Love God with All Your Mind:

An Outline of the Christian Faith

Copyright © Matthew Everhard. 2025.

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Love God with All Your Mind:
An Outline of the Christian Faith
LOVE GOD WITH
ALL YOUR MIND

An Outline of the
Christian Faith
Love God with All Your Mind:
An Outline of the Christian Faith

Copyright © 2025. Matthew Everhard. Permission is freely granted to all

readers to make and distribute copies of these pages for use in the local
church, small group Bible study, Sunday School, mission field, Christian
school, Christian college, or seminary courses.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from The Holy
Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright © 2017, by Crossway Bibles, a
Division of Good News Publishers. Used with permission. All rights
reserved. Emphases in the text by way of bold print are added by the author.
Cover Art:
“The Inspiration of Saint Matthew”
Caravaggio, 1602.

Independent Reformed Media - Pittsburgh, PA

Printed by Amazon Create Space services in Lexington, KY.
Available for purchase at www.amazon.com.
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Matthew 22:37
Table of Contents
Forward
Part One: What is Theology?
I. Theology
II. Revelation and the Word of God
III. Guides and Cautions When Studying Scripture
Part Two: Theology Proper
I. God
II. Divine Attributes
III. Classical Proofs for the Existence of God
IV. The Doctrine of the Trinity
Part Three: Creation and Anthropology
I. Creation
II. God’s Providence and Will
III. Anthropology — Nature of Man
IV. Sin
V. Covenants
Part Four: Christology
I. Names and Titles of Christ
II. Why Jesus Came
III. One Person; Two Natures
IV. Offices of Christ
V. Atonement
 VI. Resurrection and Ascension

Part Five: Pneumatology

I. Holy Spirit as Divine Person
II. Holy Spirit in Redemption History
Part Six: Soteriology
I. Salvation
II. Doctrines of Grace
Part Seven: Ecclesiology
I. The Church
II. Purpose and Mission of the Church
III. Church’s Means of Grace
IV. Sacraments
V. Doctrine of the Church: Creeds and Confessions
Part Eight: The Christian Life
I. True Spirituality
II. The Law of God
III. The Obedient Life
Part Nine: Eschatology
I. Introduction to the Last Things
II. Various Positions
Appendix A - The Sovereignty of God
Appendix B - TULIP
Foreword

There are already many excellent works of systematic and Reformed

theology in existence. Thankfully, our tradition has very rich resources on
theology, doctrine, and orthodoxy. It is not my desire to create yet another
such full treatment.
Nevertheless, I began collecting my notes from sermons and lessons in
outline form some time back, and have determined to make them available
more broadly here. My hope is that this present work will be helpful in that
it consists of simple teaching outlines, in rough form, that can assist pastors,
teachers, instructors, and students in the development of lessons without
having to comb through the more heavy and dense works that already exist.
Certainly, I could not improve on those greater works, and would not
attempt to do so. My goal is that these simple outlines will be easily
adaptable for local churches, Sunday schools, and teaching sessions.
Permission is freely granted to all readers to make and distribute copies of
these pages freely for use in the local church, small group Bible study,
Sunday School, mission field, Christian school, Christian college, or
seminary courses.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Everhard

Fall, 2024
Part One:
What is Theology?
(Loving God with Heart & Mind)
I. Theology

A. Why Should We Study Theology?

1. We are commanded to love God with our heart, mind, and strength.
Theology is an attempt to do just that.
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37).
17
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as
the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their
understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that
is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous
and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of
impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming
that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in
Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of
life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,23 and to be renewed in the spirit
of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of
God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:17-24, emphasis
added).
2. Theology is thinking about “these things.”
8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is
any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think (NKJV -
meditate) about these things. (Philippians 4:8).
3. Theology is merely an attempt to know God better. This is the
essence of the Christian faith.
Theology asks the question, ‘what does the whole Bible say on ________.’
But our quest is much more than knowledge – we want to know God
Himself!
“Everyone has warned me not to tell you what I am going to tell you in this
last book. They all say ‘the ordinary reader does not want Theology; give
him plain practical religion.’ I have rejected their advice. I do not think the
ordinary reader is such a fool. Theology means ‘the science of God,’ and
I think any man who wants to think about God at all would like to have the
[1]
clearest and most accurate ideas about Him which are available.”

