to form one.
I am a companion to all those who fear you. (Psalm 119:63).
Those who still feared the Lord often spoke one to another. (Malachi 3:16).
Those who gladly received the word were baptised, and the same day there were added to the them about three thousand souls who continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and charity, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:41-42).
Not neglecting assembling ourselves together as some have done, but encouraging each other, and so much more so when you see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24).
What two elements defined the church in the Old Testament?
The church under the Old Testament had an external and ritual element centred on the Jerusalem Temple (earlier the Tabernacle) with a specific priesthood, and also a more widespread and spiritual element, centred on the synagogues and local pastoral eldership.
Jesus went about all Galilee teaching in their synagogues. (Matthew 4:23).
Jesus went about all cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues. (Matthew 9:35).
He preached in the synagogues throughout all Galilee. (Mark 1:39).
He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day as his custom was, and stood up to read. (Luke 4:16).
After the reading of the law and of the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying: Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. (Acts 13:15).
Do we still have the first of these elements under the New Testament?
No. The Temple, sacrifices, festivals and priesthood were all typical and prophetical. Visible teaching devices that have been fulfilled in the coming and ministry of Jesus Christ, who is both our priest and our sacrifice. An inner and spiritual worship element was centred on the synagogues and so continues in the church, along with the spiritual priesthood of all believers, flowing from their spiritual union with Christ.
Christ did not enter into the most holy place made by hands, which is only a figure of the reality. (Hebrews 9:24).
Where the scattered Jewish synagogues independent worship centres?
No. As the Jewish people were seen as a great family (within which God had his elect, the true or spiritual Israel) so the synagogues were regarded as parts of an interconnected whole, subject to the final authority of the Sandehrin, when convened in Jerusalem.
Requested letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus. (Acts 9:2).
They said to him: We received no letters out of Judea concerning you, neither have the brethren who came showed or spoke anything against you. (Acts 28:21).
Should this pattern continue in the church?
Yes. As there is no indication in the Bible of any new arrangement, and as the church was founded and established among the Jews the same pattern must continue in the church.
The body is one, and yet has many members, and as all the members of that one body, though many, are one body, so is Christ also. For by one Spirit we are all baptised into one body , whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are bond or free, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit, for the body is not one member, but many. (1. Corinthians 12:12-14).
We, being many, are one body in Christ, even as you are called into one hope of your calling, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6).
What officers did the Old Testament church have?
Elders and readers, and those tasked to provide for the poor.
I will give you pastors according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15).
How do these continue in the New Testament church?
As Teaching Elders, Ruling Elders, and Deacons.
When they had arranged the election of elders in each church. (Acts 14:23).
He sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17).
Establish elders in every town, as I have appointed you. (Titus 1:5).
Let the elders who oversee well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and in doctrine. (1. Timothy 5:17).
Let these first be examined, and then let them undertake the deacon’s office. (1. Timothy 3:10).
Those who minister in the office of deacon have an honourable place. (1. Timothy 3:13).
Which Old Testament elements have been fulfilled in Christ, and do any continue in the New Testament church?
Everything that the ritual law, sacrifices, and festivals pointed to and taught about has been completed and fulfilled in Christ Jesus. The Old Testament church had also two appointed means of communion with God, the sacraments of circumcision and the Passover meal. As God gives grace to his people in the sacraments they continue, but with their typological element removed by fulfilment.
Do not think that I came to invalidate the law or the prophets. I have not come to invalidate, but to fulfil. (Matthew 5:17).
What typological element has passed away from these, by fulfilment in Christ?
Both circumcision and Passover involved the shedding of blood. As all God ordained rituals involving the shedding of blood pointed forward to the blood shed on Calvary’s cross, that element could not continue once the true blood had been shed.
In what bloodless form do circumcision and Passover now exist?
Circumcision is fulfilled and continues bloodlessly now as baptism. The Passover is fulfilled and continued bloodlessly now as the Lord’s Supper. The church in all ages has only ever had two sacraments, and it has two today.
Circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. (Colossians 2:11).
Repent, and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38).
Our Passover, Christ, was sacrificed for us. (1. Corinthians 5:7).
My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. (John 6:55).
The Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it, and said take, eat, this is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me. After he had partaken he took the cup and in the same manner said, this cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. (1. Corinthians 11: 23-25).
Who may preach the word and preside at these sacraments?
Teaching Elders, otherwise called pastors or ministers.
How are Teaching Elders recognised and appointed?
They are called by God1, trained by the church2, receive a call by the majority votes of the membership of a local church, and then, after due examination3, are appointed or set aside to their work by ordination, which involves the laying on of the hands of the local Presbytery4. Giving themselves to the ministry of the word and pastoral oversight, they are supported financially by the church5.
1. The LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek. (Isaiah 61:1).
And fulfil the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:24).
Take care for yourselves, and for all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. (Acts 20:28).
Christ has set some in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers. (1. Corinthians 12:28).
No man chooses this honour for himself, but he is chosen by God. (Hebrews 5:4).
2. Timotheus, my own son in the faith. (1. Timothy 1:2).
These things in turn commit to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also. (2. Timothy 2:2).
3. Do not be hasty in ordaining any man. (1. Timothy 5:22).
4. When they had ordained elders in every church. (Acts 14:23).
Establish elders in every town. (Titus 1:5).
The gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy, and by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (1. Timothy 4:14).
5. Let those who are taught the word distribute all necessary good things to him who teaches them. (Galatians 6:6).
The Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel. (1. Corinthians 9:14).
If the gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, it is their duty to reciprocate in carnal things. (Romans 15:27).
Do all Teaching Elders pastor churches?
No. A small number may be called and set aside to train men for the ministry. These may be thought of a Teaching (only) rather than Teaching-Preaching Elders. They are part of the local or district Presbytery, representing their students as other Teaching Elders represent their congregations. They may preach or administer the sacraments in a local church when called upon to do so.
There were in the church at Antioch certain prophets and teachers. (Acts 13:1).
God has set some in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers. (1. Corinthians 12:28).
If ministry, let us wait on our ministering, he who teaches, on teaching. (Romans 12:7).
So he gave us apostles and prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11).
What is the role of the Ruling Elder?
Ruling Elders have an equal role in the discipline and government of the church, along with the Teaching Elder. Together they form the local church Presbytery.
How are Ruling Elders recognised and appointed?
They are called by God, recognised by the local church, and appointed and set aside to their work by ordination, which involves the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery.
When they had ordained elders in every church. (Acts 14:23).
To consult with the apostles and elders. (Acts 15:2).
The apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem. (Acts 16:4).
The overseers and deacons. (Philippians 1:1).
What is the Presbytery?
This is simply a Greek term meaning eldership, indicating that the church is pastored and governed by Elders.
Brethren, acknowledge those who labour amongst you and who are over you in the Lord, and who are your guides. (1. Thessalonians 5:12).
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy and by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (1. Timothy 4:14).
How is the whole church organised?
The church visible is the body and bride of Christ on earth, and so is one body, not many scattered units. This organic union must be demonstrated in the church. No one part of the body is superior to another. This balance of equality of parts within one body is preserved in the Biblical Presbyterian system.
