London Baptist Confession (1689)

The complete text of the London Baptist Confession (1689), in 32 sections. Each passage is tagged with the doctrinal topics it addresses.

This confession follows the Westminster Confession of Faith chapter by chapter, revising it at the points Baptists read differently (most visibly baptism and church order). See them compared word by word, with every difference marked.

About this document

The Second London Baptist Confession was drawn up by Particular (Calvinistic) Baptists who wished to show how closely they stood with their Reformed neighbors. It deliberately follows the Westminster Confession, and the Congregationalists' Savoy Declaration, chapter by chapter, departing chiefly on baptism and the church.

First published in 1677 and formally adopted by messengers of the churches in 1689, it remains the confession of many Reformed Baptist churches. You can see its close relation to Westminster on this site's word-by-word comparison.

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Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture

1. The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience: although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and his will, which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterward for the better preserving, and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan, and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the Holy Scriptures to be most necessary, those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.

2. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written; are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these:

Of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

Of the New Testament: The Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts of the Apostles, Paul's Epistles to the Romans, Corinthians I, Corinthians II, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians I, Thessalonians II, to Timothy I, to Timothy II, to Titus, to Philemon, The Epistle to the Hebrews, The Epistle of James, The first and second Epistles of Peter, The first, second, and third Epistles of John, The Epistle of Jude, The Revelation of John.

3. The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon (or rule) of the Scripture, and therefore are of no authority to the church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved or made use of, than other human writings.

4. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof; therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.

5. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the church of God, to a high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, and the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, and many other incomparable excellencies, and entire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet, notwithstanding, our full persuasion, and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.

6. The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture; unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word, and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church common to human actions and societies; which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.

7. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of them.

8. The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as in all controversies of religion, the church is finally to appeal to them. But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have a right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God to read and search them, therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation, unto which they come, that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner, and through patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope.

9. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold but one), it must be searched by other places that speak more clearly.

10. The supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved.

Scripture proofs

2 Tim. 3:15–17; Isa. 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Eph. 2:20.
2 Tim. 3:15–17 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.
Isa. 8:20 to the law and to the testimony?" If they do not speak this according to the word, [it is] because there is not in them dawn.
Luke 16:29, 31 29 But Abraham says, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, not even will they be persuaded if one should rise out from the dead.’”
Eph. 2:20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,
Rom. 1:19–21; Rom. 2:14–15; Ps. 19:1–3.
Rom. 1:19–21 19 because that which [is] known of God is manifest among them, for God has revealed [it] to them. 20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse. 21 For having known God, not as God did they glorify [Him], or give thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom. 2:14–15 14 For when Gentiles, not having the law, may do by nature the things of the law, these not having a law are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]
Ps. 19:1–3 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David. The heavens are recounting the glory of God, and the firmament is declaring the work of and His hands. 2 Day after day it pours forth speech, and night after night it shows forth knowledge. 3 Without speech and without words, their voice not being heard,
Heb. 1:1.
Heb. 1:1 God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,
Prov. 22:19–21; Rom. 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19–20.
Prov. 22:19–21 19 For your trust to be in YHWH, I have caused you to know this day—even you. 20 Have I not written to you thirty sayings of counsels and knowledge, 21 to make you know the truth of the words of faithfulness, to return words of faithfulness to those sending you?
Rom. 15:4 For as much as was written before was all written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have the hope.
2 Peter 1:19–20 19 And we have the more certain prophetic word, to which you⁺ do well taking heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until this day shall have dawned and the morning star shall have arisen in your⁺ hearts, 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation.
2 Tim. 3:16.
2 Tim. 3:16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness,
Luke 24:27, 44; Rom. 3:2.
Luke 24:27, 44 27 And having begun from Moses and from all the Prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 44 And He said to them, “These [are] My words, which I spoke to you⁺ being still with you⁺, that it is necessary to be fulfilled all things having been written concerning Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms.”
Rom. 3:2 Much in every way. For first indeed, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.
2 Peter 1:19–21; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 John 5:9.
2 Peter 1:19–21 19 And we have the more certain prophetic word, to which you⁺ do well taking heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until this day shall have dawned and the morning star shall have arisen in your⁺ hearts, 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation. 21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.
2 Tim. 3:16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness,
2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,
1 John 5:9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, because this is the testimony of God that He has testified concerning His Son.
John 16:13–14; 1 Cor. 2:10–12; 1 John 2:20, 27.
John 16:13–14 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, shall come, He will guide you⁺ into all the truth. For He will not speak from Himself, but whatever He may hear, He will speak. And He will declare to you⁺ the things coming. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take from that which [is] Mine and will declare [it] to you⁺.
1 Cor. 2:10–12 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who of men knows the [things] of the man except the spirit of the man that [is] in him? So also, no one has known the [things] of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God,
1 John 2:20, 27 20 And you⁺ have the anointing from the Holy One, and all [of] you⁺ know. 27 And you⁺, the anointing that you⁺ received from Him remains in you⁺, and you⁺ have no need that anyone should teach you⁺. But as the same anointing teaches you⁺ concerning all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it taught you⁺, remain in Him.
2 Tim. 3:15–17; Gal. 1:8–9.
2 Tim. 3:15–17 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.
Gal. 1:8–9 8 But even if we or an angel out of heaven should preach a gospel to you⁺ contrary to what we preached to you⁺, let him be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: If anyone preaches a gospel [to] you⁺ contrary to what you⁺ received, let him be accursed!
John 6:45; 1 Cor. 2:9–12.
John 6:45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me.
1 Cor. 2:9–12 9 But as it has been written: “What no eye has seen, and no ear has heard, and has not gone up upon the heart of man—as much as God prepared for those loving Him.” 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who of men knows the [things] of the man except the spirit of the man that [is] in him? So also, no one has known the [things] of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God,
1 Cor. 11:13–14; 1 Cor. 14:26, 40.
1 Cor. 11:13–14 13 Judge in yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you⁺ that indeed if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,
1 Cor. 14:26, 40 26 What then is it, brothers? When you⁺ may come together, each has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 40 But let all things be done properly and according to order.
2 Peter 3:16.
2 Peter 3:16 as also in all the letters, speaking in them concerning these things, in which some things are difficult to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable distort, as also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
Ps. 19:7; Ps. 119:130.
Ps. 19:7 The law of YHWH [is] perfect, refreshing the soul; the testimony of YHWH [is] sure, making wise the simple.
Ps. 119:130 The opening of Your words gives light, giving understanding to the simple ones.
Rom. 3:2.
Rom. 3:2 Much in every way. For first indeed, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.
Isa. 8:20; Acts 15:15.
Isa. 8:20 to the law and to the testimony?" If they do not speak this according to the word, [it is] because there is not in them dawn.
Acts 15:15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
John 5:39.
John 5:39 You⁺ search the Scriptures because you⁺ think to have eternal life in them, and these are they testifying concerning Me;
1 Cor. 14:6, 9, 11–12, 24, 28.
1 Cor. 14:6, 9, 11–12, 24, 28 6 But now, brothers, if I should come to you⁺ speaking in tongues, what will I profit you⁺, unless I should speak to you⁺ either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching? 9 So also you⁺, unless you⁺ give intelligible speech through the tongue, how will it be known what [is] being spoken? For you⁺ will be speaking into the air. 11 Therefore unless I know the power of the voice, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the one speaking, a barbarian to me. 12 So also you⁺, since you⁺ are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek for the edification of the church, so that you⁺ may abound. 24 But if all prophesy and some unbeliever or uninstructed one should come in, he is convicted by all, he is examined by all, 28 But if there may be no interpreter, let him be silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
Col. 3:16.
Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you⁺ richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, in grace singing in your⁺ hearts to God.
2 Peter 1:20–21; Acts 15:15–16.
2 Peter 1:20–21 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation. 21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.
Acts 15:15–16 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written: 16 ‘After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen, and its ruins I will rebuild, and I will set it upright,
Matt. 22:29, 31–32; Eph. 2:20; Acts 28:23.
Matt. 22:29, 31–32 29 And answering, Jesus said to them, “You⁺ go astray, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, did you⁺ not read what has been spoken to you⁺ by God, saying, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
Eph. 2:20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,
Acts 28:23 Then, having appointed to him a day, many came to him to the lodging, to whom he expounded from morning to evening, fully testifying to the kingdom of God and persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

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Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture43 shared proof texts · 10 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 312 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 210 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 210 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 47 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1567 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

1. The Lord our God is but one only living and true God; whose subsistence is in and of himself, infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but himself; a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light, which no man can approach unto, who is immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, every way infinite, most holy, most wise, most free, most absolute, working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will, for his own glory, most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, the rewarder of them that diligently seek him, and withal most just and terrible in his judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.

2. God having all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of himself: is alone in and unto himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creature which he hath made, nor deriving any glory from them, but only manifesting his own glory in, by, unto, and upon them; he is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things, and he hath most sovereign dominion over all creatures, to do by them, for them, or upon them, whatsoever himself pleaseth; in his sight all things are open and manifest, his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain; he is most holy in all his counsels, in all his works, and in all his commands; to him is due from angels and men, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience, as creatures they owe unto the Creator, and whatever he is further pleased to require of them.

3. In this divine and infinite Being there are three subsistences, the Father, the Word (or Son), and Holy Spirit, of one substance, power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided, the Father is of none neither begotten nor proceeding, the Son is eternally begotten of the Father, the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son, all infinite, without beginning, therefore but one God, who is not to be divided in nature and being; but distinguished by several peculiar, relative properties, and personal relations; which doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence on him.

Scripture proofs

1 Cor. 8:4, 6; Deut. 6:4.
1 Cor. 8:4, 6 4 Therefore concerning the eating of the [things] sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world and that [there is] no God except one. 6 yet to us [there is] one God the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all things, and we through Him.
Deut. 6:4 Hear, O Israel: YHWH our God, YHWH [is] One.
Jer. 10:10; Isa. 48:12.
Jer. 10:10 And YHWH [is] the true God; He [is] the living God, and King forever! At His wrath the earth trembles, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.
Isa. 48:12 Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, My called one! I [am] He; I [am] the First; also I [am] the Last.
Ex. 3:14.
Ex. 3:14 And God said to Moses, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘Ehyeh has sent me to you⁺.’”
John 4:24.
John 4:24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”
1 Tim. 1:17; Deut. 4:15–16.
1 Tim. 1:17 Now to the King of the ages, the immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory to the ages of the ages! Amen.
Deut. 4:15–16 15 And guard greatly your⁺ souls, for you⁺ did not see any form when YHWH spoke to you⁺ at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 lest you⁺ act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female—
Mal. 3:6.
Mal. 3:6 “For I, YHWH, do not change; and you⁺, sons of Jacob, have not been consumed.
1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:23.
1 Kings 8:27 But will indeed God dwell on the earth? Behold, the heavens and the heavens of the heavens cannot contain You. How much less this house that I have built?
Jer. 23:23 “[Am] I a God nearby,” a declaration of YHWH, “And not a God far away?”
Ps. 90:2.
Ps. 90:2 In the [time] before the mountains were brought forth, or You formed the earth and the world, and from forever even to forever, You [are] God.
Gen. 17:1.
Gen. 17:1 And Abram was a son of ninety years and nine years, and YHWH appeared to Abram and said to him, “I [am] El-Shaddai; walk before Me and be blameless.
Isa. 6:3.
Isa. 6:3 And this one cried to this one and said: “Holy, holy, holy [is] YHWH of Hosts; the fullness of all the earth [is] His glory!”
Ps. 115:3; Isa. 46:10.
Ps. 115:3 And our God [is] in the heavens; all that he has pleased, He has done.
Isa. 46:10 declaring from the beginning the end, and from of old that which has not been done, saying, ‘My counsel will stand, and I will do all My delight;’
Prov. 16:4; Rom. 11:36.
Prov. 16:4 YHWH has made everything for its own end—even the wicked for the day of evil.
Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.
Ex. 34:6–7; Heb. 11:6.
Ex. 34:6–7 6 And YHWH passed before his face and proclaimed, “YHWH, YHWH God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving devotion and truth, 7 keeping loving devotion to the thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and he will surely not acquit [the guilty], visiting iniquity of fathers upon sons and upon sons of sons, upon a third and upon a fourth.”
Heb. 11:6 And without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for it is necessary for the one coming to God to believe that He is and [that] He becomes a rewarder to those seeking Him out.
Neh. 9:32–33.
Neh. 9:32–33 32 And now, our God—the God the great, the mighty, and fearsome, keeping the covenant and the kindness, should not all the hardship that has found us seem little before Your face—for our kings, for our princes, and for our priests, and for our prophets, and for our fathers, and for all Your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until this day. 33 And You [are] righteous over all that has come upon us, for faithfully You have acted, and we have been wicked.
Ps. 5:5–6.
Ps. 5:5–6 5 The one boasting shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You will destroy those speaking falsehood; a man of blood and deceit YHWH abhors.
Ex. 34:7; Nah. 1:2–3.
Ex. 34:7 keeping loving devotion to the thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and he will surely not acquit [the guilty], visiting iniquity of fathers upon sons and upon sons of sons, upon a third and upon a fourth.”
Nah. 1:2–3 2 A God jealous and avenging [is] YHWH; avenging [is] YHWH and owner of fury; avenging [is] YHWH on His adversaries, and He is watching for His enemies. 3 YHWH [is] slow to anger and great in power; and YHWH does not entirely acquit. In the whirlwind and in the storm [is] His way, and the clouds [are] the dust of His feet.
John 5:26.
John 5:26 For just as the Father has life in Himself, so also He gave to the Son to have life in Himself.
Ps. 148:13.
Ps. 148:13 Let them praise the name of YHWH, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor above the earth and the heavens!
Ps. 119:68.
Ps. 119:68 You [are] good, and the One doing good; may You teach me Your statutes.
Job 22:2–3.
Job 22:2–3 2 “Can a man be useful to God? Can even a wise one benefit Him? 3 Is it pleasure to Shaddai that you are righteous, or gain that you perfect your ways?
Rom. 11:34–36.
Rom. 11:34–36 34 “For who knew the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?” 35 Or “who first gave to Him, and it will be given back to him?” 36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.
Dan. 4:25, 34–35.
Dan. 4:25, 34–35 25 That they shall drive you away from men, and with the beasts of the field shall be your dwelling; and they shall make you eat grass like oxen, and from the dew of heaven they shall wet you; and seven times shall pass over you, until that you come to know that the Most High [is] ruling over the kingdom of men, and to whom that, He chooses He gives it. 34 And at the end of the days, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to the heavens, and my understanding returned to me, and to the Most High I offered blessing, and to the One Living forever I gave praise and honor: “For His dominion [is] a dominion everlasting, and His kingdom [is] from generation to generation; 35 and all those dwelling in the earth are regarded as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of the heaven and those dwelling in the earth; and there is no one who can strike on His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”
Heb. 4:13.
Heb. 4:13 And there is no created thing hidden before Him, but all things [are] bare and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom [is] our account.
Ezek. 11:5; Acts 15:18.
Ezek. 11:5 And fell upon me the Spirit of YHWH, and He said to me, “Say, thus says YHWH: Thus you⁺ have said, O house of Israel—and the [things] coming upon your⁺ spirit I know.
Acts 15:18 known from the age.’
Ps. 145:17.
Ps. 145:17 Righteous [is] YHWH in all His ways, and kind in all His works.
Rev. 5:12–14.
Rev. 5:12–14 12 saying in a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb having been slain to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature that is in heaven and upon the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and everything in them, saying: “To the One sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb, blessing and honor and glory and might to the ages of the ages!” 14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell and worshiped.
1 John 5:7; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14.
1 John 5:7 For there are three testifying:
Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
2 Cor. 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit [be] with all of you⁺.
Ex. 3:14; John 14:11; 1 Cor. 8:6.
Ex. 3:14 And God said to Moses, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘Ehyeh has sent me to you⁺.’”
John 14:11 Believe Me that I [am] in the Father and the Father [is] in Me; but if not, believe because of the works themselves.
1 Cor. 8:6 yet to us [there is] one God the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all things, and we through Him.
John 1:14, 18.
John 1:14, 18 14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.
John 15:26; Gal. 4:6.
John 15:26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you⁺ from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes forth from the Father, He will testify about Me.
Gal. 4:6 And because you⁺ are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity45 shared proof texts · 8 shared topics Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 417 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 712 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 611 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day10 shared proof texts Heidelberg Catechism · Question 257 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

The Being & Unity of God The Trinity God's Greatness God's Goodness & Mercy Sin, Guilt & Misery The Holy Spirit Soli Deo Gloria The Five Solas

Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree

1. God hath decreed in himself from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably, all things whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin, nor hath fellowship with any therein; nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty, or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established; in which appears his wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing his decree.

2. Although God knoweth whatsoever may, or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions; yet hath he not decreed anything, because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.

3. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestinated, or foreordained to eternal life, through Jesus Christ, to the praise of his glorious grace; others being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of his glorious justice.

4. These angels and men thus predestinated, and foreordained, are particularly, and unchangeably designed, and their number so certain, and definite, that it cannot be either increased, or diminished.

5. Those of mankind that are predestinated to life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of his mere free grace and love; without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving him thereunto.

6. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so he hath, by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, foreordained all the means thereunto, wherefore they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, are effectually called unto faith in Christ, by his Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by his power through faith unto salvation; neither are any other redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.

7. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination, is to be handled with special prudence and care; that men attending the will of God revealed in his Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election; so shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God, and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation, to all that sincerely obey the gospel.

Scripture proofs

Isa. 46:10; Eph. 1:11; Heb. 6:17; Rom. 9:15, 18.
Isa. 46:10 declaring from the beginning the end, and from of old that which has not been done, saying, ‘My counsel will stand, and I will do all My delight;’
Eph. 1:11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will
Heb. 6:17 in which God, willing to show more abundantly the unchangeableness of His purpose to the heirs of the promise, guaranteed [it] by an oath,
Rom. 9:15, 18 15 For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I may have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I may have compassion.” 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.
James 1:13; 1 John 1:5.
James 1:13 Let no one being tempted say, “I am being tempted from God.” For God is unable to be tempted by evils, and He Himself tempts no one.
1 John 1:5 And this is the message that we have heard from Him and we announce to you⁺, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness—none.
Acts 4:27–28; John 19:11.
Acts 4:27–28 27 For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predetermined to happen.
John 19:11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Because of this, the one having delivered Me up to you has greater sin.”
Num. 23:19; Eph. 1:3–5.
Num. 23:19 God [is] not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and He will not do? Or has He spoken, and He will not fulfill?
Eph. 1:3–5 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One having blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ in the heavenly realms, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
Acts 15:18.
Acts 15:18 known from the age.’
Rom. 9:11, 13, 16, 18.
Rom. 9:11, 13, 16, 18 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 13 As it has been written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy. 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.
1 Tim. 5:21; Matt. 25:34.
1 Tim. 5:21 I earnestly testify before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that you should keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.
Matt. 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, the blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you⁺ from the foundation of the world.
Eph. 1:5–6.
Eph. 1:5–6 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,
Rom. 9:22–23; Jude 4.
Rom. 9:22–23 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction, 23 so that He might also make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,
Jude 4 on BibleHub ↗
2 Tim. 2:19; John 13:18.
2 Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”
John 13:18 I speak not about all of you⁺—I know whom I chose—but so that the Scripture may be fulfilled: ‘The one eating My bread lifted up his heel against Me.’
Eph. 1:4, 9, 11; Rom. 8:30; 2 Tim. 1:9; 1 Thess. 5:9.
Eph. 1:4, 9, 11 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will
Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.
2 Tim. 1:9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
1 Thess. 5:9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Rom. 9:13, 16; Eph. 2:5, 12.
Rom. 9:13, 16 13 As it has been written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy.
Eph. 2:5, 12 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 12 that at that time you⁺ were apart from Christ, having been alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, not having hope and without God in the world.
1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thess. 2:13.
1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.
2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,
1 Thess. 5:9–10.
1 Thess. 5:9–10 9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 the One having died for us, so that whether we may watch or we may sleep, we may live together with Him.
Rom. 8:30; 2 Thess. 2:13.
Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.
2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,
1 Peter 1:5.
1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
John 10:26; John 17:9; John 6:64.
John 10:26 But you⁺ do not believe, because you⁺ are not of My sheep.
John 17:9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours.
John 6:64 But there are some of you⁺ who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning who are those not believing and who it is who will betray Him.
1 Thess. 1:4–5; 2 Peter 1:10.
1 Thess. 1:4–5 4 knowing, brothers beloved by God, your⁺ election, 5 because our gospel came to you⁺ not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much full assurance, just as you⁺ know what we were among you⁺ on account of you⁺.
2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble.
Eph. 1:6; Rom. 11:33.
Eph. 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,
Rom. 11:33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!
Rom. 11:5–6.
Rom. 11:5–6 5 So then also in the present time, there has been a remnant according to the election of grace, 6 and if by grace, no longer out of works; otherwise grace no longer is grace.
Luke 10:20.
Luke 10:20 But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you⁺; but rejoice that your⁺ names have been written in the heavens.”