B. Objections to Studying Theology

1. It Causes Division in the Church.
Reply: it does cause some division, but it is also a powerful unifying force
in the church. For instance, the Nicene Creed unites virtually every branch
of the Christian faith, both Protestant and Catholic.
Reply: it does rightly divide us from the cults.
2. It is Merely Intellectual and Stifles the Heart of Love.
Reply: the heart and mind are NOT in opposition to one another.
Illustration: marriage.
Reply: the more we know about God, the more we have to love since He is
infinitely rich in glory.
Reply: theology informs the mind, fuels the heart, and challenges the life.
“To be indifferent to doctrine is thus but another way of saying we are
[2]
indifferent to Christianity.” Benjamin Warfield.
3. The Know/Be/Do Triangle - 1 John 3:14-24
14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the
brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his
brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life
abiding in him.
16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to
lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods
and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does
God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk
but in deed and in truth.
19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart
before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our
heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn
us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive
from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son
Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24
Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by
this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

C. What is Theology? (Some Definitions)

[3]
● “The science of living blessedly for ever.” - William Perkins
● Theology is “knowing God” (Abraham Kuyper).
● Theology is “the application of Scripture to all areas of the human
life” (John Frame).
● Theology is “the exhibition of the facts of Scripture in their proper
order and relation” (Charles Hodge).
 ● And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and
Jesus Christ whom [He has] sent (Jesus, John 17:3).
● Theology is “the mind in love with the glory of God” (my
definition).
J.I. Packer says that some Christians are
“eggheads” with little hearts and little
hands; others have huge hearts but
don’t know their doctrine; still others
have servant attitudes but with little
love or knowledge of truth. (See diagram).
Theology warns us to avoid this!

D. The Goals of Theology – Worship!

“I AM” (Revelation) – to rightly receive and interpret revelation
“He is” (Doctrine) – to understand revelation consistently
“Thou Art” (Worship) – to render God glory as He requires
Thus, theology drives the machine that knowing, informs our believing, and
enhances our worship.

“ALMIGHTY God,
unto whom all hearts
are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the
thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may
perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ
our Lord. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer).
E. Dangers of NOT Studying Theology
1. Heresy
2. Lukewarmth in the things of God
3. Anti-Intellectualism. The dumbing down of all things or the relentless
pursuit of being merely “practical.”
4. Reductionism (reducing Christianity to the point of shallowness or
superficiality; to a mere “ism”) whereas Christianity is actually nearly
infinitely complex.
● Revivalism – “just come forward”
● Sentimentalism – “just accept Jesus into your heart”
● Nationalism – “God bless America”
● Pentecostalism – “just speak in tongues”
● Sacramentalism – “just get baptized”
● Traditionalism – “just come to church like Gramma”

F. Theology as the Highest Form of Human Knowledge

1. Science – Attempts to answer the “What?” Questions.
● Astronomy
● Chemistry
● Natural Science
● Medicine
● Mathematics

2. Philosophy Attempts to answer the “Why?” Questions

● Metaphysics – the nature of reality
● Epistemology – on human knowledge
● Ethics – virtuous living: The Good (the summum bonun)

3. The Humanities attempt to answer the “When” and “Where” questions.

 ● World History
● Literature
● Art

4. Theology – Attempts to answer the “Who?” Questions

● Who is God?
● What is He like?
● How Can I know Him?
● What are we here for?

Therefore, theology is the highest pursuit of knowledge because it asks the

ultimate, beautiful, and most meaningful questions.

G. Categories of Theology
1. Exegetical – the theology of certain passages. Example: Philip teaches
the Eunuch from Isaiah 53 (see Acts 8:35).

2. Biblical – the history of redemption throughout Scripture: creation, fall,

covenants, Israel, exile, Kingdom of God etc. Example: Stephen’s sermon
in Acts 7.

3. Systematic – studying the Bible’s teaching based on category: God,

Man, Angels, Hell… Example: Jesus teaches the disciples in the Upper
Room in Luke 24:27.

4. Historical – theology as it developed through history: Early Church,

Middle Ages, Reformation etc.

