OUR CONFESSION
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH, LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, WHEREUNTO THOU ART ALSO CALLED, AND HAST PROFESSED A GOOD PROFESSION BEFORE MANY WITNESSES.
- 1 TI 6:12 -
"A creed is not the Bible, but only a human opinion about it. Therefore, it needs to be criticized and corrected. However, criticism cannot be based on whether the given creed corresponds to the system that another church teacher considers to be true teaching. We stand unprepared with dangerous false teachings, helpless against the attack of unbelief; the place of responsibility has been taken by ideas and we believe that we can avoid the threatening bankruptcy with clever or witty theories. The one that the reformers wrote before us! The basic principle of the Reformation was: if we are wrong somewhere, we will gladly correct it. The Reformation has a principle and a practice from this principle: Always return to the Bible again! The church must be reformed constantly!"
(Csia Lajos - preface to the biblical catechism)
Below is our creed, which mainly contains the articles of the London Baptist Creed of 1689, but we can also identify with the Belgic (1561), the Second Helvetic (1562), the Westminster (1646), the Philadelphia (1742), and the New Hampshire (1833) Creeds, and our writing contains certain elements from these, as well as our own thoughts.
1. The Holy Scriptures
1. The Holy Scriptures are the only sufficient, certain, and infallible collection of all divine truths necessary to salvation, faith, and an obedient life. (1) Although God, by the light of nature, by His works of creation and providence, gives clear evidence of His goodness, wisdom, and power, so that it is an unpardonable sin for man not to recognize them, yet these testimonies are not sufficient in themselves to give the knowledge of God and His will necessary for salvation. (2) Therefore it has pleased God from time to time, in various forms and ways, to give revelation of Himself and His will to His church. (3) Then, for the better preservation and propagation of the truth, and for the more sure foundation and comfort of the church, to preserve it against the corruption of the flesh, and against the malice of Satan and the world, he fully recorded in writing the truth he had revealed. And after the former ways of revealing the will of God had ceased, the Holy Scriptures became indispensable to man. (4)
1) 2 Tim 3:14-17; Luke 16:29-31; Eph 2:20; Rom 1:16; Ps 19:8-10; Prov 30:5
2) Rom 1:19-21; Rom 2:14-15; Rom 1:32; Rom 2:1; Ps 19:1-3
3) Heb 1:1; 1 Cor 1:21; 1 Cor 2:13
4) Prov 22:19-21; Rom 15:4; 2 Pet 1:19-20; Luke 1:3-4; Isa 8:20; John 20:31
2. The Holy Scriptures, or the written Word of God, are composed of the following books, which together constitute the Old and New Testaments:
Books of the Old Testament:
The Pentateuch, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, First and Second Samuel, First and Second Kings, First and Second Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum Book of Revelation, Book of Habakkuk, Book of Zephaniah, Book of Haggai, Book of Zechariah, Book of Malachi.
Books of the New Testament:
Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Luke, Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles of Paul: Romans, First and Second Epistles to the Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians, First and Second Epistles to Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Epistle to the Hebrews, Epistle of James, First and Second Epistles of Peter, Three Epistles of John, Epistle of Jude, Book of Revelation
All these books were given by inspiration of God as a guide for man's life and faith. (5)
5) 2 Tim 3:16, Exodus 19:9; 2 Sam 23:2; Isa 1:2; Jer 1:9; 2 Pet 1:20-21; Heb 1:1; Luke 10:16; Matt 10:20; 1 Thess 2:13; 1 Cor 2:13
3. The so-called apocryphal writings are not inspired and therefore not included in the Holy Scriptures. Thus, they have no authority for God’s church and are to be treated just like other literary works produced by men. (6)
6) Luke 24:27, 44; Rom 3:2; 2 Pet 1:21
4. The Holy Scriptures themselves bear the basis of their authority, for which they must be believed. It does not depend on the testimony of individuals or of the church. It is the authority of God, who is the author of truth. We must accept it because it is the Word of God. (7)
7) 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 1 John 5:9
5. The testimony of God’s people also moves and moves us to value and revere the Scriptures. We may be equally impressed by the nature of the Scriptures—the heavenly origin of their content, the influence of their doctrines, the sublimity of their style, the harmony of their parts, the fact that every line of them shines forth the glory of God, and their complete declaration of the only way of man’s salvation. Many other incomparable excellences and complete perfections are ample evidence that they are the Word of God. We acknowledge, however, that our conviction and assurance of His divine authority and infallible truth are not our own merits, but the result of the inward working of the Holy Spirit, who bears witness in our hearts by and through His Word. (8)
8) John 16:13, 14; 1 Cor 2:10-12; 1 John 2:20, 27; John 16:13, 14
6. God’s provisions for His glory, for the salvation, for the faith, and for the life of man are clearly stated in the Scriptures, or they can be inferred from them by good and necessary inference, to which nothing may be added at any time, whether by new revelation of the Spirit or by human tradition. (9) At the same time, we also recognize that the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit is necessary for the salvific understanding of the revelations of Scripture. (10) There are questions of worship or church government, of human activity and society, which must be regulated by Christian principles, according to the general rules of the Word, to which we are always bound by obedience. (11)
9) 2 Tim 3:15-17; Gal 1:8-9; 2 Thess 2:2 Rev 22:18-19
10) John 6:45; 1 Cor 2:9-12
11) 1 Cor 11:13,14; 1 Cor 14:26,40
7. Not all the provisions of Holy Scripture are equally clear in themselves or equally understandable to all. (12) Yet the principles which are necessary for salvation to be known, believed, and kept are so clearly defined and explained in one place or another in Holy Scripture that not only the learned, but also the unlearned can arrive at a sufficient understanding of them. (13)
12) 2 Peter 3:16
13) Psalm 119:105,130
8. The original Hebrew text of the Old Testament (the mother tongue of God’s ancient people), (14) and the Greek text of the New Testament (the language most widely known among the nations at the time of its writing), was directly inspired by God and, by His incomparable care and providence, has been preserved in its purity throughout all ages. Therefore, in all religious disputes, the Church must refer to it for its authenticity. (15) All peoples have a right to the Holy Scriptures, and it is God’s will that men should read them, (16) search them, (17) in the fear of Him. But since the original Hebrew and Greek are understood by only a few, the Scriptures must be translated into the native language of each nation, (18) so that the Word of God may dwell richly in everyone, so that people may worship the Lord acceptably and may receive from the Scriptures peaceful endurance and comfort, so that they may remain in their hope. (19)
14) Rom 3:2
15) Isa 8:20
16) 2 Chron 6:33; Acts 15:15; Matt 28:19
17) John 5:39
18) 1 Cor 14:6,9,11,12,24,28
19) Col 3:16; Rom 15:4
9. The infallible standard for interpreting the Scriptures is the Scriptures themselves. Therefore, when the true and complete meaning of a passage is in question, which is not manifold but one, its meaning must be sought and established by other passages that are more clearly (20) stated.
20) Gal 1:6-7; Ps 12:6
10. The supreme arbiter, by whom religious disputes are to be clarified, the decrees of councils, the opinions of ancient writers, the teachings of men, and personal statements must be examined, can be none other than the Holy Spirit speaking in the Holy Scriptures. It is important to submit to the judgment of the Holy Scriptures, since our faith ultimately finds its certainty in the Holy Scriptures conveyed by the Holy Spirit. (21)
21) Matt 22:29-32; 2 Pet 1:20-21; 2 Pet 2:1-2; Acts 28:23.25; Eph 2:20.
2. God and the Trinity
1. The Lord our God is the only living and true God. (1) He exists in himself and from himself. (2) He is infinite in essence and perfection. No one can comprehend his essence except himself. (3) He is pure spirit, (4) invisible, having no body or parts. He is immortal, dwelling in inaccessible light, (5) unchangeable, (6) immeasurable, (7) eternal, (8) incomprehensible, almighty, (9) infinite in every respect. He is most holy, (10) wisest, most free, and most perfect. He does all things according to the counsel, or plan, and purpose, of his own unchangeable and most righteous will, (11) to his own glory. (12) Most loving, most gracious, most merciful, abounding in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, covering transgression and sin, rewarding those who diligently seek Him, (13) but who is at the same time most just and terrible in His judgments, (14) hating sin (15) and by no means acquitting the sinner. (16)
1) 1 Cor 8:4-6; Deut 6:4; Deut 4:35; Isa 44:6,8; Isa 45:5; 1 Thess 1:9
2) Jer 10:10; Isa 48:12; Ex 3:14
3) Ps 139:7-10; Rom 11:33-36; Job 9:10
4) John 4:24
5) 1 Timothy 1:17; Deuteronomy 4:15-16; 1 Timothy 6:15-16
6) Mal 3:6; James 1:17
7) 1 Kings 8:27; Jeremiah 23:23, 24; Job 11:7-9
8) Psalm 90:2; Jeremiah 10:10
9) Genesis 17:1; Revelation 4:8; Psalm 145:3; Job 11:7-9; Job 26:14
10) Isa 6:3
11) Psalm 115:3; Isa 46:10; Romans 16:27; Jude 25; Psalm 147:5
12) Proverbs 16:4; Rom 11:36, Eph 1:11
13) Ex 34:6-7; Heb 11:6
14) Neh 9:32-33
15) Ps 5:5-6
16) Ex 34:7; Nah 1:2-3
2. God is in and of himself, full of life, (17) glory, (18) goodness (19) and happiness. He alone is completely sufficient in and of himself, not dependent on any of his created beings, nor does he receive any glory from them. (20) On the contrary, he rather displays his own glory in, through, for, and through them. He alone is the source of all that exists, from whom, by whom, and for whom all things are and are sustained. (21) He has an absolute sovereign right over all beings to do through them, for them, or with them as He pleases. (22) All things are open and manifest before His eyes, (23) His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent of His creatures. Therefore, nothing is accidental or uncertain to Him. (24) In all His counsels, in all His works, (25) and in all His commandments, He is most holy. He is due from angels, men, and all other creatures all the worship, reverence, and obedience which they owe to their Creator as creatures, and all other things which He may require of them according to His will. (26)
17) John 5:26
18) Psalm 148:13; Acts 7:2
19) Psalm 119:68
20) Job 22:2-3; 1 Tim 6:15; Rom 9:5; Acts 17:24,25
21) Rom 11:34-36; Rev 4:11
22) Dan 4:25,34,35; Dan 6:27
23) Heb 4:13
24) Eze 11:5; Acts 15:18; Rom 11:33,34
25) Ps 145:17
26) Rom 7:12; Rev 5:12-14
3. Three divine persons make up the Godhead—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (27) They are one in essence and power and exist from eternity, without beginning. In harmony with this truth and the Word of God, we believe in one God, who is of one essence, and in whom these three inseparable persons equally possess the full divine essence. (28) They differ in certain specific and characteristic qualities and in their personal relationship, but this distinction does not divide God into three parts, these three persons constitute one God. The Father did not originate or come into being from any other being who would have called Him into existence. He is the Father of the Son, who is also eternal and was conceived by Him. (29) The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. (30)
27) 1 John 5:7; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:13; Matt. 3:16-17
28) Ex. 3:14; John 14:11; 1 Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:9
29) John 1:14,18
30) John 15:26; Gal. 4:6.
