Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Adoption

21 passages across 8 documents address Adoption. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Nature and Free Grace of Adoption

"Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God." "God doth adopt children, when he taketh them which are strangers, and by nature children of wrath, into his family, and receiveth them into the number, and giveth them a right to all the privileges of the sons and daughters of God." "There is neither beauty, nor any lovely qualification, nor anything in the least, to move and incline God to adopt any whom he doth adopt, but it is an act only of his free grace and love." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"It is the granting of the right to eternal life, or the adoption as children, by Paul immediately named alongside the redemption from the law, Gal. 4:5..." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"God is a Father by election, having chosen a certain number to be his children, upon whom he will entail heaven." "He showed power in being our Maker—but mercy in being our Father. When we were enemies, and our hearts stood out as garrisons against God—he conquered our stubbornness, and made us his children!" "Every adopted child may say, 'Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in your sight.'" [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

II. The Christological Ground: Union with the Natural Son

"It was necessary that the Mediator should have that which it became him to confer upon us. It became him now, to confer upon us the right and title of the sons of God, which we had forfeited; that is, it became him to bring it to pass, that God might, for his Son's sake, adopt us as his children. This, however, Christ alone was able to effect, because he alone had the right thereof."

"Therefore, the Word, who is the natural Son of God, is alone our Mediator, in whom, as in the first begotten, we are adopted as the sons of God..." "They are adopted sons who do not begin at one and the same time to be, and to be sons; but who were already before they were adopted, or who had an existence before their adoption as sons. They have been made sons by law and the will of him who has adopted them, and given them the right and title of sons, so that they occupy the same place as if they were natural sons. So Adam, after his fall, and all those who are regenerated, are the adopted sons of God, received into favor with him on account of his natural Son, Jesus Christ. All these were the children of wrath before they were adopted into the family and church of Christ." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Who would have the presumption to arrogate to himself the honour of a son of God were we not gratuitously adopted as his sons in Christ? He being the true Son, has been given to us as a brother, so that that which he possesses as his own by nature becomes ours by adoption, if we embrace this great mercy with firm faith."

"We must, however, constantly hold, that God never was a Father to angels and men save in respect of his only-begotten Son: that men, especially, who by their iniquity were rendered hateful to God, are sons by gratuitous adoption, because he is a Son by nature."

"Christ, then, is the mirror in which we ought, and in which, without deception, we may contemplate our election. For since it is into his body that the Father has decreed to ingraft those whom from eternity he wished to be his, that he may regard as sons all whom he acknowledges to be his members, if we are in communion with Christ, we have proof sufficiently clear and strong that we are written in the Book of Life." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"This adoption is a legal act, whereby God places the sinner in the status of a child, but does not change him inwardly any more than parents by the mere act of adoption change the inner life of an adopted child. The change that is effected concerns the relation in which man stands to God." "Just as the believers on the ground of Christ’s righteousness receive the forgiveness of sins, so are they also adopted as children, υἱοι θεου (not τεκνα). This υἱοθεσια, which thus rests on a declaration of God, has been acquired by Christ, Gal. 4:5, and becomes our portion through faith, 3:26." "The believers are thereby placed in the same status as Christ, who is the firstborn among many brethren, Rom. 8:29. He was the Son of God by nature, 8:32, and was so declared at his resurrection, 1:3; the believers become ὑιοι θεου by adoption." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

III. The Connection to Faith, Regeneration, and the Spirit of Sonship

"Are all the children of men the adopted children of God? No; only such persons are adopted as do believe in Christ." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"It is now proper to consider the nature of this faith, by means of which, those who are adopted into the family of God obtain possession of the heavenly kingdom." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"God is a Father by special grace. He consecrates the elect by his Spirit—and infuses a supernatural principle of holiness, therefore they are said to be 'born of God.'" "We may know God is our Father by RESEMBLING him. The child is his father's picture." "Whoever God adopts for his child is like him; he not only bears his heavenly Father's name—but his image." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"...and so by that same Spirit assured of this their sonship, ib. Gal. 4:6." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

IV. The Glorious Privileges and Fatherly Discipline

"The privileges which the adopted children of God have a right unto are— 1. God's fatherly protection of them from temporal and spiritual evils... 2. God's fatherly provision of all needful things, both for their soul and body... 3. God's fatherly correction of them... 4. God's audience and return to their prayers... 5. A sure title to the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"God being a Father, if he frowns, if he dips his pen in gall, and writes bitter things, if he DISCIPLINES—it is all done in love! A father loves his child as well when he chastises and disciplines him—as when he settles his inheritance on him." "If God is our Father—he will TEACH us. What father will refuse to counsel his son? Does God command parents to instruct their children, and will not he instruct his children?" "If God is our Father—he will be full of SYMPATHY towards his children." "God makes his children equal in honor to the angels." "God has made his children, by adoption, nearer to himself than the angels. The angels are the friends of Christ: believers are his members—and this honor have all the saints."