5. Natural Theology - discussions related to the question of what can be

known of God merely through reason and natural revelation. Example: Paul
preaches the Areopagus in Acts 17:22-34.

6. Practical – theology as it is applied to life: growth, devotions, prayer,

preaching, church life etc. Example: Paul teaches Timothy about Pastoral
leadership in 1 and 2 Timothy.
7. Elenctic - defense of the doctrine against attacks or addressing sincere
questions that arise. (Van Mastricht). Example: Apollos refutes the Jews in
Acts 18:28.

H. What Theology Requires of the Student

1. A Bible – Theology is only as truthful as it is biblical!
2. Disciplined Study - “It is impossible for any man to obtain even the
minutest portion of right and sound doctrine without being a disciple of
Scripture” (Calvin, Institutes, 1.6.2).
“God is no fonder of intellectual slackers as any other kind of slackers. If
you are thinking of becoming a Christian, I warn you, you are embarking on
something which is going to take the whole of you brains and all. But
fortunately it works the other way around. Anyone who is honestly trying to
be a Christian will soon find his intelligence being sharpened. One of the
reasons that it needs no special education to be a Christian is that
[4]
Christianity is an education in itself.”
3. A Humble Heart – pride has no place in theology!
4. A Lifetime – theology is not learned in one day or one course!
NOTES:
II. Revelation & The Word of God

Revelation, or to reveal, means to “uncover what is hidden” to “disclose

information” or to reveal what was previously unknown. Revelation is said
to be of two types: General Revelation and Special Revelation.

A. General Revelation. Nature and Creation. Most obviously, God has

revealed Himself through the creation of the world (Romans 1:19-20).
Psalm 19 makes the distinction between ‘general revelation’ and ‘special
revelation’ clear.
1
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,

whose voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,

and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5
which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,

and its circuit to the end of them,

and there is nothing hidden from its heat. (Psalm 19:1-6)
“The book of creation consists of three chapters, Heaven, Earth and
[5]
Sea.”

1. The Heavens (Universe)

Big – the Galaxies
Small – molecules and human cells
2. The Earth
Example - The Grand Canyon
Example - The Sequoias of California

3. The Human Body

Complexity of design
Harmony of the whole

4. The Anthropic Principle – the solar system, esp. Earth is suited

perfectly for life, especially human life. A creator must have done this!

5. Limits of General Revelation

Unfortunately, general revelation is enough to condemn the human race, but
not enough to save us!
18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the
truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God
has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal
power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the
creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are
without excuse. (Romans 1:18-20).

B. Special Revelation. The ‘Word of God’ according to John Frame is

“God’s powerful, authoritative self-expression” (Frame p. 43). This
includes several facets: the spoken Word, the Incarnate Word, and of course,
the written Word.
God reveals Himself to man directly, through spoken words, written
Scriptures, and through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
1. Redemptive Acts/Deeds of Divine Revelation
The history of redemption is filled with divine acts/deeds that reveal God’s
holy nature: creation, flood, miracle, plagues, deliverances, epiphanies; the
incarnation, cross, resurrection, ascension, pentecost etc. Written Word
revelation is the authoritative and infallible record and interpretation of
these divine acts.
2. Speech/Words of Divine Revelation: When God speaks out loud, He
chooses to be a revealing (self-disclosing) God. Yet His spoken word is
more powerful than mere speech. It has the power to create (Psalm 33),
destroy (Jeremiah 23:29), sustain the universe (Heb 1:3, Psalm 148:8), and
judge (John 12:48; Rev 19:25). Many times throughout Scripture, God
speaks aloud (Eden, Sinai, Transfiguration), and sometimes the Word of
God is announced through the mediation of prophets and apostles.
3. Spoken by God: The Vox Dei
● Creation (Genesis 1:2)
● Burning Bush (Exodus 3)
● Sinai (Exodus 20; cf. Deut 4:10, 12, 33; 5:22-26).
● Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:17)
● Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8)
● Others (Ex. 24:16; Num. 7:89).
4. Spoken through Men
● Prophets
● Apostles
5. The Written Word - Scripture: The Scriptures are of course the written
Word of God. God in His mercy chose the medium of human language to
reveal Himself.
6. Medium – Written Language. While He has used other mediums to
reveal Himself (dreams, visions, animals, plants, and the rest of creation)
His primary mode of communication to humanity is through written
language.
7. Objective - Not visions, paintings, music, video, ink-blots, the entrails of
animals, or “impressions on the heart.” In short, nothing subjective that can
be easily misconstrued by the observer.
8. Word and Language - Words, on the other hand, have a one-to-one
correspondence with true meaning. These meanings are “frozen” in time in
a particular, inflexible, historical context. Written language is also linear,
logical, non-arbitrary, and orderly. This must somehow reveal something of
God’s nature.
9. Contents of the Written Word –
Law and Gospel.
What do the Scriptures principally teach? A. The Scriptures principally
teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires
of man. (WSC #3).
See more on the Law and Gospel in later sections.