3. God’s Eternal Decree
1. God, in the infinitely wise and holy counsel of his will, freely and unchangeably, from eternity foreordained in himself all that should ever happen. (1) He did this in such a way that at the same time God is not the author of sin, and sinners are responsible for the sins they have committed. (2) He does not force his creatures to act against their will, and the law of cause and effect has not been abolished. (3) In the decreeing of all these things, God’s wisdom, power, and faithfulness in carrying out his plan are discernible. (4)
1) Isa. 46:10; Eph. 1:11; Heb. 6:17; Rom. 9:15, 18
2) Jas. 1:13-17; 1 Jn. 1:5
3) Acts 4:27, 28; Acts 2:23; John 19:11; Matthew 17:12
4) Numbers 23:19; Eph 1:3-5, 11; Proverbs 16:33; Romans 11:33
2. Although God knows all that can happen and will happen under all conceivable circumstances, (5) yet His predestination is not based on His foreknowledge of these things. Nor did He predestinate them because they would have happened under certain conditions. (6)
5) Acts 15:18
6) Romans 9:11-18; 1 Samuel 23:11, 12
3. Some God has predestined or predestined to eternal life through Jesus Christ and according to His eternal purpose, to the praise of His glorious grace. (7) Others He has left in their sins to be condemned to the praise of His glorious righteousness. (8)
7) 1 Tim 5:21; Matt 25:34, 41; Acts 13:48
8) Rom 9:22-23; Eph 1:5-6; Jude 4; Prov 16:4
4. The destiny of those men and angels to whom God's predestination, his foreordination, applies, is unchangeable, their number is so fixed that it can neither be increased nor diminished. (9)
9) John 13:18; 2 Tim 2:19
5. Those whom God predestined to life, he chose before the foundation of the world, according to his eternal and permanent purpose and will, according to the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will. God chose them through Christ to eternal glory, solely out of his free grace and love (10) without any interference from the creature in his election. (11)
10) Eph 1:4-12; Rom 8:30; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 Thess 5:9
11) Rom 9:13-16; Eph 2:5,12
6. God not only determined that the elect should share in his glory, by the eternal and completely free purpose of his will, but he also predestined the means of its realization. (12) In this sense, the elect who fell in Adam are redeemed by Christ, (13) effectually called to faith in Christ, through the work of his Holy Spirit at a definite time, justified, adopted, sanctified, (14) and kept by his power, through faith, unto salvation. (15) No one but the elect participates in the redemption of Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved. (16) The rest of mankind, according to the inscrutable counsel of his pleasure and will, by which he extends or withdraws his sovereign grace as he pleases over his creatures, has been abandoned by God, destined for shame and wrath because of their sins, to the praise of his glorious righteousness. (17)
12) 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 8:28
13) 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
14) Romans 8:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 1:4-5; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14
15) 1 Peter 1:5
16) John 10:26; John 17:9; John 6:64-65; Matthew 11:25-26; 1 John 2:19
17) Romans 9:17-22; 2 Timothy 2:19-20; Jude 4; 1 Peter 2:8; John 8:47
7. The doctrine of election and predestination is a mystery. We must be especially careful, that those who listen to and obey the will of God as revealed in His Word may be assured of their separation, based on the certainty of their effectual calling. (18) Thus the doctrine of predestination gives reason for the praise of God (19) and increases the fear and awe of Him. It awakens humility (20) and diligence in man, and is a rich consolation to those who sincerely obey the gospel. (21)
18) 1 Thess 1:4-5; 2 Pet 1:10; Rom 8:33; Rom 9:20; Deut 29:29
19) Eph 1:6; Rom 11,5.6.20.33
20) Rom 11,5.6.20
21) Luke 10:20
4. Creation
1. It pleased God to make the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, visible and invisible, out of nothing in six days. (1) Everything he created was very good, for the glory of his eternal power, (2) wisdom, and goodness. (3)
1) 1 John 1:2-3; Hebrews 1:2; Job 26:13; Hebrews 11:3; Genesis 1; Acts 17:24
2) Romans 1:20; Genesis 1:31
3) Col 1:16; Job 33:4; Jeremiah 10:12; Psalm 104:24; Psalm 33:5,6
2. After God had created all things, he lastly created man, male and female. (4) God gave men a rational and immortal soul, (5) and in every respect enabled them to live their lives for Him, for which they were created. He created them in His image, that is, endowed them with knowledge, truth, and holiness. (6) The divine laws were engraved on their hearts, (7) and it was in their power to fulfill them. However, the possibility of sinning remained, since they were given free will, which was subject to change. (8)
4) Gen. 1:26, 27;
5) Gen. 2:7; Eccl. 12:9; Matt. 10:28
6) Eccl. 7:29; Gen. 1:26; Col. 3:10; Eph 4:24
7) Rom 2:14-15
8) Gen 3:6
3. Although God’s law was written in the hearts of the first human pair, they were also given a special warning: they were not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (9) Their happiness in fellowship with God continued as long as they obeyed, as did their dominion over the rest of creation. (10)
9) Gen 2:17
10) Gen 1:26, 28; Gen 3:8-11, 23
5. God’s Providence
1. God—the Creator of all things—(1) sustains, directs, ordains, and governs all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest to the least, (2) by his infinitely wise and holy providence, toward the end of their creation. He governs all things according to his infallible foreknowledge, immutable plan, and will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, infinite goodness, and mercy. (3)
1) Matt. 10:29-31; Prov. 15:3
2) Acts 17:25, 26, 28; Heb. 1:3; Job 38:11; Isa. 46:10, 11; Ps. 135:6
3) Eph. 1:11; Dan. 4:31-32; Ps. 104:24; Ps. 145:17; Acts 15:18; Ps 94:8-11; Isa 63:14; Eph 3:10; Rom 9:17; Gen 45:7
2. Although God, in connection with his foreknowledge and decree, unchangeably and infallibly fulfills everything, (4) so that nothing happens to anyone by chance or outside his providence, (5) yet by his providence he so ordains events that in the meantime the laws of cause and effect, according to their nature, either necessarily or freely or by chance, occur. (6)
4) Acts 2:23
5) Prov 16:33; Ex 21:13
6) Gen 8:22; Jer 31:35; Deut 19:5; 1 Kings 22:28, 34; Isaiah 10:6-7
3. God’s providence is usually carried out through instruments (7), although he does not depend on them, he can carry out his plans without them (8) and even against their will, (9) or sometimes he endows them with special abilities, all according to his pleasure. (10)
7) Acts 27:31, 44; Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 4:4
8) Hosea 1:7
9) Dan 3:27; Acts 16:26
10) Rom 4:19-21; 2 Kings 6:6; Numbers 22:28
4. God’s omnipotence, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness are so far manifested in His providence that His definite will and plan extend to the fall of man, as well as to other sinful acts of angels and men. (11) This does not mean that He consents to the commission of sin, for He wisely and powerfully restrains it in many ways, and keeps it under control by other restraining devices. (12) These various restraints are so ordained by God that He may accomplish His most holy purposes. (13) Yet in all these cases the sinfulness of angels, as well as of man, proceeds solely from themselves, and not from God, Who is perfectly holy and just, Who can never be the author of sin, nor can He justify it. (14)
11) Romans 11:32-34; 2 Samuel 24:1; 1 Chronicles 21:1; 1 Kings 22:22-23; 1 Chronicles 10:4, 13, 14; 2 Samuel 16:10; Acts 2:23
12) 2 Kings 19:28; Psalm 76:10; Acts 14:16
13) Genesis 50:20; Isaiah 10:6, 7, 12
14) Psalm 50:21; 1 John 2:16; James 1:13, 14, 17
5. God, who is wise, just, and merciful, sometimes permits his children to fall into various temptations and to deliver them over to the corruption of their hearts, in order, on the one hand, to chastise them for the sins they have committed, and on the other hand, to teach them humility by showing them the hidden power and deceitfulness of evil in the depths of their hearts. His purpose is that they may recognize their constant dependence on God, that they may look to him for support, and that in the future they may be more careful to guard against situations that lead to sin. These actions of God also serve other righteous and holy purposes. (15) In these and many other ways his holy and righteous plan is accomplished, so that everything that happens to his chosen ones is done according to his will, for his glory, and for their good. (16)
15) 2 Chron 32:25, 26, 31; 2 Cor 12:7-9; 2 Sam 24:1; Ps 77:3, 12, 14; Mk 14:66-72; Jn 21:15-17
16) Rom 8:28.
