Friday, September 29, 2006

National Association of Nouthetic Counselors

Here is a link to articles on the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors site. There are 92 articles on this site covering a variety of helpful topics.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Pentecostal History

This is a reference page to Pentecostal History. This is the most thorough and concise I have seen online.

Are Calvinists Passionate About Evangelism?

Are Calvinists Passionate About Evangelism?
John T. Sneed

Background

Some time ago I was made the subject of an article because of a statement I made. I had said, on a Baptist bulletin board, that Calvinists were passionate about evangelism. Shortly afterward, I was taken to task for that statement. Dr. David Flick, former Director of Missions for the Grady Baptist Association in Oklahoma , wrote an article entitled “Are Calvinists “Passionate” About Evangelism?”[1] In his article he asserts that Calvinists are not passionate about evangelism. He bases this conclusion on a count of the number of articles devoted to the topic of evangelism in the Founder’s Journal.[2] He counted the number of articles devoted to evangelism and missions and compared that to the total number of articles on any topic included in the magazine. Flick concludes, “There is very little passion in the heart of a Calvinist for promoting and encouraging evangelism.”[3]

A Better Measure

I disagree with Dr. Flick’s conclusions and his methodology. While one might argue that the number of times someone talks about something is an indicator of their passion, I argue that it is not always true. This is especially true in a quarterly magazine. Editorial concerns will dictate what topics are covered and how often. Truer indicators of a person’s passion for something can be seen in what they say and what they do. Are Calvinists passionate about evangelism? What do Calvinists say and what do Calvinists do? These will give us a more real picture of their passion. While there is little doubt Calvinists are passionate for reformed doctrine, we are not talking here about reformed doctrine. The area of our focus is what Calvinists say and do about evangelism. I believe that what Calvinists say, and especially what they do about evangelism is a much better measure of their passion than the yardstick used by Dr. Flick.

What Do Calvinists Say About Evangelism?

One Calvinist that was mightily used of God in bringing sinners home was the evangelist George Whitefield. Hear his words as quoted by Ernest Reisinger, “I offer you salvation this day; the door of mercy is not yet shut, there does yet remain a sacrifice for sin, for all that will accept of the Lord Jesus Christ. He will embrace you in the arms of his love. O turn to him …”[4]Whitefield traveled far and wide, preaching to crowds that numbered in the thousands in both America and in England . Reisinger himself says that “[Calvinism] is the foundation and hope of missionary endeavor.”[5]

John Calvin, the reformer of Geneva , trained and sent over a hundred pastors and church planters into France .[6] Jonathan Edwards believed that a passion for souls was chief passion of a gospel minister. If it is true that what we believe in our hearts is what we act out in life, then the passion for missions and evangelism can be seen written in the lives of such Calvinists as Hudson Taylor, William Carey, Andrew Fuller, and Dr. Livingstone, Henri Martyn, David Brainerd, Adoniram Judson, and others. These men and their families sealed their belief in missions and evangelism with their lives, sometimes at the cost of their lives.

Modern Calvinists are cut from that same evangelical mold. Commenting on John 10:16, John Piper remarks, “And therefore [Jesus] must bring all these wandering sheep into his fold! And they will be brought in through the word preached by his messengers.”[7] Piper is one of the most visible Calvinists of our day. Another modern Calvinist, John MacArthur says, “Reformed theology has historically been the branch of evangelicalism most strongly committed to the sovereignty of God. At the same time, the mainstream of Reformed theologians has always affirmed the love of God for all sinners.”[8] Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary states, “Furthermore, we must confess that Christ is the only savior, for there is salvation in no other Name.”[9] Many other examples could be called into witness. Since Dr. Flick has called me on the carpet personally, let it be on record that in one spot I have said “We Calvinists need to be the most passionate evangelists and gospel preachers in the Christian Church.” “Let us take our stand boldly with our predecessors and proclaim the gospel message far and wide. Let us be promiscuous like Spurgeon and call for decisions like Edwards. Let it compel us on like Carroll and let it leads us to the glory of God like Piper. Oh friends, preach and preach boldly. Preach and call for decisions. Let us be evangelical Calvinists. Believing God is in control, let’s go forth!”[10] I have said in my church “Let us commit individually and as a church, to do everything we can possible to see the gospel carried to every corner of the globe, starting in our own homes and not ending until the last frontiersman in the last corner of the globe is praising the Name of Jesus.”[11] While it is not within the scope of this article to survey the writings and speeches of every single Calvinist, I believe I have shown that Calvinists, as a group, speak evangelistically and as people committed to missions.