C. The Incarnate Word - Jesus Christ: (We will deal with the Second
Person of the Trinity in more detail later).
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by
the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom
he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
3
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature”
(Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV).

8
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know
me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:8-9 ESV).

D. Calvin on Authority of Scripture:

The Scriptures are the only records in which God has been pleased to
consign his truth to perpetual remembrance, the full authority which they
ought to possess with the faithful is not recognized, unless they are believed
to have come from Heaven, as directly as if God had been heard giving
[6]
utterance to them.
E. The Inspiration of Scripture
1. Plenary Inspiration - God fully inspired both the OT and the NT. Every
word is inspired directly by God, yet human personalities, writing styles,
and unique emphases of the prophets and apostles are retained.
2. Divine Dictation - God directly gives the prophets Words to speak in
some places (i.e. Jeremiah).
● “In the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah,
this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ‘Take a scroll and write on
it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and
all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah
until today… Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah, and
Baruch wrote on a scroll at the dictation of Jeremiah all the words of
the Lord that he had spoken to him” (Jeremiah 36:1-2, 4, 17-18, 28,
32).
● The Song of Moses given directly to Moses (Deut. 31:19).
3. Other Theories of Inspiration:
● Neo-Orthodox - God is sovereign over humanity. Because of
human finitude, God’s word is within Scripture but is not the same as
Scripture itself. God’s Word speaks fresh for new generations. Falls
short of calling Scripture inerrant, infallible, authoritative.
● Liberal - The Scriptures are not any more or less inspired than other
ancient writings or “sacred” volumes. Scripture is subject to various
kinds of higher critical methods: redaction criticism, source criticism,
literary criticism etc.
4. Scripture’s Doctrine of Scripture:
16 AllScripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of
God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will
do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day
dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all,
that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from
God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19-21).
And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of
clay, purified seven times (Psalm 12:6).
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed
are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near
(Rev. 1:3).
See also Psalm 19; Psalm 119.
5. Authorship by God: Thomas Watson says that the Scripture must be
authored by God because evil men would not have written so strenuously
against the evils of sin, temptation, guilt and its punishment in Hell; while
good men would not have lied and said “Thus saith the Lord” if they had
[7]
written it themselves!

F. Westminster Confession on Holy Scripture

The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and
obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or church; but
wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is
to be received, because it is the Word of God (WCF 1.4)
The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own
glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in
Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from
Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new
revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men (WCF 1.6)
The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and
therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any
Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known
by other places that speak more clearly (WCF 1.9)
The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be
determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers,
doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose
sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the
Scripture (WCF 1.10).

G. Some Key Terms Regarding Scripture:

● Sufficiency: Scripture contains everything you need to know for
salvation and obedience. It does not disclose everything that CAN be
known, for instance, geometry or molecular physics.
● Inerrancy: Scripture does not contain any errors in anything that it
reports.
● Infallibility: It cannot fail by virtue of its unfailing nature. The
higher term. Scripture does not mislead but does what God intends it
to do.
● Perspicuity: Scripture is sufficiently clear so as to be
understandable.
● Inspiration: That God is the divine author, although given by the
mediation of men.
● Plenary Inspiration: (Plenary = fullness) the very words,
expressions, and phrases themselves are inspired, not just the big
ideas.
● Preservation: The Scriptures are “kept pure in all ages” by God’s
singular care and providence (WCF 1:8). They possess the attribute of
tenacity, being impossible to eradicate. Manuscripts are ancient,
numerous, reliable, ubiquitous. Illustration: P52 contains a portion of
John 18:37.