For by the Spirit we are all baptised into one body, whether we are Jews or gentiles…for the body is not one member but many. Now there are many members but still one body. (1. Corinthians 12:13-14, 20).
How may this Biblical system be described, so far as individual Christians are concerned?
It is a representative system. Individual Christians are represented, and their views understood, by their Elders, who represent them, by delegation, at each level. Discipline cases, for example, may be referred by appeal to wider courts, up to the annual national Presbytery.
If he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. (Matthew 18:17).
Where there other officers and roles in the Apostolic church?
Yes, Apostles, Evangelists, and Deacons.
He gave us apostles and prophets, evangelists and pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry of edifying the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Do any of these continue in the modern church, along with the Eldership?
Apostles, no. These were special men, who had to have seen Christ in the flesh and conversed with him1 They were granted temporary extraordinary powers for the initial establishing of the church. They can have no successors. Evangelist is not a description of a title or an officer, but of a role2. Those who go among the unconverted at home or on the foreign mission field, in order to call and gather new churches, perform the role of an evangelist. Such men are Teaching Elders on special service. If they gather churches and remain to oversee and pastor them the role of evangelist ceases, being merged into the pastoral one. Deacons have a permanent role in the churches.
1. Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? (1. Corinthians 9:1).
2. Do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry. (2. Timothy 4:5).
If all of God’s elect ones will assuredly come to salvation, what is the need of the Evangelist, or for the Pastor to preach salvation to sinners?
God knows his elect, for they were known and granted to God the Son by God the Father before time ever was, but men do not know who these elect are. God has therefore ordained the preaching of salvation by Christ as the means by which these elect are called. Evangelists and preachers must therefore make an unlimited proclamation of a limited atonement. They should earnestly desire that all who hear them might be elect and be saved, yet knowing that God disposes all things perfectly, according to his will. This proclamation is a two-edged sword. It calls in the elect, and it hardens sinners in their sin.
This gospel shall be preached in the whole world. (Matthew 26:13).
He preached in the synagogues that Christ is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20).
How shall they hear without a preacher? How shall they preach except they be sent. (Romans 10:14).
Preach the word, be active in season and out of season, reprove, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (2.. Timothy 4:2).
What is the function of preaching to the saved?
God’s flock, whilst in this world, face many dangers and temptations. They are fed and nurtured on the preached word. The word should include teaching, warnings, encouragement, and when necessary rebuke, and aim at leading the people ever closer spiritually to love God in Christ their Redeemer.
You must teach the things that enforce sound doctrine, that the older men be watchful, have grace, be gentle, sound in the faith, with compassion, with patience, that the older women conduct themselves likewise as becomes holiness, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine, teacher of good things, (4) that they show the young women how to be moderate, to love their husbands, to love their children, (5) to be discreet, good housekeepers, and obedient to their husbands so that the word of God is not blasphemed. (6) Exhort the young men to be equally sober minded. (Titus 2:1-6).
Charge those who are rich in this world that they do not become arrogant or trust in uncertain riches, but rather in the living God, who gave us richly all things to enjoy, so that they do good and become rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up a good foundation in store for themselves against times to come, so that they may hold on eternal life. (1. Timothy 6:17-19).
I therefore charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing in his kingdom, to preach the word. (2. Timothy 4:2).
What is the role of the Deacon?
The Deacon is a set-aside man, not ordained but called, whose main function is to manage and oversee, in connection with the church session or congregational presbytery, the financial affairs of the church. He is the treasurer and accountant of the church, receiving and recording and disbursing finances. In connection with the Elders the deacon aids church members and others who are in genuine need. Also as the wider church courts, when they are convened in session, require financial arrangements, Deacons perform that role for those gatherings, being the financial officers of the church at every level.
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said: It is not reasonable for us to neglect the word of God to look after finances. Therefore, brethren, select seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, from among you, whom we may appoint over this business. (Acts 6:2-4).
Are the two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, where the believer publicly witnesses to and demonstrates his or her faith?
No. They do not signify the believer’s faith, but are channels by which God applies his faithfulness to his people. In them he meets his elect in a special way at special times, and makes gracious provision for their needs. God, not man, is active in them, by virtue of the spiritual union with his elect people.
Is it correct to say that the sacraments are signs and seals of redemption?
Not entirely. The sacraments are far more than that. Signs and seals point to something, or promise something, but are not that thing. The sacraments are real and efficacious, for they are ordained channels of grace to the elect, through their spiritual union with Christ and his gracious nature of goodness and beauty.
Is this grace received by all who are baptised or partake of the Lord’s Supper?
No. Grace, to be grace, is always specific, and never general or common. Only the elect are spiritually alive to receive this grace, for it is the merit earned by Christ that unites them to his gracious nature, and which is administered by the Holy Spirit. It is thus available only to the elect. In the sacraments God shows his adoption, and subsequent feeding and nurture of his own flock, rendering them progressively more Christ-like.
What is baptism?
Baptism is an outward purification by the sprinkling or pouring of water, signifying a real inner purification by spiritual union with Christ who was baptised with water at the Jordan to vicariously purify his elect, and baptised in blood at Calvary to cleanse their sin. Christ’s sprinkling with water and with blood is the foundation and dynamic for all true baptism since.
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean. (Ezekiel 36:25).
The circumcision of Christ when buried into his burial through baptism. (Colossians 2:11-12).
Who may be baptised?
Those who are within the folds of God’s covenant, that is believers and their children.
The promise to you, and to your children. (Acts 2:39).
Which adults may be baptised?
Those converted to the church from outside, on a credible profession of faith, made before the Eldership.
Go and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19).
If baptism fulfils circumcision, why are the female babies of the church, and women converted from the world, baptised, when only males born within the covenant community, and male proselytes from outside, circumcised in the Old Testament?
Because in the Old Testament, founded on the patriarchal system, females were included under the headship of the males. The New Testament is always wider, because it is the fulfilment of the narrower, and more restricted, Old Testament. In Christ Jesus, the Messiah, there is now (spiritually) neither male nor female.
The circumcision made without hands…when buried into his burial through baptism. (Colossians 2:11-12).
There is now neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:27).
Which infants may be baptised?
The infant offspring of members of the church in good standing.
She and her household were baptised. (Acts 16:15).
The unbelieving husband has been sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified by the husband. If not your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. (1. Corinthians 7:14).
On what is the requirement to baptise the offspring of believers grounded?
It is grounded on the eternal and unchangeable covenantal promise of God to be the God of his elect and their seed, Christ Jesus being the mediator of the covenant1. It is also God’s requirement for admission into the covenant community2. In terms of that covenant, and in answer to prayer, the offspring of believing parents must, in faith, be assumed to be elect and regenerate (unless they prove to be covenant breakers later in life.)3
1. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your seed after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you and to your children. (Genesis 17:7).
The promise to you and your children. (Acts 2:39).
2. The uncircumcised male child…shall be cut off from his people, he has broken my covenant. (Genesis 17:14).
And it came to pass by the way in the inn that the LORD showed him that his son was still under condemnation, until Zipporah took a sharp stone knife and cut off son’s foreskin..and said: Surely you are my husband in blood. So he let him go, when she had acknowledged that because of the circumcision he was her husband in the blood. (Exodus 4:24-26).
In whom you are also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh. (Colossians 2:11).
