_Outlines of Doctrinal Theology by A. L. Graebner No Copyright, St. Louis, MO. Concordia Publishing House pp. 154-225_ -------------------- SOTERIOLOGY. DEFINITION. Sec. 130. Soteriology is the doctrine of Holy Scripture concerning the application of the merits of Christ to the individual sinner,[1] whereby the sinner is led to the actual possession and enjoyment of the blessings which Christ has procured for all mankind.[2] 1. 2 Cor. 5, 19. 20: God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath com- mitted unto us the word of reconciliation. Now, then, we are am- bassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, _Be ye reconciled_ to God! 1 Cor. 1, 4-6: I thank my God always on your behalf for the grace of God which is _given you_ by Jesus Christ, that in everything _ye are enriched_ by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge, even as the _testimony of Christ was confirmed in you_. 2. John 1, 16: And _of His fullness_ have _all we received_, and grace for grace. 1. Cor. 1, 7: So that ye come behind in no _gift_, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 1, 7. 8. 11: In whom _we have_ redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; (11) in whom also _we have obtained_ an inheritance. --------------------End of Page 154-------------------- PROMPTING CAUSE. Sec. 131. The application of the merits and benefits of Christ to the individual sinner is the work of God alone,[1] who is moved thereto by the same universal grace[2] which moved Him to procure and work the redemption of mankind.[3] 1. Eph. 2, 5. 8: Even when we were dead in sins, _hath quickened_ us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved). (8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is _the gift of God_. 1 Cor. 12, 3: _No man_ can say that Jesus is the Lord _but by the Holy Ghost_. 2. Eph. 1, 7: In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, _according to the riches of His grace_. Eph. 2, 4-6: But God, who is _rich in mercy, for His great love_ wherewith He loved us, even _when we were dead in sins_, hath quick- ened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (V. 8 sub 1.) 1 Tim. 2, 4: Who will have _all men_ to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim. 1, 9: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy call- ing, not according to our works, but _according to His own purpose and grace_, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Col. 1, 23: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from _the hope of the Gospel_, which ye have heard, and _which was preached to every creature which is under heaven_, whereof I, Paul, am made a minister. Matt. 11, 28: Come unto me, _all ye_ that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Ezek. 18, 31. 32: Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby ye have transgressed, and make you a new heart and a new spirit; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For _I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth_, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye! 3. John 3, 16: For God _so loved the world_ that He gave His only- begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 1 John 4, 9. 10: In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only-begotten Son into _the world_, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, --------------------End of Page 155-------------------- but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 2 Cor. 8, 9: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. INSTRUMENTAL CAUSE. Sec. 132. The means by which the benefits of Christ are offered and appropriated to the sinner,[1] and by which not only the capability of accepting what is offered, but also such acceptance itself is wrought in Him,[2] are the means of grace, the written and the spoken word of the Gospel[3] and the holy Sacraments.[4] 1. Gal. 3, 2. 18. 22: This only would I learn of you, _Received ye_ the Spirit by the works of the Law, or _by the hearing of faith_? (18) For if the inheritance be of the Law, it is no more of promise: but _God gave_ it to Abraham _by promise_. (22) But the Scripture hath con- cluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be _given to them that believe_. John 14, 27: Peace I leave with you, _my peace I give unto you_: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. _Let not your heart be troubled_, neither let it be afraid. Acts 2, 38: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and _be baptized_, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, _and ye shall receive_ the gift of the Holy Ghost. Rom. 1, 16: For I am not ashamed of the _Gospel of Christ_: for it is the _power of God unto salvation_ to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 2. Cor. 5, 19: To-wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself;...and hath committed unto us the _word of reconciliation_. 2. Rom. 10, 14. 17: How, then, shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and _how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard_? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (17) So, then, _faith cometh by hearing_, and hearing by the Word of God. John 17, 20: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall _believe on me through their word_. Acts. 11, 14: Who shall tell thee _words whereby_ thou and all thy house _shall be saved_. James 1, 21: Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted _Word, which is able to save your souls_. --------------------End of Page 156-------------------- Col. 1, 28: Whom _we preach_, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man _perfect_ in Christ Jesus. 3. 2 Tim. 3, 15-17: And that from a child thou hast know the _Holy Scriptures_, which are _able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith_ which is in Christ Jesus. _All Scripture_ is given by inspiration of God, and is _profitable_ for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. John 5, 39: Search the _Scriptures_; for _in them_ ye think _ye_ have _eternal life_: and they are they which testify of me. Col. 1, 28: Whom _we preach_, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, _that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus_. 1 Cor. 1, 21: For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God _by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe_. 1 Cor. 15, 1. 2: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you _the Gospel which I preached_ unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand, _by which also ye are saved_, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. Eph. 1, 7-9: In whom _we have redemption_ through His blood, _the forgiveness of sins_, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, _having made known unto us the mystery of His will_, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself. 4. Eph. 5, 26: That He might _sanctify and cleanse it_ with _the wash- ing of water by the Word_. Mark 16, 16: He that believeth and _is baptized_ shall be _saved_; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Tit. 3, 5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy _He saved us, by the washing of regenera- tion_ and renewing of the Holy Ghost. THE GOSPEL. Sec. 133. The Gospel, in the strict sense of the term,[1] is the divine doctrine[2] by which God announces to all man- kind[3] His grace and mercy in Christ Jesus,[4] earnestly offers to all that hear it[5] forgiveness of sins and the righteousness which Christ has earned by His obedience unto death (_vis collativa_), and by the power inherent in such grace effica-- ciously operates[6] in their hearts toward the acceptance[7] of --------------------End of Page 157-------------------- His gracious gifts, and perseverance in faith[8] and in holi- ness of life,[9] and produces such effects wherever they are not frustrated by man's obstinate resistance[10] (_vis operativa seu effectiva_). 1. Mark 1, 15: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent _ye_, and _believe the Gospel_! Rom. 1, 16: For I am not ashamed of the _Gospel of Christ_; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 2. Acts 14, 3: Long time therefore abode they, _speaking boldly in the Lord_, which gave testimony unto the _Word of His grace_, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Gal. 1, 11. 12: But I certify you, brethren, that the _Gospel which was preached_ of me is _not after man_. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but _by the revelation of Jesus Christ_. Luke 10, 16: He that _heareth you heareth me_; and he that de- spiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth Him that sent me. 1 Pet. 1, 25: But the _Word of the Lord_ endureth forever. And this is the Word _which by the Gospel is preached_ unto you. 1 Thess. 1, 8: For from you sounded out the _Word of the Lord_ not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad, so that we need not to speak anything. Acts 4, 29: And now, _Lord_, behold their threatenings, and grant unto Thy servants that with all boldness they may _speak Thy Word_. Luke 1, 77: To _give knowledge_ of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins. 1 Cor. 2, 12. 13: That we might _know the things_ that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the _words_ which man's wisdom teacheth, but _which the Holy Ghost teacheth_. 1 Cor. 1, 5-7: In everything ye are enriched by Him in _all utterance_ and in _all knowledge_, even as the _testimony of Christ_ was confirmed in you, so that ye come behind in no gift. 3. Mark 16, 15: And He said unto them, Go ye _into all the world_, and preach _the Gospel to every creature_. Luke 24, 47: And that repentance and remission of sins should be _preached_ in His name _among all nations_, beginning at Jerusalem. Matt. 24, 14: And _this Gospel_ of the kingdom shall be _preached in all the world_ for a witness _unto all nations_; and then shall the end come. Rom. 1, 5: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, _for obedience to the faith among all nations_, for His name. --------------------End of Page 158-------------------- Rom. 10, 17. 18: So, then, _faith cometh by hearing_, and hearing by the Word of God. But I say, _Have they not heard_? Yes, verily; their sound went _into all the earth_ and their words _unto the ends of the world_. 4. Luke 1, 76. 77: And thou, child, shalt be called _the prophet of the Highest_; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of _salvation_ unto His people _by the remission of their sins_. 5. Acts 13, 46: Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the _Word of God_ should first have been spoken to you; but seeing _ye put it from you_, and _judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life_, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Col. 1, 26: Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is _made manifest to His saints_. 2 Thess. 2, 10: And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness _in them that perish_, because _they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved_. 1 Thess. 2, 13: For this cause also thank we God without ceas- ing, because, when _ye received_ the Word of God which ye heard of us, _ye received it_ not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 6. Rom. 15, 18: For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which _Christ hath_ not _wrought by me_, to _make the Gentiles obedient, by word_ and deed. Cf. 1 Thess. 2, 13, above sub 5: "_effectually worketh_." Rom. 1, 16: For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the _power of God unto salvation_ to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 1 Cor. 3, 5: Who, then, is Paul, and who is Apollos, but _ministers by whom ye believed_, even as the Lord gave to every man? 1 Thess. 1, 5: For our _Gospel_ came not unto you in word only, but also _in power_, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance, as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. Col. 1, 5. 6: For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the _Gospel_, which is come unto you, as it is in all the world, and _bringeth forth fruit_, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth. Hebr. 4, 12: For the Word of God is quick, and _powerful_, and sharper than any two-edged sword, _piercing_ even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Acts 11, 21: And the _hand of the Lord_ was with them; and _a great number believed_, and turned unto the Lord. --------------------End of Page 159-------------------- Gal. 3, 5: He that ministereth to you the Spirit, and _worketh miracles among you_, doeth He it by the works of the Law, or _by the hearing of faith_? James 1, 18: Of His own will _begat He us with the word of truth_, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His _creatures_. 1 Cor. 4, 15: For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus _I have begotten you through the Gospel_. 1 Pet. 1, 23: Being _born again_, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, _by the Word of God_, which liveth and abideth forever. 7. Gal. 3, 2: This only would I learn of you, _Received ye the Spirit_ by the works of the Law, or _by the hearing of faith_? John 17, 20: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall _believe on me through their word_. Acts 26, 17. 18: Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, _to open their eyes_, and _to turn them from darkness to light_, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may _receive forgiveness of sins_, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 1 Cor. 15, 2: _By which_ also _ye are saved_, if ye keep in memory _what I preached unto you_, unless ye have believed in vain. Acts 11, 14: Who shall tell thee _words whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved_. 1 Cor. 1, 21: For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God _by the foolishness of preaching to save them_ that believe. 1 Pet. 3, 21: The like figure whereunto even _Baptism doeth also now save us_, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 8. 1 John 1, 4: And these things _write we_ unto you, that _your joy may be full_. 1 John 2, 24: Let that therefore abide in you _which ye have heard_ from the beginning. If _that which ye have heard_ from the beginning shall remain in you, _ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father_. 9. John 17, 17: _Sanctify them through Thy truth_: Thy Word is truth. Rom. 12, 1: I _beseech you_ therefore, brethren, _by the mercies of God_, that ye _present your bodies a living sacrifice_, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 10. CF. Sects. 138 and 141. --------------------End of Page 160-------------------- THE SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL. Sec. 134. The sacraments are sacred acts[1] of divine insti- tution,[2] in which, wherever they are properly administered[3] by the use of the prescribed external elements[4] in conjunc- tion with the divine words of institution,[5] God is, in a man- ner peculiar to each sacrament, present with the Word and elements,[6] earnestly offers to all who partake of the sacra- ment[7] forgiveness of sins[8] and eternal salvation,[9] and oper- ates toward the acceptance of these blessings, or toward greater assurance of their possession.[10] 1. I Cor. 11, 24. 25: _This_ DO in remembrance of me.... _This_ DO _ye_, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. Matt. 28, 19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, _baptizing_ them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 2. Matt. 28, 19: _Go ye_ therefore, and teach all nations, _baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost_. 1 Cor. 11, 23-25: For I have _received of the Lord_ that which also I delivered unto you, That _the Lord Jesus_ the same night in which He was betrayed _took bread_; and when He had _given thanks_, He brake it, and said, _Take, eat; this is my body_, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also _He took the cup_, when He had supped, _saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it_, in rem- membrance of me. Matt. 26, 26-68: And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Mark 14, 22-24: And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And He said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Luke 22, 19. 20: And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. --------------------End of Page 161-------------------- 3. See texts sub 2. 4. Eph. 5, 27 That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of _water_ by the Word. John 3, 5. 23: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of _water_ and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (23) And John also was baptizing in Aenon, near to Salim, because there was much _water_ there: and they came, and were baptized. 1 Cor. 10, 16: The _cup_ of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The _bread_ which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 5. Eph. 5, 26: That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water _by the Word_. 1 Cor. 10, 16: The cup of blessing _which we bless_, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Cor. 11, 24. 25: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and _said_, Take eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: _this do_ in remembrance of me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, _saying_, This cup is the new testament in my blood: _this do ye_, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 6. Matt. 3, 16. 17: And _Jesus_ when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he saw the _Spirit of God_ descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: and lo, a voice from heaven, saying _This is my beloved Son_, in whom I am well pleased. John 3, 5: Jesus Answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Ex- cept a man be born of water and _of the Spirit_, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 11, 29: For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning _the Lord's body_. 7. Luke 7, 30: But the _Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God_ against themselves, _being not baptized_ of him. Luke 22, 19. 20: And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, _and gave unto them_, saying, This is my body which is _given for you_: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which _is shed for you_. --------------------End of Page 162-------------------- 8. Acts 21, 16: And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and _be baptized_, and _wash away thy sins_, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 2, 38: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and _be baptized, every one of you_, in the name of Jesus Christ _for the remission of sins_, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Luke 3, 3: And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the _baptism_ of repentance _for the remission of sins_. Eph. 5, 26: That He might _sanctify_ and _cleanse it_ with the _washing of water by the Word_. 