Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Justification

48 passages across 10 documents address Justification. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Definition and Forensic Nature of Justification

"Justification is a judicial act of God, in which He declares, on the basis of the righteousness of Jesus Christ, that all the claims of the law are satisfied with respect to the sinner." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"A man is said to be justified in the sight of God when in the judgment of God he is deemed righteous, and is accepted on account of his righteousness; for as iniquity is abominable to God, so neither can the sinner find grace in his sight, so far as he is and so long as he is regarded as a sinner." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"For Scripture places the forensic, juridical meaning of justification beyond all doubt... It means to acquit someone after judicial investigation of the guilt, to declare righteous..." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Righteousness is conformity with the law; or, it is the fulfilling of the law, or that by which we are justified before God. Justification, on the other hand, is the application of this righteousness to any one. They differ, therefore, as shape and the application of it to an object, or as whiteness and whitening, or making white." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"To justify, therefore, is nothing else than to acquit from the charge of guilt, as if innocence were proved. Hence, when God justifies us through the intercession of Christ, he does not acquit us on a proof of our own innocence, but by an imputation of righteousness, so that though not righteous in ourselves, we are deemed righteous in Christ." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone."

II. The Two Elements of Justification: Pardon and Acceptance

"Our justification doth consist in two things. 1. In the pardon of our sins. 2. In the acceptation of us as righteous." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"Justification and the forgiveness of sins are, therefore, the same: for to justify is that God should not impute sin unto us, but accept of us and declare us righteous; or, which is the same thing, that he declare us righteous on the ground of the righteousness of Christ made over unto us." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to us for our justification, is his whole obedience to the law in our stead, and that both his passive obedience in all his sufferings, especially in his death, whereby we have the pardon of all our sins... and his active obedience also, whereby we are accepted as righteous in God's sight..." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"Justification, or the remission of sins. The justice of God demands that the sinner should not be punished twice. And as he has punished our sins in Christ, he will not, therefore, punish the same in us." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Thus we simply interpret justification, as the acceptance with which God receives us into his favor as if we were righteous; and we say that this justification consists in the forgiveness of sins and the imputation of the righteousness of Christ" [John Calvin - Institutes]

III. The Ground of Justification: The Imputed Righteousness of Christ

"The righteousness with which we are here justified before God, is not our conformity with the law, nor our good works, nor our faith; but it is the satisfaction which Christ rendered to the law in our stead; or the punishment which he endured in our behalf" [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Hence also it is proved, that it is entirely by the intervention of Christ's righteousness than we obtain justification before God. This is equivalent to saying that man is not just in himself, but that the righteousness of Christ is communicated to him by imputation, while he is strictly deserving of punishment." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"In the Old Testament and in the New, God is declared to be just, in the sense that his nature demands the punishment of sin; that therefore there can be no remission without such punishment, vicarious or personal; that the plan of salvation... involves the substitution of the incarnate Son of God in the place of sinners, who assumed their obligation to satisfy divine justice..." "simply means that his righteousness, having been wrought out by Christ for the benefit of his people, in their name, by Him as their representative, it is laid to their account, so that God can be just in justifying the ungodly." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"With remission of sin is joined imputation of righteousness." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

IV. The Exclusion of Works and Human Merit

"For Scripture testifies that from the works of the law no flesh can or will be justified, Jes. 64:6, Rom. 3:19, 20, 8:7, Ef. 2:2 etc." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"The sum is, that man cannot claim a single particle of righteousness to himself, without at the same time detracting from the glory of the divine righteousness." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"It is necessary that that righteousness which will stand in the judgment of God must be absolutely perfect, and conformable to the law in every respect. But our best works in this life are imperfect, and defiled with sin. Therefore our best works cannot be the whole, nor even a part of our righteousness before God." "Augustin has correctly said: 'Good works do not precede them that are to be justified, but follow them that are justified.'" [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Believers are to make great use of the moral law—but they must trust only to Christ's righteousness for justification; as Noah's dove made use of her wings to fly—but trusted to the ark for safety." [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments]

V. The Instrumental Office of Faith

"We are said to be justified by faith only: 1. Because we are justified by the object of faith alone, that is by the merits of Christ only, without which we can have no righteousness whatever: for we are justified for Christ's sake." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"We are justified only by faith, and neither in whole nor in part by works." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"Faith does not justify by its essence or act, because it itself is righteousness, but by its content, because faith is in Christ, our righteousness." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"...faith is the instrument by which we apprehend the righteousness of Christ, or it is the hand with which we receive the righteousness of Christ." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"QUESTION LXXIII. How doth faith justify a sinner in the sight of God? ANSWER. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God; not because of those other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that are the fruits of it; nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for his justification; but only as it is an instrument, by which he receiveth and applies Christ and his righteousness." [Thomas Ridgley - WLC - A Body of Divinity]

VI. Justification Distinguished from Sanctification

"Though justification and sanctification are not the same—yet God never pardons a sinner without sanctifying him. Justification and sanctification are not the same. Justification is without us, sanctification is within us. The one is by righteousness imputed, the other is by righteousness imparted. Justification is once and for all, sanctification is gradual." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"The distinction of both lies herein, that in justification the religious relation of man to God is restored, and in sanctification his nature is renewed and freed from the uncleanness of sin." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Justification removes the guilt of sin and restores the sinner to all the filial rights involved in his state as a child of God, including an eternal inheritance. Sanctification removes the pollution of sin and renews the sinner ever-increasingly in conformity with the image of God."

"Justification takes place once for all. It is not repeated, neither is it a process; it is complete at once and for all time." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

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Question 56

Q. What do you believe concerning "the forgiveness of sins"?

A. I believe that God, because of Christ's satisfaction, will no longer remember any of my sins or my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life. Rather, by his grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ that I may never come into judgment.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 103:3–4, 10, 12; Mic. 7:18–19; 2 Cor. 5:18–21; 1 John 1:7; 2:2.

    Ps. 103:3–4, 10, 12 3 the One forgiving all your iniquities, the One healing all your diseases, 4 the One redeeming your life from destruction, the One crowning you with loving devotion and compassion, 10 He has not done to us according to our sins, and He has not dealt with us according to our iniquities. 12 As far as the east [is] from the west, [so] has He put our transgressions far from us.

    Mic. 7:18–19 18 Who [is] a God like You, lifting away iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion. 19 He will turn back, He will have compassion on us, He will subdue our iniquities. And You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins.

    2 Cor. 5:18–21 18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God is appealing through us. We implore on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    1 John 1:7 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.

    2:2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Rom. 7:21–25.

    Rom. 7:21–25 21 I find, then, the law in my wanting to do good, that evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man, 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members. 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

  • John 3:17–18; Rom. 8:1–2.

    John 3:17–18 17 For God did not send the Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

    Rom. 8:1–2 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification6 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will5 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 60

Q. How are you righteous before God?

A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments, of never having kept any of them, and of still being inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without any merit of my own, out of sheer grace, God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, and as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me— if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:21–28; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8–9; Phil 3:8–11.

    Rom. 3:21–28 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    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.

    Phil 3:8–11 8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith, 10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if somehow I may attain to the resurrection out from the dead.

  • Rom. 3:9–10.

    Rom. 3:9–10 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;

  • Rom. 7:23.

    Rom. 7:23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.

  • Titus 3:4–5.

    Titus 3:4–5 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,

  • Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

  • Rom. 4:3–5 (Gen. 15:6); 2 Cor. 5:17–19; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Rom. 4:3–5 3 For what does the Scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one working, the wage is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt. 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

    Gen. 15:6 And he believed in YHWH, and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.

    2 Cor. 5:17–19 17 Therefore if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation. The old things passed away; behold, the new things have come into being! 18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation.

    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. 4:24–25; 2 Cor. 5:21.

    Rom. 4:24–25 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead, 25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • John 3:18; Acts 16:30–31.

    John 3:18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

    Acts 16:30–31 30 And having brought them out, he was saying, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do so that I may be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification20 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification13 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful12 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7011 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 867 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1947 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 81

Q. Who should come to the Lord's table?

A. Those who are displeased with themselves because of their sins, but who nevertheless trust that their sins are pardoned and that their remaining weakness is covered by the suffering and death of Christ, and who also desire more and more to strengthen their faith and to lead a better life. Hypocrites and those who are unrepentant, however, eat and drink judgment on themselves.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 10:19–22; 11:26–32.

    1 Cor. 10:19–22 19 Then what do I say? That what is sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 [No], but that which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. And I do not want you⁺ to be fellow sharers with demons. 21 You⁺ are not able to drink a cup of the Lord and a cup of demons. You⁺ are not able to partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

    11:26–32 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 Because of this, many [are] weak and sick among you⁺, and many are fallen asleep. 31 For if we were discerning of ourselves, we would not be being judged. 32 But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we should not be condemned with the world.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 976 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1736 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures6 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1085 shared proof texts

Question 126

Q. What does the fifth petition mean?

A. "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" means: Because of Christ's blood, do not impute to us, poor sinners that we are, any of the transgressions we do or the evil that constantly clings to us. Forgive us just as we are fully determined, as evidence of your grace in us, wholeheartedly to forgive our neighbors.

Scripture proofs
  • Pss. 51:1–7; 143:2; Rom. 8:1; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Pss. 51:1–7 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David, in the coming of Nathan the prophet to him after that he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to the abundance of Your compassion, wipe out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin [is] before me continually. 4 Against You, You alone, have I sinned, and have done the evil in your eyes, so that You are right when You speak, and You are pure when You judge. 5 Behold, in iniquity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You take delight [in] truth in the inner parts; in the inmost place You teach me wisdom. 7 Cleanse my sin with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

    143:2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for not anyone alive is righteous before Your face.

    Rom. 8:1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.

    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.

  • Matt. 6:14–15; 18:21–35.

    Matt. 6:14–15 14 For if you⁺ forgive men their trespasses, your⁺ heavenly Father will also forgive you⁺. 15 But if you⁺ do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your⁺ Father forgive your⁺ trespasses.

    18:21–35 21 Then, having come, Peter said to Him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I will forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus says to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times! 23 Because of this, the kingdom of the heavens was likened to to a man, a king, who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And [on] his having begun to settle, one was brought to him, a debtor of ten thousand talents. 25 And [on] his having nothing to repay, the master commanded him to be sold—and the wife and the children and all of whatever he had—and repayment to be made. 26 Therefore the servant, having fallen down, was bowing on his knees to him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay all to you.’ 27 And having been moved with compassion, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But having gone out, that servant found one of his fellow servants who was owing him a hundred denarii. And having seized him, he was choking [him], saying, ‘Repay what you owe!’ 29 Therefore, having fallen down, his fellow servant was calling on him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you.’ 30 But he was not willing. Rather, having gone, he cast him into prison until he should repay what was owed. 31 Therefore his fellow servants, having seen the things having happened, were deeply grieved, and having gone, they made clear to their master all the things having happened. 32 Then, having summoned him, his master says to him, ‘Evil servant! I forgave you all that debt because you called on me. 33 Was it not necessary for you also to have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I also had mercy on you?’ 34 And having become angry, his master delivered him to the tormenters until he should repay everything being owed to him. 35 Thus also My heavenly Father will do to you⁺ unless each of you⁺ should forgive his brother from your⁺ hearts.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 10518 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 19418 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 874 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 764 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts

Article 15: The Doctrine of Original Sin

We believe that by the disobedience of Adam original sin has been spread through the whole human race. It is a corruption of all nature—an inherited depravity which even infects small infants in their mother's womb, and the root which produces in man every sort of sin. It is therefore so vile and enormous in God's sight that it is enough to condemn the human race, and it is not abolished or wholly uprooted even by baptism, seeing that sin constantly boils forth as though from a contaminated spring. Nevertheless, it is not imputed to God's children for their condemnation but is forgiven by his grace and mercy—not to put them to sleep but so that the awareness of this corruption might often make believers groan as they long to be set free from the "body of this death." Therefore we reject the error of the Pelagians who say that this sin is nothing else than a matter of imitation.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 5:12–13.

    Rom. 5:12–13 12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned. 13 For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed, there being no law.

  • Rom. 7:24.

    Rom. 7:24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death?

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof3 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 222 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 162 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof1 shared proof text · 5 shared topics

Article 20: The Justice and Mercy of God in Christ

We believe that God—who is perfectly merciful and also very just—sent his Son to assume the nature in which the disobedience had been committed, in order to bear in it the punishment of sin by his most bitter passion and death. So God made known his justice toward his Son, who was charged with our sin, and he poured out his goodness and mercy on us, who are guilty and worthy of damnation, giving to us his Son to die, by a most perfect love, and raising him to life for our justification, in order that by him we might have immortality and eternal life.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful4 shared topics

Article 22: The Righteousness of Faith

We believe that for us to acquire the true knowledge of this great mystery the Holy Spirit kindles in our hearts a true faith that embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, and makes him its own, and no longer looks for anything apart from him. For it must necessarily follow that either all that is required for our salvation is not in Christ or, if all is in him, then he who has Christ by faith has his salvation entirely. Therefore, to say that Christ is not enough but that something else is needed as well is a most enormous blasphemy against God—for it then would follow that Jesus Christ is only half a Savior.

And therefore we justly say with Paul that we are justified "by faith alone" or by faith "apart from works." However, we do not mean, properly speaking, that it is faith itself that justifies us—for faith is only the instrument by which we embrace Christ, our righteousness. But Jesus Christ is our righteousness crediting to us all his merits and all the holy works he has done for us and in our place. And faith is the instrument that keeps us in communion with him and with all his benefits. When those benefits are made ours they are more than enough to absolve us of our sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:28.

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · 6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful1 shared proof text · 6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death9 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 601 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 731 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

Article 23: The Justification of Sinners

We believe that our blessedness lies in the forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus Christ, and that in it our righteousness before God is contained, as David and Paul teach us when they declare that man blessed to whom God grants righteousness apart from works. And the same apostle says that we are justified "freely" or "by grace" through redemption in Jesus Christ.

And therefore we cling to this foundation, which is firm forever, giving all glory to God, humbling ourselves, and recognizing ourselves as we are; not claiming a thing for ourselves or our merits and leaning and resting only on the obedience of Christ crucified, which is ours when we believe in him. That is enough to cover all our sins and to make us confident, freeing the conscience from the fear, dread, and terror of God's approach, without doing what our first father, Adam, did, who trembled as he tried to cover himself with fig leaves. In fact, if we had to appear before God relying—no matter how little—on ourselves or some other creature, then, alas, we would be swallowed up. Therefore everyone must say with David: "Lord, do not enter into judgment with your servants, for before you no living person shall be justified."

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 32:1; Rom. 4:6.

    Ps. 32:1 Of David. A Maskil. Blessed [is he] with transgression lifted, with sin is covered.

    Rom. 4:6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works:

  • Rom. 3:24.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

  • Ps. 143:2.

    Ps. 143:2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for not anyone alive is righteous before Your face.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 332 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 702 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 712 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful1 shared proof text · 7 shared topics

Article 24: The Sanctification of Sinners

We believe that this true faith, produced in man by the hearing of God's Word and by the work of the Holy Spirit, regenerates him and makes him a "new man," causing him to live the "new life" and freeing him from the slavery of sin. Therefore, far from making people cold toward living in a pious and holy way, this justifying faith, quite to the contrary, so works within them that apart from it they will never do a thing out of love for God but only out of love for themselves and fear of being condemned. So then, it is impossible for this holy faith to be unfruitful in a human being, seeing that we do not speak of an empty faith but of what Scripture calls "faith working through love," which leads a man to do of himself the works that God has commanded in his Word. These works, proceeding from the good root of faith, are good and acceptable to God, since they are all sanctified by his grace. Yet they do not count toward our justification—for by faith in Christ we are justified, even before we do good works. Otherwise they could not be good, any more than the fruit of a tree could be good if the tree is not good in the first place.

So then, we do good works, but not for merit—for what would we merit? Rather, we are indebted to God for the good works we do, and not he to us, since it is he who "works in us both to will and do according to his good pleasure"—thus keeping in mind what is written: "When you have done all that is commanded you, then you shall say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have done what it was our duty to do.'"

Yet we do not wish to deny that God rewards good works—but it is by his grace that he crowns his gifts. Moreover, although we do good works we do not base our salvation on them; for we cannot do any work that is not defiled by our flesh and also worthy of punishment. And even if we could point to one, memory of a single sin is enough for God to reject that work. So we would always be in doubt, tossed back and forth without any certainty, and our poor consciences would be tormented constantly if they did not rest on the merit of the suffering and death of our Savior.

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Cor. 5:17.

    2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation. The old things passed away; behold, the new things have come into being!

  • Rom. 6:4.

    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.

  • Gal. 5:6.

    Gal. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but faith working through love.

  • Phil. 2:13.

    Phil. 2:13 For God is the One working in you⁺ both to will and to work on behalf of [His] good pleasure.

  • Luke 17:10.

    Luke 17:10 Thus also you⁺, when you⁺ may have done all the [things] having been directed you⁺, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have done that which we were obligated to do.’”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 353 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 753 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · 6 shared topics

First Head, Article 7: Election

Election [or choosing] is God's unchangeable purpose by which he did the following:

Before the foundation of the world, by sheer grace, according to the free good pleasure of his will, he chose in Christ to salvation a definite number of particular people out of the entire human race, which had fallen by its own fault from its original innocence into sin and ruin. Those chosen were neither better nor more deserving than the others, but lay with them in the common misery. He did this in Christ, whom he also appointed from eternity to be the mediator, the head of all those chosen, and the foundation of their salvation.

And so he decided to give the chosen ones to Christ to be saved, and to call and draw them effectively into Christ's fellowship through his Word and Spirit. In other words, he decided to grant them true faith in Christ, to justify them, to sanctify them, and finally, after powerfully preserving them in the fellowship of his Son, to glorify them.