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree38 shared proof texts · 16 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling10 shared proof texts · 6 shared topics Canons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared proof texts · 11 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 129 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 138 shared proof texts · 6 shared topics Heidelberg Catechism · Question 548 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

God's Goodness & Mercy Decrees & Predestination Angels Atonement & the Cross Salvation Grace Effectual Calling & Regeneration Saving Faith Justification Sanctification & Good Works Adoption Limited Atonement Soli Deo Gloria TULIP The Five Solas Unconditional Election

Chapter 4: Of Creation

1. In the beginning it pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, to create or make the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good.

2. After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female, with reasonable and immortal souls, rendering them fit unto that life to God, for which they were created; being made after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfill it; and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject to change.

3. Besides the law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; which while they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures.

Scripture proofs

John 1:2–3; Heb. 1:2; Job 26:13.
John 1:2–3 2 This One was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one [thing] came into being that has come into being.
Heb. 1:2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,
Job 26:13 By His breath the heavens were made clear; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent.
Rom. 1:20.
Rom. 1:20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.
Col. 1:16; Gen. 1:31.
Col. 1:16 because in Him were created all things in the heavens and on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or lordships or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.
Gen. 1:31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, [it was] very good! And there was evening and there was morning—the sixth day.
Gen. 1:27.
Gen. 1:27 And God created the man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Gen. 2:7.
Gen. 2:7 And YHWH God formed the man [from] dust of the ground, and He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul.
Eccl. 7:29; Gen. 1:26.
Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.
Gen. 1:26 And God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the bird of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls upon the earth.”
Rom. 2:14–15.
Rom. 2:14–15 14 For when Gentiles, not having the law, may do by nature the things of the law, these not having a law are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]
Gen. 3:6.
Gen. 3:6 And the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes and the tree [was] desirable to make one wise. And she took from its fruit and ate, and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.
Gen. 2:17; Gen. 3:8–10.
Gen. 2:17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”
Gen. 3:8–10 8 And they heard the voice of YHWH God walking about in the garden in the breeze of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the face of YHWH God in the midst of the trees of the garden. 9 And YHWH God called to the man, and He said to him, “Where [are] you?” 10 And he said, “Your voice I heard in the garden, and I was afraid because I am naked, and I hid myself.”
Gen. 1:26, 28.
Gen. 1:26, 28 26 And God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the bird of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls upon the earth.” 28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. And rule over the fish of the sea and over the bird of the heavens and over every living thing that is crawling upon the earth.”

Parallel passages (6+)

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Creation Man & the Image of God Law Liberty of Conscience & Free Will

Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence

1. God, the good Creator of all things, in his infinite power and wisdom, doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, to the end for the which they were created; according unto his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will; to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, infinite goodness, and mercy.

2. Although in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the First Cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly; so that there is not anything befalls any by chance, or without his providence; yet by the same providence he ordereth them to fall out, according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.

3. God, in his ordinary providence maketh use of means; yet is free to work without, above, and against them at his pleasure.

4. The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God, so far manifest themselves in his providence, that his determinate counsel extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all other sinful actions both of angels and men; (and that not by a bare permission) which also he most wisely and powerfully boundeth, and otherwise ordereth, and governeth, in a manifold dispensation to his most holy ends: yet so, as the sinfulness of their acts proceeds only from the creatures, and not from God; who being most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be, the author or approver of sin.

5. The most wise, righteous, and gracious God, doth oftentimes, leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations, and the corruptions of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled; and to raise them to a more close, and constant dependence for their support, upon himself; and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for other just and holy ends. So that whatsoever befalls any of his elect is by his appointment, for his glory, and their good.

6. As for those wicked and ungodly men, whom God as a righteous judge, for former sin doth blind and harden; from them he not only withholdeth his grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in their understanding, and wrought upon in their hearts: but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had, and exposeth them to such objects as their corruptions make occasion of sin; and withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan, whereby it comes to pass, that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the softening of others.

7. As the providence of God doth in general reach to all creatures, so after a more special manner it taketh care of his church, and disposeth of all things to the good thereof.

Scripture proofs

Heb. 1:3; Job 38:11; Isa. 46:10–11; Ps. 135:6.
Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Job 38:11 and I said, ‘Up to here you may come, and you shall not go further; and here shall be set the pride of your waves’?
Isa. 46:10–11 10 declaring from the beginning the end, and from of old that which has not been done, saying, ‘My counsel will stand, and I will do all My delight;’ 11 the One calling from the east a bird of prey, the man of My counsel from a country far away—indeed, I have spoken [it] [and] so I will bring it to pass; I have fashioned [it], I will also do it.
Ps. 135:6 All that YHWH delights in, He does, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all the depths,
Matt. 10:29–31.
Matt. 10:29–31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your⁺ Father. 30 And even the hairs of your⁺ head are all numbered. 31 Therefore do not be afraid; you⁺ are more valuable than many sparrows.
Eph. 1:11.
Eph. 1:11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will
Acts 2:23.
Acts 2:23 Him delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you⁺ put to death, having crucified by lawless hands—
Prov. 16:33.
Prov. 16:33 Into the lap the lot is cast, and all its judgment [is] from YHWH.
Gen. 8:22.
Gen. 8:22 Throughout all the days of the earth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”
Acts 27:31, 44; Isa. 55:10–11.
Acts 27:31, 44 31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these remain in the ship, you⁺ are not able to be saved.” 44 and the rest, some indeed on boards and some on things from the ship. And thus it came to pass [that] all were brought safely to the land.
Isa. 55:10–11 10 For as the rain comes down—and the snow—from the heavens, and [from] there it does not return until it has quenched the earth and made it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the one sowing and bread to the one eating, 11 so is My word that goes forth from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty until it has done that which I delight, and it will prosper for that which I send it.
Hos. 1:7.
Hos. 1:7 And [on] the house of Judah I will have compassion, and I will save them, by YHWH their God; I will not save them by bow, or by sword, or by battle, by horses, or by horsemen.”
Rom. 4:19–21.
Rom. 4:19–21 19 And not having become weak in the faith, he considered his body already having become dead, being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 Yet he did not doubt in unbelief in the promise of God, but was empowered in faith, having given glory to God, 21 and having been fully assured that what He has promised, He is also able to do.
Dan. 3:27.
Dan. 3:27 And gathered together the satraps, the administrators, and the governors, and the counselors of the king, and they saw these men whom the fire had no power over their bodies, and the hair of their head was not singed, and their garments were not changed, and the smell of fire had not passed over them.
Rom. 11:32–34; 2 Sam. 24:1; 1 Chron. 21:1.
Rom. 11:32–34 32 For God closed up all in disobedience so that He may have mercy on all. 33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 34 “For who knew the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?”
2 Sam. 24:1 And the anger of YHWH added to be hot against Israel, and He moved David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”
1 Chron. 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to number Israel.
2 Kings 19:28; Ps. 76:10.
2 Kings 19:28 Because your raging against me and your tumult have come up to My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way in which you came.’
Ps. 76:10 for the wrath of man shall praise You; with the remainder of wrath You gird Yourself.
Gen. 50:20; Isa. 10:6–7, 12.
Gen. 50:20 And you⁺—you⁺ intended evil against me, God intended it for good, in order to bring about a day like this, to keep alive many people.
Isa. 10:6–7, 12 6 I will send him against a godless nation and I will order him against the people of My wrath, to plunder the plunder and to prey [on] the prey, and to set [them] for trampling like the clay of the streets. 7 And he does not consider [it] so, and his heart does not reckon [it] so, for to destroy [is] in his heart, and to cut off nations—not a few. 12 And it will come to pass, when YHWH has cut off all his work against Mount Zion and against Jerusalem: “I will reckon with the fruit of the magnitude of the heart of the king of Assyria and with the splendor of the loftiness of his eyes.
Ps. 50:21; 1 John 2:16.
Ps. 50:21 These [things] you have done, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. I will rebuke you and set in array before your eyes.
1 John 2:16 because all that [is] in the world, the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the vaunting of life, is not from the Father but is from the world.
2 Chron. 32:25–26, 31; 2 Sam. 24:1; 2 Cor. 12:7–9.
2 Chron. 32:25–26, 31 25 And Hezekiah did not repay according to the deed to him, for his heart was lifted up; and there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. 26 And Hezekiah humbled himself for the loftiness of his heart, he and those dwelling in Jerusalem, so that the wrath of YHWH did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah. 31 And so with the ambassadors of the heads of Babylon, those sending to him to inquire about the sign that was [done] in the land, God withdrew from him in order to test him, that He might know all in his heart.
2 Sam. 24:1 And the anger of YHWH added to be hot against Israel, and He moved David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”
2 Cor. 12:7–9 7 and the surpassingness of the revelations. Therefore, so that I should not be over-exalted, a thorn in [my] flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, that he might buffet me, so that I should not be over-exalted. 8 Three times I entreated the Lord for this, that it might depart from me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace suffices for you, for the power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, rather, I will boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Rom. 8:28.
Rom. 8:28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose,
Rom. 1:24–26, 28; Rom. 11:7–8.
Rom. 1:24–26, 28 24 Therefore God gave them up in the sinful desires of their hearts to uncleanness to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who changed the truth of God into falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the One having created, who is blessed to the ages! Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave up them to passions of dishonor. For even their females changed the natural use into that contrary to nature. 28 And just as they did not see fit to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them up to an unfit mind, to do the [things] not being proper;
Rom. 11:7–8 7 What then? What Israel seeks after, this it did not obtain, but the elect obtained [it]. And the rest were hardened, 8 as it has been written: God gave “them a spirit of stupor, eyes not to see, and ears not to hear, unto this very day.”
Deut. 29:4.
Deut. 29:4 And YHWH has not given to you⁺ a heart to perceive and eyes to see and ears to hear, to this day.
Matt. 13:12.
Matt. 13:12 For whoever has, [it] will be given to him, and he will be in abundance. And whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
Deut. 2:30; 2 Kings 8:12–13.
Deut. 2:30 Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for YHWH your God hardened his spirit and made obstinate his heart, that He might deliver him into your hand in this day.
2 Kings 8:12–13 12 And Hazael said, “Why is my lord weeping?” And He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the sons of Israel—their strongholds you will send into the fire, and their young men you will kill with the sword, and their children you will dash to pieces, and their pregnant [women] you will split open.” 13 And Hazael said, “But what [is] your servant, a dog, that he should do this great thing?” And Elisha answered, “YHWH has made me see that you [will be] king over Aram.”
Ps. 81:11–12; 2 Thess. 2:10–12.
Ps. 81:11–12 11 My people would not listen to My voice, and Israel has not consented to Me. 12 And I sent them away in the stubbornness of their hearts, to walk by their own counsels.
2 Thess. 2:10–12 10 and in every deception of wickedness to those perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth in order for them to be saved. 11 And because of this, God sends to them a working of delusion for them to believe the lie, 12 so that all those not having believed the truth but having been well pleased in unrighteousness should be judged.
Ex. 8:15, 32; Isa. 6:9–10; 1 Peter 2:7–8.
Ex. 8:15, 32 15 And Pharaoh saw that there was relief, and he made heavy his heart, and he did not listen to them, as YHWH had spoken. 32 And Pharaoh made heavy his heart also at this time, and he did not send out the people.
Isa. 6:9–10 9 And He said, “Go and say to the people this: ‘Be ever hearing and never understanding, and be ever seeing and never knowing.’ 10 Fatten the heart of this people, and its ears make heavy and its eyes shut, lest it see with its eyes, hear and with its ears, and understand [with] its heart, and turn back and there be healing for it.
1 Peter 2:7–8 7 Therefore the preciousness [is] to you⁺ who [are] believing. But [to] [those] disbelieving, “The stone that those building rejected, this became into the head of the corner,” 8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” [They] stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.
1 Tim. 4:10; Amos 9:8–9; Isa. 43:3–5.
1 Tim. 4:10 For unto this we toil and strive, because we have hoped on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
Amos 9:8–9 8 Behold, the eyes of the Lord YHWH [are] on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth—except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob.” An utterance of YHWH. 9 “For behold, I am giving the command, and I will shake among all the nations the house of Israel, as it is shaken in a sieve, and not a pebble will fall [to] the ground.
Isa. 43:3–5 3 For I, YHWH, [am] your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt [for] your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. 4 Since you are precious in My eyes, You have been honored, and I love you. And I appoint man in place of you, and peoples in exchange for your soul. 5 Do not fear, for I [am] with you; from the east I will bring your seed, and from the west I will gather you.

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God's Greatness God's Goodness & Mercy Decrees & Predestination Providence Creation Sin, Guilt & Misery Soli Deo Gloria The Five Solas

Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof

1. Although God created man upright and perfect, and gave him a righteous law, which had been unto life had he kept it, and threatened death upon the breach thereof; yet he did not long abide in this honor; Satan using the subtlety of the serpent to seduce Eve, then by her seducing Adam, who, without any compulsion, did willfully transgress the law of their creation, and the command given unto them, in eating the forbidden fruit; which God was pleased, according to his wise and holy counsel to permit, having purposed to order it, to his own glory.

2. Our first parents, by this sin, fell from their original righteousness and communion with God, and we in them, whereby death came upon all; all becoming dead in sin, and wholly defiled in all the faculties, and parts, of soul, and body.

3. They being the root, and by God's appointment, standing in the room, and stead of all mankind; the guilt of the sin was imputed, and corrupted nature conveyed, to all their posterity descending from them by ordinary generation, being now conceived in sin, and by nature children of wrath, the servants of sin, the subjects of death, and all other miseries, spiritual, temporal and eternal, unless the Lord Jesus set them free.

4. From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all actual transgressions.

5. The corruption of nature, during this life, doth remain in those that are regenerated; and although it be through Christ pardoned and mortified, yet both itself, and the first motions thereof, are truly and properly sin.

Scripture proofs

Gen. 2:16–17.
Gen. 2:16–17 16 And YHWH God placed a command upon the man, saying, “From every tree of the garden you may surely eat. 17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”
Gen. 3:12–13; 2 Cor. 11:3.
Gen. 3:12–13 12 And the man said, “The woman whom You gave [to be] with me, she gave to me from the tree, and I ate.” 13 And YHWH God said to the woman, “What [is] this you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
2 Cor. 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, your⁺ minds might be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that [is] to Christ.
Rom. 3:23.
Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Rom. 5:12ff.
Rom. 5:12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned.
Titus 1:15; Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:10–19.
Titus 1:15 All things [are] pure to the pure; but to those being defiled and unbelieving, nothing [is] pure. But both their mind and conscience are defiled.
Gen. 6:5 And YHWH saw that the wickedness of mankind on the earth [was] great and [that] every inclination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil all the day.
Jer. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick—who can know it?
Rom. 3:10–19 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one understanding; there is no one seeking out God. 12 All turned away; together they became worthless; there is none who is doing kindness, there is not even one.” 13 “Their throat [is] a grave having been opened; they keep practicing deceit with their tongues;” “the poison of vipers [is] under their lips,” 14 “of whom the mouth is full of cursing and of bitterness;” 15 “their feet [are] swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery [are] in their paths; 17 and a way of peace they did not know.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God.
Rom. 5:12–19; 1 Cor. 15:21–22, 45, 49.
Rom. 5:12–19 12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned. 13 For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed, there being no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those not having sinned in the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the coming One. 15 But not as the trespass, so also [is] the gracious gift; for if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more the grace of God and the gift in grace, that of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to the many! 16 And not as through one having sinned [is] the gift; for indeed the judgment out of one [is] to condemnation; but the gracious gift out of many trespasses [is] to justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.
1 Cor. 15:21–22, 45, 49 21 For since death [is] through a man, also through a man [is] the resurrection of the dead. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive— 45 So also it has been written: “The first man Adam became into a living soul;” the last Adam into a life-giving spirit. 49 And as we bore the image of the one made of dust, we will also bear the image of the heavenly one.
Ps. 51:5; Job 14:4.
Ps. 51:5 Behold, in iniquity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me.
Job 14:4 Who will bring clean from unclean? Not one!
Eph. 2:3.
Eph. 2:3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest.
Rom. 6:20; Rom. 5:12.
Rom. 6:20 For when you⁺ were slaves of sin, you⁺ were free from righteousness.
Rom. 5:12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned.
Heb. 2:14–15; 1 Thess. 1:10.
Heb. 2:14–15 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death.
1 Thess. 1:10 and to await His Son from the heavens, whom He raised out from the dead—Jesus, the One delivering us from the coming wrath.
Rom. 8:7; Col. 1:21.
Rom. 8:7 because the mind of the flesh [is] hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for [it is] not even able.
Col. 1:21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works—
James 1:14–15; Matt. 15:19.
James 1:14–15 14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire. 15 Then desire, having conceived, gives birth to sin; and sin, having become fully grown, brings forth death.
Matt. 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immorality, thefts, false testimonies, slanders.
Rom. 7:18, 23; Eccl. 7:20; 1 John 1:8.
Rom. 7:18, 23 18 For I know that there does not dwell in me—that is, in my flesh—good. For to want is present with me, but not to carry out the good. 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.
Eccl. 7:20 For [there is] not a righteous man on the earth who does good and does not sin.
1 John 1:8 If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
Rom. 7:23–25; Gal. 5:17.
Rom. 7:23–25 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members. 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.
Gal. 5:17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.

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Creation The Fall & Original Sin Sin, Guilt & Misery Justification TULIP Total Depravity

Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant

1. The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience to him as their Creator, yet they could never have attained the reward of life, but by some voluntary condescension on God's part, which he hath been pleased to express, by way of covenant.

2. Moreover, man having brought himself under the curse of the law by his fall, it pleased the Lord to make a covenant of grace, wherein he freely offereth unto sinners, life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him, that they may be saved; and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto eternal life, his Holy Spirit, to make them willing, and able to believe.

3. This covenant is revealed in the gospel; first of all to Adam in the promise of salvation by the seed of the woman, and afterwards by farther steps, until the full discovery thereof was completed in the New Testament; and it is founded in that eternal covenant transaction, that was between the Father and the Son, about the redemption of the elect; and it is alone by the grace of this covenant, that all the posterity of fallen Adam, that ever were saved, did obtain life and blessed immortality; man being now utterly incapable of acceptance with God upon those terms, on which Adam stood in his state of innocency.