1 Pet. 3, 21: The like figure whereunto even _Baptism doth_ also now _save us_, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of _a good conscience toward God_,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Gal. 3, 26. 27: For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For _as many of you as have been baptized_ into Christ _have put on Christ_. Matt. 26, 28: For _this is my blood_ of the new testament, which is shed for many _for the remission of sins_. 9. 1 Pet. 3, 21: The like figure whereunto even _Baptism doth_ also now _save us_. Tit. 3, 5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy _He saved us by the washing of regenera- tion_ and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 10. Tit. 3, 5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of re- generation and _renewing of the Holy Ghost_. John 3, 5: Jesus answered, _Verily, verily_, I say unto thee, Ex- cept a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. THE SACRAMENTS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Sec. 135. The sacraments of the Christian Church are Baptism and the Lord's Supper. BAPTISM. Sec. 136. The sacrament of Baptism is the act of sprin- kling,[1] pouring,[2] or by immersion applying upon a living human person[3] water[4] in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,[5] the Triune God, who is Himself present with the water connected with the sacra- --------------------End of Page 163-------------------- mental word,[6] and efficaciously offers the gifts of His grace,[7] and operates toward their acceptance, as in infants,[8] or toward perseverance in, and greater assurance of, their pos- session, as in adults who have been previously regenerated by the Word.[9] 1. Hebr. 10, 22: Let us draw near with a true heart, in full as- surance of faith, having our hearts _sprinkled_ from an evil con- science, and our bodies _washed with pure water_. 1 Cor. 10, 2: And were all _baptized_ unto Moses _in the cloud_ and in the sea. Exod. 24, 6-8: And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he _sprinkled_ on the altar. And he took the Book of the Covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do and be obedient, And Moses took the blood, and _sprinkled_ it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the _covenant_, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words. Hebr. 9, 19. 20: For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and _sprinkled_ both the book and all the people, saying, This is the blood of the _testament_ which God hath enjoined unto you. Numb. 8, 7: And thus shalt thou do unto them, to _cleanse them: Sprinkle_ water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean. Numb. 19, 18. 19: And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and _sprinkle it_ upon the tent, and upon all the _vessels_, and upon the _persons_ that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave: and the clean person shall _sprinkle_ upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall _purify_ himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even. Mark 7, 4: And when they come from the market, except they _wash_, they eat not. And many other things there be which they have received to hold, as the _washing_ of cups, and pots, brazen _ves- sels_, and of tables. Luke 5, 14: And He charged him to tell no man: but go, and show thyself to the priest, and offer _for thy cleansing_, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. Ezek. 36, 25: Then will I _sprinkle_ clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness and from all your idols _will I cleanse you_. Hebr. 9, 10: Which stood only in meats and drinks, and _divers washings_, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. Acts 2, 41: Then they that gladly received his word were _bap- --------------------End of Page 164-------------------- tized_: and _the same day_ there were added unto them about _three thousand_ souls. Acts. 10, 47: Can any man _forbid water_, that these should not be _baptized_? 2. Matt. 3, 11: I indeed _baptize_ you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall _baptize you with the Holy Ghosts_ and with fire. Prov. 1, 23: Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will _pour out my Spirit_ unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Joel 2, 28: And it shall come to pass afterward that I will _pour out my Spirit_ upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams; your young men shall see visions. Cf. Acts 2, 16. 17. 3. Matt. 28, 19: Go ye therefore, and teach all _nations_, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Acts 8, 35-38: Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he bap- tized him. John 3, 5. 6: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Ex- cept _a man_ be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is _born of the flesh_ is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Mark 10, 14: But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the _little children_ to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. Acts 2, 39: For the promise is unto _you_, and to _your children_, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord, our God, shall call. Acts 16, 15: And when _she_ was baptized, and _her household_, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. Acts 16, 33: And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and _was baptized, he_ and _all his_, straightway. Col. 2, 11. 12: In whom also ye are _circumcised_ with the _cir- cumcision made without hands_, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the _circumcision of Christ_: buried with Him _in Bap- tism_, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. --------------------End of Page 165-------------------- 4. John 1, 31: And I knew Him not: but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing _with water_. John 3, 5. 23: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of _water_ and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (23) And John also was baptizing in Aenon, near to Salim, because there was much _water_ there: and they came and were _baptized_. Acts 10, 47: Can any man forbid _water_, that these should not be _baptized_ which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts 8, 38: And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into _the water_, both Philip and the eunuch; and he _baptized_ him. 5. Matt. 28, 19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, _baptizing them _in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost_. 6. Matt. 3, 16. 17: And _Jesus, when He was baptized_, went up straightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he saw the _Spirit of God_ descending like a dove, and light- ing upon Him: and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is MY _be- loved Son__, in whom I am well pleased. Matt. 28, 19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the _Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost_. John 3, 5: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Ex- cept a man be born of water and of the _Spirit_, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 1 John 5, 6: This is He _that came by water_ and blood, even _Jesus Christ_; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the _Spirit_ that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. Eph. 5, 26: That _He_ might sanctify and cleanse it _with the wash- ing of water by the Word_. 7. Acts 22, 16: And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and _be bap- tized, and wash away thy sins_, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 2, 38: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and _be baptized_, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ _for the remission of sins_, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Luke 3, 3: And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the _baptism of repentance_ for _the remission of sins_. Eph. 5, 26: That He might _sanctify and cleanse it_ with the _washing of water by the Word_. 1 Pet. 3, 21: The like figure whereunto even _Baptism doth also now save us_, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but _the answer of a good conscience_ toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. --------------------End of Page 166-------------------- 8. Ga. 3, 26. 27: For ye are all the _children of God by faith_ in Christ Jesus. For _as many of you as have been baptized_ into Christ _have put on Christ_. Tit. 3, 5-7: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy _He saved us by the washing of re- generation_ and _renewing of the Holy Ghost_, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, _being justified by His grace_, we should be _made heirs according to the hope of eternal life_. Rom. 6, 3. 4: Know ye not that so many of us as were _baptized_ into Jesus Christ _were baptized into His death_? Therefore we are _buried with Him by baptism_ into death, that, like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Cf. Col. 2, 11. 12. See above sub 4. 9. Acts 8, 35-38: Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; _what doeth hinder me to be baptized_? And Philip said, _If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest_. And he answered and said, _I believe_ that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he com- manded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and _he baptized him_. THE LORD'S SUPPER Sec. 137. The sacrament of the Lord's Table,[1] or the Lord's Supper,[2] or the Eucharist,[3] is the divinely instituted act[4] of consecrating, by the word of institution,[5] the divinely prescribed visible elements, bread and wine,[6] of distributing[7] to the communicants[8] the consecrated elements, and of orally eating and drinking[9] in, with, and under the consecrated bread and wine the true body and blood of Christ,[10] who, being present in such act,[11] earnestly offers to all communic- cants[12] forgiveness of sins,[13] and efficaciously operates toward the acceptance of such gift,[14] and toward renewed assurance of its possession, and the effects of such assurance.[15] 1. 1 Cor. 10, 21: Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the _Lord's Table_, and of the table of devils. 2. 1 Cor. 11, 20: When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the _Lord's Supper_. --------------------End of Page 167-------------------- 3. Matt. 26, 26: And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and _blessed it_, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 1 Cor. 10, 16: The _cup of blessing which we bless_, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 4. Matt. 26, 26-28: And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 1 Cor. 11, 24. 25: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: _this_ DO in remembrance of me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: _this_ DO _ye_, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 5. Mark 14, 22-24: And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them _and said_, Take, eat; this is my body. And He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And He _said_ unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Luke 22, 19. 20: And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and _gave unto them, saying_, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 1 Cor. 11, 23-25: For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus in the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, _and said_, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, _saying_, This cup is the new testa- ment in my blood: _this do ye_, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 1 Cor. 10, 16: The _cup of blessing which we bless_, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 6. Matt. 26, 26. 29: And as they were eating, Jesus took _bread_, and blessed it, and brake it, and _gave it_ to the disciples, and said, Take eat; this is my body. (29) But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of _this fruit of the vine_, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. --------------------End of Page 168-------------------- 1 Cor. 11, 20. 21: When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's Supper. For in eating every one taketh before others his own supper: and one is hungry, and another _is drunken_. (Fermented wine.) 7. Matt. 26, 26. 27: And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it. 8. Matt. 26, 26. 27: And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and _brake it, and gave it to the disciples_, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and _gave it to them_, saying, Drink ye all of it. 1 Cor. 11, 28. 29: But let a man examine himself, and so let him _eat of that bread_, and drink _of that cup_. For _he that eateth and drinketh unworthily_ eateth and drinketh _damnation_ to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. Luke 22, 21: But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. Matt. 26, 26. 27. See below. 9. Matt. 26, 26. 27: And _as they were eating_, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, _Take eat_; this is my body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, _Drink_ ye all of it. 1 Cor. 11, 28: But let a man examine himself, and _so let him eat of that bread_, and _drink_ of that _cup_. 10. Matt. 26, 26-28: And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; _this is my body_. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is _my blood_ of the new testament, _which is shed_ for many for the remission of sins. 1 Cor. 10, 16: The _cup of blessing_ which we bless, is it not the _communion of the blood of Christ_? The _bread_ which we break, is it not _the communion of the body of Christ_? 1 Cor. 11, 27-29: Wherefore, whosoever shall _eat this bread_, and _drink this cup_ of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of _the body and blood of the Lord_. But let a man examine himself, and so let him _eat of that bread, and drink of that cup_. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, _not discern- ing the Lord's body. 11. Matt. 18, 20: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. --------------------End of Page 169-------------------- 1 Cor. 10, 16: The cup of blessing _which we bless_, is it not the _communion of the blood of Christ_? The bread _which we break_, is it not the _communion of the body of Christ_? 12. 1 Cor. 11. 27, 29: Wherefore, WHOSOEVER _shall eat this bread, and drink this cup_ of the Lord, _unworthily_ shall be _guilty of the body and blood of the Lord_. (29) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, _not discern- ing the Lord's body_. Luke 22, 19-21: And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and _gave unto them_, saying, This is my body _which is given for you_: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, _which is shed for you_. But behold, the hand of _him_ that _betrayeth_ me _is with me on the table_. 13. Matt. 26, 28: For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many _for the remission of sins_. 14. 1 Cor. 11, 25: After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is _the new testament_ in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, _in remembrance of me_. Luke 22, 20: Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is _the new testament_ in my blood, _which is shed for you_. 15. 1 Cor. 11, 25, 26: This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, _in remem- rance of me_. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, _ye do show the Lord's death till He come_. EFFICACY AND RESISTIBILITY. Sec. 138. The operations of God,[1] or, by appropriation, of the Holy Ghost,[2] performed through the means of grace,[3] though in all cases equally earnest and efficacious,[4] are in no case irresistible,[5] but the grace and power of God, as exerted through the means of grace, may be, and often actually is, frustrated by man's obstinate and continued resistance.[5] 1. Phil. 2, 13: For it is _God_ which _worketh_ in you both _to will and to do_ of His good pleasure. Col. 2, 13: And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircum- cision of your flesh, hath _He quickened_ together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses. --------------------End of Page 170-------------------- 2. 1 Cor. 12, 3: Wherefore I give you to understand that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed, and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord _but by the Holy Ghost_. 3. Rom. 10, 17: So, then, _faith cometh by hearing_ and hearing by the Word of God. James 1, 18: Of His own will _begat He us with the Word of Truth_, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. 1 Pet. 1, 22: Seeing ye have purified your souls _in obeying the truth_ through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. Tit. 3, 5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy _He saved us by the washing of regenera- tion_ and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 4. Mark 16, 15: And He said unto them, Go ye into _all the world_, and preach the GOSPEL, to _every creature_. Rom. 1, 16: For I am not ashamed of the _Gospel_ of Christ, for it is _the power of God unto salvation_ to every one that believeth, to the _Jew_ first, and also tho the _Greek_. Luke 10, 16: He that _heareth you heareth me_, and he that _de- spiseth you despiseth me_; and he that despiseth me _despiseth Him that sent me_. Rom. 10, 16. 21: But they have not all obeyed the _Gospel_. For Esaias saith, Lord, _who hath believed our report_? (21) But to Israel He saith, _All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobe- dient and gainsaying_ people. Matt. 23, 37: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou _that killest the prophets_, and stonest them which _are sent unto thee_, how often _would I_ have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, _and ye_ would not! Luke 19, 41. 42: And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, _If thou hadst known_, even thou, at least in this thy day, _the things which belong unto they peace_! But now they are hid from thine eyes. Acts 7, 51: Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always _resist the Holy Ghost_; as your fathers did, so do ye. Rom. 2, 4: Or _despisest thou_ the _riches of His goodness_ and for- bearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the _goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance_? Is. 55, 10. 