H. The Canon of Scripture: The sixty-six books included in the Bible. The
word “canon” means measuring stick. The three tests of canonicity are
1. Apostolic Authority – written by an apostle a prophet or his delegate
 2. Primitive Use – received by the ancient Church as inspired
3. Concord in Doctrine – agreement in doctrine with other inspired books.
[8]

4. Conclusion: The Self-Attesting Word – The canon are those books

which gather the Church; they are the books that God uses to form the
People of God. Therefore we do not call “canon” those books that do not
have a gathering power to form the church such as the Apocrypha and the
Pseudepigrapha.

I. Subordinate Authorities Below Scripture

Controversy as to the ranking of the following items…

1. Experience “Seeing is Believing!” (Mary, John 20:11-18).

Direct/Personal
Third Party
Empiricism: observation, evidence, testing
Intuition (sixth sense)
2. Logic/Reason “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” (Phil
4:5).

Syllogisms
Fallacies (Formal & Informal)
3. Tradition – “Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have
set.” (Prov. 22:28).

Ecclesiastical
Cultural
4. Creeds & Confessions
Catholic Creeds (Catholic = Universal)
Apostles’ Creed
 Nicene Creed
Chalcedonian Creed
Reformed Confessions
● Westminster Confession
● Three Forms of Unity
● Belgic Confession
● Synod of Dort
● Heidelberg Confession
5. Other Authorities
● Parents
● Pastors/elders/bishops
● Government
● Conscience

[9]
J. Seven Motives for Loving Scripture (Petrus Van Mastricht)

● Its Origin and Author

● The godly examples of its human authors
● Its contents, doctrines, and dogmas
● Its form and structure
● Its purposes, ends, and uses
● Its efficacy
● Its value in the Christian life

K. Doctrinal Error
Not all errors are equally egregious and damnable! Some are worse than
others.
1. Adiaphora. Things that Christians can legitimately disagree on and make
a case for either way. Examples: The Christian calendar, how often we
should receive the Lord’s Supper, what we should wear to church, whether
churches should meet in homes or dedicated buildings, how many
leadership offices there are, etc.
2. Error. Genuine mistakes in doing theology, misquoting a portion of
Scripture, citing the wrong verse, confusing two persons (Abraham and
Isaac for instance), misreading or misinterpreting a verse. Stating a truth
inarticulately.

3. False Teaching. Persistent, unorthodox teaching, often in spite of

correction, on a serious moral or doctrinal issue.

4. Heresy. Deviating from central orthodox truth on a major doctrine, often

despite correction. A much more serious category than error. i.e. denying
the Trinity or the divinity of Jesus; denying the Return of Christ etc.

5. Apostasy. Abandoning the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church after
“professing” faith at one time.

6. Blasphemy. Outrageous affronts or attacks against the character and

nature of God. Slandering the message of hope in the Gospel. In its most
serious species, an entire and final rejection of the offer of the Gospel.

28
“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and
whatever blasphemies they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the
Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” (Mark
3:28-29).
NOTES:
III. Guides and Cautions when Engaging in the
Study of Scripture/Theology:

A. Guides: We Must Read the Bible Rightly (Hermeneutics)

1. First Rule of Interpretation: The Bible must be read like any other
book, and yet like no other book in the world! We must read words,
sentences, context etc. And yet this book is inspired like no other book in
the world.

2. Second Rule of Interpretation: The Bible is primarily about God—His

nature and His work—and only secondarily about me (and you)! God is the
central character; not every passage is about us!

3. Third Rule of Interpretation: The Meaning of Scripture is made known

through the actual words of Scripture. Words have specific, particular
meanings.

4. Fourth Rule of Interpretation: Every part of the Bible must be

interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the whole. The Bible must be
read “contextually.”

5. Fifth Rule of Interpretation: The Bible must be interpreted in

accordance with its own figures of speech; metaphor, simile, hyperbole, etc.

6. Sixth Rule of Interpretation: The Bible must be interpreted according

to its own literary genres: poetry, prose, Gospel, apocalyptic, epistle etc.

