Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Satan, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare

17 passages across 8 documents address Satan, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Origin and Fall of the Angels: Pride and Degenerate Creation

"The devil was made satan or an adversary, not by God, for he created him a good angel; but by voluntary apostacy. Hence, it is said that he abode not in the truth, from which we may infer that he must have stood in the truth, prior to his fall." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg Ca]

"But as the devil was created by God, we must remember that this malice which we attribute to his nature is not from creation, but from depravation. Every thing damnable in him he brought upon himself, by his revolt and fall." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"By saying that he abode not in the truth, he certainly intimates that he once was in the truth, and by calling him the father of lies, he puts it out of his power to charge God with the depravity of which he was himself the cause." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"...at their first creation they were the angels of God, but by revolting they both ruined themselves, and became the instruments of perdition to others." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"Pride took possession of them, to strive after another, higher rank. Sin first broke out in the world of spirits; it arose in the heart of beings of whom we possess only slight knowledge; under relations which are to us as good as wholly unknown. But this is, on the basis of Holy Scripture, certain, that sin did not first begin on earth but in heaven, at the foot of God’s throne, in his immediate presence, and that the fall of the angels took place before that of man." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"He has from himself, through his own thinking, become dissatisfied with his position and his power; he has brought forth the lie out of himself and set it as a kingdom, as a system over against the truth of God." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Besides the good there also are evil angels, who delight in opposing God and antagonizing His work. Though they are also creatures of God, they were not created as evil angels." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"There are two passages in Scripture which clearly imply that some of the angels did not retain their original position, but fell from the state in which they were created, II Pet. 2:4; Jude 6." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"The exact time of this fall is not designated, but in John 8:44 Jesus speaks of the devil as a murderer from the beginning ( kat ’ arches ), and John says in I John 3:8, that he sins from the beginning." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"Their sin, or fall, was wilful; they commenced an open war against their Creator. Herein that enmity to God and goodness took its rise, which has ever since, in various instances, been expressed by them." [Thomas Ridgley - A Body of Divinity]

"The blessed Jesus is expressly said, not to have 'taken their nature upon him,'—language which intimates that their condition was irretrievable, and their misery to be eternal." [Thomas Ridgley - A Body of Divinity]

II. The Nature, Rank, and Domain of Satan and Evil Spirits (Demons)

"...devils are not nothing but bad affections or perturbations suggested by our carnal nature. ... when they are called unclean spirits and apostate angels, ... the very terms sufficiently declare that they are not motions or affections of the mind, but truly, as they are called, minds or spirits endued with sense and intellect." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"...the number of enemies with whom we have to war is almost infinite, that we may not, from a contemptuous idea of the fewness of their numbers, be more remiss in the contest, or from imagining that an occasional truce is given us, indulge in sloth." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"The Scriptures make a distinction between διάβολος and δαίμων, which is not observed in the English version. In the spiritual world there is only one διάβολος (devil), but there are many δαιμόνια (demons). These evil spirits are represented as belonging to the same order of beings as the good angels." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"He is represented as the tempter of our first parents, and is distinctly mentioned in the book of Job written long before the Babylonish captivity. Besides this representation of Satan in general terms as the enemy of God, he is specially set forth in Scripture, as the head of the kingdom of darkness, which embraces all evil beings." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"Satan appears in Scripture as the recognized head of the fallen angels. He was originally, it would seem, one of the mightiest princes of the angelic world, and became the leader of those that revolted and fell away from God." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"He is superhuman, but not divine; has great power, but is not omnipotent; wields influence on a large but restricted scale, Matt. 12:29; Rev. 20:2, and is destined to be cast into the bottomless pit, Rev. 20:10." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"The word satan means adversary and can in itself have a good sense; it occurs of human opponents... but yet Satan in the O. T. is already thought of as a being that stands hostile over against God and his people." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"The N. Test. makes known to us a βασιλεια, Mt. 12:26, Mk. 3:24, Luk. 11:17, 18, of evil spirits, which forms the antithesis of Christ and his kingdom." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Never do they occur as an object of God’s love, although they are his creatures; Christ has not assumed their nature; an object of our love, of our intercession they may not be; for them there is no hope of restoration and preservation." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

III. The Sovereign Limitation of Satanic Agency: Under the Helm of God's Providence and Permission

"God so restrains the devil, by his power, that he cannot do what he desires; but only what, and as much as, God permits. Yea, he has not so much as control over filthy swine, much less over the most noble souls of men." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg Ca]

"...the devil can effect nothing against us, except God first give him permission; which should lead us to reverence and fear God, since the wicked one can accomplish nothing in all our temptations, except God give him power to do so." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg Ca]

"Hence it is also apparent, how God punishes the wicked, and chastises and tempts the godly by evil spirits, whilst he is, nevertheless, not the cause of the sins which are committed by the devil, nor is a partaker with him in his wickedness." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg Ca]

"With regard to the strife and war which Satan is said to wage with God, it must be understood with this qualification, that Satan cannot possibly do anything against the will and consent of God." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"Moreover, though we say that Satan resists God, and does works at variance with His works, we at the same time maintain that this contrariety and opposition depend on the permission of God." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"...since the will of God is said to be the cause of all things, all the counsels and actions of men must be held to be governed by his providence; so that he not only exerts his power in the elect, who are guided by the Holy Spirit, but also forces the reprobate to do him service." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"Although the will of God is the supreme and first cause of all things and God holds the devil and all the impious subject to His will, God nevertheless cannot be called the cause of sin, nor the author of evil, neither is He open to any blame." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"Although the devil and reprobates are God’s servants and instruments to carry out His secret decisions, nevertheless in an incomprehensible manner God so works in them and through them as to contract no stain from their vice, because their malice is used in a just and righteous way for a good end, although the manner is often hidden from us." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"The providence of God sets bounds and limits to their sin; as it does to the waves of the sea, when he says, 'Hitherto shall ye go, and no farther.'" [Thomas Ridgley - A Body of Divinity]

"What would not Satan attempt against us, had he an unlimited power!" [Thomas Ridgley - A Body of Divinity]

"They are dependent on God, and can act only under his control and by his permission." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"Going back to Scripture and remaining with its data, confessing the absolute sovereignty of God, it could in Satan and his angels, however powerful, nevertheless see nothing other than creatures, who without God’s will can neither stir nor move." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Our life and end of life is not in Satan’s but in God’s hand." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

IV. The Temptations and Subtle Devices of Satan: Wiles, Seasons, and Instruments

"Satan is called the evil one, emphatically. He is the grand enemy of the saints; and that both in a military sense, as he fights against them with his temptations; and in a legal sense, as he is an accuser, and pleads against them; yet neither way, shall he prevail against God's children." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"First, such motions to evil as come from our own hearts spring up more leisurely, and by degrees. Sin is long concocted in the thoughts, before consent is given; but usually we may know a motion comes from Satan by its suddenness. Temptation is compared to a dart, because it is shot suddenly." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"Secondly, the motions to evil which come from our own hearts are not so terrible. ... but motions coming from Satan are more ghastly and frightful, as motions to blasphemy and self-murder. Hence it is that temptations are compared to fiery darts, because, as flashes of fire, they startle and affright the soul." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"Thirdly, when evil thoughts are thrown into the mind, when we loathe and have reluctance to them; when we strive against them, and flee from them, as Moses did from the serpent, it shows they are not the natural birth of our own heart—but the hand of Joab is in this! Satan has injected these impure motions." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"1st subtlety. He observes the natural temper and constitution of men. ... As the farmer knows what seed is proper to sow in such a soil—so Satan, finding out the temper of a man, knows what temptations are proper to sow in his heart." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"2nd subtlety. He chooses the fittest season to tempt in. ... When we grow remiss after an ordinance, and indulge ourselves too much in carnal delights, Satan falls upon us by temptation, and often foils us." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"3rd subtlety. Satan, in tempting, baits his hook with religion. He can tempt to sin under pretenses of piety. ... Thus he wraps his poisonous pills in sugar." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"5th subtlety. Satan's policy is to hand over temptations to us by those whom we least suspect. ... By near friends... [He aims at the heart through the rib.] ... He creeps into a near relation." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"10th subtlety. He labors to ensnare us by lawful things. More are hurt by lawful things than unlawful, as more are killed with wine than poison." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"13th subtlety. Satan draws men off from the love of the truth, to embrace error. ... Error is as damnable as vice; poison kills as well as a pistol." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"20th subtlety. Satan strikes at some grace, more than others. ... if you ask what grace it is that Satan most strikes at, I answer, it is the grace of faith." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

V. Demoniacal Possessions and Lying Wonders

"By possession is meant the inhabitation of an evil spirit in such relation to the body and soul as to exert a controlling influence, producing violent agitations and great suffering, both mental and corporeal. That the demoniacs mentioned in the New Testament were not mere lunatics or the subjects of epilepsy or other analogous diseases, but cases of real possession, is plain, First, because this was the prevailing belief of the Jews at that time; and secondly, because Christ and his Apostles evidently adopted and sanctioned that belief." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"The difference between discriminating between miracles and these lying wonders, i.e., between the works of God and the works of Satan, has been anticipated and provided for by the sacred writers themselves." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"Enchantments belong to magic, and consists in the use of certain words and ceremonies according to an agreement entered into with the devil... There is no efficacy or power in the words and ceremonies which are used; but the devil himself accomplishes what he has promised, with the design, that these persons may fall from God to himself, and that they may worship him instead of God." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg Ca]

"The δαιμονιζομενοι in the N. T. were not ordinary sick persons... The special thing with the possessed is that out of them another subject speaks than they themselves are, that that subject recognizes Jesus as the Son of God, stands wholly hostile over against Him, and does not leave the sufferer except at his command..." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Satan imitates everything; God reveals himself through theophany (incarnation), prophecy, miracle; the daemonic caricature thereof are obsessio, mantics and magic, to which Scripture therefore many times ascribes reality..." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