11: For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and _maketh it bring forth_ and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, _so shall my Word be_ that goeth forth out of my mouth: it _shall not return unto me void_, but it _shall accomplish_ that which I please, and it _shall prosper_ in the things whereto I sent it. --------------------End of Page 171-------------------- 5. Rom. 10, 21: But to Israel He saith, _All day_ long I have stretched forth my hand _unto a disobedient and gainsaying people_. Matt. 23, 37: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that _killest the prophets_, and _stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often_ would I have gathered they children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and _ye would not_! Acts 7, 51: Ye _stiffnecked_ and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do _always resist_ the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye. Acts 13, 45. 46: But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were _filled with envy_, and _spake against_ those things which were spoken by Paul, _contradicting and p=blaspheming_. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the _Word of God_ should first have been spoken to you; but seeing _ye put it from you_, and _judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life_, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Rom. 2, 5: But _after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath_ against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. John 3, 19-21: And this is the condemnation, that _light is come_ into the world, and _men loved darkness rather than light_, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil _hateth the light, neither cometh to the light_, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, and his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God. John 1, 5. 11: The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness _comprehended it not_. (11) He came unto His own, and His own )_received Him not_. OPERATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Sec. 139. The various operations of the Holy Spirit per- formed through the means of grace are the works of Vocation, Regeneration or Conversion, Renovation or Sanctification, and Preservation. VOCATION. Sec. 140. Vocation[1] is the act of God by which He, through the means of grace,[2] earnestly offers[3] to all who hear or read the Gospel,[4] or to whom the sacraments are administered,[5] the benefits of Christ's redemption,[6] truly and earnestly in- vites and exhorts them to accept and enjoy what is thus offered,[7] and endeavors to move and lead them by the power inherent in the means of grace[8] to such acceptance and en- joyment of the benefits of the redemption.[9] --------------------End of Page 172-------------------- 1. 2 Tim. 1, 9: Who hath saved us, and _called us_ with an holy _call- ing_, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Matt. 11, 28: _Come unto me_, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matt. 20, 16: So the last shall be first, and the first last; for _many be called_, but few chosen. 2. 2 Thess. 2, 14: Whereunto He _called you by our Gospel_ to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 3. Luke 14, 17: And sent _his servant_ at supper time to say to them that were bidden, _Come: for all things are now ready_. Is. 55, 1: Ho, every one that thirsteth, _come ye_ to the _waters_, and he that hath no money: _come ye_, buy, and _eat_; yea, _come, buy_ wine and milk _without money and without price_! 4. Acts 17, 30: And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth _all men_ everywhere to repent. Matt. 22, 9, 10: Go ye therefore into the _highways_, and _as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage_. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together _all as many as they found_, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. Col. 1, 28: Whom we preach, warning _every man_, and teaching _every man in all_ wisdom, that we may present _every man_ perfect in Christ Jesus. Matt. 28, 19: Go ye therefore, and teach _all nations_, baptizing _them_ in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Ezek. 2, 4. 5: For they are _impudent children_ and _stiffhearted_. I do sent thee _unto them_, and thou shalt say _unto them_, Thus saith the Lord God. And they, whether they will _hear, or whether they will forbear_, (for they are _a rebellious house_,) yet shall know that there hath been _a prophet among them_. John 5, 39: _Search_ the Scriptures; for in them ye think _ye have eternal life_; and they are they which testify of me. 5. Acts 2, 38. 41: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and _be bap- tized, every one of you_, in the name of Jesus Christ _for the remission of sins_, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (41) Then they that gladly received his word _were baptized_: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. --------------------End of Page 173-------------------- 6. John 1, 16: And _of His fullness_ have all we received, and grace for grace. John 16, 15: All things that the Father hath are mine; therefore said I that _He shall take of mine_, and shall show it unto you. 1 Cor. 1, 9: God is faithful, by whom ye were _called unto the fellowship of His Son_ Jesus Christ, our Lord. Col. 1, 13. 14: Who hath _delivered_ us from the power of darkness, and hath _translated_ us into the kingdom of _His dear Son, in whom we have redemption_ through His blood, even _the forgiveness of sins_. 1 Pet. 2, 9: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath _called you_ out of darkness _into His marvel- ous light_. 1 Pet. 3, 7: Knowing that ye are _thereunto called_, that ye should _inherit a blessing_. Eph. 1, 18: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the _hope of His calling_, and what the _riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints_. Phil. 3, 14: I press toward the mark for _the prize of the high calling_ of God _in Christ Jesus_. 1 Tim. 6, 12: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on _eternal life, whereunto thou art also called_. 7. Matt. 22, 4: Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, _Tell them which are bidden_, Behold, _I have prepared my dinner_: my _oxen and my fatlings_ are killed, and _all things are ready: come_ unto the marriage! 8. Roe. 1, 16: For I am not ashamed of the _Gospel_ of Christ; for it _is the power of God_ unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Hebr. 4, 12: For the _Word of God_ is _quick and powerful_, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 1 Pet. 1, 23: Being _born again_, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, _by the Word of God_, which _liveth_ and abideth forever. 9. 2 Cor. 5, 19. 20: To-wit, that _God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself_, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the _word of reconciliation_. Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, _Be ye reconciled to God_! Luke 14, 21-23: So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to --------------------End of Page 174-------------------- his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast com- manded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in _that my house may be filled_. Acts. 11, 14: Who shall tell thee _words whereby_ thou and all thy house _shall be saved_. EFFECTS OF THE CALL. Sec. 141. By the divine power residing in the means of grace, and working through the same,[1] the calling grace of God effects regeneration[2] or conversion.[3] Wherever these effects are not attained, this is due to obstinate resistance on the part of man.[4] 1. Rom. 1, 16: For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the _power of God unto salvation_ to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 1 Pet. 1, 3: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy _hath begotten us again_ unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Cor. 1, 18: For the _preaching of the cross_ is to them that perish foolishness, but _unto us which are saved it is the power of God_. Hebr. 4, 12: For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 1 Pet. 1, 23: Being _born again_, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, _by the Word of God_, which _liveth and abideth forever_. 2 Thess. 2, 14: Whereunto He _called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ_. 1 Cor. 4, 15: In Christ Jesus I have _begotten you through the Gospel_. 2. Cf. Sec. 142. 3. Cf. Sec. 143. 4. Luke 8, 5. 12: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was _trodden down_, and the fowls of the air _devoured_ it. (12) Those by the wayside are they that hear; then cometh the _devil_ and _taketh away the Word_ out of their hearts, _lest they should believe and be saved_. --------------------End of Page 175-------------------- Luke 14, 18-20. 24: And they all with one consent began to _make excuse_. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me ex- cused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore _I cannot come_. (24) For I say unto you, That _none of those men_ which were bidden _shall taste of my supper_. Acts 26, 28: Then Agrippa said unto Paul, _Almost_ thou per- suadest me to be a Christian. Acts 24, 25: And he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, _Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season_, I will call for thee. John 3, 19-21: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and _men loved darkness rather than light_, be- cause their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil _hateth the light_, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be re- proved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God. REGENERATION. Sec. 142. Regeneration[1] is the act of divine grace[2] and power[3] by which man, born of the flesh,[4] void of all power to think,[5] to will,[6] and to do,[7] any good thing, and dead in sin,[8] is, through the means of grace,[9] raised from spiritual death,[10] born into a new spiritual life,[11] and endowed with spiritual power to know and understand[12] spiritual truths, to will and to do[13] what is spiritually good, and, especially, made to ac- cept and enjoy the benefits of the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, the Savior of mankind.[14] 1. Tit. 3, 5: Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of _regenera- tion_ and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 1 Pet. 1, 3: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath _begotten us again_ unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 2. 2 Tim. 1, 9: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy call- ing, not according to our works, but according to His own _purpose and grace_, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Eph. 2, 6. 7: And hath _raised us up together_, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, _that_ in the ages to come --------------------End of Page 176-------------------- _He might show the exceeding riches of His grace_ in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 1 Pet. 1, 3: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Eph. 2, 4: But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us. Tit. 3, 5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His _mercy_ He _saved us_ by the washing of _regenera- tion_ and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 3. John 1, 13: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, _but of God_. 1 John 3, 9: Whosoever is _born of God_ doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 2 Cor. 5, 17: Therefore if any man be _in Christ_, he is a new _creature_. Eph. 2, 5. 6: Even when we were dead in sins, hath _quickened us_ together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Eph. 1, 19: And what is the exceeding greatness of _His power to us-ward who believe_, according to _the working of His mighty power_. 4. John 3, 6: That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 5. 2 Cor. 3, 5: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to _think any- thing as of ourselves_, but our sufficiency is of God. 1 Cor. 2, 14: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him, _neither can he know them_, because they are spiritually discerned. Eph. 4, 18: Having the _understanding darkened_, being alienated from the life of God through the _ignorance_ that is in them, because of the _blindness_ of their heart. Eph. 5, 8: For ye were sometimes _darkness_, but now are ye light in the Lord. 6. Gen. 6, 5: And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that _every imagination_ of the thoughts of his heart was _only evil continually_. Gen. 8, 21: The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth. Rom. 8, 7: Because the carnal mind is _enmity against God_; for it is not subject to the Law of God, _neither indeed can be_. --------------------End of Page 177-------------------- 7. John 15, 5: Without me ye can do nothing. Phil. 1, 6: Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath _begun_ a good work in you will _perform_ it until the day of Jesus Christ. Rom. 7, 14: For we know that the Law is spiritual; but _I am carnal_, sold under sin. Eph. 2, 3: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, _fulfilling the desires of the flesh_ and of the mind; and were _by nature_ the children of wrath, even as others. 8. Col. 2, 13: And you, being _dead in your_ sins and the uncircum- cision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him. Eph. 2, 1. 5: And you hath He quickened, _who were dead_ in tres- passes and sins. (5) Even when _we were dead_ in sins, hath quick- ened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). 9. James 1, 18: Of His Own will _begat_ He us _with the Word of Truth_, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. 1 Pet. 1, 23: Being _born again_, not of corruptible seed, but of in- corruptible, _by the Word of God_, which liveth and abideth forever. Tit. 3, 5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the _washing of regenera- tion_ and renewing of the Holy Ghost. John 3, 5: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Ex- cept a man be _born of water and of the Spirit_, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 4, 15: For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have _begotten you through the Gospel_. Gal. 4, 19: My little children, of whom I _travail in birth_ again until _Christ be formed in you_. 10. Eph. 2, 5. 6: Even when we were _dead_ in sins, hath _quickened_ us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath _raised us up_ together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Col. 2, 13: And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircum- cision of your flesh, _hath He quickened together with Him, having for- given you all trespasses. 11. 1 Pet. 1, 23: Being _born again_, not of corruptible seed, but of in- corruptible, by the Word of God, which _liveth and abideth forever_. James 1, 18: Of His own will _begat He us_ with the Word of Truth, that we should be a kind of _firstfruits of His creatures_. --------------------End of Page 178-------------------- 12. 2 Cor. 3, 5: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to _think_ any- thing as of ourselves, but _our sufficiency is of God_. Acts 26, 18: To _open their eyes_, and to turn them _from darkness to light_, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may re- ceive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 13. Phil. 2, 13: For it is _God_ which _worketh_ in you both _to will_ and _to do_ of His good pleasure. 14. 1 Pet. 1, 3: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath _begotten us again_ unto _a lively hope_ by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Gal. 3, 26: For ye are all the _children of God by faith_ in Christ Jesus. Is. 53, 10: When Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall _see His seed_, He shall prolong His days, _and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand_. CONVERSION. Sec. 143. Conversion[1] in a stricter sense of the term is the work of God[2] by which man is, through the Gospel, transferred[3] from a state of sin and wrath and spiritual death, in which by nature all men are,[4] into a state of spir- itual life and faith and grace[5] in which alone the sinner can enjoy the benefits of Christ's redemption.[6]--Conversion in a wider sense[7] is the process whereby man, being by the grace and power of God transferred from his carnal state of sin and wrath into a spiritual state of faith and grace, enters upon, and, under the continued influence of the Holy Spirit, continues in, a state of faith and spiritual life.[8] 1. 1 Pet. 2, 25: For ye were as sheep going astray, but are now _re- turned_ unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. Jer. 31, 19: Surely, after that I was _turned_, I repented. Acts 26, 18: To _turn_ them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God. Acts 26, 20: That they should repent and turn to God. 2. Jer. 31, 18: _Turn Thou me_, and I shall be turned; _for Thou art the Lord, my God_. Col. 1, 12. 13: Giving thanks unto _the Father_, which hath _made --------------------End of Page 179-------------------- us meet_ to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; _who hath delivered_ us from the power of darkness, and hath _translated us_ into the kingdom of His dear Son. Acts 5, 31: _Him hath God exalted_ with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for _to give repentance_ to Israel and forgiveness of sins. John 6, 29: Jesus answered and said unto them, This is _the work of God_, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent. Col. 2, 12: Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith _of the operation of God_, who hath raised Him from the dead. 3. Col. 1, 12. 13: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath _translated_ us into the kingdom of His dear Son. Eph. 2, 6: And hath _raised us up_ together, and _made us sit_ to- gether in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 4. Rom. 3, 9. 