What Do Calvinists Do?

In our world today, we are often challenged “You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?” Words are all good and fine, but they are only noises unless they are backed up with action. So what do Calvinists do about missions and evangelism? I have already mentioned the Calvinists from the past our put their money, talents, lives and the lives of their families on the line to carry the gospel to new places. Many of these same people buried loved ones on the mission field. Sometimes they gave their own lives for the cause of missions.

Dr. Flick drew his conclusions about Calvinists by a review of the articles in the Founder’s Journal. The Founder’s Ministries is a network of Southern Baptist Calvinists who meet at conferences to learn about the content and application of Calvinistic theology. I note that the 1999 National Founder’s Conference was devoted to the topic of evangelism and missions. Speakers brought message after message on that topic. I personally attended that conference. A perusal of the Founder’s Website (www.founders.org) shows that regional conferences being held this year will deal with the topic of missions, and this year’s youth event is centered on evangelism.

The winter 1997 issue of the Southern Baptist Journal of Theology is devoted to the topic “Obeying the Great Commission.” Southern Seminary has begun, within the last few years, a Center for Church Planting.[12] These actions are from a school that is often derided for its Calvinistic bent.

I mentioned earlier that I cannot survey every Calvinist ministry or writing, yet any overview will lead one to a variety of articles and resources by Calvinistic authors on evangelism. The Evangelism Explosion material was written by nationally known Calvinist D. James Kennedy.[13] Joni Erikson-Tada has touched the lives of millions of children through her radio show Joni and Friends. Through her work for the disabled, she has touched thousands of other lives. Joni is fully Calvinistic in her theology.

I will speak for a time about what I know best, myself. I have been the Director of Evangelism in two different Baptist associations. I have been the Team Leader for Church Planting in one association. I have led two churches to join the SBC Global Priority Church network. I have worked on several mission trips designed to teach evangelism, both in the U.S. and in Canada .

Much more could be written. I could cite hundreds of pages of material with stories from Calvinists and Calvinistic churches of the work they are doing in missions, church planting, and evangelism. Even a cursory look over the Internet would have provided such examples.

Conclusions

Dr. Flick disagreed with my comment that Calvinists are passionate about evangelism. Then he proceeded to count the number of articles from the Founder’s Journal that dealt with evangelism and pronounced his conclusion to be correct. I think I have shown him to be incorrect. I offer it as a given that within every group there are those who hover on the extreme. Calvinism is like that. No doubt there can be found those Calvinists who ignore evangelism and missions or who go looking only for the elect before they will give a gospel presentation. But they are the exception, not the rule. They are the extreme, not the mainstream.

By the things they say and by the things they do, Calvinists have shown themselves to be a people passionate about evangelism. Calvinism as a system is often accused of having a dampening or even a killing effect on evangelism. But this is not so. Many of the missionary movements that are so well known today were birthed in Calvinistic theology and brought into existence with Calvinistic lives. By word and deed, Calvinists show themselves to be passionate about evangelism and missions.

Let me offer a final word before I close. I would not normally want to be drawn into an argument like this. Although I find Calvinism to be a beautiful system of theology that exalts God and shows man his proper place, I am more a champion of Biblical Christianity than of Calvinism per se. However, I am also a champion of truth, and when a falsehood is attached to me, whether on purpose or not, I am compelled to respond. It is for this reason I was motivated to write this article. Whether one holds to Calvinism or not, one must in honesty, acknowledge its contributions to Evangelical life.

Bibliography

Boice and Sasser, ed. (1996). Here We Stand. Baker: Grand Rapids .

Cairns , E. (1954). Christianity Through the Centuries. Academie: Grand Rapids .

Flick, D. (2003). Are Calvinists “Passionate” About Evangelism? Retrieved from http;//www.baptistlife.com/flick/fjpassionate.htm.