God did all this in order to demonstrate his mercy, to the praise of the riches of his glorious grace.

As Scripture says, "God chose us in Christ, before the foundation of the world, so that we should be holy and blameless before him with love; he predestined us whom he adopted as his children through Jesus Christ, in himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, by which he freely made us pleasing to himself in his beloved" (Eph. 1:4–6). And elsewhere, "Those whom he predestined, he also called; and those whom he called, he also justified; and those whom he justified, he also glorified" (Rom. 8:30).

Scripture proofs
  • 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,

  • 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints3 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 544 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 133 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topics

First Head: Rejection of the Errors

Having set forth the orthodox teaching concerning election and reprobation, the Synod rejects the errors of those

Error I.

Who teach that the will of God to save those who would believe and persevere in faith and in the obedience of faith is the whole and entire decision of election to salvation, and that nothing else concerning this decision has been revealed in God's Word.

For they deceive the simple and plainly contradict Holy Scripture in its testimony that God does not only wish to save those who would believe, but that he has also from eternity chosen certain particular people to whom, rather than to others, he would within time grant faith in Christ and perseverance. As Scripture says, "I have revealed your name to those whom you gave me" (John 17:6). Likewise, "All who were appointed for eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48), and "He chose us before the foundation of the world so that we should be holy" (Eph. 1:4).

Error II.

Who teach that God's election to eternal life is of many kinds: one general and indefinite, the other particular and definite; and the latter in turn either incomplete, revocable, nonperemptory (or conditional), or else complete, irrevocable, and peremptory (or absolute). Likewise, who teach that there is one election to faith and another to salvation, so that there can be an election to justifying faith apart from a peremptory election to salvation.

For this is an invention of the human brain, devised apart from the Scriptures, which distorts the teaching concerning election and breaks up this golden chain of salvation: "Those whom he predestined, he also called; and those whom he called, he also justified; and those whom he justified, he also glorified" (Rom. 8:30).

Error III.

Who teach that God's good pleasure and purpose, which Scripture mentions in its teaching of election, does not involve God's choosing certain particular people rather than others, but involves God's choosing, out of all possible conditions (including the works of the law) or out of the whole order of things, the intrinsically unworthy act of faith, as well as the imperfect obedience of faith, to be a condition of salvation; and it involves his graciously wishing to count this as perfect obedience and to look upon it as worthy of the reward of eternal life.

For by this pernicious error the good pleasure of God and the merit of Christ are robbed of their effectiveness and people are drawn away, by unprofitable inquiries, from the truth of undeserved justification and from the simplicity of the Scriptures. It also gives the lie to these words of the apostle: "God called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of works, but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time" (2 Tim. 1:9).

Error IV.

Who teach that in election to faith a prerequisite condition is that man should rightly use the light of nature, be upright, unassuming, humble, and disposed to eternal life, as though election depended to some extent on these factors.

For this smacks of Pelagius, and it clearly calls into question the words of the apostle: "We lived at one time in the passions of our flesh, following the will of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in transgressions, made us alive with Christ, by whose grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with him and seated us with him in heaven in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages we might show the surpassing riches of his grace, according to his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith (and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God) not by works, so that no one can boast" (Eph. 2:3–9).

Error V.

Who teach that the incomplete and nonperemptory election of particular persons to salvation occurred on the basis of a foreseen faith, repentance, holiness, and godliness, which has just begun or continued for some time; but that complete and peremptory election occurred on the basis of a foreseen perseverance to the end in faith, repentance, holiness, and godliness. And that this is the gracious and evangelical worthiness, on account of which the one who is chosen is more worthy than the one who is not chosen. And therefore that faith, the obedience of faith, holiness, godliness, and perseverance are not fruits or effects of an unchangeable election to glory, but indispensable conditions and causes, which are prerequisite in those who are to be chosen in the complete election, and which are foreseen as achieved in them.

This runs counter to the entire Scripture, which throughout impresses upon our ears and hearts these sayings among others: "Election is not by works, but by him who calls" (Rom. 9:11–12); "All who were appointed for eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48); "He chose us in himself so that we should be holy" (Eph. 1:4); "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16); "If by grace, not by works" (Rom. 11:6); "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son" (1 John 4:10).

Error VI.

Who teach that not every election to salvation is unchangeable, but that some of the chosen can perish and do in fact perish eternally, with no decision of God to prevent it.

By this gross error they make God changeable, destroy the comfort of the godly concerning the steadfastness of their election, and contradict the Holy Scriptures, which teach that "the elect cannot be led astray" (Matt. 24:24), that "Christ does not lose those given to him by the Father" (John 6:39), and that "those whom God predestined, called, and justified, he also glorifies" (Rom. 8:30).

Error VII.

Who teach that in this life there is no fruit, no awareness, and no assurance of one's unchangeable election to glory, except as conditional upon something changeable and contingent.

For not only is it absurd to speak of an uncertain assurance, but these things also militate against the experience of the saints, who with the apostle rejoice from an awareness of their election and sing the praises of this gift of God; who, as Christ urged, "rejoice" with his disciples "that their names have been written in heaven" (Luke 10:20); and finally who hold up against the flaming arrows of the devil's temptations the awareness of their election, with the question "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?" (Rom. 8:33).

Error VIII.

Who teach that it was not on the basis of his just will alone that God decided to leave anyone in the fall of Adam and in the common state of sin and condemnation or to pass anyone by in the imparting of grace necessary for faith and conversion.

For these words stand fast: "He has mercy on whom he wishes, and he hardens whom he wishes" (Rom. 9:18). And also: "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given" (Matt. 13:11). Likewise: "I give glory to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and have revealed them to little children; yes, Father, because that was your pleasure" (Matt. 11:25–26).

Error IX.

Who teach that the cause for God's sending the gospel to one people rather than to another is not merely and solely God's good pleasure, but rather that one people is better and worthier than the other to whom the gospel is not communicated.

For Moses contradicts this when he addresses the people of Israel as follows: "Behold, to Jehovah your God belong the heavens and the highest heavens, the earth and whatever is in it. But Jehovah was inclined in his affection to love your ancestors alone, and chose out their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as at this day" (Deut. 10:14–15). And also Christ: "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! for if those mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes" (Matt. 11:21).

Scripture proofs
  • John 17:6

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 2 Tim. 1:9

    2 Tim. 1:9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

  • Eph. 2:3–9

    Eph. 2:3–9 3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His much love with which He loved us, 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

  • Rom. 9:11–12

    Rom. 9:11–12 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.”

  • John 15:16

    John 15:16 You⁺ did not choose Me, but I chose you⁺, and I appointed you⁺ so that you⁺ should go and bear fruit, and [that] your⁺ fruit should remain, so that whatever you⁺ might ask the Father in My name, He may give you⁺.

  • Rom. 11:6

    Rom. 11:6 and if by grace, no longer out of works; otherwise grace no longer is grace.

  • 1 John 4:10

    1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son [as] a propitiation for our sins.

  • Matt. 24:24

    Matt. 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen.

  • John 6:39

    John 6:39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day.

  • 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.”

  • Rom. 8:33

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

  • Rom. 9:18

    Rom. 9:18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • Matt. 13:11

    Matt. 13:11 And answering, He said to them, “Because to you⁺ it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but to these it has not been given.

  • Matt. 11:25–26

    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.

  • Deut. 10:14–15

    Deut. 10:14–15 14 Behold, unto YHWH your God [are] the heavens and the heavens of the heavens, the earth and all that [is] in it. 15 Yet in your fathers YHWH delighted to love them, and He chose their seed after them, you⁺, above all peoples, as [it is] this day.

  • Matt. 11:21

    Matt. 11:21 “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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree14 shared proof texts · 12 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling11 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared proof texts · 11 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 677 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 7 shared topics

Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death

For it was the entirely free plan and very gracious will and intention of God the Father that the enlivening and saving effectiveness of his Son's costly death should work itself out in all his chosen ones, in order that he might grant justifying faith to them only and thereby lead them without fail to salvation. In other words, it was God's will that Christ through the blood of the cross (by which he confirmed the new covenant) should effectively redeem from every people, tribe, nation, and language all those and only those who were chosen from eternity to salvation and given to him by the Father; that he should grant them faith (which, like the Holy Spirit's other saving gifts, he acquired for them by his death); that he should cleanse them by his blood from all their sins, both original and actual, whether committed before or after their coming to faith; that he should faithfully preserve them to the very end; and that he should finally present them to himself, a glorious people, without spot or wrinkle.

Parallel passages (6+)Scots Confession · Chapter VIII: Election9 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 22: The Righteousness of Faith9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World8 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topics

Second Head: Rejection of the Errors

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

Error I.

Who teach that God the Father appointed his Son to death on the cross without a fixed and definite plan to save anyone by name, so that the necessity, usefulness, and worth of what Christ's death obtained could have stood intact and altogether perfect, complete and whole, even if the redemption that was obtained had never in actual fact been applied to any individual.

For this assertion is an insult to the wisdom of God the Father and to the merit of Jesus Christ, and it is contrary to Scripture. For the Savior speaks as follows: "I lay down my life for the sheep, and I know them" (John 10:15, 27). And Isaiah the prophet says concerning the Savior: "When he shall make himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days, and the will of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand" (Isa. 53:10). Finally, this undermines the article of the creed in which we confess what we believe concerning the church.

Error II.

Who teach that the purpose of Christ's death was not to establish in actual fact a new covenant of grace by his blood, but only to acquire for the Father the mere right to enter once more into a covenant with men, whether of grace or of works.

For this conflicts with Scripture, which teaches that Christ "has become the guarantee and mediator" of a better—that is, "a new"—"covenant" (Heb. 7:22; 9:15), and that "a will is in force only when someone has died" (Heb. 9:17).

Error III.

Who teach that Christ, by the satisfaction which he gave, did not certainly merit for anyone salvation itself and the faith by which this satisfaction of Christ is effectively applied to salvation, but only acquired for the Father the authority or plenary will to relate in a new way with men and to impose such new conditions as he chose, and that the satisfying of these conditions depends on the free choice of man; consequently, that it was possible that either all or none would fulfill them.

For they have too low an opinion of the death of Christ, do not at all acknowledge the foremost fruit or benefit which it brings forth, and summon back from hell the Pelagian error.

Error IV.

Who teach that what is involved in the new covenant of grace which God the Father made with men through the intervening of Christ's death is not that we are justified before God and saved through faith, insofar as it accepts Christ's merit, but rather that God, having withdrawn his demand for perfect obedience to the law, counts faith itself, and the imperfect obedience of faith, as perfect obedience to the law, and graciously looks upon this as worthy of the reward of eternal life.

For they contradict Scripture: "They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ, whom God presented as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood" (Rom. 3:24–25). And along with the ungodly Socinus, they introduce a new and foreign justification of man before God, against the consensus of the whole church.

Error V.

Who teach that all people have been received into the state of reconciliation and into the grace of the covenant, so that no one on account of original sin is liable to condemnation, or is to be condemned, but that all are free from the guilt of this sin.

For this opinion conflicts with Scripture which asserts that we are by nature children of wrath.

Error VI.

Who make use of the distinction between obtaining and applying in order to instill in the unwary and inexperienced the opinion that God, as far as he is concerned, wished to bestow equally upon all people the benefits which are gained by Christ's death; but that the distinction by which some rather than others come to share in the forgiveness of sins and eternal life depends on their own free choice (which applies itself to the grace offered indiscriminately) but does not depend on the unique gift of mercy which effectively works in them, so that they, rather than others, apply that grace to themselves.

For, while pretending to set forth this distinction in an acceptable sense, they attempt to give the people the deadly poison of Pelagianism.

Error VII.

Who teach that Christ neither could die, nor had to die, nor did die for those whom God so dearly loved and chose to eternal life, since such people do not need the death of Christ.

For they contradict the apostle, who says: "Christ loved me and gave himself up for me" (Gal. 2:20), and likewise: "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ who died," that is, for them (Rom. 8:33–34). They also contradict the Savior, who asserts: "I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:15), and "My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:12–13).

Scripture proofs
  • John 10:15, 27

    John 10:15, 27 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

  • Isa. 53:10

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

  • Heb. 7:22; 9:15

    Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

    9:15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

  • Heb. 9:17

    Heb. 9:17 For a covenant [is] firm upon death, since it is not in force at the time when the one having made [it] is living,

  • Rom. 3:24–25

    Rom. 3:24–25 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

  • Gal. 2:20

    Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.

  • Rom. 8:33–34

    Rom. 8:33–34 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.

  • John 10:15

    John 10:15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep.

  • John 15:12–13

    John 15:12–13 12 This is My commandment, that you⁺ should love one another as I have loved you⁺. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful4 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 714 shared proof texts · 4 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

Fifth Head: Rejection of the Errors

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

Error I.

Who teach that the perseverance of true believers is not an effect of election or a gift of God produced by Christ's death, but a condition of the new covenant which man, before what they call his "peremptory" election and justification, must fulfill by his free will.

For Holy Scripture testifies that perseverance follows from election and is granted to the chosen by virtue of Christ's death, resurrection, and intercession: "The chosen obtained it; the others were hardened" (Rom. 11:7); likewise, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not, along with him, grant us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised—who also sits at the right hand of God, and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Rom. 8:32–35).

Error II.

Who teach that God does provide the believer with sufficient strength to persevere and is ready to preserve this strength in him if he performs his duty, but that even with all those things in place which are necessary to persevere in faith and which God is pleased to use to preserve faith, it still always depends on the choice of man's will whether or not he perseveres.

For this view is obviously Pelagian; and though it intends to make men free it makes them sacrilegious. It is against the enduring consensus of evangelical teaching which takes from man all cause for boasting and ascribes the praise for this benefit only to God's grace. It is also against the testimony of the apostle: "It is God who keeps us strong to the end, so that we will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 1:8).

Error III.

Who teach that those who truly believe and have been born again not only can forfeit justifying faith as well as grace and salvation totally and to the end, but also in actual fact do often forfeit them and are lost forever.

For this opinion nullifies the very grace of justification and regeneration as well as the continual preservation by Christ, contrary to the plain words of the apostle Paul: "If Christ died for us while we were still sinners, we will therefore much more be saved from God's wrath through him, since we have now been justified by his blood" (Rom. 5:8–9); and contrary to the apostle John: "No one who is born of God is intent on sin, because God's seed remains in him, nor can he sin, because he has been born of God" (1 John 3:9); also contrary to the words of Jesus Christ: "I give eternal life to my sheep, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:28–29).

Error IV.

Who teach that those who truly believe and have been born again can commit the sin that leads to death (the sin against the Holy Spirit).

For the same apostle John, after making mention of those who commit the sin that leads to death and forbidding prayer for them (1 John 5:16–17), immediately adds: "We know that anyone born of God does not commit sin" [that is, that kind of sin], "but the one who was born of God keeps himself safe, and the evil one does not touch him" (v. 18).

Error V.

Who teach that apart from a special revelation no one can have the assurance of future perseverance in this life.

For by this teaching the well-founded consolation of true believers in this life is taken away and the doubting of the Romanists is reintroduced into the church. Holy Scripture, however, in many places derives the assurance not from a special and extraordinary revelation but from the marks peculiar to God's children and from God's completely reliable promises. So especially the apostle Paul: "Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:39); and John: "They who obey his commands remain in him and he in them. And this is how we know that he remains in us: by the Spirit he gave us" (1 John 3:24).

Error VI.

Who teach that the teaching of the assurance of perseverance and of salvation is by its very nature and character an opiate of the flesh and is harmful to godliness, good morals, prayer, and other holy exercises, but that, on the contrary, to have doubt about this is praiseworthy.

For these people show that they do not know the effective operation of God's grace and the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and they contradict the apostle John, who asserts the opposite in plain words: "Dear friends, now we are children of God, but what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he is made known, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure" (1 John 3:2–3). Moreover, they are refuted by the examples of the saints in both the Old and the New Testament, who though assured of their perseverance and salvation yet were constant in prayer and other exercises of godliness.

Error VII.

Who teach that the faith of those who believe only temporarily does not differ from justifying and saving faith except in duration alone.

For Christ himself in Matthew 13:20ff. and Luke 8:13ff. clearly defines these further differences between temporary and true believers: he says that the former receive the seed on rocky ground, and the latter receive it in good ground, or a good heart; the former have no root, and the latter are firmly rooted; the former have no fruit, and the latter produce fruit in varying measure, with steadfastness, or perseverance.

Error VIII.

Who teach that it is not absurd that a person, after losing his former regeneration, should once again, indeed quite often, be reborn.

For by this teaching they deny the imperishable nature of God's seed by which we are born again, contrary to the testimony of the apostle Peter: "Born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable" (1 Peter 1:23).

Error IX.

Who teach that Christ nowhere prayed for an unfailing perseverance of believers in faith.

For they contradict Christ himself when he says: "I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail" (Luke 22:32); and John the gospel writer when he testifies in John 17 that it was not only for the apostles, but also for all those who were to believe by their message that Christ prayed: "Holy Father, preserve them in your name" (v. 11); and "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you preserve them from the evil one" (v. 15).

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 11:7

    Rom. 11:7 What then? What Israel seeks after, this it did not obtain, but the elect obtained [it]. And the rest were hardened,

  • Rom. 8:32–35

    Rom. 8:32–35 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?

  • 1 Cor. 1:8

    1 Cor. 1:8 who also will confirm you⁺ until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Rom. 5:8–9

    Rom. 5:8–9 8 But God demonstrates His own love to us, that [in] our being still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath!

  • 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.

  • John 10:28–29

    John 10:28–29 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the hand of the Father.

  • 1 John 5:16–17

    1 John 5:16–17 16 If anyone should see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and He will give to him life—to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he should implore concerning that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not unto death.