7. Seventh Rule of Interpretation: The difficult must be interpreted in

light of the clear, and the exception in light of the rule.
8. Eighth Rule of Interpretation: The Bible must be read as an encounter
with the Living God.

B. Caution: Listen to Scripture at Your Own Peril!

The Word has a hardening as well as a softening power on those who hear it
(Isaiah 6:9-10; Matthew 13:15; John 12:36-43). The intent of the Word is
sometimes to convict as well as to save.

The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, speak to your people
and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land
take a man from among them, and make him their watchman, 3 and if he
sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the
people, 4 then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take
warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon
his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning;
his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have
saved his life (Eze. 33:1-5).

C. Caution: Twist and Innovate Scripture at Your Own Peril!

“And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved
brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he
does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are
some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and
unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures” (2
Peter 3:16).

“The devil has ever shown a mortal spite and hatred towards that holy book
the Bible: he has done all in his power to extinguish that light…He is
[10]
engaged against the Bible, and hates every word in it.”
D. Caution: Teach Scripture at your own peril!
1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that
we who teach will be judged with greater strictness (James 3:1).

E. Caution: Ignore Scripture at your own peril!

Churches that ignore, minimize, or make the Scriptures secondary will
eventually suffer the slow death(s) of liberalism, heresy, and ultimately
apostasy.

“When the Word of God is despised, all reverence for Him is gone. His
majesty cannot be duly honored among us, nor his worship maintained in its
[11]
integrity unless we hang, as it were, upon His lips.”

“If I were the devil…one of my first aims would be to stop folk from
digging into the Bible. Knowing that it is the Word of God, teaching men to
know and love and serve the God of the Word, I should do all that I could to
surround it with the spiritual equivalents of pits, thorn hedges and man
[12]
traps, to frighten people off.” .

F. Caution: Grow prideful at your own peril!

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs
16:18).
NOTES:
Part Two:
Theology Proper
(Love God with All Your Mind)
I. God

“You thought that I was one like yourself.” (Psalm 50:21).

A. Who is God?
“Of all of the religions and philosophies of the world, only biblical religion
teaches the existence of a being both absolute and personal” (John Frame).
[13]

● Greeks and Romans - personal but not absolute

● Islam - absolute but not personal
● Hinduism - personal but not absolute
● Buddhism - absolute but not personal
● Deism - absolute but not personal
● Pantheism - absolute but not personal

The ‘god’ of Culture: “What would really satisfy us would be a God who
said of anything we happened to like doing, ‘What does it matter so long as
they are contented?’ We want, in fact, not so much a Father in Heaven as a
grandfather in heaven—a senile benevolence who, as they say, ‘liked to see
the young people enjoying themselves,’ and whose plan for the universe was
simply that it might be truly said at the end of each day, ‘a good time was
had by all.’ Not many people, I admit would formulate a theology in
precisely those terms: but a conception not very different lurks at the back
[14]
of many minds.”

B. God According to the Westminster Confession

What is God? A. God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his
being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
(WSC #4).

There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and
perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions;
immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most
holy, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel
of his own immutable and most righteous will, for his own glory; most
loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth,
forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that
diligently seek him; and withal, most just, and terrible in his judgments,
hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty (WCF 2.1).

C. God as Revealed in Scripture

13
Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to
them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What
is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO
I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to
you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The
LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and
the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I
am to be remembered throughout all generations. (Exodus 3:13-15).
What Do We Learn of God’s Nature from this Passage?
● He is a God who reveals Himself (3:2)
● God is holy (3:5)
● His name indicates His aseity (self-existence) [3:14]. (a = from; se
= self). He is not created by or dependent on another.