23: What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise; for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that _they are all under sin_. (23) For _all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God_. Job 15, 14: What is _man_, that he should be _clean_? and he which is _born of a woman_, that he should be _righteous_? Ps. 14, 3: They are ALL _gone aside_, they are all together become filthy: there is _none_ that doeth good, no, _not one_. Eph. 2, 3: Among whom also _we all_ had our conversation in times past in the _lusts of our flesh_, fulfilling the _desires of the flesh_ and of the mind; and were _by nature_ the children of wrath, _even as others_. Col. 3, 5. 6: Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concu- piscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. 1 Pet. 2, 10: Which in time past _were not a people_, but are now the people of God; which _had not obtained mercy_, but now have ob- tained mercy. Gal. 5, 24: And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 1 Pet. 2, 25: For ye _were as sheep going astray_, but are now re- turned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. Acts 26, 18: To open their eyes, and to turn them _from darkness_ to light, and from the _power of Satan_ unto God, that they may re- ceive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Ezek. 18, 32: For I have no pleasure in the _death_ of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye! --------------------End of Page 180-------------------- Ezek. 33, 11: Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked _turn from his way_ and live: turn ye, _turn ye from your evil ways_; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 5. Gal. 4, 5: To redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive _the adoption of sons_. Acts 11, 21: And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number believed, and turned _unto the Lord_. Acts 20, 21: Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance _toward God_ and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 6, 14: For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the Law, but _under grace_. 1 Pet. 2, 10: Which in time past were not a people, but _are now the people of God_; which had not obtained mercy, but _now have ob- tained mercy_. 1 Pet. 2, 25: For ye were as sheep going astray, but _are now re- turned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls_. John 1, 12: But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to _become the sons of God_, even to them that _believe_ on His name. Ezek. 11, 19: And I will give them one heart, and I will put _a new spirit_ within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will _give them an heart of flesh_. 6. Gal. 4, 5: To redeem them that were under the Law, _that we might receive the adoption of sons_. 1 Pet. 2, 10: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but _now have ob- tained mercy_. Acts 26, 18: To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, _that they may receive forgiveness of sins_, and _inheritance_ among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 7. Jer. 31, 18. 19: _Turn Thou me, and I shall be turned_; for Thou art the Lord my God. Surely, after that I was turned, _I repented_. Acts 26, 20: But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should _repent and turn to God and do works meet for repentance_. 8. Acts 26, 20: But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. --------------------End of Page 181-------------------- Jer. 31, 19: Surely, after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh. I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. Deut. 30, 2: And shalt _return_ unto the Lord, thy God, _and shalt obey His voice according to all that I command thee_ this day, thou and thy children, _with all thine heart and with all thy soul_. Rom. 12, 2: And be not conformed to this world, _but be ye trans- formed by the renewing of your mind_, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Rom. 6, 17: But God be thanked that ye _were_ the servants of sin, _but ye have obeyed from the heart_ that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Eph. 4, 13: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, _unto a perfect man_, unto the measure of the stature of the _fullness_ of Christ. Ps. 51, 12: Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and up- hold me with Thy free Spirit. CONVERSION AND PREPARATORY OPERATIONS. Sec. 144. Regeneration or Conversion in the stricter sense, being essentially the procreation of true and saving faith,[1] is an instantaneous act or process,[2] but is in adults pre- ceded by preparatory operations, whereby the sinner is con- victed of his sinful state and helpless condition under divine wrath by means of the Law[3] and led to a logical or historical understanding of the contents of the Gospel,[4] and which, with the outward use of the means of grace, in a measure, lie within the power and reach of irregenerate man.[5] 1. John 1, 12. 13: But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them _that believe_ on His name: _which were born _, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but _of God_. Gal. 3, 26: For ye are all the _children of God by faith_ in Christ Jesus. 1 John 5, 1: Whosoever _believeth_ that Jesus is the Christ _is born of God_: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of Him. John 6, 29: Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, _that ye believe_ on Him whom He hath sent. Col. 2, 12: Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are _risen_ with Him _through the faith of the operation of God_, who hath raised Him from the dead. --------------------End of Page 182-------------------- 2. Eph. 2, 5. 6: Even when we were dead in sins, hath _quickened_ us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath _raised us up_ together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 3. Rom. 5, 13: For until the _Law_ sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Rom. 3, 20: Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for _by the Law is the knowledge of sin_. Jer. 13, 18: Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble your- selves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory. 4. Matt. 13, 23: But he that received seed into the good ground is he that _heareth the Word, and understandeth it_; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. John 4, 39: And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on Him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. 5. James 2, 19: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Acts 24, 25: And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Luke 4, 16. 22: And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. (22) And all bare Him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? Acts 13, 44: And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the Word of God. Acts 26, 26 ff.: For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner, etc. CONVERSION PURELY THE WORK OF GOD. Sec. 145. Inasmuch as regeneration or conversion is es- sentially the bestowal of faith,[1] it is wholly and exclusively a work of God,[2] wherein the person being regenerated or converted can in no wise or respect concur, but is merely the passive subject,[3] in which as in a rational being[4] the --------------------End of Page 183-------------------- salutary internal change is wrought by the grace and power of God[5] through the means of grace.[6] 1. John 1, 12. 13: But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that _believe_ on His name: _which were born_, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man but _of God_. 1 John 5, 1: Whosoever _believeth_ that Jesus is the Christ is _born of God_. Gal. 3, 26: For ye are all the _children of God by faith_ in Christ Jesus. 2. John 6, 29: Jesus answered and said unto them, This is _the work of God that ye believe_ on Him whom he hath sent. Col. 2, 12: Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the _faith of the operation of God_, who hath raised Him from the dead. Hebr. 12, 2: Looking unto Jesus, the _Author and Finisher of our faith_, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 1 Pet. 1, 21: Who _by Him do believe_ in God, that raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God. Eph. 6, 23: Peace be to the brethren, and love with _faith, from God_ the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. John 14, 6: Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: _no man cometh unto the Father but by me_. Acts 11, 17. 18: Forasmuch, then, as _God gave them the like gift_ as He did unto us, _who believed_ on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath _God_ also to the Gentiles _granted repentance_ unto life. Hos. 13, 9: O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but _in me is thine help_. 3. Eph. 2, 1. 5: And you hath He quickened, who _were dead_ in tres- passes and sins. (5) Even _when we were dead_ in sins, hath quick- ened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). Col. 2, 13: And you _being dead_ in your sins and the uncircum- cision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses. Rom. 8, 7: Because the _carnal mind is enmity against God_; for it is not subject to the Law of God, _neither indeed can be_. Gal. 5, 17: For the flesh lusteth _against_ the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are _contrary_ the one to the other, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. --------------------End of Page 184-------------------- John 3, 6: That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Phil. 1, 29: For unto you it _is given_ in the behalf of Christ not only _to believe_ on Him, but also to suffer for His sake. 1 Cor. 2, 5: That your _faith_ should not stand in the wisdom of men, but _in the power of God_. 4. 1 Cor. 12, 3: Wherefore I give you to understand that no man _speaking_ by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed, and that no man can _say_ that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. 1, 4-7: I thank my God always on your behalf for the grace of God which is _given you_ by Jesus Christ, that in everything ye are _enriched_ by Him, in all _utterance_ and in all _knowledge_, even as the _testimony of Christ was confirmed in you_, so that ye come be- hind in no gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 10, 14: How then, shall they _call on Him_ in whom they have not _believed_? and how shall they _believe_ in Him _of whom they have not heard_? and how shall they _hear_ without a _preacher_? John 17, 8: For I have _given_ unto them the _words_ which Thou gavest me; and they have _received_ them, and have _known_ surely that I came out from Thee, and they have _believed_ that Thou didst send me. John 6, 44. 45: No man can _come to me_, except the _Father_ which hath sent me _draw him_: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all _taught_ of God. Every man therefore that hath _heard_, and hath _learned_ of the Father, cometh unto me. 5. Eph. 1, 19: And what is the exceeding greatness of His _power_ to us-ward who believe, according to the _working of His mighty power_. See also texts sub 2. 6. Rom. 10, 17: So, then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the _Word of God_. John 17, 20: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me _through their word_. 1 Cor. 1, 21: For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God _by the foolishness of preaching_ to save them that believe. 2 Cor. 4, 6: For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath _shined in our hearts_, to _give the light of the knowledge_ of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Tit. 3, 5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the _washing of regenera- tion_ and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. 3, 5: Who, then, is Paul, and who is Apollos, but _ministers by whom ye believed_, even as the Lord gave to every man? --------------------End of Page 185-------------------- ACT OF FAITH. Sec. 146. The act of saving faith is the acceptance[1] of the benefits of Christ offered through the means of grace[2] by knowledge of, assent to, and reliance on, the teachings and promises of the Gospel[3] and, especially, confidence in Christ.[4] 1. John 1, 12. 16: But as many as _received_ Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that _believe_ on His name. (16) And of His fullness have all we _received_, and grace for grace. John 17, 8: For I have _given_ unto them the words which Thou gavest me; and they have _received_ them, and have _known_ surely that I came out from Thee, and they have _believed_ that Thou didst send me. Acts 10, 43: To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name, whosoever _believeth_ in Him, shall _receive_ remission of sins. Acts 26, 18: To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may _receive_ forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them, which are sancti- fied by _faith_ that is in me. Col. 2, 6: As ye have therefore _received_ Christ Jesus, the Lord, so walk ye in Him. Cf. Sects. 122. 123. 2. John 4, 39-42: And many of the Samaritans of that city _believed_ on Him for the _saying_ of the woman, which _testified_, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto Him, they besought Him that He would tarry with them: and He abode there two days. And many more _believed_ because of His own word, and said unto the woman, Now _we believe_, not because of thy saying; for we _have heard Him ourselves_, and _know_ that this is in- deed the Christ, the Savior of the world. 3. Luke 1, 77: To give _knowledge of salvation_ unto His people by the remission of their sins. Is. 53, 11: He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: _by His knowledge_ shall my righteous Servant _justify many_; for He shall bear their iniquities. John 17, 3: And this _is life eternal_, that they might _know Thee_ the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. 2 Pet. 1, 3: According as His divine power hath _given unto us all things_ that pertain unto life and godliness, _through the knowledge of Him_ that hath called us to glory and virtue. Rom. 4, 20-22: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God and being --------------------End of Page 186-------------------- _fully persuaded_ that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. John 17, 8: For I have given unto them the _words_ which Thou gavest me; and they have _received_ them, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have _believed_ that Thou didst send me. Luke 8, 13: They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, _receive the Word with joy_; and these have no root, which for a while _believe_, and in time of temptation fall away. Acts 8, 14: Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had _received the Word_ of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. James. 1, 21: Wherefore, lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and _receive with meekness_ the engrafted _Word_, which is able to save your souls. John 2, 22: When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that _He had said_ this unto them; and _they be- lived the Scripture_, and the word which Jesus had said. Phil. 1, 27: Only let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ, that, whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the _faith of the Gospel_. Mark 1, 15: And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and _believe the Gospel_! John 20, 29. 31: Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed. Blessed are they that have _not seen_ and _yet have believed_. (31) But these are _written, that ye might believe_ that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through His name. 2 Cor. 3, 4: And such _trust_ have we through Christ to God-ward. 2 Tim. 1, 12: For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have _believed_, and _am persuaded_ that He is able to keep that which I have commit- ted unto Him against that day. Mark 4, 40: And He said unto them, Why _are ye so fearful_? How is it that ye _have no faith_? 4. Gal. 2, 16-20: Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the _faith of Jesus Christ_ even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the _faith of Christ_, and not by the works of the Law; for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid! For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the Law am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: never- --------------------End of Page 187-------------------- theless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the _faith of the Son of God_, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Phil. 1, 29: For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to _believe on Him_, but also to suffer for His sake. 1 Tim. 1, 16: Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first _Jesus Christ_ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter _believe on Him_ to life everlasting. Rom. 9, 33: As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling- stone and rock of offense: and whosoever _believeth on Him_ shall not be ashamed. Acts 16, 31: And they said, _Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ_, and thou shalt be saved and thy house. Rom. 3, 25: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through _faith in His blood_, to declare His righteousness for the re- mission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. John 20, 31: But these are written, that ye might _believe that Jesus is the Christ_, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through His name. John 1, 12: But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that _believe on His name_. STATE OF FAITH. Sec. 147. The state of saving faith[1] is the continued pos- session[2] of the benefits of Christ's sacrifice through an endur- ing confidence in Christ the Savior and the promises of the Gospel.[3] 1. Luke 22, 32: But I have prayed for thee that _thy faith fail not_. 2 Cor. 13, 5: Examine yourselves, whether ye _be_ in the faith. 1 Cor. 16, 13: Watch ye, _stand fast in the faith_, quit you like men, be strong! Gal. 2, 20: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh _I live by the faith_ of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Acts 16, 5: And so were the churches _established in the faith_, and increased in number daily. Col. 2, 7: Rooted and built up in Him, and _established in the faith_, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 1 Tim. 2, 15: Not withstanding she shall be saved in child- bearing, if they _continue in faith_ and charity and holiness with sobriety. 2 Tim. 4, 7: I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course; I have _kept the faith_. --------------------End of Page 188-------------------- 2 Cor. 10, 15: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors, but having hope, when your _faith is in- creased_, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abun- dantly. 