Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Soli Deo Gloria

38 passages across 10 documents address Soli Deo Gloria. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Sovereign Purpose of Creation: The Self-Manifestation of God's Glory

"The final cause of all God's purposes is his own glory. This is frequently declared to be the end of all things. 'Thou art worthy,' say the heavenly worshippers, 'O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.' (Rev. 4:11.)" [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"The glory of God is, therefore, the chief and ultimate end for which man was created." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The chief end of man, is that which man ought chiefly to aim at or design, to desire, seek after, and endeavor to obtain, as his chief good and happiness; unto which his life and his actions should be referred and directed; which is the glorifying of God, and the enjoying of God for ever." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"God as the perfectly good may rest in nothing but himself and may be satisfied with nothing less than himself. He cannot do otherwise than seek his own honor." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"He hath made us to the praise of the glory of his grace." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

II. The Essential Nature of Glorifying God

"Negatively, to glorify God, is not to give any additional glory to God: it is not to make God more glorious than he is; for God is incapable of receiving the least addition to his essential glory, he being eternally and infinitely perfect and glorious."

"Affirmatively, to glorify God, is to manifest God's glory: not only passively, as all creatures do, which have neither religion nor reason, but also actively, men glorify God, when the design of their life and actions is the glory and honor of God." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"We ask these things for thy glory. We desire and look for all good things from thee, the only true and sovereign God: We profess and acknowledge thee as the author and fountain of all good things; and because this glory is due thee, we therefore desire these things from thee." "for this petition and expectation of all good things from thee is nothing else than an ascription of honor and glory to thee." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Here two ends must be kept specially in view, namely, that the glory of God be maintained unimpaired, and that our consciences, in the view of his tribunal, be secured in peaceful rest and calm tranquillity."

III. The Strict Exclusion of Human Pride and Self-Glorying

"we never truly glory in him until we have utterly discarded our own glory. It must, therefore, be regarded as an universal proposition, that whoso glories in himself glories against God." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"But if we deserve the remission of our sins by our good works, we should then have something whereof to glory; nor should we attribute the glory of our salvation to God" [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"a system the grand design of which is the manifestation of the riches of divine grace, i.e., of his unmerited, mysterious love to the unworthy; and which, therefore, is so devised and so administered that he that glories must glory in the Lord; he must be constrained to say, and rejoice in saying, 'Not unto us, O LORD; not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.' (Ps. 115:1.)" [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"I am the Lord; that is my name, and my glory will I not give to another." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"to strip ourselves of all ground of glorying that he alone may shine forth glorious, and we be glorified in Him?"

IV. Soli Deo Gloria in Salvation and Good Works

"I say we do not, like the Sophists share the praise of works between God and man, but we keep it entire and unimpaired for the Lord." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"There is a necessity that our works, in order that they may be good and acceptable to God, should be referred to the divine glory, and not to our own praise or advantage; otherwise they will not proceed from the love of God, but from a desire to advance our own selfish interests, and will thus be mere hypocrisy." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"As God is infinite, and all creatures are as nothing in comparison with Him, it is plain that the revelation of his nature and perfections must be the highest conceivable end of all things, and the most conducive to secure all other good subordinate ends. Order and truth, however, depend on things being put in their right relations. If we make the good of the creature the ultimate object of all God's works, then we subordinate God to the creature, and endless confusion and unavoidable error are the consequence." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"In the petition, 'Hallowed be thy name,' we pray— 1. That God would hallow and glorify his own name, by magnifying himself in the world, and by disposing all things for his own glory." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"SOLI DEO SIT GLORIA" [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

Compare these in the interactive reader →

Question 1

Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has delivered me from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, also assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 6:19–20.

    1 Cor. 6:19–20 19 Or do you⁺ not know that your⁺ body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you⁺, whom you⁺ have from God? And you⁺ are not your own, 20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

  • Rom. 14:7–9.

    Rom. 14:7–9 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. 8 For both if we should live, we live to the Lord, and if we should die, we die to the Lord. Therefore both if we should live and if we should die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living.

  • 1 Cor. 3:23; Titus 2:14.

    1 Cor. 3:23 and you⁺ [are] of Christ, and Christ [is] of God.

    Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.

  • 1 Peter 1:18–19; 1 John 1:7–9; 2:2.

    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,

    1 John 1:7–9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 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.

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

  • John 8:34–36; Heb. 2:14–15; 1 John 3:1–11.

    John 8:34–36 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who [is] doing sin is a slave of sin. 35 Now the slave does not remain in the house to the age; the son remains to the age. 36 Therefore if the Son shall set you⁺ free, you⁺ will be really free.

    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 John 3:1–11 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God—and we are! Because of this, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be was not yet made manifest. We know that if He should be made manifest, we will be like Him, for we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone having this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 4 Everyone who [is] doing sin also does lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you⁺ know that He appeared so that He should take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. 6 Everyone who [is] remaining in Him does not sin; everyone who [is] sinning has not seen Him, nor has he known Him. 7 Little children, let no one lead you⁺ astray; the one doing righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 The one doing sin is of the devil, because the devil is sinning from the beginning. For this the Son of God was made manifest, so that He might destroy the works of the devil. 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. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: everyone not doing righteousness is not of God, and the one not loving his brother. 11 For this is the message that you⁺ heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

  • John 6:39–40; 10:27–30; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Peter 1:5.

    John 6:39–40 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. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone beholding the Son and believing in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.”

    10:27–30 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. 29 My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the hand of the Father. 30 I and the Father are one.”

    2 Thess. 3:3 But faithful is the Lord, who will strengthen you⁺ and guard [you] from the evil one.

    1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • Matt. 10:29–31; Luke 21:16–18.

    Matt. 10:29–31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your⁺ Father. 30 And even the hairs of your⁺ head are all numbered. 31 Therefore do not be afraid; you⁺ are more valuable than many sparrows.

    Luke 21:16–18 16 And you⁺ will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put to death some of you⁺. 17 And you⁺ will be hated by all because of My name. 18 And no, not a hair of your⁺ head shall perish.

  • Rom. 8:28.

    Rom. 8:28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose,

  • Rom. 8:15–16; 2 Cor. 1:21–22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13–14.

    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,

    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.

    5:5 Now the One having prepared us for this very [thing] [is] God, the One having given to us the pledge of the Spirit,

    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.

  • Rom. 8:1–17.

    Rom. 8:1–17 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 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, 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. 8 And those being in the flesh are not able to please God. 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. 10 But if Christ [is] in you⁺, the body [is] indeed dead because of sin, but the spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of the One having raised Jesus out from the dead dwells in you⁺, the One having raised Christ Jesus out from the dead will also make alive your⁺ mortal bodies through His Spirit, the One dwelling in you⁺. 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 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. 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, also heirs: heirs indeed of God, and co-heirs of Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him], so that we may also be glorified with [Him].

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation14 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works13 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 6

Q. Did God create man so wicked and perverse?

A. No. God created man good and in his own image, that is, in true righteousness and holiness, so that he might truly know God his creator, love him with all his heart, and live with God in eternal happiness, for his praise and glory.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:31.

    Gen. 1:31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, [it was] very good! And there was evening and there was morning—the sixth day.

  • Gen. 1:26–27.

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

  • Eph. 4:24.

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

  • Col. 3:10.

    Col. 3:10 and having put on the new, the one being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the One having created him,

  • Ps. 8.
Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 174 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 4: Of Creation3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 103 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts

Question 86

Q. Since we have been delivered from our misery by grace through Christ without any merit of our own, why then should we do good works?

A. Because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood, is also renewing us by his Spirit into his image, so that with our whole lives we may show that we are thankful to God for his benefits, and that he may be praised through us, and further, so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits, and by our godly living our neighbors may be won over to Christ.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 6:13; 12:1–2; 1 Peter 2:5–10.

    Rom. 6:13 Neither present your⁺ members to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as living out from the dead, and your⁺ members to God [as] instruments of righteousness.

    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 Peter 2:5–10 5 you yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house into a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen [and] precious cornerstone; and the one believing on Him shall never be put to shame.” 7 Therefore the preciousness [is] to you⁺ who [are] believing. But [to] [those] disbelieving, “The stone that those building rejected, this became into the head of the corner,” 8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” [They] stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed. 9 But you⁺ [are] a chosen kindred, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [His] possession, so that you⁺ may proclaim the excellencies of the One having called you⁺ out of darkness into His marvelous light, 10 who once [were] not a people, but now [are] the people of God—those not having received mercy, but now having received mercy.

  • Matt. 5:16; 1 Cor. 6:19–20.

    Matt. 5:16 Thus let your⁺ light shine before men, so that they may see your⁺ good works and may glorify your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens.

    1 Cor. 6:19–20 19 Or do you⁺ not know that your⁺ body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you⁺, whom you⁺ have from God? And you⁺ are not your own, 20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

  • Matt. 7:17–18; Gal. 5:22–24; 2 Peter 1:10–11.

    Matt. 7:17–18 17 Thus every good tree produces good fruits, but the rotten tree produces evil fruits. 18 A good tree is not able to produce evil fruits, nor a rotten tree to produce good fruits.

    Gal. 5:22–24 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those of Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with the passions and the desires.

    2 Peter 1:10–11 10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble. 11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you⁺.

  • Matt. 5:14–16; Rom. 14:17–19; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:1–2.

    Matt. 5:14–16 14 You⁺ are the light of the world. A city lying on a hill is not able to be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under the basket, but upon the lampstand, and it shines to all those in the house. 16 Thus let your⁺ light shine before men, so that they may see your⁺ good works and may glorify your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens.

    Rom. 14:17–19 17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For the one serving Christ in in this [is] well-pleasing to God and approved by men. 19 So then, may we pursue the [things] of peace, and the [things] of building up one another.

    1 Peter 2:12 having your⁺ conduct among the Gentiles good, so that wherein which they speak against you⁺ as evildoers, out of having witnessed the good works, they may glorify God in the day of visitation.

    3:1–2 1 Likewise, wives, be subject to [your] own husbands, so that even if any are disobedient to the word, they will be won over without word by the conduct of the wives, 2 having witnessed your⁺ respectful, pure conduct,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 91

Q. But what are good works?

A. Only those which are done out of true faith, conform to God's law, and are done for his glory; and not those based on our own opinion or human tradition.

Scripture proofs
  • John 15:5; Heb. 11:6.

    John 15:5 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.

    Heb. 11:6 And without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for it is necessary for the one coming to God to believe that He is and [that] He becomes a rewarder to those seeking Him out.

  • Lev. 18:4; 1 Sam. 15:22; Eph. 2:10.

    Lev. 18:4 You⁺ shall do My judgments, and you⁺ shall keep My statutes, to walk in them. I [am] YHWH your⁺ God.

    1 Sam. 15:22 And Samuel said, “Has YHWH delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as [in] listening to the voice of YHWH? Behold, to listen is better than sacrifice, [and] to heed than the fat of rams.

    Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

  • 1 Cor. 10:31.

    1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore whether you⁺ eat or drink or whatever you⁺ do, do all things to the glory of God.

  • Deut. 12:32; Isa. 29:13; Ezek. 20:18–19; Matt. 15:7–9.

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

    Isa. 29:13 And YHWH says, “Because that this people draws near with its mouth, and honors Me with its lips, and its heart has grown far away from Me, and their reverence toward Me is a commandment taught by men.

    Ezek. 20:18–19 18 And I said to their sons in the wilderness, ‘In the statutes of your⁺ fathers you⁺ shall not walk, and their ordinances you⁺ shall not keep, and with their idols you⁺ shall not defile yourselves. 19 I [am] YHWH your⁺ God; in My statutes you must walk, and My ordinances you must keep and do them,

    Matt. 15:7–9 7 Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you⁺, saying: 8 ‘This people honors Me with the lips, but their heart is kept far away from Me; 9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works7 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works4 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 2: Of Interpreting the Holy Scriptures; Of Fathers, Councils, and Traditions2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Article 1: The Only God

We all believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that there is a single and simple spiritual being, whom we call God—eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, unchangeable, infinite, almighty; completely wise, just, and good, and the overflowing source of all good.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World3 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence3 shared topics

Article 2: The Means by Which We Know God

We know him by two means: First, by the creation, preservation, and government of the universe, since that universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book in which all creatures, great and small, are as letters to make us ponder the invisible things of God: his eternal power and his divinity, as the apostle Paul says in Romans 1:20. All these things are enough to convict men and to leave them without excuse.

Second, he makes himself known to us more openly by his holy and divine Word, as much as we need in this life, for his glory and for the salvation of his own.

Scripture proofs
  • Romans 1:20

    Romans 1:20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 21 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation1 shared proof text · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 4: Of Creation1 shared proof text · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence4 shared topics

Article 16: The Doctrine of Election

We believe that—all Adam's descendants having thus fallen into perdition and ruin by the sin of the first man—God showed himself to be as he is: merciful and just. He is merciful in withdrawing and saving from this perdition those whom he, in his eternal and unchangeable counsel, has elected and chosen in Jesus Christ our Lord by his pure goodness, without any consideration of their works. He is just in leaving the others in their ruin and fall into which they plunged themselves.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 7: Election6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 135 shared topics

Article 23: The Justification of Sinners

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

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

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

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

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

  • Rom. 3:24.

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

  • Ps. 143:2.

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

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

First Head, Article 7: Election

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

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

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

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 1:4–6

    Eph. 1:4–6 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

  • Rom. 8:30

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

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

First Head, Article 14: Teaching Election Properly

Just as, by God's wise plan, this teaching concerning divine election has been proclaimed through the prophets, Christ himself, and the apostles, in Old and New Testament times, and has subsequently been committed to writing in the Holy Scriptures, so also today in God's church, for which it was specifically intended, this teaching must be set forth—with a spirit of discretion, in a godly and holy manner, at the appropriate time and place, without inquisitive searching into the ways of the Most High. This must be done for the glory of God's most holy name, and for the lively comfort of his people.

Parallel passages (6+)Scots Confession · Chapter XXV: The Gifts Freely Given to the Church5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 2: Of Interpreting the Holy Scriptures; Of Fathers, Councils, and Traditions4 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 16: The Doctrine of Election3 shared topics

First Head, Article 18: The Proper Attitude toward Election and Reprobation

To those who complain about this grace of an undeserved election and about the severity of a just reprobation, we reply with the words of the apostle, "Who are you, O man, to talk back to God?" (Rom. 9:20), and with the words of our Savior, "Have I no right to do what I want with my own?" (Matt. 20:15). We, however, with reverent adoration of these secret things, cry out with the apostle: "Oh, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways beyond tracing out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Or who has first given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen" (Rom. 11:33–36).

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 9:20

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

  • Matt. 20:15

    Matt. 20:15 Or is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what [is] mine? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’

  • Rom. 11:33–36

    Rom. 11:33–36 33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 34 “For who knew the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?” 35 Or “who first gave to Him, and it will be given back to him?” 36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1904 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1224 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 44 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1014 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 74 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

First Head: Rejection of the Errors

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

Error I.

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

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

Error II.

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

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

Error III.

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

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

Error IV.

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

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

Error V.

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

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

Error VI.

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

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

Error VII.

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

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

Error VIII.

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

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

Error IX.

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • John 17:6

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

  • Acts 13:48

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

  • Eph. 1:4

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

  • Rom. 8:30

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

  • 2 Tim. 1:9

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

  • Eph. 2:3–9

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

  • Rom. 9:11–12

    Rom. 9:11–12 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 12 not of works but of the One calling, it was said to her, “The greater will serve the lesser.”

  • John 15:16

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

  • Rom. 11:6

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

  • 1 John 4:10

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

  • Matt. 24:24

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

  • John 6:39

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

  • Luke 10:20

    Luke 10:20 But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you⁺; but rejoice that your⁺ names have been written in the heavens.”

  • Rom. 8:33

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

  • Rom. 9:18

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

  • Matt. 13:11

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

  • Matt. 11:25–26

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

  • Deut. 10:14–15

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

  • Matt. 11:21

    Matt. 11:21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles having happened in you⁺ had happened in Tyre and Sidon, long ago in sackcloth and ashes they would have repented.

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

Fifth Head, Article 15: Contrasting Reactions to the Teaching of Perseverance

This teaching about the perseverance of true believers and saints, and about their assurance of it—a teaching which God has very richly revealed in his Word for the glory of his name and for the comfort of the godly and which he impresses on the hearts of believers—is something which the flesh does not understand, Satan hates, the world ridicules, the ignorant and the hypocrites abuse, and the spirits of error attack. The bride of Christ, on the other hand, has always loved this teaching very tenderly and defended it steadfastly as a priceless treasure; and God, against whom no plan can avail and no strength can prevail, will ensure that she will continue to do this. To this God alone, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

Parallel passages (6+)Belgic Confession · Article 23: The Justification of Sinners3 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 803 shared topics

Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 2:14–15; Rom. 1:19–20; Ps. 19:1–4. (See Rom. 1:32–2:1.)

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

    Rom. 1:19–20 19 because that which [is] known of God is manifest among them, for God has revealed [it] to them. 20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.

    Ps. 19:1–4 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David. The heavens are recounting the glory of God, and the firmament is declaring the work of and His hands. 2 Day after day it pours forth speech, and night after night it shows forth knowledge. 3 Without speech and without words, their voice not being heard, 4 their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. He has placed a tent in them for the sun,

    Rom. 1:32–2:1 32 who, having known the righteous decree of God that those practicing such things are worthy of death, not only are doing them, but also agree with those practicing [them]. 1 Therefore you are without excuse, O man, every one who is judging. For in that which you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, for you, the one judging, practice the same things.

  • John 17:3; 1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Cor. 2:13–14.

    John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent.

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

    1 Cor. 2:13–14 13 which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in [those] taught of the Spirit, expressing spiritual things by spiritual [means]. 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.

  • Heb. 1:1–2.

    Heb. 1:1–2 1 God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 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,

  • Luke 1:3–4; Rom. 15:4; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10; Isa. 8:20.

    Luke 1:3–4 3 it seemed good also to me, having followed closely from the first all things carefully, to write in consecutive order to you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things that you were instructed.

    Rom. 15:4 For as much as was written before was all written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have the hope.

    Matt. 4:4, 7, 10 4 But answering, He said, “It has been written: ‘Not on bread alone shall the man live, but on every word coming out through the mouth of God.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it has been written: ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’” 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.’”

    Isa. 8:20 to the law and to the testimony?" If they do not speak this according to the word, [it is] because there is not in them dawn.

  • 2 Tim. 3:15; 2 Peter 1:19.