Kennedy, D. (1970). Evangelism Explosion. Tyndale: Wheaton .

MacArthur, J. (1996). The God Who Loves. Word: Nashville .

Piper, J. (1993). Let the Nations Be Glad! Baker: Grand Rapids .

Reisinger. E. (2005). What Should We Think of Evangelism and Calvinism? Retrieved from http://www.founders.org/FJ19/article5.html.

Sneed, J. (2002). I Will Send You. Unpublished manuscript.

Sneed, J. (2003). The Exercise of Saving Faith. Retrieved from http://www.baptistlife.com/flick/savingfaith.htm.


........................

[1] Flick, 1.

[2] The Founder’s Journal is the quarterly magazine of the Founder’s Ministries, a network of Southern Baptists interested in reformed theology, also called the doctrines of grace.

[3] Flick, 3.

[4] Reisinger, 1.

[5] Reisinger, 9.

[6] Cairns , 316.

[7] Piper, Nations, 198.

[8] MacArthur, 17.

[9] Mohler in “Here We Stand”, Boice and Sasser, ed., 75.

[10] Sneed, Exercise, 13.

[11] Sneed, “I Will Send You”, 6.

[12] Information is taken from the Southern Seminary website www.sbts.edu.

[13] Kennedy, 229.

Monday, September 25, 2006

WCF 18 – Assured By God

WCF 18 – Assured By God

Chapter 18:
Of Assurance of Grace
and Salvation

18:1 Although hypocrites and other unregenerate men may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes, and carnal presumptions of being in the favour of God, and estate of salvation (Deu_29:9; Job_8:13, Job_8:14; Mic_3:11; Joh_8:41); which hope of theirs shall perish (Mat_7:22, Mat_7:23): yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love Him in sincerity, endeavouring to walk in all good conscience before Him, may, in this life, be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace (1Jo_2:3; 1Jo_3:14, 1Jo_3:18, 1Jo_3:19, 1Jo_3:21, 1Jo_3:24; 1Jo_5:13), and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, which hope shall never make them ashamed (Rom_5:2, Rom_5:5).

18:2 This certainly is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion, grounded upon a fallible hope (Heb_6:11, Heb_6:19); but an infallible assurance of faith, founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation (Heb_6:17, Heb_6:18), the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made (2Co_1:12; 2Pe_1:4, 2Pe_1:5, 2Pe_1:10, 2Pe_1:11; 1Jo_2:3; 1Jo_3:14), the testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God (Rom_8:15, Rom_8:16): which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption (2Co_1:21, 2Co_1:22; Eph_1:13, Eph_1:14; Eph_4:30).

18:3 This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith, but that a true believer may wait long, and conflict with many difficulties before he be a partaker of it (Psa_77:1-12; 88:1-18; Isa_1:10; Mar_9:24; 1Jo_5:13): yet, being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God, he may without extraordinary revelation, in the right use of ordinary means, attain thereunto (1Co_2:12; Eph_3:17-19; Heb_6:11, Heb_6:12; 1Jo_4:13). And therefore it is the duty of everyone to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure (2Pe_1:10); that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this assurance (Psa_4:6, Psa_4:7; Psa_119:32; Eph_1:3, Eph_1:4; Rom_5:1, Rom_5:2, Rom_5:5; Rom_14:17; Rom_15:13): so far is it from inclining men to looseness (Psa_130:4; Joh_3:2, Joh_3:3; Rom_6:1, Rom_6:2; Rom_8:1, Rom_8:12;1Co_7:1; Tit_2:11, Tit_2:12, Tit_2:14; 1Jo_1:6, 1Jo_1:7; 1Jo_2:1, 1Jo_2:2).