VI. Spiritual Warfare: The Armor of God, Faith, and the Final Triumph of Christ

"Being forewarned of the constant presence of an enemy the most daring, the most powerful, the most crafty, the most indefatigable, the most completely equipped with all the engines and the most expert in the science of war, let us not allow ourselves to be overtaken by sloth or cowardice, but, on the contrary, with minds aroused and ever on the alert, let us stand ready to resist..." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"...the promise of bruising Satan's head (Gen. 3:15) applies alike to Christ and to all his members, I deny that believers can ever be oppressed or vanquished by him. They are often, indeed, thrown into alarm, but never so thoroughly as not to recover themselves. They fall by the violence of the blows, but they get up again; they are wounded, but not mortally. In fine, they labour on through the whole course of their lives, so as ultimately to gain the victory, though they meet with occasional defeats." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"In our Head, indeed, this victory was always perfect, because the prince of the world 'had nothing' in him..." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL; that is, since we are so weak in ourselves that we cannot stand a moment: and besides this, since our mortal enemies, the devil, the world, and our own flesh, cease not to assault us, do thou, therefore, preserve and strengthen us by the power of thy Holy Spirit, that we may not be overcome in this spiritual warfare, but constantly and strenuously may resist our foes, until at last we obtain a complete victory." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg Ca]

"Christ doth conquer his and his people's enemies, when he taketh away their power in part, that they have not dominion over his people; but then he doth completely conquer them, when he doth bring all enemies under his feet, and utterly abolish and destroy them." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"He came to earth, to break the works of the devil... Especially by the cross He triumphed over the principalities and powers, Col. 2:15, took from him the weapons of sin, death and world, John 16:33, 1 John 4:4, 1 Cor. 15:55, 56, Hebr. 2:14 and cast him outside the domain of his kingdom, John 12:31. And His triumph He celebrated over the evil spirits specifically in the resurrection." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Once at the end of the days he raises himself up once more in all his power... but then he will also be overcome by Christ and with all his angels be cast into the lake of fire, 2 Thess. 2:8, 1 Cor. 15:24, Op. 20:10..." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"The Christian runs his race 'looking unto Jesus;' ... and by constantly looking to Him for the supply of grace and for protection and aid, that he overcomes sin and finally attains the prize of the high-calling of God." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

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Question 34

Q. Why do you call him "our Lord"?

A. Because— not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood— he has delivered and purchased us body and soul from sin and from the tyranny of the devil, to be his very own.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Peter 1:18–19.

    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,

  • Col. 1:13–14; Heb. 2:14–15.

    Col. 1:13–14 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.

    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 Cor. 6:20; 1 Tim. 2:5–6.

    1 Cor. 6:20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

    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,

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Question 127

Q. What does the sixth petition mean?

A. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" means: We are so weak that we cannot stand on our own for a moment, and our sworn enemies— the devil, the world, and our own flesh— never stop attacking us. And so, Lord, uphold us and make us strong by the power of your Holy Spirit, so that we may not be defeated in this spiritual fight, but may firmly resist our enemies until we finally win the complete victory.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 103:14–16; John 15:1–5.

    Ps. 103:14–16 14 For He knows our form; He remembers that we [are] dust. 15 A man—his days [are] like grass; like the flower of the field, so he blossoms; 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is no more; and its place does not recognize it anymore.

    John 15:1–5 1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch not bearing fruit in Me, He takes it away; and every one bearing fruit, He prunes it clean so that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you⁺ are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you⁺. 4 Remain in Me, and I in you⁺. As the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither you⁺, unless you⁺ remain in Me. 5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing.

  • 2 Cor. 11:14; Eph. 6:10–13; 1 Peter 5:8.

    2 Cor. 11:14 And no wonder, for Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of light.

    Eph. 6:10–13 10 Henceforth, be empowered in the Lord and in the might of His strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God, for you⁺ to be able to stand against the schemes of the devil, 12 because to us the wrestling is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual [forces] of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Because of this, take up the full armor of God, so that you⁺ may be able to withstand in the day of evil, and having done all things, to stand.

    1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be alert. Your⁺ adversary the devil prowls around as a roaring lion seeking whom to swallow up,

  • John 15:18–21.

    John 15:18–21 18 If the world hates you⁺, you⁺ know that it has hated Me before you⁺. 19 If you⁺ were of the world, the world would love [you] [as] its own; but because you⁺ are not of the world, but I chose you⁺ out of the world, on account of this, the world hates you⁺. 20 Remember the word that I said to you⁺: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you⁺; if they kept My word, they will keep yours⁺ also. 21 But they will do all these things against you⁺ on account of My name, because they do not know the One having sent Me.

  • Rom. 7:23; Gal. 5:17.

    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.

    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.

  • Matt. 10:19–20; 26:41; Mark 13:33; Rom. 5:3–5.

    Matt. 10:19–20 19 And when they may deliver you⁺ up, do not be anxious how or what you⁺ shall speak; for it will be given to you⁺ in that hour what you⁺ shall speak. 20 For you⁺ are not the ones speaking, but the Spirit of your⁺ Father speaking in you⁺.

    26:41 Watch and pray so that you⁺ might not enter into temptation. the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh weak.”

    Mark 13:33 Take heed; stay awake! For you⁺ do not know when the time is.

    Rom. 5:3–5 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.

  • 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Thess. 3:13; 5:23.

    1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you⁺ except [what is] human. And faithful [is] God, who will not allow you⁺ to be tempted beyond what you⁺ are able, but He will also provide with the temptation the escape, to be able to bear up under [it].

    1 Thess. 3:13 in order to strengthen your⁺ hearts, blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

    5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you⁺ completely, and may your⁺ entire spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Article 12: The Creation of All Things

We believe that the Father created heaven and earth and all other creatures from nothing, when it seemed good to him, by his Word—that is to say, by his Son. He has given all creatures their being, form, and appearance, and their various functions for serving their Creator. Even now he also sustains and governs them all, according to his eternal providence, and by his infinite power, that they may serve man, in order that man may serve God.

He has also created the angels good, that they might be his messengers and serve his elect. Some of them have fallen from the excellence in which God created them into eternal perdition; and the others have persisted and remained in their original state, by the grace of God. The devils and evil spirits are so corrupt that they are enemies of God and of everything good. They lie in wait for the church and every member of it like thieves, with all their power, to destroy and spoil everything by their deceptions. So then, by their own wickedness they are condemned to everlasting damnation, daily awaiting their torments. For that reason we detest the error of the Sadducees, who deny that there are spirits and angels, and also the error of the Manicheans, who say that the devils originated by themselves, being evil by nature, without having been corrupted.

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Third and Fourth Head, Article 16: Regeneration's Effect

However, just as by the fall man did not cease to be man, endowed with intellect and will, and just as sin, which has spread through the whole human race, did not abolish the nature of the human race but distorted and spiritually killed it, so also this divine grace of regeneration does not act in people as if they were blocks and stones; nor does it abolish the will and its properties or coerce a reluctant will by force, but spiritually revives, heals, reforms, and—in a manner at once pleasing and powerful—bends it back. As a result, a ready and sincere obedience of the Spirit now begins to prevail where before the rebellion and resistance of the flesh were completely dominant. It is in this that the true and spiritual restoration and freedom of our will consists. Thus, if the marvelous Maker of every good thing were not dealing with us, man would have no hope of getting up from his fall by his free choice, by which he plunged himself into ruin when still standing upright.

Fifth Head, Article 3: God's Preservation of the Converted

Because of these remnants of sin dwelling in them and also because of the temptations of the world and Satan, those who have been converted could not remain standing in this grace if left to their own resources. But God is faithful, mercifully strengthening them in the grace once conferred on them and powerfully preserving them in it to the end.

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Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator

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

2. The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance and equal with the Father, did, when the fullness of time was come, take upon him man's nature, with all the essential properties, and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin; being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance. So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion. Which person is very God, and very man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man.

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

4. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake; which that he might discharge, he was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill it; endured most grievous torments immediately in his soul, and most painful sufferings in his body; was crucified, and died, was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. On the third day he arose from the dead, with the same body in which he suffered, with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father, making intercession, and shall return, to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.

5. The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience, and sacrifice of himself, which he, through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.

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

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

8. To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption, he doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same; making intercession for them, and revealing unto them, in and by the Word, the mysteries of salvation; effectually persuading them by his Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit; overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, in such manner, and ways, as are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 42:1; 1 Peter 1:19–20; John 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    Isa. 42:1 “Behold, My Servant, I take hold of him, My Chosen One, [in whom] My soul delights; I have put My Spirit upon Him, and He will bring forth justice to the nations.

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

    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.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • Acts 3:20, 22. (See Deut. 18:15.)

    Acts 3:20, 22 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and [that] He may send the One having been appointed to you⁺, Christ Jesus, 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⁺.

    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

  • Heb. 5:5–6.

    Heb. 5:5–6 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” 6 Just as that, He also says in another [place]: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

  • Ps. 2:6; Luke 1:33. (See Isa. 9:5–6; Acts 2:29–36; Col. 1:13.)

    Ps. 2:6 “And I have installed My King on Zion, the mountain of My holiness.”

    Luke 1:33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob to the ages. And of His kingdom there will be no end!”

    Isa. 9:5–6 5 For every boot treading with quaking, and the garment rolled in blood, will be for burning, as fuel for fire. 6 For a child has been born unto us, a son has been given unto us, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

    Acts 2:29–36 29 Men, brothers, it is permitted [me] to speak with freedom to you⁺ concerning the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is among us unto this day, 30 being therefore a prophet and knowing that God swore to him with an oath to seat one out of the fruit of his loins upon his throne. 31 Having foreseen, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was He abandoned into Hades, nor did His flesh see decay. 32 This Jesus God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He poured out this which you⁺ both see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand 35 until I place Your enemies [as] a footstool for Your feet.”’ 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you⁺ crucified.”

    Col. 1:13 who delivered us from the authority of darkness and transferred [us] into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

  • Eph. 5:23.

    Eph. 5:23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ [is] the head of the church, He Himself Savior of the body.