6. God, as a righteous judge, deals differently with ungodly and wicked men. He punishes them for their sins with blindness and hardness of heart. (17) He withholds from them His grace, which might have enlightened their minds and influenced their hearts, (18) and sometimes even withdraws from them the faculties previously bestowed upon them. (19) He exposes them to things which their corrupt hearts use as an occasion for sin. (20) God delivers them over to their corrupt nature, to the temptations of the world, and to the power of Satan. (21) Finally, under the influence of the influences which God uses to soften the hearts of some, they harden themselves still more. (22)
17) Rom 1:24-28; Rom 11:7-8; Ex 7:3
18) Deut 29:4;
19) Matt 13:12; Matt 25:29
20) Deut 2:30; 2 Kings 8:12, 13; Isa 8:14
21) Ps 81:12, 13; 2 Thess 2:10, 12
22) Ex 8:15, 32; Isa 6:9, 10; 1 Pet 2:7-8; 2 Cor 2:15-16; Acts 28:26-27
7. God’s general providence extends to all his creatures, but he has a special care for his Church. Everything that happens is through his providence and for the good of his Church. (23)
23) Isa 43:3-5; Amos 9:8-9; 1 Tim 4:10; Rom 8:28
6. Man’s Fall: Sin and Its Punishment
1. Although God created man righteous and perfect, and gave him a just law, which assured him life as long as he obeyed it. Although He warned him that disobedience would result in death, Adam did not live long in this privileged state. (1) Satan ensnared Eve, and he led Adam into sin, who of his own free will, free from all compulsion, willfully broke the law of creation and disobeyed the command given them not to eat of the forbidden fruit. It pleased God, in His own wise and holy counsel, to permit them to sin, and to ordain them to the work of His glory. (2)
1) Genesis 2:16-17
2) Genesis 3:12-13; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Rom 11:32
2. As a result of the fall, our first parents fell from their original righteousness, their fellowship with God. We also became partakers of their sin, and death reigned over all. (3) All men died in their sins, (4) and were completely corrupted in every part of their body and soul. (5)
3) Rom 3:23; Gen 3:6-8; Eccl 7:29
4) Gen 2:17; Rom 5:12-21; Eph 2:1
5) Titus 1:15; Gen 6:5; Jer 17:9; Rom 3:10-19
3. Sin, their corrupt nature, was passed on to all their descendants who descended from them through natural means. (6) Therefore all men are conceived in sin (7) and by nature are the children of wrath, (8) the servants of sin, subject to death (9) and to all other spiritual, present and eternal afflictions, unless the Lord Jesus Christ saves them. (10)
6) Rom 5:12-19; 1 Cor 15:21,22,45,49; Gen 5:3
7) Ps 51:7; Job 14:4; Job 15:14
8) Eph 2:3
9) Rom 6:20; Rom 5:12,15,19
10) Heb 2:14-15; 1 Thess 1:10
4. The sins actually committed by man are the fruits of the sinful nature inherited from our first parents, (11) by which we are completely incapable and unfit for good, averse to all good, and inclined to all evil. (12)
11) Jas 1:14-15; Matt 15:19
12) Rom 8:7; Col 1:21; Eph 2:2-3; Rom 5:6; Rom 7:18; Gen 6:5; Rom 3:10-12 Gen 8:21
5. During their earthly life, the corrupt nature remains in regenerated men, (13) and although through Christ it has gained grace and been given over to death, yet the corrupt nature itself and all the passions arising from it are considered sin. (14)
13) Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 7:14-25; 1 John 1:8; James 3:2; Proverbs 20:9; Galatians 5:17; Ephesians 4:18
14) Romans 7:23-25; 1 John 3:4; Galatians 3:10; Romans 6:23; Psalm 3:39
7. God’s Covenant
1. The gulf between God and His creation is so great that, although man is endowed with reason and knows that he owes obedience to his Creator, he could never have won the reward of life by his own strength if God had not voluntarily condescended to him. It pleased Him to express this in the form of a covenant. (1)
1) Isa 40:13-17; Job 9:32-33; Ps 113:5-6; Job 22:2-3; Job 35:7-8; Lk 17:10; Acts 17:24-25
2. Furthermore, since man by the fall was under the curse of the law of God, it pleased the Lord to make a covenant of grace, (2) whereby he freely offers to sinners through Jesus Christ life and salvation, requiring faith in him that they may be saved, (3) and promises the Holy Spirit to all who are chosen for eternal life, that by his help they may be willing and able to believe. (4)
2) Gen 2:17; Gal 3:10-12; Rom 3:20-22; Rom 5:12-20
3) Rom 8:3; Mk 16:15-16; Jn 3:16
4) Eze 36:26-27; John 6:44-45
3. During the time of the law, this covenant was applied differently from what it was later applied under the gospel. (5) Under the law, God ordained promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the Passover lamb, and other symbols to the Jews, all of which were shadows of the coming Christ. (6) These were sufficient and effective at that time, through the work of the Spirit, to teach and confirm the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, (7) through whom they obtained full forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation. This period of the covenant is called the Old Testament. (8)
5) 2 Cor. 3:6-9
6) Heb. 8:9-10; Rom. 4:11; Col. 2:11-12; 1 Cor. 5:7; Rom 8:3
7) 1 Cor 10:1-4; Heb 11:13; Jn 8:56
8) Gal 3:7-9,14; Gal 3:21
4. Under the gospel Christ (the reality) (9) was revealed. The means of the application of the covenant were the preaching of the Word, the administration of baptism, and the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. (10) Although there are fewer such means, and they are simpler and less spectacular, yet through them the covenant is more fully, clearly, and effectively (11) revealed to all nations (12). This is called the New Covenant. (13) There are not two essentially different covenants of grace, but only one, applied in different ages. (14)
9) Col 2:17
10) Matt 28:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-25
11) Heb 12:22-27; Jer 31:33-34
12) Matt 28:19; Eph 2:15-19
13) Luke 22:20
14) Gal 3:14, 16; Acts 15:11; Rom 3:21-23, 30; Ps 32:1; Rom 4:3, 6, 16, 17, 23, 24; Heb 13:8
5. The salvation of the elect is therefore based on the covenant of redemption, which was made between the Father and the Son from eternity past (15), and it is only as a result of this covenant of grace that the descendants of fallen Adam can enjoy life and blessed immortality through redemption, since man is at present utterly incapable of finding acceptance with God on the terms which Adam enjoyed in his innocent state. (16)
15) 2 Tim 1:9; Titus 1:2
16) Heb 11:6,13; Rom 4:1-2; Acts 4:12; John 8:56
8. Christ the Mediator
1. It pleased God, in his eternal plan, to choose the Lord Jesus, his only begotten Son, according to the covenant established between them, and to ordain him to be the mediator between God and man, (1) and prophet, (2) priest, (3) and king, (4) head and savior of his church, (5) heir of all things, (6) and judge of the whole world. (7) Even in eternity he gave to the Lord Jesus a people. Those belonging to this people the Lord Jesus will redeem, call, justify, sanctify and glorify in the course of time. (8)
1) Isa 42:1; 1 Pet 1:19-20; 1 Tim 2:5
2) Acts 3:22
3) Heb 5:5-6
4) Ps 2:6; Luke 1:33
5) Eph 1:22-23; Eph 5:23; Isa 55:4-5
6) Heb 1:2
7) Acts 17:31
8) Isa 53:10; Jn 17:6; Rom 8:30; Jn 3:16; 1 Tim 2:6; 1 Cor 1:30
2. The divine person who created, sustains the world, and rules over all that he has made is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity. True and eternal God, “the reflection of the glory of the Father,” is essentially one with the Father and equal in all things. He is the one who, in the fullness of time, took upon himself human nature with all its essential qualities and common weaknesses, (9) except sin. (10) Conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary, of the tribe of Judah, on whom the Holy Spirit came and overshadowed him with the power of the Almighty. Thus, according to the Word, the Son was born in human form of a woman, a descendant of Abraham and David. (11) Thus it became possible for two distinct, united and perfect natures, the divine and the human, to be present in him at the same time, without one changing the other, and without being mixed or fused. The Son of God is therefore truly God, but also truly man, yet one Christ, the one mediator between God and man. (12)
9) John 1:1, 14; Gal 4:4; 1 John 5:20; Phil 2:6; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 Timothy 3:16
10) Romans 8:3; Hebrews 2:14-17; Heb 4:15
11) Matt 1:22-23; Luke 1:27,31,35; Rom 1:3,4
12) Rom 9:5; 1 Tim 2:5; Col 2:9
3. The divine and human natures, thus united in the person of the Son of God, were sanctified and anointed by the Holy Spirit beyond measure, (13) so that in him are found the boundless treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (14) It pleased the Father that in him all fullness should dwell, (15) so that in his holy, innocent, and blameless being, (16) full of grace and truth, (17) he might perfectly fulfill his calling as mediator and surety. (18) He did not appoint himself to this office and task, but the Father entrusted him with it. (19) The Father has invested Him with all power and entrusted Him with the judgment, which He has commanded Him to exercise. (20)
13) Ps 45:7; Acts 10:38; John 3:34-35
14) Col 2:3
15) Col 1:19
16) Heb 7:26
17) John 1:14
18) Heb 7:22; Heb 12:24
19) Heb 5:5
20) John 5:22,27; Matt 28:18; Acts 2:36
4. The Lord Jesus willingly assumed the office and task of intercession and surety. (21) To accomplish this, He was born under the law, (22) which He perfectly fulfilled. He also took upon himself the punishment that we should have borne. He suffered, (23) becoming sin and a curse for us. (24) His soul was tormented by unfathomable sorrow, and his body was crushed by the most painful torments. (25) He died on the cross. After his death, his body did not begin to decay. (26) On the third day he rose again, (27) in the same body in which he had previously suffered. (28) In this body he also ascended into heaven, (29) where he sits at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for his own. (30) At the end of time he will return to judge men and angels. (31)
21) Ps 40:8-9; Heb 10:5-10; Jn 10:18
22) Gal 4:4; Mt 3:15; Matt 5:17
23) Gal 3:13; Isa 53:6; 1Pt 3:18
24) 2Cor 5:21
25) Matt 26:37-38; Luke 22:44; Matt 27:46
26) Acts 13:37; Phil 2:8; Acts 2:23,24,27
27) 1Cor 15:3-5; Rom 6:9
28) John 20:25,27
29) Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9-11
30) Rom 8:34; Heb 9:24; Heb 7:25
31) Acts 10:42; Rom 14:9-10; Acts 1:11; 2Pt 2:4; Jude 6; Mt 13:40-42
5. By his perfect obedience to God’s law and by the once for all offering of himself to God through the eternal Spirit, the Lord Jesus satisfied divine justice. (32) He brought reconciliation and obtained an eternal inheritance in the kingdom of heaven for all those whom the Father had given him. (33)
32) Heb 9:14,16; Heb 10:14; Rom 3:25-26; Dan 9:24,26; Rom 5:19; Eph 5:2
33) Jn 17:2; Heb 9:12,15; Col 1:19-20; Ephesians 1:11, 14
6. Although the price of redemption was not actually paid by Christ before His birth into this world, yet the value, effect, and beneficial benefit of His redemptive work extended to the elect of previous ages, from the beginning of the world. This was accomplished by promises, types, and sacrifices, all of which pointed to Him as “the seed of the woman, which should bruise the serpent’s head,” (34) or as “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (35) He is Christ, “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (36)
34) Hebrews
9. Free Will
1. God has endowed man’s will with freedom and choice, by nature, to act according to his own decisions. This free will is not constrained by anything and is not compelled by any natural necessity to do either good or evil. (1)
1) Matt. 17:12; James 1:14; Deut. 30:19
2. In his original state of innocence, man had both freedom and power to will and to do all that was good and acceptable to God. (2) However, there was also the possibility of falling, due to his changeability. (3)
2) Eccl. 7:29; Gen 2:16, 17
3) Gen 3:6
3. As a result of his fall, man has completely lost all his capacity for good, for the will and the doing of those spiritual good things which are connected with salvation. (4) As a sensual man, he is dead in sins and is completely against good. (5) Therefore, he is unable to turn to God or even prepare himself to turn to God in his own strength. (6)
4) Rom 5:6; Rom 8:7
5) Eph 2:1-5; Rom 3:10-12; Col 2:13; 1 Cor 2:14
6) Titus 3:3-5; John 6:44; John 15:5
4. When God converts a sinner and, having saved him from sin, places him in a state of grace, he releases him from the natural bond of sin, (7) and by his grace alone makes him free to will and do spiritual good. (8) Nevertheless, traces of the sinful nature remain in the redeemed sinner, so that his will can never perfectly grasp good, and cannot completely separate itself from evil. (9)
7) Col 1:13; John 8:36
8) Phil 2:13; Rom 6:18, 22
9) Rom 7:15-23; Gal 5:17
5. Only in the state of glory will the human will be perfectly and unchangeably free to will good alone. (10)
10) Eph 4:13; Heb 12:23; 1 John 3:2; Jude 24
10. Effective Calling
It pleased God to call those whom he predestined to life, effectually (irresistibly) (1) in due time by his Word and Spirit, from the state of sin and death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. (2) He enlightens their minds, spiritually and wholesomely, so that they may understand the things of God. (3) He takes away their stony hearts and gives them hearts of flesh. (4) He renews their wills and by his almighty power moves them to desire and follow what is good. He draws them effectually to Jesus Christ, (5) and they come voluntarily and completely freely, because divine grace has made them willing. (6)
1) Rom 8:30; Eph 1:10-11; 2 Thess 2:13-14; Rom 11:7; 2 Tim 1:9, 10
2) Eph 2:1-6; Acts 13:48
3) Acts 26:18; Eph 1:17-18; 1 Cor 2:10-12
4) Eze 36:26; Ez 11:19
5) Deut 30:6; Ez 36:27; Eph 1:19; 2 Cor 3:3, 6; Phil 2:13; John 6:44-45
6) Titus 2:14; I John 1:4; John 6:37; Rom 6:16-18
2. This effectual calling of God is solely due to His sovereign grace, and is not based on anything He foresaw in man. It is not due to any ability or work of the creature. (7) Until man is quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is dead in his sins. (8) The power of God comes into his life from without, and enables him to respond to God's call, seizing the grace offered and thus communicated, and there is no less power involved in this process than that which raised Christ from the dead. (9)
7) 2 Tim 1:9; Eph 2:4-9; Titus 3:4,5; Rom 9:11
8) 1 Cor 2:14; Eph 2:5; John 5:25
9) Eph 1:19-20. John 6:37; Ezek 36:27
3. The elect little ones who died in infancy are born again in Christ by the Spirit and saved, (10) because the Spirit works there, then, and as it pleases him. (11) The same is true of the elect, who cannot be called outwardly by the preaching of the Word.