  • Rom. 8:39

    Rom. 8:39 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.

  • 1 John 3:24

    1 John 3:24 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 3:2–3

    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.

  • Matthew 13:20

    Matthew 13:20 And that having been sown upon the rocky [places], this is the one hearing the word and immediately receiving it with joy.

  • Luke 8:13

    Luke 8:13 And the ones upon the rock [are] those who, when they may hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a time, and in time of testing they fall away.

  • 1 Peter 1:23

    1 Peter 1:23 having been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, by the word of God, living and abiding,

  • 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.”

  • John 17
Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints8 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree6 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints5 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation5 shared proof texts · 5 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 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof

1. Our first parents, being seduced by the subtilty and temptation of Satan, sinned, in eating the forbidden fruit. This their sin, God was pleased, according to his wise and holy counsel, to permit, having purposed to order it to his own glory.

2. By this sin they fell from their original righteousness and communion with God, and so became dead in sin, and wholly defiled in all the parts and faculties of soul and body.

3. They being the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed; and the same death in sin, and corrupted nature, conveyed to all their posterity descending from them by ordinary generation.

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

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

6. Every sin, both original and actual, being a transgression of the righteous law of God, and contrary thereunto, doth, in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sinner, whereby he is bound over to the wrath of God, and curse of the law, and so made subject to death, with all miseries spiritual, temporal, and eternal.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 3:13; 2 Cor. 11:3.

    Gen. 3:13 And YHWH God said to the woman, “What [is] this you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

    2 Cor. 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, your⁺ minds might be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that [is] to Christ.

  • See chapter 5, section 4.
  • Gen. 3:6–8; Rom. 3:23.

    Gen. 3:6–8 6 And the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes and the tree [was] desirable to make one wise. And she took from its fruit and ate, and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 And the eyes of the two of them were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked, and they sewed together leaves of the fig tree and made for themselves loincloths. 8 And they heard the voice of YHWH God walking about in the garden in the breeze of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the face of YHWH God in the midst of the trees of the garden.

    Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

  • Gen. 2:17; Eph. 2:1–3. (See Rom. 5:12.)

    Gen. 2:17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”

    Eph. 2:1–3 1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins— 2 in which once you⁺ walked according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest.

    Rom. 5:12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned.

  • Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9; Titus 1:15; Rom. 3:10–19.

    Gen. 6:5 And YHWH saw that the wickedness of mankind on the earth [was] great and [that] every inclination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil all the day.

    Jer. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick—who can know it?

    Titus 1:15 All things [are] pure to the pure; but to those being defiled and unbelieving, nothing [is] pure. But both their mind and conscience are defiled.

    Rom. 3:10–19 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one understanding; there is no one seeking out God. 12 All turned away; together they became worthless; there is none who is doing kindness, there is not even one.” 13 “Their throat [is] a grave having been opened; they keep practicing deceit with their tongues;” “the poison of vipers [is] under their lips,” 14 “of whom the mouth is full of cursing and of bitterness;” 15 “their feet [are] swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery [are] in their paths; 17 and a way of peace they did not know.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God.

  • Acts 17:26; Rom. 5:12, 15–19; 1 Cor. 15:21–22, 49.

    Acts 17:26 And He made out of one [man] every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having determined the appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,

    Rom. 5:12, 15–19 12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned. 15 But not as the trespass, so also [is] the gracious gift; for if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more the grace of God and the gift in grace, that of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to the many! 16 And not as through one having sinned [is] the gift; for indeed the judgment out of one [is] to condemnation; but the gracious gift out of many trespasses [is] to justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

    1 Cor. 15:21–22, 49 21 For since death [is] through a man, also through a man [is] the resurrection of the dead. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive— 49 And as we bore the image of the one made of dust, we will also bear the image of the heavenly one.

  • Ps. 51:5; John 3:6; Gen. 5:3; Job 15:14.

    Ps. 51:5 Behold, in iniquity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me.

    John 3:6 That having been born of the flesh is flesh, and that having been born of the Spirit is spirit.

    Gen. 5:3 And Adam lived thirty and a hundred years, and he begat [a son] in his own likeness, after his image, and he called his name Seth.

    Job 15:14 What [is] man that he should be pure, or that he should be righteous, one born of woman?

  • Rom. 5:6; Rom. 7:18; Rom. 8:7; Col. 1:21.

    Rom. 5:6 Still indeed Christ, [in] our still being weak, according to the right time, died for the ungodly.

    Rom. 7:18 For I know that there does not dwell in me—that is, in my flesh—good. For to want is present with me, but not to carry out the good.

    Rom. 8:7 because the mind of the flesh [is] hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for [it is] not even able.

    Col. 1:21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works—

  • Gen. 8:21. (See Gen. 6:5; Rom. 3:10–12.)

    Gen. 8:21 And YHWH smelled the pleasing aroma, and YHWH said in His heart, “I will not continue to curse anymore the ground on account of mankind, though the inclination of the heart of man [is] evil from his youth. I will not continue anymore to destroy every living thing, as I have done.

    Gen. 6:5 And YHWH saw that the wickedness of mankind on the earth [was] great and [that] every inclination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil all the day.

    Rom. 3:10–12 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one understanding; there is no one seeking out God. 12 All turned away; together they became worthless; there is none who is doing kindness, there is not even one.”

  • Matt. 15:19; James 1:14–15; Eph. 2:2–3.

    Matt. 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immorality, thefts, false testimonies, slanders.

    James 1:14–15 14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire. 15 Then desire, having conceived, gives birth to sin; and sin, having become fully grown, brings forth death.

    Eph. 2:2–3 2 in which once you⁺ walked according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest.

  • Prov. 20:9; Eccl. 7:20; Rom. 7:14, 17–18, 21–23; 1 John 1:8, 10.

    Prov. 20:9 Who can say, “I have made clean my heart; I have been cleansed from my sin?

    Eccl. 7:20 For [there is] not a righteous man on the earth who does good and does not sin.

    Rom. 7:14, 17–18, 21–23 14 For we have known that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold as a slave under sin. 17 But now I no longer carry it out, but the sin dwelling in me. 18 For I know that there does not dwell in me—that is, in my flesh—good. For to want is present with me, but not to carry out the good. 21 I find, then, the law in my wanting to do good, that evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man, 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.

    1 John 1:8, 10 8 If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 10 If we should say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

  • Rom. 7:7–8, 25; Gal. 5:17.

    Rom. 7:7–8, 25 7 What then will we say? [Is] the law sin? Never may it be! But I did not know sin, if not through the law. For I would not have been conscious of covetousness if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, having taken the opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all covetousness; for apart from the law, sin [is] dead. 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

    Gal. 5:17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.

  • 1 John 3:4.

    1 John 3:4 Everyone who [is] doing sin also does lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.

  • Rom. 2:15; Rom. 3:9, 19.

    Rom. 2:15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]

    Rom. 3:9, 19 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God.

  • Eph. 2:3.

    Eph. 2:3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest.

  • Gal. 3:10.

    Gal. 3:10 For as many as are of works of the law, they are under a curse, for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things having been written in the Book of the Law, to do them.”

  • Rom. 6:23.

    Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Eph. 4:18.

    Eph. 4:18 being darkened in the understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance being in them on account of the hardness of their heart,

  • Rom. 8:20; Lam. 3:39.

    Rom. 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of the One having subjected [it], in hope

    Lam. 3:39 Why should complain a living man, a man for his sins?

  • Matt. 25:41; 2 Thess. 1:9.

    Matt. 25:41 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.

    2 Thess. 1:9 who will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof39 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 2522 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 521 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1820 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 2211 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 19411 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Chapter 11: Of Justification

1. Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth: not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; nor by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them, they receiving and resting on him and his righteousness, by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God.

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

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

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

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

6. The justification of believers under the old testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the new testament.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:30; Rom. 3:24; Rom. 5:15–16.

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Rom. 5:15–16 15 But not as the trespass, so also [is] the gracious gift; for if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more the grace of God and the gift in grace, that of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to the many! 16 And not as through one having sinned [is] the gift; for indeed the judgment out of one [is] to condemnation; but the gracious gift out of many trespasses [is] to justification.

  • Rom. 4:5–8; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 3:22–28; Titus 3:5, 7; Eph. 1:7; Jer. 23:6; 1 Cor. 1:30–31; Rom. 5:17–19.

    Rom. 4:5–8 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    2 Cor. 5:19, 21 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Rom. 3:22–28 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Titus 3:5, 7 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, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

    Jer. 23:6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    1 Cor. 1:30–31 30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”

    Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • John 1:12; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38–39; Phil. 3:9; Eph. 2:7–8; John 6:44–45, 65; Phil. 1:29.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Acts 13:38–39 38 Therefore be it known to you⁺, men, brothers, that through this One forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you⁺. 39 And in Him everyone believing is justified from all things from which you⁺ were not able to be justified in the law of Moses.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

    Eph. 2:7–8 7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

    John 6:44–45, 65 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”

    Phil. 1:29 For it was granted to you⁺ on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on behalf of Him,

  • John 3:18, 36; Rom. 3:28; Rom. 5:1.

    John 3:18, 36 18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 36 The one believing in the Son has eternal life; but the one not obeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

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

  • James 2:17, 22, 26; Gal. 5:6.

    James 2:17, 22, 26 17 So also, faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself. 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and by works, faith was perfected. 26 For just as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

    Gal. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but faith working through love.

  • Mark 10:45; Rom. 5:8–10, 18–19; Gal. 3:13; 1 Tim. 2:5–6; Heb. 1:3; Heb. 10:10, 14; Dan. 9:24, 26. (See Isa. 52:13–53:12.)

    Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

    Rom. 5:8–10, 18–19 8 But God demonstrates His own love to us, that [in] our being still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath! 10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

    Heb. 10:10, 14 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Dan. 9:24, 26 24 Seventy sevens are determined for your people and for the city of your holiness, to finish the transgression, and to seal off sin, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in righteousness everlasting, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Holy of Holies. 26 And after sixty and two sevens, Messiah will be cut off, and not for Him. And the people of the leader who is coming will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end [is] in a flood, and until the end, war [and] desolations are determined.

    Isa. 52:13–53:12 13 Behold, My Servant will prosper; he will rise up, and be lifted up and highly exalted. 12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Rom. 8:32; John 3:16.

    Rom. 8:32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

    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.

  • 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 5:2; Phil. 2:6–9; Isa. 53:10–11.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Eph. 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us [as] an offering and a sacrifice to God, into a fragrance of a sweet smell.

    Phil. 2:6–9 6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men. 8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted Him and granted to Him the name above every name,

    Isa. 53:10–11 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 11 He will see [the light of life] after the anguish of His soul [and] be satisfied; By His knowledge My Servant, the righteous one, will bring righteousness to many, and He will bear their iniquities.

  • Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • Rom. 3:26; Eph. 2:7; Zech. 9:9; Isa. 45:21.

    Rom. 3:26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Eph. 2:7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

    Zech. 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He [is] righteous and bearing salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

    Isa. 45:21 Declare [it] and approach, even let them take counsel together: Who has reported this from of old, from that time having declared it? Is it not I, YHWH? And [there is] no other God besides Me, and a righteous God bringing salvation [there is] none besides Me.

  • Rom. 8:29–30; Gal. 3:8; 1 Peter 1:2, 19–20.

    Rom. 8:29–30 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.

    Gal. 3:8 Now the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham: “All the nations will be blessed in you.”

    1 Peter 1:2, 19–20 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⁺. 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, 20 having been foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but having been made manifest in the last times on account of you⁺,

  • Gal. 4:4; 1 Tim. 2:6; Rom. 4:25.

    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,

    1 Tim. 2:6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Rom. 4:25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Eph. 2:3; Titus 3:3–7; Gal. 2:16. (Cf. Col. 1:21–22.)

    Eph. 2:3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest.

    Titus 3:3–7 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, being in slavery to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,

  • Matt. 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    1 John 1:7, 9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    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. 5:1–5; Rom. 8:30–39; Heb. 10:14 (cf. Luke 22:32); John 10:28.

    Rom. 5:1–5 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. 3 And not only [so], but also we boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 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. 8:30–39 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.

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Luke 22:32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

    John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

  • Ps. 89:30–33; Ps. 51; Ps. 32:5; Matt. 26:75; Luke 1:20; 1 Cor. 11:30, 32.

    Ps. 89:30–33 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.

    Ps. 32:5 I made known to You my sin, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will make confession over my transgressions to YHWH,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

    Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, [He] having said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And having gone out, he wept bitterly.

    Luke 1:20 And behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until that day these things shall take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their season.”

    1 Cor. 11:30, 32 30 Because of this, many [are] weak and sick among you⁺, and many are fallen asleep. 32 But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we should not be condemned with the world.

    Psalm 51 on BibleHub ↗

  • Gal. 3:9, 13–14; Rom. 4:6–8, 22–24; Rom. 10:6–13; Heb. 13:8.

    Gal. 3:9, 13–14 9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,” 14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

    Rom. 4:6–8, 22–24 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.” 22 Therefore also “it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead,

    Rom. 10:6–13 6 But the righteousness of faith speaks thus: “You should not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring down Christ), 7 or, ‘Who will descend into the Abyss?’ (that is, to bring up Christ out from the dead).” 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith that we proclaim, 9 that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus [is] Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him out from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone believing on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord of all is rich to all those calling upon Him, 13 for, “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

    Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and to the ages.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification49 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7021 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6020 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7120 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful14 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator15 shared proof texts · 5 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 14: Of Saving Faith

1. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word, by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.

2. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein; and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.

3. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; may be often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory: growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance, through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith.

Scripture proofs
  • Titus 1:1; Heb. 10:39.

    Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth that [is] according to godliness,

    Heb. 10:39 But we are not of [those] shrinking back to destruction, but of faith to the preserving [of] the soul.

  • 1 Cor. 12:3; John 3:5; Titus 3:5; John 6:44–45, 65; Eph. 2:8; Phil. 1:29; 2 Peter 1:1. (See 1 Peter 1:2.)

    1 Cor. 12:3 Therefore I make known to you⁺ that no one speaking in the Spirit of God says, “Jesus [is] accursed,” and no one is able to say, “Jesus [is] Lord,” except in the Holy Spirit.

    John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

    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,

    John 6:44–45, 65 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

    Phil. 1:29 For it was granted to you⁺ on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on behalf of Him,

    2 Peter 1:1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those having obtained a faith equally precious with ours, through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

    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⁺.

  • Matt. 28:19–20; Rom. 10:14, 17; 1 Cor. 1:21.

    Matt. 28:19–20 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

    Rom. 10:14, 17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not know God, God was well pleased through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing.

  • 1 Peter 2:2; Acts 20:32; Rom. 1:16–17; Matt. 28:19 (see Acts 2:38); 1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Cor. 11:23–29; Luke 17:5; Phil. 4:6–7.

    1 Peter 2:2 like newborn babies, long for the reasonable, unspoiled milk, so that in it you⁺ may grow up into salvation,

    Acts 20:32 And now I commit you⁺ to God and to the word of His grace, being able to build [you] up and to give you an inheritance among all those having been sanctified.

    Rom. 1:16–17 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone believing—both to Jew first, and to Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it has been written: “And the righteous one will live by faith.”

    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,

    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.

    1 Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ?

    1 Cor. 11:23–29 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

    Luke 17:5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Add to our faith!”

    Phil. 4:6–7 6 Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your⁺ requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, that is surpassing all understanding, will guard your⁺ hearts and your⁺ minds in Christ Jesus.

  • 2 Peter 1:20–21; John 4:42; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 John 5:9–10; Acts 24:14.

    2 Peter 1:20–21 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation. 21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.

    John 4:42 And they were saying to the woman, “No longer because of your speech do we believe; for we ourselves have heard, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”

    1 Thess. 2:13 And because of this, we also give thanks to God unceasingly that, having received the word of God, hearing from us, you⁺ accepted, not the word of men, but just as truly it is, the word of God, which also works in you⁺, those believing.

    1 John 5:9–10 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, because this is the testimony of God that He has testified concerning His Son. 10 The one believing in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one not believing God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has testified concerning His Son.

    Acts 24:14 But I confess this to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things throughout the Law and that have been written in the Prophets,

  • Ps. 119:10–11, 48, 97–98, 167–168; John 14:15.

    Ps. 119:10–11, 48, 97–98, 167–168 10 With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. 11 In my heart I have hidden Your word, that I should not sin against You. 48 And I will lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I have loved, and I will meditate on Your statutes. 97 Oh, how I love Your law! All the day, it [is] my meditation. 98 [By] Your commandment You make me wiser than my enemies; for, it [is] with me forever. 167 My soul has kept Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly. 168 I have kept Your precepts and Your testimonies, because all my ways [are] before You.

    John 14:15 If you⁺ love Me, you⁺ will keep My commandments.

  • Ezra 9:4; Isa. 66:2; Heb. 4:1.

    Ezra 9:4 And they assembled to me—everyone trembling at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of the exiles. And I sat appalled until the sacrifice of the evening.

    Isa. 66:2 And all these [things] My own hand has made, and all these [things] have come to be!” a declaration of YHWH. “And to this one I will look: To the poor and stricken one in spirit, and [who] trembles at My word.

    Heb. 4:1 Therefore we should fear, lest ever, the promise to enter into His rest left remaining, any of you⁺ should seem to have fallen short.

  • Heb. 11:13; 1 Tim. 4:8.

    Heb. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having welcomed [them], and having confessed that they are strangers and sojourners on the earth.

    1 Tim. 4:8 For bodily exercise is to a little profit, but godliness is profitable for everything, having the promise of the present life and of the one about to be.

  • John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Gal. 2:20; Acts 15:11; 2 Tim. 1:9–10.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

    Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.

    Acts 15:11 But we believe to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner [as] they also.”