    2 Tim. 3:15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

    2 Peter 1:19 And we have the more certain prophetic word, to which you⁺ do well taking heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until this day shall have dawned and the morning star shall have arisen in your⁺ hearts,

  • John 20:31; 1 Cor. 14:37; 1 John 5:13; 1 Cor. 10:11; Heb. 1:1–2; Heb. 2:2–4.

    John 20:31 But these have been written so that you⁺ may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that, believing, you⁺ may have life in His name.

    1 Cor. 14:37 If anyone thinks to be a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things I write to you⁺ are commands of the Lord.

    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. 10:11 Now these things happened to those [as] types and were written for our admonition, to whom the ends of the ages have come.

    Heb. 1:1–2 1 God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 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,

    Heb. 2:2–4 2 For if the word having been spoken by angels was firm, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, 3 how will we escape, having neglected such a great salvation, which, having received a beginning to be spoken by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those having heard, 4 God testifying with [them] both by signs and wonders, and by various miracles, and distributions of the Holy Spirit according to His will.

  • Luke 16:29, 31; Luke 24:27, 44; 2 Tim. 3:15–16; John 5:46–47.

    Luke 16:29, 31 29 But Abraham says, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, not even will they be persuaded if one should rise out from the dead.’”

    Luke 24:27, 44 27 And having begun from Moses and from all the Prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 44 And He said to them, “These [are] My words, which I spoke to you⁺ being still with you⁺, that it is necessary to be fulfilled all things having been written concerning Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms.”

    2 Tim. 3:15–16 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness,

    John 5:46–47 46 For if you⁺ were believing Moses, you⁺ would have been believing Me; for he wrote concerning Me. 47 But if you⁺ do not believe his writings, how will you⁺ believe My words?”

  • Rev. 22:18–19; Rom. 3:2; 2 Peter 1:21.

    Rev. 22:18–19 18 I testify to everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone should add to these things, God will add unto him the plagues written in this book. 19 And if anyone should take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, of those written in this book.

    Rom. 3:2 Much in every way. For first indeed, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.

    2 Peter 1:21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.

  • 2 Peter 1:19–20; 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 John 5:9; 1 Thess. 2:13; Rev. 1:1–2.

    2 Peter 1:19–20 19 And we have the more certain prophetic word, to which you⁺ do well taking heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until this day shall have dawned and the morning star shall have arisen in your⁺ hearts, 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation.

    2 Tim. 3:16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness,

    1 John 5:9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, because this is the testimony of God that He has testified concerning His Son.

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

    Rev. 1:1–2 1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him to show to His servants what is necessary to take place in quickness. And He signified [it] through having sent His angel to His servant John, 2 who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, as much as he saw.

  • 1 Tim. 3:15.

    1 Tim. 3:15 but if I should delay, so that you may know how it is necessary to conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.

  • 1 Cor. 2:9–10; Heb. 4:12; John 10:35; Isa. 55:11 (see Rom. 11:36); Ps. 19:7–11 (see 2 Tim. 3:15); 1 Cor. 2:4–5; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 John 2:20, 27 (see Isa. 59:2).

    1 Cor. 2:9–10 9 But as it has been written: “What no eye has seen, and no ear has heard, and has not gone up upon the heart of man—as much as God prepared for those loving Him.” 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.

    Heb. 4:12 For the word of God [is] living and effective, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing through and as far as the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrows, and able to judge the reflections and intentions of the heart.

    John 10:35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture is not able to be broken—

    Isa. 55:11 so is My word that goes forth from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty until it has done that which I delight, and it will prosper for that which I send it.

    Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

    Ps. 19:7–11 7 The law of YHWH [is] perfect, refreshing the soul; the testimony of YHWH [is] sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of YHWH [are] straight, making glad the heart; the commandment of YHWH [is] pure, bringing light to the eyes. 9 The fear of YHWH is pure, standing forever; the judgments of YHWH [are] true, being righteous altogether, 10 being desired above gold, and much above pure gold, and sweeter than honey and flowing honey from the honeycomb. 11 Indeed, Your servant is warned by them; in keeping them [is] great reward.

    2 Tim. 3:15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

    1 Cor. 2:4–5 4 And my speech and my preaching [were] not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your⁺ faith may not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

    1 Thess. 1:5 because our gospel came to you⁺ not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much full assurance, just as you⁺ know what we were among you⁺ on account of you⁺.

    1 John 2:20, 27 20 And you⁺ have the anointing from the Holy One, and all [of] you⁺ know. 27 And you⁺, the anointing that you⁺ received from Him remains in you⁺, and you⁺ have no need that anyone should teach you⁺. But as the same anointing teaches you⁺ concerning all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it taught you⁺, remain in Him.

    Isa. 59:2 For but your⁺ iniquities [that] have been causing separation for you⁺ from your⁺ God, and your⁺ sins have hidden the Face from you⁺, away from hearing.

  • 2 Tim. 3:16–17; Gal. 1:8–9; 2 Thess. 2:2.

    2 Tim. 3:16–17 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.

    Gal. 1:8–9 8 But even if we or an angel out of heaven should preach a gospel to you⁺ contrary to what we preached to you⁺, let him be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: If anyone preaches a gospel [to] you⁺ contrary to what you⁺ received, let him be accursed!

    2 Thess. 2:2 for you⁺ not quickly to be shaken in mind, nor to be alarmed, neither through spirit nor through word, nor through letter as through us, as that the day of the Lord is present.

  • John 6:45; 1 Cor. 2:12, 14–15; Eph. 1:18. (See 2 Cor. 4:6.)

    John 6:45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me.

    1 Cor. 2:12, 14–15 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, 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. 15 But the spiritual [man] judges all things, but he himself is judged by no one.

    Eph. 1:18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

    2 Cor. 4:6 For God [is] the One having said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who shone in our hearts for the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Cor. 11:13–14; 1 Cor. 14:26, 40.

    1 Cor. 11:13–14 13 Judge in yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you⁺ that indeed if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,

    1 Cor. 14:26, 40 26 What then is it, brothers? When you⁺ may come together, each has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 40 But let all things be done properly and according to order.

  • 2 Peter 3:16.

    2 Peter 3:16 as also in all the letters, speaking in them concerning these things, in which some things are difficult to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable distort, as also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

  • Ps. 119:105, 130; Deut. 29:29; Deut. 30:10–14; Acts 17:11.

    Ps. 119:105, 130 105 Your word [is] a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. 130 The opening of Your words gives light, giving understanding to the simple ones.

    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.

    Deut. 30:10–14 10 if you listen to the voice of YHWH your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes written in the Book of this Law, [and] if you turn to YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 11 For this commandment that I command you today is not too wonderful for you, and it is not far off. 12 It [is] not in the heavens, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend for us into the heavens and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 13 Nor [is] it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go for us to beyond the sea and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 14 But the word [is] very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.

    Acts 17:11 Now these, who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, received the word with all readiness, every day examining the Scriptures, if these things were so.

  • Matt. 5:18; Ps. 119:89.

    Matt. 5:18 For truly I say to you⁺, until the heaven and the earth should pass away, not even one iota, or one stroke of a letter, shall pass away from the Law, until everything should come to pass.

    Ps. 119:89 Forever, O YHWH, [is] Your word, standing fixed in the heavens.

  • Isa. 8:20; Matt. 15:3, 6; Acts 15:15. (See Luke 16:31.)

    Isa. 8:20 to the law and to the testimony?" If they do not speak this according to the word, [it is] because there is not in them dawn.

    Matt. 15:3, 6 3 And answering, He said to them, “Why also do you⁺ transgress the commandment of God because of your⁺ tradition? 6 he shall not honor his father or his mother. And you⁺ made void the word of God because of your⁺ tradition.

    Acts 15:15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:

    Luke 16:31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, not even will they be persuaded if one should rise out from the dead.’”

  • John 5:39; Acts 17:11; Rev. 1:3. (See 2 Tim. 3:14–15.)

    John 5:39 You⁺ search the Scriptures because you⁺ think to have eternal life in them, and these are they testifying concerning Me;

    Acts 17:11 Now these, who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, received the word with all readiness, every day examining the Scriptures, if these things were so.

    Rev. 1:3 Blessed [is] the one reading and those hearing the words of the prophecy and keeping the things written in it; for the time [is] near.

    2 Tim. 3:14–15 14 But you, abide in the things you learned and were convinced of, having known from whom you learned, 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

  • Matt. 28:19–20. (See 1 Cor. 14:6; Mark 15:34.)

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

    1 Cor. 14:6 But now, brothers, if I should come to you⁺ speaking in tongues, what will I profit you⁺, unless I should speak to you⁺ either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching?

    Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

  • Col. 3:16. (See Ex. 20:4–6; Matt. 15:7–9.)

    Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you⁺ richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, in grace singing in your⁺ hearts to God.

    Ex. 20:4–6 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments.

    Matt. 15:7–9 7 Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you⁺, saying: 8 ‘This people honors Me with the lips, but their heart is kept far away from Me; 9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”

  • Rom. 15:4.

    Rom. 15:4 For as much as was written before was all written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have the hope.

  • Acts 15:15; John 5:46. (See 2 Peter 1:20–21.)

    Acts 15:15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:

    John 5:46 For if you⁺ were believing Moses, you⁺ would have been believing Me; for he wrote concerning Me.

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

  • Matt. 22:29, 31; Acts 28:25. (See 1 John 4:1–6.)

    Matt. 22:29, 31 29 And answering, Jesus said to them, “You⁺ go astray, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, did you⁺ not read what has been spoken to you⁺ by God, saying,

    Acts 28:25 And being discordant with one another they began to leave, Paul having said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly by the prophet Isaiah to your⁺ fathers,

    1 John 4:1–6 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. 2 In this you⁺ know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ having come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not of God, and this is that of the antichrist, which you⁺ heard that is coming, and now is already in the world. 4 You⁺ are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is the One in you⁺ than the one in the world. 5 They are of the world; because of this they speak from out of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. The one knowing God hears us. The one who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture43 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 218 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 313 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 211 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 410 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 15510 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

1. There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will, for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him; and withal, most just, and terrible in his judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.

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

3. In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost: the Father is of none, neither begotten, nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4, 6. (See Gal. 3:20.)

    Deut. 6:4 Hear, O Israel: YHWH our God, YHWH [is] One.

    1 Cor. 8:4, 6 4 Therefore concerning the eating of the [things] sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world and that [there is] no God except one. 6 yet to us [there is] one God the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all things, and we through Him.

    Gal. 3:20 Now the mediator is not of one; but God is one.

  • 1 Thess. 1:9; Jer. 10:10.

    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,

    Jer. 10:10 And YHWH [is] the true God; He [is] the living God, and King forever! At His wrath the earth trembles, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.

  • Job 11:7–9; Job 26:14. (See Ps. 139:6.)

    Job 11:7–9 7 Can you find out the searching of God? Or can you find out unto the limit of Shaddai? 8 The heights of the heavens—what can you do? [They are] deeper than Sheol—what can you know? 9 Longer than the earth [is] its measure, and wider than the sea.

    Job 26:14 Behold, these are the edges of His ways, and how faint of a word do we hear of Him! And the thundering of His might, who can understand?”

    Ps. 139:6 [Such] knowledge [is] wonderful for me; it is high, I am not able to atttain it.

  • John 4:24.

    John 4:24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

  • 1 Tim. 1:17. (See John 1:18.)

    1 Tim. 1:17 Now to the King of the ages, the immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory to the ages of the ages! Amen.

    John 1:18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

  • Deut. 4:15–16. (Cf. John 4:24 with Luke 24:39.)

    Deut. 4:15–16 15 And guard greatly your⁺ souls, for you⁺ did not see any form when YHWH spoke to you⁺ at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 lest you⁺ act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female—

    John 4:24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

    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.”

  • Acts 14:11, 15; James 1:17; Mal. 3:6; 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:23–24.

    Acts 14:11, 15 11 And the crowds, having seen what Paul had done, lifted up their voice in Lycaonian, saying, “The gods have come down to us, having become like men!” 15 and saying, “Men, why do you⁺ do these things? We also are men of like nature with you⁺, proclaiming the gospel to you⁺ to turn from these vain [things] to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them,

    James 1:17 Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

    Mal. 3:6 “For I, YHWH, do not change; and you⁺, sons of Jacob, have not been consumed.

    1 Kings 8:27 But will indeed God dwell on the earth? Behold, the heavens and the heavens of the heavens cannot contain You. How much less this house that I have built?

    Jer. 23:23–24 23 “[Am] I a God nearby,” a declaration of YHWH, “And not a God far away?” 24 “Can a man hide himself in the hidden places, and I shall not see him?” A declaration of YHWH. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” A declaration of YHWH.

  • Ps. 90:2. (See 1 Tim. 1:17.)

    Ps. 90:2 In the [time] before the mountains were brought forth, or You formed the earth and the world, and from forever even to forever, You [are] God.

    1 Tim. 1:17 Now to the King of the ages, the immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory to the ages of the ages! Amen.

  • 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:23–24.

    1 Kings 8:27 But will indeed God dwell on the earth? Behold, the heavens and the heavens of the heavens cannot contain You. How much less this house that I have built?

    Jer. 23:23–24 23 “[Am] I a God nearby,” a declaration of YHWH, “And not a God far away?” 24 “Can a man hide himself in the hidden places, and I shall not see him?” A declaration of YHWH. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” A declaration of YHWH.

  • Ps. 90:2. (See 1 Tim. 1:17.)

    Ps. 90:2 In the [time] before the mountains were brought forth, or You formed the earth and the world, and from forever even to forever, You [are] God.

    1 Tim. 1:17 Now to the King of the ages, the immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory to the ages of the ages! Amen.

  • Ps. 145:3. (See Rom. 11:34.)

    Ps. 145:3 Great [is] YHWH and to be praised greatly, and of His greatness there is no searching out.

    Rom. 11:34 “For who knew the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?”

  • Gen. 17:1; Rev. 4:8.

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

    Rev. 4:8 And the four living creatures, one by one of them had six wings respectively, full of eyes all around and within; and they do not have rest day and night, saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, the One who was and who is and who is coming!”

  • Rom. 16:27.

    Rom. 16:27 [to] the only wise God [be] the glory unto the ages of the ages, which [is] through Jesus Christ! Amen.

  • Isa. 6:3. (See Rev. 4:8.)

    Isa. 6:3 And this one cried to this one and said: “Holy, holy, holy [is] YHWH of Hosts; the fullness of all the earth [is] His glory!”

    Rev. 4:8 And the four living creatures, one by one of them had six wings respectively, full of eyes all around and within; and they do not have rest day and night, saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, the One who was and who is and who is coming!”

  • Ps. 115:3. (See Isa. 14:24.)

    Ps. 115:3 And our God [is] in the heavens; all that he has pleased, He has done.

    Isa. 14:24 YHWH of Hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely as I have purposed, so it will be, and as I have counseled, [so] it will stand:

  • Isa. 45:5–6. (See Ex. 3:14.)

    Isa. 45:5–6 5 I [am] YHWH, and there is no other; besides Me there are no gods. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, 6 so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides Me. I [am] YHWH, and there is no other—

    Ex. 3:14 And God said to Moses, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘Ehyeh has sent me to you⁺.’”

  • Eph. 1:11.

    Eph. 1:11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

  • Prov. 16:4; Rom. 11:36. (See Rev. 4:11.)

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

    Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

    Rev. 4:11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.”

  • 1 John 4:8. (See 1 John 4:16; John 3:16.)

    1 John 4:8 The one not loving has not known God, because God is love.

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

    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.

  • Ex. 34:6–7.

    Ex. 34:6–7 6 And YHWH passed before his face and proclaimed, “YHWH, YHWH God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving devotion and truth, 7 keeping loving devotion to the thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and he will surely not acquit [the guilty], visiting iniquity of fathers upon sons and upon sons of sons, upon a third and upon a fourth.”

  • Heb. 11:6.

    Heb. 11:6 And without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for it is necessary for the one coming to God to believe that He is and [that] He becomes a rewarder to those seeking Him out.

  • Neh. 9:32–33. (See Heb. 10:28–31.)

    Neh. 9:32–33 32 And now, our God—the God the great, the mighty, and fearsome, keeping the covenant and the kindness, should not all the hardship that has found us seem little before Your face—for our kings, for our princes, and for our priests, and for our prophets, and for our fathers, and for all Your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until this day. 33 And You [are] righteous over all that has come upon us, for faithfully You have acted, and we have been wicked.

    Heb. 10:28–31 28 Anyone having set aside the law of Moses dies without mercies on the basis of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment do you⁺ think he will be worthy of, the one having trampled upon the Son of God, and having deemed common the blood of the covenant in which he was sanctified, and having insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know the One having said, “Vengeance [is] Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

  • Rom. 1:18; Ps. 5:5–6. (See Ps. 11:5.)

    Rom. 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness,

    Ps. 5:5–6 5 The one boasting shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You will destroy those speaking falsehood; a man of blood and deceit YHWH abhors.

    Ps. 11:5 YHWH tests the righteous, and His soul hates the wicked one and the lover of violence.

  • Ex. 34:7a. (See Nah. 1:2–3, 6.)

    Ex. 34:7 keeping loving devotion to the thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and he will surely not acquit [the guilty], visiting iniquity of fathers upon sons and upon sons of sons, upon a third and upon a fourth.”

    Nah. 1:2–3, 6 2 A God jealous and avenging [is] YHWH; avenging [is] YHWH and owner of fury; avenging [is] YHWH on His adversaries, and He is watching for His enemies. 3 YHWH [is] slow to anger and great in power; and YHWH does not entirely acquit. In the whirlwind and in the storm [is] His way, and the clouds [are] the dust of His feet. 6 Before the face of His indignation, who can stand? And who can stand up in the burning of His anger? His fury is poured out like the fire, and the rocks are torn down by Him.

  • Jer. 10:10. (See John 5:26.)

    Jer. 10:10 And YHWH [is] the true God; He [is] the living God, and King forever! At His wrath the earth trembles, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.

    John 5:26 For just as the Father has life in Himself, so also He gave to the Son to have life in Himself.

  • Acts 7:2.

    Acts 7:2 And he began to speak: “Men, brothers and fathers, listen! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, being in Mesopotamia before his dwelling in Haran,

  • Ps. 119:68.

    Ps. 119:68 You [are] good, and the One doing good; may You teach me Your statutes.

  • 1 Tim. 6:15. (See Rom. 9:5.)

    1 Tim. 6:15 which He will show in [His] own times, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of those being kings and the Lord of those being lords,

    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.

  • Acts 17:24–25.

    Acts 17:24–25 24 The God having made the world and all things that [are] in it, He, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in hand-made temples, 25 nor is He served by hands of men as needing anything—He [who] gives to all life and breath and all things.