V. The Indissoluble Security of the Eternal Inheritance

"If God is our Father—he will not disinherit us. He may for a time desert his children—but will not disinherit them." "It is evident that God's children cannot be finally disinherited, by virtue of the eternal decree of heaven." "God's decree is the very pillar and basis on which the saints' perseverance depends. That decree ties the knot of adoption so fast, that neither sin, death, nor hell, can break it asunder." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"As sons they are then at the same time κατ’ ἐπαγγελίαν κληρονόμοι, Gal. 3:29, 4:7, Rom. 8:17; and because this inheritance still lies in the future, the υἱοθεσία in its full realization is also still an object of hope, Rom, 8:23." "But even if the 'Rechtsfolge der Adoption' still awaits, the believers have nevertheless already on earth been adopted as children; they are sealed by the Holy Spirit as guarantee and pledge unto the day of their redemption, 2 Cor. 1:22, 5:5, Ef." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

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Question 33

Q. Why is he called God's "only begotten Son" when we also are God's children?

A. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are adopted children of God— adopted by grace for the sake of Christ.

Scripture proofs
  • John 1:1–3, 14, 18; Heb. 1.

    John 1:1–3, 14, 18 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 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. 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.

    Hebrews 1 on BibleHub ↗

  • John 1:12; Rom. 8:14–17; Eph. 1:5–6.

    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. 8:14–17 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 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, 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].

    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,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 12: Of Adoption5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 745 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 12: Of Adoption4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 363 shared proof texts

First Head, Article 10: Election Based on God's Good Pleasure

But the cause of this undeserved election is exclusively the good pleasure of God. This does not involve his choosing certain human qualities or actions from among all those possible as a condition of salvation, but rather involves his adopting certain particular persons from among the common mass of sinners as his own possession. As Scripture says, "When the children were not yet born, and had done nothing either good or bad . . . , she [Rebecca] was told, 'The older will serve the younger.' As it is written, 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated'" (Rom. 9:11–13). Also, "All who were appointed for eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48).

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 9:11–13

    Rom. 9:11–13 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— 12 not of works but of the One calling, it was said to her, “The greater will serve the lesser.” 13 As it has been written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

  • Acts 13:48

    Acts 13:48 And the Gentiles hearing were rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 201 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 671 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints1 shared proof text · 3 shared topics

Fifth Head, Article 6: God's Saving Intervention

For God, who is rich in mercy, according to his unchangeable purpose of election does not take his Holy Spirit from his own completely, even when they fall grievously. Neither does he let them fall down so far that they forfeit the grace of adoption and the state of justification, or commit the sin which leads to death (the sin against the Holy Spirit), and plunge themselves, entirely forsaken by him, into eternal ruin.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 365 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared topics

Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree

1. God, from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures; nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.

2. Although God knows 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 unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death.

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 unto 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 foresight of faith, or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving him thereunto; and all to the praise of his glorious grace.

6. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, 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, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.

7. The rest of mankind God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy, as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to pass by; and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin, to the praise of his glorious justice.

8. 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
  • Ps. 33:11; Eph. 1:11; Heb. 6:17.

    Ps. 33:11 The counsel of YHWH stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation and [to] generation.

    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,

  • Ps. 5:4; James 1:13–14; 1 John 1:5. (See Hab. 1:13.)

    Ps. 5:4 For You [are] not a God delighting in wickedness; evil shall not sojourn with You.

    James 1:13–14 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. 14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire.

    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.

    Hab. 1:13 Purer of eyes than to behold evil, and You are not able to look on wickedness. Why do You look on those acting treacherously, [and] remain quiet when the wicked is devouring one more righteous than he?

  • Acts 2:23; Matt. 17:12; Acts 4:27–28; John 19:11; Prov. 16:33.

    Acts 2:23 Him delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you⁺ put to death, having crucified by lawless hands—

    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.”

    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.”

    Prov. 16:33 Into the lap the lot is cast, and all its judgment [is] from YHWH.

  • 1 Sam. 23:11–12; Matt. 11:21, 23.

    1 Sam. 23:11–12 11 Will the men of Keilah shut me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O YHWH, God of Israel, declare, please, to Your servant.” And YHWH said, “He will come down.” 12 And David said, “Will the men of Keilah shut up me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And YHWH said, “They will shut [you] up.”

    Matt. 11:21, 23 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles having happened in you⁺ had happened in Tyre and Sidon, long ago in sackcloth and ashes they would have repented. 23 And you, Capernaum, to heaven will you be lifted up? To Hades you will be brought down! For if the miracles having happened in you had happened in Sodom, it would have remained until [this] day.

  • 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; Jude 6; Matt. 25:31, 41.

    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. 25:31, 41 31 And when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon the throne of His glory. 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.

    Jude 6 on BibleHub ↗

  • Eph. 1:5–6; Rom. 9:22–23; Prov. 16:4.

    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 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,

    Prov. 16:4 YHWH has made everything for its own end—even the wicked for the day of evil.

  • John 13:18; 2 Tim. 2:19. (See John 10:14–16, 27–28; 17:2, 6, 9–12.)

    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.’

    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 10:14–16, 27–28 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me— 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. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 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.

    17:2, 6, 9–12 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. 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. 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. 10 And all things of Mine are Yours, and Yours Mine, and I have been glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, and they are themselves in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, which You have given to Me, so that they may be one as We [are]. 12 When I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name, which You have given to Me. And I guarded [them], and none of them perished except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

  • Eph. 1:4, 9, 11; Rom. 8:28–30; 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. 8:28–30 28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose, 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 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. 9:11, 13, 15–16; Eph. 2:8–9. (See Eph. 1:5, 9, 11.)

    Rom. 9:11, 13, 15–16 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— 13 As it has been written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 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.” 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy.

    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.

    Eph. 1:5, 9, 11 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 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

  • Eph. 1:6, 12.