18:4 True believers may have the assurance of their salvation divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as, by negligence in preserving of it, by falling into some special sin, which woundeth the conscience and grieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation, by God’s withdrawing the light of His countenance, and suffering even such as fear Him to walk in darkness and to have no light (Psa_31:22; Psa_77:1-10; 88:1-18; Son_5:2, Son_5:3, Son_5:6; Isa_1:10; Mat_26:69-72; Eph_4:30, Eph_4:31): yet are they never utterly destitute of that seed of God, and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart, and conscience of duty, out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may, in due time, be revived (Job_13:15; Psa_51:8, Psa_51:12; Psa_73:15; Isa_1:10; Luk_22:32; 1Jo_3:9); and by the which, in the mean time, they are supported from utter despair (Psa_22:1; 88:1-18; Isa_54:7-10; Mic_7:7-9).

Summary statements we are taught:

A. Unregenerate Men May At Times Fall Into A False Assurance (WCF 8.1)

B. Believers Have A True Assurance In Which Theuy Are Confirmed And Not Confused (WCF 18.1)

C. The Infallible Insurance To The Believer Rests In (WCF 18.2):

1) The Infallible Word

2) The Graces Of God Worked In The Heart Of God;S People

3)The Testimony Of The Holy Spirit

D. A Man May Be A True Believer Yet Lack Infalliable Assurance (WCF 18.3)

E. The Believe Need To Attain The Assurances (WCF 18.3,4

F. Whether Or Not The Believer Has Assurance Does Not Change The Security He Has In Christ And The Grace Of God In Salvation (WCF 18.4)

WCF 17 – Securely Preserved Based Upon the Grace of God

WCF 17 – Securely Preserved Based Upon the Grace of God

Chapter 17:
Of the Perseverance
of the Saints

17:1 They, whom God hath accepted in His Beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by His Spirit, can neither totally, nor finally, fall away from the state of grace: but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved (Joh_10:28, Joh_10:29; Phi_1:6; 1Pe_1:5, 1Pe_1:9; 2Pe_1:10; 1Jo_3:9).

17:2 This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father (Jer_31:3; 2Ti_2:18, 2Ti_2:19); upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ (Luk_22:32; Joh_17:11, Joh_17:24; Rom_8:33-39; Heb_7:25; Heb_9:12-15; Heb_10:10, Heb_10:14; Heb_13:20, Heb_13:21); the abiding of the Spirit, and of the seed of God within them (Joh_14:16, Joh_14:17; 1Jo_2:27; 1Jo_3:9); and the nature of the covenant of grace (Jer_32:40): from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof (Joh_10:28; 2Th_3:3; 1Jo_2:19).

17:3 Nevertheless, they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of the means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins (Mat_26:70, Mat_26:72, Mat_26:74); and, for a time, continue therein (Psa_51:14 and title): whereby they incur God’s displeasure (2Sa_11:27; Isa_64:5, Isa_64:7, Isa_64:9), and grieve His Holy Spirit (Eph_4:30), come to be deprived of some measure of their graces and comforts (Psa_51:8, Psa_51:10, Psa_51:12; Son_5:2-4, Son_5:6; Rev_2:4), have their hearts hardened (Isa_36:17; Mar_6:52; Mar_16:14), and their consciences wounded (Psa_32:3, Psa_32:4; Psa_51:8), hurt and scandalize others (2Sa_12:14), and bring temporal judgments upon themselves (Psa_89:31, Psa_89:32; 1Co_11:32).

Summary statements we are taught:

A. True Believers Cannot Fall From Grace (WCF 17.1)

B. True Believers Persevere (WCF 17.1)

C. The Certainty Of The Perseverance Of The Believer Originates And Is Carried Out By The Work Of God In Their Lives Who Enables Them To Persevere (WCF 17.2)

D. True Believers May Fall Into Grevious Sin For A Time Due To A Multiplicity Of Reasons (WCF 17.3)

Thursday, September 21, 2006

WCF 16 – Yuck! We Have To Look At Good Works? YES or (To This We Have Been Saved To)

WCF 16 – Yuck! We Have To Look At Good Works? YES or (To This We Have Been Saved To)

Chapter 16:
Of Good Works

16:1 Good works are only such as God hath commanded in His holy Word (Mic_6:8; Rom_12:2; Heb_13:21), and not such as, without the warrant thereof, are devised by men, out of blind zeal, or upon any pretence of good intention (1Sa_15:21-23; Isa_29:13; Mat_15:9; Joh_16:2; Rom_10:2; 1Pe_1:18).