Scripture proofs

Luke 17:10; Job 35:7–8.
Luke 17:10 Thus also you⁺, when you⁺ may have done all the [things] having been directed you⁺, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have done that which we were obligated to do.’”
Job 35:7–8 7 If you are righteous, what do you give to Him? Or what does He receive from your hand? 8 Your wickedness [is] to a man such as you, and your righteousness to a son of man.
Gen. 2:17; Gal. 3:10; Rom. 3:20–21.
Gen. 2:17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”
Gal. 3:10 For as many as are of works of the law, they are under a curse, for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things having been written in the Book of the Law, to do them.”
Rom. 3:20–21 20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin. 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets.
Rom. 8:3; Mark 16:15–16; John 3:16.
Rom. 8:3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,
Mark 16:15–16 15 And He said to them, “Having gone into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation. 16 The one having believed and having been baptized will be saved, but the one having disbelieved will be condemned.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.
Ezek. 36:26–27; John 6:44–45; Ps. 110:3.
Ezek. 36:26–27 26 And I will give to you⁺ a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you⁺; and I will take away the heart of stone from your⁺ flesh, and I will give to you⁺ a heart of flesh. 27 And My Spirit I will put within you⁺, and I will make [it] that you⁺ will walk in My statutes and My ordinances you⁺ will keep and you⁺ will do [them].
John 6:44–45 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me.
Ps. 110:3 Your people [are] freewill offerings in the day of your might, in the splendors of holiness; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth [is] unto you.
Gen. 3:15.
Gen. 3:15 And enmity I will put between you and between the woman, and between your seed and between her seed. He shall bruise you [on] the head, and you shall bruise him [on] the heel.
Heb. 1:1.
Heb. 1:1 God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,
2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2.
2 Tim. 1:9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
Titus 1:2 upon the hope of eternal life, which God, who [is] without falsehood, promised before times eternal
Heb. 11:6, 13; Rom. 4:1–2ff; Acts 4:12; John 8:56.
Heb. 11:6, 13 6 And without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for it is necessary for the one coming to God to believe that He is and [that] He becomes a rewarder to those seeking Him out. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having welcomed [them], and having confessed that they are strangers and sojourners on the earth.
Rom. 4:1–2 1 What then will we say [that] Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has a ground of boasting, but not before God.
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”
John 8:56 Abraham your⁺ father exulted that he should see My day, and he saw and rejoiced.”

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The Covenant Gospel Salvation Grace Saving Faith Covenants of Works vs. Grace

Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator

1. It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus his only begotten Son, according to the covenant made between them both, to be the Mediator between God and man; the Prophet, Priest, and King; Head and Savior of his church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world; unto whom he did from all eternity give a people to be his seed, and to be by him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.

2. The Son of God, the second person in the Holy Trinity, being very and eternal God, the brightness of the Father's glory, of one substance and equal with him who made the world, who upholdeth and governeth all things he hath made: did when the fullness of time was come take upon him man's nature, with all the essential properties, and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin: being conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit coming down upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowing her, and so was made of a woman, of the tribe of Judah, of the seed of Abraham, and David according to the Scriptures: so that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, were inseparably joined together in one person: without conversion, composition, or confusion: which person is very God and very man; yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man.

3. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, in the person of the Son, was sanctified, anointed with the Holy Spirit, above measure; having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell: to the end that being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace, and truth, he might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a mediator and surety; which office he took not upon himself, but was thereunto called by his Father; who also put all power and judgment in his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same.

4. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake, which that he might discharge he was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill it, and underwent the punishment due to us, which we should have born and suffered, being made sin and a curse for us: enduring most grievous sorrows in his soul; and most painful sufferings in his body; was crucified, and died, and remained in the state of the dead; yet saw no corruption: on the third day he arose from the dead, with the same body in which he suffered; with which he also ascended into heaven: and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father, making intercession; and shall return to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.

5. The Lord Jesus by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of God, procured reconciliation, and purchased an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.

6. Although the price of redemption was not actually paid by Christ, till after his incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefit thereof were communicated to the elect in all ages successively, from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices, wherein he was revealed, and signified to be the seed of the woman, which should bruise the serpent's head; and the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world: being the same yesterday, and today and forever.

7. Christ, in the work of mediation, acteth according to both natures, by each nature doing that which is proper to itself; yet by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature is sometimes in Scripture, attributed to the person denominated by the other nature.

8. To all those for whom Christ hath obtained eternal redemption, he doth certainly, and effectually apply, and communicate the same; making intercession for them, uniting them to himself by his Spirit, revealing unto them, in and by the Word, the mystery of salvation; persuading them to believe, and obey, governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit, and overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power, and wisdom; in such manner, and ways as are most consonant to his wonderful, and unsearchable dispensation; and all of free, and absolute grace, without any condition foreseen in them, to procure it.

9. This office of Mediator between God and man, is proper only to Christ, who is the Prophet, Priest, and King of the church of God; and may not be either in whole, or any part thereof transferred from him to any other.

10. This number and order of offices is necessary; for in respect of our ignorance, we stand in need of his prophetical office; and in respect of our alienation from God, and imperfection of the best of our services, we need his priestly office, to reconcile us, and present us acceptable unto God: and in respect to our averseness, and utter inability to return to God, and for our rescue, and security from our spiritual adversaries, we need his kingly office, to convince, subdue, draw, uphold, deliver, and preserve us to his heavenly kingdom.

Scripture proofs

Isa. 42:1; 1 Peter 1:19–20.
Isa. 42:1 “Behold, My Servant, I take hold of him, My Chosen One, [in whom] My soul delights; I have put My Spirit upon Him, and He will bring forth justice to the nations.
1 Peter 1:19–20 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, 20 having been foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but having been made manifest in the last times on account of you⁺,
Acts 3:22.
Acts 3:22 Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺.
Heb. 5:5–6.
Heb. 5:5–6 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” 6 Just as that, He also says in another [place]: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Ps. 2:6; Luke 1:33.
Ps. 2:6 “And I have installed My King on Zion, the mountain of My holiness.”
Luke 1:33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob to the ages. And of His kingdom there will be no end!”
Eph. 1:22–23.
Eph. 1:22–23 22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One filling all in all.
Heb. 1:2.
Heb. 1:2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,
Acts 17:31.
Acts 17:31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”
Isa. 53:10; John 17:6; Rom. 8:30.
Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.
John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.
Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.
John 1:14; Gal. 4:4.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,
Rom. 8:3; Heb. 2:14, 16–17; Heb. 4:15.
Rom. 8:3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,
Heb. 2:14, 16–17 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham. 17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.
Luke 1:27, 31, 35.
Luke 1:27, 31, 35 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name [was] Joseph, of the house of David. And the name of the virgin [was] Mary. 31 And behold, you will conceive in womb and will give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. 35 And answering, the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also the Holy One being born will be called Son of God.
Rom. 9:5; 1 Tim. 2:5
Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.
1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Ps. 45:7; Acts 10:38; John 3:34.
Ps. 45:7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; upon thus, God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.
Acts 10:38 Jesus from Nazareth—how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power—who went about doing good and healing all those being oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.
John 3:34 For the One whom God sent speaks the words of God, for He gives the Spirit without measure.
Col. 2:3.
Col. 2:3 in whom are hidden away all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.
Col. 1:19.
Col. 1:19 because all the fullness was well pleased to dwell in Him,
Heb. 7:26.
Heb. 7:26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens,
John 1:14.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Heb. 7:22.
Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Heb. 5:5.
Heb. 5:5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.”
John 5:22, 27; Matt. 28:18; Acts 2:36.
John 5:22, 27 22 For the Father judges no one, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 27 And He gave Him authority to do judgment, because He is the Son of Man.
Matt. 28:18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me.
Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you⁺ crucified.”
Ps. 40:7–8; Heb. 10:5–10; John 10:18.
Ps. 40:7–8 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come—in the roll of the book it is written of me. 8 I have delighted to do Your will, O my God, and Your law [is] in the midst of my heart.”
Heb. 10:5–10 5 Therefore, coming into the world, He says: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and concerning sin [offerings] You were not well pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the scroll of the book it has been written about Me—to do Your will, O God.’” 8 Saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and [those] for sin You did not desire, nor were You well pleased” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first so that He might establish the second, 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
John 10:18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. This commandment I received from My Father.”
Gal 4:4; Matt. 3:15.
Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,
Matt. 3:15 But answering, Jesus said to him, “Permit [it] presently; for thus it is fitting to us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permits Him.
Gal. 3:13; Isa. 53:6; 1 Peter 3:18.
Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”
Isa. 53:6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all.
1 Peter 3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,
2 Cor. 5:21.
2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Matt. 26:37–38; Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46.
Matt. 26:37–38 37 And having taken with [Him] Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.”
Luke 22:44 And having been in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like large drops of blood falling down upon the ground.
Matt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”
Acts 13:37.
Acts 13:37 But the One God raised up did not see decay.
1 Cor. 15:3–4.
1 Cor. 15:3–4 3 For I delivered to you⁺ as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
John 20:25, 27.
John 20:25, 27 25 Therefore the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and I put my finger into the mark of the nails, and I put my hands into His side, I will never believe.” 27 Then He says to Thomas, “Bring your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and put [it] into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.”
Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9–11.
Mark 16:19 Therefore indeed the Lord Jesus, after speaking to them, was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God.
Acts 1:9–11 9 And having said these things, [in] their looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their eyes. 10 And as they were looking intently into heaven [in] His going, then behold, two men in white apparel stood by them, 11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”
Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24.
Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.
Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,
Acts 10:42; Rom. 14:9–10; Acts 1:11.
Acts 10:42 And He instructed us to proclaim to the people and to testify fully that He is the One having been appointed by God [as] Judge of the living and the dead.
Rom. 14:9–10 9 For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why also do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
Acts 1:11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”
Heb. 9:14; Heb. 10:14; Rom. 3:25–26.
Heb. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!
Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.
Rom. 3:25–26 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.
John 17:2; Heb. 9:15.
John 17:2 as You gave to Him authority over all flesh, so that all whom You have given to Him, He may give to them eternal life.
Heb. 9:15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
1 Cor. 4:10; Heb. 4:2; 1 Peter 1:10–11.
1 Cor. 4:10 We [are] fools on account of Christ, but you⁺ [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but you⁺ [are] strong; you⁺ [are] glorious, but we [are] without honor.
Heb. 4:2 For also we are [those] having had the gospel proclaimed, even as also those; but the word of [their] hearing did not profit those not having been united with the faith of those having heard.
1 Peter 1:10–11 10 Concerning this salvation the prophets sought out and searched out, those having prophesied concerning the grace unto you⁺, 11 searching into what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them was making evident, testifying beforehand unto the sufferings of Christ and the glories after these,
Rev. 13:8.
Rev. 13:8 And all dwelling on the earth will worship it, [everyone] whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world.
Heb. 13:8.
Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and to the ages.
John 3:13; Acts 20:28.
John 3:13 And no one has gone up into heaven except the One having come down out of heaven, the Son of Man.
Acts 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you⁺ as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with [His] own blood.
John 6:37; John 10:15–16; John 17:9.
John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out.
John 10:15–16 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd.
John 17:9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours.
John 17:6; Eph. 1:9; 1 John 5:20.
John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.
Eph. 1:9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him
1 John 5:20 Now we know that the Son of God is come, and He has given to us understanding, so that we may know the One who [is] true; and we are in the One who [is] true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Rom. 8:9, 14.
Rom. 8:9, 14 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Ps. 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25–26.
Ps. 110:1 A Psalm of David. An utterance of YHWH to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”
1 Cor. 15:25–26 25 For it is necessary for Him to reign until He shall have put all the enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy to be made null [is] death.
John 3:8; Eph. 1:8.
John 3:8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know from where it comes and where it goes. Thus is everyone having been born of the Spirit.”
Eph. 1:8 which He abounded to us in all wisdom and understanding,
1 Tim. 2:5.
1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
John 1:18.
John 1:18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.
Col. 1:21; Gal. 5:17.
Col. 1:21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works—
Gal. 5:17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.
John 16:8; Ps. 110:3; Luke 1:74–75.
John 16:8 And having come, He will convict the world concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment:
Ps. 110:3 Your people [are] freewill offerings in the day of your might, in the splendors of holiness; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth [is] unto you.
Luke 1:74–75 74 having been saved from the hand of [our] enemies, to serve Him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator79 shared proof texts · 14 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 5212 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 4211 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World8 shared proof texts · 14 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 3712 shared proof texts · shared topic

The Trinity Providence Creation Person & Natures of Christ Offices of Christ Christ's Humiliation & Exaltation The Mediator & Redeemer Atonement & the Cross Grace Sanctification & Good Works The Holy Spirit The Church Word & Scripture Eternal Life & Heaven Limited Atonement Solus Christus TULIP The Five Solas Union with Christ (Unio Mystica)

Chapter 9: Of Free Will

1. God hath endued the will of man, with that natural liberty, and power of acting upon choice; that it is neither forced, nor by any necessity of nature determined to do good or evil.

2. Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom, and power, to will and to do that which was good, and well-pleasing to God, but yet was mutable, so that he might fall from it.

3. Man by his fall into a state of sin hath wholly lost all ability of will, to any spiritual good accompanying salvation; so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself; or to prepare himself thereunto.

4. When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin, and by his grace alone, enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good; yet so as that by reason of his remaining corruptions he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good; but doth also will that which is evil.

5. This will of man is made perfectly, and immutably free to good alone, in the state of glory only.

Scripture proofs

Matt. 17:12; James 1:14; Deut. 30:19.
Matt. 17:12 But I say to you⁺ that Elijah did already come, and they did not know him, but they did to him whatever they wanted. Thus also the Son of Man is about to suffer under them.”
James 1:14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire.
Deut. 30:19 I call as witnesses against you⁺ today the heavens and the earth [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, that you may live—you and your seed,
Eccl. 7:29.
Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.
Gen. 3:6.
Gen. 3:6 And the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes and the tree [was] desirable to make one wise. And she took from its fruit and ate, and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.
Rom. 5:6; Rom. 8:7.
Rom. 5:6 Still indeed Christ, [in] our still being weak, according to the right time, died for the ungodly.
Rom. 8:7 because the mind of the flesh [is] hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for [it is] not even able.
Eph. 2:1, 5.
Eph. 2:1, 5 1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins— 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved—
Titus 3:3–5; John 6:44.
Titus 3:3–5 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, being in slavery to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,
John 6:44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day.
Col. 1:13; John 8:36.
Col. 1:13 who delivered us from the authority of darkness and transferred [us] into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
John 8:36 Therefore if the Son shall set you⁺ free, you⁺ will be really free.
Phil. 2:13.
Phil. 2:13 For God is the One working in you⁺ both to will and to work on behalf of [His] good pleasure.
Rom. 7:15, 18–19, 21, 23.
Rom. 7:15, 18–19, 21, 23 15 For what I carry out, I do not understand. For what I want, this I do not practice; but what I hate, this I do. 18 For I know that there does not dwell in me—that is, in my flesh—good. For to want is present with me, but not to carry out the good. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do; but the evil that I do not want, this I practice. 21 I find, then, the law in my wanting to do good, that evil is present with me. 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.
Eph. 4:13.
Eph. 4:13 until we all may come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

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The Fall & Original Sin Sin, Guilt & Misery Salvation Grace Liberty of Conscience & Free Will TULIP Total Depravity

Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling

1. Those whom God hath predestinated unto life, he is pleased, in his appointed, and accepted time, effectually to call, by his Word, and Spirit, out of that state of sin, and death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds, spiritually, and savingly to understand the things of God; taking away their heart of stone, and giving to them a heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and by his almighty power determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ; yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by his grace.

2. This effectual call is of God's free, and special grace alone, not from anything at all foreseen in man, nor from any power, or agency in the creature, coworking with his special grace, the creature being wholly passive therein, being dead in sins and trespasses, until being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit; he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it, and that by no less power, than that which raised up Christ from the dead.

3. Elect infants dying in infancy, are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit; who works when, and where, and how he pleaseth; so also are all other elect persons, who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word.

4. Others not elected, although they may be called by the ministry of the Word, and may have some common operations of the Spirit, yet not being effectually drawn by the Father, they neither will nor can truly come to Christ, and therefore cannot be saved: much less can men that receive not the Christian religion be saved; be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature and the law of that religion they do profess.

Scripture proofs

Rom. 8:30; Rom. 11:7; Eph. 1:10–11; 2 Thess. 2:13–14.
Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.
Rom. 11:7 What then? What Israel seeks after, this it did not obtain, but the elect obtained [it]. And the rest were hardened,
Eph. 1:10–11 10 for the administration of the fullness of the times, to bring together all things in Christ—the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth— 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will
2 Thess. 2:13–14 13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, 14 to which also He called you⁺ through our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph. 2:1–6.
Eph. 2:1–6 1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins— 2 in which once you⁺ walked according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His much love with which He loved us, 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
Acts 26:18; Eph. 1:17–18.
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, [that] they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in Me.’
Eph. 1:17–18 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you⁺ a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Ezek. 36:26.
Ezek. 36:26 And I will give to you⁺ a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you⁺; and I will take away the heart of stone from your⁺ flesh, and I will give to you⁺ a heart of flesh.
Deut. 30:6; Ezek. 36:27; Eph. 1:19.
Deut. 30:6 And YHWH your God will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.
Ezek. 36:27 And My Spirit I will put within you⁺, and I will make [it] that you⁺ will walk in My statutes and My ordinances you⁺ will keep and you⁺ will do [them].
Eph. 1:19 and what [is] the surpassing greatness of His power to us, those believing, according to the working of the power of His strength,
Ps. 110:3; Song 1:4.
Ps. 110:3 Your people [are] freewill offerings in the day of your might, in the splendors of holiness; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth [is] unto you.
Song 1:4 Draw me after you, let us run! The king has brought me [into] his chambers. We will rejoice and will be glad in you; we will cause your love to be remembered more than wine; rightly do they love you.
2 Tim. 1:9; Eph. 2:8.
2 Tim. 1:9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,
1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:5; John 5:25.
1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
Eph. 2:5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved—
John 5:25 Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that an hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those having heard will live.
Eph. 1:19–20.
Eph. 1:19–20 19 and what [is] the surpassing greatness of His power to us, those believing, according to the working of the power of His strength, 20 which He worked in Christ, having raised Him out from the dead, and having seated [Him] at His right hand in the heavenly realms,
John 3:3, 5–6.
John 3:3, 5–6 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born from above, he is not able to see the kingdom of God.” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That having been born of the flesh is flesh, and that having been born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:8.
John 3:8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know from where it comes and where it goes. Thus is everyone having been born of the Spirit.”
Matt. 22:14; Matt. 13:20–21; Heb. 6:4–5.
Matt. 22:14 For many are called, but few chosen.”
Matt. 13:20–21 20 And that having been sown upon the rocky [places], this is the one hearing the word and immediately receiving it with joy. 21 And he has no root in himself, but is temporary. But [on] tribulation or persecution having come because of the word, immediately he is caused to stumble.
Heb. 6:4–5 4 For [it is] impossible for those once having been enlightened, and having tasted of the heavenly gift, and having become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and having tasted the goodness of God’s word and the power [of] the coming age—
John 6:44–45, 65; 1 John 2:24–25.
John 6:44–45, 65 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”
1 John 2:24–25 24 You⁺, let that which you⁺ heard from the beginning remain in you⁺. If that which you⁺ heard from the beginning should remain in you⁺, you⁺ also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He promised us: eternal life.
Acts 4:12; John 4:22; John 17:3.
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”
John 4:22 You⁺ worship what you⁺ do not know; we worship what we know, because salvation is of the Jews.
John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent.

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Decrees & Predestination Salvation Grace Effectual Calling & Regeneration Irresistible Grace Sola Gratia TULIP The Five Solas

Chapter 11: Of Justification

1. Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth, not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting, and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing Christ's active obedience unto the whole law, and passive obedience in his death for their whole and sole righteousness, they receiving, and resting on him, and his righteousness, by faith, which faith they have not of themselves; it is the gift of God.

2. Faith thus receiving and resting on Christ, and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification: yet is not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.