  • Luke 17:10.

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

  • Rom. 11:36.

    Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

  • Rev. 4:11; Dan. 4:25, 35. (See 1 Tim. 6:15.)

    Rev. 4:11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.”

    Dan. 4:25, 35 25 That they shall drive you away from men, and with the beasts of the field shall be your dwelling; and they shall make you eat grass like oxen, and from the dew of heaven they shall wet you; and seven times shall pass over you, until that you come to know that the Most High [is] ruling over the kingdom of men, and to whom that, He chooses He gives it. 35 and all those dwelling in the earth are regarded as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of the heaven and those dwelling in the earth; and there is no one who can strike on His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”

    1 Tim. 6:15 which He will show in [His] own times, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of those being kings and the Lord of those being lords,

  • Heb. 4:13.

    Heb. 4:13 And there is no created thing hidden before Him, but all things [are] bare and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom [is] our account.

  • Rom. 11:33–34; Ps. 147:5.

    Rom. 11:33–34 33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 34 “For who knew the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?”

    Ps. 147:5 Great [is] our Lord, and abundant in power; of His understanding there is no numbering!

  • Acts 15:18; Ezek. 11:5.

    Acts 15:18 known from the age.’

    Ezek. 11:5 And fell upon me the Spirit of YHWH, and He said to me, “Say, thus says YHWH: Thus you⁺ have said, O house of Israel—and the [things] coming upon your⁺ spirit I know.

  • Ps. 145:17; Rom. 7:12.

    Ps. 145:17 Righteous [is] YHWH in all His ways, and kind in all His works.

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

  • Rev. 5:12–14.

    Rev. 5:12–14 12 saying in a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb having been slain to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature that is in heaven and upon the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and everything in them, saying: “To the One sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb, blessing and honor and glory and might to the ages of the ages!” 14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell and worshiped.

  • Matt. 3:16–17; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14. (See Eph. 2:18.)

    Matt. 3:16–17 16 And having been baptized, Jesus immediately went up from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and coming upon Him. 17 And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I was well pleased.”

    Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

    2 Cor. 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit [be] with all of you⁺.

    Eph. 2:18 For through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

  • John 1:14, 18. (See Heb. 1:2–3; Col. 1:15.)

    John 1:14, 18 14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

    Heb. 1:2–3 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, 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,

    Col. 1:15 [He] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation,

  • John 15:26; Gal. 4:6.

    John 15:26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you⁺ from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes forth from the Father, He will testify about Me.

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

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity45 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 423 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 722 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 612 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 259 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 3: Of God; The Unity and the Trinity6 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree

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

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

3. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death.

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

5. Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen, in Christ, unto everlasting glory, out of his mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith, or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving him thereunto; and all to the praise of his glorious grace.

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

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

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

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

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

    Eph. 1:11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

    Heb. 6:17 in which God, willing to show more abundantly the unchangeableness of His purpose to the heirs of the promise, guaranteed [it] by an oath,

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

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

    James 1:13–14 13 Let no one being tempted say, “I am being tempted from God.” For God is unable to be tempted by evils, and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire.

    1 John 1:5 And this is the message that we have heard from Him and we announce to you⁺, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness—none.

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

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

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

    Matt. 17:12 But I say to you⁺ that Elijah did already come, and they did not know him, but they did to him whatever they wanted. Thus also the Son of Man is about to suffer under them.”

    Acts 4:27–28 27 For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predetermined to happen.

    John 19:11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Because of this, the one having delivered Me up to you has greater sin.”

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

  • 1 Sam. 23:11–12; Matt. 11:21, 23.

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

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

  • Rom. 9:11, 13, 16, 18.

    Rom. 9:11, 13, 16, 18 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 13 As it has been written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy. 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • 1 Tim. 5:21; Jude 6; Matt. 25:31, 41.

    1 Tim. 5:21 I earnestly testify before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that you should keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.

    Matt. 25:31, 41 31 And when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon the throne of His glory. 41 Then also He will say to those on [His] left, ‘Depart from Me, the cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

    Jude 6 on BibleHub ↗

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

    Eph. 1:5–6 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

    Rom. 9:22–23 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction, 23 so that He might also make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,

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

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

    John 13:18 I speak not about all of you⁺—I know whom I chose—but so that the Scripture may be fulfilled: ‘The one eating My bread lifted up his heel against Me.’

    2 Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

    John 10:14–16, 27–28 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me— 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

    17:2, 6, 9–12 2 as You gave to Him authority over all flesh, so that all whom You have given to Him, He may give to them eternal life. 6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word. 9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all things of Mine are Yours, and Yours Mine, and I have been glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, and they are themselves in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, which You have given to Me, so that they may be one as We [are]. 12 When I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name, which You have given to Me. And I guarded [them], and none of them perished except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

  • Eph. 1:4, 9, 11; Rom. 8:28–30; 2 Tim. 1:9; 1 Thess. 5:9.

    Eph. 1:4, 9, 11 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

    Rom. 8:28–30 28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose, 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

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

    1 Thess. 5:9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • Rom. 9:11, 13, 15–16; Eph. 2:8–9. (See Eph. 1:5, 9, 11.)

    Rom. 9:11, 13, 15–16 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 13 As it has been written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 15 For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I may have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I may have compassion.” 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy.

    Eph. 2:8–9 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

    Eph. 1:5, 9, 11 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

  • Eph. 1:6, 12.

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

  • 1 Peter 1:2; Eph. 2:10; 2 Thess. 2:13.

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

    Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

    2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,

  • 1 Thess. 5:9–10; Titus 2:14.

    1 Thess. 5:9–10 9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 the One having died for us, so that whether we may watch or we may sleep, we may live together with Him.

    Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.

  • Rom. 8:30. (See Eph. 1:5; 2 Thess. 2:13.)

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

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

    2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,

  • 1 Peter 1:5.

    1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

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

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

    John 6:64–65 64 But there are some of you⁺ who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning who are those not believing and who it is who will betray Him. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”

    Rom. 8:28–39 28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose, 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified. 31 What then will we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [can be] against us— 32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it has been written: “For Your sake we face death all the day; we were reckoned as sheep of slaughter.” 37 But in all these things we are more than conquerors through the One having loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things about to be, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God that [is] in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

    17:9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours.

    1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [it is] so that it might be made manifest that they are not all of us.

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

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

    Rom. 9:17–18, 21–22 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “For this very thing I raised you up, so that I might display My power in you, and that My name should be declared in all the earth.” 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants. 21 Or does the potter not have authority over the clay to make out of the same lump the one vessel indeed for honor, but the one for dishonor? 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction,

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

    2 Tim. 2:19–20 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.” 20 Now in a great house there are not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some indeed for honor, but some for dishonor.

    Jude 4 on BibleHub ↗

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

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

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

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

  • 2 Peter 1:10; 1 Thess. 1:4–5.

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

    1 Thess. 1:4–5 4 knowing, brothers beloved by God, your⁺ election, 5 because our gospel came to you⁺ not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much full assurance, just as you⁺ know what we were among you⁺ on account of you⁺.

  • Eph. 1:6. (See Rom. 11:33.)

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

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

  • Rom. 11:5–6, 20; Rom. 8:33; Luke 10:20. (See 2 Peter 1:10.)

    Rom. 11:5–6, 20 5 So then also in the present time, there has been a remnant according to the election of grace, 6 and if by grace, no longer out of works; otherwise grace no longer is grace. 20 Rightly so: They were broken off by unbelief, but you have stood by faith. Do not be high-minded, but be afraid.

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

    Luke 10:20 But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you⁺; but rejoice that your⁺ names have been written in the heavens.”

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

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

Chapter 5: Of Providence

1. God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.

2. Although, in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the First Cause, all things come to pass immutably, and infallibly; yet, by the same providence, he ordereth them to fall out, according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.

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

4. The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God so far manifest themselves in his providence, that it extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all other sins of angels and men; and that not by a bare permission, but such as hath joined with it a most wise and powerful bounding, and otherwise ordering, and governing of them, in a manifold dispensation, to his own holy ends; yet so, as the sinfulness thereof proceedeth only from the creature, and not from God, who, being most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin.

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

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • Neh. 9:6; Ps. 145:14–16; Heb. 1:3.

    Neh. 9:6 You [are] He, YHWH, You alone; You have made the heavens, the heavens of the heavens, and all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You give life to all things, and the host of the heavens gives worship to You.

    Ps. 145:14–16 14 YHWH is upholding all those falling, and raising up all those bent down low. 15 The eyes of all wait for You, and You give to them their food in its time. 16 You open Your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

    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,

  • Dan. 4:34–35; Ps. 135:6; Acts 17:25–28; Job 38–41.

    Dan. 4:34–35 34 And at the end of the days, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to the heavens, and my understanding returned to me, and to the Most High I offered blessing, and to the One Living forever I gave praise and honor: “For His dominion [is] a dominion everlasting, and His kingdom [is] from generation to generation; 35 and all those dwelling in the earth are regarded as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of the heaven and those dwelling in the earth; and there is no one who can strike on His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”

    Ps. 135:6 All that YHWH delights in, He does, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all the depths,

    Acts 17:25–28 25 nor is He served by hands of men as needing anything—He [who] gives to all life and breath and all things. 26 And He made out of one [man] every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having determined the appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 to seek God, if perhaps indeed they might feel after Him and might find Him. And indeed, He is not far from each one of us. 28 ‘For in Him we live and move and are.’ As also some of the poets among you⁺ have said, ‘For we are also [His] offspring.’

    Job 38 on BibleHub ↗

    Job 39 on BibleHub ↗

    Job 40 on BibleHub ↗

    Job 41 on BibleHub ↗

  • Matt. 10:29–31. (See Matt. 6:26–32.)

    Matt. 10:29–31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your⁺ Father. 30 And even the hairs of your⁺ head are all numbered. 31 Therefore do not be afraid; you⁺ are more valuable than many sparrows.

    Matt. 6:26–32 26 Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor do they reap, nor do they gather into barns, and your⁺ heavenly Father feeds them. Are you⁺ not much more valuable than they? 27 And who of you⁺, being anxious, is able to add to his lifespan one cubit? 28 And why are you⁺ anxious about clothing? Consider carefully the lilies of the field, how they grow: They do not labor, nor do they spin. 29 Yet I say to you⁺ that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these. 30 But if God thus clothes the grass of the field, being today and tomorrow being thrown into the furnace, [will He] not much more you⁺, O little of faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘[With] what shall we be clothed?’ 32 For the nations seek after all these things. For your⁺ heavenly Father knows that you⁺ have need of all of these.

  • Prov. 15:3; 2 Chron. 16:9; Ps. 104:24; Ps. 145:17.

    Prov. 15:3 The eyes of YHWH [are] in every place, watching evil ones and good ones.

    2 Chron. 16:9 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.”

    Ps. 104:24 How many are Your works, O YHWH! All of them You have made in wisdom; the earth is full of Your creatures.

    Ps. 145:17 Righteous [is] YHWH in all His ways, and kind in all His works.

  • Acts 15:18; Isa. 42:9; Ezek. 11:5.

    Acts 15:18 known from the age.’

    Isa. 42:9 Behold, the former things, they have come, and new [things] I am declaring—before they spring forth, I proclaim [them] to you⁺.”

    Ezek. 11:5 And fell upon me the Spirit of YHWH, and He said to me, “Say, thus says YHWH: Thus you⁺ have said, O house of Israel—and the [things] coming upon your⁺ spirit I know.

  • Eph. 1:11; Ps. 33:10–11.

    Eph. 1:11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

    Ps. 33:10–11 10 YHWH breaks apart the counsel of nations; He has diasllowed the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of YHWH stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation and [to] generation.

  • Isa. 63:14; Eph. 3:10; Rom. 9:17; Gen. 45:7; Ps. 145:7.

    Isa. 63:14 As the beast goes down into the valley, the Spirit of YHWH gave them rest—thus You led Your people, to make for Yourself a glorious name.

    Eph. 3:10 so that [there] might be made known now to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God,

    Rom. 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “For this very thing I raised you up, so that I might display My power in you, and that My name should be declared in all the earth.”

    Gen. 45:7 And God sent me before you⁺ to make for you⁺ a remnant in the earth, and to give life to you⁺ by a great deliverance.

    Ps. 145:7 The memory of the abundance of Your goodness they will pour forth, and Your righteousness they will sing out.

  • Acts 2:23. (See Isa. 14:24, 27.)

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

    Isa. 14:24, 27 24 YHWH of Hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely as I have purposed, so it will be, and as I have counseled, [so] it will stand: 27 For YHWH of Hosts has counseled, and who can break [it]? And His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

  • Gen. 8:22; Jer. 31:35; Isa. 10:6–7. (See Ex. 21:13 and Deut. 19:5; 1 Kings 22:28–34.)

    Gen. 8:22 Throughout all the days of the earth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”

    Jer. 31:35 Thus says YHWH, who gives the sun for a light by day, [and] the ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night, who stirs up the sea when its waves roar—YHWH of Hosts [is] His name:

    Isa. 10:6–7 6 I will send him against a godless nation and I will order him against the people of My wrath, to plunder the plunder and to prey [on] the prey, and to set [them] for trampling like the clay of the streets. 7 And he does not consider [it] so, and his heart does not reckon [it] so, for to destroy [is] in his heart, and to cut off nations—not a few.

    Ex. 21:13 And if he did not lie in wait and God caused [it] to meet his hand, then I will appoint for you a place where there he may flee.

    Deut. 19:5 and he who goes with his neighbor into the forest to cut timber, and his hand swings with the ax to cut down the tree, and the head slips from the handle and strikes his neighbor so that he dies, he shall flee to one of these cities and live,

    1 Kings 22:28–34 28 And Micaiah said, “If you ever return in peace, YHWH has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Take heed, peoples, all of them.” 29 And the king of Israel went up, and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, to Ramoth-gilead. 30 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and come into the battle, and you put on your robes.” And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into the battle. 31 And the king of Aram had commanded the captains of the chariots who [were] unto him, thirty-two, saying, “You⁺ shall not fight with small or with great, except but with the king of Israel by himself.” 32 And it came to pass, the commanders of the chariots seeing Jehoshaphat, that they said, “It [is] surely the king of Israel.” And they turned aside to fight against him, and Jehoshaphat cried out. 33 And it came to pass, the captains of the chariots seeing that it [was] not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. 34 And a man drew with the bow in his simplicity, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints and between of armor. And he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn your hand and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”

  • Acts 27:24, 31, 44b; Isa. 55:10–11.

    Acts 27:24, 31, 44 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. It is necessary for you to stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted to you all those sailing with you.’ 31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these remain in the ship, you⁺ are not able to be saved.” 44 and the rest, some indeed on boards and some on things from the ship. And thus it came to pass [that] all were brought safely to the land.

    Isa. 55:10–11 10 For as the rain comes down—and the snow—from the heavens, and [from] there it does not return until it has quenched the earth and made it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the one sowing and bread to the one eating, 11 so is My word that goes forth from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty until it has done that which I delight, and it will prosper for that which I send it.

  • Hos. 1:7; Matt. 4:4; Job 34:20.

    Hos. 1:7 And [on] the house of Judah I will have compassion, and I will save them, by YHWH their God; I will not save them by bow, or by sword, or by battle, by horses, or by horsemen.”

    Matt. 4:4 But answering, He said, “It has been written: ‘Not on bread alone shall the man live, but on every word coming out through the mouth of God.’”

    Job 34:20 [In] a moment they die, and in the middle of the night the people are shaken and pass away; and the mighty are taken away, not by a hand.

  • Rom. 4:19–21.

    Rom. 4:19–21 19 And not having become weak in the faith, he considered his body already having become dead, being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 Yet he did not doubt in unbelief in the promise of God, but was empowered in faith, having given glory to God, 21 and having been fully assured that what He has promised, He is also able to do.

  • 2 Kings 6:6; Dan. 3:27.

    2 Kings 6:6 And the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place, and he cut off a stick and threw [it] in there; and the iron he made float.

    Dan. 3:27 And gathered together the satraps, the administrators, and the governors, and the counselors of the king, and they saw these men whom the fire had no power over their bodies, and the hair of their head was not singed, and their garments were not changed, and the smell of fire had not passed over them.

  • Isa. 45:7; Rom. 11:32–34; 2 Sam. 16:10; Acts 2:23; Acts 4:27–28. (See 2 Sam. 24:1 and 1 Chron. 21:1; 1 Kings 22:22–23; 1 Chron. 10:4, 13–14.)

    Isa. 45:7 forming the light and creating darkness, making peace and creating calamity—I [am] YHWH, the One doing all these [things]!

    Rom. 11:32–34 32 For God closed up all in disobedience so that He may have mercy on all. 33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 34 “For who knew the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?”

    2 Sam. 16:10 And the king said, “What have I with you⁺, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because YHWH has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”

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

    Acts 4:27–28 27 For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predetermined to happen.

    2 Sam. 24:1 And the anger of YHWH added to be hot against Israel, and He moved David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”

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

    1 Kings 22:22–23 22 And he said, ‘I will go and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And He said, ‘Entice him and also you will prevail. Go and do so.’ 23 And now, behold, YHWH has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and YHWH has declared disaster against you.”

    1 Chron. 10:4, 13–14 4 And Saul said to the bearer of his armor, “Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and abuse me.” And the bearer of his armor was not willing, for he was exceedingly afraid. And Saul took a sword and fell on it. 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.

  • John 12:40; 2 Thess. 2:11.

    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.”

    2 Thess. 2:11 And because of this, God sends to them a working of delusion for them to believe the lie,

  • Ps. 76:10; 2 Kings 19:28.

    Ps. 76:10 for the wrath of man shall praise You; with the remainder of wrath You gird Yourself.

    2 Kings 19:28 Because your raging against me and your tumult have come up to My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way in which you came.’

  • Gen. 50:20; Isa. 10:12. (See Isa. 10:6–7, 13–15.)

    Gen. 50:20 And you⁺—you⁺ intended evil against me, God intended it for good, in order to bring about a day like this, to keep alive many people.

    Isa. 10:12 And it will come to pass, when YHWH has cut off all his work against Mount Zion and against Jerusalem: “I will reckon with the fruit of the magnitude of the heart of the king of Assyria and with the splendor of the loftiness of his eyes.