  • Heb. 1:2.

    Heb. 1:2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,

  • Acts 17:31.

    Acts 17:31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”

  • John 17:6; Ps. 22:30; Isa. 53:10; Eph. 1:4.

    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.

    Ps. 22:30 A seed shall serve Him; it will be recounted of the Lord to the generation.

    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.

    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

  • 1 Tim. 2:6; Isa. 55:4–5; 1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 8:30.

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

    Isa. 55:4–5 4 Behold, as a witness to the nations I have placed him, a leader and commander of the peoples. 5 Behold, you will call on a nation you do not know, and a nation you do not know will run to you, on account of YHWH your God and the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.”

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

  • John 1:1, 14; 1 John 5:20; Phil. 2:6; Gal. 4:4.

    John 1:1, 14 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    1 John 5:20 Now we know that the Son of God is come, and He has given to us understanding, so that we may know the One who [is] true; and we are in the One who [is] true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

    Phil. 2:6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped,

    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,

  • Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14, 16–17; Heb. 4:15.

    Phil. 2:7 but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men.

    Heb. 2:14, 16–17 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham. 17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

    Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.

  • Luke 1:27, 31, 35; Gal. 4:4. (See Matt. 1:18, 20–21.)

    Luke 1:27, 31, 35 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name [was] Joseph, of the house of David. And the name of the virgin [was] Mary. 31 And behold, you will conceive in womb and will give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. 35 And answering, the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also the Holy One being born will be called Son of God.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

    Matt. 1:18, 20–21 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus: His mother Mary, having been betrothed to Joseph, before their coming together was found having in womb from the Holy Spirit. 20 But [on] his having pondered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph son of David, you should not be afraid to receive Mary [as] your wife, for that having been begotten in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

  • Matt. 16:16; Col. 2:9; Rom. 9:5; 1 Tim. 3:16.

    Matt. 16:16 And answering, Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

    Col. 2:9 because in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily.

    Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.

    1 Tim. 3:16 And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: [He] who appeared in flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

  • Rom. 1:3–4; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    Rom. 1:3–4 3 concerning His Son, the One having come of the seed of David according to the flesh, 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,

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • Ps. 45:7; John 3:34. (See Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18; Heb. 1:8–9.)

    Ps. 45:7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; upon thus, God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.

    John 3:34 For the One whom God sent speaks the words of God, for He gives the Spirit without measure.

    Isa. 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord YHWH [is] upon me, because YHWH has anointed me to bring [good] news [to] the poor. He has sent me to bind the [wounds] of the broken of heart, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to the bound the opening of their bonds;

    Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because of which He anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth the oppressed in deliverance,

    Heb. 1:8–9 8 But to the Son: “Your throne, O God, [is] to the age of the age, and the scepter of uprightness [is] the scepter of Your kingdom. 9 You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; because of this, God, Your God, anointed You with the oil of exultation beyond Your companions.”

  • Col. 2:3.

    Col. 2:3 in whom are hidden away all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.

  • Col. 1:19.

    Col. 1:19 because all the fullness was well pleased to dwell in Him,

  • Heb. 7:26; John 1:14.

    Heb. 7:26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens,

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

  • Acts 10:38; Heb. 12:24; Heb. 7:22.

    Acts 10:38 Jesus from Nazareth—how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power—who went about doing good and healing all those being oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

    Heb. 12:24 and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, speaking a better thing than that of Abel.

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

  • Heb. 5:4–5.

    Heb. 5:4–5 4 And no one takes upon himself the honor, but is being called by God, just as Aaron also. 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.”

  • John 5:22, 27; Matt. 28:18; Acts 2:36.

    John 5:22, 27 22 For the Father judges no one, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 27 And He gave Him authority to do judgment, because He is the Son of Man.

    Matt. 28:18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me.

    Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you⁺ crucified.”

  • Ps. 40:7–8. (See Heb. 10:5–10; John 4:34; John 10:18; Phil. 2:8.)

    Ps. 40:7–8 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come—in the roll of the book it is written of me. 8 I have delighted to do Your will, O my God, and Your law [is] in the midst of my heart.”

    Heb. 10:5–10 5 Therefore, coming into the world, He says: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and concerning sin [offerings] You were not well pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the scroll of the book it has been written about Me—to do Your will, O God.’” 8 Saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and [those] for sin You did not desire, nor were You well pleased” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first so that He might establish the second, 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    John 4:34 Jesus says to them, “My food is that I should do the will of the One having sent Me and should finish His work.

    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.”

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

  • Gal. 4:4.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

  • Matt. 3:15; Matt. 5:17; Heb. 5:8–9.

    Matt. 3:15 But answering, Jesus said to him, “Permit [it] presently; for thus it is fitting to us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permits Him.

    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.

    Heb. 5:8–9 8 although being a Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered, 9 and having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation to all those obeying Him,

  • Matt. 26:37–38; Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46.

    Matt. 26:37–38 37 And having taken with [Him] Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.”

    Luke 22:44 And having been in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like large drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

    Matt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

  • Matt. 26:67–68; Matt. 27:27–50.

    Matt. 26:67–68 67 Then they spat in His face and struck Him. And others slapped [Him], 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who is the one having struck You?”

    Matt. 27:27–50 27 Then the soldiers of the governor, having taken with [them] Jesus into the Praetorium, gathered the whole cohort before Him. 28 And having stripped Him, they put a scarlet robe around Him. 29 And having twisted together a crown of thorns, they put [it] on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and having bowed the knees before Him, they mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And having spit upon Him, they took the reed and kept striking [Him] on His head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, and they put His garments on Him and led Him away to crucify [Him]. 32 And going out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon. They compelled him that he might carry His cross. 33 And having come to a place called Golgotha, which is called Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; and having tasted [it], He was not willing to drink [it]. 35 And having crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting a lot. 36 And sitting down, they were guarding Him there. 37 And they put up over His head the written accusation against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 At that time two robbers are crucified with Him, one at the right hand and one at the left. 39 And those passing by kept railing at Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “The One demolishing the temple and building [it] in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, also come down from the cross!” 41 Likewise also the chief priests, mocking, with the scribes and elders, were saying, 42 “He saved others. He is not able to save Himself. He is King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has trusted on God. Let Him deliver [Him] now if He wants Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And likewise even the robbers, those having been crucified with Him, were upbraiding Him. 45 And from the sixth hour darkness was over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?” 47 And some of those standing there, having heard, were saying, “This [man] calls Elijah.” 48 And immediately one of them, having run and having taken a sponge, and having filled [it] with vinegar and having put [it] on a reed, gave Him to drink. 49 And the rest were saying, “Let [it] be. Let us see whether Elijah comes to save Him.” 50 And Jesus, having cried again in a loud voice, yielded up [His] spirit.

  • Mark 15:24, 37; Phil. 2:8.

    Mark 15:24, 37 24 And they crucify Him. And they divide His garments, casting a lot for them, who should take what. 37 But Jesus, having uttered a great cry, breathed His last.

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

  • Matt. 27:60; Acts 2:24, 27; Acts 13:29, 37; Rom. 6:9.

    Matt. 27:60 and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And having rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, he went away.

    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.

    Acts 13:29, 37 29 And when they finished all the things having been written about Him, having taken [Him] down from the tree, they put [Him] in a tomb. 37 But the One God raised up did not see decay.

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

  • 1 Cor. 15:3–4.

    1 Cor. 15:3–4 3 For I delivered to you⁺ as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

  • Luke 24:39; John 20:25, 27.

    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.”

    John 20:25, 27 25 Therefore the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and I put my finger into the mark of the nails, and I put my hands into His side, I will never believe.” 27 Then He says to Thomas, “Bring your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and put [it] into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.”

  • Luke 24:50–51; 1 Peter 3:22.

    Luke 24:50–51 50 And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and having lifted up His hands, He blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, in His blessing them, [that] He was separated from them and was carried up into heaven.

    1 Peter 3:22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers having been subjected to Him.

  • Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25. (See Heb. 9:24.)

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

    Heb. 7:25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

    Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

  • Acts 1:11; John 5:28–29; Rom. 14:10b; Acts 10:42; Matt. 13:40–42; Jude 6. (See 2 Peter 2:4.)

    Acts 1:11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

    John 5:28–29 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming in which all those in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and they will come out—those having done good to the resurrection of life, and those having practiced evil to the resurrection of judgment.

    Rom. 14:10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why also do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

    Acts 10:42 And He instructed us to proclaim to the people and to testify fully that He is the One having been appointed by God [as] Judge of the living and the dead.

    Matt. 13:40–42 40 Therefore, as the weeds are gathered together and are burned up in fire, so will it be in the consummation of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all the stumbling blocks and those doing lawlessness, 42 and they will cast them into the furnace of the fire—there will be weeping and gnashing of the teeth.

    2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare the angels having sinned, but having cast [them] down to Tartarus in chains of gloomy darkness, He delivered [them], being kept for judgment;

    Jude 6 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 5:19; Heb. 9:14; Heb. 10:14; Eph. 5:2; Rom. 3:25–26.

    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.

    Heb. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

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

    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.

    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.

  • Dan. 9:24; 2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:20; Eph. 1:11, 14; Heb. 9:12, 15; John 17:2.

    Dan. 9:24 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.

    2 Cor. 5:18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation:

    Col. 1:20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross through Him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens.

    Eph. 1:11, 14 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 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

    Heb. 9:12, 15 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. 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.

    John 17:2 as You gave to Him authority over all flesh, so that all whom You have given to Him, He may give to them eternal life.

  • Gal. 4:4–5; Gen. 3:15; 1 Cor. 10:4; Rev. 13:8; Heb. 13:8. (See Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9:15.)

    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.

    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.

    1 Cor. 10:4 and all drank the same spiritual drink; for they were drinking from the spiritual rock accompanying [them], and the rock was Christ.

    Rev. 13:8 And all dwelling on the earth will worship it, [everyone] whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world.

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

    Rom. 3:25 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,

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

  • John 10:17–18; 1 Peter 3:18; Heb. 1:3. (See Heb. 9:14.)