    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,

  • Heb. 5:13–14; Rom. 14:1–2; Matt. 6:30; Rom. 4:19–20; Matt. 8:10.

    Heb. 5:13–14 13 For everyone partaking of milk [is] inexperienced in the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, the ones by constant use having trained the senses for distinguishing both good and evil.

    Rom. 14:1–2 1 And receive the one being weak in the faith, not for passing judgment on reasonings. 2 Indeed, one believes to eat all things, but the one being weak eats vegetables.

    Matt. 6:30 But if God thus clothes the grass of the field, being today and tomorrow being thrown into the furnace, [will He] not much more you⁺, O little of faith?

    Rom. 4:19–20 19 And not having become weak in the faith, he considered his body already having become dead, being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 Yet he did not doubt in unbelief in the promise of God, but was empowered in faith, having given glory to God,

    Matt. 8:10 And having heard, Jesus marveled and said to those following, “Truly I say to you⁺, with no one in Israel did I find such great faith.

  • Luke 22:31–32; Eph. 6:16; 1 John 5:4–5.

    Luke 22:31–32 31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked for all of you⁺ to sift like wheat. 32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

    Eph. 6:16 in all, having taken up the shield of faith, in which you⁺ will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

    1 John 5:4–5 4 For everyone having been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory having overcome the world: our faith. 5 Now who is the one overcoming the world, except the one believing that Jesus is the Son of God?

  • Heb. 6:11–12; Heb. 10:22; Col. 2:2.

    Heb. 6:11–12 11 And we desire each of you⁺ to show the same diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end, 12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.

    Heb. 10:22 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.

    Col. 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and to all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God: Christ,

  • Heb. 12:2.

    Heb. 12:2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who in view of the joy lying before Him endured the cross, having despised [its] shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith26 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7210 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 10810 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 219 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1779 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper8 shared proof texts · shared topic

Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life

1. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace, the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ.

2. By it, a sinner, out of the sight and sense not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature, and righteous law of God; and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for, and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God, purposing and endeavoring to walk with him in all the ways of his commandments.

3. Although repentance be not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof, which is the act of God's free grace in Christ; yet it is of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it.

4. As there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation; so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.

5. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavor to repent of his particular sins, particularly.

6. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof; upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy; so, he that scandalizeth his brother, or the church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession, and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended, who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 11:18; 2 Cor. 7:10; Zech. 12:10.

    Acts 11:18 And having heard these things, they were silent and glorified God, saying, “Then indeed God has given also to the Gentiles repentance unto life.”

    2 Cor. 7:10 For grief according to God works repentance unto salvation without regret; but the grief of the world produces death.

    Zech. 12:10 And I will pour out on the house of David and on those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication, and they will look on Me, whom they have pierced. And they will mourn for Him, like the mourning over the only one, and grieving over Him like the grieving over a firstborn.

  • Luke 24:47; Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21.

    Luke 24:47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins are to be proclaimed in His name to all nations, having begun from Jerusalem.

    Mark 1:15 and saying, “The time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has drawn near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”

    Acts 20:21 earnestly testifying both to the Jews and to the Greeks repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Ezek. 18:30–31; Ezek. 36:31; Isa. 30:22; Ps. 51:4; Jer. 31:18–19; Joel 2:12–13; Amos 5:15; Ps. 119:128; 2 Cor. 7:11; 1 Thess. 1:9.

    Ezek. 18:30–31 30 Therefore each man, according to his ways, I will judge you⁺, O house of Israel, a declaration of the Lord YHWH. Turn away and turn away from all your⁺ transgressions, and iniquity will not be unto you⁺ as a stumbling block. 31 Cast away from you⁺ all the transgressions that you⁺ have transgressed by them, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why should you⁺ die, O house of Israel?

    Ezek. 36:31 And you⁺ will remember your⁺ evil ways and your⁺ deeds that [were] not good, and you⁺ will loathe in your⁺ faces over your⁺ iniquities and over your⁺ abominations.

    Isa. 30:22 And you⁺ will defile the overlaid idols of your silver, and the plating of the molten images of your gold; you will throw them away like menstrual cloths—“Filth!”” You will say to it.

    Ps. 51:4 Against You, You alone, have I sinned, and have done the evil in your eyes, so that You are right when You speak, and You are pure when You judge.

    Jer. 31:18–19 18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself: ‘You disciplined me, and I was disciplined as an untrained heifer; turn me back and I will return, for You [are] YHWH my God. 19 For after my turning back, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh; I was ashamed and also humiliated, because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’

    Joel 2:12–13 12 “Even now,” a declaration of YHWH, “May you turn to Me with all your⁺ heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 And rend your⁺ heart and not your⁺ garments. May you return to YHWH your⁺ God, for He [is] gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and great in loving devotion, and relenting from harm.

    Amos 5:15 Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate! Perhaps YHWH God of Hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”

    Ps. 119:128 Upon thus, all the precepts I have declared wholly right; every path of deception I hate.

    2 Cor. 7:11 For behold how much earnestness this same thing—to have been grieved according to God—produced in you⁺: but defense, but indignation, but fear, but longing, but zeal, but avenging! In everything, you⁺ commended yourselves to be innocent in the matter.

    1 Thess. 1:9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of entrance we had to you⁺, and how you⁺ turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God,

  • Ps. 119:6, 59, 106; 2 Kings 23:25. (See Luke 1:6.)

    Ps. 119:6, 59, 106 6 Then I would not be ashamed, in my looking to all Your commandments. 59 I have considered my paths, and turned back my feet to Your testimonies. 106 I have sworn and confirmed: I will keep the judgments of Your righteousness.

    2 Kings 23:25 And there was none like him before his face, a king who turned to YHWH with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses—and after him not one has arisen like him.

    Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, going on in all the commandments and righteous requirements of the Lord, blameless.

  • Ezek. 36:31–32; Ezek. 16:61–63; Isa. 43:25.

    Ezek. 36:31–32 31 And you⁺ will remember your⁺ evil ways and your⁺ deeds that [were] not good, and you⁺ will loathe in your⁺ faces over your⁺ iniquities and over your⁺ abominations. 32 [It is] not for your⁺ sake [that] I am doing [this], a declaration of the Lord YHWH, let it be known to you⁺. Be ashamed and disgraced for your⁺ ways, O house of Israel!

    Ezek. 16:61–63 61 And you will remember your ways, and you will be ashamed, in your taking your sisters, those older than you to those younger than you, when I give them to you as daughters, and not by your covenant. 62 And I will establish My covenant with you, and you will know that I [am] YHWH, 63 so that you may remember and be ashamed, and there will come to be for you no more an opening of your mouth from the face of your shame, in My making atonement toward you for all that you have done! An utterance of the Lord YHWH.”

    Isa. 43:25 I—I [am] He, the One wiping out your transgressions for My own sake, and your sins I will not remember.

  • Hos. 14:2, 4; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7.

    Hos. 14:2, 4 2 Take with you⁺ words, and return to YHWH. Say to Him: “Lift away all iniquity, and receive what is good, and we offer the fruit of our lips. 4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them willingly; for My anger has turned back from him.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • Luke 13:3, 5; Mark 1:4; Acts 17:30–31.

    Luke 13:3, 5 3 No, I say to you⁺; but unless you⁺ repent, you⁺ will all likewise perish. 5 No, I say to you⁺; but unless you⁺ repent, you⁺ will all likewise perish.”

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

    Acts 17:30–31 30 Indeed, therefore, God, having overlooked the times of ignorance, now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”

  • Rom. 6:23; Gal. 3:10; Matt. 12:36.

    Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Gal. 3:10 For as many as are of works of the law, they are under a curse, for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things having been written in the Book of the Law, to do them.”

    Matt. 12:36 And I say to you⁺ that every careless word that men will speak, they will give an account concerning it in the day of judgment.

  • Isa. 55:7; Rom. 8:1; Isa. 1:16–18.

    Isa. 55:7 Let the wicked one forsake his way, and the man of iniquity his thoughts; and let him return to YHWH, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

    Rom. 8:1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.

    Isa. 1:16–18 16 Wash, cleanse yourselves; turn aside the evil of your⁺ deeds from before My eyes. Cease to do evil. 17 Learn to do good, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, bring justice for the fatherless, contend for the widow.” 18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” says YHWH. “Though your⁺ sins may be like scarlet, they will be white like snow; though they are red like crimson, they will become like wool.

  • Ps. 19:13; Matt. 26:75; Luke 19:8; 1 Tim. 1:13, 15.

    Ps. 19:13 Also, hold back Your servant from proud [things]; may they not rule over me. Then I shall be complete, and cleansed of great transgression.

    Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, [He] having said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And having gone out, he wept bitterly.

    Luke 19:8 But having stood, Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I give to the poor; and if I defrauded anything of anyone, I repay [it] fourfold.”

    1 Tim. 1:13, 15 13 formerly being a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and insolent; but I was shown mercy, because, being ignorant, I did [it] in unbelief. 15 Trustworthy [is] the word, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

  • Ps. 32:5–6; Ps. 51:1–14.

    Ps. 32:5–6 5 I made known to You my sin, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will make confession over my transgressions to YHWH,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah 6 upon thus, let every godly one pray to You, in a time to find; even with a flood of great waters toward him, they shall not touch him.

    Ps. 51:1–14 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David, in the coming of Nathan the prophet to him after that he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to the abundance of Your compassion, wipe out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin [is] before me continually. 4 Against You, You alone, have I sinned, and have done the evil in your eyes, so that You are right when You speak, and You are pure when You judge. 5 Behold, in iniquity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You take delight [in] truth in the inner parts; in the inmost place You teach me wisdom. 7 Cleanse my sin with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. 9 May You hide Your face from my sins, and wipe out all my iniquities. 10 Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from before Your face, and do not take away from me Your Holy Spirit. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit. 13 I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You. 14 Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation; my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.

  • Prov. 28:13; Isa. 55:7; 1 John 1:9.

    Prov. 28:13 One covering his transgressions will not prosper, and one confessing and forsaking [them] will find mercy.

    Isa. 55:7 Let the wicked one forsake his way, and the man of iniquity his thoughts; and let him return to YHWH, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

    1 John 1:9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • James 5:16; Luke 17:3–4; Josh. 7:19. (See Matt. 18:15–18.)

    James 5:16 Therefore confess the sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you⁺ may be healed. The supplication of a righteous [man] being made effective prevails much.

    Luke 17:3–4 3 Take heed to yourselves: If your brother should sin, rebuke him; and if he should repent, forgive him. 4 And if he should sin against you seven times in the day, and seven times he should return to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you will forgive him.”

    Josh. 7:19 And Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give, please, glory to YHWH, God of Israel, and make to Him confession and tell now me what you have done. Do not hide [it] from me.”

    Matt. 18:15–18 15 And if your brother may sin against you, go reprove him between you and him alone. If he may hear you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he may not hear, take with you one or two more, so that ‘every word may be stood upon the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 And if he may fail to hear them, say [it] to the church. And if he may fail to hear even the church, let him be unto you as the Gentile and the tax collector. 18 Truly I say to you⁺, whatever you⁺ shall bind on the earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you⁺ shall loose on the earth will be loosed in heaven.

  • 2 Cor. 2:7–8. (See Gal. 6:1–2.)

    2 Cor. 2:7–8 7 so that on the contrary, [it is] rather for you⁺ to forgive and to comfort [him], lest somehow such a one might be overwhelmed by more abundant grief. 8 Therefore I exhort you⁺ to confirm love toward him.

    Gal. 6:1–2 1 Brothers, even if a man should be overtaken in some trespass, you⁺ the spiritual ones, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking at yourself, lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens and thus you⁺ will fulfill the law of Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 7619 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation14 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 8711 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1949 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1268 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Chapter 19: Of the Law of God

1. God gave to Adam a law, as a covenant of works, by which he bound him and all his posterity to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience, promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it, and endued him with power and ability to keep it.

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

3. Beside this law, commonly called moral, God was pleased to give to the people of Israel, as a church under age, ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits; and partly, holding forth divers instructions of moral duties. All which ceremonial laws are now abrogated, under the new testament.

4. To them also, as a body politic, he gave sundry judicial laws, which expired together with the State of that people; not obliging any other now, further than the general equity thereof may require.

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

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:26–27; Gen. 2:17; Eph. 4:24; Rom. 2:14–15; Rom. 10:5; Rom. 5:12, 19; Gal. 3:10, 12; Eccl. 7:29.

    Gen. 1:26–27 26 And God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the bird of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls upon the earth.” 27 And God created the man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

    Gen. 2:17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”

    Eph. 4:24 and to have put on the new man, having been created according to God in righteousness and holiness of truth.

    Rom. 2:14–15 14 For when Gentiles, not having the law, may do by nature the things of the law, these not having a law are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]

    Rom. 10:5 For Moses writes [of] the righteousness that [is] of the law, that, “The man having done these things will live in them.”

    Rom. 5:12, 19 12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned. 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.

    Gal. 3:10, 12 10 For as many as are of works of the law, they are under a curse, for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things having been written in the Book of the Law, to do them.” 12 But the law is not out of faith; rather, “The one having done these things will live in them.”

    Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.

  • James 1:25; James 2:8, 10–12; Rom. 3:19; Rom. 13:8–9; Deut. 5:32; Deut. 10:4; Ex. 34:1.

    James 1:25 But the one having looked intently into the perfect law, that of freedom, and having continued in [it], not having been a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work—this one will be blessed in his doing.

    James 2:8, 10–12 8 If indeed you⁺ fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you⁺ are doing well. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all. 11 For the One having said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as being about to be judged by the law of freedom.

    Rom. 3:19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God.

    Rom. 13:8–9 8 Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one loving the other has fulfilled the law. 9 For, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and if any other commandment, it is summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

    Deut. 5:32 And you⁺ shall take heed to do as YHWH your⁺ God has commanded you⁺; you⁺ shall not turn aside to the right or to the left.

    Deut. 10:4 And He wrote on the tablets, according to the first writing, the Ten Words that YHWH had spoken to you⁺ in the mountain out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. And YHWH gave them to me.

    Ex. 34:1 And YHWH said to Moses, “Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first ones, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you shattered.

  • Ex. 20:3–17; Matt. 22:37–40.

    Ex. 20:3–17 3 You shall have no other gods before My face. 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments. 7 You shall not take the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who takes His name in vain. 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work, 10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates. 11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it. 12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 13 You shall not murder. 14 You shall not commit adultery. 15 You shall not steal. 16 You shall not answer against your neighbor [as] a false witness. 17 You shall not covet the house of your neighbor; you shall not covet the wife of your neighbor, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

    Matt. 22:37–40 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And the second [is] like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

  • Heb. 10:1; Gal. 4:1–3; Col. 2:17; Heb. 9:1–28.

    Heb. 10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things about to be, not the image of the things themselves, every year with the same sacrifices that they offer unto perpetuity, never is able to perfect those coming near.

    Gal. 4:1–3 1 Now I say, for as long a time as the heir is a child, he differs nothing from a slave, [though] being lord of all. 2 But he is under guardians and managers until the appointed time of the father. 3 So also we, when we were children, were enslaved under the elements of the world.

    Col. 2:17 which are a shadow the things about to be; but the body [is] of the Christ.

    Heb. 9:1–28 1 Therefore also indeed, the first had ordinances of sacred service and a worldly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared, the first [room] in which [were] both the lampstand and the table, and the loaves of the presentation, which is called “Holy.” 3 Now behind the second veil [was] a tabernacle, being called “Holy of Holies,” 4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant having been covered around in every part with gold, in which [was] the golden jar having the manna, and the staff of Aaron having budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 And far above it [were] the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat—concerning which it is not now [time] to speak particularly. 6 Now these things having been prepared thus, indeed the priests enter into the first tabernacle at all [times], accomplishing the sacred services, 7 but only the high priest into the second, once in the year, not without blood, which he offers for himself and [for] the sins of ignorance of the people. 8 By this the Holy Spirit [was] making clear [that] the way into the holy [places] had not yet been made manifest, the first tabernacle still having a standing, 9 which [is] a parable for the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, not being able to make perfect in regard to conscience the one doing sacred service, 10 [consisting] only in foods and drinks and various washings—ordinances of the flesh being imposed until the time of reformation. 11 But Christ, having come [as] high priest of the good things coming, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not of this creation, 12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the ones having been defiled sanctify [them] for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God! 15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where [there is] a covenant, [there is] a necessity to bring forth the death of the one having made [it]. 17 For a covenant [is] firm upon death, since it is not in force at the time when the one having made [it] is living, 18 wherefore neither has the first been inaugurated without blood. 19 For [on] every commandment having been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the law, having taken the blood of calves and of goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, he sprinkled both the scroll itself and all the people, 20 saying, “This [is] the blood of the covenant, which God commanded to you⁺.” 21 And likewise he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the sacred service with blood. 22 And almost all things are purified with blood according to the law, and without blood-shedding there is no forgiveness. 23 Therefore [there was] a necessity indeed [for] the representations of the things in the heavens to be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God, 25 nor that He should offer Himself many times, just as the high priest enters into the holy [places] every year with the blood of another. 26 Otherwise it was necessary for Him to have suffered many times from the foundation of the world. But now He has been revealed once in the consummation of the ages for the putting away of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And inasmuch as it is apportioned to men to die once, and after this, judgment, 28 so also Christ, having been offered once in order to bear the sins of many, will appear for a second time, apart from sin, to those eagerly awaiting Him for salvation.

  • Lev. 19:9–10, 19, 23, 27; Deut. 24:19–21. (See 1 Cor. 5:7; 2 Cor. 6:17; Jude 23.)