We are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:3).
3. If not your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. (1. Corinthians 7:14).
Does this presumed regeneration mean that the children believers do not need to be taught to repent and exercise faith towards God?
On the contrary, the children of believers must be taught that they are sinners needing constant confession and repentance, so as to advance in sanctification. There should be evidence of infant faith and infant repentance, of child faith and child repentance, and so on progressively until adult faith is arrived at. It is the duty and responsibility of parents and of the church to nurture and oversee this process.
Gather the people together, men, women, children, and the stranger who resides within your gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 31:12).
Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6).
Whoever misleads one of these little ones who believe in me, it were better for him that the stone from a mill be hanged about his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea. (Matthew 18:6).
You, fathers, never provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the nurture and discipline of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4).
May any others, who are not from believing families, be baptised?
In exceptional circumstances, yes. If is possible that children from outside of the church family may be providentially associated with the church, for example by faithful attendance at the church Sabbath school. If they show genuine attachment to the church and its teaching they might (with the consent of their parents or guardians) be formally joined to the church by baptism, under the Scriptural rules for the stranger within your gates. Being thus joined to the church he or she may, on reaching mature years and on a credible confession of faith, advance to the Lord’s Table and adult church membership.
When a stranger shall sojourn with you, and wishes to keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, then let him come near and keep it and he shall be as one born in the land. (Exodus 12:48).
The sons of the stranger who join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants…even them I will bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer…for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people. (Isaiah 56:6-7).
What happens externally and internally at baptism?
Externally the sign of cleansing, symbolic of the descending shed blood of Christ, signifies acceptance into the covenant community of God, the church visible, these accessions being partly by adult conversions from outside, but mainly by birth to believing parents within the covenantal community. Internally God, by virtue of the covenanted union with Christ, supplies grace to nurture his redeemed one, and aid them in their walk before him though life.
So that he might sanctify and cleanse it by the washing of water. (Ephesians 5:26).
How can grace be received by the elect at their baptism?
Baptism is a cleansing, by which the baptised one is made ritually clean to take his or her part in the visible covenant community, the church. Christ, who was perfect and needed no such cleansing, was ritually baptised by John on behalf of his people. The elect’s spiritual union with Christ brings about their cleansing in and with Christ’s vicarious baptism-cleansing for them, when they are baptised. This spiritual union is the channel of grace granted, in order for the convert or covenant child to progress in sanctification within the covenant community.
Who, beyond the candidate, have a role in baptism?
The entire membership of the local church covenant to recognise and accept the baptised one as a member of their spiritual family, and to aid, encourage, and nurture him or her to the best of their ability. This applies to adult additions from outside and infant and child additions from within the church community alike.
Does anyone else have a special interest in the covenant baptism of babies?
Yes. The mother does. Scripture regards the mother as the inadvertent conveyer of original sin to her offspring, thus multiplying the sinners in the world. All babies are thus technically ‘unclean’ and unsuitable to take a place in the covenant community, but those of believers are ritually cleansed in baptism, enabling them to take their place within that community. In the Old Testament the mother’s ritual cleansing was tied to the circumcision of her (male) infants, and hence, by continuity, with infant baptism in the New Testament. The mother is cleansed as her child is cleansed. It thus follows that a mother should not partake of the Lord’s Supper until her baby has been baptised.
If a woman has conceived seed and has given birth to a male child then she shall be unclean for seven days…and on the eight day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised…if she bears a girl child she shall be unclean two days…she shall touch no hallowed thing nor come into the sanctuary until the days of her purification are completed. (Leviticus 23:2, 4-5).
What is the Biblical mode of Baptism?
Sprinkling or pouring. The water must descend, as it (or blood) did in all ritual cleansings in the Old Testament, and to symbolise what those cleansings looked forward to, the descending sprinkled shed blood of Christ on Calvary’s cross. The mode is vital to maintain union with Christ, in whose ritual cleansing we are cleansed, and in it the candidate must be passive not active, as we can take no active part in our own salvation.
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your filthiness, and I will cleanse you from, all your idols. (Ezekiel 36:25).
Elect according to the predestination of God the Father through sanctification of the Spirit into obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. (1. Peter 1:2).
What is the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper is a ritual meal, ordained by Christ, in which believers partake, in his name, of a small quantity of bread and of wine in communion with him. The Lord’s Supper fulfils, and thus continues, bloodlessly, the Old Testament Passover.
Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said: Take, eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying: All drink of it, for this is my blood of the new covenant which is shed for many. (Matthew 26:26-28).
Our Passover, Christ, was sacrificed for us. (1. Corinthians 5:7).
Who may partake of the Lord’s Supper?
All baptised adult members in good standing in the Church.
Why is baptism a precondition to approaching the Lord’s Table?
Because baptism fulfils and spiritually continues circumcision, and the Lord’s Table fulfils and spiritually continues the Passover. The uncircumcised were strictly forbidden to approach the Passover meal. As no new or different instruction is given in the New Testament this rule must still apply. Thus believers who have children must not only have been baptised themselves, but also must have had their children baptised, as a precondition of partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
No uncircumcised person shall eat of it. (Exodus 12:48).
Our Passover, Christ, was sacrificed for us. (1. Corinthians 5:7).
Is there any other precondition to approaching the Lord’s Table?
Yes. A credible confession of faith. Adult converts make this confession before being admitted to baptism, those baptised as covenant children make their confession on reaching adult years, before progressing to the Lord’s Table.
Let a man examine himself, and then let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup, for he who eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks condemnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. (1. Corinthians 11:28-29).
What happens externally and internally at the Lord’s Supper?
Externally the people demonstrate their union as a church family by communal eating and drinking, and their spiritual union with Christ, whose broken body is represented by the bread, and whose shed blood is represented by the wine. Internally the believer is really and actually spiritually fed, by God’s grace, to strengthen and support his or her inner life in their ongoing walk and warfare against sin, Satan, and the world.
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The loaf which w break,
is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (1. Corinthians 10:16).
How is grace received by the believer when taking the Lord’s Supper?
By the believer’s spiritual union with Christ they share in what he has done vicariously for them: keeping the whole law, paying the penalty for their sins, dying and rising again for them. This living spiritual union Christ calls feeding on him1. As we are really connected to Adam in his fall, so we are really connected to Christ by partaking of the Supper, and the Holy Spirit unites us ever closer with the Saviour2. In this way grace is imparted in receiving the elements, to really feed, nourish, and strengthen the inner spiritual person, just as food does the outer physical person.
1. Except you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you. (John 6:53).
My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed, He who eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, dwells in me, and I in him. (John 6:55-56).
2. He who eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, dwells in me, and I in him. (John 6:56).
How should a believer come to the Lord’s Supper?
There must be preparation by self-examination beforehand: only the saved, the spiritually alive in Christ, can receive any benefit. Weak faith, however, is not a barrier. It needs the grace communicated most. On taking there must be due awareness of the reality of the transaction. It is a genuine communion, never just a ritual.
Let a man examine himself, and then let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (1. Corinthians 11:28).
What is meant by discerning the Lord’s body in the Supper, that has such serious consequences for failing to discern?