    Isa. 10:6–7, 13–15 6 I will send him against a godless nation and I will order him against the people of My wrath, to plunder the plunder and to prey [on] the prey, and to set [them] for trampling like the clay of the streets. 7 And he does not consider [it] so, and his heart does not reckon [it] so, for to destroy [is] in his heart, and to cut off nations—not a few. 13 For he says, ‘By the power of my hand I have done [this], and by my own wisdom, for I have understanding; and I have removed the boundaries of the peoples, and their treasuries I have plundered; and I have brought down like a mighty one those sitting! 14 And my hand has found the riches of the peoples as a nest; and as a gathering of forsaken eggs I have gathered all the earth; and there has not been one flapping a wing or opening [its] mouth and chirping.’” 15 Will the ax glorify itself over the one hewing with it? Or will the saw exalt itself over one waving it—waving it as a rod of the one raising it, lifting it up as a staff not of wood!

  • James 1:13–14, 17; 1 John 2:16; Ps. 50:21.

    James 1:13–14, 17 13 Let no one being tempted say, “I am being tempted from God.” For God is unable to be tempted by evils, and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire. 17 Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

    1 John 2:16 because all that [is] in the world, the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the vaunting of life, is not from the Father but is from the world.

    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.

  • 2 Chron. 32:25–26, 31; Deut. 8:2–3, 5; Luke 22:31–32. (See 2 Sam. 24:1, 25.)

    2 Chron. 32:25–26, 31 25 And Hezekiah did not repay according to the deed to him, for his heart was lifted up; and there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. 26 And Hezekiah humbled himself for the loftiness of his heart, he and those dwelling in Jerusalem, so that the wrath of YHWH did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah. 31 And so with the ambassadors of the heads of Babylon, those sending to him to inquire about the sign that was [done] in the land, God withdrew from him in order to test him, that He might know all in his heart.

    Deut. 8:2–3, 5 2 And you shall remember the whole way that YHWH your God led you this forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you to know what [was] in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 And He humbled you and allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, so that He might make you know that the man shall not live by bread alone; but by every [word] that proceeds from the mouth of YHWH the man shall live. 5 And you shall know in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, YHWH your God disciplines 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.”

    2 Sam. 24:1, 25 1 And the anger of YHWH added to be hot against Israel, and He moved David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” 25 And David built there an altar to YHWH, and he offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings. And YHWH heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.

  • 2 Cor. 12:7–9. (See Ps. 73:1–28; 77:1–12; Mark 14:66–72; John 21:15–19.)

    2 Cor. 12:7–9 7 and the surpassingness of the revelations. Therefore, so that I should not be over-exalted, a thorn in [my] flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, that he might buffet me, so that I should not be over-exalted. 8 Three times I entreated the Lord for this, that it might depart from me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace suffices for you, for the power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, rather, I will boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

    Ps. 73:1–28 1 A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God [is] good to Israel, to those pure of heart. 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. 4 For there are no pangs until their death, and their body [is] fat. 5 They [are] not in the trouble of mankind, and with men they are not are they plagued. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence is a covering for them. 7 Their eye has bulged out from fat, the imaginations of their heart overflow. 8 They scoff and speak with malice; from a high place they speak oppression. 9 They have set their mouth in the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. 10 Therefore his people turn here, and waters of fullness are wrung out for them. 11 And they say, “How can God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 Behold, these [are] the wicked, and at ease always, they have increased in wealth. 13 Surely [in] vain I have cleansed my heart, and I have washed my hands in innocence. 14 For I have been stricken all the day, and chastened in the morning. 15 If I had said, “I will speak like this,” behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your sons. 16 And I thought to know this—it [was] toil in my eyes— 17 until I came to the sanctuary of God, [and] discerned their end. 18 Surely You set them on slick ground; You make them fall to destruction. 19 How they have become a desolation in a moment! They are swept away completely by terrors. 20 As a dream from awakening, O Lord, in rousing Yourself, You shall despise their image. 21 For my heart had grown sour, and my kidneys pierce themselves. 22 And I [was] brutish and could not know; I was a beast before You. 23 And I [am] always with You; You hold my right hand. 24 May You lead me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me [in] glory! 25 Who [is] unto me in the heavens? And besides You I do not take delight on the earth. 26 My flesh and my heart may be consumed, the rock of my heart and my portion [is] God to the age. 27 For behold, those far from You will perish. You destroy everyone prostituting himself from You! 28 But I—the nearness of God [is] good for me—I have placed my refuge in the Lord YHWH, to recount all Your works.

    77:1–12 1 For the one directing. According to Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A Psalm. My voice [is] to God—indeed I cry out [with] my voice to God—and He has given ear to me. 2 In the day of my distress I sought the Lord; my hand in the night has been stretched out, and it does not slacken; my soul refuses to be comforted. 3 I remember God, and I groan; I meditate, and my spirit becomes faint. Selah 4 You hold the lids of my eyes; I am troubled, and I cannot speak. 5 I consider the days of old, the years of ages [past]. 6 I remember, my song in the night; with my heart I converse, and my spirit searches. 7 “Will the Lord forever reject [us], and not anymore will He add to show favor? 8 Has His loving devotion ceased forever? Has [His] speech come to an end to generation and generation? 9 Or has God forgotten to show favor? Has He shut up in anger His compassion?” Selah 10 and I said, “I am grieved. Has it changed—the right hand of the Most High?” 11 I will remember the deeds of YAH; indeed, I will remember Your wonder of old. 12 And I have meditated on all Your work, and I put forth Your deeds.

    Mark 14:66–72 66 And of Peter being below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest comes, 67 and having seen Peter warming himself, having looked at him, she says, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied [it], saying, “I neither know nor understand what you say.” And he went forth out into the gateway, and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl, having seen him, began to say again to those standing by, “This is one of them.” 70 But he denied [it] again. And after a little while, again those standing by were saying to Peter, “Truly you are of them, for you also are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you⁺ speak!” 72 And immediately a rooster crowed for the second time. And Peter remembered the word that Jesus said to him: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And having broken down, he began to weep.

    John 21:15–19 15 Therefore when they had dined, Jesus says to Simon Peter, “Simon [son] of John, do you love Me more than these?” He says to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I dearly love You.” He says to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He says to him again a second time, “Simon [son] of John, do you love Me?” He says to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I dearly love You.” He says to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He says to him the third time, “Simon [son] of John, do you dearly love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you dearly love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I dearly love You.” Jesus says to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you were girding yourself and were walking where you were wanting; but when you shall be old, you will stretch forth your hands, and another will gird you and will bring [you] where you do not want.” 19 Now He said this, signifying by what death he will glorify God. And having said this, He says to him, “Follow Me.”

  • Rom. 1:24, 26, 28; Rom. 11:7–8.

    Rom. 1:24, 26, 28 24 Therefore God gave them up in the sinful desires of their hearts to uncleanness to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 26 Because of this, God gave up them to passions of dishonor. For even their females changed the natural use into that contrary to nature. 28 And just as they did not see fit to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them up to an unfit mind, to do the [things] not being proper;

    Rom. 11:7–8 7 What then? What Israel seeks after, this it did not obtain, but the elect obtained [it]. And the rest were hardened, 8 as it has been written: God gave “them a spirit of stupor, eyes not to see, and ears not to hear, unto this very day.”

  • Deut. 29:4; Mark 4:11–12.

    Deut. 29:4 And YHWH has not given to you⁺ a heart to perceive and eyes to see and ears to hear, to this day.

    Mark 4:11–12 11 And He was saying to them, “To you⁺ has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to those who [are] outside, everything is done in parables, 12 so that: ‘Seeing they might see and not perceive, and hearing they might hear and not understand, lest ever they might return, and they might be forgiven.’””

  • Matt. 13:12; Matt. 25:29. (See Acts 13:10–11.)

    Matt. 13:12 For whoever has, [it] will be given to him, and he will be in abundance. And whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

    Matt. 25:29 For everyone having will be given, and he will have in abundance. But the one not having, even that which he has will be taken away from him.

    Acts 13:10–11 10 said, “O full of all deceit and all craftiness, son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.” And immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and going about, he was seeking someone to lead [him] by the hand.

  • Gen. 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12–13. (See Matt. 26:14–16.)

    Gen. 4:8 And Cain said to Abel his brother, [ “Let us go into the field.” ] And it came to pass in their being in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

    2 Kings 8:12–13 12 And Hazael said, “Why is my lord weeping?” And He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the sons of Israel—their strongholds you will send into the fire, and their young men you will kill with the sword, and their children you will dash to pieces, and their pregnant [women] you will split open.” 13 And Hazael said, “But what [is] your servant, a dog, that he should do this great thing?” And Elisha answered, “YHWH has made me see that you [will be] king over Aram.”

    Matt. 26:14–16 14 Then one of the Twelve, the one being called Judas Iscariot, having gone to the chief priests, 15 said, “What are you⁺ willing to give me, and I will betray Him to you⁺?” And they appointed to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that time, he was seeking an opportunity, that he might betray Him.

  • Ps. 109:6; Luke 22:3; 2 Thess. 2:10–12.

    Ps. 109:6 Appoint a wicked man over him, and let an adversary stand at his right hand.

    Luke 22:3 And Satan entered into Judas, the one being called Iscariot, being of the number of the Twelve.

    2 Thess. 2:10–12 10 and in every deception of wickedness to those perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth in order for them to be saved. 11 And because of this, God sends to them a working of delusion for them to believe the lie, 12 so that all those not having believed the truth but having been well pleased in unrighteousness should be judged.

  • Ex. 8:15, 32; 2 Cor. 2:15–16; Isa. 8:14; 1 Peter 2:7–8. (See Ex. 7:3; Isa. 6:9–10; Acts 28:26–27.)

    Ex. 8:15, 32 15 And Pharaoh saw that there was relief, and he made heavy his heart, and he did not listen to them, as YHWH had spoken. 32 And Pharaoh made heavy his heart also at this time, and he did not send out the people.

    2 Cor. 2:15–16 15 For we are a sweet smell of Christ to God among those being saved and among those perishing: 16 to one indeed a smell from death to death, but to one a smell from life to life. And who [is] sufficient for these things?

    Isa. 8:14 And He be for a sanctuary, and for a stone of striking and for a rock of falling for the two houses of Israel, for a trap and for a snare for those dwelling in Jerusalem!

    1 Peter 2:7–8 7 Therefore the preciousness [is] to you⁺ who [are] believing. But [to] [those] disbelieving, “The stone that those building rejected, this became into the head of the corner,” 8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” [They] stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.

    Ex. 7:3 And I will harden the heart of Pharaoh, and I will multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt.

    Isa. 6:9–10 9 And He said, “Go and say to the people this: ‘Be ever hearing and never understanding, and be ever seeing and never knowing.’ 10 Fatten the heart of this people, and its ears make heavy and its eyes shut, lest it see with its eyes, hear and with its ears, and understand [with] its heart, and turn back and there be healing for it.

    Acts 28:26–27 26 saying: ‘Go to this people and say, “In hearing you⁺ will hear and never understand; and in seeing you⁺ will see and never perceive.” 27 For the heart of this people grew dull, and with the ears they barely hear, and they have closed their eyes, lest ever they should see with the eyes, and should hear with the ears, and should understand with the heart, and should turn, and I will heal them.’

  • 1 Tim. 4:10; Amos 9:8–9; Matt. 16:18; Rom. 8:28; Isa. 43:3–5, 14.

    1 Tim. 4:10 For unto this we toil and strive, because we have hoped on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

    Amos 9:8–9 8 Behold, the eyes of the Lord YHWH [are] on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth—except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob.” An utterance of YHWH. 9 “For behold, I am giving the command, and I will shake among all the nations the house of Israel, as it is shaken in a sieve, and not a pebble will fall [to] the ground.

    Matt. 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

    Rom. 8:28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose,

    Isa. 43:3–5, 14 3 For I, YHWH, [am] your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt [for] your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. 4 Since you are precious in My eyes, You have been honored, and I love you. And I appoint man in place of you, and peoples in exchange for your soul. 5 Do not fear, for I [am] with you; from the east I will bring your seed, and from the west I will gather you. 14 Thus says YHWH, your⁺ Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your⁺ sake I will send to Babylon and bring them all down as fugitives, and the Chaldeans in the ships of their rejoicing.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence61 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 8116 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1813 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation13 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 12512 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 17211 shared proof texts

Question 1

Q. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Cor. 10:31; Rev. 4:11.

    Ps. 86:9 All the nations whom You have made shall come and bow down before Your face, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name.

    Isa. 60:21 And your people, all of them, [will be] righteous; they will inherit the land forever, the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, to [My] being glorified.

    Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

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

    1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore whether you⁺ eat or drink or whatever you⁺ do, do all things to the glory of God.

    Rev. 4:11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.”

  • Ps. 16:5–11; Ps. 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3–4.

    Ps. 16:5–11 5 YHWH, [is] the portion of my share, and my cup; You [are] the One upholding my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in the pleasant [places]; indeed, a pleasing inheritance [is] unto me. 7 I will bless YHWH, who counsels me; even [in] the nights, my kidneys instruct me. 8 I have set YHWH before me continually; because [He is] at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. 10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, and You will not give Your Holy one to see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; fullness of joys [is] with Your face, pleasant [things] [are] at Your right hand forever.

    Ps. 144:15 Blessed [are] the people for whom [is] thus; blessed [are] the people for whom YHWH [is] God!

    Isa. 12:2 Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid, for my strength and song [is] YAH—YHWH, and He has become for me salvation.”

    Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring good news to you⁺ [of] great joy that will be to all the people.

    Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

    Rev. 21:3–4 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying: “Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and He will tabernacle with them, and they will be His peoples, and God Himself will be with them [as] their God. 4 ‘And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and death will be no more, nor mourning nor crying nor pain; they will be no more, because the first things passed away.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 113 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1902 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 152 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 11 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 18: The Proper Attitude toward Election and Reprobation1 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 7

Q. What are the decrees of God?

A. The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 33:11; Isa. 14:24; Acts 2:23; Eph. 1:11–12.

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

    Isa. 14:24 YHWH of Hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely as I have purposed, so it will be, and as I have counseled, [so] it will stand:

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

    Eph. 1:11–12 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 12 for us to be to the praise of His glory, the ones having first hoped in Christ,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 124 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 542 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 107

Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach us?

A. The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, which is, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen, teacheth us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to him; and, in testimony of our desire, and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen.

Scripture proofs
  • Dan. 9:4, 7–9, 16–19; Luke 18:1, 7–8.

    Dan. 9:4, 7–9, 16–19 4 And I prayed to YHWH my God, and I made confession and said: “O Lord God, the great and fearsome One, the One keeping the covenant and the loving devotion to those loving Him and those keeping His commandments. 7 Unto You, O Lord, [is] the righteousness, and unto us [is] shame of face, as [on] this day, to the men of Judah, and to those dwelling in Jerusalem, and to all of Israel—those near, and those far off—in all the lands to which You have driven them there because of their unfaithfulness with which they were unfaithful to You! 8 O YHWH, unto us [is] shame of face—to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers—because we have sinned against You. 9 Unto the Lord our God [are] compassion and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him, 16 O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, let be turned back, please, Your anger and Your fury from Your city Jerusalem, the mountain of Your holiness! For because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people [are] a reproach to all around us. 17 And now, listen, our God, to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and cause to shine Your face on Your sanctuary that [is] desolate—for the sake of the Lord! 18 Incline, O my God, Your ear, and hear; open Your eyes, and see our desolations and the city upon which Your name is called. For [it is] not because of our righteous acts [that] we are letting fall our supplications before Your face, but because of Your many mercies. 19 O Lord, may You hear! O Lord, may You forgive! O Lord, may You be attentive and act! Do not delay, for Your sake, O my God, for Your name is called upon Your city and upon Your people!”

    Luke 18:1, 7–8 1 And He was speaking a parable to them that it is necessary for them always to pray and not to grow fainthearted, 7 And shall not God execute the avenging of His chosen—the ones crying out to Him day and night—and be deferring in regard to them? 8 I say to you⁺ that He will execute their avenging in quickness. Nevertheless, the Son of Man having come, will He find the faith on the earth?”

  • 1 Chron. 29:10–13; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 5:11–13.

    1 Chron. 29:10–13 10 And David blessed YHWH before all the assembly, and David said, “Blessed are You, O YHWH, God of Israel, our Father, from forever and even to forever. 11 To You, O YHWH, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty, because of everything in the heavens and on earth. To You, O YHWH, [is] the kingdom, and You are exalted over all as head. 12 And the riches and the honor [are] from before You, and You reign over all, and in Your hand [is] power and might, and in Your hand [is] to exalt and to give strength to all. 13 And now, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name.

    1 Tim. 1:17 Now to the King of the ages, the immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory to the ages of the ages! Amen.

    Rev. 5:11–13 11 And I saw, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and of the living creatures, and of the elders; and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying in a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb having been slain to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature that is in heaven and upon the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and everything in them, saying: “To the One sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb, blessing and honor and glory and might to the ages of the ages!”

  • 1 Cor. 14:16; Rev. 22:20.

    1 Cor. 14:16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will the one filling up the place of the uninstructed say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you say?

    Rev. 22:20 The One testifying these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 19618 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1788 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1124 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1943 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 1

Q. What is the chief and highest end of man?

A. Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Cor. 10:31; Ps. 86:9, 12.

    Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

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

    1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore whether you⁺ eat or drink or whatever you⁺ do, do all things to the glory of God.

    Ps. 86:9, 12 9 All the nations whom You have made shall come and bow down before Your face, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name. 12 I will confess You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forever.

  • Ps. 73:24–28; John 17:21–23; Ps. 16:5–11; Rev. 21:3–4.

    Ps. 73:24–28 24 May You lead me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me [in] glory! 25 Who [is] unto me in the heavens? And besides You I do not take delight on the earth. 26 My flesh and my heart may be consumed, the rock of my heart and my portion [is] God to the age. 27 For behold, those far from You will perish. You destroy everyone prostituting himself from You! 28 But I—the nearness of God [is] good for me—I have placed my refuge in the Lord YHWH, to recount all Your works.

    John 17:21–23 21 that all may be one, as You, Father, [are] in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And I have given to them the glory that You have given to Me, so that they may be one as We [are] one— 23 I in them and You in Me—so that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them even as You loved Me.

    Ps. 16:5–11 5 YHWH, [is] the portion of my share, and my cup; You [are] the One upholding my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in the pleasant [places]; indeed, a pleasing inheritance [is] unto me. 7 I will bless YHWH, who counsels me; even [in] the nights, my kidneys instruct me. 8 I have set YHWH before me continually; because [He is] at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. 10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, and You will not give Your Holy one to see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; fullness of joys [is] with Your face, pleasant [things] [are] at Your right hand forever.