3. Christ, by his obedience, and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are justified; and did by the sacrifice of himself, in the blood of his cross, undergoing in their stead, the penalty due unto them: make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in their behalf: yet in as much as he was given by the Father for them, and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead, and both freely, not for anything in them; their justification is only of free grace, that both the exact justice and rich grace of God, might be glorified in the justification of sinners.

4. God did from all eternity decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did in the fullness of time die for their sins, and rise again for their justification; nevertheless, they are not justified personally, until the Holy Spirit, doth in due time actually apply Christ unto them.

5. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified, and although they can never fall from the state of justification; yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure; and in that condition, they have not usually the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith, and repentance.

6. The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament.

Scripture proofs

Rom. 3:24; Rom. 8:30.
Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,
Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.
Rom. 4:5–8; Eph. 1:7.
Rom. 4:5–8 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”
Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,
1 Cor. 1:30–31; Rom. 5:17–19.
1 Cor. 1:30–31 30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”
Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.
Phil. 3:8–9; Eph. 2:8–10.
Phil. 3:8–9 8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,
Eph. 2:8–10 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
John 1:12; Rom. 5:17.
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,
Rom. 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ!
Rom. 3:28.
Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.
Gal.5:6; James 2:17, 22, 26.
Gal.5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but faith working through love.
James 2:17, 22, 26 17 So also, faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself. 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and by works, faith was perfected. 26 For just as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Heb. 10:14; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Isa. 53:5–6.
Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.
1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,
Isa. 53:5–6 5 And he [was] pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace [was] upon Him, and by His stripes there is healing for us. 6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all.
Rom. 8:32; 2 Cor. 5:21.
Rom. 8:32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?
2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Rom. 3:26; Eph. 1:6–7; Eph. 2:7.
Rom. 3:26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.
Eph. 1:6–7 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One, 7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,
Eph. 2:7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Gal. 3:8; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 2:6.
Gal. 3:8 Now the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham: “All the nations will be blessed in you.”
1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.
1 Tim. 2:6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,
Rom. 4:25.
Rom. 4:25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.
Col. 1:21–22; Titus 3:4–7.
Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,
Titus 3:4–7 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Matt. 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9.
Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
1 John 1:7, 9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
John 10:28.
John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
Ps. 89:31–33.
Ps. 89:31–33 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes. 33 And I will not break off My loving devotion from him, and I will not be false in My faithfulness.
Ps. 32:5; Ps. 51; Matt. 26:75.
Ps. 32:5 I made known to You my sin, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will make confession over my transgressions to YHWH,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, [He] having said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And having gone out, he wept bitterly.
Psalm 51 on BibleHub ↗
Gal. 3:9; Rom. 4:22–24.
Gal. 3:9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham.
Rom. 4:22–24 22 Therefore also “it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead,

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification49 shared proof texts · 10 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 7014 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Heidelberg Catechism · Question 6013 shared proof texts · 6 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 7112 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful9 shared proof texts · 9 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

God's Goodness & Mercy Decrees & Predestination Sin, Guilt & Misery Atonement & the Cross Grace Saving Faith Justification Sola Fide Sola Gratia The Five Solas

Chapter 12: Of Adoption

1. All those that are justified, God vouchsafed, in and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption, by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties, and privileges of children of God, have his name put on them, receive the Spirit of adoption, have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are enabled to cry, Abba, Father, are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by him as by a father; yet never cast off; but sealed to the day of redemption, and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation.

Scripture proofs

Eph. 1:5; Gal. 4:4–5.
Eph. 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
Gal. 4:4–5 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law, 5 that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
John 1:12; Rom. 8:17.
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,
Rom. 8:17 and if children, also heirs: heirs indeed of God, and co-heirs of Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him], so that we may also be glorified with [Him].
2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 3:12.
2 Cor. 6:18 And: “I will be for a Father to you⁺, and you⁺ will be for sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.”
Rev. 3:12 The one overcoming, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall not go out anymore. And I will write upon him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.
Rom. 8:15.
Rom. 8:15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Gal. 4:6; Eph. 2:18.
Gal. 4:6 And because you⁺ are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
Eph. 2:18 For through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ps. 103:13.
Ps. 103:13 As a father has compassion for [his] children, [so] YHWH has compassion for those fearing Him.
Prov. 14:26
Prov. 14:26 In the fear of YHWH confidence [is] strong, and for his sons there is a refuge.
1 Peter 5:7.
1 Peter 5:7 having cast all your⁺ anxiety on Him, because with Him there is care about you⁺.
Heb. 12:6.
Heb. 12:6 For the Lord disciplines whom He loves, and He scourges every son whom He receives.”
Isa. 54:8–9; Lam. 3:31.
Isa. 54:8–9 8 in a flood of wrath I hid My face [for] a moment from you, and with kindness everlasting I will have compassion on you,” says YHWH your Redeemer. 9 “For to Me this [is] the days of Noah, as when I swore to keep from passing the waters of Noah again over the earth—so have I sworn from being be angry with you and from giving rebuke to you.
Lam. 3:31 For the Lord will not reject [us] forever;
Eph. 4:30.
Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption.
Heb. 1:14; Heb. 6:12.
Heb. 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits being sent forth for service for the sake of those being about to inherit salvation?
Heb. 6:12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.

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Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 12: Of Adoption17 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 7413 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Heidelberg Catechism · Question 334 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 813 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Salvation Grace Justification Adoption

Chapter 13: Of Sanctification

1. They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart, and a new spirit created in them, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection; are also farther sanctified, really, and personally, through the same virtue, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them; the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened, and mortified, and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

2. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man, yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part, whence arises a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.

3. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail; yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pressing after a heavenly life, in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ as Head and King, in his Word hath prescribed to them.

Scripture proofs

Acts 20:32; Rom. 6:5–6.
Acts 20:32 And now I commit you⁺ to God and to the word of His grace, being able to build [you] up and to give you an inheritance among all those having been sanctified.
Rom. 6:5–6 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin.
John 17:17; Eph. 3:16–19; 1 Thess. 5:21–23.
John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
Eph. 3:16–19 16 that He might give to you⁺ according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love, 18 that you⁺ may be fully able, with all the saints, to comprehend what [is] the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ surpassing knowledge, that you⁺ may be filled to all the fullness of God.
1 Thess. 5:21–23 21 but test all things. Hold fast to the good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you⁺ completely, and may your⁺ entire spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 6:14.
Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.
Gal. 5:24.
Gal. 5:24 Now those of Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with the passions and the desires.
Col. 1:11.
Col. 1:11 being empowered with all power according to the power of His glory unto all endurance and patience, with joy
2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14.
2 Cor. 7:1 Therefore having these promises, beloved, we should cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Heb. 12:14 Pursue peace with all, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord,
1 Thess. 5:23.
1 Thess. 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you⁺ completely, and may your⁺ entire spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 7:18, 23.
Rom. 7:18, 23 18 For I know that there does not dwell in me—that is, in my flesh—good. For to want is present with me, but not to carry out the good. 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.
Gal. 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11.
Gal. 5:17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.
1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I exhort [you], as foreigners and sojourners, to abstain from fleshly desires, which war against the soul,
Rom. 7:23.
Rom. 7:23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.
Rom. 6:14.
Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.
Eph. 4:15–16; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Cor. 7:1.
Eph. 4:15–16 15 But speaking the truth in love, we should grow in all things into Him who is the head, Christ, 16 from whom all the body, being fit together and being knit together by every joint of [its] supply, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.
2 Cor. 3:18 And we all, having been unveiled in face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.
2 Cor. 7:1 Therefore having these promises, beloved, we should cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

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Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification20 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 7511 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints7 shared proof texts Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 656 shared proof texts Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1955 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will5 shared proof texts

God's Goodness & Mercy Effectual Calling & Regeneration Sanctification & Good Works Satan, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare

Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith

1. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts; and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word; by which also, and by the administration of baptism, and the Lord's Supper, prayer, and other means appointed of God, it is increased and strengthened.

2. By this faith a Christian believeth to be true, whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself; and also apprehendeth an excellency therein, above all other writings; and all things in the world: as it bears forth the glory of God in his attributes, the excellency of Christ in his nature and offices, and the power and fullness of the Holy Spirit in his workings, and operations; and so is enabled to cast his soul upon the truth thus believed; and also acteth differently, upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God, for this life, and that which is to come: but the principal acts of saving faith have immediate relation to Christ, accepting, receiving, and resting upon him alone, for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.

3. This faith although it be in different degrees, and may be weak, or strong; yet it is in the least degree of it, different in the kind, or nature of it (as is all other saving grace) from the faith, and common grace of temporary believers; and therefore though it may be many times assailed, and weakened; yet it gets the victory; growing up in many, to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith.

Scripture proofs

2 Cor. 4:13; Eph. 2:8.
2 Cor. 4:13 But having the same spirit of faith according to that having been written: “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, and therefore we speak,
Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,
Rom. 10:14, 17.
Rom. 10:14, 17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.
Luke 17:5; 1 Peter 2:2; Acts 20:32.
Luke 17:5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Add to our faith!”
1 Peter 2:2 like newborn babies, long for the reasonable, unspoiled milk, so that in it you⁺ may grow up into salvation,
Acts 20:32 And now I commit you⁺ to God and to the word of His grace, being able to build [you] up and to give you an inheritance among all those having been sanctified.
Acts 24:14.
Acts 24:14 But I confess this to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things throughout the Law and that have been written in the Prophets,
Ps. 19:7–10; Ps. 119:72.
Ps. 19:7–10 7 The law of YHWH [is] perfect, refreshing the soul; the testimony of YHWH [is] sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of YHWH [are] straight, making glad the heart; the commandment of YHWH [is] pure, bringing light to the eyes. 9 The fear of YHWH is pure, standing forever; the judgments of YHWH [are] true, being righteous altogether, 10 being desired above gold, and much above pure gold, and sweeter than honey and flowing honey from the honeycomb.
Ps. 119:72 The law from Your mouth [is] better to me than thousands of gold and silver.
2 Tim 1:12.
2 Tim 1:12 Because of this reason I also suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to guard my deposit entrusted for that day.
John 15:14.
John 15:14 You⁺ are My friends if you⁺ do what I command you⁺.
Isa. 66:2.
Isa. 66:2 And all these [things] My own hand has made, and all these [things] have come to be!” a declaration of YHWH. “And to this one I will look: To the poor and stricken one in spirit, and [who] trembles at My word.
Heb. 11:13.
Heb. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having welcomed [them], and having confessed that they are strangers and sojourners on the earth.
John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Gal. 2:20; Acts 15:11.
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,
Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”
Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.
Acts 15:11 But we believe to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner [as] they also.”
Heb. 5:13–14; Matt. 6:30; Rom. 4:19–20.
Heb. 5:13–14 13 For everyone partaking of milk [is] inexperienced in the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, the ones by constant use having trained the senses for distinguishing both good and evil.
Matt. 6:30 But if God thus clothes the grass of the field, being today and tomorrow being thrown into the furnace, [will He] not much more you⁺, O little of faith?
Rom. 4:19–20 19 And not having become weak in the faith, he considered his body already having become dead, being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 Yet he did not doubt in unbelief in the promise of God, but was empowered in faith, having given glory to God,
2 Peter 1:1.
2 Peter 1:1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those having obtained a faith equally precious with ours, through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
Eph. 6:16; 1 John 5:4–5.
Eph. 6:16 in all, having taken up the shield of faith, in which you⁺ will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
1 John 5:4–5 4 For everyone having been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory having overcome the world: our faith. 5 Now who is the one overcoming the world, except the one believing that Jesus is the Son of God?
Heb. 6:11–12; Col. 2:2.
Heb. 6:11–12 11 And we desire each of you⁺ to show the same diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end, 12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.
Col. 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and to all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God: Christ,
Heb. 12:2.
Heb. 12:2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who in view of the joy lying before Him endured the cross, having despised [its] shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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Grace Saving Faith The Holy Spirit Sola Fide The Five Solas

Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation

1. Such of the elect that are converted at riper years, having for sometimes lived in the state of nature, and therein served divers lusts and pleasures, God in their effectual calling giveth them repentance unto life.

2. Whereas there is none that doth good, and sinneth not, and the best of men may, through the power, and deceitfulness of their corruption dwelling in them, with the prevalency of temptation, fall into great sins and provocations; God hath in the covenant of grace, mercifully provided that believers so sinning and falling, be renewed through repentance unto salvation.

3. This saving repentance is an evangelical grace, whereby a person, being by the Holy Spirit made sensible of the manifold evils of his sin, doth, by faith in Christ, humble himself for it, with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrency, praying for pardon and strength of grace, with a purpose and endeavor by supplies of the Spirit, to walk before God unto all well pleasing in all things.

4. As repentance is to be continued through the whole course of our lives, upon the account of the body of death, and the motions thereof; so it is every man's duty to repent of his particular known sins particularly.

5. Such is the provision which God hath made through Christ in the covenant of grace, for the preservation of believers unto salvation, that although there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation; yet there is no sin so great, that it shall bring damnation on them that repent; which makes the constant preaching of repentance necessary.

Scripture proofs

Titus 3:2–5.
Titus 3:2–5 2 to speak evil of no one, to be not quarrelsome, gentle, showing all meekness toward all men. 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, being in slavery to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,
Eccl. 7:20.
Eccl. 7:20 For [there is] not a righteous man on the earth who does good and does not sin.
Luke 22:31–32.
Luke 22:31–32 31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked for all of you⁺ to sift like wheat. 32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Zech. 12:10; Acts 11:18.
Zech. 12:10 And I will pour out on the house of David and on those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication, and they will look on Me, whom they have pierced. And they will mourn for Him, like the mourning over the only one, and grieving over Him like the grieving over a firstborn.
Acts 11:18 And having heard these things, they were silent and glorified God, saying, “Then indeed God has given also to the Gentiles repentance unto life.”
Ezek. 36:31; 2 Cor. 7:11.
Ezek. 36:31 And you⁺ will remember your⁺ evil ways and your⁺ deeds that [were] not good, and you⁺ will loathe in your⁺ faces over your⁺ iniquities and over your⁺ abominations.
2 Cor. 7:11 For behold how much earnestness this same thing—to have been grieved according to God—produced in you⁺: but defense, but indignation, but fear, but longing, but zeal, but avenging! In everything, you⁺ commended yourselves to be innocent in the matter.
Ps. 119:6, 128.
Ps. 119:6, 128 6 Then I would not be ashamed, in my looking to all Your commandments. 128 Upon thus, all the precepts I have declared wholly right; every path of deception I hate.
Luke 19:8; 1 Tim. 1:13, 15.
Luke 19:8 But having stood, Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I give to the poor; and if I defrauded anything of anyone, I repay [it] fourfold.”
1 Tim. 1:13, 15 13 formerly being a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and insolent; but I was shown mercy, because, being ignorant, I did [it] in unbelief. 15 Trustworthy [is] the word, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
Rom. 6:23.
Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isa. 1:16–18; Isa. 55:7.
Isa. 1:16–18 16 Wash, cleanse yourselves; turn aside the evil of your⁺ deeds from before My eyes. Cease to do evil. 17 Learn to do good, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, bring justice for the fatherless, contend for the widow.” 18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” says YHWH. “Though your⁺ sins may be like scarlet, they will be white like snow; though they are red like crimson, they will become like wool.
Isa. 55:7 Let the wicked one forsake his way, and the man of iniquity his thoughts; and let him return to YHWH, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Parallel passages (6+)

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Sin, Guilt & Misery The Covenant Salvation Grace Saving Faith Repentance & Conversion Hell & Punishment

Chapter 16: Of Good Works

1. Good works are only such as God hath commanded in his Holy Word; and not such as without the warrant thereof, are devised by men out of blind zeal, or upon any pretense of good intentions.

2. These good works, done in obedience to God's commandments, are the fruits, and evidences of a true and lively faith; and by them believers manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God, whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto, that having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end eternal life.

3. Their ability to do good works, is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ; and that they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is necessary an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit, to work in them and to will, and to do of his good pleasure; yet they are 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.

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.

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; but when we have done all we can, we have done but our duty, and are unprofitable servants; and because as they are good they proceed from his Spirit, 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.

6. Yet notwithstanding the persons of believers being accepted through Christ, their good works also are accepted in him; not as though they were in this life wholly unblamable and unreprovable in God's sight; 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.

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; yet because they proceed not from a heart purified by faith, nor are done in a right manner according to the Word, nor to a right end, the glory of God; they are therefore sinful and cannot please God; nor make a man meet to receive grace from God; and yet their neglect of them is more sinful and displeasing to God.

Scripture proofs

Mic. 6:8; Heb. 13:21.
Mic. 6:8 He has shown to you, O man, what [is] good. And what does YHWH seek from you, but to do justice and to love kindness, and to be humble to walk with your God?
Heb. 13:21 equip you⁺ in everything good in order to do His will, doing in us that which [is] well pleasing before Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] the glory to the ages of the ages. Amen.
Matt. 15:9; Isa. 29:13.
Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”
Isa. 29:13 And YHWH says, “Because that this people draws near with its mouth, and honors Me with its lips, and its heart has grown far away from Me, and their reverence toward Me is a commandment taught by men.
James 2:18, 22.
James 2:18, 22 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show to me your faith without works, and I will show to you faith by my works. 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and by works, faith was perfected.
Ps. 116:12–13.
Ps. 116:12–13 12 What shall I return to YHWH; all His benefits [are] upon me? 13 I will take up the cup of salvation, and upon the name of YHWH I will call.
1 John 2:3, 5; 2 Peter 1:5–11.
1 John 2:3, 5 3 And by this we know that we have known Him, if we may keep His commandments. 5 But whoever may keep His word, truly in him the love of God has been perfected. In this we know that we are in Him:
2 Peter 1:5–11 5 Now also for this very [reason], having brought in all diligence, supply in your⁺ faith virtue, and in virtue knowledge, 6 and in knowledge self-control, and in self-control perseverance, and in perseverance godliness, 7 and in godliness brotherly affection, and in brotherly affection love. 8 For these things being in you⁺ and abounding make [you] neither idle nor unfruitful in regard to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For in whomever these things are not present, he is blind, being shortsighted, having received forgetfulness of the cleansing [from] his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble. 11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you⁺.
Matt. 5:16.
Matt. 5:16 Thus let your⁺ light shine before men, so that they may see your⁺ good works and may glorify your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens.
1 Tim. 6:1; 1 Peter 2:15; Phil. 1:11.
1 Tim. 6:1 As many as are under a yoke [as] slaves, let them esteem [their] own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed.
1 Peter 2:15 because the will of God is this: doing good, to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men,
Phil. 1:11 being filled with the fruit of righteousness that [is] through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Eph. 2:10.
Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Rom. 6:22.
Rom. 6:22 But now, having been set free from sin and having become slaves to God, you⁺ have your⁺ fruit unto sanctification, and the end [is] eternal life.
John 15:4, 6.
John 15:4, 6 4 Remain in Me, and I in you⁺. As the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither you⁺, unless you⁺ remain in Me. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like the branch and is dried up; and they gather them and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.
2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 2:13.
2 Cor. 3:5 Not that we are sufficient from ourselves to reckon anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency [is] of God,
Phil. 2:13 For God is the One working in you⁺ both to will and to work on behalf of [His] good pleasure.
Phil. 2:12; Heb. 6:11–12; Isa. 64:7.
Phil. 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, just as always you⁺ obeyed, not only as in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Heb. 6:11–12 11 And we desire each of you⁺ to show the same diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end, 12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.
Isa. 64:7 And no one is calling on Your name, stirring himself up to take hold of You; for You have hidden Your face from us, and delivered us into the hand of our iniquities.
Job 9:2–3; Gal. 5:17; Luke 17:10.
Job 9:2–3 2 “Truly I know that [it is] so. But how can a man be righteous with God? 3 If one was delighted to contend with Him, he could not answer Him one [time] out of a thousand.
Gal. 5:17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.
Luke 17:10 Thus also you⁺, when you⁺ may have done all the [things] having been directed you⁺, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have done that which we were obligated to do.’”
Rom. 3:20; Eph. 2:8–9; Rom. 4:6.
Rom. 3:20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin.
Eph. 2:8–9 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.
Rom. 4:6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works:
Gal. 5:22–23.
Gal. 5:22–23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Isa. 64:6; Ps. 143:2.
Isa. 64:6 And all of us have become like an unclean one, all our righteous acts [are] as a filthy rag; and all of us wither like the leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.
Ps. 143:2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for not anyone alive is righteous before Your face.
Eph. 1:6; 1 Peter 2:5.
Eph. 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,
1 Peter 2:5 you yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house into a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Matt. 25:21, 23; Heb. 6:10.
Matt. 25:21, 23 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’
Heb. 6:10 For God [is] not unjust to forget your⁺ work and the love that you⁺ showed for His name, having ministered to the saints, and [still] ministering.
2 Kings 10:30; 1 Kings 21:27, 29.
2 Kings 10:30 And YHWH said to Jehu, “Because that you have done well in doing right in My eyes—according to all that [is] in My heart you have done to the house of Ahab—sons of the fourth shall sit unto you on the throne of Israel.”
1 Kings 21:27, 29 27 And it came to pass when Ahab heard these words that he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his body, and he fasted and lay in the sackcloth, and he walked softly. 29 “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because that he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity in his days; in the days of his son I will bring the calamity on his house.”
Gen. 4:5; Heb. 11:4, 6.
Gen. 4:5 And to Cain and to his offering He did not look with favor, and it burned to Cain exceedingly, and his face fell.
Heb. 11:4, 6 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he was testified to be righteous, God testifying about his gifts; and through it, having died, he still speaks. 6 And without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for it is necessary for the one coming to God to believe that He is and [that] He becomes a rewarder to those seeking Him out.
1 Cor. 13:1.
1 Cor. 13:1 If I should speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
Matt. 6:2, 5.
Matt. 6:2, 5 2 Therefore, when you may do charity, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you⁺, they have their reward in full. 5 And when you⁺ may pray, you⁺ shall not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets so that they might be seen by men. Truly I say to you⁺, they have their reward in full.
Amos 5:21–22; Rom. 9:16; Titus 3:5.
Amos 5:21–22 21 “I hate—I despise—your⁺ feast s, and I do not savor in your⁺ solemn assemblies! 22 Even though burnt offerings and grain offerings you⁺ send up to Me, l will not accept them, and the peace offering of your⁺ fatlings I will not regard.
Rom. 9:16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy.
Titus 3:5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,
Job 21:14–15; Matt. 25:41–43.
Job 21:14–15 14 And they said to God, ‘Turn away from us! For we do not delight to know Your ways. 15 What [is] Shaddai that we should serve Him? And what do we gain that we should meet with Him?’
Matt. 25:41–43 41 Then also He will say to those on [His] left, ‘Depart from Me, the cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I hungered, and you⁺ did not give to Me to eat; and I thirsted, and you⁺ did not give Me to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you⁺ did not take Me in; naked, and you⁺ did not clothe Me; ailing and in prison, and you⁺ did not visit Me.’