As the Lord’s Supper is not a mere ritual or mere memorial, but a real communion with the invisible Christ by which the believer receives the grace that is imparted, to deny or ignore the Lord’s active part in this is to fail (or refuse) to discern or acknowledge the Lord’s body, that the believer is spiritually united with.
He who eats this bread, and drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. He who eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks condemnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’ s body. (1. Corinthians 11:27-29).
What level of discernment is thus required for worthy communion in the Lord’s Supper?
It is important that believers are not deterred by this solemn warning. As the Lord’s Supper continues and fulfils the Passover the requirement is not a new one. When Jewish covenant children reached an age in which they could enquire and be taught the meaning of the Passover and appreciate its spiritual import they discerned the inner meaning and could prepare to take part worthily. The same rule continues with the Lord’s Supper: those who are spiritually mature enough to discern the spiritual reality may come without question.
And it shall come to pass when your children shall ask you what this sacrifice signifies you shall teach them that this is the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover. (Exodus 12:26-27).
Do covenant children join the church when they take their first communion?
By no means. God joined them to the invisible church from infancy, and they were joined to the visible church by baptism. They are junior members of the covenant community. They are simply non-communicating members until they make an adult confession of faith and are invited to the table.
Is the Lord’s Supper a spiritual provision for the believer and the church in this life only?
No. In preparing for, and partaking of, the Lord’s Supper worthily we acknowledge that the Lord’s Supper is itself also a preparation, a preparation for the Lord’s promised and certain return (or our going to be with him before that event). Spiritual preparation for the Supper is preparation to join in the ordained preparation for that Coming. This must be kept in mind as we receive the grace that aids us in pressing forward towards it.
How long will these sacraments continue in the church?
Until the Lord returns. He has made this gracious provision for his people and will continue to do so whilst we are in this fallen world. Both sacraments reflect this gracious provision: not what we do to await Christ’s return, but what he does for us to prepare us for that return. Thus they show forth his death in the past, and demonstrate the certainty of his return in the future.
As often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1. Corinthians 11:26).
What specific provision bid Christ make for his people in the period between his ascension to heaven and his future return?
The giving of the Holy Spirit.
I will request the Father and he will give you another advocate that he may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth. (John 14:16-17).
What is meant by the giving of the Holy Spirit?
That the third Person of the Trinity, God the Holy Spirit, has been more closely present in and with the people of the church, invisibly continuing the once visible ministry of God the Son.
It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I do not go away the Comforter will not come to you. (John 16:7).
When he, the Spirit of truth has come he will guide you into all truth. (John 16:13).
How may the gifts or activities of the Holy Spirit be divided?
They may be divided into temporary, and permanent, gifts.
Who received the temporary gifts, and over what time period was that?
Temporary gifts were given to the apostles (who had actually seen Christ in person, during his ministry or after his resurrection)1, who alone could transfer some spiritual gifts to other disciples2, (who not being apostles, could not transfer them onward to others.)
1. The signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, in wonders, and mighty deeds. (1. Corinthians 12:12).
2. Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands. (Acts 8:18).
What was God’s main purpose in bestowing these special (miraculous) gifts?
To prove beyond doubt the superhuman nature of Christianity in the church’s formative period.
They went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. (Mark 16:17).
What were the main special gifts of the Spirit?
Prophecy.1 That was special aid in proclaiming the word, with occasional extraordinary insight into current or future events. Inspiration2. This included the selection of material and miraculous recall of the very words spoken, so that the written Scriptural record was without error. Tongues or languages3. This was the miraculous ability to preach in foreign languages without prior learning, necessary for the rapid growth of the church.
1. By the same Spirit…to another, prophecy. (1. Corinthians 12:9-10).
Prophesying does not serve for those who do not believe, but for those who believe. (1. Corinthians 14:22).
We also have a more sure word of prophetic word to which you would do well to heed. (2. Peter 1:19).
2. All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God. (2. Timothy 3:16).
The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit who the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things and bring everything to your remembrance. (John 14:26).
3. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages. (Acts 2:4).
Parthians, and Medes, and Elemites, and dwellers in Mespotamia, and in Judea, and Cappodocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphalia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking of the wonderful works of God in our own languages. (Acts 2:9-11).
To another, different languages, to another the translation of languages. But all these are wrought by the same Spirit. (1. Corinthians 12:10-11).
Foreign languages are not a sign for those who believe, but for those who do not believe. (1. Corinthians 14:22).
Could the apostles and those endowed with miraculous gifts employ them at will?
No. God employed these men and their gifts as and when he saw fit in working out his plan for the church1. In all other cases they were just like other Christians2.
1. The father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery, to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hand on him, and healed him. (Acts 28:8).
2. However I supposed that it was necessary to send my brother and companion in labour and fellow soldier Epaphroditus to you as your messenger…and was uneasy because you had heard the report of his illness. Indeed he was sick, even nearly to death, but God had mercy on him. (Philippians 2:25-27).
Trophimus I left sick at Miletus. (2. Timothy 4:20).
As these special gifts were temporary, when did they cease, and why?
The apostles could confer some special gifts on others, during the crucial period of calling and forming the church. Those who received them could exercise them as and when God required it, but they could not pass them on to others. Thus the transmission of spiritual gifts necessarily ceased with the death of the last apostle, and the gifts themselves ceased with the death of the last person to receive them from an apostle. By that date the Bible was completed, and no new miracles or revelations were required.
When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through laying on of the apostles’ hands he offered them money, saying: Give me also this power also, that on whoever I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit. Then Peter said to him: Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. (Acts 8: 18-20).
What are the main permanent gifts of the Spirit?
God the Holy Spirit bestows himself on his people as enlightener, comforter, prayer leader, praise leader, and channel of grace in the sacraments.
What role does God the Holy Spirit take in the sacraments?
The grace that is received by the elect in the sacraments flows from God’s election and Christ’s atonement, and is channelled to them by the Holy Spirit, who takes the things of God and applies them to the church.
He shall receive these from me and he shall reveal them to you. All things that the Father has are mine, therefore I said that he receives them from me, and shall reveal them to you. (John 16:14-15).
In summary, then, what are the occasions when additional special grace is given to the believer, to aid their Christian life and sanctification?
Firstly, at their baptism (once only- grace applied to the elect one to guide and help them at the commencement of their Christian life). Secondly, in the Lord’s Supper (repeatedly- as the believer feeds spiritually on Christ, and is inwardly nourished and strengthened for our constant warfare in this world. Thirdly, with the believing, prayerful, reading or hearing of God’s word the Bible.
I will never forget your precepts, for you quickened me by them. (Psalm 119:93).
The sacred Scriptures which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. (2. Timothy 3:15).
He brought us forth by the word of truth. (James 1:18).
How are these additional donations of grace made possible?
The channel of these loving donations of extra grace is opened by spiritual union with Christ, and are applied and administered by God the Holy Spirit, who takes and applies the merits of Christ to the believer, by virtue of his union with the Tri-Une God.
He shall glorify me, for he shall receive from me them from me and shall reveal them unto you. (John 16:14).
How should a typical church service be structured?
A typical church service should include: The word. Prayer and Praise, Giving1. Church discipline. Sabbath keeping2. The benediction. To these are added the Lord’s Supper periodically, and baptism as required.