16:2 These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith (Jam_2:18, Jam_2:22): and by them believers manifest their thankfulness (Psa_116:12, Psa_116:13; 1Pe_2:9), strengthen their assurance (2Pe_1:5-10; 1Jo_2:3, 1Jo_2:5), edify their brethren (Mat_5:16; 2Co_9:2), adorn the profession of the Gospel (1Ti_6:1; Tit_2:5, Tit_2:9-12), stop the mouths of the adversaries (1Pe_2:15), and glorify God (Joh_15:8; Phi_1:11; 1Pe_2:12), whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto (Eph 2;10), that, having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end, eternal life (Rom_6:22).

16:3 Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ (Eze_36:26, Eze_36:27; Joh_15:4-6). And that they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is required an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit, to work in them to will and to do of His good pleasure (2Co_3:5; Phi_2:13; Phi_4:13): yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty, unless upon a special motion of the Spirit; but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them (Isa_64:7; Act_26:6, Act_26:7; Phi_2:12; 2Ti_1:6; Heb_6:11, Heb_6:12; 2Pe_1:3, 2Pe_1:5, 2Pe_1:10, 2Pe_1:11; Jud_1:20, Jud_1:21).

16:4 They, who in their obedience attain to the greatest height which is possible in this life, are so far from being able to supererogate, and to do more than God requires, as that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do (Neh_13:22; Job_9:2, Job_9:3; Luk_17:10; Gal_5:17).

16:5 We cannot, by our best works, merit pardon of sin, or eternal life at the hand of God, by reason of the great disproportion that is between them and the glory to come; and the infinite distance that is between us and God, whom, by them, we can neither profit, nor satisfy for the debt of our former sins (Job_22:2, Job_22:3; Job_35:7, Job_35:8; Psa_16:2; Rom_3:20; Rom_4:2, Rom_4:4, Rom_4:6; Rom_8:18; Eph_2:8, Eph_2:9; Tit_3:5-7), but when we have done all we can, we have done but our duty, and are unprofitable servants (Luk_17:10); and because, as they are good, they proceed from His Spirit (Gal_5:22, Gal_5:23); and as they are wrought by us, they are defiled, and mixed with so much weakness and imperfection, that they cannot endure the severity of God’s judgment (Psa_130:3; Psa_143:2; Isa_64:6; Rom_7:15, Rom_7:18; Gal_5:17).

16:6 Yet notwithstanding, the persons of believers being accepted through Christ, their good works also are accepted in Him(Gen_4:4 with Heb_11:4; Exo_28:38; Eph_1:6; 1Pe_2:5), not as though they were in this life wholly unblameable and unreproveable in God’s sight (Job_9:20; Psa_143:2); but that He, looking upon them in His Son, is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections (Mat_25:21, Mat_25:23; 2Co_8:12; Heb_6:10; Heb_13:20, Heb_13:21).

16:7 Works done by unregenerate men, although, for the matter of them, they may be things which God commands, and of good use both to themselves and others (1Ki_21:27, 1Ki_21:29; 2Ki_10:30, 2Ki_10:31; Phi_1:15, Phi_1:16, Phi_1:18): yet, because they proceed not from an heart purified by faith (Gen_4:3-5 with Heb_11:4, Heb_11:6); nor are done in a right manner according to the Word (Isa_1:12; 1Co_13:3); nor to a right end, the glory of God (Mat_6:2, Mat_6:5, Mat_6:16); they are therefore sinful, and cannot please God, or make a man meet to receive grace from God (Hos_1:4; Amo_5:21, Amo_5:22; Hag_2:14; Rom_9:16; Tit_1:15; Tit_3:5). And yet, their neglect of them is more sinful, and displeasing unto God (Job_21:14, Job_21:15; Psa_14:4; Psa_36:3; Mat_23:23; Mat_25:41-45).