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Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works61 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 8010 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 327 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Sin, Guilt & Misery Grace Saving Faith Sanctification & Good Works Eternal Life & Heaven

Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints

1. Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, and given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved, seeing the gifts and callings of God are without repentance (whence he still begets and nourishes in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Spirit unto immortality); and though many storms and floods arise and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock which by faith they are fastened upon: notwithstanding, through unbelief and the temptations of Satan, the sensible sight of the light and love of God, may for a time be clouded, and obscured from them, yet he is still the same, and they shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto salvation, where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being engraven upon the palms of his hands, and their names having been written in the book of life from all eternity.

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; upon the efficacy of the merit and intercessions of Jesus Christ and union with him, the oath of God, the abiding of his Spirit, and the seed of God within them, and the nature of the covenant of grace; from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.

3. And though they may, through the temptation of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins, and for a time continue therein; whereby they incur God's displeasure, and grieve his Holy Spirit, come to have their graces and comforts impaired, have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded, hurt and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgments upon themselves: yet they shall renew their repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end.

Scripture proofs

John 10:28–29; Phil. 1:6; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1 John 2:19.
John 10:28–29 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the hand of the Father.
Phil. 1:6 being persuaded of this very thing, that the One having begun a good work in you⁺ will complete [it] until the day of Christ Jesus.
2 Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [it is] so that it might be made manifest that they are not all of us.
Ps. 89:31–32; 1 Cor. 11:32.
Ps. 89:31–32 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes.
1 Cor. 11:32 But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we should not be condemned with the world.
Mal. 3:6.
Mal. 3:6 “For I, YHWH, do not change; and you⁺, sons of Jacob, have not been consumed.
Rom. 8:30; Rom. 9:11, 16.
Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.
Rom. 9:11, 16 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy.
Rom. 5:9–10; John 14:19.
Rom. 5:9–10 9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath! 10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life!
John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more, but you⁺ see Me. Because I live, you⁺ also will live.
Heb. 6:17–18.
Heb. 6:17–18 17 in which God, willing to show more abundantly the unchangeableness of His purpose to the heirs of the promise, guaranteed [it] by an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which [it is] impossible [for] God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, having fled for refuge to take hold of the hope being set before [us],
1 John 3:9.
1 John 3:9 Everyone having been born of God does not do sin, because His seed remains in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.
Jer. 32:40.
Jer. 32:40 And I will make with them a covenant forever, that I will not turn away from them My doing good, and My fear I will put in their hearts, and that they will not turn aside from Me.
Matt. 26:70, 72, 74.
Matt. 26:70, 72, 74 70 And he denied [it] before all, saying, “I do not know what you say.” 72 And again he denied [it] with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 74 Then he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.
Isa. 64:5, 9; Eph. 4:30.
Isa. 64:5, 9 5 You meet the one rejoicing and doing righteousness; in Your ways they remember You. Behold, You were angry, and we had sinned; in them is continuance, then will we be saved? 9 Do not be angry, O YHWH, beyond measure, and do not remember [our] iniquity forever! Behold, please, look; we [are] all Your people!
Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ps. 51:10, 12.
Ps. 51:10, 12 10 Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit.
Ps. 32:3–4.
Ps. 32:3–4 3 When I remained silent, my bones were worn out by my groaning all the day. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my juice was overturned, [as] in the drought of summer. Selah
2 Sam. 12:14.
2 Sam. 12:14 Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for [the word] of YHWH by this deed, also the son born to you will surely die.”
Luke 22:32, 61–62.
Luke 22:32, 61–62 32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 61 And having turned, the Lord looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” 62 And having gone forth outside, he wept bitterly.

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God's Greatness Decrees & Predestination Providence Salvation Grace Saving Faith Repentance & Conversion Perseverance The Holy Spirit Perseverance of the Saints TULIP

Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

1. Although temporary believers, and other unregenerate men, may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes, and carnal presumptions of being in the favor of God, and in a state of salvation, which hope of theirs shall perish; yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love him in sincerity, endeavoring to walk in all good conscience before him, may in this life be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace; and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, which hope shall never make them ashamed.

2. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion, grounded upon a fallible hope; but an infallible assurance of faith, founded on the blood and righteousness of Christ revealed in the gospel; and also upon the inward evidence of those graces of the Spirit unto which promises are made, and on the testimony of the Spirit of adoption, witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God; and as a fruit thereof, keeping the heart both humble and holy.

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 partaker of it; 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 means attain thereunto: and therefore it is the duty of every one, to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure, that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this assurance; so far is it from inclining men to looseness.

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; yet are they never destitute of the 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: and by the which in the meantime they are preserved from utter despair.

Scripture proofs

Job 8:13–14; Matt. 7:22–23.
Job 8:13–14 13 So [are] the paths of all those forgetting God; and the hope of the godless will perish, 14 for whom his confidence shall be cut off, and his trust the house of a spider.
Matt. 7:22–23 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and [in] Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many miracles?’ 23 And then I will profess to them, ‘I never knew you⁺; depart from Me, [you] working lawlessness!’
1 John 2:3; 1 John 3:14, 18–19, 21, 24; 1 John 5:13.
1 John 2:3 And by this we know that we have known Him, if we may keep His commandments.
1 John 3:14, 18–19, 21, 24 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love [our] brothers. The one not loving remains in death. 18 Little children, may we love not in word nor in tongue, but in work and in truth. 19 And in this we will know that we are of the truth, and we will assure our heart before Him, 21 Beloved, if our heart may not condemn [us], we have confidence toward God, 24 And the one keeping His commandments remains in Him, and He in him. And in this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit whom He gave to us.
1 John 5:13 I wrote these things to you⁺, the ones believing in the name of the Son of God, so that you⁺ may know that you⁺ have eternal life.
Rom. 5:2, 5.
Rom. 5:2, 5 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 5 And hope does not put [us] to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, the One having been given to us.
Heb. 6:11, 19.
Heb. 6:11, 19 11 And we desire each of you⁺ to show the same diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end, 19 which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and firm and entering into that within the veil,
Heb. 6:17–18.
Heb. 6:17–18 17 in which God, willing to show more abundantly the unchangeableness of His purpose to the heirs of the promise, guaranteed [it] by an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which [it is] impossible [for] God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, having fled for refuge to take hold of the hope being set before [us],
2 Peter 1:4–5, 10–11.
2 Peter 1:4–5, 10–11 4 through which He has given to us the precious and magnificent promises, so that through these you⁺ might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption in the world in evil desire. 5 Now also for this very [reason], having brought in all diligence, supply in your⁺ faith virtue, and in virtue knowledge, 10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble. 11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you⁺.
Rom. 8:15–16.
Rom. 8:15–16 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
1 John 3:1–3.
1 John 3:1–3 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God—and we are! Because of this, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be was not yet made manifest. We know that if He should be made manifest, we will be like Him, for we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone having this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Isa. 50:10; Ps. 88; Ps. 77:1–12.
Isa. 50:10 Who among you⁺ fears YHWH, listening to the voice of His Servant, who has walked in darkness, and there is no no brightness unto him? Let him trust in the name of YHWH, and lean on his God.
Ps. 77:1–12 1 For the one directing. According to Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A Psalm. My voice [is] to God—indeed I cry out [with] my voice to God—and He has given ear to me. 2 In the day of my distress I sought the Lord; my hand in the night has been stretched out, and it does not slacken; my soul refuses to be comforted. 3 I remember God, and I groan; I meditate, and my spirit becomes faint. Selah 4 You hold the lids of my eyes; I am troubled, and I cannot speak. 5 I consider the days of old, the years of ages [past]. 6 I remember, my song in the night; with my heart I converse, and my spirit searches. 7 “Will the Lord forever reject [us], and not anymore will He add to show favor? 8 Has His loving devotion ceased forever? Has [His] speech come to an end to generation and generation? 9 Or has God forgotten to show favor? Has He shut up in anger His compassion?” Selah 10 and I said, “I am grieved. Has it changed—the right hand of the Most High?” 11 I will remember the deeds of YAH; indeed, I will remember Your wonder of old. 12 And I have meditated on all Your work, and I put forth Your deeds.
Psalm 88 on BibleHub ↗
1 John 4:13; Heb. 6:11–12.
1 John 4:13 In this we know that we remain in Him and He in us: because from out of His Spirit He has given to us.
Heb. 6:11–12 11 And we desire each of you⁺ to show the same diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end, 12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.
Rom. 5:1–2, 5; Rom. 14:17; Ps. 119:32.
Rom. 5:1–2, 5 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 5 And hope does not put [us] to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, the One having been given to us.
Rom. 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Ps. 119:32 The way of Your commandments I will run, for You will enlarge my heart.
Rom. 6:1–2; Titus 2:11–12, 14.
Rom. 6:1–2 1 What then will we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? 2 Never may it be! [We] who died to sin, how shall we still live in it?
Titus 2:11–12, 14 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us that having denied ungodliness and worldly passions, we should live sound-mindedly and righteously and godlily in the present age, 14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.
Song 5:2–3, 6.
Song 5:2–3, 6 2 I [was] asleep, and my heart was aroused. A sound! My beloved is knocking: “Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. For my head is full of dew, my locks of the drops of the night.” 3 I have taken off my garment—how do I put it on? I have washed my feet—how do I soil them? 6 I opened for my beloved, and my beloved had turned away [and] had gone! My heart went forth at his speaking. I sought him, and could not find him; I called [to] him, and he did not answer me.
Ps. 51:8, 12, 14.
Ps. 51:8, 12, 14 8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit. 14 Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation; my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.
Ps. 116:11; Ps. 77:7–8; Ps. 31:22.
Ps. 116:11 I said in my hastening, “Every man is a liar.”
Ps. 77:7–8 7 “Will the Lord forever reject [us], and not anymore will He add to show favor? 8 Has His loving devotion ceased forever? Has [His] speech come to an end to generation and generation?
Ps. 31:22 For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes!” Surely You heard the voice of my supplications, in my crying out to You.
Ps. 30:7.
Ps. 30:7 O YHWH, by Your favor You made my mountain stand strong; You have hidden Your face—I was dismayed.
1 John 3:9.
1 John 3:9 Everyone having been born of God does not do sin, because His seed remains in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.
Luke 22:32.
Luke 22:32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Ps. 42:5, 11.
Ps. 42:5, 11 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and in commotion within me? Wait for God, for still I will praise Him, for the salvation of His face. 11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in commotion within me? Wait for God, for still I will praise Him, the salvation of my face, and my God.
Lam. 3:26–31.
Lam. 3:26–31 26 And [it is] good to wait and be silent for the salvation of YHWH; 27 [it is] good for a man that he should bear the yoke in his youth. 28 Let him sit alone and be silent when it is laid upon him. 29 Let him put in the dust his mouth; perhaps there is hope! 30 Let him give [his] cheek to the one striking him; let him be filled with reproach! 31 For the Lord will not reject [us] forever;

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Providence Salvation Grace Saving Faith Adoption Assurance

Chapter 19: Of the Law of God

1. God gave to Adam a law of universal obedience, written in his heart, and a particular precept of not eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; by which he bound him, and all his posterity to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience; promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it, and endued him with power and ability to keep it.

2. The same law that was first written in the heart of man, continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness after the fall; and was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai, in ten commandments, and written in two tables; the four first containing our duty towards God, and the other six our duty to man.

3. Besides this law commonly called moral, God was pleased to give to the people Israel ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits; and partly holding forth divers instructions of moral duties, all which ceremonial laws being appointed only to the time of reformation, are by Jesus Christ the true Messiah and only Lawgiver, who was furnished with power from the Father, for that end, abrogated and taken away.

4. To them also he gave sundry judicial laws, which expired together with the state of that people, not obliging any now by virtue of that institution; their general equity only, being of moral use.

5. The moral law doth forever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof, and that not only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God the Creator, who gave it: neither doth Christ in the gospel any way dissolve, but much strengthen this obligation.

6. Although true believers be not under the law, as a covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned; yet it is of great use to them as well as to others: in that as a rule of life, informing them of the will of God, and their duty, it directs and binds them, to walk accordingly; discovering also the sinful pollutions of their natures, hearts, and lives; so as examining themselves thereby, they may come to further conviction of, humiliation for, and hatred against sin; together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ and the perfection of his obedience: it is likewise of use to the regenerate to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin; and the threatenings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve; and what afflictions in this life they may expect for them, although freed from the curse and unallayed rigor thereof. The promises of it likewise show them God's approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof, though not as due to them by the law as a covenant of works; so as man's doing good and refraining from evil, because the law encourageth to the one and detereth from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law and not under grace.

7. Neither are the aforementioned uses of the law contrary to the grace of the gospel; but do sweetly comply with it; the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the will of man, to do that freely and cheerfully, which the will of God revealed in the law, requireth to be done.

Scripture proofs

Gen. 1:27; Eccl. 7:29.
Gen. 1:27 And God created the man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.
Rom. 10:5.
Rom. 10:5 For Moses writes [of] the righteousness that [is] of the law, that, “The man having done these things will live in them.”
Gal. 3:10, 12.
Gal. 3:10, 12 10 For as many as are of works of the law, they are under a curse, for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things having been written in the Book of the Law, to do them.” 12 But the law is not out of faith; rather, “The one having done these things will live in them.”
Rom. 2:14–15.
Rom. 2:14–15 14 For when Gentiles, not having the law, may do by nature the things of the law, these not having a law are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]
Deut. 10:4.
Deut. 10:4 And He wrote on the tablets, according to the first writing, the Ten Words that YHWH had spoken to you⁺ in the mountain out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. And YHWH gave them to me.
Heb. 10:1; Col. 2:17.
Heb. 10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things about to be, not the image of the things themselves, every year with the same sacrifices that they offer unto perpetuity, never is able to perfect those coming near.
Col. 2:17 which are a shadow the things about to be; but the body [is] of the Christ.
1 Cor. 5:7.
1 Cor. 5:7 Cleanse out the old leaven, so that you⁺ may be a new lump, as you⁺ are, unleavened. For also Christ our Passover was sacrificed,
Col. 2:14, 16–17; Eph. 2:14, 16.
Col. 2:14, 16–17 14 having blotted out the handwriting in the decrees against us, which was adverse to us. And He has taken it out of the midst, having nailed it to the cross. 16 Therefore let no one judge you⁺ in food or in drink or in the part of a feast or of a New Moon or of Sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow the things about to be; but the body [is] of the Christ.
Eph. 2:14, 16 14 For He Himself is our peace, having made both one and having broken down the middle wall of the partition, the hostility, 16 and [that] He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, having put to death the hostility by it.
1 Cor. 9:8–10.
1 Cor. 9:8–10 8 Do I not speak these things according to man, or does the law not also say these things? 9 For in the law of Moses it has been written: “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain.” Is there care for the oxen with God? 10 Or does He speak because of us entirely? For it was written because of us, because in hope the one plowing ought to plow, and the one threshing—in hope to partake.
Rom. 13:8–10; James 2:8, 10–12.
Rom. 13:8–10 8 Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one loving the other has fulfilled the law. 9 For, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and if any other commandment, it is summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love works no evil to the neighbor; therefore love [is] the fulfillment of the law.
James 2:8, 10–12 8 If indeed you⁺ fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you⁺ are doing well. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all. 11 For the One having said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as being about to be judged by the law of freedom.
James 2:10–11.
James 2:10–11 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all. 11 For the One having said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Matt. 5:17–19; Rom. 3:31.
Matt. 5:17–19 17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you⁺, until the heaven and the earth should pass away, not even one iota, or one stroke of a letter, shall pass away from the Law, until everything should come to pass. 19 Whoever then may break one of the least of these commandments and may teach men thus, he will be called least in the kingdom of the heavens; but whoever may do and may teach [them], this one will be called great in the kingdom of the heavens.
Rom. 3:31 Do we, then, nullify the law through faith? Never may it be! Rather, we uphold the law.
Rom. 6:14; Gal. 2:16; Rom. 8:1; Rom. 10:4.
Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.
Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.
Rom. 8:1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.
Rom. 10:4 For the end of law [is] Christ, unto righteousness to everyone believing.
Rom. 3:20; Rom. 7:7ff.
Rom. 3:20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin.
Rom. 7:7 What then will we say? [Is] the law sin? Never may it be! But I did not know sin, if not through the law. For I would not have been conscious of covetousness if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”
Rom. 6:12–14; 1 Peter 3:8–13.
Rom. 6:12–14 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your⁺ mortal body, in order to obey its desires. 13 Neither present your⁺ members to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as living out from the dead, and your⁺ members to God [as] instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.
1 Peter 3:8–13 8 Now the end: All [be] single-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, humble, 9 not giving back evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary blessing, because to this you⁺ were called, so that you⁺ should inherit a blessing. 10 For, “The one wanting to love life and to see good days, let him stop the tongue from evil, and the lips not speak deceit. 11 And let him turn away from evil, and let him do good; let him seek peace and let him pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord [are] on the righteous, and His ears toward their prayer. But the face of the Lord [is] on [those] doing evil.” 13 And who [is] the one who will do evil to you⁺ if you⁺ should be zealous for that which [is] good?
Gal. 3:21.
Gal. 3:21 [Is] the law, therefore, contrary to the promises of God? Never may it be! For if a law were given being able to make alive, then righteousness indeed would have been from out of the law.
Ezek. 36:27.
Ezek. 36:27 And My Spirit I will put within you⁺, and I will make [it] that you⁺ will walk in My statutes and My ordinances you⁺ will keep and you⁺ will do [them].