    Eph. 1:6, 12 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One, 12 for us to be to the praise of His glory, the ones having first hoped in Christ,

  • 1 Peter 1:2; Eph. 2:10; 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⁺.

    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.

    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; Titus 2:14.

    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.

    Titus 2:14 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.

  • Rom. 8:30. (See Eph. 1:5; 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.

    Eph. 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

    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 10:14–15, 26; John 6:64–65; Rom. 8:28–39. (See John 8:47; 17:9; 1 John 2:19.)

    John 10:14–15, 26 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me— 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 26 But you⁺ do not believe, because you⁺ are not of My sheep.

    John 6:64–65 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. 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.”

    Rom. 8:28–39 28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose, 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 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. 31 What then will we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [can be] against us— 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? 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 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. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it has been written: “For Your sake we face death all the day; we were reckoned as sheep of slaughter.” 37 But in all these things we are more than conquerors through the One having loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things about to be, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God that [is] in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    John 8:47 The one being of God hears the words of God; because of this you⁺ do not hear, because you⁺ are not of God.”

    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.

    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.

  • Matt. 11:25–26; Rom. 9:17–18, 21–22; Jude 4; 1 Peter 2:8; 2 Tim. 2:19–20.

    Matt. 11:25–26 25 In that time, answering, Jesus said, “I acknowledge You, Father, Lord of the heaven and of the earth, because You hid these things from the wise and intelligent, and You revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, because of this it was good pleasure before You.

    Rom. 9:17–18, 21–22 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “For this very thing I raised you up, so that I might display My power in you, and that My name should be declared in all the earth.” 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants. 21 Or does the potter not have authority over the clay to make out of the same lump the one vessel indeed for honor, but the one for dishonor? 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,

    1 Peter 2:8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” [They] stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.

    2 Tim. 2:19–20 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.” 20 Now in a great house there are not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some indeed for honor, but some for dishonor.

    Jude 4 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 9:20; Rom. 11:33; Deut. 29:29.

    Rom. 9:20 But rather, O man, who are you answering against God? [Will] the thing formed say to the One having formed [it], “Why did you make me thus?”

    Rom. 11:33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

    Deut. 29:29 The things hidden are of YHWH our God, and the things revealed [are] to us and to our sons even to forever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

  • 2 Peter 1:10; 1 Thess. 1:4–5.

    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.

    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⁺.

  • Eph. 1:6. (See 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, 20; Rom. 8:33; Luke 10:20. (See 2 Peter 1:10.)

    Rom. 11:5–6, 20 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. 20 Rightly so: They were broken off by unbelief, but you have stood by faith. Do not be high-minded, but be afraid.

    Rom. 8:33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying.

    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.”

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree38 shared proof texts · 16 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors14 shared proof texts · 12 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1315 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 5415 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1211 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 2611 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Chapter 12: Of Adoption

1. All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for 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 the children of God, have his name put upon 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.

  • Rom. 8:17; John 1:12.

    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].

    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,

  • Num. 6:24–26; Jer. 14:9; Amos 9:12; Acts 15:17; 2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 3:12.

    Num. 6:24–26 24 ‘YHWH bless you, and keep you. 25 YHWH cause His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. 26 YHWH lift up His countenance upon you, and give unto you peace.’

    Jer. 14:9 Why should You be like a man astonished, like a mighty one not able to save? And You [are] among us, O YHWH, and we are called [by] Your name; do not leave us.

    Amos 9:12 so that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all of the nations that My name is called over them,” a declaration of YHWH, the One doing this.

    Acts 15:17 so that the remnant of men may seek out the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom has been called My name—upon them, says the Lord, doing these things

    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!”

  • Eph. 3:12. (See Heb. 4:16.)

    Eph. 3:12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through the faith from Him.

    Heb. 4:16 Therefore let us come with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

  • Rom. 8:15. (See Gal. 4:6; Rom. 8:16.)

    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 And because you⁺ are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

    Rom. 8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

  • 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.

  • Matt. 6:30, 32; 1 Peter 5:7.

    Matt. 6:30, 32 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? 32 For the nations seek after all these things. For your⁺ heavenly Father knows that you⁺ have need of all of these.

    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.”

  • Lam. 3:31–32. (See Ps. 89:30–35.)

    Lam. 3:31–32 31 For the Lord will not reject [us] forever; 32 for though He may bring grief, He will show compassion according to the abundance of His loving devotion;

    Ps. 89:30–35 30 If his sons should abandon My instruction, and do not walk in My ordinances, 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. 34 I will not violate My covenant, and a declaration of My lips I will not change. 35 Once I have sworn by My holiness—I will not lie to David—

  • 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. 6:12.

    Heb. 6:12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.

  • 1 Peter 1:3–4; Heb. 1:14.

    1 Peter 1:3–4 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One according to His great mercy having begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ out from the dead, 4 into an inheritance imperishable and undefiled and unfading, being kept in the heavens for you⁺,

    Heb. 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits being sent forth for service for the sake of those being about to inherit salvation?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 7421 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 12: Of Adoption17 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 335 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 264 shared proof texts

Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

1. Although hypocrites and other unregenerate men may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in the favor of God, and estate 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 upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation, the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made, the testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God, which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption.