Summary statements we are taught:

A. What Good works are (WCF 16.1)

B. The Source of Good Works (WCF 16.1)

C. Good works are good by warrant of divine commandment only (WCF 16.2)

D. Good works can spring from the inward root work of faith and true repentance in the believer (WCF 16.2)

E. Good works and their effects are (WCF 16.2):

1) the affection of the believers expression of gratitude for salvation

2) Confirming faith

3) edifying of others

4) showing faith to others

5) refuting God’s adversaries

6) Glorifying God

7) that good works are necessary

F. The believers ability to do good works comes from the power of the holy Spirit (WCF 16.3)

G. The Holy Spirit exerts constant influence in every believer WCF 16.3)

H. The believer never should deny the need to exercise diligent duty (WCF 16.3)

I. We can never do more than God requires (WCF 16.4)

J. WE never perform our duty perfectly in this life (WCF 16.5)

K. Our best works are without merit and are far from perfection (WCF 16.5)

L. Our good works are accepted and redwarded only for Christ’s sake (WCF 16.6)

M. Unbeleiver may do relevant or (Formal) good works (WCF 16.7)

N. These so called “Good works” are evil and wicked works as seen from God’s perspective (WCF 16.7)

O. The neglect of these “good works” by unbelievers are more wicked still (WCF 16.7)

WCF 15 - Repentance, A Mighty Work of Evangelical Grace in The Believer or (Part Two Of The Components Of Conversion)

WCF 15 - Repentance, A Mighty Work of Evangelical Grace in The Believer or (Part Two Of The Components Of Conversion)

Chapter 15:
Of Repentance

15:1 Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace (Zec_12:10; Act_11:18), the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the Gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ (Mar_1:15; Luk_24:47; Act_20:21).

15:2 By it, a sinner, out of the sight and sense not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God; and upon the apprehension of His mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for, and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God (Psa_51:4; Psa_119:128; Isa_30:22; Jer_31:18, Jer_31:19; Eze_18:30, Eze_18:31; Eze_36:31; Joe_2:12, Joe_2:13; Amo_5:15; 2Co_7:11), purposing and endeavouring to walk with Him in all the ways of His commandments(2Ki_23:25; Psa_119:6, Psa_119:59, Psa_119:106; Luk_1:6).

15:3 Although repentance be not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof (Eze_16:61-63; Eze_36:31, Eze_36:32), which is the act of God’s free grace in Christ (Hos_14:2, Hos_14:4; Rom_3:24; Eph_1:7); yet it is of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it (Luk_13:3, Luk_13:5; Act_17:30, Act_17:31).

15:4 As there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation(Mat_12:36; Rom_5:12; Rom_6:23), so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent (Isa_1:16, Isa_1:18; Isa_55:7; Rom_8:1).

15:5 Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man’s duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins, particularly (Psa_19:13; Luk_19:8; 1Ti_1:13, 1Ti_1:15).

15:6 As every man is bound to make a private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof (Psa_32:5, Psa_32:6; Psa_51:4, Psa_51:5, Psa_51:7, Psa_51:9, Psa_51:14); upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy (Pro_28:13; 1Jo_1:9): so, he that scandalizeth his brother, or the Church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession, and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended(Jos_7:19; Psa 51:1-19; Luk_17:3, Luk_17:4; Jam_5:16), who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him (2Co_2:8).

Summary statements we are taught:

A. Repentance Is To Be Preached By Every Minister (Wcf 15.1)

B.Repentance Brings A Hate For Sin And A Turning To God To Walk In His Ways (WCF 15.2)

C. Repentance Is Not The Cause Of Salvation (WCF 15.3)

D. None Can Be Saved Without Repentance (WCF 15.3)

E. Secured In Christ Are Those That Repent (WCF 15.4)

F. We Need To Do More Than A “General Repentance, But Specifically Repent (WCF 15.5)

G. We Are To Declare Our Repentance When We Have Offended Our Brothers, Sisters, The Church, Etc. (WCF 15.6)

WCF 14 – Faith, A Mighty Work of Grace in The Believer or (Part One Of The Components Of Conversion)

WCF 14 – Faith, A Mighty Work of Grace in The Believer or (Part One Of The Components Of Conversion)

Chapter 14:
Of Saving Faith

14:1 The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls (Heb_10:39), is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts (2Co_4:13; Eph_1:17-19; Eph_2:8); and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word (Rom_10:14, Rom_10:17): by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened (Luk_17:5; Act_20:32; Rom_1:16, Rom_1:17; Rom_4:11; 1Pe_2:2).