1. The money that comes into any man’s heart to bring into the house of the LORD. (2. Kings 12:4).
On the first day of the week let each one of you put aside at home what he can afford. (1. Corinthians 16:2).Everyone, as he decides in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or as of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2. Corinthians 9:7).A
2. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8).
You shall certainly keep my Sabbaths, for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. (Exodus 31:13).
You shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary. I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:3-30).
Turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, and the holy of the LORD, and honourable, and honour him in not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, then you shall find your delight in the LORD. (Isaiah 58:13-14).
And he said to them: The Son of man is lord also over the Sabbath. (Luke 6:5).
I you love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15).
What is included under the word?
The word read.1 The word proclaimed2. The word explained3. The word heard. The word believed. The word obeyed4. The word sung5.
1. Word read:
You shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. (Deuteronomy 31:11).
The book of Moses was read in the hearing of the people. (Nehemiah 13:11).
When they had heard the word, immediately they received it with gladness. (Mark 4:16).
I charge you by the Lord to ensure that this epistle is read to all the holy brethren. (1. Thessalonians 5:27).
When this epistle is read among you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans. (Colossians 4:15).
2. Word proclaimed:
After the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent to them saying: Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. (Acts 13:15).
The word of God was being preached by Paul at Berea. (Acts 17:13).
On the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preached to them. (Acts 20:8).
3. Word explained:
They read distinctly in the scroll of the law of God, and interpreted the sense, and taught them to understand the meaning. (Nehemiah 8:8).
Give attention to attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1. Timothy 4:13).
4. Word obeyed:
Such as have heard the word, and received it, and brought firth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. (Mark 4:20).
If you love me you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15).
5. Word sung:
Sing to him, sing Psalms to him, speak of all his wonderful works. (1. Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 105:2).
Rejoicing and singing, as arranged by David. (2. Chronicles 14:26).
Teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms. (Colossians 3:16).
Edify one another in Psalms. (Ephesians 5:19).
Is any merry? Let him sing Psalms. (James 5:13).
What is God’s immanence, is relation to the church service?
God is present everywhere, but is with his people in a special way when they gather to worship him. Christ specifically promised to be invisibly present when even two or three meet in his name. This wonderful reality must be understood and taken very seriously. The church cannot choose what to do in worship, but must must acknowledge God’s active presence, listen to his word, obey his instructions, and submit joyfully to his will exactly as if Christ Jesus was visibly present to lead them, and treat God’s presence with due humble reverence and loving fear, in dress and deportment.
The LORD will show who are his, and will bring those who are holy near to himself. (Numbers 16:5).
What nation has its gods so near to them as the LORD our God is to us? (Deuteronomy 4:7).
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. (Joshua 1:5).
The LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9).
The LORD of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Psalm 46:7).
Am I not a God at hand, says the LORD, and not a God afar off? (Jeremiah 23:23).
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I AM, in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20).
I am with you always, even the end of the world.
When you are gathered together in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and with my Spirit. (1. Corinthians 5:4).
I will be sanctified in all who approach me. (Leviticus 10:3).
In what ways do prayer meetings differ from worship services?
Worship services take place on God’s appointed day, the Lord’s Day or Christian Sabbath Day (Sunday). Prayer meetings typically take place on a weekday evening. Both are led by the Pastor (teaching Elder). Both include an element of sung worship (Psalm singing). At the worship service the preached word (the sermon) is central, at the prayer meeting (although there may be a short exposition of the word) prayer is central. During the worship service women are required to be silent (apart from sung praise and adding their Amen to the prayers) but in the prayer meeting women may pray audibly and lead the prayers of the people audibly.
They continued united in prayer and supplications, with the women. (Acts 1:13).
What is marriage?
Instituted by God before the fall, marriage is the loving union of one man and one woman, for mutual support and for the multiplication of the race. A remedy for temptation and sin, marriage is not obligatory for all. When contracted marriage must not be within the genetic limits forbidden in the Bible.
Then the Lord God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make him a helpmate who is like him.(Genesis 2:18).
The LORD formed a woman from the rib he had taken from Adam, and brought her to Adam. And Adam said: This is nor bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called Isha, because she was taken out of man. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:22-24).
None of you shall approach any that is near of kin, to have relations with them. You shall have no relations with…your father of your mother…your father’s wife…the daughter of your father or the daughter of your mother..your son’s daughter, or your daughter’s daughter…your father’s wife’s daughter…your father’s sister…your mother’s sister…her who belongs to your father’s brother…your daughter-in-law…your brother’s wife. (Leviticus 18:6-16).
What is Christian marriage?
Specifically reflecting the love of Christ for his church, the marriage of Christians has the responsibility of bringing forth a covenanted seed to be nurtured to love and serve God within the believing home and the church community.
For this reason a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to a wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, for I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:31-32).
Why is Christian marriage vital to the church?
Because the church is carried forward and grows through the birth of covenant children. More members are added to the church by childbirth in covenant families than by evangelism and conversions from without. Evangelism is important and the evangelist’s role is blessed in bringing in the scattered elect, but the role of the covenant mother is more blessed still, as the main source of bringing the membership of the on-going spiritual Israel, the church, into the world. Believing parents are the prime means, under God, of leading their children in the ways of the Lord.
I know that he will command his children…after him, and they shall keep the ways of the LORD. (Genesis 18:19).
You shall teach them diligently to your children and they shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way. (Deuteronomy 6:7).
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6).
The promise is to you and your children. (Acts 2:39).
Is marriage an unbreakable bond?
Ideally a lifelong bond, mankind’s present sinful state has impacted marriage, so that it is possible for a sinning partner to break the marriage bond by adultery or wilful desertion. In such cases, (especially when repeated and not repented of), the innocent party is free to divorce the sinning partner, and, if God will, marry another exactly as if their first partner had died. Like excommunication from the church divorce is a last resort break and cleansing from a sinful situation. In such cases it is not God’s will that the innocent party suffer further by being denied the possibility of a new and godly marriage and covenant child bearing, because of the sin of their guilty previous partner.
He who retains an adulteress is foolish and wicked. (Proverbs 18:22).
What spiritual duties are performed in the family?
Parents should set an example of God-centred lives and Christian conduct. There should be thanksgiving at mealtimes, and regular family worship and prayers.
I know that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the ways of the LORD. (Genesis 18:19).
Whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1. Corinthians 10:31).
What are the elements of family worship?
The head of the family should lead, and there should be Scripture reading, the singing of a Psalm, and open prayer by all capable of doing so. Family worship is usually most conveniently carried out in the evening.
We will not hide them from their children, showing the praises of the LORD. (Psalm 78:4).
What are the duties of juvenile church members?
To obey their parents and spiritual leaders in the church, to learn more about God, to praise him, and to be pleasing to him, as they move on towards adult membership.
What aids do the little ones have to help them in this?
The special grace afforded the elect child at his or her baptism. The indwelling Holy Spirit. Scriptural teaching and nurture, suitable to their age and ability. Participation in the prayers and praise of the covenant community.
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and your children shall enjoy great peace. (Isaiah 54:13).
The promise is to you and your children. (Acts 2:39).
The unbelieving husband has been sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified by the husband. If not, your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. (1. Corinthians 7:14).