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 ordinary means, attain thereunto. And therefore it is the duty of everyone 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 Ghost, 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 utterly destitute of that seed of God, and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart, and conscience of duty, out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may, in due time, be revived; and by the which, in the meantime, they are supported from utter despair.

Scripture proofs
  • Mic. 3:11; Deut. 29:19; John 8:41.

    Mic. 3:11 Her heads give judgment for a bribe, and her priests give instruction for a price, and her prophets practice divination for silver. And on YHWH they lean, and say, “Is not YHWH among us? No harm can come upon us.”

    Deut. 29:19 and it will come to pass in his hearing the words of this oath, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart,’ so that the wet are swept away with the dry.

    John 8:41 You⁺ are doing the works of your⁺ father.” Therefore they said to Him, “We have not been born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—God.”

  • Amos 9:10; Matt. 7:22–23.

    Amos 9:10 By the sword they will die—all the sinful ones of My people, those saying, ‘This evil will not come near or meet with us.’”

    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 5:13; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 3:14, 18–19, 21, 24.

    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.

    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.

  • 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 1:4–11; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 3:14; 2 Cor. 1:12.

    2 Peter 1:4–11 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, 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⁺.

    1 John 2:3 And by this we know that we have known Him, if we may keep His commandments.

    1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love [our] brothers. The one not loving remains in death.

    2 Cor. 1:12 For our boasting is this: The testimony of our conscience, that in the simplicity and sincerity of God, and not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we conducted ourselves in the world and more abundantly toward 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,

  • Eph. 1:13–14; Eph. 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:21–22.

    Eph. 1:13–14 13 in whom you⁺ also, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your⁺ salvation, in whom also having believed, you⁺ were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

    Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption.

    2 Cor. 1:21–22 21 Now the One establishing us with you⁺ into Christ, and having anointed us, [is] God, 22 the One also having sealed us and having given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

  • 1 John 5:13.

    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.

  • 1 Cor. 2:12; 1 John 4:13; Heb. 6:11–12; Eph. 3:17–18.

    1 Cor. 2:12 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 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.

    Eph. 3:17–18 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,

  • 2 Peter 1:10.

    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.

  • Rom. 5:1–2, 5; Rom. 14:17; Rom. 15:13; Eph. 1:3–4; Ps. 4:6–7; 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.

    Rom. 15:13 And may the God of hope fill you⁺ with all joy and peace in believing, for you⁺ to abound in hope in the power [of] the Holy Spirit.

    Eph. 1:3–4 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

    Ps. 4:6–7 6 Many are saying, “Who will show us good?” Lift upon us the light of Your face, O YHWH. 7 You have put joy in my heart, more than the time when their grain and their new wine have increased.

    Ps. 119:32 The way of Your commandments I will run, for You will enlarge my heart.

  • 1 John 2:1–2; Rom. 6:1–2; Titus 2:11–12, 14; 2 Cor. 7:1; Rom. 8:1, 12; 1 John 3:2–3; Ps. 130:4; 1 John 1:6–7.

    1 John 2:1–2 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

    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.

    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.

    Rom. 8:1, 12 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

    1 John 3:2–3 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.

    Ps. 130:4 But with You [is] forgiveness, so that You may be feared.

    1 John 1:6–7 6 If we should say that we have fellowship with Him and should walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 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.

  • Ps. 51:8, 12, 14; Eph. 4:30–31; Ps. 77:1–10; Ps. 31:22. (Cf. Matt. 26:69–72 and Luke 22:31–34.)

    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.

    Eph. 4:30–31 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and rage and wrath and outcry and slander be removed from you⁺, with all malice.

    Ps. 77:1–10 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?”

    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.

    Matt. 26:69–72 69 And Peter was sitting outside in the court, and one servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 And he denied [it] before all, saying, “I do not know what you say.” 71 And having gone out to the gateway, another saw him and says to those there, “This [man] was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied [it] with an oath: “I do not know the man.”

    Luke 22:31–34 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.” 33 And he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death.” 34 But He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you shall deny three times knowing Me.”

  • 1 John 3:9; Luke 22:32; Ps. 51:8, 12. (See Ps. 73:15.)

    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 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

    Ps. 51:8, 12 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.

    Ps. 73:15 If I had said, “I will speak like this,” behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your sons.

  • Mic. 7:7–9; Jer. 32:40; Isa. 54:7–14; 2 Cor. 4:8–10.

    Mic. 7:7–9 7 And I, for YHWH I will watch, I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. 8 Do not rejoice, O my enemy, over me when I fall; I will arise; when I sit in the darkness, YHWH [is be] a light for me. 9 The indignation of YHWH I will bear, because I have sinned against Him, until when He will fight my fight, and execute justice by me; He will bring me forth to the light, [and] I will look on His righteousness.

    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.

    Isa. 54:7–14 7 “For a small moment I have forsaken you, and with great compassion I will gather you; 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. 10 For the mountains may depart and the hills may be shaken, and My loving devotion will not depart from you, and the covenant of My peace will not be shaken [off],” says YHWH, the One having compassion on you. 11 “O afflicted one, tossed with tempest, not comforted! Behold, I am spreading [over] your stones in antimony, and I lay your foundations with sapphires. 12 And I will make your pinnacles of rubies, and your gates of sparkling of stones, and all of your walls of precious stones. 13 And all your sons [will be] taught by YHWH, and great [will be] the peace of your sons. 14 In righteousness you will be established. You will be far away from oppression—for you will not fear, and from terror—for it will not come near to you.

