Chapter 19: The Law Of God

Source: 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

19.1 God gave to Adam a law of universal obedience written in his heart,¹ and a specific precept not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.² By this he bound him and all his descendants to personal, total, exact, and perpetual obedience. God promised life on fulfilling it, and threatened death on breaching it, and he endued him with power and ability to keep it.³

(1) Gen 1:27; Ecc 7:29; Rom 2:12a,14-15
(2) Gen 2:16-17
(3) Gen 2:16-17; Rom 10:5; Gal 3:10,12

19.2 The same law that was first written in the human heart continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness after the fall.¹ It was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai² in ten commandments (written in two tables) the first four containing our duty towards God, and the other six our duty to our fellow beings.³

(1) For the Fourth Commandment: Gen 2:3; Exo 16; Gen 7:4; 8:10,12. For the Fifth Commandment: Gen 37:10. For the Sixth Commandment: Gen 4:3-15. For the Seventh Commandment: Gen 12:17. For the Eighth Commandment: Gen 31:30; 44:8. For the Ninth Commandment: Gen 27:12. For the Tenth Commandment: Gen 6:2; 13:10-11
(2) Rom 2:12a,14-15
(3) Exo 32:15-16; 34:4,28; Deu 10:4

19.3 Besides this law, commonly called the moral law, God was pleased to give the people of Israel ceremonial laws containing several typical ordinances. These were partly concerning worship, and in them Christ was prefigured—his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits.¹ They also gave instructions about various moral duties.² All of these ceremonial laws were appointed only until the time of the New Testament, when Jesus Christ abrogated them and took them away, for he was the true Messiah and only law-giver, and was empowered to do this by the Father.³

(1) Heb 10:1; Col 2:16-17
(2) 1Co 5:7; 2Co 6:17; Jude 1:23
(3) Col 2:14,16-17; Eph 2:14-16

19.4 To the people of Israel he also gave various judicial laws which lapsed when they ceased as a nation. These are not binding on anyone now by virtue of their being part of the laws of that nation,¹ but their principles of equity continue to be applicable in modern times.²

(1) Luk 21:20-24; Act 6:13-14; Heb 9:18-19 with 8:7,13; 9:10; 10:1
(2) 1Co 5:1; 9:8-10

19.5 Obedience to the moral law remains forever binding on all, both justified persons and others,¹ both in regard to the content of the law, and also to the authority of God the Creator who gave the law.² Nor does Christ in any way dissolve this law in the Gospel, on the contrary, he strengthens our obligation [to obey the moral law].³

(1) Mat 19:16-22; Rom 2:14-15; 3:19-20; 6:14; 7:6; 8:3; 1Ti 1:8-11; Rom 13:8-10; 1Co 7:19 with Gal 5:6; 6:15; Eph 4:25-6:4; Jas 2:11-12
(2) Jas 2:10-11
(3) Mat 5:17-19; Rom 3:31; 1Co 9:21; Jas 2:8

19.6 Although true believers are not under the law as a covenant of works to be justified or condemned by it,¹ yet it is of great use to them as well as to others, because as a rule of life it informs them of the will of God and their duty, and directs and binds them to walk accordingly.²

It also exposes the sinful defilement of their natures, hearts and lives, and as they use it to examine themselves, they come to greater conviction of sin, humiliation for sin, and hatred against sin. They also gain a clearer sight of their need of Christ, and the perfection of his obedience [to the law].³

Similarly, it is of use to the regenerate to restrain their corruption in that it forbids sin. The threatening of the law serve to show what even their sins deserve, and what troubles they may expect in this life because of their sins, even though they are freed from the curse and undiminished rigors of the law.⁴

The promises of the law also show believers God’s approval of obedience, and what blessings they may expect when the law is kept,⁵ although these blessings are not due to them through the law as a covenant of works.⁶ If someone does good and refrains from evil simply because the law encourages the former and deters from the latter, that is not evidence of one’s being under the law and not under grace.⁷