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Sin, Guilt & Misery Law The Covenant Gospel Grace Justification

Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof

1. The covenant of works being broken by sin, and made unprofitable unto life; God was pleased to give forth the promise of Christ, the seed of the woman, as the means of calling the elect, and begetting in them faith and repentance; in this promise, the gospel, as to the substance of it, was revealed, and therein effectual, for the conversion and salvation of sinners.

2. This promise of Christ, and salvation by him, is revealed only by the Word of God; neither do the works of creation, or providence, with the light of nature, make discovery of Christ, or of grace by him; so much as in a general, or obscure way; much less that men destitute of the revelation of him by the promise, or gospel; should be enabled thereby, to attain saving faith or repentance.

3. The revelation of the gospel unto sinners, made in divers times, and by sundry parts; with the addition of promises, and precepts for the obedience required therein, as to the nations, and persons to whom it is granted, is merely of the sovereign will and good pleasure of God; not being annexed by virtue of any promise, to the due improvement of men's natural abilities, by virtue of common light received without it; which none ever did make, or can do so: and therefore in all ages the preaching of the gospel hath been granted unto persons and nations, as to the extent, or straitening of it, in great variety, according to the counsel of the will of God.

4. Although the gospel be the only outward means, of revealing Christ, and saving grace; and is, as such, abundantly sufficient thereunto; yet that men who are dead in trespasses, may be born again, quickened or regenerated; there is moreover necessary, an effectual, insuperable work of the Holy Spirit, upon the whole soul, for the producing in them a new spiritual life; without which no other means will effect their conversion unto God.

Scripture proofs

Gen. 3:15.
Gen. 3:15 And enmity I will put between you and between the woman, and between your seed and between her seed. He shall bruise you [on] the head, and you shall bruise him [on] the heel.
Rev. 13:8.
Rev. 13:8 And all dwelling on the earth will worship it, [everyone] whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world.
Rom. 1:17.
Rom. 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it has been written: “And the righteous one will live by faith.”
Rom. 10:14–15, 17.
Rom. 10:14–15, 17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 15 And how can they preach unless they can be sent? As it has been written: “How beautiful [are] the feet of those proclaiming good news of good things!” 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.
Prov. 29:18; Isa. 25:7; Isa. 60:2–3.
Prov. 29:18 When there is no vision, the people are let loose, and the one keeping the Law [is] blessed.
Isa. 25:7 And He will swallow up on this mountain the face of the wrapping covering over all the peoples, and the veil woven over all the nations.
Isa. 60:2–3 2 For, behold, the darkness may cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; and over you YHWH will rise, and His glory will be seen over you. 3 And nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawning.
Ps. 147:20; Acts 16:7.
Ps. 147:20 He has not done so for any nation; and His judgments they have not known. Praise YAH!
Acts 16:7 and having come down to Mysia, they were attempting to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
Rom. 1:18ff.
Rom. 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness,
Ps. 110:3; 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 1:19–20.
Ps. 110:3 Your people [are] freewill offerings in the day of your might, in the splendors of holiness; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth [is] unto you.
1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
Eph. 1:19–20 19 and what [is] the surpassing greatness of His power to us, those believing, according to the working of the power of His strength, 20 which He worked in Christ, having raised Him out from the dead, and having seated [Him] at His right hand in the heavenly realms,
John 6:44; 2 Cor. 4:4, 6.
John 6:44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day.
2 Cor. 4:4, 6 4 in whom the god of this age blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so as not to shine forth the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 6 For God [is] the One having said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who shone in our hearts for the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

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Decrees & Predestination Gospel Salvation Grace Effectual Calling & Regeneration Saving Faith Repentance & Conversion Irresistible Grace Sola Gratia TULIP The Five Solas Covenants of Works vs. Grace

Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience

1. The liberty which Christ hath purchased, for believers under the gospel, consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the rigor and curse of the law; and in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin; from the evil of afflictions; the fear, and sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation: as also in their free access to God; and their yielding obedience unto him not out of slavish fear, but a childlike love and willing mind. All which were common also to believers under the law for the substance of them; but under the New Testament the liberty of Christians is further enlarged in their freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, to which the Jewish church was subjected; and in greater boldness of access to the throne of grace; and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God, than believers under the law did ordinarily partake of.

2. God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or not contained in it. So that to believe such doctrines, or obey such commands out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience; and the requiring of an implicit faith, and absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also.

3. They who upon pretense of Christian liberty do practice any sin, or cherish any sinful lust; as they do thereby pervert the main design of the grace of the gospel to their own destruction; so they wholly destroy the end of Christian liberty, which is, that being delivered out of the hands of all our enemies we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness, and righteousness before him, all the days of our lives.

Scripture proofs

Gal. 3:13.
Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”
Gal. 1:4.
Gal. 1:4 the One having given Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us out of the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
Acts 26:18.
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, [that] they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in Me.’
Rom. 8:3.
Rom. 8:3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,
Rom. 8:28.
Rom. 8:28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose,
1 Cor. 15:54–57.
1 Cor. 15:54–57 54 Now when this corruptible shall have put on incorruptibility, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then the word having been written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, [is] your victory? Where, O death, [is] your sting?” 56 Now the sting of death [is] sin, and the power of sin [is] the law. 57 But thanks [be] to God, the One giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thess. 1:10.
2 Thess. 1:10 when He shall come to be glorified in His saints and to be marveled at among all those having believed—because our testimony to you⁺ was believed—in that day.
Rom. 8:15.
Rom. 8:15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Luke 1:74–75; 1 John 4:18.
Luke 1:74–75 74 having been saved from the hand of [our] enemies, to serve Him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment; and the one fearing has not been perfected in love.
Gal. 3:9, 14.
Gal. 3:9, 14 9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham. 14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
John 7:38–39; Heb. 10:19–21.
John 7:38–39 38 The one believing in Me, as the Scripture said: ‘Out of his belly will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now He said this about the Spirit, whom those having believed in Him were about to receive; for the Spirit was not yet, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Heb. 10:19–21 19 Therefore, brothers, having confidence for entrance to the holy places in the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way, which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and [having] a great priest over the house of God,
James 4:12; Rom. 14:4.
James 4:12 One is the Lawgiver and Judge, the One being able to save and to destroy. But who are you, the one judging the neighbor?
Rom. 14:4 Who are you, judging another’s servant? To [his] own master he stands or falls. And he will be made to stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29; 1 Cor. 7:23; Matt. 15:9.
Acts 4:19 But Peter and John, answering, said to them, “Whether it is right before God to listen to you⁺ rather than God, you⁺ must judge.
Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles, answering, said, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men.
1 Cor. 7:23 You⁺ were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”
Col. 2:20, 22–23.
Col. 2:20, 22–23 20 If you⁺ died with Christ, away from the elements of the world, why, as if living in the world, are you⁺ subject to decrees: 22 which are all unto decay with the use, according to the precepts and teachings of men, 23 which, having indeed a word of wisdom in self-willed worship and humility and harsh treatment of the body, are not in any value toward the indulgence of the flesh.
1 Cor. 3:5; 2 Cor. 1:24.
1 Cor. 3:5 Who then is Apollos? And who is Paul? Servants through whom you⁺ believed, even as the Lord gave to each.
2 Cor. 1:24 Not that we lord it over your⁺ faith, but we are fellow workers with you⁺ of joy; for in the faith you⁺ stand firm.
Rom. 6:1–2.
Rom. 6:1–2 1 What then will we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? 2 Never may it be! [We] who died to sin, how shall we still live in it?
Gal. 5:13; 2 Peter 2:18, 21.
Gal. 5:13 For you⁺ were called to freedom, brothers, only not the freedom for an opportunity to the flesh. But serve one another through love.
2 Peter 2:18, 21 18 For speaking great swelling words of vanity, they entice in the passions of the flesh to sensuality those barely escaping from those conducting themselves in error, 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, having known [it], to have turned from the holy commandment having been delivered to them.

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Sin, Guilt & Misery Law Gospel Salvation Grace Saving Faith Liberty of Conscience & Free Will

Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day

1. The light of nature shows that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good, and doth good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and all the soul, and with all the might. But the acceptable way of worshiping the true God, is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations, and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way, not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures.

2. Religious worship is to be given to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to him alone; not to angels, saints, or any other creatures; and since the fall, not without a Mediator, nor in the mediation of any other but Christ alone.

3. Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one special part of natural worship, is by God required of all men. But that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit, according to his will; with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance; and when with others, in a known tongue.

4. Prayer is to be made for things lawful, and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter; but not for the dead, nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death.

5. The reading of the Scriptures, preaching, and hearing the Word of God, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord; as also the administration of baptism, and the Lord's Supper, are all parts of religious worship of God, to be performed in obedience to him, with understanding, faith, reverence, and godly fear; moreover, solemn humiliation, with fastings, and thanksgivings, upon special occasions, ought to be used in an holy and religious manner.

6. Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is now under the gospel tied unto, or made more acceptable by, any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed; but God is to be worshiped everywhere in spirit, and in truth; as in private families daily, and in secret each one by himself; so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly nor willfully to be neglected, or forsaken, when God by his word, or providence calleth thereunto.

7. As it is the law of nature, that in general a proportion of time by God's appointment, be set apart for the worship of God, so by his Word, in a positive moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men, in all ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy unto him, which from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week, which is called the Lord's Day; and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath; the observation of the last day of the week being abolished.

8. The Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering their common affairs aforehand, do not only observe a holy rest all the day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations, but are also taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.

Scripture proofs

Jer. 10:7; Mark 12:33.
Jer. 10:7 Who does not fear You O King of the nations? Indeed, it is fitting for you! Because among all the wise ones of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [is] none like You.
Mark 12:33 and to love Him out of all the heart and out of all the understanding and out of all the strength, and to love the neighbor as oneself is more than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Deut. 12:32.
Deut. 12:32 The whole thing, whatever I command you⁺, be careful to observe it. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.
Ex. 20:4–6.
Ex. 20:4–6 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments.
Matt. 4:9–10; John 6:23; Matt. 28:19.
Matt. 4:9–10 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give to You if, falling down, You worship me.” 10 Then Jesus says to him, “Go away, Satan! For it has been written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”
John 6:23 (But boats from Tiberias came near the place where they ate the bread, the Lord having given thanks).
Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Rom. 1:25; Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10.
Rom. 1:25 who changed the truth of God into falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the One having created, who is blessed to the ages! Amen.
Col. 2:18 Let no one disqualify you⁺, delighting in humility and worship of the angels, going into what he has seen, vainly being puffed up by the mind of his flesh,
Rev. 19:10 And I fell before his feet to worship him. And he says to me, “See, no! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers, those having the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
John 14:6.
John 14:6 Jesus says to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father if not through Me.
1 Tim. 2:5.
1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Ps. 95:1–7; Ps. 65:2.
Ps. 95:1–7 1 O come, let us sing out to YHWH; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come before His face with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully with psalms to Him! 3 For a great God [is] YHWH, and the great King above all gods— 4 in whose hand [are] the depths of the earth, and the peaks of the mountains [are] unto Him, 5 [and] to whom [is] the sea, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the face of YHWH our Maker! 7 For He [is] our God, and we [are] the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you⁺ hear His voice:
Ps. 65:2 O Hearer of prayer, to You all flesh will come.
John 14:13–14.
John 14:13–14 13 And whatever you⁺ might ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you⁺ ask Me anything in My name, I will do [it].
Rom. 8:26.
Rom. 8:26 Now likewise also, the Spirit joins to help in our weakness; for we do not know the [things] that we should pray for as it is necessary, but the Spirit Himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
1 John 5:14.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we may ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
1 Cor. 14:16–17.
1 Cor. 14:16–17 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will the one filling up the place of the uninstructed say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you say? 17 For indeed, you give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
1 Tim. 2:1–2; 2 Sam. 7:29.
1 Tim. 2:1–2 1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men, 2 for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
2 Sam. 7:29 And now begin and bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord YHWH, have spoken [it], and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”
2 Sam. 12:21–23.
2 Sam. 12:21–23 21 And his servants said to him, “What [is] this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; and when the child died, you arose and ate food.” 22 And he said, “While the child was alive I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows that YHWH may be gracious, and the child may live?’ 23 And he is dead. Why [is] this [that] I should fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, and he shall not return to me.”
1 John 5:16.
1 John 5:16 If anyone should see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and He will give to him life—to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he should implore concerning that.
1 Tim. 4:13.
1 Tim. 4:13 Until I come, give heed to the reading, to exhortation, to teaching.
2 Tim. 4:2; Luke 8:18.
2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season [and] out of season; convict, rebuke, exhort, in all patience and teaching.
Luke 8:18 Therefore look how you⁺ hear; for whoever may have, to him [it] will be given; and whoever may not have, even what he thinks to have will be taken away from him.”
Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19.
Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you⁺ richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, in grace singing in your⁺ hearts to God.
Eph. 5:19 speaking to each other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your⁺ heart to the Lord,
Matt. 28:19–20.
Matt. 28:19–20 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”
1 Cor. 11:26.
1 Cor. 11:26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.
Esth. 4:16; Joel 2:12.
Esth. 4:16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast over me, and you⁺ shall not eat and you⁺ shall not drink [for] three days, night and day. Also I and my young women will fast likewise, and with this I will go to the king, which [is] not according to the law. And if I perish, I perish!”
Joel 2:12 “Even now,” a declaration of YHWH, “May you turn to Me with all your⁺ heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”
Exod. 15:1ff.; Ps. 107.
Exod. 15:1 Then Moses sang—and the sons of Israel—this song to YHWH, and they spoke, saying: “I will sing to YHWH, for He has greatly triumphed; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea.
Psalm 107 on BibleHub ↗
John 4:21; Mal. 1:11; 1 Tim. 2:8.
John 4:21 Jesus says to her, “Believe Me, woman, that an hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you⁺ worship the Father.
Mal. 1:11 For from the rising of the sun to its going down, great [is] My name among the nations; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering. Indeed, My name will be great among the nations.” Says YHWH of Hosts.
1 Tim. 2:8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.
Acts 10:2.
Acts 10:2 devout and fearing God with all his household, doing many alms to the people and praying to God through all.
Matt. 6:11; Ps. 55:17.
Matt. 6:11 Give us today our necessary bread.
Ps. 55:17 Evening and morning and noon I meditate and cry aloud, and He hears my voice.
Matt. 6:6.
Matt. 6:6 But you, when you may pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father, the One in secret. And your Father, the One seeing in secret, will reward to you.
Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:42.
Heb. 10:25 not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as [is] the custom with some, but exhorting, and so much more as you⁺ see the Day drawing near.
Acts 2:42 Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers.
Ex. 20:8.
Ex. 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.
1 Cor. 16:1–2; Acts 20:7; Rev. 1:10.
1 Cor. 16:1–2 1 Now concerning the collection that [is] for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also you⁺ are to do. 2 Every first of the week, let each one of you⁺ put aside, treasuring up whatever he may be prospered in, so that when I might come, then there should be no collections.
Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight.
Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,
Isa. 58:13; Neh. 13:15–22.
Isa. 58:13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word,
Neh. 13:15–22 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath? 18 Thus did not your⁺ fathers do, and our God brought upon us all this disaster, and upon this city? And you⁺ are adding to wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” 19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath. 20 And they lodged—those who traded and those who sold all kinds of goods to sell—outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 And I testified against them and said to them, “Why [are] you⁺ lodging in front of the wall? If you⁺ do [this] again, a hand I will put forth on you⁺.” From that time they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 And I said to the Levites that they should be cleansing themselves, and coming in guarding the gates, to sanctify the day of the Sabbath. Also for this, remember me, O my God, and have pity on me according to the abundance of your loving devotion.
Matt. 12:1–13.
Matt. 12:1–13 1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbaths, and His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck the heads of grain and to eat. 2 And the Pharisees, having seen, said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples do what it is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” 3 And He said to them, “Did you⁺ not read what David did when he was hungry, and those with him— 4 how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the loaves of the presentation, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, except for the priests only? 5 Or did you⁺ not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6 But I say to you⁺ that a greater One than the temple is here. 7 But if you⁺ had known what is ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ then you⁺ would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” 9 And having departed from there, He went into their synagogue. 10 And behold, a man having a withered hand, and they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbaths?” so that they might accuse Him. 11 And He said to them, “What man will there be of you⁺ who will have one sheep, and if this one should fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, will not take hold of it and will raise [it] up? 12 How much more valuable, therefore, [is] a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful on the Sabbaths to do good.” 13 Then He says to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched [it] out, and it was restored, sound as the other.

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day68 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 6024 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 11718 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate11 shared proof texts Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 12110 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 619 shared proof texts · shared topic

4th Commandment (Sabbath)Christ's Humiliation & Exaltation Saving Faith Perseverance Word & Scripture Worship Prayer Resurrection Final Judgment

Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

1. A lawful oath is a part of religious worship, wherein the person swearing in truth, righteousness, and judgment, solemnly calleth God to witness what he sweareth; and to judge him according to the truth or falseness thereof.

2. The name of God only is that by which men ought to swear; and therein it is to be used, with all holy fear and reverence; therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious, and dreadful name, or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful, and to be abhorred; yet as in matter of weight and moment for confirmation of truth, and ending all strife, an oath is warranted by the Word of God; so a lawful oath being imposed, by lawful authority, in such matters, ought to be taken.

3. Whosoever taketh an oath warranted by the Word of God, ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act; and therein to avouch nothing, but what he knoweth to be truth; for that by rash, false, and vain oaths, the Lord is provoked, and for them this land mourns.

4. An oath is to be taken in the plain, and common sense of the words; without equivocation or mental reservation.

5. A vow, which is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone, is to be made and performed with all religious care and faithfulness; but popish monastical vows, of perpetual single life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious, and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself.