    Rev. 21:3–4 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying: “Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and He will tabernacle with them, and they will be His peoples, and God Himself will be with them [as] their God. 4 ‘And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and death will be no more, nor mourning nor crying nor pain; they will be no more, because the first things passed away.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 113 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 11 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 18: The Proper Attitude toward Election and Reprobation1 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 4

Q. How doth it appear that the Scriptures are the Word of God?

A. The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word of God, by their majesty and purity; by the consent of all the parts, and the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to God; by their light and power to convince and convert sinners, to comfort and build up believers unto salvation: but the Spirit of God bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man, is alone able fully to persuade it that they are the very Word of God.

Scripture proofs
  • Hos. 8:12; 1 Cor. 2:6–7, 13; Ps. 119:18, 129.

    Hos. 8:12 Were I to write for him the myriad [things] of My law, they would be regarded as a strange thing.

    1 Cor. 2:6–7, 13 6 But we speak wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery having been hidden away, which God predestined before the ages for our glory, 13 which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in [those] taught of the Spirit, expressing spiritual things by spiritual [means].

    Ps. 119:18, 129 18 Open my eyes, that I may see the wonders from Your law. 129 Wonderful [are] Your testimonies; upon thus, my soul has kept watch [over] them.

  • Ps. 12:6; Ps. 119:140.

    Ps. 12:6 The words of YHWH [are] pure words, silver refined in a furnace of earth, purified sevenfold.

    Ps. 119:140 Your word [is] exceedingly pure, and Your servant has loved it.

  • Luke 24:27; Acts 10:43; Acts 26:22.

    Luke 24:27 And having begun from Moses and from all the Prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

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

    Acts 26:22 Therefore, having obtained help from God up to this day, I have stood bearing witness both to small and to great, saying nothing other than that which both the prophets and Moses said was about to happen:

  • Rom. 3:19, 27; Rom. 16:25–27. (See 2 Cor. 3:6–11.)

    Rom. 3:19, 27 19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith.

    Rom. 16:25–27 25 Now to Him being able to strengthen you⁺ according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery having been kept silent in the times of the ages, 26 but now having been made manifest also through the prophetic writings, according to the commandment of the eternal God having been made known to all the Gentiles unto obedience of faith— 27 [to] the only wise God [be] the glory unto the ages of the ages, which [is] through Jesus Christ! Amen.

    2 Cor. 3:6–11 6 who also made us sufficient [as] ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, having been engraved in letters on stones, came into being in glory so as for the sons of Israel not to be able to look intently into the face of Moses on account of the glory of his face that is fading away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more in glory? 9 For if in the ministry of condemnation [was] glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound [in] glory! 10 For even that having been glorious has no glory in this respect, on account of the glory surpassing [it]. 11 For if that which is fading away [was] through glory, much more [is] that remaining in glory!

  • Acts 18:28; Heb. 4:12; James 1:18; Ps. 19:7–9; Rom. 15:4; Acts 20:32.

    Acts 18:28 For he was powerfully refuting the Jews publicly, showing by the Scriptures Jesus to be the Christ.

    Heb. 4:12 For the word of God [is] living and effective, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing through and as far as the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrows, and able to judge the reflections and intentions of the heart.

    James 1:18 Having willed [it], He brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be a certain firstfruits of His creatures.

    Ps. 19:7–9 7 The law of YHWH [is] perfect, refreshing the soul; the testimony of YHWH [is] sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of YHWH [are] straight, making glad the heart; the commandment of YHWH [is] pure, bringing light to the eyes. 9 The fear of YHWH is pure, standing forever; the judgments of YHWH [are] true, being righteous altogether,

    Rom. 15:4 For as much as was written before was all written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have the hope.

    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.

  • John 16:13–14. (See 1 John 2:20, 27; John 20:31.)

    John 16:13–14 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, shall come, He will guide you⁺ into all the truth. For He will not speak from Himself, but whatever He may hear, He will speak. And He will declare to you⁺ the things coming. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take from that which [is] Mine and will declare [it] to you⁺.

    1 John 2:20, 27 20 And you⁺ have the anointing from the Holy One, and all [of] you⁺ know. 27 And you⁺, the anointing that you⁺ received from Him remains in you⁺, and you⁺ have no need that anyone should teach you⁺. But as the same anointing teaches you⁺ concerning all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it taught you⁺, remain in Him.

    John 20:31 But these have been written so that you⁺ may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that, believing, you⁺ may have life in His name.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture10 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture7 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 26 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man6 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1133 shared proof texts

Question 12

Q. What are the decrees of God?

A. God's decrees are the wise, free, and holy acts of the counsel of his will, whereby, from all eternity, he hath, for his own glory, unchangeably foreordained whatsoever comes to pass in time, especially concerning angels and men.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 45:6–7; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 11:33; Rom. 9:14–15, 18.

    Isa. 45:6–7 6 so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides Me. I [am] YHWH, and there is no other— 7 forming the light and creating darkness, making peace and creating calamity—I [am] YHWH, the One doing all these [things]!

    Eph. 1:11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

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

    Rom. 9:14–15, 18 14 What then will we say? [Is there] injustice with God? Never may it be! 15 For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I may have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I may have compassion.” 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • Ps. 33:11; Isa. 14:24; Acts 2:23; Acts 4:27–28; Rom. 9:22–23; Eph. 1:4, 11.

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

    Isa. 14:24 YHWH of Hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely as I have purposed, so it will be, and as I have counseled, [so] it will stand:

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

    Acts 4:27–28 27 For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predetermined to happen.

    Rom. 9:22–23 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction, 23 so that He might also make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,

    Eph. 1:4, 11 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 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

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree11 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 74 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 13

Q. What hath God especially decreed concerning angels and men?

A. God, by an eternal and immutable decree, out of his mere love, for the praise of his glorious grace, to be manifested in due time, hath elected some angels to glory; and in Christ hath chosen some men to eternal life, and the means thereof: and also, according to his sovereign power, and the unsearchable counsel of his own will, (whereby he extendeth or withholdeth favor as he pleaseth,) hath passed by and foreordained the rest to dishonor and wrath, to be for their sin inflicted, to the praise of the glory of his justice.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Tim. 5:21.

    1 Tim. 5:21 I earnestly testify before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that you should keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.

  • Eph. 1:4–6; Eph. 2:10; 2 Thess. 2:13–14; 1 Peter 1:2.

    Eph. 1:4–6 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

    Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

    2 Thess. 2:13–14 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.

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

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

    Rom. 9:17–18, 21–22 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “For this very thing I raised you up, so that I might display My power in you, and that My name should be declared in all the earth.” 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants. 21 Or does the potter not have authority over the clay to make out of the same lump the one vessel indeed for honor, but the one for dishonor? 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction,

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

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

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

    Jude 4 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree15 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 204 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 7: Election3 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 18

Q. What are God's works of providence?

A. God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 145:17; Lev. 21:8.

    Ps. 145:17 Righteous [is] YHWH in all His ways, and kind in all His works.

    Lev. 21:8 And you shall consecrate him, for he offers the bread of your God. He is Holy to you, for holy [am] I, YHWH, sanctifying you⁺.

  • Ps. 104:24; Isa. 28:29.

    Ps. 104:24 How many are Your works, O YHWH! All of them You have made in wisdom; the earth is full of Your creatures.

    Isa. 28:29 Also this has gone forth from YHWH of Hosts, wonderful in counsel, great in wisdom.

  • Heb. 1:3; Ps. 36:6; Neh. 9:6.

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

    Ps. 36:6 Your righteousness [is] like the mountains of Might, Your ordinances the great deep; You keep safe man and beast, O YHWH.

    Neh. 9:6 You [are] He, YHWH, You alone; You have made the heavens, the heavens of the heavens, and all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You give life to all things, and the host of the heavens gives worship to You.

  • Ps. 103:19. (See Job 38–41; Ps. 145:14–16.)

    Ps. 103:19 YHWH has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.

    Ps. 145:14–16 14 YHWH is upholding all those falling, and raising up all those bent down low. 15 The eyes of all wait for You, and You give to them their food in its time. 16 You open Your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

    Job 38 on BibleHub ↗

    Job 39 on BibleHub ↗

    Job 40 on BibleHub ↗

    Job 41 on BibleHub ↗

  • Matt. 10:29–31; Gen. 45:7; Ps. 135:6.

    Matt. 10:29–31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your⁺ Father. 30 And even the hairs of your⁺ head are all numbered. 31 Therefore do not be afraid; you⁺ are more valuable than many sparrows.

    Gen. 45:7 And God sent me before you⁺ to make for you⁺ a remnant in the earth, and to give life to you⁺ by a great deliverance.

    Ps. 135:6 All that YHWH delights in, He does, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all the depths,

  • Rom. 11:36; Isa. 63:14.

    Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

    Isa. 63:14 As the beast goes down into the valley, the Spirit of YHWH gave them rest—thus You led Your people, to make for Yourself a glorious name.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence13 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 116 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 13 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 190

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

A. In the first petition, (which is, Hallowed be thy name,) acknowledging the utter inability and indisposition that is in ourselves and all men to honor God aright, we pray, that God would by his grace enable and incline us and others to know, to acknowledge, and highly to esteem him, his titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, works, and whatsoever he is pleased to make himself known by; and to glorify him in thought, word, and deed: that he would prevent and remove atheism, ignorance, idolatry, profaneness, and whatsoever is dishonorable to him; and, by his overruling providence, direct and dispose of all things to his own glory.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:9. (Cf. Luke 11:2.)

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

    Luke 11:2 And He said to them, “When you⁺ pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.

  • 2 Cor. 3:5; Ps. 51:15.

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

    Ps. 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

  • Ps. 67:2–3; Ps. 99:1–3.

    Ps. 67:2–3 2 for the knowing of Your way on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 May the peoples praise You, O God; may the peoples praise You—all of them.

    Ps. 99:1–3 1 YHWH reigns, let the peoples tremble! He dwells [above] the cherubim, let the earth be shaken! 2 YHWH [is] great in Zion, and high [is] He over all the peoples. 3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name! Holy [is] He!

  • Ps. 83:18.

    Ps. 83:18 And they shall know that You—Your name [is] YHWH—You alone [are] Most High over all the earth!

  • Ps. 86:10–13, 15.

    Ps. 86:10–13, 15 10 For You [are] great, and the One doing wonders; You [are] God—You alone. 11 Instruct me, O YHWH, [in] Your way, [and] I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. 12 I will confess You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forever. 13 For Your loving devotion [is] great toward me. And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 15 But You, O Lord, [are] a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in in loving devotion and faithfulness.

  • 2 Thess. 3:1; Ps. 147:19–20; Ps. 138:1–3; 2 Cor. 2:14–15.

    2 Thess. 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord may run and may be glorified, just as also with you⁺,

    Ps. 147:19–20 19 He declares His words to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel. 20 He has not done so for any nation; and His judgments they have not known. Praise YAH!

    Ps. 138:1–3 1 Of David. I give You praise with all of my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises. 2 I bow down toward the temple of Your holiness, and I give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion, and for Your faithfulness; for You have magnified above all Your name [and] Your word. 3 On the day I called out, then You answered me; You embolden me in my soul [with] strength.

    2 Cor. 2:14–15 14 But thanks [be] to God, the One always leading us in triumph in Christ and making manifest the fragrance of the knowledge of Him through us in every place. 15 For we are a sweet smell of Christ to God among those being saved and among those perishing:

  • Ps. 145; Ps. 8.
  • Ps. 103:1; Ps. 19:14.

    Ps. 103:1 Of David. Bless, O my soul, YHWH, and all within me—His holy name!

    Ps. 19:14 The words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, let them be for favor before Your face, O YHWH, my Rock and my Redeemer.

  • Phil. 1:9, 11; Ps. 100:3–4.

    Phil. 1:9, 11 9 And this I pray, that your⁺ love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 11 being filled with the fruit of righteousness that [is] through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

    Ps. 100:3–4 3 Know that YHWH, He [is] God; He has made us and not we ourselves; [we are] His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise; give thanks to Him; bless His name!

  • Ps. 67:1–4.

    Ps. 67:1–4 1 For the one directing. On stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song. May God be gracious to us and bless us, [and] cause His face to shine upon us, Selah 2 for the knowing of Your way on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 May the peoples praise You, O God; may the peoples praise You—all of them. 4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you will judge the peoples with uprightness, and You will guide the nations on the earth. Selah

  • Eph. 1:17–18.

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

  • Ps. 97:7.

    Ps. 97:7 Let all those serving a carved image be put to shame, those boasting in idols! Bow down to Him, all gods!

  • Ps. 74:18, 22–23.

    Ps. 74:18, 22–23 18 Remember this, an enemy has reproached YHWH, and a foolish people have spurned Your name! 22 Arise, O God, defend Your cause! Remember the scorning of You from a fool all the day. 23 Do not forget the voice of Your enemies, the uproar of those rising against You, going up continually.

  • 2 Kings 19:15–16.

    2 Kings 19:15–16 15 And Hezekiah prayed before the face of YHWH and said, “O YHWH, God of Israel, dwelling [between] the cherubim, You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made the heavens and the earth. 16 Incline, O YHWH, Your ear, and hear; open, O YHWH, Your eyes, and see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God.

  • 2 Chron. 20:6 (see vv. 10–12); Rom. 11:33–36; Rev. 4:11. (See Pss. 83; 140:4, 8.)

    2 Chron. 20:6 and he said, “O YHWH, God of our fathers, are You not He, the God in the heavens? And You are ruling over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand [are] power and might, and there is no one to stand against You.

    Rom. 11:33–36 33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 34 “For who knew the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?” 35 Or “who first gave to Him, and it will be given back to him?” 36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

    Rev. 4:11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.”

    140:4, 8 4 keep me, O YHWH, from the hands of the wicked, from the man of violence guard me—those who have devised to push down my steps. 8 Do not grant, O YHWH, the desires of the wicked; do not promote his wicked device; [lest] they be exalted! Selah

    Psalm 83 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 10111 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 45 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1224 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 18: The Proper Attitude toward Election and Reprobation4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Preface

Professed and believed by the Protestants within the realm of Scotland. Published by them in Parliament and by the estates thereof. Ratified and approved, as wholesome and sound doctrine grounded upon the infallible truth of God's Word.

And these glad tidings of the kingdom will be preached through the whole world for a witness unto all nations: And then will the end come.

The Estates of Scotland, with the inhabitants of the same, professing Christ Jesus, His holy gospel, to their natural countrymen and to all other realms and nations professing the same Lord Jesus with them, wish grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the spirit of righteous judgment, for salvation.

Long have we thirsted, dear brethren, to have notified unto the world the sum of that doctrine which we profess and for which we have sustained infamy and danger. But such has been the rage of Satan against us and against Christ Jesus His eternal verity, lately borne among us that to this day no time has been granted unto us to clear our consciences, as most gladly we would have done. For how we have been tossed heretofore, the most part of Europe (as we suppose) does understand. But seeing that of the infinite goodness of our God (which never suffers His afflicted utterly to be confounded) above expectation, we have obtained some rest and liberty, [and] we could not but set forth this brief and plain confession of such doctrine as is propounded unto us, and as we believe and profess, partly for satisfaction of our brethren, whose hearts we doubt not have been and yet are wounded by the despiteful railing of such as yet have not learned to speak well: and partly for stopping the mouths of the impudent blasphemers, which boldly damn that which they have neither heard nor yet understood. Not that we judge that the cankered malice of such is able to be cured by this our simple confession. No, we know that the sweet savor of the gospel is and will be death to the sons of perdition. But we have chief respect to our weak and infirm brethren, to whom we would communicate the bottom of our hearts, lest they be troubled or carried away by [the] diversity of rumors which Satan spreads contrary to us, to the defacing of this our most godly enterprise. Protesting that if any man will note in this our confession any article or sentence repugnant to God's holy Word, that it would please him, of his gentleness and for Christian charity's sake, to admonish us of the same in writing. And we on our honor and fidelity do promise unto him satisfaction from the mouth of God (that is, from His Holy Scriptures) or else reformation of that which he will prove to be amiss. For God we take to record in our conscience, that from our hearts we abhor all sects of heresy and all teachers of erroneous doctrine, and that with all humility we embrace the purity of Christ's gospel, which is the only food of our souls—and, therefore, so precious unto us, that we are determined to suffer the extremity of worldly danger, rather than that we will suffer our selves to be defrauded of the same. For hereof we are most certainly persuaded, that whosoever denies Christ Jesus or is ashamed of Him in the presence of men, will be denied before the Father, and before His holy angels. And, therefore, by the assistance of the mighty Spirit of the same our Lord Jesus, we firmly purpose to abide to the end in the confession of this our faith, as by the following articles.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topics

Chapter I: Of God

We confess and acknowledge one only God, to whom only we must cleave, whom only we must serve (Deut. 6), whom only we must worship (Isa. 44), and in whom only we put our trust (Deut. 4). Who is eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible, one in substance and yet distinct in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matt. 28). By whom we confess and believe, all things in heaven and earth (Gen. 1), as well visible as invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by His inscrutable providence, to such end as His eternal wisdom (Prov. 16), goodness, and justice has appointed them to the manifestation of His own glory.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 3: Of God; The Unity and the Trinity4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World4 shared topicsEcumenical Creeds · Athanasian Creed4 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 XXV: The Gifts Freely Given to the Church

Albeit that the Word of God truly preached, the sacraments rightly ministered and discipline executed according to the Word of God, be the certain and infallible signs of the true kirk, yet do we not so mean that every particular person joined with such a company is an elect member of Christ Jesus. For we acknowledge and confess that darnel, cockle, and chaff may be sown, grow and in great abundance lie in the midst of the wheat (Matt. 3, 13), that is, the reprobate may be joined in the society of the elect and may externally use with them the benefits of the Word and sacraments; but such being but temporal professors in mouth, but not in heart, do fall back and continue not to the end. And, therefore, have they no fruit of Christ's death, resurrection, nor ascension; but such as whose heart unfeignedly believe (Rom. 10) and whose mouth boldly confess the Lord Jesus (as before we have said) will most assuredly receive these gifts first in this life, remission of sins, and that by only faith in Christ's blood (John 3; Rom. 3–5, 8), in so much that albeit sin remains and continually abides in these our mortal bodies, yet is it not imputed unto us, but is remitted and covered with Christ's justice. Secondarily, in the general judgment there will be given to every man and woman resurrection of the flesh (Isa. 66; Dan. 12; 1 Cor. 15; Job 19); for the sea will give up her dead, the earth those that therein be enclosed: yes, our eternal God will stretch out His hand upon the dust and the dead will arise incorruptible and that in the substance of the selfsame flesh that every man now bears, to receive according to their works, glory, or punishment (Rom. 2). For such as now dealt in vanity, cruelty, filthiness, superstition, or idolatry will be adjudged to that fire inextinguishable in which they will be committed for ever (Rev. 20–21), as well in their own bodies as in their souls which now they give to serve the devil in all abomination. But such as continue in well doing to the end, boldly professing the Lord Jesus, who constantly believe that they will receive glory, honor, and immortality to reign forever in life everlasting with Christ Jesus, to whose glorified body all His elect will be made like (1 John 5), when He will appear again to judgment and will render up the kingdom to God His Father, who then will be and ever will remain all in all things (1 Cor. 15), God blessed forever. To whom with the Son and with the Holy Ghost be all honor and glory, now and ever.