10) John 3:3-6
11) John 3:8
4. Those who are not chosen, even if they hear the Word and its call to salvation, or even experience something as a result of the frequent work of the Spirit, (12) still cannot be saved, because they have not been effectively drawn to Christ by the Father, and therefore cannot and do not truly want to come to Jesus. (13) Even less can a man without Christ be saved, no matter how zealous he may be in the practice of his religion or in the ordering of his life in the light of nature. (14)
12) Matthew 7:22; Matthew 22:14; Matthew 13:20-21; Hebrews 6,4-5
13) John 6:44-45, 64-66; 1 John 2:24-25; John 14:6
14) Acts 4:12; John 4:22; 17.3; John 8:24; Eph 2:12; 1 John 2:9-11; 1 Corinthians 16:22; Galatians 1:6-8
11. Justification
1. God justifies freely all those whom he effectually calls. (1) This is not done by implanting righteousness in them, but by forgiving their sins, declaring them righteous, and accepting them (2) solely for Christ’s sake, not for what is in them or on the basis of their works. (3) They are not justified because God imputes to them as righteousness either their faith or their works of faith or any other gospel obedience. They are justified solely and completely because God imputes to them the righteousness of Christ, and His obedience to the whole law, as shown in His life and death. (4) They receive the righteousness of Christ by faith. This faith is not of themselves, it is not of themselves, it is not of themselves, for it is the gift of God. (5)
1) Rom 3:24; Rom 8:30;
2) Rom 4:5-8; Eph 1:7; 2 Cor 5:19,21
3) 1 Cor 1:30-31; Rom 5:17-19; Eph 2:7-10;
4) Phil 3:8-9; Rom 3:22-28; Titus 3:5,7
5) John 1:12; Rom 5:17; Gal 2:16; Acts 13:38-39
2. Faith, which accepts and rests on the righteousness of Christ, is the only means of justification. (6) However, this faith is not barren, fruitless in the life of the justified individual, but always accompanies all the other saving gifts. This faith works by love and therefore cannot be a dead faith. (7)
6) Rom 3:28; John 1:12; Rom 5:1
7) Gal 5:6; James 2:17-26
3. By his death and obedience Christ paid all the debts of the justified. By his self-sacrifice on the cross and the suffering of the penalty for their sins, he satisfied divine justice in their behalf adequately, truly, and perfectly. (8) Since the Father gave Christ for them, and since his obedience and atoning sacrifice were the basis of justification, and there was nothing in man to merit it, (9) therefore they are justified entirely and exclusively by free grace, that the justice and riches of God may be glorified in the justification of the sinner. (10)
8) Hebrews 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Isa. 53:5-6; Eph. 5:2
9) Romans 8:32; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Rom 5:8-10,19; 1 Tim 2:5-6; Isa 53:4-6,10-12
10) Rom 3:26; Eph 1:6-7; Eph 2:7; Rom 3:24
4. God has ordained from eternity the justification of all the elect, (11) and in the fullness of time Christ died for their sins and rose again for their justification. (12) However, they are justified individually only when the Holy Spirit, in due time, applies the blessing of Christ’s work to them. (13)
11) Gal 3:8; 1 Pet 1:2; Rom 8:30
12) 1 Tim 2:6; Rom 4:25; 1 Pet 1:19-20; Gal 4:4
13) Col 1:21-22; Titus 3:4-7. Gal. 2:16
5. God continues to forgive the sins of the justified. (14) And although they can never fall from their justified state, (15) if they sin, they incur God’s fatherly displeasure. (16) At such times, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, and beg God’s forgiveness, and are renewed in faith and repentance, God will withdraw “the light of his countenance” from them. (17)
14) Matt. 6:12; 1 John 1:7-9
15) John 10:28
16) Ps. 89:31-33
17) Ps. 32:5; Ps. 51; Matt. 26:75; 1 Cor. 11:30-32; Luke 1:20
6. The justification of the Old Testament believers was the same as that of the New Testament believers. (18)
18) Romans 4:22-24; Galatians 3:9,14
12. Adoption
1. God has granted that all those who are justified in Christ, his only Son, may receive the grace of adoption, (1) whereby they may be made children of God, and enjoy the liberty and privileges that come with it. (2) They bear his name, (3) and have received the Spirit of adoption, (4) so that they may come boldly to the throne of grace, crying, “Abba, Father.” (5) God has mercy on them, (6) takes them under his protection, (7) cares for them, (8) but as a Father he disciplines them, (9) yet never casts them off altogether, (10) but they are sealed for the day of redemption, (11) when they shall inherit the promises as heirs of eternal salvation. (12)
1) Eph 1:5; Gal 4:4-5
2) John 1:12; Rom 8:17
3) 2 Cor 6:18; Rev 3:12; Jer 14:9
4) Rom 8:15
5) Gal 4:6; Eph 2:18; Eph 3:12; Rom 5:2
6) Ps 103:13
7) Prov 14:26
8) 1 Pet 5:7,9; Matt 6:30-32
9) Heb 12:6
10) Isa 54:8-9; Jer 3:3
11) Eph 4:30
12) Heb 1:14; 6:12; 1 Pet 1:3,4
13. Sanctification
1. Those who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, by God creating in them a new heart and mind through the merits of Christ’s death and resurrection, are further sanctified truly and personally. (1) By the power of Christ’s death and resurrection, and by the indwelling of His word and Spirit, (2) the dominion of the flesh under the power of sin is destroyed. (3) The sinful flesh, with its various evil desires, is gradually weakened. Christ’s people mortify the flesh with its passions, (4) are gradually quickened and strengthened in every saving gift of grace, (5) to the exercise of true holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (6)
1) Acts 20:32; Rom 6:5-6
2) John 17:17; Eph 3:16-19; 1 Thess 5:21-23; 2 Thess 2:13; Eph 5:26
3) Rom 6:14
4) Gal 5:24; Rom 8:13
5) Col 1:11; 1 Cor 6:11
6) 2 Cor 7:1; Heb 12:14
2. Sanctification extends to the whole man, (7) yet remains incomplete in his life. A certain residue of the corruption of sin continues to infect the members of man, (8) resulting in a constant, never-ceasing internal war, where the flesh fights against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. (9)
7) 1 Thess 5:23
8) Rom 7:18, 23; Phil 3:12; 1 John 1:10
9) Gal 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11
3. In the battle between flesh and soul, though the corrupt remnant of sin may temporarily prevail, (10) yet by the continual help of the power of the sanctifying Spirit of Christ the regenerate part gains the victory. (11) The saints, therefore, grow in grace unto perfect holiness in the fear of God. They earnestly strive to pursue a heavenly life, showing evangelical obedience to all the commandments which Christ, as their head and king, has laid down for them in his word. (12)
10) Rom 7:23
11) Rom 6:14; 1 John 5:4
12) 2 Cor 3:18; 7:1; Eph 4:15-16; 1 John 3:3; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Cor 7:1
14. Saving Faith
1. By the grace of faith, the elect receive faith unto the salvation of their souls. This gift is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts. (1) It is generally produced by the preaching of the Word. (2) The Word of God, its preaching, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, prayer, and other divinely ordained means, increases and strengthens this faith through the work of the Lord, the Spirit. (3)
1) 2 Cor. 4:13; Eph. 2:8
2) Rom. 10:14-17; Acts 13:48
3) Lk. 17:5; 1 Pet. 2:2; Acts 20:32; Eph. 1:17-19; Rom 1:16-17
2. By faith the Christian accepts as true all that is revealed in the Word of God, because the Scriptures have for him the authority of God himself. (4) By his saving faith the Christian perceives the excellence of the Word, which surpasses all other writings and things in the world, (5) because the Word makes the glory of God shine forth, showing forth His unique attributes, the excellence of the nature and offices of Christ, and the power and fullness of His manifestation in the work and actions of the Holy Spirit. In this way the Christian may have unreserved confidence in the Truth which is the object of his faith, (6) and will also be enabled to see and respond to the various teachings found in the various passages of the Word. Saving faith prepares him to perceive and obey the commandments, (7) to hear the threats with fear and reverence, (8) and to seize with joy the divine promises concerning the life here and the life to come. (9) The first and chief moments of saving faith are when the soul sees the glory of Christ, understands His redeeming work, and accepts it in the covenant of grace for its justification, sanctification, and the hope of eternal life, and rests in it. (10)
4) Acts 24:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 5:10
5) Psalms 19:8-11; 119:72
6) 2 Timothy 1:12
7) John 15:14; Rom 16:26
8) Isa 66:2
9) Heb 11:13; 1 Tim 4:8
10) John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Gal 2:20; Acts 15:11; John 4:42
3. This faith, though it has different degrees—it may be strong or weak (11)—nevertheless, even the least is quite different in nature from the faith experienced temporarily, and belongs to an entirely different category from the faith and common grace possessed by temporary believers. (12) Consequently, although it is often attacked and weakened, saving faith ultimately triumphs, (13) until in many it grows to the full assurance through Christ, (14) who is both the “author” and the “finisher” of our faith. (15)
11) Heb 5:13-14; Rom 4:19-20; Matt 8:10
12) 2 Pet 1:1; Lk 22:31-32; Lk 8:13; Jas 2:14,17
13) Eph 6:16; 1 Jn 5:4-5
14) Heb 6:11-12; Col 2:2; Heb 6:11-12; Heb 10:22
15) Heb 12:2
15. Repentance unto Life and Salvation
1. Repentance unto salvation is a gift of gospel grace. (1) When the Holy Spirit works this, the sinner sees and feels not only the danger of his sins, but also the filthiness and hatefulness of them, which are against the holy nature and righteous law of God. Therefore he turns to God from his sins, (2) realizing that God promises mercy in Christ to those who repent of their sins. Therefore he pleads, humbles himself, grieves over his sins, hates them, resolves himself, and strives to walk with God in all that God commands. (3)
1) Zech 12:10; Acts 11:18; Ezek 36:31; 2 Cor 7:11
2) Ezek 18:30-31; Ezek 36:31; Isa 30:22; Jer 31:18-19; Joel 2:12-15; Amos 5:15; Jer 8:12
3) Ps 119:128, 2 Cor 7:11; Ps 119:6,59,106; 2 Kings 23:25; 1 Kings 21:27-29; 2 Chronicles 33:12-17; Ezra 10:1-3
2. Since we carry “the body of death,” which is inclined to evil, repentance is necessary to practice throughout our lives. It is therefore the duty of every person to repent of all his conscious sins, showing true repentance. (4)
4) Lk 19:8; 1 Tim 1:13-15; Eze 16:63; Hos 14:2; Eph 1:7
3. In His covenant of grace, God has mercifully provided that believers who sin and fall away may be renewed through repentance. At the same time, He has made provision through Christ for the preservation of believers in a state of salvation, so that although even the smallest sin is damnable, (5) there is no sin so great as to bring damnation upon one who repents. (6) This necessitates the constant preaching of the importance of repentance.