14:2 By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God Himself speaking therein (Joh_4:42; Act_24:14; 1Th_2:13; 1Jo_5:10); and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands (Rom_16:26), trembling at the threatenings (Isa_66:2), and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come (1Ti_4:8; Heb_11:13). But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace(Joh_1:12; Act_15:11; Act_16:31; Gal_2:20).

14:3 This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong (Mat_6:30; Mat_8:10; Rom_4:19, Rom_4:20; Heb_5:13, Heb_5:14); may be often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory(Luk_22:31, Luk_22:32; Eph_6:16; 1Jo_5:4, 1Jo_5:5); growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ (Col_2:2; Heb_6:11, Heb_6:12; Heb_10:22), who is both the author and finisher of our faith (Heb_12:2).

Summary statements we are taught:

A. The Faith To The Saving Of The Souls Is The Work Of The Spirit Of Christ In The Heart (WCF 14.1)

B. The Holy Spirit Works In The Believer To Believe That Which Is Revealed In The Word Regarding: God, Man, Christ. Grace And Faith. (WCF 14.2)

C. Faith Gets The Victory, No Matter The Degree (WCF 14.3)

D. God Is The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith! (WCF 14.3)

WCF 13 - Saved, Sealed and Sanctified!

WCF 13 - Saved, Sealed and Sanctified!

Chapter 13:
Of Sanctification

13:1 They, who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection (Act_20:32; Rom_6:5, Rom_6:6; 1Co_6:11; Phi_3:10), by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them (Joh_17:17; Eph_5:26; 2Th_2:13): the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed (Rom_6:6, Rom_6:14), and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified (Rom_8:13; Gal_5:24); and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces (Eph_3:16-19; Col_1:11), to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (2Co_7:1; Heb_12:14).

13:2 This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man (1Th_5:23); yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part (Rom_7:18, Rom_7:23; Phi_3:12; 1Jo_1:10): whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh (Gal_5:17; 1Pe_2:11).

13:3 In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail (Rom_7:23); yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome(Rom_6:14; Eph_4:15, Eph_4:16; 1Jo_5:4); and so, the saints grow in grace(2Co_3:18; 2Pe_3:18), perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2Co_7:1).

Summary statements we are taught:

A. The regenerated nature in the believer is enabled to develop by the Word and the Work of the Holy Spirit (WCF 13- 1)

B. Sanctification developed in the believer causes him to die more and more unto sin and live more and more unto righteousness (WCF 13.1)

C. The work of sanctification is a work that involves and is at work in the whole person (WCF 13.2)

D. WE will never be fully righteous in this life therefore sanctification is progressive in the believer (WCF 13.2)

E. Progress in sanctification in that the believer seeks to strive to perfect holiness in the fear of God (WCF 13.3)

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

WCF 12 – Children Of The Living God!

WCF 12 – Children Of The Living God!

Chapter 12:
Of Adoption

12:1 All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for His only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption (Gal_4:4, Gal_4:5; Eph_1:5): by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God (Joh_1:12; Rom_8:17), have His name put upon them (Jer_14:9; 2Co_6:18; Rev_3:12), receive the spirit of adoption (Rom_8:15), have access to the throne of grace with boldness (Rom_5:2; Eph_3:12), are enabled to cry, Abba, Father (Gal_4:6), are pitied (Psa_103:13), protected (Pro_14:26), provided for (Mat_6:30, Mat_6:32; 1Pe_5:7), and chastened by Him as by a Father (Heb_12:6); yet never cast off (Lam_3:31), but sealed to the day of redemption (Eph_4:30), and inherit the promises (Heb_6:12), as heirs of everlasting salvation (Heb_1:14; 1Pe_1:3, 1Pe_1:4).

Summary statements we are taught:

A. Those Thare Effectually Called And Justified Have Been Blessed With Adoption Being Conferred Upon Them (WCF 12.1)

B. Adoption While Being Closely Related To Regeneration And Justification Is Distinct From Them (WCF 12.1)

C. We Are Made Children Of The Living God (WCF 12.1)