Finis

Arise, O Lord, and let Thy enemies be confounded, let them flee from Thy presence that hate Thy godly name. Give Thy servants strength to speak Thy word in boldness, and let all nations attain to Thy true knowledge. So be it.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World10 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church9 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit7 shared topics

Chapter 2: Of Interpreting the Holy Scriptures; Of Fathers, Councils, and Traditions

The apostle Peter has said that "The Holy Scriptures are not of any private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20); therefore, we do not allow all expositions. Whereupon, we do not acknowledge that which they call the meaning of the Church of Rome for the true and natural interpretation of the Scriptures; which the defenders of the Roman Church strive to force all men simply to receive: but we acknowledge that interpretation of Scriptures to be authentic and proper, which being taken from the Scriptures themselves (that is, from the phrase of that tongue in which they were written, they being also weighed according to the circumstances, and expounded according to the proportion of places, either of like or of unlike, also of more and plainer) accords with the rule of faith and charity, and makes notably for God's glory and man's salvation.

Wherefore we do not condemn the holy treatises of the fathers, agreeing with the Scriptures; from whom, notwithstanding, we do modestly dissent, as they are deprehended to set down things merely strange, or altogether contrary to the same. Neither do we think that we do them any wrong in this matter; seeing that they all, with one consent, will not have their writings matched with the canonical Scriptures; but bid us allow of them so far forth as they either agree with them, or disagree, and bid us take those things that agree, and leave those that disagree.

And according to this order we do account of the decrees or canons of councils. Wherefore we suffer not ourselves in controversies about religion or matters of faith, to be pressed with the bare testimonies of fathers, or decrees of councils; much less with received customs, or with the multitude of men being of one judgment, or with prescription of long time. Therefore, in controversies of religion, or matters of faith, we cannot admit any other judge than God Himself, pronouncing by the Holy Scriptures, what is true, what is false, what is to be followed, or what to be avoided. So we do not rest but in the judgments of spiritual men, drawn from the Word of God. Certainly Jeremiah and other prophets vehemently condemned the assemblies of priests, gathered against the law of God: and diligently forewarned us that we should not hear the fathers, or tread in their path, who, walking in their own inventions swerved from the law of God (Ezek. 20:18).

Likewise we reject human traditions which, although they are set out with goodly titles, as though they were divine and apostolic, delivered to the church by the lively voice of the apostles, and as it were, by the hands of apostolic men by means of bishops succeeding in their places yet being compared with the Scriptures, disagree with them and by that disagreement betray themselves in no wise to be apostolic. For as the apostles did not disagree among themselves in doctrine, so the apostles' scholars did not set forth things contrary to the apostles. Nay, it is blasphemous to avow that the apostles by lively voice delivered things contrary to their writings. Paul affirms expressly that he "taught the same things in all churches" (1 Cor. 4:17). And again, "We," says he, "write no other things unto you, than which ye read, or also acknowledge" (2 Cor. 1:13). Also, in another place, he witnesses that he and His disciples, to wit apostolic men, "walked in the same way, and jointly by the same Spirit did all things" (2 Cor. 12:18). The Jews also, in time past, had their traditions of elders; but these traditions were severely confuted by the Lord, showing that the keeping of them hinders God's law, and that "God is in vain worshipped of such" (Matt. 15:9; Mark 7:6–7).

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Peter 1:20

    2 Peter 1:20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation.

  • Ezek. 20:18

    Ezek. 20:18 And I said to their sons in the wilderness, ‘In the statutes of your⁺ fathers you⁺ shall not walk, and their ordinances you⁺ shall not keep, and with their idols you⁺ shall not defile yourselves.

  • 1 Cor. 4:17

    1 Cor. 4:17 Because of this, I sent to you⁺ Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you⁺ of my ways that [are] in Christ Jesus, as I teach everywhere in every church.

  • 2 Cor. 1:13

    2 Cor. 1:13 For we write no other [things] to you⁺ but what you⁺ read or also understand. And I hope that you⁺ will understand to the end,

  • 2 Cor. 12:18

    2 Cor. 12:18 I exhorted Titus [to go], and I sent with [him] the brother. Did Titus take advantage of you⁺? Did we not walk in the same Spirit? Not in the same footsteps?

  • Matt. 15:9; Mark 7:6–7

    Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”

    Mark 7:6–7 6 And He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you⁺ hypocrites, as it has been written: ‘This people honors Me with the lips, but their heart is kept far away from Me; 7 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture2 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 912 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith1 shared proof text · 3 shared topics

Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World

Moreover, we believe and teach that the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, was from all eternity predestinated and foreordained of the Father to be the Savior of the world. And we believe that He was begotten, not only then, when He took flesh of the virgin Mary, nor yet a little before the foundations of the world were laid, but before all eternity; and that of the Father, after an unspeakable manner. For Isaiah says, "Who can tell His generation?" (53:8). And Micah says, "Whose egress hath been from everlasting" (5:2). And John says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God was the Word" (1:1). Therefore, the Son is co-equal and consubstantial with the Father, as touching His divinity: true God, not by name only, or by adoption, or by special favor, but in substance and nature (Phil. 2:6). Even as the apostle says elsewhere, "This is the true God, and life everlasting" (1 John 5:20). Paul also says, "He hath made His Son the heir of all things, by whom also He made the world: the same is the brightness of His glory, and the engraved form of His person, bearing up all things by His mighty word" (Heb. 1:2–3). "Likewise in the gospel the Lord Himself says, "Father, glorify thou Me with Thyself, with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was" (John 17:5). Also elsewhere it is written in the gospel, "The Jews sought how to kill Jesus, because He said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God" (John 5:18).

We, therefore, abhor the blasphemous doctrine of Arius, and all the Arians, uttered against the Son of God; and especially the blasphemies of Michael Servetus the Spaniard, and of his accomplices, which Satan by them has, as it were, drawn out of hell, and most boldly and impiously spread abroad throughout the world against the Son of God.

We teach also and believe that the eternal Son of the eternal God was made the Son of man, of the seed of Abraham and David (Matt. 1:1–25), not by the means of any man, as Ebion affirmed; but that He was most purely conceived by the Holy Ghost, and was born of Mary, who was always a virgin, even as the history of the gospel declares. And Paul says, "He took in no sort the angels, but the seed of Abraham" (Heb. 2:16). And John the apostle says, "He that believeth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God" (1 John 4:3). The flesh of Christ, therefore, was neither flesh in show only, nor yet flesh brought from heaven, as Valentinus and Marcion dreamed.

Moreover, our Lord Jesus Christ did not have a soul without sense and reason, as Apollinaris thought; nor flesh without a soul, as Eunomius taught: but a soul with its reason and flesh with its senses, by which senses He felt true grief in the time of His passion, even as He Himself witnessed when He said, "My soul is heavy even to death" (Matt. 26:38) and "My soul is troubled" (John 12:27).

We acknowledge, therefore, that there are in one and the same Jesus Christ our Lord two natures, the divine and the human nature; and we say that these two are so conjoined or united that they are not swallowed up, confounded, or mingled together, but rather united or joined together in one person, the properties of each nature being safe and remaining still: so that we worship one Christ our Lord, and not two; I say, one true God and man; as touching His divine nature of the same substance with the Father, and as touching His human nature of the same substance with us and "like unto us in all things, sin only excepted" (Heb. 4:15).

As, therefore, we detest the heresy of Nestorius, which makes two Christs of one, and dissolves the union of the person; so do we curse the madness of Eutyches and of the Monothelites or Monophysites who overthrow the propriety of the human nature.

Therefore, we do not teach that the divine nature in Christ suffered or that Christ according to His human nature is yet in the world, and so in every place. For we do neither think nor teach that the body of Christ ceased to be a true body after His glorification, or that it was deified, and so deified that it put off its properties, as touching body and soul, and became altogether a divine nature and began to be one substance alone: and, therefore, we do not allow or receive the unwitty subtleties, and the intricate, obscure, and inconstant disputations of Schwenkfeld and such other vain janglers about this matter; neither are we Schwenkfeldians.

Moreover, we believe that our Lord Jesus Christ did truly suffer and die for us in the flesh as Peter says (1 Peter 4:1). We abhor the most horrible madness of the Jacobites and all the Turks, which abandon the passion of our Lord. Yet we deny not but that "the Lord of glory (according to the saying of Paul) was crucified for us" (1 Cor. 2:8). For we reverently and religiously receive and use the communication of expressions drawn from Scripture, and used of all antiquity in expounding and reconciling places of Scripture which at first sight seem to disagree one from another.

We believe and teach that the same Lord Jesus Christ, in that true flesh in which He was crucified and died, rose again from the dead; and that He did not rise up another flesh instead of that which was buried, nor took a spirit instead of flesh, but retained a true body: therefore, while His disciples thought that they saw the spirit of their Lord Christ, He showed them His hands and feet, which were marked with the prints of the nails and wounds, saying, "Behold my hands and my feet, for I am He indeed: handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" (Luke 24:39).

We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ, in the same flesh, did ascend above all the visible heavens into the very highest heaven, that is to say, the seat of God and of the blessed spirits, unto the right hand of God the Father. Which, although it signifies an equal participation of glory and majesty, yet it is also taken for a certain place of which the Lord, speaking in the gospel, says that "He will go and prepare a place for His" (John 14:2). Also the apostle Peter says, "The heavens must contain Christ, until the time of restoring of all things" (Acts 3:21). And out of heaven the same Christ will return unto judgment, even then, when wickedness shall chiefly reign in the world, and when Antichrist, having corrupted true religion, shall fill all things with superstition and impiety, and shall most cruelly destroy the church with fire and bloodshed. Now Christ shall return to redeem His, and to abolish Antichrist by His coming and to judge the quick and the dead (Acts 17:31). For the dead shall arise and "those which shall be found alive in that day" (which is unknown unto all creatures) "shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor. 15:51–52). And all the faithful shall be taken up to meet Christ in the air (1 Thess. 4:17) that thenceforth they may enter with Him into heaven, there to live forever (2 Tim. 2:11), but the unbelievers, or ungodly, shall descend with the devils into hell, there to burn forever, and never to be delivered out of torments (Matt. 25:41).

We, therefore, condemn all those which deny the true resurrection of the flesh, and those which think amiss of the glorified bodies; as did John of Jerusalem, against whom Jerome wrote. We also condemn those which have thought that both the devils and all the wicked shall at length be saved and have an end of their torments: for the Lord Himself has absolutely set it down that, "Their fire is never quenched, and their worm never dieth" (Mark 9:44). Moreover we condemn the Jewish dreams that before the day of judgment there shall be a golden world in the earth; and that the godly shall possess the kingdoms of the world, their wicked enemies being trodden under foot: for the evangelical truth, Matthew 24 and 25, and Luke 21, and the apostolic doctrine in the second epistle to the Thessalonians 2, and in the second epistle to Timothy 3 and 4, are found to teach far otherwise.

Furthermore, by His passion or death, and by all those things which He did and suffered for our sakes from the time of His coming in the flesh, our Lord reconciled His heavenly Father unto all the faithful (Rom. 5:10), purged their sin (Heb. 1:3), spoiled death, broke asunder condemnation and hell, and by His resurrection from the dead, brought again and restored life and immortality (2 Tim. 1:10). For He is our righteousness, life, and resurrection (John 6:44); and, to be short, He is the fullness and perfection, the salvation and most abundant sufficiency of all the faithful. For the apostle says, "So it pleaseth the Father that all fullness should dwell in Him" (Col. 1:19); and "In Him ye are complete" (Col. 2:10).

For we teach and believe that this Jesus Christ our Lord is the only and eternal Savior of mankind, yes, and of the whole world; in whom are saved by faith all that ever were saved before the Law, under the Law, and in the time of the gospel, and so many as shall yet be saved to the end of the world. For the Lord Himself in the gospel says, "He that entereth not in by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up another way, he is a thief and a robber" (John 10:1). "I am the door of the sheep" (v. 7). And also in another place of the same gospel He says, "Abraham saw my day, and rejoiced" (John 8:56). And the apostle Peter says, "Neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ; for among men there is given no other name under heaven whereby they might be saved" (Acts 4:12). We believe, therefore, that through the grace of our Lord Christ we shall be saved, even as our fathers were. For Paul says that "All our fathers did eat the same spiritual meat and drink the same spiritual drink, for they drank of the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ" (1 Cor. 10:3–4). And, therefore, we read that John said that "Christ was that Lamb which was slain from the beginning of the world" (Rev. 13:8) and that John the Baptist witnesses that "Christ is that Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world" (John 1:29). Wherefore we do plainly and openly profess and preach that Jesus Christ the only Redeemer and Savior of the world, the King and High Priest, the true and looked for Messiah, that holy and blessed one (I say) whom all the shadows of the Law, and the prophecies of the prophets, did prefigure and promise; and that God supplied and sent Him unto us so that now we are not to look for any other. And now there remains nothing but that we all should give all glory to Him, believe in Him, and rest in Him only, condemning and rejecting all other aids of our life. For they are fallen from the grace of God, and make Christ of no value unto themselves, whosoever they be that seek salvation in any other things besides Christ alone (Gal. 5:4).

And to speak many things in few words, with a sincere heart we believe, and with liberty of speech we freely profess, whatsoever things are defined out of the Holy Scriptures, and comprehended in the creeds, and in the decrees of those four first and most excellent Councils held at Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon, together with blessed Athanasius' Creed, and all other creeds like to these, touching the mystery of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ; and we condemn all things contrary to the same. And thus do we retain the Christian, sound, and catholic faith, whole and inviolable, knowing that nothing is contained in the foresaid creeds which is not agreeable to the Word of God, and makes wholly for the sincere declaration of the faith.

Scripture proofs
  • Phil. 2:6

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

  • 1 John 5:20

    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.

  • Heb. 1:2–3

    Heb. 1:2–3 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, 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,

  • John 17:5

    John 17:5 And now, glorify Me—You, Father, with Yourself—with the glory that I had with You before the world existed.

  • John 5:18

    John 5:18 Therefore because of this, the Jews were seeking more to kill Him, because not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was also calling God His own Father, making Himself equal to God.

  • Matt. 1:1–25

    Matt. 1:1–25 1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham: 2 Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Judah and his brothers. 3 And Judah begat Perez and Zerah out of Tamar, and Perez begat Hezron, and Hezron begat Aram. 4 And Aram begat Amminadab, and Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon. 5 And Salmon begat Boaz out of Rahab, and Boaz begat Obed out of Ruth, and Obed begat Jesse, 6 and Jesse begat David the king. And: David begat Solomon out of her who [was] of Uriah, 7 and Solomon begat Rehoboam, and Rehoboam begat Abijah, and Abijah begat Asaph. 8 And Asaph begat Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat begat Joram, and Joram begat Uzziah. 9 And Uzziah begat Jotham, and Jotham begat Ahaz, and Ahaz begat Hezekiah. 10 And Hezekiah begat Manasseh, and Manasseh begat Amos, and Amos begat Josiah, 11 and Josiah begat Jeconiah and his brothers at the deportation to Babylon. 12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah begat Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel begat Abiud, and Abiud begat Eliakim, and Eliakim begat Azor. 14 And Azor begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Achim, and Achim begat Eliud. 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar, and Eleazar begat Matthan, and Matthan begat Jacob, 16 and Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, out of whom was begotten Jesus, the One being called Christ. 17 Therefore all the generations from Abraham until David [were] fourteen generations, and from David until the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon until the Christ fourteen generations. 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. 19 And Joseph her husband, being righteous and not willing to make an example of her, resolved to send her away secretly. 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.” 22 And all this has come to pass so that it might be fulfilled, that having been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin will have in womb, and she will bear a son, and they will call His name Immanuel,” which is, being translated, “God with us.” 24 And Joseph, having been awoken from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and received his wife. 25 And he did not know her until she bore a Son, and he called His name Jesus.

  • Heb. 2:16

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

  • 1 John 4:3

    1 John 4:3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not of God, and this is that of the antichrist, which you⁺ heard that is coming, and now is already in the world.

  • Matt. 26:38

    Matt. 26:38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.”

  • John 12:27

    John 12:27 Now My soul has been troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But because of this I came to this hour.

  • Heb. 4:15

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

  • 1 Peter 4:1

    1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, Christ having suffered in the flesh, you⁺ also arm yourselves with the same mind, because the one having suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

  • 1 Cor. 2:8

    1 Cor. 2:8 which none of the rulers of this age has known. For if they had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

  • Luke 24:39

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

  • John 14:2

    John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. And if not so, would I have told you⁺ that I am going to prepare a place for you⁺?

  • Acts 3:21

    Acts 3:21 whom indeed it is necessary for heaven to receive until the times of restoration of all things, of which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from the age.

  • 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.”

  • 1 Cor. 15:51–52

    1 Cor. 15:51–52 51 Behold, I speak to you⁺ a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

  • 1 Thess. 4:17

    1 Thess. 4:17 Then we, the living remaining, will be caught up together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord.

  • 2 Tim. 2:11

    2 Tim. 2:11 Trustworthy [is] the word: For if we died together [with Him], we will also live together [with Him];

  • Matt. 25:41

    Matt. 25:41 Then also He will say to those on [His] left, ‘Depart from Me, the cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

  • Mark 9:44

    Mark 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (KJV)

  • Matthew 24
  • Luke 21
  • Rom. 5:10

    Rom. 5:10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life!

  • Heb. 1:3

    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,

  • 2 Tim. 1:10

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

  • John 6:44

    John 6:44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day.

  • Col. 1:19

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

  • Col. 2:10

    Col. 2:10 And you⁺ are made complete in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority,

  • John 10:1

    John 10:1 “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, the one not entering through the door to the fold of the sheep, but going up another way, he is a thief and a robber.

  • John 8:56

    John 8:56 Abraham your⁺ father exulted that he should see My day, and he saw and rejoiced.”

  • Acts 4:12

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

  • 1 Cor. 10:3–4

    1 Cor. 10:3–4 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 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

    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.

  • John 1:29

    John 1:29 On the next day he sees Jesus coming to him and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, the One taking away the sin of the world!