5) Luke 22:31-32; Rom 6:23; Matt 12:36
6) Isa 1:16-18; Isa 55:7; Rom 8:1; Luke 19:8-9; 1 Tim 1:13,15; Ps 51:6-11,16; Ps 32:5-6; Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9
16. Good Works
1. Only those works are considered good works which are commanded by the Holy Word of God to man. (1) Other works which are not authorized by the Word, but are invented by men out of fanaticism or for alleged good purposes, cannot be included in this group. (2)
1) Micah 6:8; Hebrews 13:21; Romans 12:2
2) Matthew 15:9; Isa. 29:13; Col. 2:23; Romans 10:2; John 16:2; 1 Sam. 15:21-23
2. The real good works which come from obedience to the commandments of God are the fruits and signs of true and living faith. (3) Through them believers express and demonstrate their gratitude, (4) their assurance of salvation is strengthened, (5) they serve their brothers and sisters, shine forth with Christian witness, (6) they silence the mouths of their opponents and give glory to God, (7) who has created them in Christ for good works, (8) and as such they bear fruit that is a testimony to holiness. This ultimately leads to eternal life. (9)
3) James 2:18-22
4) Psalm 116:12-13
5) 1 John 2:3-5; 2 Peter 1:5-11
6) Matthew 5:16
7) 1 Timothy 6:1; 1 Peter 2:9, 12, 15; Philippians 1:11; John 15:8
8) Eph 2:10
9) Rom 6:22; Titus 2:5-12
3. The ability of believers to do good works is not a gift of their own, but comes entirely from the Spirit of Christ. (10) In addition to the gifts of grace received at conversion, there is also need for the further real influence of the same Holy Spirit, by which the will and ability are directed to good works that are pleasing to Him. (11) This does not mean that they are free to neglect their duties, as if they had no responsibility at all, until the Spirit gives them some special motive. Their task is to diligently stir up and exercise the gifts of God's grace that are in them. (12)
10) John 15:4-6; Ezek 36:26-27
11) 2 Cor 3:5; Phil 2:13
12) Phil 2:12; Heb 6:11-12; Isa 64:6-7; 2Pe 1:3-11; 2Tim 1:6; Jude 20:21
4. Even those who in this earthly life attain to the highest possible degree of obedience to God are very far from being overzealous and exceeding the requirements of God, for they often fall short even in the performance of their duties. (13)
13) Job 9:2-3; Gal 5:17; Luke 17:10
5. Even by our best works we cannot merit forgiveness of sins or eternal life from God, since they are not in proportion to the glory to come. Furthermore, the distance between us and God is infinite, and no work of ours can be accepted by Him as payment for our sin debt and satisfy Him. (14) Moreover, when we have done all we can, we have only done what was our duty and have remained “unprofitable servants.” Nor should we forget that insofar as our works are good, they are the fruits of the work of the Holy Spirit. (15) Even then, our good works are so contaminated, mixed with weakness and frailty, that they are unable to withstand the severe judgment of God. (16)
14) Rom 3:20; Eph 2:8-9; Rom 4:2,4,6; Titus 3:5-7
15) Gal 5:22-23; Luke 17:10; Job 22:2-3
16) Isa 64:5-6; Ps 143:2; Ps 130:3
6. Nevertheless, quite apart from the fact that believers are accepted by Christ as individual souls, their good works are also accepted by Christ, (17) not because they are blameless and blameless in their lives in the sight of God, but because He looks upon them through His Son and is pleased to acknowledge and reward sincere effort, even though many weaknesses and infirmities attend it. (18)
17) Eph 1:6; 1 Pet 2:5
18) Mt 25:21-23; Heb 6:10; Ex 28:38; Gen 4:4; Heb 11:4; Heb 13:20-21; 2 Cor 8:12
7. The works of unregenerate men may be the execution of God’s commandments, or of works for the good of themselves and others, (19) yet because they do not proceed from a heart purified by faith, (20) are not performed according to the method prescribed in Scripture, (21) are not intended to glorify God, (22) therefore they prove to be sinful works, which do not please God, and cannot qualify a man for the acceptance of grace. (23) Yet the neglect of these works makes unregenerate men more sinful and displeasing before God than the performance of them. (24)
19) 2 Kings 10:30-31; 1 Kings 21:27, 2
20) Genesis 4:5; Hebrews 11:4-6; Phil 1:15-18
21) 1 Cor 13:1,3
22) Matt 6:2-5
23) Am 5:21-22; Hag 2:14; Isa 1:10-12
24) Job 21:14-15; Matt 25:41-45; Ps 14:4
17. The Perseverance of the Saints
1. Those who are accepted of God in his beloved Son, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, and endowed with the precious faith of his elect, cannot fall away wholly or permanently from grace, but are assuredly persevered in that state, and are kept unto eternal life. This is because God never repents of their calling and the gifts which he has given them. Consequently, God continually creates and strengthens in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the other gifts of the Spirit, which lead to immortality. (1) Storms and trials may come and befall the saints, yet they are not swept away from the rock upon which they stand by faith. Even if unbelief and the temptations of Satan should darken their eyes and darken their feelings for a time, so that they cannot see and feel the light and love of God, (2) God remains unchanged, and will surely keep them by his power until their salvation is complete and they can take possession of their heavenly inheritance, for he has engraved them in his hands and their names are written from eternity in the Book of Life. (3)
1) John 10:28-29; Phil 1:6; 2 Tim 2:19; 1 John 2:19
2) Psalm 89:31-35; 1 Cor 11:32; 1 John 3:9; 1 Peter 1:5-9
3) Mal 3:6; Isaiah 49:16
2. The perseverance of the saints does not depend on their own free will, but on the unchangeable decree of election, (4) which in turn depends on the free and unfailing love of God the Father, the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ, and his unity with the saints. (5) It also depends on the oath of God and the abiding presence of his Holy Spirit, (6) and on the seed of God which is in them, (7) and on the nature of the covenant of grace itself. (8) All these factors guarantee the certainty and infallibility of the perseverance and security of the saints.
4) Romans 8:30; Romans 9:11-16
5) Romans 5:9-10; Jeremiah 31:3; Hebrews 10:10,14; Hebrews 9:12-15; Hebrews 7:25
6) Hebrews 6:17-18; John 14:16-17; 1 John 2:27; John 10:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:3
7) 1 John 3:9
8) Jeremiah 32:40; Romans 8:33-39
3. Saints may fall into serious sin through the temptations of Satan and the world, because their remaining sinful inclinations may prevail in them and because they may neglect the means which God has given them to protect themselves from the fall. They may continue in this state for a time. (9) By doing so they incur the displeasure of God, grieve the Holy Spirit, (10) damage their gifts of grace and their spiritual well-being. (11) Their hearts become hardened, their consciences wounded, (12) they cause pain and scandal to others, and thereby bring upon themselves temporal condemnation. (13) Yet they will renew their repentance and be saved forever through faith in Jesus Christ. (14)
9) Matt. 26:70-74
10) Isa. 64:5-9; Eph. 4:30; 2 Sam. 11:27; Rev. 2:4; Isa. 5:2-6
11) Ps. 51:10-12
12) Ps. 32:3-4; Isa. 63:17; Mk. 6:52; Mk. 16:14
13) 2 Sam. 12:14; Ps. 89:32-33; 1 Cor. 11:32
14) Lk. 22:32,61,62, Ps. 51:2,6,8,10,12,14
18. Assurance of Salvation
1. Although hypocrites and other unregenerate people may deceive themselves with vain false hopes and carnal assumptions that they are in God’s favor and in a state of salvation, such hopes are ultimately destroyed. (1) But those who truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and sincerely love Him, striving to live according to His will to the best of their conscience, can gain a definite assurance of their state of grace even here on earth. The hope of the glory of God fills them with joy, (2) because they know that in this hope they will not be put to shame. (3)
1) Job 8:13-14; Matt. 7:22-23; Deut. 29:19-20
2) 1 John 2:3; 1 John 3:14-24; 1 John 5:13
3) Rom 5:2-5
2. The assurance of the salvation of God’s saints is not a mere guess based on a supposition, nor a probable conviction based on a feeble hope, but an infallible assurance of faith, (4) founded on the blood and righteousness of Christ, as declared in the gospel. (5) It is also founded on the inward testimony of the gifts of grace of the Holy Spirit, united with the definite promises of God. (6) The Holy Spirit also, as the Spirit of adoption, bears witness for the elect, bearing witness with their spirit that they have become children of God. (7) By all these testimonies he keeps the hearts of the elect in a state of humility and holiness. (8)
4) Heb 6:11, 19
5) Heb 6:17-18
6) 2 Pet 1:4-11; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 3:14; 2 Cor 1:12
7) Rom 8:15-16
8) 1 John 3:1-3
3. This infallible assurance of salvation is not so much bound up with the essence of faith as to be an automatic and inevitable experience. The true believer often receives it only after a long time and a struggle with many difficulties. (9) Assurance of salvation does not come from a special revelation, but from the right use of the gifts of grace, from the work of the Holy Spirit in enabling him to understand, through which he comprehends the things freely given by God. (10) Since it is freely available, it is the duty of every believer to strive with the greatest diligence for the assurance of his calling and election, so that his heart may abound in peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, his love and gratitude to God may increase, and he may experience that he will be more willing and devoted to the fulfillment of his duties, and that he can perform his tasks with cheerfulness. All these are natural consequences of the state of assurance of salvation (11) and testify that the consciousness of election does not lead to irresponsible living. (12)
9) Isa 50:10; Ps 77:2-3; Ps 88; 1 John 5:13
10) 1 John 4:13; Heb 6:11-12; 1 Cor 2:12
11) Rom 5:1-5; Rom 14:17; Ps 119:32; 2 Pet 1:4-11
12) Rom 6:1-2; Titus 2:11-14; Eph 1:3-4; Rom 8:1,12; 1 John 3:2-3; 1 John 1:6-7
4. True believers may find that their assurance of salvation is not always at the same level. Sometimes it is stronger, sometimes weaker, or even interrupted. They may be the cause of it themselves, through neglect in maintaining it, (13) or by falling into some extraordinary sin that wounds their conscience and grieves the Holy Spirit, (14) or by some sudden and powerful temptation that assails them. (15) God may also withdraw “the light of his face” so that darkness surrounds them—for he sometimes does this even to those who fear his name. (16) Yet believers are never left without the seed of God (17) and the life of faith, (18) and love for Christ and the brethren, sincerity of heart, and a sense of spiritual duty. Through these and the work of the Holy Spirit, their assurance of salvation is in time revived. (19) Until this happens, these same sources of grace protect them from ultimate despair. (20)
13) Isa 5:2-6
14) Ps 51:8-16; Eph 4:30-31; Mic 7:7-9
15) Ps 116:11; 77:8-9; Mt 26:69-72
16) Ps 30:8; Ps 31:23; Ps 88; Isa 54:7-10; Psalm 22:3
17) 1 John 3:9
18) Luke 22:32
19) Psalm 42:6-12
20) Jer Sir 3:26-31
19. God’s Law
1. God gave Adam a universal law of obedience, which He engraved on his heart. In a special command He forbade him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (1) Thus Adam and all his descendants were bound to personal, perfect, exact, and constant obedience. (2) God held out the reward of life for the fulfillment of the law, and the penalty of death for the transgression of it. At the same time, He endowed Adam with the necessary power and ability to keep the law. (3)
1) Gen. 2:16-17; Ecclesiastes 7:29
2) Rom 10:5
3) Gal 3:10-12
2. The same law which God originally engraved in the heart of man, remained the perfect standard of righteousness after the fall of Adam, (4) and was given to man anew by God on Mount Sinai, engraved on two tables of stone, in the Ten Commandments. Of these, the first four commandments deal with our duties to God, and the remaining six with our obligations to our fellow men. (5)
4) Rom 2:14-15; Jas 1:25; Jas 2:8-12; Rom 13:8-9; Matt 22:37-40
5) Deut 10:4; Exodus 34:1
3. In addition to the Law, which is commonly called the moral law, God also gave the people of Israel ceremonial laws, with the purpose that these, as “types,” should represent things to come. We may divide them into two groups. These include especially the ceremonies of worship, which point to Christ, symbolizing his qualities and actions, his sufferings, and the blessings he obtained for us. (6) At the same time, they contain regulations concerning various moral obligations. (7) All these ceremonial laws were binding on man until in the New Testament times Jesus Christ, the true Messiah, the only lawgiver, appeared, and suspended and abolished these laws by the authority of the Father. (8)