1 Pet. 1, 7: That the _trial of your faith_, being much more pre- cious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 2. Eph. 3, 12: In whom we _have_ boldness and access with _confidence by the faith of Him_. 1 Pet. 1, 9: _Receiving the end of your faith_, even the salvation of your souls. 2 Tim. 1, 12: For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless, _I am not ashamed_; for I know whom I have _believed_, and _am persuaded_ that _He is able to keep that which I have com- mitted unto Him_ against that day. Gal. 5, 4. 5: Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; _ye are fallen from grace_. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 1 Pet. 1, 5: Who are _kept_ by the power of God _through faith unto salvation_ ready to be revealed in the last time. 3. 2 Tim. 3, 14. 15: But _continue thou_ in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee _wise unto salvation_ through _faith which is in Christ Jesus_. John 6, 68. 69: Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we _believe and are sure_ that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. JUSTIFICATION. Sec. 148. The chief benefit of Christ's vicarious obedience is the perfect righteousness obtained by Christ for all man- kind,[1] the acquisition of which God accepted as a reconcilia- tion of the world to Himself,[2] imputing to mankind the merit of the Mediator[3]--general or objective justification--; and inasmuch as faith is the actual acceptance[4] of this im- putation announced in the Gospel,[5] or of the righteousness imputed[6] and offered in the gospel,[5] it is justifying faith,[7] and God in His judgment[8] graciously[9] and for Christ's sake[10] hold and pronounces[8] the believer[11] actually and by --------------------End of Page 189-------------------- personal application fully absolved[12] from all guilt[13] and punishment[14] while in the state of faith[15]--individual or subjective justification. 1. Cf. Christology, Sec. 123. 2. Cf. Christology Secs. 118. 123. 3. 2 Cor. 5, 19: To-wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling _the world_ unto Himself, _not imputing their trespasses unto them_; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Rom. 5, 18. 19: Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of One the free gift came _upon all men unto justification of life_. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall _many be made righteous_. Is. 53, 11: He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall my righteous servant _justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities_. Rom. 4, 25: Who was delivered for our offenses, and was _raised again for our justification_. 1 Cor. 15, 17: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 4. Cf. Secs. 146. 147. 5. Cf. Secs. 132. 133. Rom. 5, 19: For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous. Rom. 3, 25: Whom God hath _set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood_, to _declare_ His righteousness for the _remission of sins_ that are past, through the forbearance of God. 1 Cor. 1, 30: But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, _and righteousness_, and sanctification, and re- demption. Jer. 23, 6: In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely. And this is _His name_ whereby He _shall be called, The Lord, Our Righteousness_. 2 Cor. 5, 18. 21: And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the _ministry of reconciliation_. (21) For He hath made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin, that _we might be made the righteousness of God in Him_. John 15, 3: Now ye are _clean through the word_ which I have spoken unto you. --------------------End of Page 190-------------------- John 20, 23: Whosoever _sins ye remit_, they _are remitted_ unto them, and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained. Luke 24, 47: And that repentance and _remission of sins should be preached_ in _His name_ among all nations, beginning at Jeru- salem. Gal. 3, 26: For ye are all the _children of God by faith in Christ Jesus_. 6. Rom. 4, 3: For what saith the Scripture? Abraham _believed_ God, and it was _counted unto him for righteousness_. Rom. 4, 5. 6. 8-11. 22-24: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, _his faith is counted for righteousness_. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom _God imputeth righteousness_ without works. (8-11) Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will _not impute sin_. Cometh this blessedness, then, upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that _faith was reckoned to Abra- ham for righteousness_. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in un- circumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised, that _righteousness might be imputed_ unto them also. (22-24) And therefore it was _imputed to him for righteousness_. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was _imputed to him_, but for _us also_, to whom _it shall be imputed_, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus, our Lord, from the dead. Gal. 3, 6: Even as Abraham _believed_ God, and it was _accounted to him for righteousness_. 7. Rom. 3, 28: Therefore we conclude that a man is _justified by faith_, without the deeds of the Law. Is. 53, 11: _By His knowledge_ shall my righteous Servant _justify_ many. Rom. 4, 16: Therefore _it is of faith_, that it might be by grace, to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed, not to the only which is of the Law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. Rom. 5, 1: Therefore being _justified by faith_, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Gal. 2, 16: Knowing that a man is not _justified_ by the works of the Law, but _by the faith of Jesus Christ_, even we _have believed_ in Jesus Christ, that we might _be justified by the faith of Christ_, and not by the works of the Law; for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. Gal. 3, 24: Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be _justified by faith_. --------------------End of Page 191-------------------- Rom. 8, 33. 34: Who shall _lay anything to the charge_ of God's elect? It is _God that justifieth_. Who is he that _condemneth_? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Matt. 12, 37: For by thy words thou shalt be _justified_, and by thy words thou shalt be _condemned_. Rom. 5, 16: And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the _judgement_ was by one _to condemnation_, but the free gift is of many offenses unto _justification_. John 3, 18: He _that believeth_ on Him is _not condemned_; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. John 5, 24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and _believeth_ on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall _not come into condemnation_, but is passed from death unto life. 9. Rom. 3, 23. 24. 28: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being _justified freely by His grace_, through the redemp- tion that is in Christ Jesus. (28) Therefore we conclude that a man is _justified_ by faith, _without the deeds of the Law_. Rom. 11, 6: And if _by grace_ then is it _no more of works_; other- wise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace; otherwise work is no more work. Rom. 4, 16: Therefore it is of faith, that it might be _by grace_. 10. Jer. 23, 6: This is His name whereby He shall be called, _The Lord, Our Righteousness_. Is. 53, 11: By His knowledge shall my righteous Servant _justify_ many; _for He shall bear their iniquities_. Rom. 5, 19: So by the _obedience of One_ shall many be made righteous. Rom. 8, 34: _Who is he that condemneth_? It is _Christ that died_. Rom. 3, 24: Being _justified_ freely by His grace, _through the re- demption that is in Christ Jesus_. 11. Rom. 10, 10. 11: For with the heart man _believeth unto right- eousness_, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever _believeth_ on Him _shall not be ashamed_. Rom. 3, 22. 26. 30: Even the _righteousness of God_ which is _by faith_ of Jesus Christ _unto all_ and _upon all _ them _that believe_; for there is no difference. (26) To declare, I say, at this time His right- eousness, that He might be just, and the _Justifier of him which be- lieveth in Jesus_. (30) Seeing it is one God, which shall _justify_ the circumcision _by faith_, and uncircumcision _through faith_. --------------------End of Page 192-------------------- Rom. 4, 5. 6: But to him that worketh not, _but believeth_ on Him that _justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness_. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works. Acts 10, 43: To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name _whosoever believeth_ in Him _shall receive remission of sins_. 12. Col. 2, 13: And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircum- cision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having _forgiven you all trespasses_. Rom. 4, 7. 8: Saying, Blessed are they whose _iniquities are for- given_ and whose _sins are covered_. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will _not impute sin_. Acts 10, 43: To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever _believeth_ in Him shall receive _remission of sins_. 1 John 1, 7: The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, _cleanseth us from all sin_. Micah 7, 18. 19: Who is a God like unto Thee, that _pardoneth in- iquity_, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His her- itage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt _cast all their sins into the depths of the sea_. Ps. 25, 18: Look upon mine affliction and my pain, and _forgive all my sins_. Is. 38, 17: Behold, for peace I had great bitterness; but Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption, for Thou hast _cast ALL my sins behind Thy back_. Ps. 85, 3. 4: Thou hast taken away all Thy wrath: Thou hast turned Thyself from the fierceness of Thine anger. Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause Thine anger toward us to cease! Ps. 103, 3: Who _forgiveth all thine iniquities_; who healeth all thy diseases. 13. Rom. 8, 1: There is therefore now _no condemnation_ to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 8, 31. 32. 34: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (34) _Who is He that condemneth_? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Matt. 18, 27. 32: Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and _forgave him the debt_. (32) Then his lord, after he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked serv- ant, _I forgave thee all that debt_, because thou desiredst me. Matt. 6, 12: And _forgive us our debts_, as we forgive our debtors --------------------End of Page 193-------------------- 14. Is. 53, 5: But He was _wounded_ for our transgressions, He was _bruised_ for our iniquities: the _chastisement_ of our peace was upon Him, and with His _stripes_ we are _healed_. Matt. 18, 27: Then the lord of that servant was moved with com- passion, _and loosed him_, and forgave him the debt. 15. Rom. 5, 1: Therefore, being justified by _faith_, we _have peace_ with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 10, 10. 11: For with the heart man _believeth unto righteous- ness_, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. Rom. 3, 26. 30: To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness, that He might be just, and the justifier of him _which believeth in Jesus_. (30) Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circum- cision _by faith_, and uncircumcision _through faith_. Rom. 4, 5. 6: But to him that worketh not, but _believeth_ on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works. Rom. 3, 28: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified _by faith_. CONSEQUENCES OF JUSTIFICATION. Sec. 149. The consequences of justification are peace with God,[1] a good conscience,[2] comfort and consolation under the cross,[3] and hope of life everlasting.[4] 1. Is. 59, 2: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear. Rom. 5, 1. 2: Therefore being _justified_ by faith, _we have peace with God_ through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have ac- cess by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 2. Rom. 8, 15: For ye have _not_ received the spirit of bondage _again to fear_, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, _Abba, Father_! Eph. 3, 12: In whom we have boldness and access with confi- dence by the faith of Him. Rom. 5, 11: And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. --------------------End of Page 194-------------------- 3. Rom. 5, 3-5: And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 4. Tit. 3, 7: That, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Rom. 5, 2. 21: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (21) That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ, our Lord. Rom. 8, 30: Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. ACTIVITY OF FAITH. Sec. 150. From the moment when justifying faith has been wrought by the Holy Spirit in the act of regeneration or conversion, the same Spirit of God also actuates such living faith in the divine work of renovation or sanctification. 1. Cor. 1, 30: But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and _righteousness_, and _sanctification_, and re- demption. 1 Pet. 1, 22: Seeing ye have _purified_ your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, _see that ye love one another_ with a pure heart fervently. Eph. 4, 22-24: That ye put off concerning the former conver- sation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be _renewed_ in the Spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Col. 3, 10: And have put on the new man, which is _renewed_ in knowledge after the image of Him that created him. 2 Tim. 2, 21: If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 1 John 3, 3: And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. 2 Cor. 7, 1: _Having_ therefore _these promises_, dearly beloved _let us cleanse ourselves_ from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfect- ing holiness in the fear of God. Acts 15, 9: And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. --------------------End of Page 195-------------------- Gal. 5, 6: For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any- thing, nor uncircumcision, but _faith which worketh by love_. 2 Pet. 1, 5: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue. Eph. 3, 20: Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abun- dantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Col. 1, 29: Whereunto _I also labor_, striving _according to His working_, which _worketh in me mightily_. James 5, 16: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. RENOVATION OR SANCTIFICATION. Sec. 151. Renovation,[1] or sanctification,[2] is the restitution of the divine image[3] in the regenerate[4] by the operation of the Holy Spirit,[5] through the means of grace,[6] and in the exertion of the spiritual energies[7] engendered in the act of regeneration[8] and sustained, strengthened, and actuated by the power of God.[9] 1. Eph. 4, 23: And _be renewed_ in the spirit of your mind. 2. 1 Cor. 1, 30: But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and _sanctification_, and re- demption. 1 Thess. 4, 3: For this is the will of God, even your _santifica- tion_, that ye should abstain from fornication. 3. Col. 3, 10: And have put on the new man, which is _renewed_ in knowledge _after the image of Him that created him_. Eph. 4, 24: And that ye put on the _new man_, which _after God is created_ in righteousness and true holiness. 1 Pet. 1, 15: But _as He which hath called you_ is holy, _so be ye holy_ in all manner of conversation. 4. Col. 2, 6: As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus, the Lord, so walk ye in Him. Eph. 5, 8: Now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light! Rom. 6, 22: Now being made free from si, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness. 1 Thess. 5, 23: And the very _God of peace sanctify you_ wholly; --------------------End of Page 196-------------------- and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 7, 1: _Having_ therefore _these promises_, dearly beloved, _let us cleanse ourselves_ from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfect- ing holiness in the fear of God. See also texts sub 8. 5. 1 Thess. 5, 23: And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 8, 14: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 6. Tit. 3, 5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the _washing_ of regenera-- tion and _renewing of the_ Holy Ghost. John 17, 17: _Sanctify_ them _through Thy truth_: Thy Word is the truth. 2. Tim. 3, 16. 17: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for _instruction in righteousness_, that the man of God may be perfect, _thoroughly furnished unto all good works_. Rom. 12, 1: _I beseech you_ therefore brethren, _by the mercies of God_, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 7. Gal. 5, 6: For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any- thing, nor uncircumcision, but _faith_ which _worketh_ by love. Gal. 5, 16: This I say, then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Gal. 5, 25: If we _live_ in the Spirit, let us also _walk_ in the Spirit. Eph. 5, 8. 9: For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye _light_ in the Lord: _walk as children of light_! (For the _fruit of the Spirit_ is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.) 2 Pet. 1, 5: And beside this, _giving all diligence_ add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge. 8. 1 John 3, 9: Whosoever is _born of God_ doth not commit sin; for _His seed remaineth in him_: and he _cannot sin, because he is born of God_. Rom. 6, 2: God forbid! How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Eph. 2, 10: For we are His workmanship, _created_ in Christ Jesus _unto good works_, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. --------------------End of Page 197-------------------- 1 John 5, 4. 5: For whatsoever is _born of God overcometh the world_: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, _even our faith_. Who is he that _overcometh the world_, but he that _believeth_ that Jesus is the Son of God? See also texts above sub 4. 9. 2 Cor. 9, 8: And _God is able_ to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, _may abound to every good work_. 