  • Gal. 5:4

    Gal. 5:4 You⁺ were severed from Christ, whoever are being justified in the law; you⁺ fell away from grace.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator15 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 14 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 359 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ4 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man4 shared proof texts · 6 shared topics

Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful

To justify, in the apostle's disputation touching justification, signifies to remit sin, to absolve from the fault and the punishment thereof, to receive into favor, to pronounce a man just. For the apostle says to the Romans, "God is He that justifieth; who is he that can condemn?" (Rom. 8:33–34) where to justify and to condemn are opposed. And in the Acts of the Apostles, the apostle says, "Through Christ is preached unto you forgiveness of sins; and from all things (from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses) by Him, every one that believeth is justified" (Acts 13:38–39). For in the Law also and in the prophets, we read that "If a controversy were risen amongst any, and they came to judgment, the judge should judge them; that is, justify the righteous, and make wicked, or condemn, the wicked" (Deut. 25:1). And in Isaiah, "Woe to them which justify the wicked for rewards" (5:23).

Now it is most certain that we are all by nature sinners, and before the judgment seat of God convicted of ungodliness and guilty of death. But we are justified, that is, acquitted from sin and death by God the Judge through the grace of Christ alone, and not by any respect or merit of ours. For what is more plain than that which Paul says? "All have sinned, and are destitute of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:23–24). For Christ took upon Himself and bare the sins of the world and satisfied the justice of God. God, therefore, is merciful unto our sins, for Christ alone, that suffered and rose again, and does not impute them unto us. But He imputes the righteousness of Christ unto us for our own: so that now we are not only cleansed from sin, and purged, and holy, but also endued with the righteousness of Christ; yes, and acquitted from sin, death, and condemnation (2 Cor. 5:19–21); finally, we are righteous and heirs of eternal life. To speak properly, then, it is God alone that justifies us, and that only for Christ by not imputing unto us our sins, but imputing Christ's righteousness unto us (Rom. 4:23–25).

But because we receive this justification, not by any works, but by faith in the mercy of God, and in Christ; therefore, we teach and believe with the apostle that sinful man is justified only by faith in Christ, not by the Law, or by any works. For the apostle says, "We conclude that man is justified by faith, without the works of the law" (Rom. 3:28). "If Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to boast; but not with God: for what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness, but to him that worketh not, but believeth in Him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:2–3, 5; Gen. 15:6). And again; "Ye are saved by grace through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works lest any might have cause to boast" (Eph. 2:8–9). Therefore, because faith apprehends Christ our righteousness and attributes all to the praise of God in Christ, in this respect justification is attributed to faith, chiefly because of Christ whom it receives, and not because it is a work of ours; for it is the gift of God.

Now that we do receive Christ by faith, the Lord shows at large (John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58) where He puts eating for believing, and believing for eating. For as by eating we receive meat, so by believing we are made partakers of Christ. Therefore, we do not part the benefit of justification, giving part to the grace of God or to Christ, and part to ourselves, our charity, works or merit; but we attribute it wholly to the praise of God in Christ, and that through faith. Moreover, our charity and our works cannot please God, if they are done of such as are not just; wherefore, we must first be just before we can love or do any just works. We are made just (as we have said) through faith in Christ, by the mere grace of God; who does not impute unto us our sins, but imputes unto us the righteousness of Christ; yes, and our faith in Christ He imputes for righteousness unto us. Moreover, the apostle plainly derives love from faith, saying, "The end of the commandment is love, proceeding from a pure heart, a good conscience, and faith unfeigned" (1 Tim. 1:5).

Wherefore, in this matter we speak not of a feigned, vain, or dead faith, but of a lively and quickening faith; which, for Christ (who is life, and gives life) whom it apprehends, both is indeed, and is so called, a lively faith, and proves itself to be lively, by lively works. And, therefore, James does not speak contrary to our doctrine, for he speaks of a vain and dead faith, which certain bragged of but did not have Christ living within them by faith. And James also says that works do justify (2:14–16); yet he is not contrary to Paul (for then he would be rejected), but he shows that Abraham declared his lively and justifying faith by works. And so do all the godly, who yet trust in Christ alone, not to their own works. For the apostle said again, "I live, howbeit not I, but Christ liveth in me. But the life which now I live, in the flesh, I live through the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. I do not despise the grace of God, for if righteousness is by the law, then Christ died in vain" (Gal. 2:20–21).

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:33–34

    Rom. 8:33–34 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

  • Acts 13:38–39

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

  • Deut. 25:1

    Deut. 25:1 If there is a dispute between men, and they come to the court, they are to be judged, and the righteous shall be declared righteous, and the wicked condemned.

  • Rom. 3:23–24

    Rom. 3:23–24 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

  • 2 Cor. 5:19–21

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

  • Rom. 4:23–25

    Rom. 4:23–25 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead, 25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Rom. 3:28

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

  • Rom. 4:2–3, 5; Gen. 15:6

    Rom. 4:2–3, 5 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has a ground of boasting, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

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

  • Eph. 2:8–9

    Eph. 2:8–9 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

  • John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58

    John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58 27 Do not work [for] the food that is perishing, but [for] the food remaining unto eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you⁺; for God the Father sealed Him.” 33 For the bread of God is the One coming down out of heaven and giving life to the world.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one coming to Me never shall hunger, and the one believing in Me never will thirst at any time. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your⁺ fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread coming down out of heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” 52 Therefore the Jews were arguing with one another, saying, “How is this One able to give us His flesh to eat?” 53 Therefore Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, unless you⁺ shall eat the flesh of the Son of Man and shall drink His blood, you⁺ do not have life in yourselves. 54 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day. 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, the one also feeding on Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread having come down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. The one eating this bread will live to the age.”

  • 1 Tim. 1:5

    1 Tim. 1:5 Now the goal of [our] charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith,

  • Gal. 2:20–21

    Gal. 2:20–21 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness [is] through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification14 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6012 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 7610 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 215 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit

Christian faith is not an opinion or human persuasion, but a sure trust and an evident and steadfast assent of the mind; to be most brief, a most sure comprehension of the truth of God set forth in the Scriptures and in the Apostles' Creed; yes and of God Himself, the chief blessedness; and especially of God's promise, and of Christ, who is the consummation of all the promises. And this faith is the mere gift of God because God alone of His power gives it to His elect according to measure; and that when, to whom, and how much He will; and that by His Holy Spirit, through the means of preaching the gospel and of faithful prayer. This faith has also her increases; which unless they were likewise given of God, the apostles would never have said, "Lord, increase, our faith" (Luke 17:5).

Now all these things which we have said before of faith, the apostles taught them before us, even as we set them down. For Paul says, "Faith is the ground," or sure subsistence, "of things hoped for, and the evidence," or clear and certain comprehension, "of things which are not seen" (Heb. 11:1). And again he says that "All the promises of God in Christ are Yea, and in Christ are Amen" (2 Cor. 1:20). And the same apostle says to the Philippians that "it was given them to believe in Christ" (Phil. 1:29). And also, "God doth distribute unto every man a measure of faith" (Rom. 12:3). And again, "All men have not faith" (2 Thess. 3:2); and "All do not obey the gospel" (2 Thess. 1:8). Besides, Luke witnesses and says, "As many as were ordained to life, believed" (Acts 13:48). And, therefore, Paul also calls faith, "the faith of God's elect" (Titus 1:1). And again, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). And in other places he often wishes men to pray for faith. And the same also calls faith "powerful, and that showeth itself by love" (Gal. 5:6).

This faith pacifies the conscience and opens to us a free access unto God; that with confidence we may come unto Him and may obtain at His hands whatsoever is profitable and necessary. The same faith keeps us in our duty which we owe to God and to our neighbor and fortifies our patience in adversity: it frames and makes a true confession, and (in a word) it brings forth good fruit of all sorts; and good works (which are good indeed) proceed from a lively faith, by the Holy Ghost, and are done of the faithful according to the will or rule of God's Word. For Peter the apostle says, "Therefore, giving all diligence thereunto, join moreover virtue with your faith, and with virtue knowledge, and with knowledge temperance" (2 Peter 1:5–6).

It was said before that the law of God, which is the will of God, prescribes unto us the pattern of good works. And the apostle says, "This is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from all uncleanness, and that no man oppress or deceive his brother in any matter" (1 Thess. 4:3, 6). But as for such works and worship of God as are taken up upon our own liking, which St. Paul calls "will-worship" (Col. 2:23), they are not allowed nor liked of God. Of such the Lord says in the gospel, "They worship Me in vain, teaching for doctrine the precepts of men" (Matt. 15:9).

We, therefore, disallow all such manner of works, and we approve and urge men unto such as are according to the will and commandment of God. Yes, and these same works that are agreeable to God's will must be done, not to the end to merit eternal life by them; for "life everlasting," as the apostle says, "is the gift of God" (Rom. 6:23), nor for ostentation's sake, which the Lord rejects (Matt. 6:1, 5, 16), nor for lucre, which also He dislikes (Matt. 23:23), but to the glory of God to commend and set forth our calling and to yield thankfulness unto God, and also for the profit of our neighbors. For the Lord says again in the gospel, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). Likewise the apostle Paul says, "Walk worthy of your calling" (Eph. 4:1). Also, "Whatsoever ye do," he says, "either in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by Him" (Col. 3:17). "Let no man seek his own his own, but every man his brother's" (Phil. 2:4). And, "Let ours also learn to show forth good works for necessary uses; that they be not unprofitable" (Titus 3:14).

Notwithstanding, therefore, that we teach, with the apostle, that a man is justified by faith in Christ and not by any good works (Rom. 3:28), yet we do not lightly esteem or condemn good works: because we know that a man is not created or regenerated through faith that he should be idle, but rather that without ceasing he should do those things which are good and profitable. For in the gospel the Lord says, "A good tree bringeth forth good fruit" (Matt. 12:33); and again, "Whosoever abideth in Me, bringeth forth much fruit" (John 15:5). And lastly, the apostle says, "We are the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). And again, "Who gave Himself for us, that He might deliver us from all iniquity, and purge us to be a peculiar people to Himself, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). We, therefore, condemn all those which do condemn good works, and do babble that they are needless and not to be regarded. Nevertheless, as was said before, we do not think that we are saved by good works, or that they are so necessary to salvation that no man was ever saved without them. For we are saved by grace and by the benefit of Christ alone. Works do necessarily proceed from faith: but salvation is improperly attributed to them, which is most properly ascribed to grace. That sentence of the apostle is very notable: "If by grace, then not of works; for then grace were no more grace: but if of works, then is it not of grace; for then works were no more works" (Rom. 11:6).

Now the works which we do are accepted and allowed of God through faith because they which do them please God by faith in Christ, and also the works themselves are done by the grace of God through His Holy Spirit. For St. Peter says that "Of every nation, he that feareth God, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him" (Acts 10:35). And Paul also, "We cease not to pray for you, that ye may walk worthy of the Lord, and in all things please Him, being fruitful in very good work" (Col. 1:9–10).

Here, therefore, we diligently teach, not false and philosophical, but true virtues, true good works, and the true duties of a Christian man. And this we do with all the diligence and earnestness that we can inculcate and beat into men's minds; sharply reproving the slothfulness and hypocrisy of all those who with their mouths praise and profess the gospel, and yet with their shameful life do dishonor the same; setting before their eyes, in this case, God's horrible threatening, large promises, and bountiful rewards, and that by exhorting, comforting, and rebuking.

For we teach that God bestows great rewards on them that do good, according to that saying of the prophet, "Refrain thy voice from weeping, because thy work shall have a reward" (Jer. 31:16). In the gospel also the Lord said, "Rejoice, and be glad, because your reward is great in the heavens" (Matt. 5:12). And, "He that shall give to one of these little ones a cup of cold water, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward" (Matt. 10:42). Yet we do not attribute this reward, which God gives, to the merit of the man that receives it, but to the goodness, or liberality, and truth of God, which promises and gives it: who although He owes nothing unto any, yet He has promised to give a reward to those that faithfully worship Him, notwithstanding that He also gives them grace to worship Him. Besides, there are many things unworthy of the majesty of God, and many imperfect things are found in the works even of the saints; and yet because God receives into favor and embraces those who work them for Christ's sake, therefore, He performs unto them the promised reward. For otherwise, our righteousnesses are compared to a menstruous cloth (Isa. 64:6); yes, and the Lord in the gospel says, "When ye have done all things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; that which we ought to do, we have done" (Luke 17:10).

So that though we teach that God gives a reward to our good deeds, yet withal we teach with Augustine that "God doth crown in us, not our deserts, but His own gifts." And, therefore, whatsoever reward we receive, we say that it is a grace, and rather a grace than a reward: because those good things which we do, we do them rather by God than by ourselves; and because Paul says, "What hast thou that thou hast not received? but if thou hast received it, why dost thou boast, as though thou hadst not received it?" (1 Cor. 4:7). Which thing also the blessed martyr Cyprian gathers out of this place, that "we must not boast of anything, seeing nothing is our own." We, therefore, condemn those who defend the merits of men that they may frustrate the grace of God.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 17:5

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

  • Heb. 11:1

    Heb. 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not being seen.

  • 2 Cor. 1:20

    2 Cor. 1:20 For as many as [are] the promises of God, in Him [is] the “Yes.” Therefore also through Him the “Amen” through us [is] for glory to God.

  • Phil. 1:29

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

  • Rom. 12:3

    Rom. 12:3 For through the grace having been given to me, I say to everyone being among you⁺ not to be high-minded above what it is necessary to think, but to think so as to be sound-minded, as God allotted to each a measure of faith.

  • 2 Thess. 3:2

    2 Thess. 3:2 and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men; for the faith [is] not unto all.

  • 2 Thess. 1:8

    2 Thess. 1:8 in a fire of flame, giving vengeance on those not knowing God and on those not obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus,

  • Acts 13:48

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

  • Titus 1:1

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

  • Rom. 10:17

    Rom. 10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

  • Gal. 5:6

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

  • 2 Peter 1:5–6

    2 Peter 1:5–6 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,

  • 1 Thess. 4:3, 6

    1 Thess. 4:3, 6 3 For this is the will of God—your⁺ sanctification: [for] you⁺ to abstain from sexual immorality; 6 not to go beyond and to take advantage of his brother in the matter, because the Lord [is] avenging concerning all these things, just as also we said before to you⁺ and earnestly testified.

  • Col. 2:23

    Col. 2:23 which, having indeed a word of wisdom in self-willed worship and humility and harsh treatment of the body, are not in any value toward the indulgence of the flesh.

  • Matt. 15:9

    Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”

  • Rom. 6:23

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

  • Matt. 6:1, 5, 16

    Matt. 6:1, 5, 16 1 “And beware not to do your⁺ righteousness before men in order to be seen by them. Otherwise, you⁺ have no reward from your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens. 5 And when you⁺ may pray, you⁺ shall not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets so that they might be seen by men. Truly I say to you⁺, they have their reward in full. 16 And when you⁺ may fast, do not be as the hypocrites, gloomy-faced; for they disfigure their faces so that they might appear to men [as] fasting. Truly I say to you⁺, they have their reward in full.

  • Matt. 23:23

    Matt. 23:23 Woe to you⁺, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you⁺ pay tithes of mint and dill and cumin, and you⁺ left aside the weightier [things] of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. And it was necessary to do these, and those not to leave aside.

  • Matt. 5:16

    Matt. 5:16 Thus let your⁺ light shine before men, so that they may see your⁺ good works and may glorify your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens.

  • Eph. 4:1

    Eph. 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you⁺ to walk worthily of the calling to which you⁺ were called,

  • Col. 3:17

    Col. 3:17 And everything, whatever you⁺ may do in word or in work, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

  • Phil. 2:4

    Phil. 2:4 each looking at not the things of yourselves, but each also the things of others.

  • Titus 3:14

    Titus 3:14 And also let our [people] learn to devote themselves to good works for necessary needs, so that they may not be unfruitful.

  • Rom. 3:28

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

  • Matt. 12:33

    Matt. 12:33 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.

  • John 15:5

    John 15:5 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.

  • Eph. 2:10

    Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

  • Titus 2:14

    Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.

  • Rom. 11:6

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

  • Acts 10:35

    Acts 10:35 but in every nation the one fearing Him and working righteousness is acceptable to Him,

  • Col. 1:9–10

    Col. 1:9–10 9 Because of this, we also from the day we heard do not cease praying for you⁺ and asking that you⁺ may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding 10 to walk worthily of the Lord: pleasing in all, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God,

  • Jer. 31:16

    Jer. 31:16 Thus says YHWH: “Restrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for there will be reward for your work, a declaration of YHWH, and they will return from the land of the enemy.

  • Matt. 5:12

    Matt. 5:12 Rejoice and exult, because your⁺ reward [is] great in the heavens; for thus they persecuted the prophets before you⁺.

  • Matt. 10:42

    Matt. 10:42 And whoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones merely a cup of cold [water] in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you⁺, he shall certainly not lose his reward.”

  • Isa. 64:6

    Isa. 64:6 And all of us have become like an unclean one, all our righteous acts [are] as a filthy rag; and all of us wither like the leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

  • Luke 17:10

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

  • 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]?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works13 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith4 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling4 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors2 shared proof texts · 11 shared topics

Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

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

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 8:4, 6; Deut. 6:4.

    1 Cor. 8:4, 6 4 Therefore concerning the eating of the [things] sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world and that [there is] no God except one. 6 yet to us [there is] one God the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all things, and we through Him.

    Deut. 6:4 Hear, O Israel: YHWH our God, YHWH [is] One.

  • Jer. 10:10; Isa. 48:12.

    Jer. 10:10 And YHWH [is] the true God; He [is] the living God, and King forever! At His wrath the earth trembles, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.

    Isa. 48:12 Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, My called one! I [am] He; I [am] the First; also I [am] the Last.

  • Ex. 3:14.

    Ex. 3:14 And God said to Moses, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘Ehyeh has sent me to you⁺.’”

  • John 4:24.

    John 4:24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

  • 1 Tim. 1:17; Deut. 4:15–16.

    1 Tim. 1:17 Now to the King of the ages, the immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory to the ages of the ages! Amen.

    Deut. 4:15–16 15 And guard greatly your⁺ souls, for you⁺ did not see any form when YHWH spoke to you⁺ at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 lest you⁺ act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female—

  • Mal. 3:6.

    Mal. 3:6 “For I, YHWH, do not change; and you⁺, sons of Jacob, have not been consumed.

  • 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:23.

    1 Kings 8:27 But will indeed God dwell on the earth? Behold, the heavens and the heavens of the heavens cannot contain You. How much less this house that I have built?