(1) Act 13:39; Rom 6:14; 8:1; 10:4; Gal 2:16; 4:4-5
(2) Rom 7:12,22,25; Psa 119:4-6; 1Co 7:19
(3) Rom 3:20; 7:7,9,14,24; 8:3; Jas 1:23-25
(4) Jas 2:11; Psa 119:101,104,128
(5) Eph 6:2-3; Psa 37:11; Mat 5:6; Psa 19:11
(6) Luk 17:10
(7) See the book of Proverbs; Mat 3:7; Luk 13:3,5; Act 2:40; Heb 11:26; 1Pe 3:8-13

19.7 These uses of the law are not contrary to the grace of the Gospel, but are entirely in line with it, for the Spirit of Christ subdues and enables the human will to do freely and cheerfully what the will of God revealed in the law requires to be done.¹

(1) Gal 3:21; Jer 31:33; Eze 36:27; Rom 8:4; Tit 2:14

Chapter 18: Assurance Of Grace And Salvation

Source: 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

18.1 Temporary believers and other unregenerate people may deceive themselves with futile and false hopes and unspiritual presumptions that they are in favour with God and in a state of salvation, but their hope will perish.¹ Yet those who truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love him in sincerity, and endeavor to walk in all good conscience before him, may be certainly assured in this life that they are in the state of grace; they may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, knowing that such hope will never make them ashamed.²

(1) Jer 17:9; Mat 7:21-23; Luk 18:10-14; Joh 8:41; Eph 5:6-7; Gal 6:3,7-9
(2) Rom 5:2,5; 8:16; 1Jo 2:3; 3:14,18-19,24; 5:13; 2Pe 1:10

18.2 This certainty is not mere conjecture or probability based on a fallible hope. Rather it is an infallible assurance of faith¹ based on the blood and righteousness of Christ revealed in the Gospel,² on the inward evidence of those graces of the Spirit (about which promises have been made),³ and on the testimony of the Spirit of adoption who witnesses with our spirits that we are the children of God.⁴ As the fruit of this assurance, the Spirit keeps our hearts both humble and holy.⁵

(1) Rom 5:2,5; Heb 6:11,19-20; 1Jo 3:2,14; 4:16; 5:13,19-20
(2) Heb 6:17-18; 7:22; 10:14,19
(3) Mat 3:7-10; Mar 1:15; 2Pe 1:4-11; 1Jo 2:3; 3:14,18-19,24; 5:13
(4) Rom 8:15-16; 1Co 2:12; Gal 4:6-7
(5) 1Jo 3:1-3

18.3 This infallible assurance is not an essential part of faith, for a true believer may wait a long time, and struggle with many difficulties before obtaining it.¹ Yet we may obtain it without extraordinary revelation and by the right use of ordinary means, for we are enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given to us by God.² Therefore it is the duty of everyone to be as diligent as possible to make their calling and election sure, so that their hearts may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in carrying out the duties of obedience. These duties are the natural fruits of this assurance, for it is far from inclining people to loose living.³

(1) Act 16:30-34; 1Jo 5:13
(2) Rom 8:15-16; 1Co 2:12; Gal 4:4-6 with 3:2; 1Jo 4:13; Eph 3:17-19; Heb 6:11-12; 2Pet 1:5-11
(3) 2Pe 1:10; Psa 119:32; Rom 15:13; Neh 8:10; 1Jo 4:19,16; Rom 6:1-2,11-13; 14:17; Tit 2:11-14

18.4 In various ways true believers may have their assurance of salvation shaken, diminished, or interrupted. This may be because of their negligence in preserving it,¹ or by falling into some particular sin which wounds the conscience and grieves the Spirit,² or by some sudden or forceful temptation,³ or by God withdrawing the light of his countenance and causing even those who fear him to walk in darkness and to have no light.⁴ Yet believers are never destitute of the seed of God⁵ and the life of faith, the love of Christ and the brethren, sincerity of heart and conscience of duty. Out of these things, this assurance may in due time be revived by the operation of the Spirit, and in the mean time they are preserved from utter despair.⁶