2 Cor. 12, 9: And He said unto me, _My grace is sufficient_ for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Phil. 4, 13: I can _do all things through Christ_ which _strength- eneth_ me. John 15, 5: I am the Vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. MODE OF SANCTIFICATION. Sec. 152. The restitution of the image of God is effected in the putting off of the old man[1] with his evil propensities and works, of which a Christian must ever anew be reminded by the mirror of the Law,[2] and in the putting on of the new man,[3] who walks before God in newness of life.[4] 1. Col. 3, 9: Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have _put off the old man_ with his deeds. Eph. 4, 22. 25: That ye _put off_ concerning the former conversa- tion _the old man_, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. (25) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor; for we are members one of another. 2. Rom. 3, 20: Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight; for _by the Law is the knowledge of sin_. Rom. 7, 7: What shall we say, then? Is the Law sin? God forbid! Nay, _I had not know sin but by the Law_; for I had not _known_ lust, except the _Law_ had said, Thou shalt not covet. 3. Col. 3, 10: And have _put on the new man_, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him. Eph. 4, 24: And that ye _put on the new man_, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. --------------------End of Page 198-------------------- 4. Rom. 6, 4. 11: Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should _walk in newness_ of life. (11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be _dead indeed unto sin_, but _alive unto God_ through Jesus Christ, our Lord. PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION. Sec. 153. The development and growth of the new man consists in the progressive enlightenment of the understand- ing[1] toward a more extensive and intensive knowledge of divine truth,[2] a continued renewal of the will toward its original rectitude and energy for good,[3] and an increasing sanctification of the appetites and affections toward their primeval purity.[4] 1. Eph. 1, 17. 18: That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the _Spirit of wisdom_ and reve- lation in the _knowledge_ of Him, the _eyes of your understanding being enlightened_, that ye may _know_ what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Col. 1, 9. 11: For this cause we also, _since the day_ we heard it, do _not cease_ to pray for you, and to desire _that ye might be filled with the knowledge_ of His will in _all wisdom_ and spiritual _understanding_. (11) _Strengthened_ with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. 2 Pet. 3, 18: But _grow_ in grace, and _in the knowledge_ of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for- ever! Amen. 2. 1 Cor. 1, 5: That in everything ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in _all knowledge_. Eph. 4, 13. 14: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of _the knowledge of the Son of God_, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, that we henceforth _be no more children_, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of _doctrine_, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Hebr. 5, 12-14: For when for the time ye _ought to be teachers_, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But _strong meat_ be- longeth to them that are _of full age_, even those who by reason of use have _their senses exercised_ to discern both good and evil. --------------------End of Page 199-------------------- Rom. 12, 2: And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Phil. 1, 9: And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in _knowledge_ and in all judgement. Eph. 1, 17: That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the _knowledge_ of Him. 3. Phil. 2, 13: For it is God which worketh in you both _to will_ and to do of His good pleasure. Rom. 7, 15. 16. 18. 19. 21. 22. 25: For that which I do I allow not; for what I would, that do I not, but what I hate, that do I. If, then, I do that which I would not, I consent unto the Law that it is good. (18. 19) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing; for to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not, but the evil which I would not, that I do. (21. 22) I find then, a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the Law of God after the inward man. (25) I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So, then, with the mind I myself serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. Gal. 5, 17: For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Rom. 6, 12-14: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the Law, but under grace. 4. 1 Pet. 2, 11: Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pil- grims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. 2 Tim. 2, 22: Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, and them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Gal. 5, 16. 24: This I say, then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. (24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Acts 17, 16: Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his _spirit was stirred_ in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Phil. 4, 4: _Rejoice in the Lord_ alway: and again I say, _Rejoice_! Ps. 119, 162: I _rejoice at Thy Word_, as one that findeth great spoil. --------------------End of Page 200-------------------- John 15, 10. 11: If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and _that your joy might be full. Luke 6, 36: Be ye therefore _merciful_, as your _Father_ also is merciful. GOOD WORKS. Sec. 154. The restitution of the image of God in the re- generate is necessarily[1] productive of good works[2] in accord- ance with the will of God[3] expressed in His commandments,[4] the rule of Christian life, and in the imitation of the example of Christ.[5] 1. Matt. 7, 17. 18: Even so _every_ good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree _can- not_ bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Matt. 12, 35: A _good_ man out of the _good_ treasure of the _heart_ bringeth forth _good_ things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Rom. 6, 2-12: God forbid! _How shall we_, that are _dead_ to sin, _live_ any longer therein? Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death, that, like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should _walk in newness of life_. For if we have been planted to- gether in the likeness of His _death_, we shall be also in the likeness of His _resurrection_, knowing this, that our _old_ man is _crucified_ with Him, that the _body of sin_ might be _destroyed_, that henceforth we should _not serve sin_. For he that is _dead_ is _freed_ from sin. Now if we be _dead_ with Christ, we believe that we shall also _live with Him_, knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him. For in that He died, He died unto sin once; but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. Like- wise reckon ye also yourselves to be _dead_ indeed unto _sin_, but _alive_ unto _God_ through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 2. Eph. 2, 10: For we are His workmanship, _created_ in Christ Jesus _unto good works_, which God hath before _ordained_ that we _should walk in them_. Col. 1, 10: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being _fruitful_ in _every good work_, and increasing in the knowledge of God. --------------------End of Page 201-------------------- Tit. 2, 14: Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, _zealous of good works_. 3. Rom. 12, 2: And be not conformed to the world; but be ye _transformed_ by the _renewing_ of your mind, that ye might prove what is _that good_, and _acceptable_, and _perfect will of God_. Eph. 5, 10: Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 1 Thess. 4, 3: For this is the _will of God_, even your _sanctifica- tion_, that ye should abstain from fornication. Ps. 119, 32: I will run the way of Thy commandments, when _Thou shalt enlarge my heart_. 4. John 14, 15: If ye love me, _keep my commandments_. Ps. 119, 32: I will run _the way of Thy commandments_, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart. John 15, 10: If _ye keep my commandments_, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love. Rom. 13, 9. 10: For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false wit- ness, Thou shalt not covet; and _if there be any other commandment_, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; there- fore _love_ is _the fulfilling of the Law_. Eph. 6, 1. 2: Children obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor thy father and mother, which is the first _command- ment_ with promise. 1 John 2, 3. 4: And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we _keep His commandments_. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His _commandments_, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 3, 24: And he that _keepeth His commandments_ dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us. 1 John 5, 3: For this is the love of God, that we _keep His com- mandments_: and His commandments are not grievous. 5. 1 John 2, 6: He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to _walk, even as He walked. John 13, 34: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; _as I have loved you_, that ye _also love_ one another. John 15, 12: This is my commandment, That ye love one an- other, _as I have loved you_. Phil. 2, 5: Let _this mind_ be in you, which was _also in Christ Jesus_. John 13, 15: For I have given you an _example_ that ye should _do as I have done to you_. --------------------End of Page 202-------------------- IMPUTED AND INHERENT RIGHTEOUSNESS COMPARED. Sec. 155. While Christ's vicarious obedience constitutes the righteousness imputed to us[1] and accepted by our faith,[2] and is a necessary cause of our salvation,[3] our own obedience constitutes a righteousness inherent in us,[4] and is a necessary fruit[5] and evidence[6] of our faith, but in no wise a cause of, or necessary for, our salvation.[7] 1. Cf. Sec. 148. 2. Cf. Secs. 146, 147. 3. Acts 4, 12: Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. Cf. Christology, Sec. 124, g. 4. Rom. 6, 22: But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have _your fruit_ unto holiness, and the end ever- lasting life. Eph. 4, 22. 23: That ye put off concerning the former conver- sation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be _renewed_ in the _spirit of your mind_. 5. Tit. 3, 8. 14: This is a faithful saying, that these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (14) And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. Matt. 7, 17. 18: Even so _every_ good tree _bringeth forth good fruit_; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree _cannot_ bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Matt. 12, 35: A _good_ man out of the _good_ treasure of the heart bringeth forth _good_ things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 6. James 2, 18: Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: _show me thy faith_ without thy works and I _will show thee my faith by my works_. Gal. 5, 6: For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any- thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith which worketh by love. John 13, 35: _By this_ shall all men _know_ that ye are my disciples, if ye have _love_ one to another. --------------------End of Page 203-------------------- 7. Tit. 3, 5: _Not by works of righteousness_ which _we have done_, but according to _His mercy_ He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Eph. 2, 8. 9: For _by grace_ are ye _saved_ through faith; and that _not of yourselves_: it is the _gift_ of God: _not of works_, lest any man should boast. Rom. 3, 28: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith, _without he deeds of the Law_ SANCTIFICATION IMPERFECT IN THIS LIFE. Sec. 156. While Christ's obedience imputed to us consti- tutes a perfect[1] righteousness in the sight of God, our own obedience, or the righteousness inherent in us, must, on ac- count of the residue of sinful flesh still active within us,[2] remain imperfect in this life[3]--_justitia inchoata_--, the be- ginning only[4] of the restitution of the divine image in the regenerate being made in this temporal life.[5] 1. Cf. Sec. 148, 12. 13. 14. 2. Rom. 7, 18: For I know that _in me_ (that is, _in my flesh_,) dwelleth _no good thing_; for to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not. Hebr. 12, 1: Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us _lay aside_ every weight, and the _sin which doth so easily beset us_, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Rom. 7, 21. 23-25: I find, then, a law, that, when I would do good, _evil is present with me_. (23-25) But I see _another law in my members_, warring _against_ the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to _the law of sin which is in my members_. O wretched man that I am! who shall _deliver me_ from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So, then, with the mind I my- self serve the Law of God, but _with the flesh the law of sin_. Gal. 5, 16. 17: This I say, then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For _the flesh lusteth against the Spirit_, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are _contrary)_ the one to the other, so that _ye cannot do the things that ye would_. 1 John 1, 8: If we _say that we have no sin_, we deceive ourselves, and _the truth is not in us_. Matt. 6, 12: And forgive us _our debts_, as we forgive our debtors. James 3, 2: For in _many_ things _we offend all_. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. --------------------End of Page 204-------------------- Rom. 6, 12. 14: Let not _sin_ therefore _reign_ in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in _the lusts thereof_. (14) For sin shall not have _dominion_ over you; for ye are not under the Law, but under grace. Is. 64, 6: But _we are all as an unclean thing_, and all our right- eousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and _our iniquities_, like the wind, have taken us away. 3. Is. 64, 6: But we are all as an unclean thing, and all _our right- eousnesses_ are _as filthy rags_; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities like the wind, have taken us away. Matt. 6, 12: And forgive us _our debts_, as we forgive our debtors. 1 John 1, 8: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 4. Phil. 1, 6: Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath _begun_ a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 3, 12: Not as though I had _already attained_, either were _already perfect_, but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Eph. 4, 13: Till _we all come_ in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, _unto a perfect man_, unto the measure of the stature of the _fullness of Christ. 2 Cor. 4, 16: For which cause we faint not; but though our out- ward man perish, yet the inward man is _renewed day by day_. 2 Cor. 7, 1: Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us _cleanse ourselves_ from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, _perfect- ing holiness_ in the fear of God. 5. 1 John 3, 2. 3: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth _not yet appear_ what _we shall be_; but we know that, when He shall ap- pear, _we shall be like Him_; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this _hope_ in Him _purifieth himself_, even as He is pure. INVISIBLE CHURCH. Sec. 157. The community of the regenerate, or of all those who believe in Christ and are justified by faith,[1] is the in- visible[2] Church of Christ on earth, the one holy catholic church,[3] in the proper sense of the word, the spiritual body of Christ,[4] of which Christ is the only spiritual Head,[5] the spiritual house and temple of God,[6] of which Christ is the sole Foundation;[7] and this is the Church which is to endure forever and against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. --------------------End of Page 205-------------------- 1. Eph. 2, 19-22: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and for- eigners, but _fellow-citizens with the saints_, and of the _household of God_; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner-stone; in whom all the building fitly _framed together_ groweth _unto an holy temple in the Lord_; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Eph. 5, 25-27: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved _the Church_, and gave Himself for it, that He might _sanctify and cleanse it_ with the washing of water by the Word, that He might pre- sent it to Himself a glorious _Church_, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be _holy and without blemish_. 1 Pet. 2, 9: But ye are a _chosen generation_, a _royal priesthood_, an _holy nation_, a _peculiar people_, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath _called you out of darkness into His marvelous light_. Eph. 1, 1: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to _the saints_ which are _at Ephesus_, and to _the faithful in Christ Jesus_. Phil. 1, 1: Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to _all the saints_ in Christ Jesus which are _at Philippi_, with the bishops and deacons. Col. 1, 2: To the _saints and faithful brethren_ in Christ which are _at Colosse_: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. John 10, 26. 27: But ye believe not, because ye are not of _my sheep_, as I said unto you. _My sheep hear my voice_ and I know them, and _they follow me_. 2. Hebr. 11, 1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 Tim. 2, 19: Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, _The Lord knoweth them that are His_. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Luke 17, 20. 21: And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, He answered them and said, The _kingdom of God_ cometh _not with observation_; neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! For, behold, the kingdom of God _is within you_. 1 Kings 19, 14. 18: And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even _I only, am left_; and they seek my life, to take it away. (18) Yet, _I have left me seven thousand_ in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 3. Eph. 4, 3-6: Endeavoring to keep the _unity_ of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is _one body_, and _one Spirit_, even as ye are --------------------End of Page 206-------------------- called in one hope of your calling; _one_ Lord, _one_ faith, _one_ baptism, _one_ God and Father _of all_, who is above _all_, and through _all_, and _in you all_. 