    John 10:17–18 17 Because of this, the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I might take it again. 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.”

    1 Peter 3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,

    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. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

  • Acts 20:28; Luke 1:43. (See Rom. 9:5.)

    Acts 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you⁺ as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with [His] own blood.

    Luke 1:43 And from where [is] this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

    Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.

  • John 6:37, 39; John 10:15–16, 27–28.

    John 6:37, 39 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out. 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.

    John 10:15–16, 27–28 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.

  • 1 John 2:1; Rom. 8:34.

    1 John 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.

    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.

  • John 15:15; Eph. 1:9; John 17:6.

    John 15:15 No longer do I call you⁺ servants, because the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you⁺ friends, because all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you⁺.

    Eph. 1:9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him

    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.

  • John 14:26; 2 Cor. 4:13; Rom. 8:9, 14; Rom. 15:18–19; John 17:17.

    John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you⁺ all things and will remind you⁺ of all the things that I said to you⁺.

    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,

    Rom. 8:9, 14 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

    Rom. 15:18–19 18 For I will not dare to speak of anything that Christ did not work through me for the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God, so as for me, from Jerusalem and around as far as Illyricum, to have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ,

    John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

  • Ps. 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25–26; Col. 2:15; Luke 10:19.

    Ps. 110:1 A Psalm of David. An utterance of YHWH to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

    1 Cor. 15:25–26 25 For it is necessary for Him to reign until He shall have put all the enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy to be made null [is] death.

    Col. 2:15 Having divested the rulers and the authorities, He made a show [of them] in public, having triumphed over them in it.

    Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you⁺ the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and on all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you⁺.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator79 shared proof texts · 14 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 4927 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World15 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 4216 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 3514 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 3113 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 13: Of Sanctification

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

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

3. In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail; yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so, the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Thess. 5:23–24; 2 Thess. 2:13–14; Ezek. 36:22–28; Titus 3:5; Acts 20:32; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5–6.

    1 Thess. 5:23–24 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you⁺ completely, and may your⁺ entire spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful [is] the One calling you⁺, who also will do [it].

    2 Thess. 2:13–14 13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, 14 to which also He called you⁺ through our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Ezek. 36:22–28 22 Therefore say to the house of Israel, thus says the Lord YHWH: [It is] not for your⁺ sake [that] I am doing [this], O house of Israel, for but the name of My holiness, which you⁺ have profaned among the nations to which you⁺ have gone in there. 23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you⁺ have profaned in their midst, and the nations will know that I [am] YHWH, a declaration of the Lord YHWH, in My showing [My] holiness in you⁺ before their eyes. 24 For I will take you⁺ from the nations, and I will gather you⁺ from all of the lands, and I will bring you⁺ into your⁺ own land. 25 And I will sprinkle on you⁺ pure water, and you⁺ will be pure from all your⁺ uncleannesses, and from all your⁺ idols I will purify you⁺. 26 And I will give to you⁺ a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you⁺; and I will take away the heart of stone from your⁺ flesh, and I will give to you⁺ a heart of flesh. 27 And My Spirit I will put within you⁺, and I will make [it] that you⁺ will walk in My statutes and My ordinances you⁺ will keep and you⁺ will do [them]. 28 And you⁺ will dwell in the land that I gave to your⁺ fathers and you⁺ will be unto Me a people, and I will be unto you⁺ 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,

    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.

    Phil. 3:10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

    Rom. 6:5–6 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin.

  • John 17:17, 19; Eph. 5:26; Rom. 8:13–14; 2 Thess. 2:13.

    John 17:17, 19 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 19 and for them I sanctify Myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.

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

    Rom. 8:13–14 13 For if you⁺ live according to the flesh, you⁺ are about to die; but if by the Spirit you⁺ put to death the deeds of the body, you⁺ will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

    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,

  • 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.

  • Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8:13.

    Gal. 5:24 Now those of Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with the passions and the desires.

    Rom. 8:13 For if you⁺ live according to the flesh, you⁺ are about to die; but if by the Spirit you⁺ put to death the deeds of the body, you⁺ will live.

  • Col. 1:10–11; Eph. 3:16–19.

    Col. 1:10–11 10 to walk worthily of the Lord: pleasing in all, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being empowered with all power according to the power of His glory unto all endurance and patience, with joy

    Eph. 3:16–19 16 that He might give to you⁺ according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love, 18 that you⁺ may be fully able, with all the saints, to comprehend what [is] the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ surpassing knowledge, that you⁺ may be filled to all the fullness of God.

  • 2 Cor. 7:1; Col. 1:28; Col. 4:12; Heb. 12:14.

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

    Col. 1:28 whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, so that we may present every man perfect in Christ.

    Col. 4:12 Epaphras greets you⁺, who [is] of you⁺, a servant of Christ Jesus, always striving for you⁺ in the prayers, so that you⁺ may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

    Heb. 12:14 Pursue peace with all, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord,

  • 1 Thess. 5:23; Rom. 12:1–2.

    1 Thess. 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you⁺ completely, and may your⁺ entire spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Rom. 12:1–2 1 Therefore I exhort you⁺, brothers, through the compassions of God, to present your⁺ bodies [as] a living sacrifice, holy to God, well-pleasing, which is your⁺ reasonable service. 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.

  • 1 John 1:8–10; Rom. 7:14–25; Phil. 3:12.

    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. 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. 10 If we should say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

    Rom. 7:14–25 14 For we have known that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold as a slave under sin. 15 For what I carry out, I do not understand. For what I want, this I do not practice; but what I hate, this I do. 16 Now if what I do not want, this I do, I assent to the law, that [it is] good. 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. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do; but the evil that I do not want, this I practice. 20 Now if what I do not want, this I do, no longer do I carry it out, but sin dwelling in me. 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.

    Phil. 3:12 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.

  • Gal. 5:17.

    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.

  • Rom. 7:23.

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

  • Rom. 6:14; 1 John 5:4; Eph. 4:15–16. (See Rom. 8:2.)

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

    1 John 5:4 For everyone having been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory having overcome the world: our faith.

    Eph. 4:15–16 15 But speaking the truth in love, we should grow in all things into Him who is the head, Christ, 16 from whom all the body, being fit together and being knit together by every joint of [its] supply, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.

    Rom. 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death.

  • 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Cor. 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.

    2 Cor. 3:18 And we all, having been unveiled in face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.

  • 2 Cor. 7:1.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification20 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7517 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability14 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 312 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 11410 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 358 shared proof texts · shared topic

Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

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

2. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion grounded upon a fallible hope; but an infallible assurance of faith founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation, the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made, the testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God, which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption.

3. This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith, but that a true believer may wait long, and conflict with many difficulties, before he be partaker of it: yet, being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God, he may, without extraordinary revelation, in the right use of ordinary means, attain thereunto. And therefore it is the duty of everyone to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure, that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this assurance; so far is it from inclining men to looseness.

4. True believers may have the assurance of their salvation divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as, by negligence in preserving of it, by falling into some special sin which woundeth the conscience and grieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation, by God's withdrawing the light of his countenance, and suffering even such as fear him to walk in darkness and to have no light: yet are they never utterly destitute of that seed of God, and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart, and conscience of duty, out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may, in due time, be revived; and by the which, in the meantime, they are supported from utter despair.

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

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

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

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

  • Amos 9:10; Matt. 7:22–23.

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

    Matt. 7:22–23 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and [in] Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many miracles?’ 23 And then I will profess to them, ‘I never knew you⁺; depart from Me, [you] working lawlessness!’

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

    1 John 5:13 I wrote these things to you⁺, the ones believing in the name of the Son of God, so that you⁺ may know that you⁺ have eternal life.

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

    1 John 3:14, 18–19, 21, 24 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love [our] brothers. The one not loving remains in death. 18 Little children, may we love not in word nor in tongue, but in work and in truth. 19 And in this we will know that we are of the truth, and we will assure our heart before Him, 21 Beloved, if our heart may not condemn [us], we have confidence toward God, 24 And the one keeping His commandments remains in Him, and He in him. And in this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit whom He gave to us.

  • Rom. 5:2, 5.

    Rom. 5:2, 5 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 5 And hope does not put [us] to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, the One having been given to us.

  • Heb. 6:11, 19.

    Heb. 6:11, 19 11 And we desire each of you⁺ to show the same diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end, 19 which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and firm and entering into that within the veil,

  • Heb. 6:17–18.

    Heb. 6:17–18 17 in which God, willing to show more abundantly the unchangeableness of His purpose to the heirs of the promise, guaranteed [it] by an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which [it is] impossible [for] God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, having fled for refuge to take hold of the hope being set before [us],

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

    2 Peter 1:4–11 4 through which He has given to us the precious and magnificent promises, so that through these you⁺ might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption in the world in evil desire. 5 Now also for this very [reason], having brought in all diligence, supply in your⁺ faith virtue, and in virtue knowledge, 6 and in knowledge self-control, and in self-control perseverance, and in perseverance godliness, 7 and in godliness brotherly affection, and in brotherly affection love. 8 For these things being in you⁺ and abounding make [you] neither idle nor unfruitful in regard to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For in whomever these things are not present, he is blind, being shortsighted, having received forgetfulness of the cleansing [from] his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble. 11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you⁺.

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

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

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

  • Rom. 8:15–16.

    Rom. 8:15–16 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

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

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

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

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

  • 1 John 5:13.

    1 John 5:13 I wrote these things to you⁺, the ones believing in the name of the Son of God, so that you⁺ may know that you⁺ have eternal life.

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

    1 Cor. 2:12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God,

    1 John 4:13 In this we know that we remain in Him and He in us: because from out of His Spirit He has given to us.

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

    Eph. 3:17–18 17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love, 18 that you⁺ may be fully able, with all the saints, to comprehend what [is] the breadth and length and height and depth,

  • 2 Peter 1:10.

    2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble.