    2 Cor. 4:8–10 8 being pressed in every [way] but not being crushed, being perplexed but not despairing, 9 being persecuted but not being forsaken, being struck down but not being destroyed, 10 always carrying around the death [of] Jesus in the body, so that the life of Jesus also may be revealed in our body.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation49 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 8125 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 8021 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 114 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 17214 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 32

Q. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?

A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:30; 1 Cor. 1:30; 1 Cor. 6:11; Eph. 1:5.

    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.

    1 Cor. 1:30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

    1 Cor. 6:11 And some [of] you⁺ were these. But you⁺ were washed, but you⁺ were sanctified, but you⁺ were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

    Eph. 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 694 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 772 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 7: Election2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 34

Q. What is adoption?

A. Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 John 3:1.

    1 John 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.

  • 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].

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 743 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 12 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 332 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 12: Of Adoption2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 12: Of Adoption2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 36

Q. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 5:5.

    Rom. 5:5 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. 5:1.

    Rom. 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • Rom. 14:17.

    Rom. 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

  • 2 Peter 3:18.

    2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him [be] the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

  • Phil. 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5.

    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.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 834 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints1 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

Question 39

Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be man?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be man, that he might advance our nature, perform obedience to the law, suffer and make intercession for us in our nature, have a fellow feeling of our infirmities; that we might receive the adoption of sons, and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 2:16; 2 Peter 1:4.

    Heb. 2:16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham.

    2 Peter 1:4 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.

  • Gal. 4:4; Matt. 5:17; Rom. 5:19; Phil. 2:8.

    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. 5:17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.

    Rom. 5:19 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. 2:8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Heb. 2:14; Heb. 7:24–25.

    Heb. 2:14 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,

    Heb. 7:24–25 24 But because of His remaining to the age, He has the permanent priesthood, 25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

  • Heb. 4:15.

    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.

  • Gal. 4:5.

    Gal. 4:5 that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

  • Heb. 4:16.

    Heb. 4:16 Therefore let us come with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 213 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 69

Q. What is the communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?

A. The communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is their partaking of the virtue of his mediation, in their justification, adoption, sanctification, and whatever else, in this life, manifests their union with him.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:30.

    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.

  • Eph. 1:5.

    Eph. 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

  • 1 Cor. 1:30; 1 Cor. 6:11.

    1 Cor. 1:30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

    1 Cor. 6:11 And some [of] you⁺ were these. But you⁺ were washed, but you⁺ were sanctified, but you⁺ were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 324 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 7: Election2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 74

Q. What is adoption?

A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God, in and for his only Son Jesus Christ, whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his children, have his name put upon them, the Spirit of his Son given to them, are under his fatherly care and dispensations, admitted to all the liberties and privileges of the sons of God, made heirs of all the promises, and fellow heirs with Christ in glory.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 John 3:1.

    1 John 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.

  • 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. 8:15–16.

    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. 8:15–16 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,

  • Num. 6:24–27; Amos 9:12; 2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 3:12.

    Num. 6:24–27 24 ‘YHWH bless you, and keep you. 25 YHWH cause His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. 26 YHWH lift up His countenance upon you, and give unto you peace.’ 27 And they shall put My name on the sons of Israel, and I will bless them.”

    Amos 9:12 so that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all of the nations that My name is called over them,” a declaration of YHWH, the One doing this.

    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.

  • Gal. 4:6.

    Gal. 4:6 And because you⁺ are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

  • Ps. 103:13; Prov. 14:26; Matt. 6:32; Heb. 12:5–7, 11.

    Ps. 103:13 As a father has compassion for [his] children, [so] YHWH has compassion for those fearing Him.

    Prov. 14:26 In the fear of YHWH confidence [is] strong, and for his sons there is a refuge.

    Matt. 6:32 For the nations seek after all these things. For your⁺ heavenly Father knows that you⁺ have need of all of these.

    Heb. 12:5–7, 11 5 and you⁺ have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you⁺ as to sons: “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint being reproved by Him. 6 For the Lord disciplines whom He loves, and He scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 [It is] for discipline [that] you⁺ endure; God is treating you⁺ as sons; for what son [is there] whom [his] father does not discipline? 11 And all discipline indeed for the present does not seem to be of joy, but of grief; but afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those having been trained by it.

  • Heb. 6:12; Rom. 8:17; 1 Peter 1:3–4.

    Heb. 6:12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.

    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].

    1 Peter 1:3–4 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One according to His great mercy having begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ out from the dead, 4 into an inheritance imperishable and undefiled and unfading, being kept in the heavens for you⁺,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 12: Of Adoption21 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 12: Of Adoption13 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 335 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 14 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts

Question 80

Q. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation?

A. Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavor to walk in all good conscience before him, may, without extraordinary revelation, by faith grounded upon the truth of God's promises, and by the Spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made, and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God, be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 John 2:3; Heb. 10:19–23.

    1 John 2:3 And by this we know that we have known Him, if we may keep His commandments.

    Heb. 10:19–23 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, 22 we should come near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, the hearts having been sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and the body having been washed with pure water. 23 We should hold fast to the confession of [our] hope, unwavering; for the One having promised [is] faithful.

  • 1 Cor. 2:12; 1 John 3:14, 18–19, 21, 24; 1 John 4:13, 16; Heb. 6:11–12.