    Jer. 23:23 “[Am] I a God nearby,” a declaration of YHWH, “And not a God far away?”

  • Ps. 90:2.

    Ps. 90:2 In the [time] before the mountains were brought forth, or You formed the earth and the world, and from forever even to forever, You [are] God.

  • Gen. 17:1.

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

  • Isa. 6:3.

    Isa. 6:3 And this one cried to this one and said: “Holy, holy, holy [is] YHWH of Hosts; the fullness of all the earth [is] His glory!”

  • Ps. 115:3; Isa. 46:10.

    Ps. 115:3 And our God [is] in the heavens; all that he has pleased, He has done.

    Isa. 46:10 declaring from the beginning the end, and from of old that which has not been done, saying, ‘My counsel will stand, and I will do all My delight;’

  • Prov. 16:4; Rom. 11:36.

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

    Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

  • Ex. 34:6–7; Heb. 11:6.

    Ex. 34:6–7 6 And YHWH passed before his face and proclaimed, “YHWH, YHWH God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving devotion and truth, 7 keeping loving devotion to the thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and he will surely not acquit [the guilty], visiting iniquity of fathers upon sons and upon sons of sons, upon a third and upon a fourth.”

    Heb. 11:6 And without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for it is necessary for the one coming to God to believe that He is and [that] He becomes a rewarder to those seeking Him out.

  • Neh. 9:32–33.

    Neh. 9:32–33 32 And now, our God—the God the great, the mighty, and fearsome, keeping the covenant and the kindness, should not all the hardship that has found us seem little before Your face—for our kings, for our princes, and for our priests, and for our prophets, and for our fathers, and for all Your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until this day. 33 And You [are] righteous over all that has come upon us, for faithfully You have acted, and we have been wicked.

  • Ps. 5:5–6.

    Ps. 5:5–6 5 The one boasting shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You will destroy those speaking falsehood; a man of blood and deceit YHWH abhors.

  • Ex. 34:7; Nah. 1:2–3.

    Ex. 34:7 keeping loving devotion to the thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and he will surely not acquit [the guilty], visiting iniquity of fathers upon sons and upon sons of sons, upon a third and upon a fourth.”

    Nah. 1:2–3 2 A God jealous and avenging [is] YHWH; avenging [is] YHWH and owner of fury; avenging [is] YHWH on His adversaries, and He is watching for His enemies. 3 YHWH [is] slow to anger and great in power; and YHWH does not entirely acquit. In the whirlwind and in the storm [is] His way, and the clouds [are] the dust of His feet.

  • John 5:26.

    John 5:26 For just as the Father has life in Himself, so also He gave to the Son to have life in Himself.

  • Ps. 148:13.

    Ps. 148:13 Let them praise the name of YHWH, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor above the earth and the heavens!

  • Ps. 119:68.

    Ps. 119:68 You [are] good, and the One doing good; may You teach me Your statutes.

  • Job 22:2–3.

    Job 22:2–3 2 “Can a man be useful to God? Can even a wise one benefit Him? 3 Is it pleasure to Shaddai that you are righteous, or gain that you perfect your ways?

  • Rom. 11:34–36.

    Rom. 11:34–36 34 “For who knew the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?” 35 Or “who first gave to Him, and it will be given back to him?” 36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.

  • Dan. 4:25, 34–35.

    Dan. 4:25, 34–35 25 That they shall drive you away from men, and with the beasts of the field shall be your dwelling; and they shall make you eat grass like oxen, and from the dew of heaven they shall wet you; and seven times shall pass over you, until that you come to know that the Most High [is] ruling over the kingdom of men, and to whom that, He chooses He gives it. 34 And at the end of the days, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to the heavens, and my understanding returned to me, and to the Most High I offered blessing, and to the One Living forever I gave praise and honor: “For His dominion [is] a dominion everlasting, and His kingdom [is] from generation to generation; 35 and all those dwelling in the earth are regarded as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of the heaven and those dwelling in the earth; and there is no one who can strike on His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”

  • Heb. 4:13.

    Heb. 4:13 And there is no created thing hidden before Him, but all things [are] bare and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom [is] our account.

  • Ezek. 11:5; Acts 15:18.

    Ezek. 11:5 And fell upon me the Spirit of YHWH, and He said to me, “Say, thus says YHWH: Thus you⁺ have said, O house of Israel—and the [things] coming upon your⁺ spirit I know.

    Acts 15:18 known from the age.’

  • Ps. 145:17.

    Ps. 145:17 Righteous [is] YHWH in all His ways, and kind in all His works.

  • Rev. 5:12–14.

    Rev. 5:12–14 12 saying in a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb having been slain to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature that is in heaven and upon the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and everything in them, saying: “To the One sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb, blessing and honor and glory and might to the ages of the ages!” 14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell and worshiped.

  • 1 John 5:7; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14.

    1 John 5:7 For there are three testifying:

    Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

    2 Cor. 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit [be] with all of you⁺.

  • Ex. 3:14; John 14:11; 1 Cor. 8:6.

    Ex. 3:14 And God said to Moses, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘Ehyeh has sent me to you⁺.’”

    John 14:11 Believe Me that I [am] in the Father and the Father [is] in Me; but if not, believe because of the works themselves.

    1 Cor. 8:6 yet to us [there is] one God the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all things, and we through Him.

  • John 1:14, 18.

    John 1:14, 18 14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

  • John 15:26; Gal. 4:6.

    John 15:26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you⁺ from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes forth from the Father, He will testify about Me.

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

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity45 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 417 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 712 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 611 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day10 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 257 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 46:10; Eph. 1:11; Heb. 6:17; Rom. 9:15, 18.

    Isa. 46:10 declaring from the beginning the end, and from of old that which has not been done, saying, ‘My counsel will stand, and I will do all My delight;’

    Eph. 1:11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

    Heb. 6:17 in which God, willing to show more abundantly the unchangeableness of His purpose to the heirs of the promise, guaranteed [it] by an oath,

    Rom. 9:15, 18 15 For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I may have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I may have compassion.” 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • James 1:13; 1 John 1:5.

    James 1:13 Let no one being tempted say, “I am being tempted from God.” For God is unable to be tempted by evils, and He Himself tempts no one.

    1 John 1:5 And this is the message that we have heard from Him and we announce to you⁺, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness—none.

  • Acts 4:27–28; John 19:11.

    Acts 4:27–28 27 For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predetermined to happen.

    John 19:11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Because of this, the one having delivered Me up to you has greater sin.”

  • Num. 23:19; Eph. 1:3–5.

    Num. 23:19 God [is] not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and He will not do? Or has He spoken, and He will not fulfill?

    Eph. 1:3–5 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One having blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ in the heavenly realms, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

  • Acts 15:18.

    Acts 15:18 known from the age.’

  • Rom. 9:11, 13, 16, 18.

    Rom. 9:11, 13, 16, 18 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 13 As it has been written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy. 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • 1 Tim. 5:21; Matt. 25:34.

    1 Tim. 5:21 I earnestly testify before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that you should keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.

    Matt. 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, the blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you⁺ from the foundation of the world.

  • Eph. 1:5–6.

    Eph. 1:5–6 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

  • Rom. 9:22–23; Jude 4.

    Rom. 9:22–23 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction, 23 so that He might also make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,

    Jude 4 on BibleHub ↗

  • 2 Tim. 2:19; John 13:18.

    2 Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

    John 13:18 I speak not about all of you⁺—I know whom I chose—but so that the Scripture may be fulfilled: ‘The one eating My bread lifted up his heel against Me.’

  • Eph. 1:4, 9, 11; Rom. 8:30; 2 Tim. 1:9; 1 Thess. 5:9.

    Eph. 1:4, 9, 11 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

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

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

    1 Thess. 5:9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • Rom. 9:13, 16; Eph. 2:5, 12.

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

    Eph. 2:5, 12 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 12 that at that time you⁺ were apart from Christ, having been alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, not having hope and without God in the world.

  • 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thess. 2:13.

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

    2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,

  • 1 Thess. 5:9–10.

    1 Thess. 5:9–10 9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 the One having died for us, so that whether we may watch or we may sleep, we may live together with Him.

  • Rom. 8:30; 2 Thess. 2:13.

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

    2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,

  • 1 Peter 1:5.

    1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • John 10:26; John 17:9; John 6:64.

    John 10:26 But you⁺ do not believe, because you⁺ are not of My sheep.

    John 17:9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours.

    John 6:64 But there are some of you⁺ who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning who are those not believing and who it is who will betray Him.

  • 1 Thess. 1:4–5; 2 Peter 1:10.

    1 Thess. 1:4–5 4 knowing, brothers beloved by God, your⁺ election, 5 because our gospel came to you⁺ not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much full assurance, just as you⁺ know what we were among you⁺ on account of you⁺.

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

  • Eph. 1:6; Rom. 11:33.

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

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

  • Rom. 11:5–6.

    Rom. 11:5–6 5 So then also in the present time, there has been a remnant according to the election of grace, 6 and if by grace, no longer out of works; otherwise grace no longer is grace.

  • Luke 10:20.

    Luke 10:20 But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you⁺; but rejoice that your⁺ names have been written in the heavens.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree38 shared proof texts · 16 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling10 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared proof texts · 11 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 129 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 138 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 548 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 1:3; Job 38:11; Isa. 46:10–11; Ps. 135:6.

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

    Job 38:11 and I said, ‘Up to here you may come, and you shall not go further; and here shall be set the pride of your waves’?

    Isa. 46:10–11 10 declaring from the beginning the end, and from of old that which has not been done, saying, ‘My counsel will stand, and I will do all My delight;’ 11 the One calling from the east a bird of prey, the man of My counsel from a country far away—indeed, I have spoken [it] [and] so I will bring it to pass; I have fashioned [it], I will also do it.

    Ps. 135:6 All that YHWH delights in, He does, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all the depths,

  • Matt. 10:29–31.

    Matt. 10:29–31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your⁺ Father. 30 And even the hairs of your⁺ head are all numbered. 31 Therefore do not be afraid; you⁺ are more valuable than many sparrows.

  • Eph. 1:11.

    Eph. 1:11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

  • Acts 2:23.

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

  • Prov. 16:33.

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

  • Gen. 8:22.

    Gen. 8:22 Throughout all the days of the earth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”

  • Acts 27:31, 44; Isa. 55:10–11.

    Acts 27:31, 44 31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these remain in the ship, you⁺ are not able to be saved.” 44 and the rest, some indeed on boards and some on things from the ship. And thus it came to pass [that] all were brought safely to the land.

    Isa. 55:10–11 10 For as the rain comes down—and the snow—from the heavens, and [from] there it does not return until it has quenched the earth and made it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the one sowing and bread to the one eating, 11 so is My word that goes forth from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty until it has done that which I delight, and it will prosper for that which I send it.

  • Hos. 1:7.

    Hos. 1:7 And [on] the house of Judah I will have compassion, and I will save them, by YHWH their God; I will not save them by bow, or by sword, or by battle, by horses, or by horsemen.”

  • Rom. 4:19–21.

    Rom. 4:19–21 19 And not having become weak in the faith, he considered his body already having become dead, being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 Yet he did not doubt in unbelief in the promise of God, but was empowered in faith, having given glory to God, 21 and having been fully assured that what He has promised, He is also able to do.

  • Dan. 3:27.

    Dan. 3:27 And gathered together the satraps, the administrators, and the governors, and the counselors of the king, and they saw these men whom the fire had no power over their bodies, and the hair of their head was not singed, and their garments were not changed, and the smell of fire had not passed over them.

  • Rom. 11:32–34; 2 Sam. 24:1; 1 Chron. 21:1.

    Rom. 11:32–34 32 For God closed up all in disobedience so that He may have mercy on all. 33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 34 “For who knew the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?”

    2 Sam. 24:1 And the anger of YHWH added to be hot against Israel, and He moved David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”

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

  • 2 Kings 19:28; Ps. 76:10.

    2 Kings 19:28 Because your raging against me and your tumult have come up to My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way in which you came.’

    Ps. 76:10 for the wrath of man shall praise You; with the remainder of wrath You gird Yourself.

  • Gen. 50:20; Isa. 10:6–7, 12.

    Gen. 50:20 And you⁺—you⁺ intended evil against me, God intended it for good, in order to bring about a day like this, to keep alive many people.

    Isa. 10:6–7, 12 6 I will send him against a godless nation and I will order him against the people of My wrath, to plunder the plunder and to prey [on] the prey, and to set [them] for trampling like the clay of the streets. 7 And he does not consider [it] so, and his heart does not reckon [it] so, for to destroy [is] in his heart, and to cut off nations—not a few. 12 And it will come to pass, when YHWH has cut off all his work against Mount Zion and against Jerusalem: “I will reckon with the fruit of the magnitude of the heart of the king of Assyria and with the splendor of the loftiness of his eyes.

  • Ps. 50:21; 1 John 2:16.

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

    1 John 2:16 because all that [is] in the world, the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the vaunting of life, is not from the Father but is from the world.

  • 2 Chron. 32:25–26, 31; 2 Sam. 24:1; 2 Cor. 12:7–9.

    2 Chron. 32:25–26, 31 25 And Hezekiah did not repay according to the deed to him, for his heart was lifted up; and there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. 26 And Hezekiah humbled himself for the loftiness of his heart, he and those dwelling in Jerusalem, so that the wrath of YHWH did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah. 31 And so with the ambassadors of the heads of Babylon, those sending to him to inquire about the sign that was [done] in the land, God withdrew from him in order to test him, that He might know all in his heart.

    2 Sam. 24:1 And the anger of YHWH added to be hot against Israel, and He moved David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”

    2 Cor. 12:7–9 7 and the surpassingness of the revelations. Therefore, so that I should not be over-exalted, a thorn in [my] flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, that he might buffet me, so that I should not be over-exalted. 8 Three times I entreated the Lord for this, that it might depart from me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace suffices for you, for the power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, rather, I will boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • Rom. 8:28.

    Rom. 8:28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose,

  • Rom. 1:24–26, 28; Rom. 11:7–8.

    Rom. 1:24–26, 28 24 Therefore God gave them up in the sinful desires of their hearts to uncleanness to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who changed the truth of God into falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the One having created, who is blessed to the ages! Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave up them to passions of dishonor. For even their females changed the natural use into that contrary to nature. 28 And just as they did not see fit to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them up to an unfit mind, to do the [things] not being proper;

    Rom. 11:7–8 7 What then? What Israel seeks after, this it did not obtain, but the elect obtained [it]. And the rest were hardened, 8 as it has been written: God gave “them a spirit of stupor, eyes not to see, and ears not to hear, unto this very day.”

  • Deut. 29:4.

    Deut. 29:4 And YHWH has not given to you⁺ a heart to perceive and eyes to see and ears to hear, to this day.

  • Matt. 13:12.

    Matt. 13:12 For whoever has, [it] will be given to him, and he will be in abundance. And whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

  • Deut. 2:30; 2 Kings 8:12–13.

    Deut. 2:30 Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for YHWH your God hardened his spirit and made obstinate his heart, that He might deliver him into your hand in this day.

    2 Kings 8:12–13 12 And Hazael said, “Why is my lord weeping?” And He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the sons of Israel—their strongholds you will send into the fire, and their young men you will kill with the sword, and their children you will dash to pieces, and their pregnant [women] you will split open.” 13 And Hazael said, “But what [is] your servant, a dog, that he should do this great thing?” And Elisha answered, “YHWH has made me see that you [will be] king over Aram.”

  • Ps. 81:11–12; 2 Thess. 2:10–12.

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

    2 Thess. 2:10–12 10 and in every deception of wickedness to those perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth in order for them to be saved. 11 And because of this, God sends to them a working of delusion for them to believe the lie, 12 so that all those not having believed the truth but having been well pleased in unrighteousness should be judged.

  • Ex. 8:15, 32; Isa. 6:9–10; 1 Peter 2:7–8.

    Ex. 8:15, 32 15 And Pharaoh saw that there was relief, and he made heavy his heart, and he did not listen to them, as YHWH had spoken. 32 And Pharaoh made heavy his heart also at this time, and he did not send out the people.

    Isa. 6:9–10 9 And He said, “Go and say to the people this: ‘Be ever hearing and never understanding, and be ever seeing and never knowing.’ 10 Fatten the heart of this people, and its ears make heavy and its eyes shut, lest it see with its eyes, hear and with its ears, and understand [with] its heart, and turn back and there be healing for it.

    1 Peter 2:7–8 7 Therefore the preciousness [is] to you⁺ who [are] believing. But [to] [those] disbelieving, “The stone that those building rejected, this became into the head of the corner,” 8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” [They] stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.

  • 1 Tim. 4:10; Amos 9:8–9; Isa. 43:3–5.

    1 Tim. 4:10 For unto this we toil and strive, because we have hoped on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

    Amos 9:8–9 8 Behold, the eyes of the Lord YHWH [are] on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth—except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob.” An utterance of YHWH. 9 “For behold, I am giving the command, and I will shake among all the nations the house of Israel, as it is shaken in a sieve, and not a pebble will fall [to] the ground.

    Isa. 43:3–5 3 For I, YHWH, [am] your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt [for] your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. 4 Since you are precious in My eyes, You have been honored, and I love you. And I appoint man in place of you, and peoples in exchange for your soul. 5 Do not fear, for I [am] with you; from the east I will bring your seed, and from the west I will gather you.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence61 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree6 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1956 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 185 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity4 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 14 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Soli Deo Gloria: The Erosion of God-Centered Worship

Wherever in the church biblical authority has been lost, Christ has been displaced, the gospel has been distorted, or faith has been perverted, it has always been for one reason: our interests have displaced God's and we are doing his work in our way. The loss of God's centrality in the life of today's church is common and lamentable. It is this loss that allows us to transform worship into entertainment, gospel preaching into marketing, believing into technique, being good into feeling good about ourselves, and faithfulness into being successful. As a result, God, Christ and the Bible have come to mean too little to us and rest too inconsequentially upon us.

God does not exist to satisfy human ambitions, cravings, the appetite for consumption, or our own private spiritual interests. We must focus on God in our worship, rather than the satisfaction of our personal needs. God is sovereign in worship; we are not. Our concern must be for God's kingdom, not our own empires, popularity or success.

Thesis Five: Soli Deo Gloria

We reaffirm that because salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, it is for God's glory and that we must glorify him always. We must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God and for his glory alone.

We deny that we can properly glorify God if our worship is confused with entertainment, if we neglect either Law or Gospel in our preaching, or if self-improvement, self-esteem or self-fulfillment are allowed to become alternatives to the gospel.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared topicsScots Confession · Preface4 shared topics