(1) Heb 6:11-12; 2Pe 1:5-11
(2) Psa 51:8,12,14; Eph 4:30
(3) Psa 30:7; 31:22; 77:7-8; 116:11
(4) Isa 50:10
(5) or, the divine nature
(6) 1Jo 3:9; Luk 22:32; Rom 8:15-16; Gal 4:5; Psa 42:5,11

Differences In How Calvinists And Arminians Interpret The Bible

Billy over at Classical Arminianism posted a great article today discussing how Calvinists and Arminians approach the interpretation of the Bible in different ways.  I agree completely with the points he makes.  Take a moment to read the post…it is worth it.

John Calvin On The Best Way To Seek God

The Lord is manifested by his perfections. When we feel their power within us, and are conscious of their benefits, the knowledge must impress us much more vividly than if we merely imagined a God whose presence we never felt. Hence it is obvious, that in seeking God, the most direct path and the fittest method is, not to attempt with presumptuous curiosity to pry into his essence, which is rather to be adored than minutely discussed, but to contemplate him in his works, by which he draws near, becomes familiar, and in a manner communicates himself to us.

Source:  Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin translated by Henry Beveridge; Book 1, Ch. 5

Chapter 17: The Perserverance Of Believers

Source: 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

Chapter 17
THE PERSEVERANCE OF BELIEVERS

17.1 The elect are those whom God has accepted in [Christ] the Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, and given the precious faith of his elect. These can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but they shall certainly persevere in grace to the end and be eternally saved. For God will not repent of¹ his gifts and calling, therefore he continues to bring about and nourish in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Spirit that lead to immortality.²

Many storms and floods may arise and beat against them, yet these things will never be able to sweep them off the foundation and rock upon which they are fastened by faith. Even though unbelief and the temptations of Satan cause the sight and feeling of the light and love of God to be clouded and obscured from them for a time,³ yet God is still the same and they are sure to be kept by his power until their salvation is complete. Then they will enjoy the purchased possession which is theirs, for they are engraved on the palms of his hands, and their names have been written in the book of life from all eternity.⁴

(1) Or, change his mind about
(2) Joh 10:28-29; Phi 1:6; 2Ti 2:19; 2Pe 1:5-10; 1Jo 2:19
(3) Psa 89:31-32; 1Co 11:32; 2Ti 4:7
(4) Psa 102:27; Mal 3:6; Eph 1:14; 1Pe 1:5; Rev 13:8

17.2 This perseverance of believers does not depend on their own free will,¹ but on the immutability of the decree of election,² which flows from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father. It also rests on the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ and their union with him,³ the oath of God,⁴ the abiding of his Spirit, the seed of God⁵ within them,⁶ and the nature of the covenant of grace,⁷ from all of which arises also its certainty and infallibility.

(1) Phi 2:12-13; Rom 9:16; Joh 6:37,44
(2) Mat 24:22,24,31; Rom 8:30; 9:11,16; 11:2,29; Eph 1:5-11
(3) Eph 1:4; Rom 5:9-10; 8:31-34; 2Co 5:14; Rom 8:35-38; 1Co 1:8-9; Joh 14:19; 10:28-29
(4) Heb 6:16-20
(5) or, the divine nature
(6) 1Jo 2:19-20,27; 3:9; 5:4,18; 2Co 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30; 2Co 1:22; 5:5; Eph 1:14
(7) Jer 31:33-34; 32:40; Heb 10:11-18; 13:20-21

17.3 They may fall into serious sins through the temptations of Satan and the world, the power of the corruption remaining in them, and neglect of the means for their preservation, and may even continue in them for a time.¹ In this they incur God’s displeasure, grieve his Holy Spirit,² have their graces and comforts impaired,³ have their hearts hardened and their consciences wounded,⁴ and hurt and offend others,⁵ and bring present chastisement upon themselves.⁶ Yet they will [in time] renew their repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end.⁷