    1 Cor. 2:12 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 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 4:13, 16 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. 16 And we have known and have believed the love that God has in us. God is love, and the one remaining in love remains in God, and God remains in him.

    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. 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 5:13; Heb. 6:19–20. (See 2 Peter 1:5–11.)

    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.

    Heb. 6:19–20 19 which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and firm and entering into that within the veil, 20 where Jesus, the forerunner for us, entered according to the order of Melchizedek, having become a high priest to the age.

    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⁺.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation21 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation16 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 165

Q. What is baptism?

A. Baptism is a sacrament of the new testament, wherein Christ hath ordained the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, to be a sign and seal of ingrafting into himself, of remission of sins by his blood, and regeneration by his Spirit; of adoption, and resurrection unto everlasting life; and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into the visible church, and enter into an open and professed engagement to be wholly and only the Lord's.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 28:19.

    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,

  • Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3.

    Gal. 3:27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ.

    Rom. 6:3 Or are you⁺ ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

  • Mark 1:4; Rev. 1:5; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21.

    Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance unto forgiveness of sins.

    Rev. 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the One loving us and releasing us from our sins in His blood—

    Acts 2:38 And Peter says to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you⁺, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your⁺ sins, and you⁺ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    Acts 22:16 And now, why do you delay? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having called on His name.’

    1 Peter 3:21 which also corresponds to the baptism now saving you⁺, not a putting away of the filth of flesh, but the demand of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

  • Titus 3:5; Eph. 5:26. (See Acts 2:38.)

    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,

    Eph. 5:26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed [her] by the washing of water in the word,

    Acts 2:38 And Peter says to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you⁺, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your⁺ sins, and you⁺ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

  • Gal. 3:26–27.

    Gal. 3:26–27 26 For you⁺ are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ.

  • 1 Cor. 15:29; Rom. 6:5.

    1 Cor. 15:29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are they also baptized for them?

    Rom. 6:5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection,

  • 1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:41.

    1 Cor. 12:13 For also in one Spirit we all were baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

    Acts 2:41 Therefore those indeed having received his word were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

  • Rom. 6:4. (See Acts 2:38–42.)

    Rom. 6:4 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.

    Acts 2:38–42 38 And Peter says to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you⁺, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your⁺ sins, and you⁺ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you⁺ and to your⁺ children and to all those at a distance, as many as the Lord our God shall summon.” 40 And he earnestly testified many other words and was exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation.” 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism13 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 9412 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 29: Of Baptism7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 735 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Chapter VIII: Election

For that same eternal God and Father, who of mere grace elected us in Christ Jesus His Son before the foundation of the world was laid (Eph. 1), appointed Him to be our Head, our brother (Heb. 2), our pastor, and great bishop of our souls (John 10). But because the enmity betwixt the justice of God and our sins was such that no flesh by itself could or might have attained unto God, it behooved that the Son of God should descend unto us and take Himself a body of our body, flesh of our flesh, and bones of our bones: and so become the perfect mediator betwixt God and man, giving power to so many as believe in Him to be the sons of God (John 1). As He Himself does witness, "I pass up to my Father and unto your Father, to my God and unto your God" (John 20). By which most holy fraternity, whatsoever we have lost in Adam is restored to us again. And for this cause are we not afraid to call God our Father, not so much that He has created us (which we have common with the reprobate) as for that, that He has given to us His only Son, to be our brother, and given unto us grace to acknowledge and embrace Him for our only mediator, as before was said. It behooved further the Messiah and Redeemer to be very God and very man because He was to undergo the punishment due for our transgressions (Isa. 53), and to present Himself in the presence of His Father's judgment as in our person to suffer for our transgression and disobedience by death, to overcome him that was author of death. But because the only Godhead could not suffer death, neither yet could the only manhood overcome the same, He joined both together in one person that the weakness of the one should suffer and be subject to death (which we had deserved), and the infinite and invincible power of the other, to wit, of the Godhead, should triumph and purchase to us life, liberty, and perpetual victory. And so we confess and most undoubtedly believe.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World11 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared topics

Chapter XIII: The Cause of Good Works

So that the cause of good works we confess to be not our free will, but the Spirit of the Lord Jesus (John 15; Eph. 2), who dwelling in our hearts by true faith brings forth such good works as God has prepared for us to walk in. For this we most boldly affirm, that it is blasphemy to say that Christ Jesus abides in the heart of those in whom is no spirit of sanctification. And, therefore, we fear not to affirm that murderers, oppressors, cruel persecutors, adulterers, whoremongers, filthy persons, idolaters, drunkards, thieves, and all workers of iniquity have neither true faith nor any portion of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus so long as they obstinately continue in their wickedness. For how soon that ever the Spirit of the Lord Jesus (which God's elect children receive by true faith) takes possession in the heart of any man, so soon does He regenerate and renew the same man so that he begins to hate that which before he loved and begins to love that which before he hated. And from thence comes that continual battle which is betwixt the flesh and the spirit in God's children. While flesh and the natural man (according to their own corruption) lusts for things pleasing and delectable unto the self (Gal. 3), grudges in adversity, is lifted up in prosperity, and at every moment is prone and ready to offend the majesty of God. But the Spirit of God, who gives witness to our spirit that we are the sons of God (Rom. 8), makes us to resist the devil, to abhor filthy pleasures, to groan in God's presence for deliverance from this bondage of corruption, and finally to triumph over sin that it reign not in our mortal bodies. This battle has not the carnal man being destitute of God's Spirit: but do follow and obey sin with greediness and without repentance, even as the devil and their corrupt lusts do prick them. But the sons of God (as before was said), do fight against sin, do sob and mourn when they perceive themselves tempted to iniquity; and if they fall, they rise again with earnest and unfeigned repentance, and these things they do not by their own power, but by the power of the Lord Jesus without whom they were able to do nothing (John 15).