    Lev. 19:9–10, 19, 23, 27 9 And in your⁺ reaping the harvest of your⁺ land, you shall not complete reaping the edge of your field, and the gleanings of your harvest you shall not gather. 10 And your vineyard—you shall not glean, and the fallen grapes of your vineyard you shall not gather. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner. I [am] YHWH your⁺ God. 19 My statutes you⁺ shall keep: Your livestock you shall not cause to breed [with] two kinds; your field you shall not sow [with] two kinds, and a garment of two kinds of mixed material shall not go up upon you. 23 And when you⁺ come into the land, and you plant every [kind] of tree for food, then you⁺ shall regard their fruit uncircumcised. Three years it shall be uncircumcised to you⁺; it shall not be eaten. 27 You⁺ shall not round off the edge of your⁺ head, and you shall not destroy the edge of your beard.

    Deut. 24:19–21 19 When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. To the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow it shall be, that YHWH your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. 20 When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over the boughs again. To the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow it shall be. 21 When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean after yourself; to the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow it shall be.

    1 Cor. 5:7 Cleanse out the old leaven, so that you⁺ may be a new lump, as you⁺ are, unleavened. For also Christ our Passover was sacrificed,

    2 Cor. 6:17 “Therefore come out from their midst and be separate, says the Lord, and touch no unclean [thing], and I will receive you⁺.”

    Jude 23 on BibleHub ↗

  • Col. 2:14, 16–17; Dan. 9:27; Eph. 2:15–16; Heb. 9:10; Acts 10:9–16; Acts 11:2–10.

    Col. 2:14, 16–17 14 having blotted out the handwriting in the decrees against us, which was adverse to us. And He has taken it out of the midst, having nailed it to the cross. 16 Therefore let no one judge you⁺ in food or in drink or in the part of a feast or of a New Moon or of Sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow the things about to be; but the body [is] of the Christ.

    Dan. 9:27 And he will make strong a covenant with the many for one seven; and in the middle of the seven the sacrifice and offering he will make cease, and on a wing of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, until the consummation that is decreed is poured out on the one bringing desolation.

    Eph. 2:15–16 15 having annulled in His flesh the law of commandments in decrees, so that He might create in Himself the two into one new man, making peace, 16 and [that] He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, having put to death the hostility by it.

    Heb. 9:10 [consisting] only in foods and drinks and various washings—ordinances of the flesh being imposed until the time of reformation.

    Acts 10:9–16 9 Now on the next day, [in] their journeying and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and desired to eat. But [in] their preparing, a trance fell upon him, 11 and he sees heaven opening and a certain vessel as a great sheet descending, being let down upon the earth by four corners, 12 in which were all the quadrupeds and creeping things of the earth and birds of heaven. 13 And a voice came to him: “Having risen up, Peter, kill and eat!” 14 But Peter said, “In no way, Lord! For never have I eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice [came] again to him for the second time: “What God has cleansed, you do not call common.” 16 Now this took place for three times, and immediately the vessel was taken up into heaven.

    Acts 11:2–10 2 And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision began contending with him, 3 saying, “You went to men having uncircumcision and ate with them.” 4 Now Peter, having begun, set [it] forth to them in order, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel like a great sheet descending, being let down out of heaven by four corners, and it came as far as me. 6 Having looked intently on it, I was observing [it], and I saw the quadrupeds of the earth and the wild beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air. 7 And also I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Having risen up, Peter, kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘In no way, Lord, for never has a common or unclean [thing] entered into my mouth.’ 9 But for a second [time] the voice answered out of heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, you do not call common.’ 10 Now this happened three times, and all was drawn up into heaven again.

  • Ex. 21:1–23:19 (cf. Gen. 49:10 with 1 Peter 2:13–14); 1 Cor. 9:8–10.

    Ex. 21:1–23:19 1 “And these [are] the judgments that you shall set before their faces: 19 The first of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of YHWH your God. You shall not boil a young goat in the milk of its mother.

    Gen. 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until that he comes to Shiloh; and to him [is] the obedience of the peoples.

    1 Peter 2:13–14 13 Be in subjection to every human creation because of the Lord, whether to the king as being supreme, 14 or to governors as being sent by him for punishment to evildoers and praise to doers of good,

    1 Cor. 9:8–10 8 Do I not speak these things according to man, or does the law not also say these things? 9 For in the law of Moses it has been written: “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain.” Is there care for the oxen with God? 10 Or does He speak because of us entirely? For it was written because of us, because in hope the one plowing ought to plow, and the one threshing—in hope to partake.

  • Rom. 13:8–10; Rom. 3:31; Rom. 7:25; 1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 5:14; Eph. 6:2–3; 1 John 2:3–4, 7. (Cf. Rom. 3:20; Rom. 7:7–8 and 1 John 3:4 with Rom. 6:15.)

    Rom. 13:8–10 8 Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one loving the other has fulfilled the law. 9 For, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and if any other commandment, it is summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love works no evil to the neighbor; therefore love [is] the fulfillment of the law.

    Rom. 3:31 Do we, then, nullify the law through faith? Never may it be! Rather, we uphold the law.

    Rom. 7:25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

    1 Cor. 9:21 to those without the law, as without the law (not being without the law of God, but within the law of Christ), so that I might gain those without the law.

    Gal. 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

    Eph. 6:2–3 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 “that it may be well with you and you will be long-lived upon the earth.”

    1 John 2:3–4, 7 3 And by this we know that we have known Him, if we may keep His commandments. 4 The one saying, “I have known Him,” and not keeping His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 7 Beloved, I am not writing to you⁺ a new commandment, but an old commandment, which you⁺ have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you⁺ heard.

    Rom. 3:20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin.

    Rom. 7:7–8 7 What then will we say? [Is] the law sin? Never may it be! But I did not know sin, if not through the law. For I would not have been conscious of covetousness if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, having taken the opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all covetousness; for apart from the law, sin [is] dead.

    1 John 3:4 Everyone who [is] doing sin also does lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.

    Rom. 6:15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Never may it be!

  • Deut. 6:4–5; Ex. 20:11; Rom. 3:19; James 2:8, 10–11; Matt. 19:4–6; Gen. 17:1.

    Deut. 6:4–5 4 Hear, O Israel: YHWH our God, YHWH [is] One. 5 And you shall love YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

    Ex. 20:11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.

    Rom. 3:19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God.

    James 2:8, 10–11 8 If indeed you⁺ fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you⁺ are doing well. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all. 11 For the One having said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

    Matt. 19:4–6 4 And answering, He said, “Did you⁺ not read that the One having created from the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and He said, ‘On account of this a man will leave the father and the mother and be joined with his wife, and the two will be for one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God yoked together, let man not separate.”

    Gen. 17:1 And Abram was a son of ninety years and nine years, and YHWH appeared to Abram and said to him, “I [am] El-Shaddai; walk before Me and be blameless.

  • Matt. 5:17–19; Rom. 3:31; 1 Cor. 9:21; Luke 16:17–18.

    Matt. 5:17–19 17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you⁺, until the heaven and the earth should pass away, not even one iota, or one stroke of a letter, shall pass away from the Law, until everything should come to pass. 19 Whoever then may break one of the least of these commandments and may teach men thus, he will be called least in the kingdom of the heavens; but whoever may do and may teach [them], this one will be called great in the kingdom of the heavens.

    Rom. 3:31 Do we, then, nullify the law through faith? Never may it be! Rather, we uphold the law.

    1 Cor. 9:21 to those without the law, as without the law (not being without the law of God, but within the law of Christ), so that I might gain those without the law.

    Luke 16:17–18 17 But it is easier for the heaven and the earth to pass away than one stroke of a letter of the Law to fall. 18 Everyone sending away his wife and marrying another commits adultery. And the one marrying her sent away from a husband, he commits adultery.

  • Rom. 6:14; Rom. 7:4; Gal. 2:16; Gal. 3:13; Gal. 4:4–5; Acts 13:38–39; Rom. 8:1, 33.

    Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

    Rom. 7:4 Likewise, my brothers, you⁺ also have been put to death to the law through the body of Christ, for you⁺ to become unto another, unto the One having been raised out from the dead, so that we should bear fruit to God.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

    Gal. 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.

    Acts 13:38–39 38 Therefore be it known to you⁺, men, brothers, that through this One forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you⁺. 39 And in Him everyone believing is justified from all things from which you⁺ were not able to be justified in the law of Moses.

    Rom. 8:1, 33 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying.

  • Rom. 7:12, 22, 25; Ps. 119:1–6; 1 Cor. 7:19; Gal. 5:14–23.

    Rom. 7:12, 22, 25 12 So indeed, the law [is] holy, and the commandment [is] holy and righteous and good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man, 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

    Ps. 119:1–6 1 Blessed [are] those complete in the way, those walking in the law of YHWH. 2 Blessed [are] those keeping His testimonies; with all the heart they seek Him. 3 Also they do not do injustice; in His ways they walk. 4 You have commanded Your precepts, to be kept diligently. 5 Oh, that my ways were set firm to keep Your statutes! 6 Then I would not be ashamed, in my looking to all Your commandments.

    1 Cor. 7:19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping of the commandments of God.

    Gal. 5:14–23 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you⁺ bite and devour one another, watch out, lest you⁺ might be consumed by one another. 16 Now I say, walk by the Spirit, and you⁺ shall never complete the desire [of] the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do. 18 But if you⁺ are led by the Spirit, you⁺ are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of rage, rivalries, dissensions, factions, 21 envies, drunkennesses, carousings, and things like these, as to which I say to you⁺ beforehand, as also I said before, that those doing such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

  • Rom. 7:7, 13; Rom. 3:20.

    Rom. 7:7, 13 7 What then will we say? [Is] the law sin? Never may it be! But I did not know sin, if not through the law. For I would not have been conscious of covetousness if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 13 Did that which [is] good, then, become death to me? Never may it be! But so that sin might be shown as sin, it is producing death through that which [is] good to me, so that through the commandment sin might become sinful beyond excess.

    Rom. 3:20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin.

  • James 1:23–25; Rom. 7:9, 14, 24.

    James 1:23–25 23 because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror, 24 for he observed himself and has gone away, and immediately he forgot what kind he was. 25 But the one having looked intently into the perfect law, that of freedom, and having continued in [it], not having been a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work—this one will be blessed in his doing.

    Rom. 7:9, 14, 24 9 And I was once alive apart from the law, but [on] the commandment's having come, sin revived and I died; 14 For we have known that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold as a slave under sin. 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death?

  • Gal. 3:24; Rom. 7:24–25; Rom. 8:3–4.

    Gal. 3:24 so that the law has become our tutor unto Christ, so that we might be justified by faith.

    Rom. 7:24–25 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

    Rom. 8:3–4 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

  • James 2:11–12; Ps. 119:101, 104, 128.

    James 2:11–12 11 For the One having said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as being about to be judged by the law of freedom.

    Ps. 119:101, 104, 128 101 From every path of evil I have restrained my feet, that I may keep Your word. 104 From Your precepts I gain understanding; upon thus, I hate every path of deception! 128 Upon thus, all the precepts I have declared wholly right; every path of deception I hate.

  • Ezra 9:13–14; Ps. 89:30–34; Gal. 3:13.

    Ezra 9:13–14 13 And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great guilt (since You, our God, you have restrained it to lower than our iniquities and have given us a deliverance like this), 14 should we turn back to break Your commandments and join in marriage with the peoples of these abominations? Would You not be angry with us until You had consumed [us] without remnant or survivor?

    Ps. 89:30–34 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.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

  • Ex. 19:5–6; Deut. 5:33; Lev. 18:5; Matt. 19:17; Lev. 26:1–13; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 6:2–3; Ps. 19:11; Ps. 37:11; Matt. 5:5.

    Ex. 19:5–6 5 And now if you⁺ will listen carefully to My voice and keep My covenant, then you⁺ shall be to Me a treasured possession from among all the peoples—for all the earth belongs to Me. 6 And you⁺—you⁺ shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These [are] the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”

    Deut. 5:33 In all the ways that YHWH your⁺ God has commanded you⁺, you⁺ shall walk, so that you⁺ may live, and [that it may be] well with you⁺, and [that] you⁺ may prolong [your] days in the land that you⁺ shall possess.

    Lev. 18:5 And you⁺ shall keep My statutes and My judgments, which the man shall do them, and he shall live by them. I [am] YHWH.

    Matt. 19:17 And He said to him, “Why do you ask Me about the good? One is good. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

    Lev. 26:1–13 1 “You⁺ shall not make for yourselves idols, and you⁺ shall not rear up for yourselves a graven image or standing image, and you⁺ shall not set up an engraved stone in your⁺ land to bow down to it. For I [am] YHWH your⁺ God. 2 You⁺ shall keep My Sabbaths and you⁺ shall revere My sanctuary. I [am] YHWH. 3 If you⁺ walk in My statutes and and keep My commandments and do them, 4 then I will give to you⁺ rain in its season, and the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, 5 and your⁺ threshing shall last until the time of vintage, and the vintage shall last until the time of sowing, and you⁺ shall eat your⁺ bread to the full and dwell safely in your⁺ land. 6 And I will give peace in the land, and you⁺ shall lie down, and nothing will make [you] afraid. And evil beasts I will cause to cease from the land, and the sword will not go into your⁺ land. 7 And you⁺ will pursue your⁺ enemies, and they shall fall before you⁺ by the sword. 8 And five of you⁺ shall pursue a hundred, and a hundred of you⁺ shall pursue a myriad, and your⁺ enemies shall fall before you⁺ by the sword. 9 And I will turn to you⁺ and make you fruitful and multiply you⁺, and I will establish My covenant with you⁺. 10 And you⁺ shall eat the old store a long time, and you⁺ will move out the old store because of the new. 11 And I will set My tabernacle in your⁺ midst, and My soul shall not abhor you⁺. 12 And I will walk in your⁺ midst, and I will be unto you⁺ God, and you⁺ will be unto Me for a people. 13 I [am] YHWH your⁺ God, who brought you⁺ out of the land of Egypt, that [you] should not be their slaves. And I have broken the bands of your⁺ yoke and made you walk upright.

    2 Cor. 6:16 And what agreement [has] the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them, and I will walk among [them], and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

    Eph. 6:2–3 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 “that it may be well with you and you will be long-lived upon the earth.”

    Ps. 19:11 Indeed, Your servant is warned by them; in keeping them [is] great reward.

    Ps. 37:11 And the meek will inherit the land, and they will delight in the abundance of peace.

    Matt. 5:5 Blessed [are] the meek, because they will inherit the earth.

  • Gal. 2:16; Luke 17:10.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Luke 17:10 Thus also you⁺, when you⁺ may have done all the [things] having been directed you⁺, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have done that which we were obligated to do.’”

  • Rom. 6:12–15; 1 Peter 3:8–12; With Ps. 34:12–16; Heb. 12:28–29.

    Rom. 6:12–15 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your⁺ mortal body, in order to obey its desires. 13 Neither present your⁺ members to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as living out from the dead, and your⁺ members to God [as] instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Never may it be!

    1 Peter 3:8–12 8 Now the end: All [be] single-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, humble, 9 not giving back evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary blessing, because to this you⁺ were called, so that you⁺ should inherit a blessing. 10 For, “The one wanting to love life and to see good days, let him stop the tongue from evil, and the lips not speak deceit. 11 And let him turn away from evil, and let him do good; let him seek peace and let him pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord [are] on the righteous, and His ears toward their prayer. But the face of the Lord [is] on [those] doing evil.”

    Ps. 34:12–16 12 Who [is] the man desiring life, loving days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of YHWH [are] toward the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. 16 The face of YHWH [is] against those doing evil, to cut off from the earth their memory.

    Heb. 12:28–29 28 Therefore, receiving an unshakable kingdom, we may have grace, by which we may serve God well pleasingly, with reverence and awe. 29 “For also, our God [is] a consuming fire.”

  • Rom. 3:31; Gal. 3:21; Titus 2:11–14.

    Rom. 3:31 Do we, then, nullify the law through faith? Never may it be! Rather, we uphold the law.

    Gal. 3:21 [Is] the law, therefore, contrary to the promises of God? Never may it be! For if a law were given being able to make alive, then righteousness indeed would have been from out of the law.

    Titus 2:11–14 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, 13 awaiting the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 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.

  • Ezek. 36:27; Heb. 8:10; With Jer. 31:33; Ps. 119:35, 47; Rom. 7:22.

    Ezek. 36:27 And My Spirit I will put within you⁺, and I will make [it] that you⁺ will walk in My statutes and My ordinances you⁺ will keep and you⁺ will do [them].

    Heb. 8:10 For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord, giving My laws into their mind, and I will inscribe them upon their hearts; and I will be unto them God, and they will be unto Me for a people.

    Jer. 31:33 “For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, a declaration of YHWH: I will give My law in their inward parts, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.

    Ps. 119:35, 47 35 Cause me to tread in the path of Your commandments, for in it I delight. 47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I have loved.

    Rom. 7:22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man,

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God42 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God23 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 9721 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 9215 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 9814 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability10 shared proof texts · 3 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 33

Q. What is justification?

A. Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:24.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

  • Rom. 4:6–8; 2 Cor. 5:19.

    Rom. 4:6–8 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    2 Cor. 5:19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation.

  • 2 Cor. 5:21.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • Rom. 4:6, 11; Rom. 5:19.

    Rom. 4:6, 11 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that [he had while] in the uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness to be reckoned also to them,

    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.

  • Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 7010 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification7 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 605 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 715 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man5 shared proof texts

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 105

Q. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

A. In the fifth petition, which is, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, we pray that God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all our sins; which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 51:1–2, 7, 9; Dan. 9:17–19; 1 John 1:7.

    Ps. 51:1–2, 7, 9 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David, in the coming of Nathan the prophet to him after that he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to the abundance of Your compassion, wipe out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 7 Cleanse my sin with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 9 May You hide Your face from my sins, and wipe out all my iniquities.