1 Cor. 12, 13: For by _one Spirit_ are we _all_ baptized into _one body_, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into _one Spirit_. Rom. 12, 4. 5. 12: For as we have _many members_ in _one body_, and all members have not the same office, so _we, being many_, are _one body in Christ_, and every one members one of another. (12) Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. John 10, 16: And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, an they shall _hear my voice_; and there shall be _one fold_, and one Shepherd. Rev. 5, 9. 10: And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood _out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation_, and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 4. Eph. 1, 23: Which is _His body_ the fullness of Him that filleth all in all. Rom. 12, 4. 5: For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, so we, being many, are _one body in Christ_, and every one members one of another. Eph. 4, 12: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of _the body of Christ_. 5. Eph. 1, 22: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the _Head over all things to the Church_. Eph. 4, 15: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is _the Head, even Christ_. Eph. 5, 23: For the husband is the head of the wife, even as _Christ is the Head of the Church_: and He is the Savior of the body. Col. 1, 18: And _He is the Head of the body, the Church_: who is the beginning, the Firstborn from the dead, that in all things He might have the preeminence. 6. Eph. 2, 21. 22: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto _an holy temple in the Lord_, in whom _ye are also builded together_ for an _habitation of God_ through the Spirit. 2 Cor. 6, 16: And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? _For ye are the temple of the living God_, as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. --------------------End of Page 207-------------------- 7. Eph. 2, 20: And we are built upon _the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ_ Himself being the chief _corner-stone_. 1 Cor. 3, 11: For other _foundation_ can no man lay than that is laid, which is _Jesus Christ_. 1 Pet. 2, 6: Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Be- hold, I lay in Sion a _chief corner-stone_, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. 8. Matt. 16, 18: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build _my Church_; and _the gates of hell shall not prevail against it_. John 10, 27. 28: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall _never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand_. VISIBLE CHURCHES. Sec. 158. In a tropical sense all those who have and hear the Gospel and profess the Christian religion, true believers and hypocrites together,[1] are called the visible church, and in the same synecdochical sense every particular community or local congregation gathered about the means of grace and pro- fessing the Christian faith is termed a visible Christian church,[2] since, wherever the Gospel of Christ is preached and His sacra- ments are administered, the Holy Spirit is active, works re- generation, builds and preserves the invisible Church of God.[3] 1. Matt. 13, 47. 48: Again, the _kingdom of heaven_ is like unto a net that was cast into the sea and gathered of _every kind_ which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the _good_ into vessels, but cast the _bad_ away. Matt. 25, 1. 2: Then shall the _kingdom of heaven_ be likened unto _ten virgins_, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bride- groom. And _five_ of them were _wise_, and _five_ were _foolish_. Matt. 22, 2. 11: The _kingdom of heaven_ is like unto a certain king which made a marriage for his son. (11) And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man _which had not on a wedding garment_. 2. Gal. 1, 2: And all the brethren which are with me, unto the _churches of Galatia_. Matt. 18, 17: And if he shall neglect to hear them, _tell it unto --------------------End of Page 208-------------------- the church_; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 3 John 9. 10: I _wrote unto the church_; but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Where- fore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them _out of the church_. Rev. 3, 13-18: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith _unto the churches_. And unto the angel of the _church of the Laodiceans_ write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God: I know thy works, that thou art _neither cold nor hot_; I would thou wert cold or hot. So, then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, and _knowest not that thou art wretched_, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the _shame of thy nakedness_ do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 3. Is. 55, 10. 11: For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may have seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall _my Word_ be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall _not return unto me void_, but it shall _accomplish_ that which I please, and it shall _prosper_ in the thing whereto I sent it. Luke 8, 11-15: Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God. Those by the wayside are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the Word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the Word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. MARKS OF THE CHURCH. Sec. 159. Since, wherever the Gospel is preached and the sacraments are administered,[1] the invisible Church of Christ is sure to be,[2] the preaching of the Gospel and the administra- --------------------End of Page 209-------------------- tion of the sacraments are the unfailing marks of the existence of the invisible Church. 1. Acts 2, 42: And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doc- trine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 2. Is. 55, 10. 11: For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall _my Word_ be that goeth forth out of thy mouth: it shall _not return unto me void_, but it shall _accomplish_ that which I please, and it shall _prosper_ in the thing whereto I sent it. Mark 16, 15. 16: And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and _preach the Gospel_ to every creature. He that believeth and is _baptized_ shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. ORTHODOX CHURCH. Sec. 160. The preaching, teaching, and profession, of divine truth in all its purity, and the administration of the sacra- ments in full accordance with their divine institution, are the criteria of the true or orthodox visible church of Christ on earth. John 8, 31. 32: Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, _If ye continue in my Word_, then are ye _my disciples indeed_; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Matt. 28, 20: _Teaching_ them to _observe all_ things _whatsoever_ I have commanded you: and, lo, _I am with you_ alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. RIGHTS OF THE CHURCH WHERE VESTED. Sec. 161. The invisible Church of Christ is endowed with certain spiritual rights, privileges, and powers,[1] all of which are vested in every local congregation of believers.[2] 1. Matt. 16, 15-19: He saith unto _them_, But whom say _ye_ that I am? And _Simon Peter answered_ and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona; for flesh and blood hath not re- vealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build --------------------End of Page 210-------------------- my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the _keys of the kingdom of heaven_: And what- soever thou shalt _bind_ on earth shall be bound in heaven: and what- soever thou shalt _loose_ on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matt. 18, 15-18: Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, and in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the _church_, but if he neglect to hear the _church_, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a pub- lican. Verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever _ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever _ye shall loose_ on earth shall be loosed in heaven. John 20, 22. 23: And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, _Receive ye the Holy Ghost_: whosesoever sins _ye remit_, they are remitted unto them, and whosesoever sins _ye retain_, they are retained. 1 Cor. 3, 21-23: Therefore let no man glory in men, for _all things are yours_: whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; _all are yours_; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. 1 Pet. 2, 9: But _ye_ are a _chosen generation_, a _royal priesthood_, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that _ye should show forth_ the praises of Him who hath _called you_ out of darkness into His mar- velous light. 2. Matt. 18, 17. 18: And if he shall neglect to hear them, _tell it unto the church_; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily, I say unto you, What- soever _ye_ shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what- soever _ye_ shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matt. 16, 19. 20: And I will give unto thee the keys of the king- dom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 1 Cor. 1, 2: Unto the _church of God_ which is _at Corinth_, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that _in every place_ call upon the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, both theirs and ours. Gal. 1, 2: And all the brethren which are with me unto the _churches of Galatia_. 1 Thess. 1, 1: Paul and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the _church of the Thessalonians_ which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. --------------------End of Page 211-------------------- RIGHTS AND POWERS OF THE CHURCH. Sec. 162. The rights and powers of the Church of Christ and of every local congregation are those of preaching the Gospel, the administration of the sacraments, especially the application of the keys of heaven, by loosing and binding in the name of God. Matt. 16, 19: And I will give unto thee the _keys of the kingdom of heaven_: and whatsoever thou _shalt bind_ on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt _loose_ on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matt. 18, 15-18: Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it _unto the church_; but if he neg- lect to _hear the church_, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. Verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever _ye shall bind_ on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever _ye shall loose_ on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Mark 16, 15. 16: And He said unto them, _Go ye_ into all the world, and _preach the Gospel_ to every creature. He that believeth and is _baptized_ shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. John 20, 22. 23: And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, _Receive ye the Holy Ghost_: whosesoever sins _ye remit_ they are remitted unto them, and whosesoever sins _ye retain_, they are retained. 1 Cor. 5, 13: But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. See Sec. 128 and texts. MINISTERIAL OFFICE. Sec. 163. For the public performance of the privileges and duties of the Church in preaching the Gospel and administer- ing the sacraments Christ has instituted the ministerial office in the Church. 1 Cor. 12, 29: Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? Rom. 10, 15: And how shall they _preach_, except they _be sent_? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things! 2 Cor. 5, 18: And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath _given to us the ministry of reconciliation_. --------------------End of Page 212-------------------- Matt. 28, 19, 20: _Go ye_ therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, _teaching them_ to observe all things whatsoever I have com- manded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even _unto the end of the world_. Eph. 4, 11: And _He gave_ some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. Acts 20, 28: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which _the Holy Ghost_ hath _made you overseers_, to feed the Church of God. John 20, 21. 23: Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you! As my Father hath sent me, even _so send I you_. (23) Whose- soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained. 1 Pet. 5, 2: _Feed the flock of God_ which is among you, _taking the oversight thereof_, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. MINISTRY HOW CONFERRED. Sec. 164. The ministerial office[1] is conferred upon its in- cumbents by God,[2] by the Holy Spirit,[3] by Christ,[4] the Head and Archbishop of His Church,[5] through the congregations,[6] which, by the call extended through them,[7] delegate or transfer upon the men[8] thus called the public exercise of those func- tions of the priesthood of all believers[9] which, by virtue of such call, the ministers of Christ[10] and of the Church[11] per- form in the name of the congregation and of Christ, who mediately called them through the congregation. 1. 1 Cor. 3, 5: Who, then, is Paul, and who is Apollos, but _ministers_ by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 1 Cor. 4, 1: Let a man so account of us as of the _ministers of Christ_ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2. 1 Cor. 12, 28: And _God hath set_ some in the Church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly _teachers_, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 3. Acts 20, 17. 28: And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the _Holy Ghost_ hath _made you --------------------End of Page 213-------------------- overseers_, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. Acts 13, 2: And they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the _Holy Ghost_ said, _Separate me_ Barnabas and Saul _for the work whereunto I have called them_. 4. Eph. 4, 11: And _He gave_ some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, _pastors and teachers_. 1 Pet. 5, 1. 2. 4: The _elders_ which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: _Feed the flock of God which is among you_, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. (4) And when the _Chief Shepherd_ shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5. 1 Pet. 5, 4: And when the _Chief Shepherd_ shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Pet. 2, 25: For ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto _the Shepherd and Bishop_ of your souls. Hebr. 13, 20: Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, _that great Shepherd of the sheep_, through the blood of the everlasting covenant. Eph. 4, 15: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is _the Head, even Christ_. Is. 40, 11: _He shall feed His flock_ like a _shepherd_; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. 6. Acts 6, 1-6: And in those days, when the number of the dis- ciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the _multitude of the disciples_ unto them and said, It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, _look ye out_ among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and _they chose_ Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Pro- chorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a pros- elyte of Antioch whom _they set_ before the apostles. And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. Acts 14, 23: And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. --------------------End of Page 214-------------------- 7. Acts 13, 2. 4: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, _Separate me_ Barnabas and Saul for the work where- unto _I have called them_. (4) So they, _being sent forth by the Holy Ghost_, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 8. 1 Cor. 14, 34: Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the Law. 1 Tim. 2, 12: But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 9. 1 Pet. 2, 9: But ye are a chosen generation, _a royal priesthood_, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that _ye should show forth_ the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvel- ous light. Matt. 18, 17-20: And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it _unto the church_; but if he neglect to hear _the church_, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever _ye shall bind_ on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever _ye shall loose_ on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For _where two or three are gathered together in my name_, there am I in the midst of them. 10. 1 Cor. 4, 1: Let a man so account of us as of the _ministers of Christ_ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Rom. 1, 1: Paul, _a servant of Jesus Christ_, called to be an apostle, _separated unto the Gospel of God_. Gal. 1, 1: Paul, an apostle, (not _of_ men, neither _by_ man, but _by Jesus Christ_, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead). 11. 2 Cor. 4, 5: For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves _your servants_ for Jesus' sake. 1 Cor. 3, 21-23: Therefore, let no man glory in men; for _all things are yours_, whether _Paul_, or _Apollos_, or _Cephas_, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come: _all are yours_; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. ORDINATION. Sec. 165. The ministerial office being conferred through the call of the congregation, the ecclesiastical rite of ordination --------------------End of Page 215-------------------- is but a public acknowledgement of that call and of its accept- ance, and of the fitness of the person called for the proper performance of the duties of the office conferred upon him. Acts 13, 3: And when they had fasted and prayed, and _laid their hands on them_, they sent them away. Acts 6, 6: Whom they set before the _apostles_: and when they had prayed, they _laid their hands_ on them. 1 Tim. 5, 22: _Lay hands_ suddenly on no man, neither be par- taker of other men's sins. Keep thyself pure! 1 Tim. 4, 14: Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with _the laying on of the hands_ of the _presbytery_. 