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 24: The Sanctification of Sinners6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head, Article 10: Conversion as the Work of God6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head, Article 12: Regeneration a Supernatural Work6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof6 shared topics

Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints

God has from the beginning freely, and of His mere grace, without any respect of men, predestinated or elected the saints, whom He will save in Christ, according to the saying of the apostle, "And He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1:4); and again, "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given unto us, through Jesus Christ, before the world was, but is now made manifest by the appearance of our Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 1:9–10).

Therefore, though not for any merit of ours, yet not without a means, but in Christ, and for Christ, did God choose us; and they who are now engrafted into Christ by faith, the same also were elected. But such as are without Christ were rejected, according to that saying of the apostle, "Prove yourselves, whether ye be in the faith. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Cor. 13:5).

To conclude, the saints are chosen in Christ by God unto a sure end, which end the apostle declares, when he says, "He hath chosen us in Him, that we should be holy and without blame before Him through love; who hath predestinated as to be adopted through Jesus Christ unto Himself, for the praise of His glorious grace" (Eph. 1:4–6).

And although God knows who are His, and now and then mention is made of the small number of the elect, yet we must hope well of all and not rashly judge any man to be a reprobate: for Paul says to the Philippians, "I thank my God for you all" (now he speaks of the whole church of the Philippians) "that ye are come into the fellowship of the gospel; and I am persuaded, that He that hath begun this work in you, will perform it, as it becometh me to judge of you all" (Phil. 1:3–7).

And when the Lord was asked whether there were few that should be saved, He does not answer and tell them that few or more should be saved or damned; but rather He exhorts every man to "strive to enter in at the strait gate" (Luke 13:24), as if He should say, It is not for you to rashly inquire of these matters, but rather to endeavor that you may enter into heaven by the straight way.

Wherefore we do not allow of the wicked speeches of some who say, Few are chosen, and seeing I know not whether I am in the number of those few, I will not defraud my nature of her desires. Others there are which say, If I am predestinated and chosen of God, nothing can hinder me from salvation, which is already certainly appointed for me, whatever I do at any time; but if I am in the number of the reprobate, no faith or repentance will help me, seeing the decree of God cannot be changed: therefore, all teachings and admonitions are to no purpose. Now against these men the saying of the apostle makes much, "The servants of God must be apt to teach, instructing them that are contrary minded, proving if God at any time will give them repentance, that they may come to amendment out of the snare of the devil, which are taken of him at his pleasure" (2 Tim. 2:24–26). Beside, Augustine also teaches that "Both the grace of free election and predestination, and also wholesome admonitions and doctrines, are to be preached" (Lib. De Bono Perseverantiae. Chap. 14).

We, therefore, condemn those who seek other than in Christ, whether they are chosen from all eternity, and what God has decreed of them before all beginning. For men must hear the gospel preached and believe it. If you believe and are in Christ, you may undoubtedly reckon that you are elected. For the Father has revealed unto us in Christ His eternal sentence of predestination, as we even now showed out of the apostle in 2 Timothy 1:9–10. This is, therefore, above all to be taught and well weighed, what great love of the Father towards us in Christ is revealed. We must hear what the Lord daily preaches unto us in His gospel, how He calls and says, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you" (Matt. 11:28). And, "So God loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son for it, that all which believe in Him should not perish but have life everlasting" (John 3:16). Also, "It is not the will of the Father, that any of these little ones should perish" (Matt. 18:14). Let Christ, therefore, be our looking glass, in whom we may behold our predestination. We shall have a most evident and sure testimony that we are written in the book of life, if we communicate with Christ; and He is ours and we His by a true faith.

Let this comfort us in the temptation touching predestination, than which there is none more dangerous: that the promises of God are general to the faithful, in that He says, "Ask, and ye shall receive; every one that asketh, receiveth" (Luke 11:9–10); and to conclude, in that we pray, with all the church of God, "Our Father which art in heaven" (Matt. 6:9); and for that in baptism we are ingrafted into the body of Christ and are fed in His church, oftentimes with His flesh and blood unto everlasting life. Thereby being strengthened, we are commanded to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" according to that precept of Paul in Philippians 2:12.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 1:4

    Eph. 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love

  • 2 Tim. 1:9–10

    2 Tim. 1:9–10 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, 10 and now having been made manifest through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, having indeed abolished death and having brought to light life and immortality through the gospel,

  • 2 Cor. 13:5

    2 Cor. 13:5 Test yourselves, whether you⁺ are in the faith; examine yourselves. Or do you⁺ not recognize yourselves that Jesus Christ [is] in you⁺?—unless you⁺ are unapproved.

  • Eph. 1:4–6

    Eph. 1:4–6 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, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

  • Phil. 1:3–7

    Phil. 1:3–7 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you⁺, 4 always in my every supplication for all of you⁺, making the supplication with joy, 5 for your⁺ partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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. 7 Accordingly, it is right for me to think this about all of you⁺, because of me having you⁺ in the heart. Both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you⁺ all are fellow partakers of grace with me.