  • Rom. 5:1–2, 5; Rom. 14:17; Rom. 15:13; Eph. 1:3–4; Ps. 4:6–7; Ps. 119:32.

    Rom. 5:1–2, 5 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 5 And hope does not put [us] to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, the One having been given to us.

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

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

    Eph. 1:3–4 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One having blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ in the heavenly realms, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love

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

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

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

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

    Rom. 6:1–2 1 What then will we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? 2 Never may it be! [We] who died to sin, how shall we still live in it?

    Titus 2:11–12, 14 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us that having denied ungodliness and worldly passions, we should live sound-mindedly and righteously and godlily in the present age, 14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.

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

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

    1 John 3:2–3 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be was not yet made manifest. We know that if He should be made manifest, we will be like Him, for we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone having this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

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

    1 John 1:6–7 6 If we should say that we have fellowship with Him and should walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

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

    Ps. 51:8, 12, 14 8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit. 14 Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation; my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.

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

    Ps. 77:1–10 1 For the one directing. According to Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A Psalm. My voice [is] to God—indeed I cry out [with] my voice to God—and He has given ear to me. 2 In the day of my distress I sought the Lord; my hand in the night has been stretched out, and it does not slacken; my soul refuses to be comforted. 3 I remember God, and I groan; I meditate, and my spirit becomes faint. Selah 4 You hold the lids of my eyes; I am troubled, and I cannot speak. 5 I consider the days of old, the years of ages [past]. 6 I remember, my song in the night; with my heart I converse, and my spirit searches. 7 “Will the Lord forever reject [us], and not anymore will He add to show favor? 8 Has His loving devotion ceased forever? Has [His] speech come to an end to generation and generation? 9 Or has God forgotten to show favor? Has He shut up in anger His compassion?” Selah 10 and I said, “I am grieved. Has it changed—the right hand of the Most High?”

    Ps. 31:22 For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes!” Surely You heard the voice of my supplications, in my crying out to You.

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

    Luke 22:31–34 31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked for all of you⁺ to sift like wheat. 32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 And he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death.” 34 But He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you shall deny three times knowing Me.”

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

    1 John 3:9 Everyone having been born of God does not do sin, because His seed remains in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.

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

    Ps. 51:8, 12 8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit.

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

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

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

    Jer. 32:40 And I will make with them a covenant forever, that I will not turn away from them My doing good, and My fear I will put in their hearts, and that they will not turn aside from Me.

    Isa. 54:7–14 7 “For a small moment I have forsaken you, and with great compassion I will gather you; 8 in a flood of wrath I hid My face [for] a moment from you, and with kindness everlasting I will have compassion on you,” says YHWH your Redeemer. 9 “For to Me this [is] the days of Noah, as when I swore to keep from passing the waters of Noah again over the earth—so have I sworn from being be angry with you and from giving rebuke to you. 10 For the mountains may depart and the hills may be shaken, and My loving devotion will not depart from you, and the covenant of My peace will not be shaken [off],” says YHWH, the One having compassion on you. 11 “O afflicted one, tossed with tempest, not comforted! Behold, I am spreading [over] your stones in antimony, and I lay your foundations with sapphires. 12 And I will make your pinnacles of rubies, and your gates of sparkling of stones, and all of your walls of precious stones. 13 And all your sons [will be] taught by YHWH, and great [will be] the peace of your sons. 14 In righteousness you will be established. You will be far away from oppression—for you will not fear, and from terror—for it will not come near to you.

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

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

Question 21

Q. Did man continue in that estate wherein God at first created him?

A. Our first parents being left to the freedom of their own will, through the temptation of Satan, transgressed the commandment of God in eating the forbidden fruit; and thereby fell from the estate of innocency wherein they were created.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 3:6–8, 13; Eccl. 7:29; 2 Cor. 11:3.

    Gen. 3:6–8, 13 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. 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.”

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

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 135 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof5 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 4: Of Creation3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 92 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 105

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the first commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the first commandment are, atheism, in denying or not having a God; idolatry, in having or worshiping more gods than one, or any with or instead of the true God; the not having and avouching him for God, and our God; the omission or neglect of anything due to him, required in this commandment; ignorance, forgetfulness, misapprehensions, false opinions, unworthy and wicked thoughts of him; bold and curious searching into his secrets; all profaneness, hatred of God; self-love, self-seeking, and all other inordinate and immoderate setting of our mind, will, or affections upon other things, and taking them off from him in whole or in part; vain credulity, unbelief, heresy, misbelief, distrust, despair, incorrigibleness, and insensibleness under judgments, hardness of heart, pride, presumption, carnal security, tempting of God; using unlawful means, and trusting in lawful means; carnal delights and joys; corrupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal; lukewarmness, and deadness in the things of God; estranging ourselves, and apostatizing from God; praying, or giving any religious worship, to saints, angels, or any other creatures; all compacts and consulting with the devil, and hearkening to his suggestions; making men the lords of our faith and conscience; slighting and despising God and his commands; resisting and grieving of his Spirit, discontent and impatience at his dispensations, charging him foolishly for the evils he inflicts on us; and ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have, or can do, to fortune, idols, ourselves, or any other creature.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 14:1; Eph. 2:12.

    Ps. 14:1 For the one directing. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; they have done abominable deeds; there is no one doing good.

    Eph. 2:12 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.

  • Jer. 2:27–28; 1 Thess. 1:9.

    Jer. 2:27–28 27 saying to a tree, ‘You [are] my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned the nape to Me, and not the faces; but in the time of their trouble they will say, ‘Arise, and save us.’ 28 “And where [are] your gods that you made for yourselves? Let them stand up, if they can save you in the time of your trouble! For [as] the number of your cities, are your gods, O Judah.

    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. 81:10–11. (See Rom. 1:21.)

    Ps. 81:10–11 10 I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt; open wide your mouth, and I will fill it. 11 My people would not listen to My voice, and Israel has not consented to Me.

    Rom. 1:21 For having known God, not as God did they glorify [Him], or give thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their foolish heart was darkened.

  • Isa. 43:22–24.

    Isa. 43:22–24 22 And not Me you have called, O Jacob, for you have grown weary of Me, O Israel. 23 You have not brought to Me sheep as your burnt offerings, and with your sacrifices you have not honored Me; I have not made you serve with grain offerings, and I have not wearied you with incense. 24 You have not bought Me sweet cane with silver, and [with] the fat of your sacrifices you have not satisfied Me; but you have made Me serve with your sins [and] have wearied Me with your iniquities.

  • Jer. 4:22; Hos. 4:1, 6.

    Jer. 4:22 “For My people [are] foolish—they have not known Me! They [are] foolish children, and they have no understanding! They [are] wise to do evil, and to do good they do not know.

    Hos. 4:1, 6 1 Hear the word of YHWH, O sons of Israel, for a case [is] unto YHWH against those dwelling in the land: “For there is no truth, and there is no loving devotion, and there is no knowledge of God in the land. 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because you have rejected knowledge, and I will reject you from being priest unto Me; and you have forgotten the law of your God; I will forget your children also.

  • Jer. 2:32.

    Jer. 2:32 Can a virgin forget her jewelry, [or] a bride her sashes? And My people have forgotten Me for days without number.

  • Acts 17:23, 29.

    Acts 17:23, 29 23 For passing through and examining your⁺ objects of worship, I even found an altar on which had been inscribed: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore whom you⁺ worship without knowing, this I proclaim to you⁺. 29 Therefore, being offspring of God, we ought not to consider the Divine Being to be like gold or silver or stone, a graven thing of man’s craft and imagination.

  • Isa. 40:18.

    Isa. 40:18 And to whom would you⁺ liken God? And what likeness will you⁺ arrange for Him?

  • Ps. 50:21.

    Ps. 50:21 These [things] you have done, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. I will rebuke you and set in array before your eyes.

  • Deut. 29:29.

    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.

  • Titus 1:16; Heb. 12:16.

    Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny [Him], being abominable and disobedient and unfit for any good work.

    Heb. 12:16 lest [there be] any sexually immoral person or profane person, as Esau, who for one meal sold his birthright.

  • Rom. 1:30.

    Rom. 1:30 slanderers, hateful to God, insolent, arrogant, boasters; inventors of evil, disobedient to parents;

  • 2 Tim. 3:2.

    2 Tim. 3:2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boasters, proud, verbally abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,

  • Phil. 2:21.

    Phil. 2:21 For those all seek the things of themselves, not the things of Jesus Christ.

  • 1 John 2:15–16; Col. 3:2, 5. (See 1 Sam. 2:29.)

    1 John 2:15–16 15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone should love the world, the love of the Father is not in him, 16 because all that [is] in the world, the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the vaunting of life, is not from the Father but is from the world.

    Col. 3:2, 5 2 Mind the things above, not the things on the earth. 5 Put to death, therefore, the members that [are] upon the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry,

    1 Sam. 2:29 Why do you⁺ kick at My sacrifice and at My offering, which I have commanded [in My] dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?’

  • 1 John 4:1.

    1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

  • Heb. 3:12.

    Heb. 3:12 See to it, brothers, lest ever there will be in any of you⁺ an evil heart of unbelief in the falling away from the living God.

  • Gal. 5:20; Titus 3:10.

    Gal. 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of rage, rivalries, dissensions, factions,

    Titus 3:10 Reject a divisive man after one and a second admonition,

  • Acts 26:9.

    Acts 26:9 Therefore I indeed in myself thought [it] to be necessary to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,

  • Ps. 78:22.

    Ps. 78:22 because they did not have faith in God, and they did not trust in His salvation.

  • Gen. 4:13.

    Gen. 4:13 And Cain said to YHWH, “Greater [is] my punishment than I can bear!

  • Jer. 5:3.

    Jer. 5:3 O YHWH, [are] not Your eyes on the truth? You have struck them, and they have not grieved; You have finished them off; they have refused to receive discipline. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to turn back.

  • Isa. 42:25.

    Isa. 42:25 And He poured out on him the heat of His nose and the fierceness of battle; and it has set him on fire all around, and he did not know [it], and it burned him, and he did not set [it] upon [his] heart.