(1) Mat 26:70,72,74
(2) Psa 38:1-8; Isa 54:5-9; Eph 4:30; 1Th 5:14
(3) Psa 51:10-12
(4) Psa 32:3-4; 73:21-22
(5) 2Sa 12:14; 1Co 8:9-13; Rom 14:13-18; 1Ti 6:1-2; Tit 2:5
(6) 2Sa 12:14-15; Gen 19:30-38; 1Co 11:27-32
(7) Luk 22:32,61-62; 1Co 11:32; 1Jo 3:9; 5:18

2008 SBC Pastors Conference

Here is a link to this years SBC Pastor’s Conference. It is being held on June 8 & 9 and the theme appears to be “Prepare For Rain”. I don’t know many of the speakers so it will be interesting to hear people I have not heard before.

Chapter 16: Good Works

Source: 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

16.1 Good works are only those which God has commanded in his holy Word.¹ Works which do not have such warrant, and are invented by people out of blind zeal or on pretence of good intentions, are not good works.²

(1) Mic 6:8; Rom 12:2; Heb 13:21; Col 2:3; 2Ti 3:16-17
(2) Mat 15:9 with Isa 29:13; 1Pe 1:18; Rom 10:2; Joh 16:2; 1Sa 15:21-23; 1Co 7:23; Gal 5:1; Col 2:8,16-23

16.2 These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidence of a true and living faith.¹ By them believers express their thankfulness,² strengthen their assurance,³ edify their brethren,⁴ enhance their profession of the Gospel,⁵ and silence the opponents [of the Gospel].⁶ So they glorify God whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus to do good works⁷ and to produce the fruits of holiness which lead to eternal life.⁸

(1) Jas 2:18,22; Gal 5:6; 1Ti 1:5
(2) Psa 116:12-14; 1Pe 2:9,12; Luk 7:36-50 with Mat 26:1-11
(3) 1Jo 2:3,5; 3:18-19; 2Pe 1:5-11
(4) 2Co 9:2; Mat 5:16
(5) Mat 5:16; Tit 2:5,9-12; 1Ti 6:1; 1Pe 2:12
(6) 1Pe 2:12,15; Tit 2:5; 1Ti 6:1
(7) Eph 2:10; Phi 1:11; 1Ti 6:1; 1Pe 2:12; Mat 5:16
( Rom 6:22; Mat 7:13-14,21-23

16.3 Their ability to do these good works does not in any way come from themselves, but entirely from the Spirit of Christ. To enable them to do good works (besides the graces they have already received) they require the actual influence of the Holy Spirit to cause them to will and to do his good pleasure.¹ Yet are they not on this account to become negligent, nor to think that they are not required to perform a duty unless given a special impulse of the Spirit; rather, they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them.²

(1) Eze 36:26-27; Joh 15:4-6; 2Co 3:5; Phi 2:12-13; Eph 2:10
(2) Rom 8:14; Joh 3:8; Phi 2:12-13; 2Pe 1:10; Heb 6:12; 2Ti 1:6; Jude 1:20-21

16.4 Those who in their obedience [to God] attain the greatest height possible in this life, are still far from being able to perform works of supererogation (that is, to do more than God requires) since they fall short of much which, as their duty, they are required to do.¹

(1) 1Ki 8:46; 2Ch 6:36; Psa 130:3; 143:2; Pro 20:9; Ecc 7:20; Rom 3:9,23; 7:14-15; Gal 5:17; 1Jo 1:6-10; Luk 17:10

16.5 We cannot, even by our best works, merit pardon of sin or eternal life from the hand of God, for those works are out of all proportion to the glory to come.¹ Moreover, because of the infinite distance that is between us and God, our works can neither benefit God nor satisfy the debt of our former sins. When we have done all we can, we have only done our duty, and are still unprofitable servants.² Besides, if our works are good they originate from the Spirit,³ and whatever we do is defiled and mixed with so much weakness and imperfection that it cannot endure the severity of God’s judgment.⁴