Scripture proofs

Ex. 20:7; Deut. 10:20; Jer. 4:2.
Ex. 20:7 You shall not take the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who takes His name in vain.
Deut. 10:20 YHWH your God you shall fear; Him you shall serve, and to Him you shall hold fast, and by His name you shall swear.
Jer. 4:2 and you swear, ‘As YHWH’ lives, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him they shall glory.”
2 Chron. 6:22–23.
2 Chron. 6:22–23 22 If anyone sins against his neighbor, and it is lifted up upon him to take an oath to swear, and he comes in to swear before Your altar in this house, 23 then may You hear from the heavens and act and judge Your servants, to give back to the wicked by bringing his way on his own head, and to justify the righteous by giving to him according to his righteousness.
Matt. 5:34, 37; James 5:12.
Matt. 5:34, 37 34 But I say to you⁺ not to swear at all: neither by heaven, because it is the throne of God; 37 But let your⁺ word ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ [and] ‘No,’ ‘No.’ And that which [is] more than these comes from the evil one.
James 5:12 But before all things, my brothers, do not swear, neither [by] heaven nor the earth nor any other oath. But let your⁺ “Yes” be yes, and the “No,” no, so that you⁺ might not fall under judgment.
Heb. 6:16; 2 Cor. 1:23.
Heb. 6:16 For men swear by the greater, and of all their disputes, an end for confirmation [is] the oath,
2 Cor. 1:23 But I call God as witness upon my soul, that sparing you⁺ I did not yet come to Corinth.
Neh. 13:25.
Neh. 13:25 And I contended with them and cursed them and struck [some] men from them and pulled out their hair. And I made them swear by God, “You⁺ shall Not give your⁺ daughters to their sons or take from their daughters for your⁺ sons or for yourselves.
Lev. 19:12; Jer. 23:10.
Lev. 19:12 And you⁺ shall not swear by My name to a lie and so profane the name of your God. I [am] YHWH.
Jer. 23:10 For the land is filled [with] adulterers, [and] the land mourns because of the face of the curse, and the pastures of the wilderness are dried up; and their course has come to be evil, and their strength [is] not right.
Ps. 24:4.
Ps. 24:4 The one clean of hands and pure of heart, who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, and has not sworn by deceit.
Ps. 76:11; Gen. 28:20–22.
Ps. 76:11 Make vows to YHWH your⁺ God, and fulfill [them]; let all around Him bring tribute to the Fearsome One.
Gen. 28:20–22 20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I am going and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, 21 so that I may return in peace to the house of my father, then YHWH will be my God. 22 And this stone that I have set up as a pillar shall be a house of God, and all that You give to me, I will surely tithe it to You.”
1 Cor. 7:2, 9.
1 Cor. 7:2, 9 2 But because of the sexual immorality, let each man have his [own] wife, and let each woman have [her] own husband. 9 But if they do not have self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn.
Eph. 4:28.
Eph. 4:28 The one stealing, let him steal no longer, but rather let him toil, working with [his] own hands what [is] good, so that he may have [something] to impart to the one having need.
Matt. 19:11.
Matt. 19:11 And He said to them, “Not all receive this word, but [those] to whom it has been given.

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows21 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 995 shared proof texts Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1014 shared proof texts · shared topic Heidelberg Catechism · Question 994 shared proof texts · shared topic Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1024 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 554 shared proof texts

Word & Scripture Oaths & Vows

Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate

1. God, the supreme Lord, and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory, and the public good; and to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword, for defense and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evildoers.

2. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate, when called thereunto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each kingdom, and commonwealth: so for that end they may lawfully now under the New Testament wage war upon just and necessary occasions.

3. Civil magistrates being set up by God, for the ends aforesaid; subjection in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us, in the Lord, not only for wrath but for conscience's sake; and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings, and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.

Scripture proofs

Rom. 13:1–4.
Rom. 13:1–4 1 Let every soul be subject to the authorities being above [him]. For there is no authority except by God; but those existing are appointed by God. 2 Therefore the one setting [himself] against the authority has resisted the ordinance of God, and those having resisted will receive judgment to themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Now do you want not to fear the authority? Do that which [is] good, and you will have praise from him. 4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil.
2 Sam. 23:3; Ps. 82:3–4.
2 Sam. 23:3 The God of Israel spoke the Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men [is] righteous, ruling in the fear of God,
Ps. 82:3–4 3 Judge for the weak and the fatherless; [for] the oppressed and needy bring justice. 4 Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Luke 3:14.
Luke 3:14 And those being soldiers were also questioning him, saying, “And what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Extort no one, nor accuse falsely, and be content with your⁺ wages.”
Rom. 13:5–7; 1 Peter 2:17.
Rom. 13:5–7 5 Therefore [it is] necessary to be subject, not only because of wrath, but also because of the conscience. 6 For because of this, you⁺ also pay taxes; for they are ministers of God, attending continually to this very thing. 7 Pay to all their dues: tax to whom tax, revenue to whom revenue, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
1 Peter 2:17 Honor everyone: love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
1 Tim. 2:1–2.
1 Tim. 2:1–2 1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men, 2 for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

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Prayer Civil Government

Chapter 25: Of Marriage

1. Marriage is to be between one man and one woman; neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband at the same time.

2. Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife, for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and the preventing of uncleanness.

3. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry, who are able with judgment to give their consent; yet it is the duty of Christians to marry in the Lord, and therefore such as profess the true religion, should not marry with infidels, or idolaters; neither should such as are godly be unequally yoked, by marrying with such as are wicked in their life, or maintain damnable heresy.

4. Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of consanguinity, or affinity forbidden in the Word; nor can such incestuous marriages ever be made lawful, by any law of man or consent of parties, so as those persons may live together as man and wife.

Scripture proofs

Gen. 2:24; Mal. 2:15; Matt. 19:5–6.
Gen. 2:24 Upon thus a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Mal. 2:15 And did He not make [them] one, and a remnant of the Spirit unto him? And what [is] the one? He was seeking seed of God. Therefore keep guard over your⁺ spirit, and do not deal treacherously with the wife of your youth.
Matt. 19:5–6 5 and He said, ‘On account of this a man will leave the father and the mother and be joined with his wife, and the two will be for one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God yoked together, let man not separate.”
Gen. 2:18.
Gen. 2:18 And YHWH God said, “[It is] not good [for] the man to be alone; I will make for him a helper as his counterpart.”
Gen. 1:28.
Gen. 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. And rule over the fish of the sea and over the bird of the heavens and over every living thing that is crawling upon the earth.”
1 Cor. 7:2, 9.
1 Cor. 7:2, 9 2 But because of the sexual immorality, let each man have his [own] wife, and let each woman have [her] own husband. 9 But if they do not have self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn.
Heb. 13:4; 1 Tim. 4:3.
Heb. 13:4 [Let] marriage [be] honored in all, and the marriage bed undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
1 Tim. 4:3 forbidding to marry, [requiring] to abstain from foods that God created for reception with thanksgiving by the faithful and [by] [those] knowing the truth.
1 Cor. 7:39.
1 Cor. 7:39 A wife has been bound for as long a time [as] her husband may live; but if the husband shall have died, she is free to be married to whom she wants, only in the Lord.
Neh. 13:25–27.
Neh. 13:25–27 25 And I contended with them and cursed them and struck [some] men from them and pulled out their hair. And I made them swear by God, “You⁺ shall Not give your⁺ daughters to their sons or take from their daughters for your⁺ sons or for yourselves. 26 By these [things] did not Solomon king of Israel sin? And among the many nations there was not a king like him, and he was beloved to his God, and God gave him as king over all Israel; yet even him, the foreign women caused to sin. 27 And to you⁺ shall we listen to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God by settling [with] foreign women?”
Lev. 18.
Leviticus 18 on BibleHub ↗
Mark 6:18; 1 Cor. 5:1.
Mark 6:18 For John was saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have the wife of your brother.”
1 Cor. 5:1 Sexual immorality is actually heard [of] among you⁺, and sexual immorality such as [is] not even among the nations, so as for one to have the wife of the father.

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 24: Of Marriage and Divorce16 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1397 shared proof texts · shared topic Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 29: Of Single Life, Wedlock, and Household Government5 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 204 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows4 shared proof texts Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1083 shared proof texts · shared topic

Marriage & Family

Chapter 26: Of the Church

1. The catholic or universal church, which (with respect to the internal work of the Spirit, and truth of grace) may be called invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ, the Head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

2. All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel, and obedience unto God by Christ, according unto it, not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints; and of such ought all particular congregations to be constituted.

3. The purest churches under heaven are subject to mixture and error; and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan; nevertheless Christ always hath had, and ever shall have a kingdom, in this world, to the end thereof, of such as believe in him, and make profession of his name.

4. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, in whom, by the appointment of the Father, all power for the calling, institution, order, or government of the church, is invested in a supreme and sovereign manner; neither can the pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof, but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalts himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God; whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.

5. In the execution of this power wherewith he is so entrusted, the Lord Jesus calleth out of the world unto himself, through the ministry of his Word, by his Spirit, those that are given unto him by his Father; that they may walk before him in all the ways of obedience, which he prescribeth to them in his Word. Those thus called, he commandeth to walk together in particular societies, or churches, for their mutual edification; and the due performance of that public worship, which he requireth of them in the world.

6. The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ; and do willingly consent to walk together according to the appointment of Christ, giving up themselves, to the Lord and one to another by the will of God, in professed subjection to the ordinances of the gospel.

7. To each of these churches thus gathered, according to his mind, declared in his Word, he hath given all that power and authority, which is in any way needful, for their carrying on that order in worship, and discipline, which he hath instituted for them to observe; with commands, and rules for the due and right exerting, and executing of that power.

8. A particular church, gathered and completely organized, according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers, and members; and the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church (so called and gathered) for the peculiar administration of ordinances, and execution of power, or duty, which he entrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are bishops or elders and deacons.

9. The way appointed by Christ for the calling of any person, fitted, and gifted by the Holy Spirit, unto the office of bishop or elder, in a church, is, that he be chosen thereunto by the common suffrage of the church itself; and solemnly set apart by fasting and prayer, with imposition of hands of the eldership of the church, if there be any before constituted therein; and of a deacon that he be chosen by the like suffrage, and set apart by prayer, and the like imposition of hands.

10. The work of pastors being constantly to attend the service of Christ, in his churches, in the ministry of the Word, and prayer, with watching for their souls, as they that must give an account to him; it is incumbent on the churches to whom they minister, not only to give them all due respect, but also to communicate to them of all their good things according to their ability, so as they may have a comfortable supply, without being themselves entangled in secular affairs; and may also be capable of exercising hospitality towards others; and this is required by the law of nature, and by the express order of our Lord Jesus, who hath ordained that they that preach the gospel, should live of the gospel.

11. Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches to be instant in preaching the Word, by way of office; yet the work of preaching the Word, is not so peculiarly confined to them; but that others also gifted, and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved, and called by the church, may and ought to perform it.

12. As all believers are bound to join themselves to particular churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do; so all that are admitted unto the privileges of a church, are also under the censures and government thereof, according to the rule of Christ.

13. No church members, upon any offense taken by them, having performed their duty required of them towards the person they are offended at, ought to disturb any church order, or absent themselves from the assemblies of the church, or administration of any ordinances, upon the account of such offense at any of their fellow members, but to wait upon Christ, in the further proceeding of the church.

14. As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ, in all places; and upon all occasions to further it (every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces) so the churches (when planted by the providence of God so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it) ought to hold communion among themselves for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification.

15. In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of doctrine, or administration; wherein either the churches in general are concerned, or any one church in their peace, union, and edification; or any member, or members, of any church are injured, in or by any proceedings in censures not agreeable to truth, and order: it is according to the mind of Christ, that many churches holding communion together, do by their messengers, meet to consider, and give their advice in, or about that matter in difference, to be reported to all the churches concerned; howbeit these messengers assembled, are not entrusted with any church-power properly so called; or with any jurisdiction over the churches themselves, to exercise any censures either over any churches or persons: or to impose their determination on the churches, or officers.

Scripture proofs

Heb. 12:23; Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:10, 22–23; Eph. 5:23, 27, 32.
Heb. 12:23 and [to] the assembly, to the church of the firstborn having been enrolled in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous having been perfected,
Col. 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, firstborn out from the dead, so that He might be having preeminence in all things,
Eph. 1:10, 22–23 10 for the administration of the fullness of the times, to bring together all things in Christ—the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth— 22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One filling all in all.
Eph. 5:23, 27, 32 23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ [is] the head of the church, He Himself Savior of the body. 27 so that He might present to Himself the church in glory, not having spot or wrinkle or any of such things, but that she may be holy and blameless. 32 This mystery is great, but I speak as to Christ and as to the church.
1 Cor. 1:2; Acts 11:26.
1 Cor. 1:2 To the church of God being in Corinth, having been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those in every place calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, theirs and ours:
Acts 11:26 and having found [him], he brought [him] to Antioch. And it came to pass [that] they also gathered together a whole year in the church and taught a great multitude. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
Rom. 1:7; Eph. 1:20–22.
Rom. 1:7 To all those being in Rome beloved of God, called saints: Grace to you⁺ and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph. 1:20–22 20 which He worked in Christ, having raised Him out from the dead, and having seated [Him] at His right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above every principality and authority and power and lordship and every name being named, not only in this age, but also in the one about to be. 22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church,
1 Cor. 5; Rev. 2:1–3:22.
Rev. 2:1–3:22 1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things says the One holding the seven stars in His right hand, walking in the midst of the seven golden lampstands. 22 The one having an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1 Corinthians 5 on BibleHub ↗
Rev. 18:2; 2 Thess. 2:11–12.
Rev. 18:2 And he cried out in a strong voice, saying: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! And she has become a habitation of demons, and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean bird, and a prison of every unclean creature also having been hated.
2 Thess. 2:11–12 11 And because of this, God sends to them a working of delusion for them to believe the lie, 12 so that all those not having believed the truth but having been well pleased in unrighteousness should be judged.
Matt. 16:18; Ps. 72:17; Ps. 102:28; Rev. 12:17.
Matt. 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Ps. 72:17 His name shall be forever; unto the turning of the sun his name shall increase; and all nations shall be blessed in him, they shall call him blessed.
Ps. 102:28 The sons of Your servants will settle down, and their seed will be established before Your face.”
Rev. 12:17 And the dragon was angry over the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her seed, those keeping the commandments of God and having the testimony of Jesus. And he stood upon the sand of the sea.
Col. 1:18; Matt. 28:18–20; Eph. 4:11–12.
Col. 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, firstborn out from the dead, so that He might be having preeminence in all things,
Matt. 28:18–20 18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me. 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”
Eph. 4:11–12 11 And He gave some indeed [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] shepherds and teachers, 12 toward the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ,
2 Thess. 2:3–9.
2 Thess. 2:3–9 3 Let no one deceive you⁺ in [any] way, because [it is] not unless the apostasy shall have come first, and the man of lawlessness shall have been revealed—the son of destruction, 4 the one opposing and exalting himself above every so-called god or object of worship—so as for him to sit down in the temple of God, setting forth that he himself is God. 5 Do you⁺ not remember that, being still with you⁺, I was saying these things to you⁺? 6 And now you⁺ know what is restraining for him to be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is working already, only the one at present is restraining [it] until he might be out of the midst. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and will annul by the appearing of His coming, 9 whose coming is according to the working of Satan, in every power and in signs and in wonders of falsehood,
John 10:16; John 12:32.
John 10:16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd.
John 12:32 And I, when I shall be lifted up from the earth, will draw all to Myself.”
Matt. 28:20.
Matt. 28:20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”
Matt. 18:15–20.
Matt. 18:15–20 15 And if your brother may sin against you, go reprove him between you and him alone. If he may hear you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he may not hear, take with you one or two more, so that ‘every word may be stood upon the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 And if he may fail to hear them, say [it] to the church. And if he may fail to hear even the church, let him be unto you as the Gentile and the tax collector. 18 Truly I say to you⁺, whatever you⁺ shall bind on the earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you⁺ shall loose on the earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I say to you⁺ that if two of you⁺ on the earth shall agree about any matter that they shall ask, it will be done for them by My Father who [is] in the heavens. 20 For where two or three are gathered together unto My name, there am I in their midst.”
Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2.
Rom. 1:7 To all those being in Rome beloved of God, called saints: Grace to you⁺ and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Cor. 1:2 To the church of God being in Corinth, having been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those in every place calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, theirs and ours:
Acts 2:41–42; Acts 5:13–14; 2 Cor. 9:13.
Acts 2:41–42 41 Therefore those indeed having received his word were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added. 42 Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers.
Acts 5:13–14 13 Now none of the rest dared to join them, but the people were magnifying them. 14 And more believing in the Lord were added, multitudes of both men and women,
2 Cor. 9:13 through the proof of this ministry, glorifying God upon your⁺ submission of confession to the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of the fellowship to them and to all.
Matt. 18:17–18; 1 Cor. 5:4–5, 13; 2 Cor. 2:6–8.
Matt. 18:17–18 17 And if he may fail to hear them, say [it] to the church. And if he may fail to hear even the church, let him be unto you as the Gentile and the tax collector. 18 Truly I say to you⁺, whatever you⁺ shall bind on the earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you⁺ shall loose on the earth will be loosed in heaven.
1 Cor. 5:4–5, 13 4 in the name our Lord Jesus, [in] your⁺ having been gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of the Lord Jesus, 5 to deliver up such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 13 But God judges those outside. “Expel the wicked one from among yourselves.”
2 Cor. 2:6–8 6 Sufficient to such a one [is] the punishment that [is] by the majority, 7 so that on the contrary, [it is] rather for you⁺ to forgive and to comfort [him], lest somehow such a one might be overwhelmed by more abundant grief. 8 Therefore I exhort you⁺ to confirm love toward him.
Acts 20:17, 28; Phil. 1:1.
Acts 20:17, 28 17 And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church. 28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you⁺ as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with [His] own blood.
Phil. 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus being in Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
Acts 14:23.
Acts 14:23 And having appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed, with fasting they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
1 Tim. 4:14.
1 Tim. 4:14 Do not be negligent of the gift in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elderhood.
Acts 6:3, 5–6.
Acts 6:3, 5–6 3 Therefore, brothers, select from yourselves seven men being well attested, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this task. 5 And the statement was pleasing before all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and [of] the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a convert of Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles. And having prayed, they laid the hands on them.
Acts 6:4; Heb. 13:17.
Acts 6:4 And we will steadfastly continue in prayer and the ministry of the word.”
Heb. 13:17 Obey you⁺ those leading and be subject, for they watch over your⁺ souls as [those who] will give an account, so that they may do this with joy and not groaning, for this [is] unprofitable for you⁺.
1 Tim. 5:17–18; Gal. 6:6–7.
1 Tim. 5:17–18 17 Let the elders presiding well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those laboring in the word and the teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain,” and, “The worker [is] worthy of his wages.”
Gal. 6:6–7 6 Now let the one being instructed in the word share with the one instructing in all good things. 7 Do not be led astray: God is not mocked. For whatever a man may sow, this also he will reap.
2 Tim. 2:4.
2 Tim. 2:4 No one serving as a soldier entangles himself in the affairs of life, so that he might please the one having enlisted him.
1 Tim. 3:2.
1 Tim. 3:2 Therefore it is necessary for the overseer to be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober, sound-minded, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
1 Cor. 9:6–14.
1 Cor. 9:6–14 6 Or do only I and Barnabas have no authority to work? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense at any time? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Or who shepherds a flock and does not drink from the milk of the flock? 8 Do I not speak these things according to man, or does the law not also say these things? 9 For in the law of Moses it has been written: “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain.” Is there care for the oxen with God? 10 Or does He speak because of us entirely? For it was written because of us, because in hope the one plowing ought to plow, and the one threshing—in hope to partake. 11 If we sowed spiritual things among you⁺, [is it] too much if we will reap fleshly things from you⁺? 12 If others partake of the authority over you⁺, [should] we not more? But we did not use this authority. But we bear all things, so that we should not give any hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you⁺ not know that those working [in] the temple eat the [things] of the temple, [and] those attending at the altar partake in the altar? 14 So also, the Lord directed those proclaiming the gospel to live from the gospel.
Acts 11:19–21; 1 Peter 4:10–11.
Acts 11:19–21 19 Therefore, indeed, those having been scattered by the tribulation having taken place over Stephen passed through to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only. 20 But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, having come into Antioch, were speaking also to the Hellenists, proclaiming the gospel—the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number, having believed, turned to the Lord.
1 Peter 4:10–11 10 just as each received a gift, ministering it to each other as good stewards of the manifold grace of God: 11 if anyone speaks, as oracles of God; if anyone ministers, as out of strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom is the glory and the power to the ages of the ages. Amen.
1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14–15.
1 Thess. 5:14 And we exhort you⁺, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.
2 Thess. 3:6, 14–15 6 Now we command you⁺, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother walking in an unruly manner and not according to the tradition that you received from us. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word through the letter, take note of this one not to mix with him, so that he may be ashamed. 15 And do not deem [him] as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.
Matt. 18:15–17; Eph. 4:2–3.
Matt. 18:15–17 15 And if your brother may sin against you, go reprove him between you and him alone. If he may hear you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he may not hear, take with you one or two more, so that ‘every word may be stood upon the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 And if he may fail to hear them, say [it] to the church. And if he may fail to hear even the church, let him be unto you as the Gentile and the tax collector.
Eph. 4:2–3 2 with all humility and gentleness; with patience, bearing with one another in love; 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace;
Eph. 6:18; Ps. 122:6.
Eph. 6:18 through all prayer and supplication, praying in the Spirit in every season and unto this very thing, staying awake with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
Ps. 122:6 Ask for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper, those loving you!
Rom. 16:1–2; 3 John 8–10.
Rom. 16:1–2 1 Now I commend to you⁺ Phoebe our sister, being also a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 so that you⁺ might receive her in the Lord worthily of the saints, and you⁺ might assist her in whatever matter she may need of you⁺. For she also has been a patroness of many, and of myself.
3 John 8 on BibleHub ↗
3 John 9 on BibleHub ↗
3 John 10 on BibleHub ↗
Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22–23, 25.
Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22–23, 25 2 There having been, then, no small commotion and discussion by Paul and Barnabas with them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas and certain others out of them to go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. 4 And having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders. And they declared all that God had done with them. 6 And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter. 22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and to the elders, with the whole church, having chosen out of them to send men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 having written by their hand: The apostles and the elders, brothers, To those brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Greetings. 25 it seemed good to us, having come with one accord, having chosen men to send to you⁺ with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
2 Cor. 1:24; 1 John 4:1.
2 Cor. 1:24 Not that we lord it over your⁺ faith, but we are fellow workers with you⁺ of joy; for in the faith you⁺ stand firm.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures21 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 10818 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church16 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Heidelberg Catechism · Question 8514 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 31: Of Synods and Councils12 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church9 shared proof texts · 8 shared topics

Decrees & Predestination Providence Gospel Saving Faith The Holy Spirit The Church Church Government & Discipline Worship Prayer Marks of the True Church

Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints

1. All saints that are united to Jesus Christ, their Head, by his Spirit, and faith; although they are not made thereby one person with him, have fellowship in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory; and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other's gifts, and graces; and obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

2. Saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services, as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities, and necessities; which communion, according to the rule of the gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relation wherein they stand, whether in families, or churches; yet as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended to all the household of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus; nevertheless their communion one with another as saints, doth not take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions.