  • Rom. 2:5.

    Rom. 2:5 But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

  • Jer. 13:15.

    Jer. 13:15 Listen and give ear! Do not be proud, for YHWH has spoken.

  • Ps. 19:13.

    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.

  • Zeph. 1:12.

    Zeph. 1:12 And it will come to pass, at that time [that] I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will visit punishment upon the men settled in their dregs, those saying in their heart, ‘YHWH does no good, and He will not bring evil.’

  • Matt. 4:7.

    Matt. 4:7 Jesus said to him, “Again it has been written: ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’”

  • Rom. 3:8.

    Rom. 3:8 And [is it] not, as we are slandered and as some affirm us to say, “Let us do evil so that the good may come”? Their judgment is just.

  • Jer. 17:5.

    Jer. 17:5 Thus says YHWH: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his arm and turns away his heart from YHWH.

  • 2 Tim. 3:4.

    2 Tim. 3:4 betrayers, reckless, having been puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

  • Gal. 4:17; Rom. 10:2. (See John 16:2; Luke 9:54–55.)

    Gal. 4:17 They are zealous for you⁺, not nobly, but they want to exclude you⁺ [from us], so that you⁺ may be zealous for them.

    Rom. 10:2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

    John 16:2 They will put you⁺ out of the synagogues; but an hour is coming that everyone having killed you⁺ will think he is offering a service to God.

    Luke 9:54–55 54 And having seen [it], the disciples James and John said, “Lord, do You want [that] we should call fire to come down from heaven and to consume them?” 55 But having turned, He rebuked them,

  • Rev. 3:16.

    Rev. 3:16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am about to vomit you out of My mouth.

  • Rev. 3:1.

    Rev. 3:1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things says the One having the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead.

  • Ezek. 14:5; Isa. 1:4–5.

    Ezek. 14:5 so as to capture the house of Israel by their heart, [in] that they are estranged from Me by all their idols.’

    Isa. 1:4–5 4 Alas, O sinning nation, a people heavy with iniquity, a seed doing evil, sons bringing corruption! They have forsaken YHWH, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they have become estranged backward. 5 For what should you⁺ be struck still? Should you⁺ continue in rebellion? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart [is] faint.

  • Hos. 4:12; Acts 10:25–26; Rev. 19:10; Matt. 4:10; Col. 2:18; Rom. 1:25.

    Hos. 4:12 My people consult with a piece of wood, and their staff declares [it] to them; for the spirit of prostitution has led them astray, and they have prostituted themselves from under their God.

    Acts 10:25–26 25 And as Peter was entering, Cornelius, having met him, having fallen at [his] feet, worshiped [him]. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Rise up, I myself am also a man.”

    Rev. 19:10 And I fell before his feet to worship him. And he says to me, “See, no! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers, those having the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

    Matt. 4:10 Then Jesus says to him, “Go away, Satan! For it has been written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”

    Col. 2:18 Let no one disqualify you⁺, delighting in humility and worship of the angels, going into what he has seen, vainly being puffed up by the mind of his flesh,

    Rom. 1:25 who changed the truth of God into falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the One having created, who is blessed to the ages! Amen.

  • Lev. 20:6. (See 1 Sam. 28:7, 11; 1 Chron. 10:13–14.)

    Lev. 20:6 And the person who turns to the mediums and to the spiritists to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from among his people.

    1 Sam. 28:7, 11 7 And Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, a woman of a mistress a familiar spirit [is] at Endor.” 11 And the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” And he said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”

    1 Chron. 10:13–14 13 And Saul died for his unfaithfulness that he trespassed against YHWH, against the word of YHWH, because he did not keep [it], and also because he consulted a medium to inquire. 14 [He] inquired not of YHWH. And He killed him and turned over the kingdom to David son of Jesse.

  • Acts 5:3.

    Acts 5:3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart [for] you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back from the proceeds of the land?

  • 2 Cor. 1:24. (See Matt. 23:9.)

    2 Cor. 1:24 Not that we lord it over your⁺ faith, but we are fellow workers with you⁺ of joy; for in the faith you⁺ stand firm.

    Matt. 23:9 And you⁺ shall call no one your⁺ father on the earth, for One is your⁺ Father who [is] in heaven.

  • Deut. 32:15; Prov. 13:13. (See 2 Sam. 12:9.)

    Deut. 32:15 And Jeshurun grew fat and kicked—you grew fat, you grew thick, you gorged—and he forsook God [who] made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation.

    Prov. 13:13 The one despising the word is destroyed for it, and the one fearing the command, he will be rewarded.

    2 Sam. 12:9 Why have you despised the commandment of YHWH to do evil in His sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and his wife you have taken [to be] your wife, and him have killed with the sword of the sons of Ammon.

  • Acts 7:51; Eph. 4:30.

    Acts 7:51 You⁺ stiff-necked and uncircumcised in hearts and ears! You⁺ always resist the Holy Spirit! As [did] your⁺ fathers, also you⁺ [do].

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

  • Job 1:22; Ps. 73:2–3 (see vv. 13–15, 22).

    Job 1:22 In all this Job did not sin, and he did not ascribe foolishness to God.

    Ps. 73:2–3 2 And [as for] me, at a little stretching out of my feet, my steps had nearly poured out. 3 For I was envious of those boasting [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

  • 1 Sam. 6:7–9; Luke 12:19.

    1 Sam. 6:7–9 7 And now, take and make one new cart, and two suckling cows on which a yoke has not gone up, and hitch the cows to the cart, and return their calves from them to the house. 8 And take the ark of YHWH, and set it on the cart. And the articles of gold that you⁺ are returning to Him [as] a guilt offering, put in the chest by its side, and send it away that it may go. 9 And watch: If it goes up the way of its own border toward Beth-shemesh, He has done to us this great disaster. But if not, then we will know that [it is] not His hand [that] struck us; it happened to us by chance.”

    Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your rest, eat, drink, be merry.”’

  • Dan. 5:23.

    Dan. 5:23 and against the Lord of heaven you have lifted yourself up. And the vessels of His house they have brought before you, and you, and your nobles, your wives, and your concubines, have been drinking wine from them. And to the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see, and do not hear, and do not have knowledge, you have given praise. And to the God in whose hand [is] your breath, and all your ways [are] to Him, you have not shown honor!

  • Deut. 8:17. (See Dan. 4:30.)

    Deut. 8:17 and you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.”

    Dan. 4:30 The king answered and said, “Is not this the great Babylon, which I myself have built as a house for the kingdom by the might of my power and for the honor of my majesty?”

  • Hab. 1:16.

    Hab. 1:16 Upon thus he sacrifices to his net, and burns incense to his dragnet, because by them his portion [is] rich and his food fat.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 475 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works5 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 195

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

A. In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) acknowledging, that the most wise, righteous, and gracious God, for divers holy and just ends, may so order things, that we may be assaulted, foiled, and for a time led captive by temptations; that Satan, the world, and the flesh, are ready powerfully to draw us aside, and ensnare us; and that we, even after the pardon of our sins, by reason of our corruption, weakness, and want of watchfulness, are not only subject to be tempted, and forward to expose ourselves unto temptations, but also of ourselves unable and unwilling to resist them, to recover out of them, and to improve them; and worthy to be left under the power of them: we pray, that God would so overrule the world and all in it, subdue the flesh, and restrain Satan, order all things, bestow and bless all means of grace, and quicken us to watchfulness in the use of them, that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin; or, if tempted, that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation; or when fallen, raised again and recovered out of it, and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof: that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected, Satan trodden under our feet, and we fully freed from sin, temptation, and all evil, forever.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:13. (Cf. Luke 11:4.)

    Matt. 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

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

  • 2 Chron. 32:31.

    2 Chron. 32:31 And so with the ambassadors of the heads of Babylon, those sending to him to inquire about the sign that was [done] in the land, God withdrew from him in order to test him, that He might know all in his heart.

  • 1 Chron. 21:1.

    1 Chron. 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to number Israel.

  • Luke 21:34; Mark 4:19.

    Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest your⁺ hearts ever be burdened with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of life—and that day would come upon you⁺ suddenly as a snare.

    Mark 4:19 and the anxieties of the age, and the deceit of riches, and the desires concerning the other things, entering, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

  • James 1:14.

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

  • Gal. 5:17.

    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.

  • Matt. 26:41.

    Matt. 26:41 Watch and pray so that you⁺ might not enter into temptation. the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh weak.”

  • Matt. 26:69–72; Gal. 2:11–14; 2 Chron. 18:3; 2 Chron. 19:2.

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

    Gal. 2:11–14 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed [him] to his face because he was standing condemned. 12 For before certain ones came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles. But when they came, he was drawing back and was separating himself, fearing those of the circumcision. 13 And also the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they are not walking in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before all, “If you, being a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how do you compel the Gentiles to Judaize?”

    2 Chron. 18:3 And Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me [against] Ramoth-gilead?” And he answered him, “I [am] as you [are], and as your people [are] my people, and with you in the war.”

    2 Chron. 19:2 And Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and he said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should [you be] giving help to the wicked, and those hating YHWH would you love? And for this, wrath [is] upon you from before the face of YHWH.

  • Rom. 7:23–24; 1 Chron. 21:1–4; 2 Chron. 16:7–10.

    Rom. 7:23–24 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?

    1 Chron. 21:1–4 1 And Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 2 And David said to Joab and to the heads of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba and as far as Dan and bring [it] to me, that I may know their number.” 3 And Joab answered, “May YHWH add to His people as they [are] a hundred times. Are [they] not, my lord O king, all of them for my lord as servants? Why does my lord require this? Why should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?” 4 And the word of the king was strengthened against Joab, and Joab went out and went throughout all Israel, and he came to Jerusalem.