6) Hebrews 10:1; Hebrews 9; Col 2:17
7) 1 Cor 5:7
8) Eph 2:14-16; Col 2:14-17; Dan 9:27
4. God also gave the people of Israel various judicial laws, which became invalid when Israel ceased to exist as a nation. These are no longer binding on anyone today, since they formed the legal system of that nation. However, their general legal system is applicable in modern times, not because they are the laws of Moses, but because of their essence. (9)
9) 1 Cor 9:8-10; Ex 21; Ex 22; Matt 5:17,38,39
5. Obedience to moral laws is binding for all time, both for the righteous and for all others. (10) And not only from an appreciation of their content, but from a respect for the authority of God, the Creator, the Author of these laws. (11) In the Gospel, Christ would not abolish the necessity of obedience, but expressly confirms our duty to observe the moral laws. (12)
10) Rom 13:8-10; Jas 2:8-12; Eph 6:2; 1 Jn 2:3-8
11) Jas 2:10-11
12) Matt 5:17-19; Rom 3:31
6. Although true believers are not under the law as a “covenant of works” that can justify or condemn them, (13) it is nevertheless for their own benefit and that of others, because as a standard of life it makes known the will of God and the duty of men, and directs them to walk accordingly. At the same time it reveals the sinful contamination of their nature, heart, and life, (14) that, examining themselves, and being convinced of their sins, they may be humble, hateful of sin, (15) and see clearly their need of Christ and His perfect obedience. (16) It is useful to the regenerate in restraining corruption by forbidding sin, (17) and deterring it, while at the same time showing what sin deserves, and what miseries they may expect for it in this life, though they are free from the curse with which the law is feared. (18) In like manner the promises connected with the law indicate to believers the approval of obedience, and the blessings they may expect from the fulfillment and keeping of the law, though these cannot be considered as merited under the "covenant of works." If someone does good and avoids evil, this does not mean that he is under the law and not in a state of grace. (19)
13) Rom 6:14; Gal 2:16; Rom 8:1-2; Rom 10:4
14) Rom 3:20; Rom 7:7,9,14,24; Ps 119:3,5
15) Rom 7:12,22,25; Ps 119:101,104,128; Ezra 9:13-14
16) Gal 4:4-5; Acts 13:39; Gal 3:24; Rom 8:3-4
17) Ps 89:31-35; Col 3:5-9; Rom 8:13; Rom 6:13; Eph 5:3-6
18) Gal 3:13; 1 Corinthians 11:30, 32; 1 Kings 13:21-24; Amos 3:2; Exodus 15:26; Numbers 21:6-9; Psalm 38:1-8
19) Romans 6:12-14; 1 Peter 3:8-13; Galatians 5:14, 16, 18-23; James 1:23-25; Leviticus 26:1-14; Ephesians 6:2-3; Psalm 37:11; Psalm 19:12; Ps 34:12-16
7. The above-mentioned use of God's law is not in contradiction with the grace proclaimed in the Gospel, but is sweetly harmonized with it, (20) when the Spirit of Christ subdues man's will and enables him to do God's will freely and willingly, as it is laid down in the law. (21)
20) Gal 3:21
21) Eze 36:27; Heb 8:10; Jer 31:33
20. The Gospel
1. Since the “covenant of works” was broken by man’s fall and thus rendered unfit to lead to life, it pleased God to promise Christ, the seed of the woman, as the means of calling the elect, to quicken them in faith and repentance. (1) In this promise he revealed the essence of the Gospel as an effective means of leading sinners to conversion and salvation. (2)
1) Gen 3:15
2) Rev 12:17; 1 John 3:8; Isa 7:14; Matt 1:23
2. Christ and the promise of salvation through him were revealed by the Word of God alone. (3) Neither creation nor the acts of providence can reveal Christ and his grace in the light of nature, even in a general or even obscure way. (4) Therefore those who are deprived of the revelation of the Gospel are all the more incapable of arriving at saving faith and repentance by the light of nature alone. (5)
3) Rom 1:16-17
4) Rom 10:14-17
5) Prov 29:18; Isa 25:7; Isa 60:2-3; 2 Cor 4:6
3. The Gospel proclaimed to sinners was given at different times and in different details, with a gradual addition of its promises and requirements of obedience, which God communicated solely according to his sovereign will and pleasure. (6) The preaching of the Gospel in different ages, to which individuals and nations, and in what manner it is to be delivered, has been determined by God in His eternal wisdom and counsel.
6) Ps. 147:20; Acts 16:6-7; Acts 14:16
4. Although the Gospel is the only outward means of proclaiming Christ and His saving grace, and as such is perfectly sufficient for the accomplishment of that end, yet something more is needed in order that men who are dead in their sins may be regenerated—that is, made new or come to life. This is the effectual and irresistible work of the Holy Spirit, which extends to the whole soul of man, and by which a new spiritual life is produced in him. No other means but this can convert a man to God. (7)
7) Titus 2:14; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Eph 1:19-20; John 6:44; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6
21. Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience
1. The liberty which Christ has purchased for believers under the Gospel consists in deliverance from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, and the severity and curse of the law. (1) It is also deliverance from the present evil world, (2) from the power of Satan, (3) from the dominion of sin, (4) from the harm of afflictions, (5) from the fear and sting of death, the triumph of the grave, (6) and eternal damnation. (7) To this liberty belongeth the right of approach to God, and the power of obedience to Him, not out of servile fear, (8) but out of filial love and free will. (9) These freedoms were already enjoyed in essence by believers under the Old Testament law, (10) but for New Testament Christians this freedom is extended, since they are freed from the ceremonial laws to which the Old Testament Jewish church was subject. At the same time they enjoy greater boldness in approaching the throne of grace, and a richer communication of the Spirit of God than believers under the law usually experienced. (11)
1) Gal 3:13
2) Gal 1:4
3) Acts 26:18; Col 1:13; Gal 5:1
4) Rom 6:5-6,14; Titus 2:14; 1 Cor 5:7
5) Rom 8:28
6) 1 Cor 15:54-57
7) 1 Thess 1:10; Rom 8:1
8) Rom 8:14,15; Rom 5:1-2; Heb 4:14,16
9) Luke 1:73-75; 1 John 4:18; Gal 4:1-3,6-7
10) Gal 3:9-14
11) John 7:38-39; Heb 10:19-21; 2 Cor 3:13,17,18
2. God alone is the Lord of conscience, (12) who has freed it from all the rationalistic teachings and commands of men, which are in any way contrary to or not included in his Word. (13) Accepting such teachings or obeying such commands on the basis of conscience is tantamount to violating the true freedom of conscience. (14) The demand for unreserved faith and total and blind obedience is tantamount to the destruction of freedom of conscience and reason. (15)
12) James 4:12; Romans 14:4
13) Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29; 1 Corinthians 7:23; Matthew 15:9; Isa 8:20; Acts 17:11; Jeremiah 8:9
14) Col 2:20-23; Hebrews 13:9; Galatians 4:9; James 4:4; Galatians 5:1; Romans 8:10-12; 1 Corinthians 10:25-29
15) 1 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 1:24; Gal 2:2,4-5
3. Those who, under the pretext of Christian freedom, live in sin or cherish any sinful desire, pervert, to their own destruction, the main purpose of the grace of the Gospel, (16) for they completely destroy the purpose of Christian freedom, namely, that, being delivered from the hand of all our enemies, we may serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness, all the days of our lives. (17)
16) Rom 6:1-2; John 8:34; Matt 12:25; Rom 1:32; 1 Cor 5:5,11,13; 2 John 10:11; 1 Tim 6:3-5; 1 Tim 1:19-20; Rev 2:2,14,15,20; Rev 3:9
17) Gal 5:13; 2 Peter 2:16-21; Luke 1:74-75; 1 Peter 2:15-16
22. Worship and the Lord’s Day
1. Nature teaches us that there is one God, who holds all things under his power and dominion, who is just and good, and has good will toward all. Therefore, let all fear, love, praise, worship, call upon, trust, and serve him with all their strength, heart, and soul. (1) The only true God has Himself determined the acceptable way of worship. (2) Therefore, the method of worship is limited by His revealed will. He is not to be worshipped according to human ideas or methods, nor in a manner inspired by Satan. God is not to be worshipped in visible images or other representations, nor in any manner inconsistent with the Word. (3)
1) Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:7; Mk. 12:33; Ps. 119:68; Ps. 31:24; Psalm 18:4; Joshua 24:14
2) Deuteronomy 12:32; Matthew 15:9
3) Exodus 20:4-6; Acts 17:24-25; Matthew 4:9-10; Col. 2:23
2. Only God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is worthy of worship. (4) Neither angels, nor saints, nor any other creature, can share in this. (5) Because of man’s fall, man can worship God only through a mediator, (6) and that one mediator between God and man is Jesus Christ. (7)
4) Matthew 4:9-10; Matthew 28:19; John 5:23; John 4:23; Matthew 28:19
5) Romans 1:25; Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10
6) John 14:6; Eph. 2:18
7) 1 Tim. 2:5
3. God requires all men to pray to Him with thanksgiving as a natural part of His worship. (8) The condition for acceptance of prayer is that it be offered in the name of the Son of God, (9) by the Spirit, (10) and in harmony with His will. (11) It is necessary that it be offered with understanding, reverence, humility, fervor, faith, love and perseverance. Corporate prayer should be expressed in understandable language. (12)
8) Ps. 95:1-7; Ps. 65:2-3
9) John 14:13-14
10) Rom. 8:26; Eph. 6:18
11) 1 John 5:14
12) Phil. 4:6; Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 1 Cor 14:16-17; Heb 12:28; Gen 18:27; Jas 5:16; Jas 1:6-7; Mk 11:24; Col 4:2
4. We can pray for lawful things, and for all kinds of people, now living or to be born in the future, (13) but not for the dead (14) or for those who we know have committed “mortal sins.” (15)
13) 1 Tim 2:1-3; 1 John 5:14
14) 2 Samuel 12:21-23
15) 1 John 5:16
5. The parts of ordinary worship are: the reverent reading of the Holy Scriptures, (16) the pure preaching of the Word (17) and its conscientious listening in obedience to God, with understanding, faith, and reverence, (18) the singing of the Psalms with a gracious heart, (19) and the right administration of the sacraments ordained by Christ and a worthy use of them. (20) On special occasions there are other parts of worship: religious oaths, (21) vows, (22) solemn fasts (23) and thanksgivings. (24) These are to be used in a holy and devout manner. (25)
16) 1 Timothy 4:13; Acts 15:21; Acts 10:33
17) 2 Tim 4:2; Luke 8:18; Matt 28:19-20
18) Rev 1:3; Jas 1:22; Heb 4:2; Isa 66:2
19) Col 3:16; Eph 5:19; Jas 5:13
20) 1 Cor 11:26-27; Acts 2:42
21) Deut 6:13; Neh 10:29
22) Isa 19:21; Eccl 5:4-5
23) Esther 4:16; Joel 2:12; Matt 9:15; 1 Cor 7:5
24) Ex 15:1-19; Ps 107; Phil 4:6; Esther 9:22
25) Hebrews 12:28
6. In the New Testament period, neither prayer nor other parts of worship are to be confined to any particular place, nor are their acceptability dependent on the place where or towards which they are performed. God is to be worshipped everywhere in spirit and truth, (26) whether in daily family devotions, in private silence in the secret chamber, or solemnly in public assemblies. These are not to be carelessly or willfully neglected or abandoned, when God calls them to them by His Word and providence. (27)
26) John 4:21-24; Mal 1:11; 1 Tim 2:8
27) Acts 10:2 Matt 6:6,11; Acts 2:42; Jer 10:25; Deut 6:6-7; Job 1:5; 1 Peter 3:7; Eph 6:18; Isa 56:6-7; Prov 8:34
7. The law of nature also teaches that by the ordinance of God man in general should set aside a portion of his time for the honor of God. In this regard He has given in His Word an express, moral, and eternal commandment, binding upon all in all ages. In the Holy Scriptures He has emphatically designated one day of the week to be sanctified by man as a day of rest to God. (28) From the creation of the world until the resurrection of Christ, the last day of the week was this day of rest; after the resurrection of Christ the first day of the week took over this role, and became “the Lord’s day.” (29) With the abolition of the observance of the seventh day, we must now observe this as the Christian day of rest, and its validity will continue until the end of the world.