(1) Rom 8:18
(2) Job 22:3; 35:7; Luk 17:10; Rom 4:3; 11:3
(3) Gal 5:22-23
(4) 1Ki 8:46; 2Ch 6:36; Psa 130:3; 143:2; Pro 20:9; Ecc 7:20; Rom 3:9,23; 7:14-15; Gal 5:17; 1Jo 1:6-10

16.6 Yet, although believers are accepted as individual people through Christ, their good works also are accepted in Christ.¹ It is not as though in this life they were entirely blameless and beyond censure in God’s sight,² but that he looks upon them in his Son, and is pleased to accept and reward what is sincere, even though it is accompanied by many weaknesses and imperfections.³

(1) Exo 28:38; Eph 1:6-7; 1Pe 2:5
(2) 1Ki 8:46; 2Ch 6:36; Psa 130:3; 143:2; Pro 20:9; Ecc 7:20; Rom 3:9,23; 7:14-15; Gal 5:17; 1Jo 1:6-10
(3) Heb 6:10; Mat 25:21,23

16.7 As for works done by the unregenerate, even though in essence they may be things which God commands, and may be beneficial both to themselves and others,¹ yet they remain sinful works because they do not proceed from a heart purified by faith,² nor are they done in a right manner according to the Word,³ nor is their purpose the glory of God.⁴ Therefore such works cannot please God nor make a person acceptable to receive grace from God.⁵ Yet the neglect of such works is even more sinful and displeasing to God.⁶

(1) 1Ki 21:27-29; 2Ki 10:30-31; Rom 2:14; Phi 1:15-18
(2) Gen 4:5 with Heb 11:4-6; 1Ti 1:5; Rom 14:23; Gal 5:6
(3) 1Co 13:3; Isa 1:12
(4) Mat 6:2,5-6; 1Co 10:31
(5) Rom 9:16; Tit 1:15; 3:5
(6) 1Ki 21:27-29; 2Ki 10:30-31; Psa 14:4; 36:3

Chapter 15: Repentance To Life And Salvation

Source: 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

15.1 Some of the elect are converted in later years, having lived for some time in their natural state¹ in which they have served various lusts and pleasures. Then God gives them repentance to life by effectually calling them.²

(1) Tit 3:2-5
(2) 2Ch 33:10-20; Act 9:1-19; 16:29-30

15.2 There is no one who does good and does not sin,¹ and the best of people may fall into great sins and provocations [against God] through the power and deceitfulness of their indwelling corruption and the strength of temptation.² Therefore God has mercifully provided in the covenant of grace that when believers sin and fall they shall be restored to salvation through repentance.³

(1) Psa 130:3; 143:2; Pro 20:9; Ecc 7:20
(2) 2Sa 11:1-27; Luk 22:54-62
(3) Jer 32:40; Luk 22:31-32; 1Jo 1:9

15.3 Saving repentance is a gospel grace¹ by which we are made aware of the many evils of our sin by the Holy Spirit.² By faith in Christ³ we humble ourselves over our sin with godly sorrow, hatred of it, and self-loathing. We pray for pardon and strength of grace,⁴ and determine and endeavour, by [the power] supplied by the Spirit, to walk before God and to please him in all things.⁵

(1) Act 5:31; 11:18; 2Ti 2:25
(2) Psa 51:1-6; 130:1-3; Luk 15:17-20; Act 2:37-38
(3) Psa 130:4; Mat 27:3-5; Mar 1:15
(4) Eze 16:60-63; 36:31-32; Zec 12:10; Mat 21:29; Act 15:19; 20:21; 26:20; 2Co 7:10-11; 1Th 1:9
(5) Pro 28:13; Eze 36:25; 18:30-31; Psa 119:59,104,128; Mat 3:8; Luk 3:8; Act 26:20; 1Th 1:9

15.4 Repentance is to continue through the whole course of our lives because of our ‘body of death’ and its activities.¹ So it is everyone’s duty to repent of particular known sins with particular care.²