  • Luke 13:24

    Luke 13:24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door, because many, I say to you⁺, will seek to enter and will not be able.

  • 2 Tim. 2:24–26

    2 Tim. 2:24–26 24 And it is necessary for a servant of the Lord not to quarrel, but to be kind toward all, able to teach, forbearing, 25 in gentleness disciplining those opposing, lest ever God may give them repentance unto a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they might come to their senses out of the snare of the devil, having been captured by him unto his will.

  • 2 Timothy 1:9–10

    2 Timothy 1:9–10 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, 10 and now having been made manifest through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, having indeed abolished death and having brought to light life and immortality through the gospel,

  • Matt. 11:28

    Matt. 11:28 Come to Me, all those toiling and burdened, and I will give you⁺ rest.

  • John 3:16

    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.

  • Matt. 18:14

    Matt. 18:14 Thus it is not the will of your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens that one of these little ones should be lost.

  • Luke 11:9–10

    Luke 11:9–10 9 And I say to you⁺: Ask, and it will be given to you⁺; seek, and you⁺ will find; knock, and it will be opened to you⁺. 10 For everyone asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking, it will be opened.

  • Matt. 6:9

    Matt. 6:9 Therefore pray you⁺ this way: ‘Our Father who [is] in the heavens, hallowed be Your name.

  • Philippians 2:12

    Philippians 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling4 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 543 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 7: Election3 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors2 shared proof texts · 10 shared topics

Chapter 20: Of Holy Baptism

Baptism was instituted and consecrated by God; and the first that baptized was John who dipped Christ in the water in Jordan. From Him it came to the apostles, who also baptized with water. The Lord in plain words commanded them "to preach the gospel, and to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19). And Peter also, when divers demanded of him what they ought to do, said to them in the Acts, "Let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (2:38). Whereupon baptism is called of some a sign of initiation for God's people, as that whereby the elected of God are consecrated unto God.

There is but one baptism in the church of God: for it is sufficient to be once baptized or consecrated unto God. For baptism once received continues all a man's life and is a perpetual sealing of our adoption unto us. For to be baptized in the name of Christ is to be enrolled, entered, and received into the covenant and family, and so into the inheritance of the sons of God; yes and in this life to be called after the name of God, that is to say, to be called a son of God; to be purged also from the filthiness of sins and to be endued with the manifold grace of God, to lead a new and innocent life. Baptism, therefore, calls to mind and keeps in remembrance the great benefit of God performed to mankind. For we are all born in the pollution of sin and are the sons of wrath. But God, who is rich in mercy, freely purges us from our sins by the blood of His Son, and in Him adopts us to be His sons, and by a holy covenant joins us to Himself, and enriches us with divers gifts, that we might live a new life. All these things are sealed unto us in baptism. For inwardly we are regenerated, purified, and renewed of God through the Holy Spirit: and outwardly we receive the sealing of most notable gifts by the water; by which also those great benefits are represented, and, as it were, set before our eyes to be looked upon. And, therefore, are we baptized, that is, washed and sprinkled with visible water. For the water makes clean that which is filthy, and refreshes and cools the bodies that are frail and faint. And the grace of God deals in like manner with the soul; and that invisibly and spiritually.

Moreover by the sacrament of baptism, God separates us from all other religions and nations, and consecrates us a peculiar people to Himself. We, therefore, by being baptized, confess our faith and are bound to give unto God obedience, mortification of the flesh, and newness of life; yes, and we are enlisted as soldiers for the holy warfare of Christ, that all our life long we should fight against the world, Satan, and our own flesh. Moreover, we are baptized into one body of the church that we may well agree with all the members of the church in the same religion and mutual duties.

We believe that is, of all others, the most perfect form of baptism, wherein Christ was baptized, and which the rest of the apostles used in baptism. Those things, therefore, which by man's device were added afterwards and used in the church, we think unnecessary to the perfection of baptism. Of which kind is exorcism and the use of lights, oil, salt, spittle and such other things; as namely, that baptism is twice every year consecrated with divers ceremonies. For we believe that the baptism of the church, which is but one, was sanctified in God's first institution of it, and is consecrated by the Word, and is now of full force, by and for the first blessing of God upon it.

We teach that baptism should not be ministered in the church by women or midwives. For Paul excludes women from ecclesiastical callings: but baptism belongs to ecclesiastical offices. We condemn the Anabaptists, who deny that young infants, born of faithful parents, are to be baptized. For according to the doctrine of the gospel "theirs is the kingdom of God" (Luke 18:16); and they are written in the covenant of God (Acts 3:25). Why then should not the sign of the covenant be given to them? Why should they not be consecrated by holy baptism who are God's peculiar people and in the church of God? We condemn also the Anabaptists in the rest of their opinions which they peculiarly hold against the Word of God. We, therefore, are not Anabaptists, neither do we agree with them in any point that is theirs.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 28:19

    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,

  • Luke 18:16

    Luke 18:16 But Jesus summoned them, saying, “Permit the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of the such is the kingdom of God.

  • Acts 3:25

    Acts 3:25 You⁺ are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your⁺ fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed.’

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 34: The Sacrament of Baptism1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1651 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church1 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

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 topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling10 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared proof texts · 11 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 129 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 138 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 548 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 12: Of Adoption17 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7413 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 334 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 813 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

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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