What are the duties of adult church members in the world?
To have a lawful and honest calling in life, and through it to support their families and the church. If married to nurture and encourage their wife or husband, as being heirs together of grace and eternal life, and if granted children to bring them up as befits junior covenant members, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. To strive to represent Christ before others in all situations, and to witness fearlessly for him when called to do so.
On the first day of the week let each one of you put aside at home what he can afford. (1.Corinthians 16:2).
You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth. (Psalm 60:4).
What are the duties of adult members in the church?
To submit to the Eldership in all ordinary cases. To be teachable. To aid the church in its worship, prayer life, discipline, outreach, and works. To support the church financially, according to their ability. To meditate on their covenantal standing and privileges through baptism, and to strive to receive the maximum spiritual benefit when they partake of the Lord’s Supper. To strive to be attuned to God’s invisible, but real and close, presence when believers meet in his name, and to seek to hear and obey him, according to the Scriptures. To aid in seeking out and calling in God’s elect. To seek the increased sanctification of all the members.
He who walks with wise men will be wise. (Proverbs 13:20).
Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17).
Everyone, as he decides in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, not as of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2. Corinthians 9:7).
The gentiles have been made partakers of spiritual things, it is their duty to reciprocate in carnal things. (Romans 15:27).
How long will the church state continue?
Until Christ’s promised future return, when it will be merged in eternal glory.
In the meantime how should we pray (with the Spirit’s aid) in order to the acceptable to God?
We should pray from the heart, in union with the Spirit of truth, in humility and without ostentation, and all in the name of Christ.
What is the Christian’s relation to the secular state and government?
It is the duty of the Christian to be a loyal citizen of the state, and to obey its government in all ways that are not sinful or contrary to God’s word. It is also the believer’s responsibility to pray for the nation’s rulers, and so far as they are able to seek reformation in the state and the implementation of Bible-based laws.
Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities, for there is no power except of God. (Romans 13:1).
Fear God. Honour the king. (1. Peter 2:17).
What is the current relationship of the Jews to the church?
Jews by race, religion, or culture are as all other humans are: sinners under God’s wrath. They must be evangelised in order to call out God’s elect among them, who then become an integral part of the church. Only those with true faith were ever Jews or Israel in God’s sight.
As the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New, do modern Jews have a special relationship to God?
Not by race or religion. Physical Jewry was completed and fulfilled, and continues spiritually as the church, which knows no racial distinctives.
There is now neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:27).
They are not all Israel who are of Israel, neither are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham, but in Isaac shall your seed be called. (Romans 9:6-7).
Is there then now no advantage in being Jewish by birth?
Yes, there is much advantage. On conversion an elect Jew has the great benefit of being familiar with the Old Testament (Tanakh), and so can advance smoothly into understanding the Old Testament typology and its fulfilment in Christ the Messiah. Converts from atheism or agnosticism or false religions or cults lack that background, and have it all to learn.
What advantage has the Jew then? Much every way, chiefly because to them were committed the words of God. (Romans 3:1-2).
Are Jews important to the well-being of the church?
Certainly. The true church has Jewish roots and requires Jewish sap to remain sound and correct slippage into the man-centred gentilism and individualism of the West. History shows that the church has withered and deviated whenever it has ignored its Old Testament background and roots, and failed (or refused) to see itself as the spiritual on-going Israel of God.
If the root is holy, so are the branches. (Romans 11:6).
You, being a wild olive tree, were grafted among them and partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree with them. (Romans 11:17).
Does the Bible teach a mass conversion of the Jews?
It is important to understand that God’s Israel has only ever been the elect within ethnic Jewry, never the entire people1. Throughout the Old Testament the elect were largely confined to ethnic Jews2, but after Christ’s ministry on earth and the Jewish rejection of Christ election was largely removed from the Jews3, and has been almost exclusively amongst the gentiles4. However, the Bible indicates that when gentile churches become largely apostate (as they now are) increased election will be made amongst the Jews and many of them will be added to the church5. This is the re-grafting in of the Jews to their root, and will bring reviving and purifying to the churches6, demonstrating the one true spiritual Israel of God called out from all races beginning (and in a sense ending) with the Jews, before Christ returns7.
1. It is in Isaac that your seed shall be called. (Genesis 21:12).
That is, those who are the children of the flesh are not the children of God, but only the children of the promise are counted for that seed. (Romans 9:8).
2. All those who are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (Galatians 11:5).
3. Though the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea, yet only a remnant shall be saved. (Isaiah 10:22, Romans 9:27).
So at the present there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:5).
Touching the election they are beloved for their father’s sake. (Romans 11:28).
4. If some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree were grafted in among them and partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree, never boast against the branches…remember that you do not bear the root, but the root bears you. (Romans 11:18-19).
5. I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and of supplication and they shall look on him whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for his only son. (Zechariah 12:10).
Blindness has happened in part to Israel until the fullness of the gentiles has come in. (Romans 11:25).
6. How much more would their fullness bring? (Romans 11:12).
What shall those returning be, but life from the dead? (Romans 11:15).
7. There is now neither Jew nor Greek. (Galatians 3:27).
There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call on him. (Romans 10:12).
Is Jewish evangelism a priority for the church?
Yes. The purpose of evangelism, as distinct from covenant growth within the church family, is to awaken and call the scattered elect into the church fold. If there is a day when God multiplies the number of the elect amongst the Jews, then that is where the emphasis of evangelism should lie. Converted Jews across the worldwide diaspora may be as life from the dead to revive and restore and purify declining and failing gentile churches in all lands. True evangelism is spiritually directed to where the elect are providentially placed.
Go out into the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15).
The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to the salvation of every one who believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16).
Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Matthew 10:6).
What strengths can Jewish Christians bring to the church?
Those steeped in the Old Testament have little difficulty in adapting to the newer, more spiritual state of the church. They understand and appreciate covenant theology, the corporate (covenantal) nature of the church community, infant church membership in covenant, circumcision fulfilled in baptism, Passover fulfilled in the Lord’s Supper, God’s holy jealously over his service and worship, and the need to employ only God sanctioned inspired songs in praise. They are free from many of the cultural and other stumbling blocks that have plagued the modern Western church. These much needed insights are calculated to restore God’s blessing to the church globally.
A certain Jew named Apollos, born in Alexandria, an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures…but only knowing the baptism of John. (Acts 18:24-25).
What is the Sabbath?
From creation God set aside one day of the week as a special day for spiritual, rather than secular, activities. It is a day for God’s people to meet him in a special way, render their love and praise in a collective manner, and interact with God in the preached and taught word, and in the sacraments. It is a foretaste of heavenly activity and bliss to come.
God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because he rested from all his works that God created and made. (Genesis 2:2).
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall not do any work, nor your son, nor your daughter, your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor any stranger who is within your gates, for the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them in six days, and rested the seventh day, therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath, and hallowed it. (Exodus 20:8-11).
Blessed is the man…who keeps from polluting the Sabbath. (Isaiah 56:2).
If you turn your foot away from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord and honourable, and honour him in not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, then you shall find your delight in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the high places of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob, your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. (Isaiah 58:13-14).
Which day is the Sabbath day?