Scripture proofs

1 John 1:3; John 1:16; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5–6.
1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and have heard we declare to you⁺ also, so that you⁺ also may have fellowship with us. And indeed our fellowship [is] with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.
John 1:16 For from His fullness we all received also grace upon grace.
Phil. 3:10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
Rom. 6:5–6 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin.
Eph. 4:15–16; 1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Cor. 3:21–23.
Eph. 4:15–16 15 But speaking the truth in love, we should grow in all things into Him who is the head, Christ, 16 from whom all the body, being fit together and being knit together by every joint of [its] supply, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.
1 Cor. 12:7 Now to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit, for the common profiting.
1 Cor. 3:21–23 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours⁺, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or [things] present or [things] about to be—all [are] yours⁺, 23 and you⁺ [are] of Christ, and Christ [is] of God.
1 Thess. 5:11, 14; Rom. 1:12; 1 John 3:17–18; Gal. 6:10.
1 Thess. 5:11, 14 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as also you⁺ are doing. 14 And we exhort you⁺, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.
Rom. 1:12 and, that is, to be encouraged together among you⁺ through the faith among one another, both of you⁺ and of me.
1 John 3:17–18 17 Now whoever may have the goods of the world, and may see his brother having need, and might shut his heart from him, how does the love of God remain in him? 18 Little children, may we love not in word nor in tongue, but in work and in truth.
Gal. 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, we should work good toward all, and especially toward those of the household of the faith.
Heb. 10:24–25; Heb. 3:12–13.
Heb. 10:24–25 24 And we should carefully consider toward stirring up one another to love and to good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as [is] the custom with some, but exhorting, and so much more as you⁺ see the Day drawing near.
Heb. 3:12–13 12 See to it, brothers, lest ever there will be in any of you⁺ an evil heart of unbelief in the falling away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another each day, as long as it is called today, so that not any of you⁺ may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Acts 11:29–30.
Acts 11:29–30 29 And the disciples, as anyone was prospered, each of them determined to send for ministry to the brothers dwelling in Judea, 30 which also they did, having sent [it] to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Eph. 6:4.
Eph. 6:4 And fathers, do not provoke to anger your⁺ children, but nourish them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.
1 Cor. 12:14–27.
1 Cor. 12:14–27 14 For also the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” not on account of this is it not of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” not on account of this is it not of the body. 17 If the whole body [were] an eye, where [is] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [is] the sense of smell? 18 But now God placed the members, each one of them in the body, as He wanted. 19 And if all were one member, where [is] the body? 20 But now indeed, [there are] many members, but one body. 21 Now the eye is not able to say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you⁺.” 22 But much more, the members of the body seeming to be weaker are essential, 23 and those of the body we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor. And our unseemly [parts] have more abundant decorum, 24 but our seemly [parts] have no need. But God composed the body, having given more abundant honor to the [parts] lacking [it], 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but the members may have the same concern for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with [it]; if one member is glorified, all the members rejoice with [it]. 27 Now you⁺ are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Acts 5:4; Eph. 4:28.
Acts 5:4 Remaining, did it not remain yours? And having been sold, was it [not] in [your] own authority? Why did you purpose this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men but to God!”
Eph. 4:28 The one stealing, let him steal no longer, but rather let him toil, working with [his] own hands what [is] good, so that he may have [something] to impart to the one having need.

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Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints23 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Heidelberg Catechism · Question 3214 shared proof texts Heidelberg Catechism · Question 5510 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 655 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification5 shared proof texts Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 753 shared proof texts

Saving Faith The Church Union with Christ (Unio Mystica)Communion of Saints

Chapter 28: Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper

1. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of positive, and sovereign institution; appointed by the Lord Jesus, the only Lawgiver, to be continued in his church to the end of the world.

2. These holy appointments are to be administered by those only, who are qualified and thereunto called, according to the commission of Christ.

Scripture proofs

Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:26.
Matt. 28:19–20 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”
1 Cor. 11:26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.
Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 4:1.
Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
1 Cor. 4:1 So let a man reckon us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

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Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1764 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments4 shared proof texts · shared topic Heidelberg Catechism · Question 683 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1083 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith3 shared proof texts Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

The Church Baptism The Lord's Supper Union with Christ (Unio Mystica)

Chapter 29: Of Baptism

1. Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, to be unto the party baptized, a sign of his fellowship with him, in his death, and resurrection; of his being engrafted into him; of remission of sins; and of his giving up unto God, through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of life.

2. Those who do actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to, our Lord Jesus Christ, are the only proper subjects of this ordinance.

3. The outward element to be used in this ordinance is water, wherein the party is to be baptized, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

4. Immersion, or dipping of the person in water, is necessary to the due administration of this ordinance.

Scripture proofs

Rom. 6:3–5; Col. 2:12; Gal. 3:27.
Rom. 6:3–5 3 Or are you⁺ ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 We were buried, therefore, with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised out from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection,
Col. 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which also you⁺ were raised with [Him] through the faith from the working of God, the One having raised Him out from the dead.
Gal. 3:27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ.
Mark 1:4; Acts 22:16.
Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance unto forgiveness of sins.
Acts 22:16 And now, why do you delay? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having called on His name.’
Rom. 6:2, 4.
Rom. 6:2, 4 2 Never may it be! [We] who died to sin, how shall we still live in it? 4 We were buried, therefore, with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised out from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life.
Mark 16:16; Acts 8:36–37.
Mark 16:16 The one having believed and having been baptized will be saved, but the one having disbelieved will be condemned.
Acts 8:36–37 36 And as they were going along the road, they came upon some water, and the eunuch says, “Behold, water! What prevents my being baptized?” 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (KJV)
Matt. 28:19–20; Acts 8:38.
Matt. 28:19–20 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”
Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stop. And they both went down to the water—both Philip and the eunuch—and he baptized him.
Matt. 3:16; John 3:23.
Matt. 3:16 And having been baptized, Jesus immediately went up from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and coming upon Him.
John 3:23 Now John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because the waters were many there, and they were coming and were being baptized.

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism11 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1657 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1676 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments6 shared proof texts Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 945 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1765 shared proof texts · shared topic

Repentance & Conversion Baptism Resurrection

Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper

1. The supper of the Lord Jesus was instituted by him the same night wherein he was betrayed, to be observed in his churches, unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance, and showing forth the sacrifice in his death, confirmation of the faith of believers in all the benefits thereof, their spiritual nourishment, and growth in him, their further engagement in, and to all duties which they owe to him; and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other.

2. In this ordinance Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all, for remission of sin of the quick or dead; but only a memorial of that one offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all; and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same; so that the popish sacrifice of the Mass (as they call it) is most abominable, injurious to Christ's own only sacrifice the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect.

3. The Lord Jesus hath, in this ordinance, appointed his ministers to pray, and bless the elements of bread and wine, and thereby to set them apart from a common to an holy use, and to take and break the bread; to take the cup, and (they communicating also themselves) to give both to the communicants.

4. The denial of the cup to the people, worshiping the elements, the lifting them up, or carrying them about for adoration, and reserving them for any pretended religious use, are all contrary to the nature of this ordinance, and to the institution of Christ.

5. The outward elements in this ordinance, duly set apart to the uses ordained by Christ, have such relation to him crucified, as that truly, although in terms used figuratively, they are sometimes called by the names of the things they represent, to wit, the body and blood of Christ; albeit, in substance, and nature, they still remain truly, and only bread, and wine, as they were before.

6. That doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of bread and wine, into the substance of Christ's body and blood (commonly called transubstantiation) by consecration of a priest, or by any other way, is repugnant not to Scripture alone, but even to common sense and reason; overthroweth the nature of the ordinance, and hath been, and is the cause of manifold superstitions, yea, of gross idolatries.

7. Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements in this ordinance, do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally, and corporally, but spiritually receive, and feed upon Christ crucified, and all the benefits of his death: the body and blood of Christ, being then not corporally, or carnally, but spiritually present to the faith of believers, in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are to their outward senses.

8. All ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with Christ; so are they unworthy of the Lord's table; and cannot without great sin against him, while they remain such, partake of these holy mysteries, or be admitted thereunto: yea, whosoever shall receive unworthily, are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, eating and drinking judgment to themselves.

Scripture proofs

1 Cor. 11:23–26.
1 Cor. 11:23–26 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.
1 Cor. 10:16–17, 21.
1 Cor. 10:16–17, 21 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ? 17 Because [there is] one loaf, we the many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf. 21 You⁺ are not able to drink a cup of the Lord and a cup of demons. You⁺ are not able to partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons.
Heb. 9:25–26, 28.
Heb. 9:25–26, 28 25 nor that He should offer Himself many times, just as the high priest enters into the holy [places] every year with the blood of another. 26 Otherwise it was necessary for Him to have suffered many times from the foundation of the world. But now He has been revealed once in the consummation of the ages for the putting away of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 28 so also Christ, having been offered once in order to bear the sins of many, will appear for a second time, apart from sin, to those eagerly awaiting Him for salvation.
1 Cor. 11:24; Matt. 26:26–27.
1 Cor. 11:24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.”
Matt. 26:26–27 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you.
1 Cor. 11:23–26ff.
1 Cor. 11:23–26 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.
Matt. 26:26–28; Matt. 15:9; Ex. 20:4–5.
Matt. 26:26–28 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.
Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”
Ex. 20:4–5 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me,
1 Cor. 11:27.
1 Cor. 11:27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord.
1 Cor. 11:26–28.
1 Cor. 11:26–28 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup.
Acts 3:21; Luke 24:6, 39.
Acts 3:21 whom indeed it is necessary for heaven to receive until the times of restoration of all things, of which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from the age.
Luke 24:6, 39 6 He is not here, but He is risen! Remember how He spoke to you⁺, being yet in Galilee, 39 See My hands and My feet, that I am He. Touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you⁺ see Me having.”
1 Cor. 11:24–25.
1 Cor. 11:24–25 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.”
1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Cor. 11:23–26.
1 Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ?
1 Cor. 11:23–26 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.
2 Cor. 6:14–15.
2 Cor. 6:14–15 14 Do not become unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what partnership [have] righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship [has] light with darkness? 15 And what harmony [has] Christ with Beliar? Or what part to a believer [is] with an unbeliever?
1 Cor. 11:29; Matt. 7:6.
1 Cor. 11:29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.
Matt. 7:6 Do not give what [is] holy to the dogs, nor cast your⁺ pearls before the pigs, lest they will trample them among their feet and, having turned, tear you⁺ to pieces.

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper23 shared proof texts · 6 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 17010 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 16810 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day10 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 16210 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments9 shared proof texts · shared topic

Sin, Guilt & Misery Christ's Humiliation & Exaltation Atonement & the Cross Saving Faith The Lord's Supper Worship Union with Christ (Unio Mystica)

Chapter 31: Of the State of Man After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead

1. The bodies of men after death return to dust, and see corruption; but their souls (which neither die nor sleep) having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them; the souls of the righteous being then made perfect in holiness, are received into paradise where they are with Christ, and behold the face of God, in light and glory; waiting for the full redemption of their bodies; and the souls of the wicked, are cast into hell; where they remain in torment and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day; besides these two places for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledgeth none.

2. At the last day such of the saints as are found alive shall not sleep, but be changed; and all the dead shall be raised up with the selfsame bodies, and none other; although with different qualities, which shall be united again to their souls forever.

3. The bodies of the unjust shall by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonor; the bodies of the just by his Spirit unto honor, and be made conformable to his own glorious body.

Scripture proofs

Gen. 3:19; Acts 13:36.
Gen. 3:19 By the sweat of your nose you shall eat bread, until your returning to the ground, for from it you were taken. For dust you [are], and to dust you shall return.”
Acts 13:36 For indeed David, having served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was added to his fathers, and he saw decay.
Eccl. 12:7.
Eccl. 12:7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:1, 6, 8; Phil. 1:23; Heb. 12:23.
Luke 23:43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
2 Cor. 5:1, 6, 8 1 For we know that if our earthly house, the tent, should be torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 6 being confident, then, always, and knowing that being at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 8 Now we are confident and we are well pleased rather to be away, out of the body, and to be at home with the Lord.
Phil. 1:23 But I am pressed by the two, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for [it is] very much better,
Heb. 12:23 and [to] the assembly, to the church of the firstborn having been enrolled in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous having been perfected,
Jude 6–7; 1 Peter 3:19; Luke 16:23–24.
1 Peter 3:19 in whom also, having gone, He preached to the spirits in prison
Luke 16:23–24 23 And in Hades, having lifted up his eyes, being in torment, he sees Abraham from afar and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And having cried out, he said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus so that he might dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am suffering in this flame.’
Jude 6 on BibleHub ↗
Jude 7 on BibleHub ↗
1 Cor. 15:51–52; 1 Thess. 4:17.
1 Cor. 15:51–52 51 Behold, I speak to you⁺ a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
1 Thess. 4:17 Then we, the living remaining, will be caught up together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord.
Job 19:26–27.
Job 19:26–27 26 And after they strike off my skin thus, yet in my flesh I will see God. 27 [He] whom I will see for myself, indeed my eyes will see, and not a stranger. My kidneys yearn in my bosom!
1 Cor. 15:42–43.
1 Cor. 15:42–43 42 So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruptibility; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;
Acts 24:15; John 5:28–29; Phil. 3:21.
Acts 24:15 having a hope in God, which they themselves also await, [that] there is about to be a resurrection both of righteous and of unrighteous.
John 5:28–29 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming in which all those in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and they will come out—those having done good to the resurrection of life, and those having practiced evil to the resurrection of judgment.
Phil. 3:21 who will transform our body of humiliation [to be] conformed to the body of His glory, according to the working of His powering, even to subject all things to Himself.

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Sanctification & Good Works The Holy Spirit Death & the Intermediate State Resurrection Final Judgment Hell & Punishment

Chapter 32: Of the Last Judgment

1. God hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness, by Jesus Christ; to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father; in which day not only the apostate angels shall be judged; but likewise all persons that have lived upon the earth, shall appear before the tribunal of Christ; to give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds, and to receive according to what they have done in the body, whether good or evil.

2. The end of God's appointing this day, is for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy, in the eternal salvation of the elect; and of his justice in the eternal damnation of the reprobate, who are wicked and disobedient; for then shall the righteous go into everlasting life, and receive that fullness of joy, and glory, with everlasting reward, in the presence of the Lord: but the wicked, who do not know God, and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast into eternal torments, and punished with everlasting destruction, from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.

3. As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a day of judgment, both to deter all men from sin, and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity; so will he have the day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour, the Lord will come; and may ever be prepared to say, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly, Amen.

Scripture proofs

Acts 17:31; John 5:22, 27.
Acts 17:31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”
John 5:22, 27 22 For the Father judges no one, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 27 And He gave Him authority to do judgment, because He is the Son of Man.
1 Cor. 6:3; Jude 6.
1 Cor. 6:3 Do you⁺ not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of life?
Jude 6 on BibleHub ↗
2 Cor. 5:10; Eccl. 12:14; Matt. 12:36; Rom. 14:10, 12; Matt. 25:32ff.
2 Cor. 5:10 For it is necessary for us all to appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive back the things [done] through the body according to what he did, whether good or evil.
Eccl. 12:14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
Matt. 12:36 And I say to you⁺ that every careless word that men will speak, they will give an account concerning it in the day of judgment.
Rom. 14:10, 12 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why also do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 12 So then, each of us will give account concerning himself to God.
Matt. 25:32 And all the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Rom. 9:22–23.
Rom. 9:22–23 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction, 23 so that He might also make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,
Matt. 25:21, 34; 2 Tim. 4:8.
Matt. 25:21, 34 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, the blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you⁺ from the foundation of the world.
2 Tim. 4:8 From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me in that day; but not only to me, but also to all those loving His appearing.
Matt. 25:46; Mark 9:48; 2 Thess. 1:7–10.
Matt. 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Mark 9:48 where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’
2 Thess. 1:7–10 7 and to you⁺ being oppressed, relief with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of His power 8 in a fire of flame, giving vengeance on those not knowing God and on those not obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus, 9 who will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He shall come to be glorified in His saints and to be marveled at among all those having believed—because our testimony to you⁺ was believed—in that day.
2 Cor. 5:10–11.
2 Cor. 5:10–11 10 For it is necessary for us all to appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive back the things [done] through the body according to what he did, whether good or evil. 11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men. And we have been made manifest to God, and I hope to have been made manifest in your⁺ consciences also.
2 Thess. 1:5–7.
2 Thess. 1:5–7 5 a plain token of the righteous judgment of God, for you⁺ to be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which also you⁺ suffer. 6 For indeed [it is] righteous with God to repay those oppressing you⁺ with tribulation, 7 and to you⁺ being oppressed, relief with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of His power
Mark 13:35–37; Luke 12:35–40.
Mark 13:35–37 35 Therefore watch, for you⁺ do not know when the master of the house comes—either at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or morning— 36 lest, having come suddenly, he should find you⁺ sleeping. 37 And what I say to you⁺, I say to all: Watch!”
Luke 12:35–40 35 Let your⁺ loins be girded around and the lamps burning, 36 and you⁺ [be] like men waiting for their master when he shall return from the wedding feasts, that, having come and having knocked, immediately they might open to him. 37 Blessed [are] those servants whom, having come, the master will find watching. Truly I say to you⁺ that he will gird himself and will make them recline, and having come up, will serve them. 38 And if he should come in the second, and if in the third watch, and he finds thus, blessed are those. 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief comes, he would not have permitted his house to be broken into. 40 And you⁺, be ready, because the Son of Man comes in that hour you⁺ do not think.”
Rev. 22:20.
Rev. 22:20 The One testifying these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

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God's Goodness & Mercy Decrees & Predestination Final Judgment Hell & Punishment