    Dan. 9:17–19 17 And now, listen, our God, to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and cause to shine Your face on Your sanctuary that [is] desolate—for the sake of the Lord! 18 Incline, O my God, Your ear, and hear; open Your eyes, and see our desolations and the city upon which Your name is called. For [it is] not because of our righteous acts [that] we are letting fall our supplications before Your face, but because of Your many mercies. 19 O Lord, may You hear! O Lord, may You forgive! O Lord, may You be attentive and act! Do not delay, for Your sake, O my God, for Your name is called upon Your city and upon Your people!”

    1 John 1:7 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.

  • Matt. 18:21–35; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13.

    Matt. 18:21–35 21 Then, having come, Peter said to Him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I will forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus says to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times! 23 Because of this, the kingdom of the heavens was likened to to a man, a king, who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And [on] his having begun to settle, one was brought to him, a debtor of ten thousand talents. 25 And [on] his having nothing to repay, the master commanded him to be sold—and the wife and the children and all of whatever he had—and repayment to be made. 26 Therefore the servant, having fallen down, was bowing on his knees to him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay all to you.’ 27 And having been moved with compassion, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But having gone out, that servant found one of his fellow servants who was owing him a hundred denarii. And having seized him, he was choking [him], saying, ‘Repay what you owe!’ 29 Therefore, having fallen down, his fellow servant was calling on him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you.’ 30 But he was not willing. Rather, having gone, he cast him into prison until he should repay what was owed. 31 Therefore his fellow servants, having seen the things having happened, were deeply grieved, and having gone, they made clear to their master all the things having happened. 32 Then, having summoned him, his master says to him, ‘Evil servant! I forgave you all that debt because you called on me. 33 Was it not necessary for you also to have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I also had mercy on you?’ 34 And having become angry, his master delivered him to the tormenters until he should repay everything being owed to him. 35 Thus also My heavenly Father will do to you⁺ unless each of you⁺ should forgive his brother from your⁺ hearts.”

    Eph. 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as also God in Christ forgave you⁺.

    Col. 3:13 bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone may have a complaint toward another. Just as also the Lord forgave you⁺, so also you⁺.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 19422 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 12618 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1963 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1173 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1783 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 52

Q. How was Christ exalted in his resurrection?

A. Christ was exalted in his resurrection, in that, not having seen corruption in death, (of which it was not possible for him to be held,) and having the very same body in which he suffered, with the essential properties thereof, (but without mortality, and other common infirmities belonging to this life,) really united to his soul, he rose again from the dead the third day by his own power; whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God, to have satisfied divine justice, to have vanquished death, and him that had the power of it, and to be Lord of quick and dead: all which he did as a public person, the head of his church, for their justification, quickening in grace, support against enemies, and to assure them of their resurrection from the dead at the last day.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 2:24, 27.

    Acts 2:24, 27 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the agony of death, inasmuch as it was not possible [for] Him to be held by it. 27 for You will not abandon my soul into Hades, nor will You give Your Holy One to see decay.

  • Luke 24:39.

    Luke 24:39 See My hands and My feet, that I am He. Touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you⁺ see Me having.”

  • Rom. 6:9; Rev. 1:18.

    Rom. 6:9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him.

    Rev. 1:18 and the Living One. And I became dead, and behold I am living to the ages of the ages, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.

  • John 10:18.

    John 10:18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

  • Rom. 1:4.

    Rom. 1:4 the One having been determined the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by resurrection [from] the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord,

  • Rom. 8:34; Rom. 3:25–26; Heb. 9:13–14.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Rom. 3:25–26 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Heb. 9:13–14 13 For if the blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the ones having been defiled sanctify [them] for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

  • Heb. 2:14.

    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,

  • Rom. 14:9.

    Rom. 14:9 For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living.

  • 1 Cor. 15:21–22; Isa. 53:10–11.

    1 Cor. 15:21–22 21 For since death [is] through a man, also through a man [is] the resurrection of the dead. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive—

    Isa. 53:10–11 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 11 He will see [the light of life] after the anguish of His soul [and] be satisfied; By His knowledge My Servant, the righteous one, will bring righteousness to many, and He will bear their iniquities.

  • Eph. 1:20–23; Col. 1:18.

    Eph. 1:20–23 20 which He worked in Christ, having raised Him out from the dead, and having seated [Him] at His right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above every principality and authority and power and lordship and every name being named, not only in this age, but also in the one about to be. 22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One filling all in all.

    Col. 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, firstborn out from the dead, so that He might be having preeminence in all things,

  • Rom. 4:25.

    Rom. 4:25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Eph. 2:1, 5–6; Col. 2:12.

    Eph. 2:1, 5–6 1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins— 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

    Col. 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which also you⁺ were raised with [Him] through the faith from the working of God, the One having raised Him out from the dead.

  • 1 Cor. 15:25–27; Ps. 2:7–9.

    1 Cor. 15:25–27 25 For it is necessary for Him to reign until He shall have put all the enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy to be made null [is] death. 27 For “He has subjected all things under His feet.” But when it may be said that all things have been subjected, [it is] evident that the One having subjected all things to Him [is] excepted.

    Ps. 2:7–9 7 I will recount the decree of YHWH; He has said to Me: “You [are] My Son; today I have begotten You. 8 Ask from Me and I will give the nations [as] Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth [for] Your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron; You will shatter them like a vessel of a potter.”

  • 1 Cor. 15:20; 1 Thess. 4:14.

    1 Cor. 15:20 But now Christ has been raised out from the dead, the firstfruit of those having fallen asleep.

    1 Thess. 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also through Jesus God will bring with Him those having fallen asleep.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator14 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator12 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 457 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 505 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church5 shared proof texts · shared topic

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 70

Q. What is justification?

A. Justification is an act of God's free grace unto sinners, in which he pardoneth all their sins, accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but only for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ, by God imputed to them, and received by faith alone.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:22, 24–25; Rom. 4:5.

    Rom. 3:22, 24–25 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

    Rom. 4:5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

  • Jer. 23:6; Rom. 4:6–8; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 3:22, 24–25, 27–28.

    Jer. 23:6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    Rom. 4:6–8 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    2 Cor. 5:19, 21 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Rom. 3:22, 24–25, 27–28 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Titus 3:5, 7; Eph. 1:7.

    Titus 3:5, 7 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, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • Rom. 4:6–8, 11; Rom. 5:17–19.

    Rom. 4:6–8, 11 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.” 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that [he had while] in the uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness to be reckoned also to them,

    Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • Acts 10:43; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9.

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification21 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification14 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6011 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 3310 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man8 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 71

Q. How is justification an act of God's free grace?

A. Although Christ, by his obedience and death, did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in the behalf of them that are justified; yet inasmuch as God accepteth the satisfaction from a surety, which he might have demanded of them, and did provide this surety, his own only Son, imputing his righteousness to them, and requiring nothing of them for their justification but faith, which also is his gift, their justification is to them of free grace.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 5:8–10, 19.

    Rom. 5:8–10, 19 8 But God demonstrates His own love to us, that [in] our being still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath! 10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life! 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • 1 Tim. 2:5–6; Heb. 10:10; Matt. 20:28; Dan. 9:24, 26; Isa. 53:4–6, 10–12; Heb. 7:22; Rom. 8:32; 1 Peter 1:18–19.

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Heb. 10:10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    Matt. 20:28 even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

    Dan. 9:24, 26 24 Seventy sevens are determined for your people and for the city of your holiness, to finish the transgression, and to seal off sin, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in righteousness everlasting, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Holy of Holies. 26 And after sixty and two sevens, Messiah will be cut off, and not for Him. And the people of the leader who is coming will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end [is] in a flood, and until the end, war [and] desolations are determined.

    Isa. 53:4–6, 10–12 4 Surely, our sicknesses He has lifted, and our sorrows, He has borne them; and we considered Him stricken—struck by God and afflicted. 5 And he [was] pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace [was] upon Him, and by His stripes there is healing for us. 6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all. 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 11 He will see [the light of life] after the anguish of His soul [and] be satisfied; By His knowledge My Servant, the righteous one, will bring righteousness to many, and He will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

    Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

    Rom. 8:32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

  • 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:6, 11.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Rom. 4:6, 11 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that [he had while] in the uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness to be reckoned also to them,

  • Rom. 3:24–25.

    Rom. 3:24–25 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

  • Eph. 2:8.

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

  • Eph. 1:7; Rom. 3:24–25.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

    Rom. 3:24–25 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification20 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification12 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 335 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 72

Q. What is justifying faith?

A. Justifying faith is a saving grace, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and Word of God, whereby he, being convinced of his sin and misery, and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition, not only assenteth to the truth of the promise of the gospel, but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness, therein held forth, for pardon of sin, and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 10:39.

    Heb. 10:39 But we are not of [those] shrinking back to destruction, but of faith to the preserving [of] the soul.

  • 2 Cor. 4:13; Eph. 1:17–19; 1 Cor. 12:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

    2 Cor. 4:13 But having the same spirit of faith according to that having been written: “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, and therefore we speak,

    Eph. 1:17–19 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you⁺ a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what [is] the surpassing greatness of His power to us, those believing, according to the working of the power of His strength,

    1 Cor. 12:3 Therefore I make known to you⁺ that no one speaking in the Spirit of God says, “Jesus [is] accursed,” and no one is able to say, “Jesus [is] Lord,” except in the Holy Spirit.

    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⁺.

  • Rom. 10:14–17; 1 Cor. 1:21.

    Rom. 10:14–17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 15 And how can they preach unless they can be sent? As it has been written: “How beautiful [are] the feet of those proclaiming good news of good things!” 16 But not all heeded the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not know God, God was well pleased through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing.

  • Acts 2:37; Acts 16:30; John 16:8–9; Rom. 6:6; Eph. 2:1; Acts 4:12.

    Acts 2:37 And having heard, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Men, brothers, what shall we do?”

    Acts 16:30 And having brought them out, he was saying, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do so that I may be saved?”

    John 16:8–9 8 And having come, He will convict the world concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment: 9 concerning sin indeed, because they do not believe in Me;

    Rom. 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin.

    Eph. 2:1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins—

    Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

  • Eph. 1:13; Heb. 11:13.

    Eph. 1:13 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,

    Heb. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having welcomed [them], and having confessed that they are strangers and sojourners on the earth.

  • John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Acts 10:43; Zech. 3:8–9.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Zech. 3:8–9 8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your companions sitting before you, for they [are] men of a sign: Now behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the Branch. 9 For behold, the stone that I have given before the face of Joshua, upon a single stone [with] seven eyes, behold, I am engraving its inscription, a declaration of YHWH of Hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

  • Phil. 3:9; Acts 15:11.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

    Acts 15:11 But we believe to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner [as] they also.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith10 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling9 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 545 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 73

Q. How doth faith justify a sinner in the sight of God?

A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not because of those other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that are the fruits of it, nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for his justification; but only as it is an instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ and his righteousness.

Scripture proofs
  • Gal. 3:11; Rom. 3:28.

    Gal. 3:11 Now [it is] evident that no one is justified before God in the law, because, “The righteous will live out of faith.”

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Rom. 4:5; Rom. 10:10.

    Rom. 4:5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

    Rom. 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.

  • John 1:12; Phil. 3:9; Gal. 2:16.

    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,

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 604 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 212 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 332 shared proof texts · 3 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 77

Q. Wherein do justification and sanctification differ?

A. Although sanctification be inseparably joined with justification, yet they differ, in that God in justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ; in sanctification his Spirit infuseth grace, and enableth to the exercise thereof; in the former, sin is pardoned; in the other, it is subdued: the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God, and that perfectly in this life, that they never fall into condemnation; the other is neither equal in all, nor in this life perfect in any, but growing up to perfection.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Cor. 1:30.

    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.

    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,

  • Rom. 4:6, 8.

    Rom. 4:6, 8 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

  • Ezek. 36:27; Heb. 9:13–14.

    Ezek. 36:27 And My Spirit I will put within you⁺, and I will make [it] that you⁺ will walk in My statutes and My ordinances you⁺ will keep and you⁺ will do [them].

    Heb. 9:13–14 13 For if the blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the ones having been defiled sanctify [them] for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

  • Rom. 3:24–25.

    Rom. 3:24–25 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

  • Rom. 6:6, 14.

    Rom. 6:6, 14 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin. 14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

  • Rom. 8:33–34.

    Rom. 8:33–34 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.

  • 1 John 2:12–14; Heb. 5:12–14.

    1 John 2:12–14 12 I write to you⁺, little children, because the sins have been forgiven you⁺ through His name. 13 I write to you⁺, fathers because you⁺ have known Him who [is] from the beginning. I write to you⁺, young men, because you⁺ have overcome the evil one. I wrote to you⁺, children, because you⁺ have known the Father. 14 I wrote to you⁺, fathers, because you⁺ have known Him who [is] from the beginning. I wrote to you⁺, young men, because you⁺ are strong, and the word of God remains in you⁺, and you⁺ have overcome the evil one.

    Heb. 5:12–14 12 For even by the time you ought to be teachers, you⁺ have need of one to teach you⁺ again what [is] the beginning of the elements of the oracles of God; and you⁺ have become [those] having need of milk, and not of solid food. 13 For everyone partaking of milk [is] inexperienced in the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, the ones by constant use having trained the senses for distinguishing both good and evil.

  • 1 John 1:8, 10.

    1 John 1:8, 10 8 If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 10 If we should say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

  • 2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 3:12–14.

    2 Cor. 7:1 Therefore having these promises, beloved, we should cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

    Phil. 3:12–14 12 Not that I already obtained [it] or already have been perfected, but I pursue, if also I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not reckon myself to have taken hold [of it]. But one thing: Indeed, forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead, 14 I pursue toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God5 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1155 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1145 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 97

Q. What special use is there of the moral law to the regenerate?

A. Although they that are regenerate, and believe in Christ, be delivered from the moral law as a covenant of works, so as thereby they are neither justified nor condemned; yet, besides the general uses thereof common to them with all men, it is of special use, to show them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it, and enduring the curse thereof in their stead, and for their good; and thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness, and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 6:14; Rom. 7:4, 6; Gal. 4:4–5; Col. 2:13–14.

    Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

    Rom. 7:4, 6 4 Likewise, my brothers, you⁺ also have been put to death to the law through the body of Christ, for you⁺ to become unto another, unto the One having been raised out from the dead, so that we should bear fruit to God. 6 But now we have been released from the law, having died to that by which we were held, so as for us to serve in the newness of the Spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

    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.

    Col. 2:13–14 13 And you⁺ being dead in the trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your⁺ flesh, He made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all the trespasses, 14 having blotted out the handwriting in the decrees against us, which was adverse to us. And He has taken it out of the midst, having nailed it to the cross.

  • Rom. 3:20.

    Rom. 3:20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin.

  • Gal. 5:23; Rom. 8:1.

    Gal. 5:23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

    Rom. 8:1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.

  • Rom. 7:24–25; Gal. 3:13–14; Rom. 8:3–4; Acts 13:38–39.

    Rom. 7:24–25 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

    Gal. 3:13–14 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,” 14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

    Rom. 8:3–4 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

    Acts 13:38–39 38 Therefore be it known to you⁺, men, brothers, that through this One forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you⁺. 39 And in Him everyone believing is justified from all things from which you⁺ were not able to be justified in the law of Moses.

  • Luke 1:68–69, 74–75; Col. 1:12–14; Rom. 6:14.

    Luke 1:68–69, 74–75 68 “Blessed [be] the Lord, the God of Israel, because He visited and performed redemption for His people, 69 and He raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, 74 having been saved from the hand of [our] enemies, to serve Him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

    Col. 1:12–14 12 giving thanks to the Father, the One having qualified you⁺ for the share of the inheritance of the saints in the light, 13 who delivered us from the authority of darkness and transferred [us] into the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

    Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

  • Deut. 30:19–20; Rom. 7:22; Rom. 12:2; Titus 2:11–14; James 1:25.

    Deut. 30:19–20 19 I call as witnesses against you⁺ today the heavens and the earth [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, that you may live—you and your seed, 20 [and] that you may love YHWH your God, to listen to His voice, and to cleave to Him. For He [is] your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land that YHWH swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them.”

    Rom. 7:22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man,

    Rom. 12:2 And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, for you⁺ to discern what [is] the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.

    Titus 2:11–14 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, 13 awaiting the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 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.

    James 1:25 But the one having looked intently into the perfect law, that of freedom, and having continued in [it], not having been a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work—this one will be blessed in his doing.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God21 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works6 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 194

Q. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

A. In the fifth petition, (which is, Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,) acknowledging, that we and all others are guilty both of original and actual sin, and thereby become debtors to the justice of God; and that neither we, nor any other creature, can make the least satisfaction for that debt: we pray for ourselves and others, that God of his free grace would, through the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, apprehended and applied by faith, acquit us both from the guilt and punishment of sin, accept us in his Beloved; continue his favor and grace to us, pardon our daily failings, and fill us with peace and joy, in giving us daily more and more assurance of forgiveness; which we are the rather emboldened to ask, and encouraged to expect, when we have this testimony in ourselves, that we from the heart forgive others their offenses.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:12. (Cf. Luke 11:4.)

    Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

  • Rom. 3:9–22; Matt. 18:24–25; Ps. 130:3–4.

    Rom. 3:9–22 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one understanding; there is no one seeking out God. 12 All turned away; together they became worthless; there is none who is doing kindness, there is not even one.” 13 “Their throat [is] a grave having been opened; they keep practicing deceit with their tongues;” “the poison of vipers [is] under their lips,” 14 “of whom the mouth is full of cursing and of bitterness;” 15 “their feet [are] swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery [are] in their paths; 17 and a way of peace they did not know.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God. 20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin. 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction,

    Matt. 18:24–25 24 And [on] his having begun to settle, one was brought to him, a debtor of ten thousand talents. 25 And [on] his having nothing to repay, the master commanded him to be sold—and the wife and the children and all of whatever he had—and repayment to be made.