Also called the Lord’s Day the Sabbath is Sunday, the first day of the week. From the call of Abraham until Christ’s resurrection the Sabbath was the last day of the week, or Saturday. This, like most things in the Old Testament polity, was preparatory and typological. If this did not change the typology would not have been fulfilled. Christ rose from the dead on the first day of the week1, and repeatedly appeared to his people after his resurrection on the first day of the week2, demonstrating that the preparatory Jewish Sabbath was from then on to continue as the fulfilled Christian Sabbath, the first day.
1. As light began to appear on the first day of the week…the angel said to the women: Do not be afraid, I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen. (Matthew 28:1.5).
Now when Jesus has risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Maria Magdalene. (Mark 16:9).
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Maria of Magdala came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb…she turned back and saw Jesus standing. (John 20:1, 14).
2. On the evening of the same day, it being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst. (John 20:19).
After eight days his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst. (John 20:26).
On the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread. (Acts 20:7).
Why must Christians observe the whole Sabbath (Lord’s Day) reverently?
Because not only is Sabbath keeping one of God’s core ten commandments, the breaking of which is equivalent to breaking all of them, but this is, along with marriage, also one of the two great creation ordinances given to mankind even before the fall. These are the two great foundations upon which godly society is to be built, within which the church can flourish. Reverential Sabbath keeping is evidence of a state of salvation, and of unity with the church in all ages. Laxity in reverential Sabbath keeping is fatal to the church, just as laxity in marriage is fatal to society.
If you…call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD…then you shall find delight in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the high places of the earth. (Isaiah 58:13-14).
What are often called the four last things?
Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell.
What is death?
The separation of the soul, that is the thinking personality, from the present physical body, when that body becomes no longer capable of sustaining earthly life1. This results from the penalty imposed by God for man’s sin in the garden2. God is sovereign over this process, setting the term of each life, according to his perfect plan3. The death of the elect, before the Lord’s return, is a blessing to them4.
1. Death itself:
There is no man who has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, nor has he power in the day of death. (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Their breath goes forth, they return to the dust. (Psalm 146:4).
2. Death a penalty for sin:
But of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, God has said, you shall not eat of it…lest you die. (Genesis 3:3).
In the seat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken, for of the earth you are, and to the earth you shall return. (Genesis 3:19).
The wage that sin earns is death. (Romans 6:23).
It is appointed to men once to die, and after that the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27).
3. Deaths timing determined by God:
His days are determined, the number of his months are with you, you have appointed bounds that he cannot cross. (Job 14:5).
I will tarry all the days of my appointed time, until my change comes. (Job 14:14).
My times are in your hands. (Psalm 31:15).
4. Death a blessing:
You will guide me with your counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:24).
The death of his saints is precious in the sight of the LORD. (Psalm 116:15).
When the tabernacle of our earthly dwelling is dissolved we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2. Corinthians 5:1).
Willing rather to be absent from this body to be present with the Lord. (2. Corinthians 5:8).
Having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (Philippians 1:23).
What is judgment?
The declaring of the person to be righteous because united to Christ in his righteousness, or to be unholy, because of unrepented of and unforgiven sin. Thus they are judged to be eternally innocent, or everlastingly guilty, before God.
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he shall sit on the throne of his glory, and all nations shall be gathered before him and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. (Matthew 25:31-32).
We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ where everyone will receive the things done in the body according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2. Corinthians 5:10).
What is heaven?
Heaven is a general term for the blessed and perfected eternal state and home of the saved believer1, where they will be with their Saviour2 and exist with him and all the church in perpetual joy and bliss, for all coming eternity3. It will be enjoyed everlastingly because the believer has received the sure gift of eternal life by virtue of spiritual union with the redeemer Christ, and thus gained blessed immortality for body and soul. Heaven will include the restored and re-perfected earth4, as it was at creation, for nothing that God creates is ever destroyed. Heaven is a spiritual realm suited to the refined and perfected spiritual resurrection bodies of the elect.
1. A blessed and perfect state:
You will guide me with your counsel, and afterwards receive me into glory. (Psalm 73:24).
Sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:10).
Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither has the eye seen, O God, what you have prepared for those who wait on you. (Isaiah 64:4).
Rejoice, and be very glad, for great is your reward in heaven. (Matthew 5:12).
Truly I say to you, except you are changed to become as little children, you shall in no way enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:8).
Rejoice because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20).
2. To be with the Saviour:
I am going to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you I will be coming again to receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2-3).
Father, I will that those who you gave me shall be with me where I am. (John 17:24).
Now we see as in a mirror, darkly, but then face to face. (1. Corinthians 13:12).
3. Joy and bliss eternally:
In your presence is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures evermore. (Psalm 16:11).
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love him. (1. Corinthians 2:9).
4. Includes a restored and perfected earth:
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lied down with the kind, and the calf and the young lion shall feed together, and a little child shall lead them. The heifer and the she-bear shall feed their young ones, they shall lie down together and the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the viper’s den and they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be as full of the knowledge of the Lord , as the waters cover the sea, (Isaiah 11:6-9).
God himself who formed the earth and made it, he has established it, he did not create it to be empty. (Isaiah 45:18).
We know that the whole creation groans and labours in pain until now. (Romans 8:21).
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth in which dwells righteousness. (2. Peter 3:13).
I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. (Revelation 21:1).
What is hell?
Hell is the common name for the Biblical Sheol (Old Testament) or Hades (New Testament), which describes the unending eternal state of the unregenerate as a total irremediable separation from God. It is thus the second death.
Can your heart endure, or can your hands be strong, in the days when I shall deal with you? (Ezekiel 22:14).
Cast out into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 8:12, 24:51).
There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrown out. (Luke 13:28).
Hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched. (Mark 9:44, 46, 48).
Sodom and Gomorrah…are set for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 1:7).
What is the resurrection?
At death a person’s soul leaves the physical earthly body. That body is of the earth, earthy, and has been corrupted by sin. God did not intend humans to exist as disembodied spirits, for he created man as a unity of body and soul. God thus provides a post-death body, which is essentially the same body and is derived from it, but with all the gross earthly matter removed, making it a spiritual rather than the old physical body. Gloriously beautiful the believer’s resurrection body will be mutually recognisable, and perfectly suited to the eternal bliss of heaven. It will be clothed in the shining robes of the saints that are the external sign of the inner imparted righteousness of Christ, restoring the robes of innocence righteousness forfeited at the fall. Sadly the reprobate must perish eternally, as they lack the spiritual element received in the second birth.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God for he has clothed me with garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10).
As we have born the image of the earthly we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (1. Corinthians 15:49).
Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, neither does corruption inherit incorruption. (1. Corinthians 15:50).
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruptibility, it is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory, it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power, it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. As there is a natural body, there is a spiritual body also. (1. Corinthians 15:42-44).
The dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed, for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality. (1. Corinthians 15:52-3).
We shall all see the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces as in a mirror, and be changed into the same image from glory to glory, even by the Spirit of the Lord. (2. Corinthians 4:18).
What guarantees the resurrection?
The believer’s resurrection is guaranteed by their spiritual union with Christ in his death and resurrection, and by his specific promise of this for his people.
Concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you never read that which was spoken to you by God saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead but of the living. (Matthew 22:31-32).