(1) Eze 16:60; Mat 5:4; 1Jo 1:9
(2) Luk 19:8; 1Ti 1:13,15

15.5 In the covenant of grace God has made full provision through Christ for the preservation of believers in their salvation, so, although even the smallest sin deserves damnation,¹ yet there is no sin great enough to bring damnation on those who repent. This makes the constant preaching of repentance essential.²

(1) Psa 130:3; 143:2; Rom 6:23
(2) Isa 1:16-18; 55:7; Act 2:36-38

John Calvin On “Christians” Who Do Not Have A Proper Understanding Of How They Are To Live

Source: Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin translated by Henry Beveridge

For while the whole life ought to be one perpetual course of obedience, they rebel without fear in almost all their actions, and seek to appease him with a few paltry sacrifices; while they ought to serve him with integrity of heart and holiness of life, they endeavour to procure his favour by means of frivolous devices and punctilios of no value. Nay, they take greater license in their grovelling indulgences, because they imagine that they can fulfil their duty to him by preposterous expiations; in short, while their confidence ought to have been fixed upon him, they put him aside, and rest in themselves or the creatures. At length they bewilder themselves in such a maze of error, that the darkness of ignorance obscures, and ultimately extinguishes, those sparks which were designed to show them the glory of God.

I would probably say that those who are described in the quote are not really Christians at all. Most of you would probably agree with that. We cannot be a Christian and continue to live like the world. To be a Christian means that we are changed and are no longer like the world. I have heard the change that occurs described in this way: “God changes our want to’s”. That means that He changes the things that we want to do. We no longer want to do the things that we once did. This does not mean that we won’t sometimes fall back into our old ways…we still have the old nature and it is constantly fighting with our new nature…and sometimes the old nature wins.

Calvin points out that the people who live this way try to appease God in some way. They want to have their cake and eat it to…they want to live like the world but have salvation as well. It does not work that way. God wants all of us, not just a part. He will not be appeased. We either live whole heartedly for the Lord or for Satan…there is no middle ground.

Chapter 14: Saving Faith

Source: 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

14.1 The grace of faith (by which the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls) is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts. It is normally brought into being by the ministry of the Word.¹ It is increased and strengthened by the ministry of the Word, and by the administration of baptism and the Lord’s supper, prayer, and other means appointed by God.²

(1) Joh 6:37,44; Act 11:21,24; 13:48; 14:27; 15:9; 2Co 4:13; Eph 2:8; Phi 1:29; 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:2
(2) Rom 10:14,17; Luk 17:5; Act 20:32; Rom 4:11; 1Pe 2:2

14.2 By this faith, a Christian believes to be true whatever is revealed in the Word for it is the authority of God himself. We also perceive an excellency in the Word above all other writings and everything else in the world, because it shows forth the glory of God and his attributes, the excellency of Christ and his nature and offices, and the power and fullness of the Holy Spirit in his works and operations.

So believers are enabled to trust implicitly the truth they have believed,¹ and to respond appropriately to each particular passage in Scripture, yielding obedience to the commands,² trembling at the threatenings,³ and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come.⁴

But the principal acts of saving faith are those directly to do with Christ—accepting, receiving, and resting on him alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.⁵

(1) Act 24:14; 1Th 2:13; Psa 19:7-10; 119:72
(2) Joh 15:14; Rom 16:26
(3) Isa 66:2
(4) 1Ti 4:8; Heb 11:13
(5) Joh 1:12; Act 15:11; 16:31; Gal 2:20

14.3 This faith may differ in degree, and may be weak or strong,¹ yet even at its weakest it is different in kind and nature (as is all saving grace) from the faith and common grace of temporary believers.² Therefore, though it may be frequently attacked and weakened, it gains the victory,³ and develops in many until they attain full assurance⁴ through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith.⁵

(1) Mat 6:30; 8:10,26; 14:31; 16:8; 17:20; Heb 5:13-14; Rom 4:19-20
(2) Jas 2:14; 2Pe 1:1; 1Jo 5:4
(3) Luk 22:31-32; Eph 6:16; 1Jo 5:4-5
(4) Psa 119:114; Heb 6:11-12; 10:22-23
(5) Heb 12:2