    Ps. 130:3–4 3 If You were to mark iniquities, O YAH, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with You [is] forgiveness, so that You may be feared.

  • Rom. 3:24–26; Heb. 9:22.

    Rom. 3:24–26 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Heb. 9:22 And almost all things are purified with blood according to the law, and without blood-shedding there is no forgiveness.

  • Eph. 1:6–7.

    Eph. 1:6–7 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One, 7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • 2 Peter 1:2.

    2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺ in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

  • Hos. 14:2; Jer. 14:7; 1 John 1:9. (See Dan. 9:17–19.)

    Hos. 14:2 Take with you⁺ words, and return to YHWH. Say to Him: “Lift away all iniquity, and receive what is good, and we offer the fruit of our lips.

    Jer. 14:7 Though our iniquities testify against us, O YHWH, may You act for the sake of Your name! For many are our backslidings; we have sinned against You.

    1 John 1:9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    Dan. 9:17–19 17 And now, listen, our God, to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and cause to shine Your face on Your sanctuary that [is] desolate—for the sake of the Lord! 18 Incline, O my God, Your ear, and hear; open Your eyes, and see our desolations and the city upon which Your name is called. For [it is] not because of our righteous acts [that] we are letting fall our supplications before Your face, but because of Your many mercies. 19 O Lord, may You hear! O Lord, may You forgive! O Lord, may You be attentive and act! Do not delay, for Your sake, O my God, for Your name is called upon Your city and upon Your people!”

  • Rom. 15:13; Ps. 51:7–10, 12.

    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.

    Ps. 51:7–10, 12 7 Cleanse my sin with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. 9 May You hide Your face from my sins, and wipe out all my iniquities. 10 Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit.

  • Luke 11:4; Matt. 6:14–15; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13. (See Matt. 18:21–35.)

    Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

    Matt. 6:14–15 14 For if you⁺ forgive men their trespasses, your⁺ heavenly Father will also forgive you⁺. 15 But if you⁺ do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your⁺ Father forgive your⁺ trespasses.

    Eph. 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as also God in Christ forgave you⁺.

    Col. 3:13 bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone may have a complaint toward another. Just as also the Lord forgave you⁺, so also you⁺.

    Matt. 18:21–35 21 Then, having come, Peter said to Him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I will forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus says to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times! 23 Because of this, the kingdom of the heavens was likened to to a man, a king, who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And [on] his having begun to settle, one was brought to him, a debtor of ten thousand talents. 25 And [on] his having nothing to repay, the master commanded him to be sold—and the wife and the children and all of whatever he had—and repayment to be made. 26 Therefore the servant, having fallen down, was bowing on his knees to him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay all to you.’ 27 And having been moved with compassion, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But having gone out, that servant found one of his fellow servants who was owing him a hundred denarii. And having seized him, he was choking [him], saying, ‘Repay what you owe!’ 29 Therefore, having fallen down, his fellow servant was calling on him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you.’ 30 But he was not willing. Rather, having gone, he cast him into prison until he should repay what was owed. 31 Therefore his fellow servants, having seen the things having happened, were deeply grieved, and having gone, they made clear to their master all the things having happened. 32 Then, having summoned him, his master says to him, ‘Evil servant! I forgave you all that debt because you called on me. 33 Was it not necessary for you also to have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I also had mercy on you?’ 34 And having become angry, his master delivered him to the tormenters until he should repay everything being owed to him. 35 Thus also My heavenly Father will do to you⁺ unless each of you⁺ should forgive his brother from your⁺ hearts.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 10522 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 12618 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 512 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Chapter X: Resurrection

We undoubtedly believe that in as much as it was impossible that the sorrows of death should retain in bondage the author of life (Acts 2–3), that our Lord Jesus, crucified, died, and buried (Rom. 6), who descended into hell, did rise again for our justification, and destroying him who was author of death brought life again unto us that were subject to death and to the bondage of the same. We know that His resurrection was confirmed by the testimony of His very enemies (Matt. 28), by the resurrection of the dead whose sepulchers did open and they did arise and appeared to many within the city of Jerusalem (Matt. 27). It was also confirmed by the testimony of angels and by the senses and judgments of His apostles and of others (John 20–21), who had conversation and did eat and drink with Him after His resurrection.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 233 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 523 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World3 shared topicsEcumenical Creeds · Apostles' Creed3 shared topics

Chapter 12: Of the Law of God

We teach that the will of God is set down unto us in the Law of God; to wit, what He would have us to do or not to do, what is good and just, or what is evil and unjust. We, therefore, confess that "The law is good and holy" (Rom. 7:12) and that this Law is by the finger of God, either "written in the hearts of men" (Rom. 2:15) and so is called the law of nature, or engraven in the two tables of stone and more largely expounded in the books of Moses (Ex. 20:1–17; Deut. 5:6–21). For plainness' sake, we divide it into the moral law, which is contained in the commandments, or the two tables expounded in the books of Moses; into the ceremonial, which appoints ceremonies and the worship of God; and into the judicial law, which is occupied about political and domestic affairs.

We believe that the whole will of God, and all necessary precepts for every part of this life, are fully delivered in this Law. For otherwise the Lord would not have forbidden that "any thing should be either added to or taken away from this law" (Deut. 4:2; 12:32); neither would He have commanded us to go straight forward in this and "not to decline out of the way, either to the right hand or to the left" (Josh. 1:7).

We teach that this Law was not given to men that we should be justified by keeping it; but that by the knowledge thereof we might rather acknowledge our infirmity, sin, and condemnation; and so despairing of our own strength, might turn unto Christ by faith. For the apostle says plainly, "The law worketh wrath" (Rom. 4:15) and "By the law cometh the knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20) and "If there had been a law given, which could have justified and given us life, surely righteousness should have been by the law: but the scripture (to wit, of the law) hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by the faith of Jesus Christ should be given to them which believe" (Gal. 3:21–22). "Therefore, the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith" (v. 24).

For neither could there ever, nor at this day can any flesh satisfy the law of God, and fulfill it, by reason of the weakness in our flesh, which remains and sticks fast in us, even to our last breath. For the apostle says again, "That which the law could not perform, inasmuch as it was weak through the flesh, that did God perform, sending His own Son in similitude of flesh subject to sin" (Rom. 8:3). Therefore, Christ is the perfecting of the Law, and our fulfilling of it (Rom. 10:4); who as He took away the curse of the Law, when He was made a curse for us (Gal. 3:13) so He communicates unto us by faith His fulfilling thereof, and His righteousness and obedience are imputed unto us.

The law of God, therefore, is thus far abrogated; that is, it does not henceforth condemn neither work wrath in us. "For we are under grace, and not under the law" (Rom. 6:14). Moreover, Christ did fulfill all the figures of the Law. Wherefore, the shadow ceased, when the body came; so that, in Christ, we have now all truth and fullness. Yet we do not therefore disdain or reject the Law. We remember the words of the Lord saying, "I came not to destroy the Law and the prophets, but to fulfill them" (Matt. 5:17). We know that in the Law are described unto us the kinds of virtues and vices. We know that the Scripture of the Law if it is expounded by the gospel is very profitable to the church, and that, therefore, the reading of it is not to be banished out of the church. For although the countenance of Moses was covered with a veil, yet the apostle affirms that the veil is taken away and abolished by Christ (2 Cor. 3:14). We condemn all things which the old or new heretics have taught against the Law of God.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 7:12

    Rom. 7:12 So indeed, the law [is] holy, and the commandment [is] holy and righteous and good.

  • Rom. 2:15

    Rom. 2:15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]

  • Ex. 20:1–17; Deut. 5:6–21

    Ex. 20:1–17 1 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 You shall have no other gods before My face. 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments. 7 You shall not take the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who takes His name in vain. 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work, 10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates. 11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it. 12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 13 You shall not murder. 14 You shall not commit adultery. 15 You shall not steal. 16 You shall not answer against your neighbor [as] a false witness. 17 You shall not covet the house of your neighbor; you shall not covet the wife of your neighbor, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

    Deut. 5:6–21 6 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 7 You shall have no other gods before Me. 8 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water beneath the earth. 9 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them, for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons and on the third and fourth of those hating Me, 10 and showing loving devotion to thousands, to those loving Me and keeping My commandments. 11 You shall not lift up the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who lifts up His name in vain. 12 Observe the day of the Sabbath, to keep it holy, as YHWH your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 and the seventh day [is] the Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and your ox, and your donkey, and any of your cattle, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates—that your manservant and your maidservant may rest like you. 15 And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and YHWH your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Upon thus YHWH your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. 16 Honor your father and your mother, as YHWH your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, that it may be well with you in the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 17 You shall not murder. 18 And you shall not commit adultery. 19 And you shall not steal. 20 And you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 21 And you shall not covet the wife of your neighbor, and you shall not covet the house of your neighbor, his field, and his manservant, and his maidservant, his ox, and his donkey, and anything that [is] unto your neighbor.”

  • Deut. 4:2; 12:32

    Deut. 4:2 You⁺ shall not add to the word that I command you⁺, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of YHWH your⁺ God that I command you⁺.

    12:32 The whole thing, whatever I command you⁺, be careful to observe it. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.

  • Josh. 1:7

    Josh. 1:7 Only be strong and be very courageous, to be careful to do according to all the law that Moses My servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you may prosper in every [place] where you go.

  • Rom. 4:15

    Rom. 4:15 For the law brings about wrath; and where there is no law, neither [is there] transgression.

  • Rom. 3:20

    Rom. 3:20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin.

  • Gal. 3:21–22

    Gal. 3:21–22 21 [Is] the law, therefore, contrary to the promises of God? Never may it be! For if a law were given being able to make alive, then righteousness indeed would have been from out of the law. 22 But the Scripture shut in all things under sin, so that by faith from Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those believing.

  • Rom. 8:3

    Rom. 8:3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,

  • Rom. 10:4

    Rom. 10:4 For the end of law [is] Christ, unto righteousness to everyone believing.

  • Gal. 3:13

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

  • Rom. 6:14

    Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

  • Matt. 5:17

    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.

  • 2 Cor. 3:14

    2 Cor. 3:14 But their minds were hardened; for until the present day, the same veil remains upon the reading of the old covenant, not being unveiled, which is removed in Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 9233 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God23 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day9 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 578 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1158 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Chapter 13: Of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: Also of Promises; of the Spirit and of the Letter

The gospel indeed is opposed to the Law: for the Law works wrath and denounces a curse; but the gospel preaches grace and blessing. John also says, "The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). Yet notwithstanding, it is most certain that they which were before the Law and under the Law were not altogether destitute of the gospel. For they had notable evangelical promises, such as these: "The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head" (Gen. 3:15). "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22:18). "The scepter shall not be taken from Judah until Shiloh come" (Gen. 49:10). "The Lord shall raise up a prophet from His own brethren" (Deut. 18:15; Acts 3:22; 7:37).

And we acknowledge that the fathers had two kinds of promises revealed unto them, even as we have. For some of them were of present and transitory things: such as were the promises of the land of Canaan, and of victories; and such as are now-a-days, concerning our daily bread. Some others there were then, and also are now, of heavenly and everlasting things; as of God's favor, remission of sins, and life everlasting through faith in Jesus Christ.

Now the fathers had not only outward or earthly, but spiritual and heavenly promises in Christ. For the apostle Peter says that "The prophets, which prophesied of the grace that should come to us, have searched and inquired of this salvation" (1 Peter 1:10). Whereupon the apostle Paul also says that "The gospel of God, was promised before by the prophets of God in the Holy Scripture" (Rom. 1:1–2). Hereby then it appears evidently that the fathers were not altogether destitute of all the gospel.

And although, after this manner, our fathers had the gospel in the writings of the prophets, by which they attained salvation in Christ through faith, yet the gospel is properly called "glad and happy tidings": wherein, first by John Baptist, then by Christ the Lord Himself, and afterwards by the apostles and their successors, is preached to us in the world, that God has now performed that which He promised from the beginning of the world, and has sent, yes and given unto us, His only Son, and, in Him, reconciliation with the Father, remission of sins, all fullness and everlasting life. The history, therefore, set down by the four evangelists, declaring how these things were done or fulfilled in Christ, and what He taught and did, and that they which believe in Him have all fullness; this, I say, is truly called the gospel. Also the preaching and writings of the apostles, in which they expound unto us how the Son was given us of the Father, and in Him, all things pertaining to life and salvation, is truly called the doctrine of the gospel, so as even at this day it loses not that worthy name, if it is sincere.

The same preaching of the gospel is by the apostle termed the Spirit and "the ministry of the Spirit" (2 Cor. 3:8) because it lives, and works through faith in the ears, yes in the hearts of the faithful, through the illumination of the Holy Spirit. For the letter, which is opposed unto the Spirit, indeed signifies every outward thing, but more especially the doctrine of the Law, which without the Spirit and faith, works wrath, and stirs up sin in the minds of them that do not truly believe. For which cause, it is called by the apostle, "the ministry of death" (2 Cor. 3:7). For hitherto pertains that saying of the apostle, "The letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life" (v. 6). The false apostles preached the gospel, corrupted by mingling of the Law therewith, as though Christ could not save without the Law. Such also were the Ebionites said to be, which came of Ebion the heretic; and the Nazarites, who formerly were called Mineans. All which we condemn, sincerely preaching the Word, and teaching that believers are justified through the Spirit only, and not through the Law. But of this matter there shall follow a more large discourse under the title of justification.

And although the doctrine of the gospel, compared with the Pharisee's doctrine of the Law, might seem (when it was first preached by Christ) to be a new doctrine (which Jeremiah also prophesied of the New Testament), yet indeed it not only was and as yet is (though the papists call it new, in regard of popish doctrine, which has been received for a long time) an ancient doctrine but also the most ancient in the world. For God from all eternity foreordained to save the world by Christ; and this His predestination and eternal counsel has He opened to the world by the gospel (2 Tim. 1:9–10). Whereby it appears that the evangelical doctrine and religion was the most ancient of all that ever were, are, or ever shall be; wherefore we say that all they err foully, and speak things unworthy of the eternal counsel of God, who term the evangelical doctrine and religion a new startup faith, scarce thirty years old: to whom that saying of Isaiah very well agrees: "Woe unto them that speak good of evil, and evil of good, which put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for sour" (5:20).

Scripture proofs
  • John 1:17

    John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

  • Gen. 3:15

    Gen. 3:15 And enmity I will put between you and between the woman, and between your seed and between her seed. He shall bruise you [on] the head, and you shall bruise him [on] the heel.

  • Gen. 22:18

    Gen. 22:18 And in your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have listened to My voice.”

  • Gen. 49:10

    Gen. 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until that he comes to Shiloh; and to him [is] the obedience of the peoples.

  • Deut. 18:15; Acts 3:22; 7:37

    Deut. 18:15 YHWH your God will raise up for you a prophet from among you, from your brothers, like me; you⁺ must listen to him

    Acts 3:22 Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺.

    7:37 This is the Moses having said to the sons of Israel, ‘God will raise up for you⁺ a prophet like me from among your⁺ brothers.’

  • 1 Peter 1:10

    1 Peter 1:10 Concerning this salvation the prophets sought out and searched out, those having prophesied concerning the grace unto you⁺,

  • Rom. 1:1–2

    Rom. 1:1–2 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, a called apostle having been set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in Holy Scriptures,

  • 2 Cor. 3:8

    2 Cor. 3:8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more in glory?

  • 2 Cor. 3:7

    2 Cor. 3:7 Now if the ministry of death, having been engraved in letters on stones, came into being in glory so as for the sons of Israel not to be able to look intently into the face of Moses on account of the glory of his face that is fading away,

  • 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,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man3 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 193 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors1 shared proof text · 7 shared topics

Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful

To justify, in the apostle's disputation touching justification, signifies to remit sin, to absolve from the fault and the punishment thereof, to receive into favor, to pronounce a man just. For the apostle says to the Romans, "God is He that justifieth; who is he that can condemn?" (Rom. 8:33–34) where to justify and to condemn are opposed. And in the Acts of the Apostles, the apostle says, "Through Christ is preached unto you forgiveness of sins; and from all things (from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses) by Him, every one that believeth is justified" (Acts 13:38–39). For in the Law also and in the prophets, we read that "If a controversy were risen amongst any, and they came to judgment, the judge should judge them; that is, justify the righteous, and make wicked, or condemn, the wicked" (Deut. 25:1). And in Isaiah, "Woe to them which justify the wicked for rewards" (5:23).

Now it is most certain that we are all by nature sinners, and before the judgment seat of God convicted of ungodliness and guilty of death. But we are justified, that is, acquitted from sin and death by God the Judge through the grace of Christ alone, and not by any respect or merit of ours. For what is more plain than that which Paul says? "All have sinned, and are destitute of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:23–24). For Christ took upon Himself and bare the sins of the world and satisfied the justice of God. God, therefore, is merciful unto our sins, for Christ alone, that suffered and rose again, and does not impute them unto us. But He imputes the righteousness of Christ unto us for our own: so that now we are not only cleansed from sin, and purged, and holy, but also endued with the righteousness of Christ; yes, and acquitted from sin, death, and condemnation (2 Cor. 5:19–21); finally, we are righteous and heirs of eternal life. To speak properly, then, it is God alone that justifies us, and that only for Christ by not imputing unto us our sins, but imputing Christ's righteousness unto us (Rom. 4:23–25).