    2 Chron. 16:7–10 7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because of your leaning on the king of Aram and not leaning on YHWH your God, upon thus the force of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. 8 Was [it] not [that] the Cushites and the Libyans were as an army of multitudes, of very many chariots and horsemen? And in your leaning on YHWH, He delivered them into your hand. 9 For YHWH—His eyes go to and fro in all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart [is] perfect to Him. You have acted foolishly regarding this; therefore from now on there will be wars with you.” 10 And Asa was angry with the seer, and he put him in the house of the stocks, for [he was] in a rage at him because of this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time.

  • Ps. 81:11–12.

    Ps. 81:11–12 11 My people would not listen to My voice, and Israel has not consented to Me. 12 And I sent them away in the stubbornness of their hearts, to walk by their own counsels.

  • John 17:15.

    John 17:15 I do not ask that You would take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from evil.

  • Ps. 51:10; Ps. 119:133.

    Ps. 51:10 Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

    Ps. 119:133 Establish my steps by Your word, and do not let any iniquity rule over me.

  • 2 Cor. 12:7–8.

    2 Cor. 12:7–8 7 and the surpassingness of the revelations. Therefore, so that I should not be over-exalted, a thorn in [my] flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, that he might buffet me, so that I should not be over-exalted. 8 Three times I entreated the Lord for this, that it might depart from me.

  • 1 Cor. 10:12–13.

    1 Cor. 10:12–13 12 Therefore the one thinking to stand, let him observe, lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you⁺ except [what is] human. And faithful [is] God, who will not allow you⁺ to be tempted beyond what you⁺ are able, but He will also provide with the temptation the escape, to be able to bear up under [it].

  • Heb. 13:20–21.

    Heb. 13:20–21 20 Now [may] the God of peace, the One having brought up out from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you⁺ in everything good in order to do His will, doing in us that which [is] well pleasing before Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] the glory to the ages of the ages. Amen.

  • Matt. 26:41; Ps. 19:13.

    Matt. 26:41 Watch and pray so that you⁺ might not enter into temptation. the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh weak.”

    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.

  • Eph. 3:14–17; 1 Thess. 3:13; Jude 24.

    Eph. 3:14–17 14 ... for reason of this, I bow my knees to the Father, 15 from whom every family in the heavens and on earth is named, 16 that He might give to you⁺ according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love,

    1 Thess. 3:13 in order to strengthen your⁺ hearts, blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

    Jude 24 on BibleHub ↗

  • Ps. 51:12.

    Ps. 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit.

  • 1 Peter 5:8–10.

    1 Peter 5:8–10 8 Be sober-minded; be alert. Your⁺ adversary the devil prowls around as a roaring lion seeking whom to swallow up, 9 whom you⁺ should resist, firm in the faith, knowing the same sufferings in your⁺ brotherhood to be experienced in the world. 10 And the God of all grace, the One having called you⁺ to His eternal glory in Christ, having suffered a little while, He Himself will complete, will confirm, will strengthen, [and] will establish [you].

  • 2 Cor. 13:7, 9.

    2 Cor. 13:7, 9 7 Now we pray to God [for] you⁺ to do nothing wrong, not that we might appear approved, but that you⁺ may do what [is] right, though we might appear as unapproved. 9 For we rejoice when we may be weak but you⁺ may be powerful. This also we pray for: your⁺ perfection.

  • Rom. 16:20; Luke 22:31–32.

    Rom. 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your⁺ feet in quickness. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you⁺.

    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.”

  • John 17:15; 1 Thess. 5:23.

    John 17:15 I do not ask that You would take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from evil.

    1 Thess. 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you⁺ completely, and may your⁺ entire spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints11 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1068 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence8 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1277 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Chapter II: Of the Creation of Man

We confess and acknowledge this our God to have created man (to wit, our first father Adam) to His own image and similitude (Gen. 1–2). To whom He gave wisdom, lordship, justice, free will, and clear knowledge of Himself. So that in the whole nature of man, there could be noted no imperfection. From which honor and perfection, man and woman did both fall (Gen. 3), the woman being deceived by the Serpent, and man obeying the voice of the woman: both conspiring against the sovereign majesty of God, who in express words had before threatened death, if they presumed to eat of the forbidden tree.

Scripture proofs

Chapter VIII: Election

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

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

Chapter XII: Faith in the Holy Ghost

This our faith and the assurance of the same proceeds not from flesh and blood (Matt. 16), that is to say, from no natural powers within us, but is the inspiration of the Holy Ghost (John 14–16), whom we confess God equal with the Father and with the Son, who sanctifies us and brings us in all verity by His own operation, without whom we should remain forever enemies to God and ignorant of His Son, Christ Jesus. For by nature we are so dead, so blind, and so perverse that neither can we feel when we are pricked, see the light when it shines, nor assent to the will of God when it is revealed, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus quicken that which is dead, remove the darkness from our minds, and bow our stubborn hearts to the obedience of His blessed will. And so as we confess that God the Father created us when we were not; as His Son our Lord Jesus redeemed us when we were enemies to Him (Rom. 5); so also do we confess that the Holy Ghost does sanctify and regenerate us without all respect of any merit proceeding from us, be it before or be it after our regeneration. To speak this one thing, yet in more plain words, as we willingly spoil our selves of all honor and glory of our own creation and redemption, so do we also of our regeneration and sanctification, for of our selves we are not sufficient to think any good thought (2 Cor. 7). But He who has begun the good work in us is only He that continues us in the same to the praise and glory of His undeserved grace.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head, Article 12: Regeneration a Supernatural Work7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared topics

Chapter 8: Of Man's Fall, Sin, and the Cause of Sin

Man was from the beginning created of God after the image of God, in righteousness and true holiness, good and upright; but by the instigation of the serpent and his own fault, falling from goodness and uprightness, he became subject to sin, death, and divers calamities; and such a one as he became by his fall, such are all his offspring, even subject to sin, death, and sundry calamities.

And we take sin to be that natural corruption of man, derived or spread from our first parents unto us all, through which we, being drowned in evil concupiscence, and clean turned away from God, but prone to all evil, full of all wickedness, distrust, contempt, and hatred of God, can do no good of ourselves, no not so much as think any (Matt. 12:33–35). And, what is more, even as we grow in years, so by wicked thoughts, words, and deeds, committed against the law of God, we bring forth corrupt fruits, worthy of an evil tree: in which respect, we, through our own desert, being subject to the wrath of God, are in danger of just punishment; so that we had all been cast away from God, had not Christ, the deliverer, brought us back again.

By death, therefore, we understand not only bodily death, which is once to be suffered of us all for sins, but also everlasting punishments due to our corruption and to our sins. For the apostle says, "We were dead in trespasses and sins, and were by nature the children of wrath, as well as others; but God who is rich in mercy, even when we were dead by sins, quickened us together in Christ" (Eph. 2:1–5). Again, "As by one man sin entered into the world, and by sin, death, and so death went over all men, forasmuch as all men have sinned" (Rom. 5:12).

We, therefore, acknowledge that original sin is in all men; we acknowledge that all other sins which spring therefrom, are both called and are indeed sins, by what name soever they are termed, whether mortal or venial, or also that which is called sin against the Holy Ghost, which is never forgiven (Mark 3:29; 1 John 5:16–17). We also confess that sins are not equal, although they spring from the same fountain of corruption and unbelief, but that some are more grievous than others; even as the Lord has said, "It shall be easier for Sodom, than for the city that despiseth the word of the gospel" (Matt. 10:15).

We, therefore, condemn all those that have taught things contrary to these; but especially Pelagius, and all the Pelagians, together with the Jovinians who, with the Stoics, count all sins equal. In this matter we agree fully with St. Augustine, who produced and maintained his sayings out of the Holy Scriptures. Moreover we condemn Florinus Blastus (against whom also Irenaeus wrote) and all those that make God the author of sin; seeing it is expressly written, "Thou art not a God that loveth wickedness; thou hatest all them that work iniquity, and wilt destroy all that speak lies" (Ps. 5:4–6). And again, "When the devil speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; because he is a liar, and the father of lying" (John 8:44). Yes, there is even in ourselves sin and corruption enough, so that there is no need that God should infuse into us either a new or greater measure of wickedness. Therefore, when God is said in the Scripture to harden (Ex. 7:13), to blind (John 12:40) and to deliver us up into a reprobate sense (Rom. 1:28), it is to be understood that God does it by just judgment, as a just judge and avenger. To conclude, as often as God in the Scripture is said and seems to do some evil, it is not thereby meant that man does not commit evil, but that God suffers it to be done, and does not hinder it; and by His just judgment, who could hinder it, if He would: or because He makes good use of the evil of men, as He did in the sins of Joseph's brethren; or because He Himself rules sins that they do not break out and rage more violently than is meet. St. Augustine, in his Enchiridion, says, "After a wonderful and unspeakable manner, that is not done beside His will which is done contrary to His will; because it could not be done, if He should not suffer it to be done; and yet He does not suffer it to be done unwillingly, but willingly; neither would He, being God, suffer any evil to be done, unless, being also Almighty, He could make good of evil." Thus far Augustine.

Other questions, as, whether God would have Adam fall, or whether He forced him to fall, or why He did not hinder his fall, and such like, we count among curious questions (unless perchance the forwardness of heretics or of men otherwise importunate compels us to open these points also out of the Word of God, as the godly doctors of the church have often done), knowing that the Lord did forbid that man should eat of the forbidden fruit and punished his transgression; and also that the things done are not evil in respect of the providence, will, and power of God, but in respect of Satan and our will resisting the will of God.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 12:33–35

    Matt. 12:33–35 33 Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree rotten and its fruit rotten. For by the fruit, the tree is known. 34 Offspring of vipers, how are you⁺ able to speak good things, being evil? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. 35 The good man out of his good treasure puts forth good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure puts forth evil things.

  • Eph. 2:1–5

    Eph. 2:1–5 1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins— 2 in which once you⁺ walked according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His much love with which He loved us, 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved—

  • Rom. 5:12

    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.

  • Mark 3:29; 1 John 5:16–17

    Mark 3:29 But whoever may blaspheme in regard to the Holy Spirit does not have forgiveness to the age, but is guilty [of] eternal sin.”