28) Exod 20:8-11; Isaiah 56:2, 4, 6-7; Genesis 2:2-3
29) Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Revelation 1:10; Matthew 5:17-18
8. The Sabbath is to be consecrated to the Lord by those who, having prepared their hearts beforehand and arranged their public affairs, practice a holy abstinence throughout the day from all activities, words, and thoughts that concern their earthly occupations and amusements (30), and dedicate the entire Lord's day to the individual and corporate worship of God, to the performance of necessary duties, and to the exercise of works of mercy. (31)
30) Neh 13:15-22; Isa 58:13
31) Mt 12:1-13
23. Government
1. God, the almighty Lord and King of the universe, has appointed civil rulers over men to rule for his glory and the common good. For this purpose he has given them the power of the sword to protect and support those who do good and to punish those who do evil. (1)
1) Rom 13:1-4; 1 Pet 2:13-14; Prov 8:15-16
2. Since God appoints civil authorities for the purposes previously described, we must submit to all their lawful commands as a part of our obedience to God, not merely to avoid punishment, but also for reasons of conscience. (2) It is necessary for Christians to pray and ask for their leaders and all those in authority, so that they may lead peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and honesty. (3)
2) Rom 13:5-7; 1 Pet 2:17; Titus 3:1; Jude 8-11
3) 1 Tim 2:1-2
24. Marriage
1. Marriage is between one man and one woman. A man cannot have two or more wives at the same time, nor can a woman have two or more husbands. (1)
1) Gen. 2:24; Mal. 2:15; Matt. 19:5-6
2. God’s plan for marriage is that husband and wife should be of mutual assistance, (2) for the increase of the human race with descendants and the church with godly children, and that through marriage they should avoid immoral conduct. (3)
2) Gen. 2:18
3) Gen. 1:28; 1 Cor. 7:2,9; Mal. 2:15
3. People of all kinds may lawfully enter into marriage with one another if they can give their consent with due judgment. (4) But Christians are obligated to marry “in the Lord.” (5) Therefore, professing Christians who claim to truly follow the Christian faith must not marry unbelievers or idolaters. God-fearing individuals should not be unequally yoked together by marriage with those who live wickedly or hold heretical teachings that are doomed to destruction. (6)
4) Heb 13:4; 1 Tim 4:3
5) 1 Cor 7:39
6) 2 Cor 6:14; Neh 13:25-27; Gen 34:14; Ex 34:16; Deut 7:3-4; 1 Ki 11:4; Mal 2:11-12
4. Marriage is not to be contracted between blood relatives, according to the Word. No human law, nor the consent of the wedding party that such persons may live together as husband and wife, can ever sanction such incestuous marriage. (7)
7) Lev. 18; Mk. 6:18; 1 Cor. 5:1; Amos 2:7
5. Adultery or fornication committed after engagement, if discovered before marriage, gives the innocent party a valid reason to dissolve the engagement. (8) In the case of adultery committed after marriage, it is lawful for the innocent party to divorce, (9) and after divorce to remarry just as if the guilty party were dead. (10)
8) Matt. 1:18-20
9) Matt. 5:31-32
10) Matt. 19:9; Rom 7:2-3
6. Although humanity has become so depraved that men can argue to justify the unjust separation of those whom God has united in marriage, yet the only cause for the dissolution of marriage is adultery or unfaithful abandonment, which neither the church nor the secular authority can remedy in any way. The dissolution of marriage must be done in a public and regular manner, and not at the will and discretion of the persons concerned. (11)
11) Matt 19:6-9; 1 Cor 7:15; Deut 24:1-4
25. The Church
1. The invisible universal church, in whom the Spirit does his real sanctifying and saving work, includes all the chosen people who have been, are, and will be under the leadership of Christ, the head of the church. This universal church is the wife, body, and fullness of Christ who fills all in all. (1)
1) Heb 12:23; Col 1:18; Eph 1:10, 22-23; Eph 5:23-32
2. Those people who throughout the world profess faith in the Gospel, obey Christ on this basis, and do not sully their Christian name by any sacrilegious conduct or error that contradicts or distorts the fundamental truths of the Gospel, are called visible saints and are considered as such. (2) Each local church should be composed of such true saints. (3)
2) Col 1:23; 1 Cor 15:2; Gal 2:5; Heb 2:1; 1 Cor 1:2; Acts 11:26; Rev 7:9; Acts 2:39
3) Rom 1:7; Eph 1:20-23; Acts 2:47
3. Even the “purest” churches in the spiritual sense are in danger of error and confusion. (4) Some churches have become so corrupted that they are no longer part of the churches of Christ, but have become “the synagogue of Satan.” (5) Nevertheless, Christ has always had and will always have followers (until the end of the world) who sincerely believe in Him, confess Him, and establish His kingdom on earth. (6)
4) 1 Cor 5; Rev 2 and 3
5) Rev 18:2; Rev 2:9; Rev 3:9; 2 Thess 2:11-12
6) Matt 16:18; Rev 12:17; Eph 4:11-13; Rom 11:3-4; Ps 102:29; Rom 11:18-22
4. The Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the church. The Father has vested in him, decisively and sovereignly, all the power of calling, organizing, ordering, and governing the church. (7) (It is therefore impossible to consider the Roman Pontiff as the head of the church in any sense, but the heresy and darkness of the Roman Church, its antichrist nature, will not be discussed in this work)
7) Col 1:18; Matt 28:18-20; Eph 4:11-12; Eph 1:22; Mt 23:8-10
5. In the exercise of the authority given to Him, through the ministry of the Word and through the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus calls to Himself from the world those whom the Father has given Him, (8) to walk before Him in all the ways of obedience which He has prescribed for them in the Holy Scriptures. (9) Those whom He has thus called He organizes into one body, groups or congregations, for their mutual edification and for the common fulfillment of the commissions which He requires of them in the world. (10)
8) John 10:16; John 12:32; Acts 13:48
9) Matthew 28:20
10) Acts 2:42-47; Gal 6:2; Heb 10:24-25; Matthew 18:20; Eph 2:20-22; Rom 12:5
6. The members of these communities are considered saints because they have been called by Christ himself and because they give visible evidence of their obedience to his call. It is necessary that they confess and prove by their lives their vocation, (11) and, in agreement with their fellow believers, according to the requirements of Christ, consecrate themselves to the Lord and to one another, according to the will of God, in submission to the rules of the Gospel. (12)
11) Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:2; Matt 3:8; Rom 10:9-10
12) Acts 2:41-42; 5:13-14; 2 Cor 9:13; Eph 4:3; 4:13; 1 Cor 1:10; John 17:21; 2 Cor 13:11; Hebrews 12:14
7. All churches that live their community life according to the will and word of the Lord have received from the Lord full authority and authority, which is necessary in all respects for the maintenance of worship and the practice of church discipline. At the same time, they have received commands and rules for the proper and correct exercise of this authority. (13)
13) Matthew 18:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5; 1 Corinthians 5:13; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Col. 3:16
8. The local church, gathered and organized according to the will of Christ, is composed of members and officers. The officers appointed by Christ are chosen and set apart for service by the church. These officers are: bishops or elders and deacons. These officers are ordained to administer the holy signs, and to perform the power and office to which they have been commissioned and called by the Lord. This pattern of church order is to be maintained until the end of the world. (14)
14) Acts 20:17, 28; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3; Titus 1:7
9. Christ has ordained that by the common consent and vote of the church itself, any person called by him, whom the Holy Spirit has made fit and qualified to fill the offices, should be chosen. (15) Such a person should be solemnly ordained to the ministry through fasting and prayer, by the laying on of hands of the elders of the church (if there are any who have been previously ordained elders). (16) Christ’s method of calling deacons is that he too is chosen by common consent and by the vote of the church and ordained to the ministry through prayer and the laying on of hands. (17)
15) Acts 14:23
16) 1 Timothy 4:14
17) Acts 6:3-6
10. The work of pastors is to constantly focus on the service of Christ in the church through the preaching of the Word and prayer. They should watch over souls as those who will give an account to Christ. (18) Therefore, it is an urgent duty of the churches they serve, in addition to the obligatory respect, to provide their pastor with material goods according to their ability. (19) This should be done in such a way that the pastors receive adequate provision, so that they do not get involved in worldly affairs and are able to practice hospitality towards others. (20) This is indicated by the law of nature and the express command of our Lord Jesus, who commanded that those who preach the Gospel should live from the Gospel.” (21)
18) Acts 6:4; Hebrews 13:17
19) 1 Timothy 5:17-18; Galatians 6:6-7
20) 2 Timothy 2:4; 1 Timothy 3:2
21) 1 Corinthians 9:6-14
11. It is the duty of every church and its members to pray for the good and welfare of all the churches of Christ in every place (22) and to work for the advancement of those who visit their district or area of activity, through the gifts of grace entrusted to them. They are to seek and cultivate fellowship among themselves. It follows clearly from this that when churches are planted by God’s grace, they are to cultivate fellowship among themselves for the promotion of peace, the growth of love, and mutual edification, whenever opportunity arises. (23)
22) Eph. 6:18; Ps 122:6
23) Rom 16:1-2; 3Jn 8-10
26. The Communion of Saints
1. The saints are united by faith and the Holy Spirit to the head, Jesus Christ. It is not a matter of personal unity, but of their becoming partakers of his grace, suffering, death, resurrection, and glory. (1) As they form a unity with one another in love, they are brought into communion with one another in the gifts of grace, (2) and are obliged to perform in good order those services which are for their mutual benefit, both spiritually and physically. (3)
1) 1 John 1:3; John 1:16; Phil 3:10; Rom 6:5-6; Eph 3:16-19
2) 1 Cor 3:21-23; 1 Cor 12:7; Eph 4:15-16; Phil 3:10; Col 2:19
3) 1 Thess 5:11, 14; Rom 1:12; 1 John 3:16-18; Gal 6:10; Rom 1:11-14
2. The saints, by their profession of faith, are bound to the maintenance of holy communion, to the worship of God, and to such other spiritual services as promote their mutual edification. (4) They are also bound to help one another in external matters according to their needs and abilities. (5) This communion or intimate spiritual relationship, although it applies primarily to the immediate circle of believers of the saints, such as the family (6) and the local churches, (7) is to be extended, when opportunity arises, to the whole household of God, that is, to all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus wherever they may be, when God gives opportunity. The obligation to share goods does not, however, mean that one should give up all ownership of one’s material possessions. (8)
4) Hebrews 10:24-25; Hebrews 3:12-13; Acts 2:46
5) Acts 11:29-30; Acts 2:44-45; 1 John 3:17
6) Eph 6:4
7) 1 Cor 12:14-27
8) Acts 5:4
27. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
1. The sacraments are sacred signs and seals of the covenant of grace. (1) They were ordained by the Lord Jesus to represent Christ and his benefits, and to confirm our relationship with him. (2) They are also to make a visible distinction between those who belong to the church and the rest of the world, (3) to oblige the Christian in a sublime way to serve God in Christ according to his word. These ordinances are to be continued in his church to the end of the world. (4)
1) 1 Cor 11:24-26; Rom 4:11; Gen 17:7,10; Rom 15:8
2) Mk 14:22-24; 1 Cor 11:23; Rom 6:3-4; Mt 28:19
3) 1 Cor 10:16; Ex 12:43, 48; Eph 2:12; 1 Cor 11:25-26; Gal 3:17, 27; 1 Cor 10:16, 21
4) 1 Cor 11:26; Matt 28:19
2. These holy ordinances can only be administered by those who are fit and authorized by Christ. (5)
5) Matt 28:19; 1 Cor 4:1; Rom 2:28-29; Heb 5:4
3. The sacraments of the Old Testament are essentially the same as the sacraments of the New Testament, in view of the spiritual realities symbolized and represented. (6)
6) 1 Cor 10:1-4; Col 2:17
28. Baptism
1. Baptism is a New Testament ordinance of Jesus Christ. For the person being baptized, it symbolizes the communion with Christ in his death and resurrection, the “grafting” into Christ (1), and the forgiveness of sins. (2) It also indicates that the person being baptized has given his life to God through Jesus Christ, so that he may walk and live in newness of life. (3)
1) Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12; Gal. 3:27
2) Mark 1:4; Acts 22:16
3) Rom. 6:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 3:10; Col 2:11
2. Only those who are truly converted to God, who testify of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and who are willing to submit their will to Him, can receive baptism. (4)
4) Mark 16:16; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:36-37; Acts 18:8
3. The external instrument that must be used to administer this sign is water, in which the confessor is immersed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (5)
5) Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 8:38; Matthew 3:11; John 1:33
4. Total immersion is necessary for the proper administration of this sign. (6)
6) Matthew 3:16; John 3:23
5. Although it is a great sin to despise or neglect this ordinance, (7) yet grace and salvation are not inseparably connected with it, for a person can be regenerated and saved without it. (8) Nor is it true that everyone who is baptized is undoubtedly regenerated. (9) The sacrament of baptism can be administered to anyone only once.