The Father raises up the dead and makes them alive, even so the Son makes whom he will to live. (John 5:21).
Jesus answered her: I am the resurrection and the life. He ho believes in me, though he were dead, yet he shall live. (John 11:25).
When will the day of judgment, and this resurrection, occur?
From a human standpoint these great events lie in the future, but God himself is timeless and exists beyond time as we know it. Those who die may thus step out of time and arrive at the general judgment, and receive their resurrection bodies with no conscious delay or lingering in any disembodied state1. However, it is certain that those who are alive at the Lord’s return will arrive at the judgment, and, equally with those who had died previously, receive their resurrection bodies and begin their eternal lives or face eternal condemnation2. The day of Christ’s final return and the consummation of all things will occur when the last of the elect have been called, converted, and added to the church, thus completing the bride of Christ3.
1. Death leads to judgment:
It is appointed to men once to die, and after that the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27).
2. Judgment and its results are certain:
He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and his people with his truth. (Psalm 96:13).
He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteous, and his people with equity. (Psalm 98:9).
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any of us should perish, but that we should all come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth and the works of it shall be burned up. (2. Peter 3:9-10).
3. The completed church is the bride of Christ.
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him, for the marriage of the lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready. And it was granted to her that she should be dressed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the saints’ righteousness. (Revelation 19:8).
Should the believer be afraid of the last days events and of the return of Christ and the day of judgment?
Certainly not! All is under God’s sovereign and loving control, in his own perfect timescale. The believer, along with all creation, longs for full redemption and restoration, and the elimination of all sin and all evil. Trusting entirely in God we look forward with joyous hope and anticipation to our Saviour’s return, when he will put away sin and all its effects forever1. Our only judge is the loving Lord Jesus2 who himself died to redeem and save us. Even so come soon, Lord Jesus!
1. An end to sin:
To finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness. (Daniel 9:24).
2. Christ is the judge:
God the judge of all. (Hebrews 12:23).
Neither does the Father judge anyone, but has committed all judgment to the Son. (John 5:22)He who was ordained by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42).
We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ where everyone will receive the things done in the body according to what he has done, whether it was good or bad. (2. Corinthians 5:10).
I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing in his kingdom. (2. Timothy 4:1).
Our love is completed in this, so that we may have boldness on the day of judgment because as he is, so are we. (1. John 4:17).
What will happen to the devil and his fallen angels, and sin itself, when Christ returns?
Satan, the Devil, along with the fallen angels, has been judged and condemned from eternity past, cast out of heaven1, and fearfully anticipate their eternal punishment2. With the removal of these enemies all sin, that they brought into the creation and propagated, with all of the evils and sorrows that sin has deluged the world in3 will be gloriously abolished and removed for ever4.
1. To finish the transgression, to complete its sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness. (Daniel 9:24).
I watched Satan fall like lightning out of heaven. (Luke 10:18).
2. Did you come here to torment us before the time? (Matthew 8:29).
3. The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. (Romans 16:20).
For this purpose the Son of man was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (1.John 3:8).
The accuser who deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, where they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10).
4. The time of the restoration of all things. (Acts 3:21).
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, no sorrow, no crying, nor shall there be any more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 20:10).
What will be the main delight of heaven?
The believer’s main delight in heaven will be the direct experience of the love of God for them. God’s love created them, called them, convicted them, and converted them. God’s love protected them, recovered them from their falls, preserved them, and finally brought them home clothed in perfect resurrection bodies, so that they can know and worship him to a level unknown before, and return his love in a greatly increased way. That is bliss indeed.
At your right hand are pleasures evermore. (Psalm 16:11).
Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither has the eye seen, O God, what you have prepared for those who wait on you. (Isaiah 64:4).
Waiting for the adoption, that is the redemption, of our bodies. (Romans 8:23).
Will heaven include a renewed and perfected earth?
Yes. The Bible promises a new earth, in which all is righteousness. As God originally created the earth and saw it as very good, and is only in its present chaotic state as a result of man’s sin, God will not destroy it in the process of man’s fall and recovery. The fires ordained for the day of judgement are thus to be seen as purifying agents, purging out the effects of sin on the earth. The Bible says that the whole creation (and thus the earth, its plants and animals) groans and travails awaiting its restoration, purchased for it by Christ. A renewed earth, as perfect and beautiful as it was before the fall, is thus part of the eternal heaven that is the home of God’s redeemed ones.
The creation itself shall be also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD. (Romans 8:21).
I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. (Revelation 21:1).
What will be the believer’s main occupation in heaven?
In eternal love and thankfulness, exactly as is our purpose already, but in a hugely enhanced way: to know God, and to worship and enjoy him forever.
In your presence is fullness of joy. (1. Thessalonians 4:17).
Father, I will that those who you gave me shall be with me where I am that they may behold my glory. (John 17:24).
So we shall be forever with the Lord. (1. Thessalonians 4:17).
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be to him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb fir ever and ever. (Revelation 5:13).
A great multitude which no one could number, of all nations and kindreds, and peoples, and tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes and with palms in their hands, who cried with a loud voice saying: Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9-10).
What is the value of a doctrinal summary?
Understanding and accepting every Bible doctrine in its purity does not, in itself, save anyone. Only repentance from sin and acceptance of Christ as one’s personal Saviour does that. It cannot be stated too strongly that doctrine alone cannot save, and that any summary of doctrine or confession of faith must be imperfect- only God’s word itself, the Bible, is perfect in that way. Thus nothing is of greater importance than personal closing with Christ for salvation. Once saved, however (through spiritual growth from covenantal infant faith to mature adult faith, or more adult through conversion from the world) a life of discipleship begins. To serve God acceptably we must labour to know his will, and to obey it in life and practice. Only understanding and applying correct Bible truth- doctrine- will do that. Hence our doctrinal summary, or confession of faith. To be of any value it must not be accepted merely intellectually, but received and accepted in and by faith. Faithful, trusting, accurate belief is the Christian’s glory and safety, and should be the Christian’s delight. It is well-pleasing to God.
A man who cleaves to his own opinions seeks to meddle with all wisdom. (Proverbs 18:1).
Buy the truth, and sell it not. (Proverbs 23:23).
Where there is no vision the people perish, but he who keeps the law is happy. (Proverbs 29:18).
Unless you believe you will not understand. (Isaiah 7:9).
Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven. (Matthew 7:21).
These things I have written to you who believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may be assured of eternal life. (1. John 5:13).
AMEN.
“Those who are labouring after the truth will not stop in their search until they have obtained proof of what thet believe from the Scriptures themselves.”
Clement of Alexandria, c. 200 A.D.
“Each part of the Bible must be studied and expounded in full view of its relation to every other part of the glorious structure in which all are comprehended as a whole. This is the true conception of Biblical theology. Only under this form an Bible proofs, as they are called, in favour of or against any doctrine, be entitled to any respect.”
John W. Nevin, c. 1850.
Blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it (Luke 11:28).
Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34).
© Reformation Christian Vision (U.K.) 2026.
*All Bible quotations are from the Reformed English Bible (‘The Holy Bible in English, Re-Formed and Restored on the basis of English Versions down to 1611, and then incorporating the results of more recent Bible-believing Scholarship.’ © 2026)*