But because we receive this justification, not by any works, but by faith in the mercy of God, and in Christ; therefore, we teach and believe with the apostle that sinful man is justified only by faith in Christ, not by the Law, or by any works. For the apostle says, "We conclude that man is justified by faith, without the works of the law" (Rom. 3:28). "If Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to boast; but not with God: for what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness, but to him that worketh not, but believeth in Him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:2–3, 5; Gen. 15:6). And again; "Ye are saved by grace through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works lest any might have cause to boast" (Eph. 2:8–9). Therefore, because faith apprehends Christ our righteousness and attributes all to the praise of God in Christ, in this respect justification is attributed to faith, chiefly because of Christ whom it receives, and not because it is a work of ours; for it is the gift of God.

Now that we do receive Christ by faith, the Lord shows at large (John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58) where He puts eating for believing, and believing for eating. For as by eating we receive meat, so by believing we are made partakers of Christ. Therefore, we do not part the benefit of justification, giving part to the grace of God or to Christ, and part to ourselves, our charity, works or merit; but we attribute it wholly to the praise of God in Christ, and that through faith. Moreover, our charity and our works cannot please God, if they are done of such as are not just; wherefore, we must first be just before we can love or do any just works. We are made just (as we have said) through faith in Christ, by the mere grace of God; who does not impute unto us our sins, but imputes unto us the righteousness of Christ; yes, and our faith in Christ He imputes for righteousness unto us. Moreover, the apostle plainly derives love from faith, saying, "The end of the commandment is love, proceeding from a pure heart, a good conscience, and faith unfeigned" (1 Tim. 1:5).

Wherefore, in this matter we speak not of a feigned, vain, or dead faith, but of a lively and quickening faith; which, for Christ (who is life, and gives life) whom it apprehends, both is indeed, and is so called, a lively faith, and proves itself to be lively, by lively works. And, therefore, James does not speak contrary to our doctrine, for he speaks of a vain and dead faith, which certain bragged of but did not have Christ living within them by faith. And James also says that works do justify (2:14–16); yet he is not contrary to Paul (for then he would be rejected), but he shows that Abraham declared his lively and justifying faith by works. And so do all the godly, who yet trust in Christ alone, not to their own works. For the apostle said again, "I live, howbeit not I, but Christ liveth in me. But the life which now I live, in the flesh, I live through the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. I do not despise the grace of God, for if righteousness is by the law, then Christ died in vain" (Gal. 2:20–21).

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:33–34

    Rom. 8:33–34 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.

  • Acts 13:38–39

    Acts 13:38–39 38 Therefore be it known to you⁺, men, brothers, that through this One forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you⁺. 39 And in Him everyone believing is justified from all things from which you⁺ were not able to be justified in the law of Moses.

  • Deut. 25:1

    Deut. 25:1 If there is a dispute between men, and they come to the court, they are to be judged, and the righteous shall be declared righteous, and the wicked condemned.

  • Rom. 3:23–24

    Rom. 3:23–24 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

  • 2 Cor. 5:19–21

    2 Cor. 5:19–21 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God is appealing through us. We implore on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • Rom. 4:23–25

    Rom. 4:23–25 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead, 25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Rom. 3:28

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Rom. 4:2–3, 5; Gen. 15:6

    Rom. 4:2–3, 5 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has a ground of boasting, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

    Gen. 15:6 And he believed in YHWH, and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.

  • Eph. 2:8–9

    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.

  • John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58

    John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58 27 Do not work [for] the food that is perishing, but [for] the food remaining unto eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you⁺; for God the Father sealed Him.” 33 For the bread of God is the One coming down out of heaven and giving life to the world.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one coming to Me never shall hunger, and the one believing in Me never will thirst at any time. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your⁺ fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread coming down out of heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” 52 Therefore the Jews were arguing with one another, saying, “How is this One able to give us His flesh to eat?” 53 Therefore Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, unless you⁺ shall eat the flesh of the Son of Man and shall drink His blood, you⁺ do not have life in yourselves. 54 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day. 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, the one also feeding on Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread having come down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. The one eating this bread will live to the age.”

  • 1 Tim. 1:5

    1 Tim. 1:5 Now the goal of [our] charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith,

  • Gal. 2:20–21

    Gal. 2:20–21 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness [is] through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification14 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6012 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 7610 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 215 shared proof texts · 5 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 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof

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

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

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

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 2:16–17.

    Gen. 2:16–17 16 And YHWH God placed a command upon the man, saying, “From every tree of the garden you may surely eat. 17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”

  • Gen. 3:12–13; 2 Cor. 11:3.

    Gen. 3:12–13 12 And the man said, “The woman whom You gave [to be] with me, she gave to me from the tree, and I ate.” 13 And YHWH God said to the woman, “What [is] this you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

    2 Cor. 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, your⁺ minds might be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that [is] to Christ.

  • Rom. 3:23.

    Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

  • Rom. 5:12ff.

    Rom. 5:12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned.

  • Titus 1:15; Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:10–19.

    Titus 1:15 All things [are] pure to the pure; but to those being defiled and unbelieving, nothing [is] pure. But both their mind and conscience are defiled.

    Gen. 6:5 And YHWH saw that the wickedness of mankind on the earth [was] great and [that] every inclination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil all the day.

    Jer. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick—who can know it?

    Rom. 3:10–19 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one understanding; there is no one seeking out God. 12 All turned away; together they became worthless; there is none who is doing kindness, there is not even one.” 13 “Their throat [is] a grave having been opened; they keep practicing deceit with their tongues;” “the poison of vipers [is] under their lips,” 14 “of whom the mouth is full of cursing and of bitterness;” 15 “their feet [are] swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery [are] in their paths; 17 and a way of peace they did not know.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God.

  • Rom. 5:12–19; 1 Cor. 15:21–22, 45, 49.

    Rom. 5:12–19 12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned. 13 For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed, there being no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those not having sinned in the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the coming One. 15 But not as the trespass, so also [is] the gracious gift; for if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more the grace of God and the gift in grace, that of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to the many! 16 And not as through one having sinned [is] the gift; for indeed the judgment out of one [is] to condemnation; but the gracious gift out of many trespasses [is] to justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

    1 Cor. 15:21–22, 45, 49 21 For since death [is] through a man, also through a man [is] the resurrection of the dead. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive— 45 So also it has been written: “The first man Adam became into a living soul;” the last Adam into a life-giving spirit. 49 And as we bore the image of the one made of dust, we will also bear the image of the heavenly one.

  • Ps. 51:5; Job 14:4.

    Ps. 51:5 Behold, in iniquity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me.

    Job 14:4 Who will bring clean from unclean? Not one!

  • Eph. 2:3.

    Eph. 2:3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest.

  • Rom. 6:20; Rom. 5:12.

    Rom. 6:20 For when you⁺ were slaves of sin, you⁺ were free from righteousness.

    Rom. 5:12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned.

  • Heb. 2:14–15; 1 Thess. 1:10.

    Heb. 2:14–15 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death.

    1 Thess. 1:10 and to await His Son from the heavens, whom He raised out from the dead—Jesus, the One delivering us from the coming wrath.

  • Rom. 8:7; Col. 1:21.

    Rom. 8:7 because the mind of the flesh [is] hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for [it is] not even able.

    Col. 1:21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works—

  • James 1:14–15; Matt. 15:19.

    James 1:14–15 14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire. 15 Then desire, having conceived, gives birth to sin; and sin, having become fully grown, brings forth death.

    Matt. 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immorality, thefts, false testimonies, slanders.

  • Rom. 7:18, 23; Eccl. 7:20; 1 John 1:8.

    Rom. 7:18, 23 18 For I know that there does not dwell in me—that is, in my flesh—good. For to want is present with me, but not to carry out the good. 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.

    Eccl. 7:20 For [there is] not a righteous man on the earth who does good and does not sin.

    1 John 1:8 If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

  • Rom. 7:23–25; Gal. 5:17.

    Rom. 7:23–25 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members. 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

    Gal. 5:17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof39 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1819 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 2519 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 518 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will13 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 2213 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Chapter 11: Of Justification

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:24; Rom. 8:30.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

  • Rom. 4:5–8; Eph. 1:7.

    Rom. 4:5–8 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • 1 Cor. 1:30–31; Rom. 5:17–19.

    1 Cor. 1:30–31 30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”

    Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • Phil. 3:8–9; Eph. 2:8–10.

    Phil. 3:8–9 8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

    Eph. 2:8–10 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

  • John 1:12; Rom. 5:17.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Rom. 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ!

  • Rom. 3:28.

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Gal.5:6; James 2:17, 22, 26.

    Gal.5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but faith working through love.

    James 2:17, 22, 26 17 So also, faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself. 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and by works, faith was perfected. 26 For just as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

  • Heb. 10:14; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Isa. 53:5–6.

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

    Isa. 53:5–6 5 And he [was] pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace [was] upon Him, and by His stripes there is healing for us. 6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all.

  • Rom. 8:32; 2 Cor. 5:21.

    Rom. 8:32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • Rom. 3:26; Eph. 1:6–7; Eph. 2:7.

    Rom. 3:26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Eph. 1:6–7 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One, 7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

    Eph. 2:7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

  • Gal. 3:8; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 2:6.

    Gal. 3:8 Now the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham: “All the nations will be blessed in you.”

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

    1 Tim. 2:6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

  • Rom. 4:25.

    Rom. 4:25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Col. 1:21–22; Titus 3:4–7.

    Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,

    Titus 3:4–7 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

  • Matt. 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9.

    Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    1 John 1:7, 9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • John 10:28.

    John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

  • Ps. 89:31–33.

    Ps. 89:31–33 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes. 33 And I will not break off My loving devotion from him, and I will not be false in My faithfulness.

  • Ps. 32:5; Ps. 51; Matt. 26:75.

    Ps. 32:5 I made known to You my sin, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will make confession over my transgressions to YHWH,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

    Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, [He] having said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And having gone out, he wept bitterly.

    Psalm 51 on BibleHub ↗

  • Gal. 3:9; Rom. 4:22–24.

    Gal. 3:9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham.

    Rom. 4:22–24 22 Therefore also “it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification49 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7014 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6013 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7112 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful9 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man11 shared proof texts · 2 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 19: Of the Law of God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:27; Eccl. 7:29.

    Gen. 1:27 And God created the man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

    Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.

  • Rom. 10:5.

    Rom. 10:5 For Moses writes [of] the righteousness that [is] of the law, that, “The man having done these things will live in them.”

  • Gal. 3:10, 12.

    Gal. 3:10, 12 10 For as many as are of works of the law, they are under a curse, for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things having been written in the Book of the Law, to do them.” 12 But the law is not out of faith; rather, “The one having done these things will live in them.”

  • Rom. 2:14–15.

    Rom. 2:14–15 14 For when Gentiles, not having the law, may do by nature the things of the law, these not having a law are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]

  • Deut. 10:4.

    Deut. 10:4 And He wrote on the tablets, according to the first writing, the Ten Words that YHWH had spoken to you⁺ in the mountain out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. And YHWH gave them to me.

  • Heb. 10:1; Col. 2:17.

    Heb. 10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things about to be, not the image of the things themselves, every year with the same sacrifices that they offer unto perpetuity, never is able to perfect those coming near.

    Col. 2:17 which are a shadow the things about to be; but the body [is] of the Christ.

  • 1 Cor. 5:7.

    1 Cor. 5:7 Cleanse out the old leaven, so that you⁺ may be a new lump, as you⁺ are, unleavened. For also Christ our Passover was sacrificed,

  • Col. 2:14, 16–17; Eph. 2:14, 16.

    Col. 2:14, 16–17 14 having blotted out the handwriting in the decrees against us, which was adverse to us. And He has taken it out of the midst, having nailed it to the cross. 16 Therefore let no one judge you⁺ in food or in drink or in the part of a feast or of a New Moon or of Sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow the things about to be; but the body [is] of the Christ.

    Eph. 2:14, 16 14 For He Himself is our peace, having made both one and having broken down the middle wall of the partition, the hostility, 16 and [that] He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, having put to death the hostility by it.

  • 1 Cor. 9:8–10.

    1 Cor. 9:8–10 8 Do I not speak these things according to man, or does the law not also say these things? 9 For in the law of Moses it has been written: “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain.” Is there care for the oxen with God? 10 Or does He speak because of us entirely? For it was written because of us, because in hope the one plowing ought to plow, and the one threshing—in hope to partake.

  • Rom. 13:8–10; James 2:8, 10–12.

    Rom. 13:8–10 8 Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one loving the other has fulfilled the law. 9 For, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and if any other commandment, it is summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love works no evil to the neighbor; therefore love [is] the fulfillment of the law.

    James 2:8, 10–12 8 If indeed you⁺ fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you⁺ are doing well. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all. 11 For the One having said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as being about to be judged by the law of freedom.

  • James 2:10–11.

    James 2:10–11 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all. 11 For the One having said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

  • Matt. 5:17–19; Rom. 3:31.

    Matt. 5:17–19 17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you⁺, until the heaven and the earth should pass away, not even one iota, or one stroke of a letter, shall pass away from the Law, until everything should come to pass. 19 Whoever then may break one of the least of these commandments and may teach men thus, he will be called least in the kingdom of the heavens; but whoever may do and may teach [them], this one will be called great in the kingdom of the heavens.

    Rom. 3:31 Do we, then, nullify the law through faith? Never may it be! Rather, we uphold the law.

  • Rom. 6:14; Gal. 2:16; Rom. 8:1; Rom. 10:4.

    Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Rom. 8:1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.

    Rom. 10:4 For the end of law [is] Christ, unto righteousness to everyone believing.

  • Rom. 3:20; Rom. 7:7ff.

    Rom. 3:20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin.

    Rom. 7:7 What then will we say? [Is] the law sin? Never may it be! But I did not know sin, if not through the law. For I would not have been conscious of covetousness if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”

  • Rom. 6:12–14; 1 Peter 3:8–13.

    Rom. 6:12–14 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your⁺ mortal body, in order to obey its desires. 13 Neither present your⁺ members to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as living out from the dead, and your⁺ members to God [as] instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

    1 Peter 3:8–13 8 Now the end: All [be] single-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, humble, 9 not giving back evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary blessing, because to this you⁺ were called, so that you⁺ should inherit a blessing. 10 For, “The one wanting to love life and to see good days, let him stop the tongue from evil, and the lips not speak deceit. 11 And let him turn away from evil, and let him do good; let him seek peace and let him pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord [are] on the righteous, and His ears toward their prayer. But the face of the Lord [is] on [those] doing evil.” 13 And who [is] the one who will do evil to you⁺ if you⁺ should be zealous for that which [is] good?

  • Gal. 3:21.

    Gal. 3:21 [Is] the law, therefore, contrary to the promises of God? Never may it be! For if a law were given being able to make alive, then righteousness indeed would have been from out of the law.

  • Ezek. 36:27.

    Ezek. 36:27 And My Spirit I will put within you⁺, and I will make [it] that you⁺ will walk in My statutes and My ordinances you⁺ will keep and you⁺ will do [them].

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God42 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day9 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 988 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 956 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Solus Christus: The Erosion of Christ-Centered Faith

As evangelical faith becomes secularized, its interests have been blurred with those of the culture. The result is a loss of absolute values, permissive individualism, and a substitution of wholeness for holiness, recovery for repentance, intuition for truth, feeling for belief, chance for providence, and immediate gratification for enduring hope. Christ and his cross have moved from the center of our vision.

Thesis Two: Solus Christus

We reaffirm that our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to the Father.

We deny that the gospel is preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared and faith in Christ and his work is not solicited.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree6 shared topics

Sola Gratia: The Erosion of The Gospel

Unwarranted confidence in human ability is a product of fallen human nature. This false confidence now fills the evangelical world; from the self-esteem gospel, to the health and wealth gospel, from those who have transformed the gospel into a product to be sold and sinners into consumers who want to buy, to others who treat Christian faith as being true simply because it works. This silences the doctrine of justification regardless of the official commitments of our churches. God's grace in Christ is not merely necessary but is the sole efficient cause of salvation. We confess that human beings are born spiritually dead and are incapable even of cooperating with regenerating grace.

Thesis Three: Sola Gratia

We reaffirm that in salvation we are rescued from God's wrath by his grace alone. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life.

We deny that salvation is in any sense a human work. Human methods, techniques or strategies by themselves cannot accomplish this transformation. Faith is not produced by our unregenerated human nature.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Fifth Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 676 shared topicsScots Confession · Chapter III: Of Original Sin6 shared topics

Sola Fide: The Erosion of The Chief Article

Justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. This is the article by which the church stands or falls. Today this article is often ignored, distorted or sometimes even denied by leaders, scholars and pastors who claim to be evangelical. Although fallen human nature has always recoiled from recognizing its need for Christ's imputed righteousness, modernity greatly fuels the fires of this discontent with the biblical Gospel. We have allowed this discontent to dictate the nature of our ministry and what it is we are preaching.

Many in the church growth movement believe that sociological understanding of those in the pew is as important to the success of the gospel as is the biblical truth which is proclaimed. As a result, theological convictions are frequently divorced from the work of the ministry. The marketing orientation in many churches takes this even further, erasing the distinction between the biblical Word and the world, robbing Christ's cross of its offense, and reducing Christian faith to the principles and methods which bring success to secular corporations.

While the theology of the cross may be believed, these movements are actually emptying it of its meaning. There is no gospel except that of Christ's substitution in our place whereby God imputed to him our sin and imputed to us his righteousness. Because he bore our judgment, we now walk in his grace as those who are forever pardoned, accepted and adopted as God's children. There is no basis for our acceptance before God except in Christ's saving work, not in our patriotism, churchly devotion or moral decency. The gospel declares what God has done for us in Christ. It is not about what we can do to reach him.

Thesis Four: Sola Fide

We reaffirm that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification Christ's righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God's perfect justice.

We deny that justification rests on any merit to be found in us, or upon the grounds of an infusion of Christ's righteousness in us, or that an institution claiming to be a church that denies or condemns sola fide can be recognized as a legitimate church.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topics