2 Tim. 1, 6: Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee by _the putting on of my hands_. QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE MINISTRY. Sec. 166. The qualifications prescribed by the Head of the Church for those men[1] who are to be called to the ministerial office are soundness of doctrine, aptness to teach, blameless- ness of life, and a good and honest report of them that are without.[2] 1. 1 Cor. 14, 34: Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the Law. 1 Tim. 2, 12: But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 2. 1 Tim. 3, 2. 3: A bishop, then, must be _blameless_, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, _apt to teach_; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous. 1 Tim. 3, 4-7: One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity: (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God?) not a novice, let, being lifted up with pride, he fall into the con- demnation of the devil. Moreover, he must have _a good report of them that are without_, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Tit. 1, 6-9: If any be _blameless_, the husband of one wife, hav- ing faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be _blameless_, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy temperate, --------------------End of Page 216-------------------- holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by _sound doctrine_ both to exhort and to convince the gain- sayers. Acts 6, 3: Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of _honest report_, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. EQUALITY OF MINISTERS. Sec. 167. The incumbents of the ministerial office, either in one congregation or in different congregations, are equal in rank among themselves, no degrees in the ministry having been established by the Head of the Church. Matt. 23, 8: One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. Acts 20, 17. 28: And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the _elders_ of the church. (28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you _overseers_, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with His own blood. Tit. 1, 5. 7: For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain _elders_ in every city, as I had appointed thee. (7) _For a bishop_ must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre. 1 Pet. 5, 1-3: The _elders_ which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the _oversight_ thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; _neither as being lords_ over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. ASSISTANT FUNCTIONARIES IN THE CHURCH. Sec. 168. Though the ministerial office in the Church is but one, yet by the will of the congregations and with the consent of the incumbents of the whole ministerial office certain functions of this office may be delegated to assistant functionaries in the service of the congregations. Acts 6, 2-6: Then the twelve called the multitude of the dis- ciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the _Word of God_, and _serve tables_. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint _over this business_. But _we_ will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the _ministry of the Word_. And --------------------End of Page 217-------------------- the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch: whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 1 Tim. 3, 8: Likewise must the _deacons_ be grave, not double- tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre. 1 Tim. 5, 17: Le the _elders_ that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, _especially_ they who _labor in the Word and doctrine_. 1 Cor. 12, 5. 29: And there are _differences of administrations_, but the same Lord. (29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of the miracles? Rom. 12, 7. 8: Or ministry, let us wait on _our ministering_; or he that _teacheth_, on teaching; or he that _exhorteth_, on exhortation; he that _giveth_, let him do it with simplicity; he that _ruleth_, with dili- gence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. VALIDITY OF MINISTERIAL FUNCTIONS. Sec. 169. Inasmuch as all those to whom the ministerial office or certain functions thereof have been delegated or con- ferred are, in the performance of their official duties, serv- ants of Christ[1] and functionaries of the invisible Church,[2] and since the means of grace administered by them have their efficacy in themselves,[3] the functions of the ministers of the Church are valid, and the means of grace administered by them are efficacious, irrespective of the faith or unbelief of the functionaries by whom the duties of the ministry are performed.[4] 1. 1 Cor. 4, 1: Let a man so account of us as of the _ministers of Christ_ and _stewards_ of the mysteries of _God_. Rom. 1, 1: Paul, a _servant of Jesus Christ_, called to be an apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God. 2. 2 Cor. 4, 5: For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves _your servants_ for Jesus' sake. 1 Cor. 3, 21-23: Therefore let no man glory in men. For _all things are yours_: whether _Paul_, or _Apollos_, or _Cephas_, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; _all are yours_; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. 1 Cor. 5, 4: In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, _when ye are gathered together_, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. --------------------End of Page 218-------------------- 3. Cf. Secs. 133-137. 4. 2 Cor. 2, 10: To whom _ye forgive_ anything, _I forgive_ also; for if _I forgave_ anything, to whom I forgave it, for _your sakes forgave I it_ in the person of Christ. Matt. 23, 2: Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees _sit in Moses' seat. 1 Cor. 5, 3-5: For I verily, as absent in body, but _present in spirit_, have _judged_ already, _as though I were present_, concerning him that hath so done this deed, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, _when ye are gathered together_, and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruc- tion of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. ERRING CHURCHES. Sec. 170. Since an erring church, or a church contaminated with erroneous doctrine, is still a church[1] as long as it has and sets into operation the essentials of the Gospel,[2] the ministers called by such church are still ministers of Christ and of the Church of God,[3] and their official acts are valid as far as their performance is an administration of the means of grace.[4] 1. Gal. 1, 2: comp. with Gal. 3, 1; 4, 10. 11; 5, 4. 9:-- Gal. 1, 2: And all the brethren which are with me, unto the _churches of Galatia_. Gal. 3, 1: _O foolish Galatians_, who hath _bewitched you_, that ye should _not obey the truth_, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? Gal. 4, 10. 11: _Ye observe days_, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you _labor in vain_. Gal. 5, 4. 9: Christ is become _of no effect unto you_, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; ye are _fallen from grace_. (9) A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 2. Cf. Sec. 159. 3. Rev. 3, 1-3: And unto the _angel of the church in Sardis_ write: These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that _thou --------------------End of Page 219-------------------- livest, and art dead_. Be watchful, and _strengthen_ the things which remain, that are _ready to die_; for I have not found thy works per- fect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and _hold fast_, and _repent_. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Rev. 3, 14-18: And unto the _angel of the church of the Laodi- ceans_ write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true Wit- ness, the beginning of the creation of God: I know thy works, that _thou art neither cold nor hot_: I would thou wert cold or hot. So, then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou _sayest, I am rich_, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, and knowest not that _thou art wretched_, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the _shame of thy nakedness_ do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 4. Cf. Sec. 169. END AND AIM OF THE MINISTRY. Sec. 171. The end and aim of the ministerial office and of the performance of its functions is the upbuilding and ex- tension of the Church of God[1] by the regeneration and con- version of sinners,[2] an inward spiritual growth of all its members in faith and Christian graces,[3] and their preservation unto life everlasting.[4] 1. Eph. 4, 11. 12: And He gave some, apostles; some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers, _for the per- fecting of the saints_, for the _work of the ministry_, for the _edifying of the body of Christ_. 1 Cor. 9, 19-22: For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, _that I might gain the more_. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might _gain the Jews_; to them that are under the Law, as under the Law, that I might _gain them that are under the Law_; to them that are without Law, as without Law, (being not without Law to God, but under the Law to Christ,) that I might _gain them that are without Law_. To the weak became I as weak, that I might _gain the weak_. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means _save some_. --------------------End of Page 220-------------------- 2. 1 Cor. 4, 15: For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have _be- gotten you through the Gospel_. Gal. 4, 19: My little children, of whom I _travail in birth again_ until Christ be formed _in you_. 3. Eph. 4, 13-16: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ, from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edify- ing of itself in love. 4. 1 Tim. 4, 16: Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both _save thyself_, and _them that hear thee_. 1 Cor. 1, 21: For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God _by the foolishness of preaching_ to _save_ them that believe. CHURCH MILITANT AND TRIUMPHANT. Sec. 172. Inasmuch as the ministers of the Church and all its members are enlisted in continual warfare against the devil,[1] the world,[2] and the flesh,[3] as against enemies ever bent upon frustrating the accomplishment of the ends and aims of the Gospel, the Church of Christ on earth is, and shall at all times remain, a church militant[4] until, with the consummation of all things, the entire Church will enter into her state of glory as the church triumphant.[5] 1. Eph. 6, 10. 11: Finally, my brethren, _be strong_ in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the _whole armor_ of God, that ye may be able to _stand against_ the wiles of the _devil_. 1 Pet. 5, 8. 9: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the _devil_, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may de- vour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. --------------------End of Page 221-------------------- 2. 1 John 5, 4: For whatsoever is born of God _overcometh the world_, and this is the victory that _overcometh the world_, even our faith. James 4, 4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the _world_ is enmity with God? John 16, 33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In _the world_ ye shall have _tribulation_; but be of good cheer; I have _overcome the world_. John 15, 18-21: If the _world hate you_, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore _the world hateth you_. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they _will also persecute you_; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not Him that sent me. 3. Rom. 7, 14-16: For we know that the Law is spiritual: but _I am carnal_, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not; for what I would, that do I not, but what I hate, that do I. If, then, I do that which I would not, I consent unto the Law that it is good. Gal. 5, 17-20: For _the flesh_ lusteth _against the Spirit_, and the _Spirit against the flesh_: and these are contrary the one to the other, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the Law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciv- iousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies. 4. Cf. supra 1-3. 5. Cf. Eschatology Sec. 185. PREDESTINATION AND THE SALVATION OF THE ELECT. Sec. 173. The entire work of leading those who shall con- stitute the church triumphant from a state of sin and wrath and spiritual death, through a state of faith and grace and spiritual life, to a state of glory and eternal life, is the divine execution of that eternal degree[1] whereby God, before the foundation of the world,[2] and prompted only by His grace[3] in Christ Jesus,[4] purposed to call,[5] enlighten, and sanctify,[6] keep and preserve,[7] by the means of grace,[8] according to the --------------------End of Page 222-------------------- counsel of His will,[9] all those[10] whom, by eternal election of grace in Christ,[11] the Redeemer of the world,[12] He had chosen from fallen mankind[13] and predestinated to eternal glory.[14] 1. See. Sec. 51. 2. 2 Tim. 1, 9: According to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus _before the world began_. Eph. 3, 11: According to the _eternal purpose_ which He purposed in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 3. 2 Tim. 1, 9: Who hath saved us ..._not according to our works_, but according to His own purpose and _grace, which was given us_ in Christ Jesus _before the world began_. Rom. 9, 11: That the _purpose of God_ according to election might stand, _not of works_, but of Him that calleth. Eph. 1, 5: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, _according to the good pleasure of His will_. Jer. 31, 3: I have loved thee with _an everlasting love_; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee. Eph. 2, 5: By grace ye are saved. 4. Eph. 3, 11: According to the eternal purpose which He purposed _in Christ Jesus, our Lord_. 2 Tim. 1, 9: Who hath saved us ... according to His own pur- pose and grace, which was given us _in Christ Jesus_ before the world began. Eph. 1, 3. 4: Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places _in Christ_, according as He hath chosen us _in Him_. 5. Rom. 9, 11: That the _purpose_ of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him _that calleth_. 2 Tim. 1, 9: Who hath saved us, and _called us_ with an _holy call- ing ... according to His own purpose and grace_. Rom. 8, 30: Whom He did predestinate, them He also _called_. Rom. 8, 28: To them who are the _called according to His purpose_. 6. Acts 13, 48: And as many as were ordained to everlasting life _believed_. Eph. 1, 5: Having predestinated us _unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ_ to Himself. Cf. Gal. 3, 26: Ye are all the _children of God by faith_ in Christ Jesus. --------------------End of Page 223-------------------- Rom. 8, 30: Whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also _justified_.--Cf. Rom. 3, 26:... the Justifier of him which _believeth_ in Jesus. 1 Pet. 1, 2: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through _sanctification_ of the Spirit, _unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ_. Eph. 1, 4: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be _holy and without blame_ before Him. 7. 2 Thess. 2, 13: God hath from the beginning _chosen you to sal- vation_. Acts 13, 48: As many as were _ordained to eternal life_ believed. Eph. 1, 11. 12: Being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who _worketh all things_ after the counsel of His own will, _that we should be to the praise of His glory_, who first trusted in Christ. 2 Tim. 2, 10: Therefore I endure all things for _the elect's _ sakes, that they may _also obtain the salvation_ which is in Christ Jesus. Rom. 8, 28: We know that _all things work together for good to them that love God_, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Mark 13, 22: False Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, _if it were possible_, even _the elect_. 8. 2 Thess. 2, 13. 14: God hath from the beginning _chosen you to salvation_ through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of _the truth, whereunto He called you by our Gospel_ to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Tit. 1, 1: Paul, a servant of God and an _apostle_ of Jesus Christ, _according to the faith of God's elect_. Eph. 1, 9: Having _made known unto us the mystery of His will_, according to His good pleasure which He hath _purposed in Himself_. 9. Eph. 1, 11: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being _predestinated_ according to _the purpose_ of Him who _worketh all things after the counsel of His own will_. 10. Matt. 20, 16: _Many_ be called, but _few_ chosen. Cf. 22, 14. John 13, 18: I know whom I have chosen. 1 Pet. 1, 2: Elect according to the _foreknowledge_ of God. Rom. 8, 29: For whom He _did foreknow_ He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son. Acts 13, 48: _As many_ as were ordained to eternal life believed. --------------------End of Page 224-------------------- 11. Rom. 11, 5: Even so, then, at this present time also there is a remnant according to _the election of grace_. Rom. 9, 11: That the purpose of God according to election might stand, _not of works_. Eph. 1, 4: According as He hath chosen us _in Him_ before the foundation of the world. 12. Cf. Secs. 50 and 123. 13. John 15, 19: Ye are not of the world, but I have _chosen_ you _out of the world_. Eph. 1, 4: According as He hath _chosen_ us in Him before the foundation of the world, _that we should be_ holy and without blame before Him. Rom. 9, 23. 24: That He might make known the riches of His glory on the _vessels of mercy_, which _He had afore prepared unto glory_, even us, whom He hath called, not _of the Jews_ only, but also _of the Gentiles_. Rom. 11, 7: The _election_ hath obtained it, and the _rest_ were blinded. 14. Rom. 8, 29. 30: Whom He did foreknow He also did _predestinate_ to be _conformed to the image of His Son_, that He might be the First- born among many brethren. Moreover, whom He did _predestinate_, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also _glorified_.--Cf. 2 Tim. 2, 10: "_with eternal glory_." --------------------End of Chapter on Page 225-------------------- This text was converted to ascii format for Project Wittenberg by William Alan Larson and is in the public domain. You may freely distribute, copy or print this text. Please direct any comments or suggestions to: Rev. Robert E. Smith of the Walther Library at Concordia Theological Seminary. E-mail: smithre@mail.ctsfw.edu Surface Mail: 6600 N. Clinton St., Ft. Wayne, IN 46825 USA Phone: (260) 452-2123 Fax: (260) 452-2126