7) Luke 7:30; Exod. 4:24-26
8) Romans 4:11; Acts 10:2, 4, 22, 31, 45, 47; Luke 23:43
9) Acts 8:13, 23
29. The Lord's Supper
1. The Lord Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper on the night of His betrayal. He gave it to His churches as a perpetual ordinance to the end of the world, as a constant reminder of His sacrifice on the cross. (1) Christ instituted it to strengthen believers in all the beneficial benefits of His death: for their spiritual nourishment and personal growth, to promote the fulfillment of their duties and their commitment to them, which they owe to Him, and to be a bond and pledge of the communion they maintain with Him and with one another. (2)
1) 1 Cor 11:23-26
2) 1 Cor 10:16-21; Acts 2:42,46
2. The Lord's Supper is not a "sacrifice," in which Christ is not offered as a sacrifice to the Father. Nor can it be considered or called a real "sacrifice" offered for the forgiveness of sins. It is merely a reminder of the once and for all sacrifice of Christ himself on the cross, (3) accompanied by a spiritual sacrifice expressed in all kinds of praise to God for Calvary. (4) (For this reason, the sacrificial character of the Mass as ordained by the Pope is shameful, condemnable, since it violates the significance of Christ's own sacrifice, which sacrifice is the only satisfaction for all the sins of the elect.)
3) Heb 9:25-28; Rom 6:10
4) 1 Cor 11:24; Matt 26:26-27; Heb 7:23, 24, 27; Heb 10:11, 12, 14, 18
3. In this ordinance the Lord Jesus instructed his ministers to separate the bread and wine, the emblems of the Lord's Supper, from common use for a sacred purpose, with prayer and blessing. The bread is broken and given to the participants, and then the cup, and they themselves partake of the sacramental elements. (5)
5) 1 Cor 11:23-26; Matt 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Acts 2:46
4. The taking away of the cup from the people, the practice of worshipping the elements, lifting them up and carrying them around for the purpose of worshipping them, or reserving them for any pretended religious purpose, is contrary to the nature of the ordinance and the original purpose of Christ. (6)
6) Matt 15:9; Exod 20:4-5; Mark 14:23; 1 Cor 11:25-29
5. The external signs of the Lord's Supper—the bread and wine—rightly set apart for this particular purpose and used according to Christ's ordinance, so faithfully represent the crucified Christ that they are sometimes actually (though symbolically) referred to as the things they represent, that is, as the body and blood of Christ. (7) But their essence and nature remain in reality only bread and wine, as before. (8)
7) 1 Cor 11:27
8) 1 Cor 11:26-28
6. The doctrine of transubstantiation, according to which the bread and wine are changed and become the body and blood of Christ in a physical sense, when the priest consecrates them or in any other way, is contrary not only to the Word, (9) but also to common sense and understanding. It falsifies the nature of the Lord's Supper, and thereby opens the way to all kinds of superstitious and gross idolatrous doctrines and practices. (10)
9) Acts 3:21; Luke 24:6, 39
10) 1 Corinthians 11:24-25
7. Those who are worthy partakers of the emblems of the Lord's Supper, outwardly partake of the visible bread and drink of the wine, while at the same time, inwardly and spiritually, by faith, "feed on Christ," truly and actually, but not in a bodily sense, and at the same time partake of the blessings obtained by his death. Therefore, the symbolism is not to be understood in a physical sense. In the Lord's Supper, the body and blood of Christ are not present to the believers in the form of flesh and blood, but are present to the believers' faith in a spiritual sense. They perceive it inwardly, just as the presence of the bread and wine is evident to their external senses. (11)
11) 1 Cor 10:16; 1 Cor 11:23-28
8. Every ignorant and ungodly person is unfit to enjoy the Lord's fellowship and is also unworthy of the Lord's table, and therefore commits a great sin if he remains in this state and thus partakes of the holy emblems or is permitted to partake of the Lord's Supper. (12) Whoever partakes of the emblems unworthily sins against the body and blood of the Lord, and thus eats and drinks judgment to himself. (13)
12) 2 Cor 6:14-16; 1 Cor 5:6,7,13; 2 Thess 3:6,14,15
13) 1 Cor 11:29; Mt 7:6
30. Church Discipline
1. Church discipline is necessary to correct and recover those brethren who have sinned and are lawbreakers, to deter others from such sins and lawbreakers, to purge out the leaven that infects the whole church, to maintain and enforce the integrity of Christ and the holy testimonies of the gospel, and to avert the wrath of God which might justly be poured out upon the church if we were to allow His covenant and its signs to be flouted by known and willful transgressors. (1)
1) 1 Cor 5; 1 Tim 5:20; Matt 7:6; 1 Tim 1:20; 1 Cor 11:27-34; Jude 23; James 5:19-20; Proverbs 23:14
2. The procedures of church ministers to achieve these ends are: admonition, suspension or prohibition from the Lord's Supper for a time, or expulsion from the congregation - according to the nature of the sin and transgression, and the degree of the person's guilt. (2)
2) 1 Thess 5:12; 2 Thess 3:6,14,15; 1 Cor 5:4,5,13; Matt 18:17; Titus 3:10; Titus 2:6,9,15; Titus 1:13
31. The state of man after death and the resurrection of the dead
1. The body of dead men decays and returns to the dust, (1) but the soul neither dies nor sleeps, being of immortal essence, and returns to God who created it. (2) The souls of the righteous attain to perfect holiness by death and are taken to “paradise,” where they will be with Christ in the light of God’s face, in a state of glory, awaiting the complete redemption of their bodies. (3) The souls of the wicked go to hell, where they are kept in torment and utter darkness until the last great day of judgment. (4) The soul separated from the body therefore goes either to paradise or to hell, and there is no mention in the Holy Scriptures of a transitional state or a place of residence (purgatory) for souls separated from their bodies.
1) Gen 3:19; Acts 13:36; Ps 104:29
2) Eccl 12:9
3) Luke 23:43; 2 Cor 5:1,6-8; Phil 1:23; Heb 12:23
4) Jude 6-7; Luke 16:23-24,28; 2 Pet 2:4
2. At the last day the saints who are still alive will not die, but will be changed. (5) The dead will be raised in their own bodies and not in another, (6) although it is different in essence, and their souls will be united with this glorified body forever. (7)
5) 1 Cor 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:17
6) Job 19:26-27
7) 1 Corinthians 15:42-44
3. By the power and authority of Christ the bodies of the wicked will be raised to condemnation. But the bodies of the righteous will be raised to honor by the Spirit of Christ, and will be conformed to his glorious body. (8)
8) Acts 24:15; John 5:28-29; Phil 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:43; Dan 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16
32. The Last Judgment
1. God has appointed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ, to whom the Father has given all authority and judgment. (1) On that day, not only the fallen angels will be judged, (2) but every human being who has ever lived on this earth will appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds, and to receive their due reward or punishment, according to what they have done in this body, whether good or bad. (3)
1) Acts 17:31; John 5:22, 27; Romans 2:16
2) 1 Corinthians 6:3; Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4
3) 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ecclesiastes 12:16; Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:10-12; Matthew 25:31-46
2. God’s purpose in setting the day of judgment is to display the glory of his grace in the eternal salvation of the elect, and to show his justice in the eternal damnation of the wicked and disobedient. (4) On that day the righteous will go to eternal life, and as an eternal reward they will enjoy the fullness of joy and glory in the presence of the Lord. (5) The wicked, who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, will be eternally tormented, and “will go away into everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power.” (6)
4) Romans 9:22-23
5) Matthew 25:21, 34; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; Revelation 21:7; Romans 2:7, 10
6) Matthew 25:30, 46; Mark 9:48; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Romans 2:5, 8
3. Christ emphatically warns of the coming of the day of judgment, on the one hand, to deter all men from sin, (7) and on the other hand, to give greater comfort to the godly in their afflictions. (8) But he kept the time of the coming judgment secret, that man might shake off all carnal security and be on the watch without ceasing, for he knew not at what hour the Lord would come. (9) He did this also to make men always cry out, “Surely, the Lord Jesus is coming!” Amen. (10)
7) 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; 2 Peter 3:11, 14
8) 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7; Luke 21:27-28; Rom 8:23,25
9) Mk 13:35-37; Lk 12:35-40; Mt 24:36,42,44
10) Rev 22:20