    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.

  • Matt. 10:15

    Matt. 10:15 Truly I say to you⁺, it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and of Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

  • Ps. 5:4–6

    Ps. 5:4–6 4 For You [are] not a God delighting in wickedness; evil shall not sojourn with You. 5 The one boasting shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You will destroy those speaking falsehood; a man of blood and deceit YHWH abhors.

  • John 8:44

    John 8:44 You⁺ are of [your] father the devil, and you⁺ want to do the desires of your⁺ father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he may speak falsehood, he speaks from [his] own, because he is a liar and the father of it.

  • Ex. 7:13

    Ex. 7:13 And the heart of Pharaoh was strengthened, and he did not listen to them, as YHWH had spoken.

  • John 12:40

    John 12:40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not see with the eyes, and understand with the heart, and turn, and I will heal them.”

  • Rom. 1:28

    Rom. 1:28 And just as they did not see fit to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them up to an unfit mind, to do the [things] not being proper;

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Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability

We teach in this matter, which at all times has been the cause of many conflicts in the church, that there is a triple condition or estate of man to be considered. First, what man was before his fall; to wit, upright and free, who might both continue in goodness and decline to evil; but he declined to evil and has wrapped both himself and all mankind in sin and death, as has been shown before. Secondly, we are to consider what man was after his fall. His understanding indeed was not taken from him, neither was he deprived of will and altogether changed into a stone or stock. Nevertheless, these things are so altered in man that they are not able to do that now which they could do before his fall. For his understanding is darkened, and his will, which before was free, is now become a servile will; for it serves sin, not nilling, but willing; for it is called a will, and not a nill.

Therefore, as touching evil or sin, man does evil, not compelled either by God or the devil, but of his own accord; and in this respect he has a most free will: but whereas we see that oftentimes the most evil deeds and counsels of man are hindered by God, that they cannot attain to their end, this does not take from man liberty in evil, but God by His power prevents that which man otherwise purposed freely: as Joseph's brethren did freely purpose to slay Joseph; but they were not able to do it because it seemed otherwise good to God in His secret counsel.

But as touching goodness and virtues, man's understanding does not of itself judge aright of heavenly things. For the evangelical and apostolic Scripture requires regeneration of every one of us that will be saved. Wherefore our first birth by Adam profits nothing to salvation. Paul says, "The natural man perceiveth not the things which are of the Spirit" (1 Cor. 2:14). The same Paul elsewhere denies that we are "fit of ourselves, to think any good" (2 Cor. 3:5). Now it is evident that the mind or understanding is the guide of the will; and seeing the guide is blind, it is easy to be seen how far the will can reach. Therefore, man, not as yet regenerate, has no free will to good, no strength to perform that which is good. The Lord says in the gospel, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that every one that commits sin, is the servant of sin" (John 8:34). And Paul the apostle says, "The wisdom of the flesh is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Rom. 8:7). Furthermore, there is some understanding of earthly things remaining in man after his fall.

For God has of mercy left him wit, though much differing from that which was in him before his fall; God commands us to cultivate our wit, and therewithal He gives gifts and also the increase thereof. And it is a clear case that we can profit very little in all arts without the blessing of God. The Scripture, doubtless, refers all arts to God: yes and the Ethnicks also did ascribe the beginnings of arts to the gods, as to the authors thereof.

Lastly, we are to consider whether the regenerate have free will and how far forth they have it. In regeneration, the understanding is illuminated by the Holy Ghost that it may understand both the mysteries and will of God. And the will itself is not only changed by the Spirit, but is also endued with faculties, that, of its own accord, it may both will and do good (Rom. 8:4–6). Unless we grant this, we shall deny Christian liberty and bring in the bondage of the Law. Besides, the prophet brings in God speaking thus: "I will put My laws in their minds, and write them in their hearts" (Jer. 31:33; Ezek. 36:27). The Lord also says in the gospel, "If the Son make you free, then are you free indeed" (John 8:36). Paul also to the Philippians: "Unto you it is given, for Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (1:29). And again, "I am persuaded that He that began this good work in you will perform it until the day of the Lord Jesus" (v. 6). Also, "It is God that worketh in you the will and the deed" (Phil. 2:13).

Where, nevertheless, we teach that there are two things to be observed: first, that the regenerate, in the choice and working of that which is good, do not only work passively, but actively. For they are moved of God, that themselves may do that which they do. And Augustine truly alleges that saying that "God is said to be our helper: but no man can be helped, but he that does somewhat." The Manichees robbed man of all action and made him like a stone and a block.

Secondly, that in the regenerate there remains infirmity. For seeing that sin dwells in us and that the flesh in the regenerate strives against the spirit, even to the end of our lives, they do not readily perform in every point that which they had purposed. These things are confirmed by the apostle (Rom. 7:13–25; Gal. 5:17). Therefore, our free will is weak by reason of the relics of the old Adam remaining in us so long as we live, and of the human corruption which so nearly cleaves to us. In the meantime, because the strength of the flesh and relics of the old man are not of such great force that they can wholly quench the work of the Spirit, therefore, the faithful are called free; yet so that they acknowledge their infirmity and glory not at all in their free will. For that which St. Augustine repeats so often out of the apostle ought always to be kept in mind by the faithful: "What hast thou, that thou hast not received? and if thou hast received it, why dost thou boast, as though thou hadst not received it?" (1 Cor. 4:7). Hitherto may be added that that comes not straightway to pass which we have purposed: for the events of things are in the hand of God. For which cause, Paul besought the Lord that He would prosper his journey (Rom. 1:10). Wherefore, in this respect also, free will is very weak.

But in outward things, no man denies but that both the regenerate and unregenerate have their free will. For man has this constitution common with other creatures (to whom he is not inferior) to will some things and to nill other things. So he may speak or keep silence; go out of his house or abide within. Although herein also God's power is evermore to be marked which brought to pass that Balaam could not go as far as he would (Num. 24:13) and that Zacharias, coming out of the Temple, could not speak as he would have done (Luke 1:22).

In this matter we condemn the Manichees, who deny that the beginning of evil unto man, being good, came from his free will. We condemn also the Pelagians who affirm that an evil man has free will sufficiently to perform a good precept. Both these are confuted by the Scripture, which says to the former, "God made man upright" (Eccl. 7:29) and to the latter, "If the Son make you free, then are you free indeed" (John 8:36).

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 2:14

    1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

  • 2 Cor. 3:5

    2 Cor. 3:5 Not that we are sufficient from ourselves to reckon anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency [is] of God,

  • John 8:34

    John 8:34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who [is] doing sin is a slave of sin.

  • Rom. 8:7

    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.

  • Rom. 8:4–6

    Rom. 8:4–6 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. 5 For those being according to the flesh mind the [things] of the flesh, but those according to the Spirit the [things] of the Spirit. 6 For the mind of the flesh [is] death, but the mind of the Spirit [is] life and peace,

  • Jer. 31:33; Ezek. 36:27

    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.

    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].

  • John 8:36

    John 8:36 Therefore if the Son shall set you⁺ free, you⁺ will be really free.

  • Phil. 2:13

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

  • Rom. 7:13–25; Gal. 5:17

    Rom. 7:13–25 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. 14 For we have known that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold as a slave under sin. 15 For what I carry out, I do not understand. For what I want, this I do not practice; but what I hate, this I do. 16 Now if what I do not want, this I do, I assent to the law, that [it is] good. 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. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do; but the evil that I do not want, this I practice. 20 Now if what I do not want, this I do, no longer do I carry it out, but sin dwelling in me. 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.

    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 Cor. 4:7

    1 Cor. 4:7 For who makes you different? And what do you have that you did not receive? And if also you did receive [it], why do you boast as not having received [it]?

  • Rom. 1:10

    Rom. 1:10 always upon my prayers, imploring if somehow now at last by the will of God I will make a prosperous journey to come to you⁺.

  • Num. 24:13

    Num. 24:13 [that] if Balak were to give to me the fullness of his house in silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of YHWH to do good or bad of my own will? That which YHWH says, that I must speak.

  • Luke 1:22

    Luke 1:22 But having come out, he was not able to speak to them, and they recognized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he was making signs to them and remained mute.

  • Eccl. 7:29

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

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will19 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification14 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 313 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God10 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 9: Of Free Will9 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works10 shared proof texts · shared topic

Chapter 13: Of Sanctification

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

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 20:32; Rom. 6:5–6.

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

    Rom. 6:5–6 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin.

  • John 17:17; Eph. 3:16–19; 1 Thess. 5:21–23.

    John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

    Eph. 3:16–19 16 that He might give to you⁺ according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love, 18 that you⁺ may be fully able, with all the saints, to comprehend what [is] the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ surpassing knowledge, that you⁺ may be filled to all the fullness of God.

    1 Thess. 5:21–23 21 but test all things. Hold fast to the good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you⁺ completely, and may your⁺ entire spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Rom. 6:14.

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

  • Gal. 5:24.

    Gal. 5:24 Now those of Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with the passions and the desires.

  • Col. 1:11.

    Col. 1:11 being empowered with all power according to the power of His glory unto all endurance and patience, with joy

  • 2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14.

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

    Heb. 12:14 Pursue peace with all, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord,

  • 1 Thess. 5:23.

    1 Thess. 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you⁺ completely, and may your⁺ entire spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Rom. 7:18, 23.

    Rom. 7:18, 23 18 For I know that there does not dwell in me—that is, in my flesh—good. For to want is present with me, but not to carry out the good. 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.

  • Gal. 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11.

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

    1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I exhort [you], as foreigners and sojourners, to abstain from fleshly desires, which war against the soul,

  • Rom. 7:23.

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

  • Rom. 6:14.

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

  • Eph. 4:15–16; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Cor. 7:1.

    Eph. 4:15–16 15 But speaking the truth in love, we should grow in all things into Him who is the head, Christ, 16 from whom all the body, being fit together and being knit together by every joint of [its] supply, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.

    2 Cor. 3:18 And we all, having been unveiled in face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.

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

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