● He is a covenant making/keeping God (3:6, 16)

● He is a God of compassion (3:7-9)
● God is powerful (3:20-22).
D. The Names of God in Scripture
“(In His names), God draws our attention to the most important attributes of
His being. This being is so rich and comprehensive that we need to have
some benchmarks in order to understand the rest. God’s names are not
empty sounds (like the names of people), but they have meaning and
[15]
contribute to our knowledge of God.” - Geerhardus Vos.
● El = basic word for “god” in Hebrew. Elyon = high and exalted God.
From El the root for strength/might or Elah, the root for swear an
oath.
● Adonai = Lord, ruler, judge. Often read aloud in place of YHWH so
as to avoid saying the divine name.
● Elohim = God in the plural, taking a singular verb/modifier.
Possible hint of Trinity? Sometimes a thing that is extremely great is
described in the plural because of its size and scope, i.e. the waters,
[16]
the heavens, or the skies. God is the “God of gods etc.” Not the
best argument for the Trinity, but not insignificant either (Van
Mastricht).
● YHWH = Covenant name meaning “I Am” given to Moses. God’s
aseity and self-existence. Can mean “I will be.” He alone truly exists
in past, present, and future. He is the uncreated creator. All other
things derive their existence from Him. He has no non-being. Unique
to Israel and God’s people. Possible connection to pagan derivative
“Jove.”
English Bibles: LORD = YHWH, Lord = Adonai. French Bibles =
The Eternal One. Translated most often in the Septuagint as Kurios.
● Jehovah = A combination of the Hebrew YHWH with the vowels of
the word Adonai.
● El Shaddai = God all-powerful. The comforter. From shad,
“breast.”
 ● Jehovah Jireh = God my provider.
● YHWH Sabaoth = Lord of the armies.
● Theos = basic word for “god” in Greek. Possibly from theein “to
run” or theisthai “to observe,” or even aitheiv “to burn.”
● Pater = Father
● Kurios = Lord. In the Septuagint, the word used to translate
YWHW. Also the most common NT word for Jesus as “Lord” in the
Greek.
● Abba = “Father, dad” (tender). See Mark 14:36, Rom. 8:15, Gal 4:6.
● Many others!

Key: God’s Name worthy of praise (Psalm 8:1, 76:2; Exodus 20:7).
Illustration: “At the name of Aslan each one of the children felt something
jump in its inside. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt
suddenly brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delicious smell or
some delightful strain of music had just floated by her. And Lucy got the
feeling you have when you wake up in the morning and realize that it is the
[17]
beginning of the holidays or the beginning of summer.”

E. Application – The Third Commandment

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will
not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. (Exodus 20:7).
Westminster Larger Catechism on Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain
What is required in the third commandment? A. The third commandment
requires, that the name of God, his titles, attributes, ordinances, the word,
sacraments, prayer, oaths, vows, lots, his works, and whatsoever else there
is whereby he makes himself known, be holily and reverently used in
thought, meditation, word, and writing; by an holy profession, and
answerable conversation, to the glory of God, and the good of ourselves,
and others. (Larger Catechism #112).
What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment? A. The sins
forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God's name as is
required; and the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irreverent, profane,
superstitious, or wicked mentioning or otherwise using his titles, attributes,
ordinances, or works, by blasphemy, perjury; all sinful cursings, oaths,
vows, and lots; violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful; and fulfilling
them, if of things unlawful; murmuring and quarreling at, curious prying
into, and misapplying of God's decrees and providences; misinterpreting,
misapplying, or any way perverting the word, or any part of it, to profane
jests, curious or unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of
false doctrines; abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the
name of God, to charms, or sinful lusts and practices; the maligning,
scorning, reviling, or any wise opposing of God's truth, grace, and ways;
making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; being
ashamed of it, or a shame to it, by unconformable, unwise, unfruitful, and
offensive walking, or backsliding from it. (Larger Catechism #113).

F. John Frame’s Three Lordship Attributes of God

1. Control: God is sovereign over all things: nature, history, human
decisions etc.

2. Authority: God has the right to demand and command.

3. Presence: God desires to bless with His presence, the greatest blessing of
[18]
all. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for
it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake
you.” (Deut. 31:6).

4. Illustration: Aslan’s presence as the Lion who chases Shasta and Aravis
in the dark in “The Horse and His Boy.”

G. The Knowability and Unknowability of God: We are able to know

about God what He reveals to us. We are responsible to believe what He
tells us about Himself! But we can never know Him fully or
comprehensively.
1. Knowability “Deus Revelatus”

● Anthropomorphism: God reveals Himself to us in human terms

(eyes, ears, arm). “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout
the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is
blameless toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9). See also Isaiah 37:17 etc.

● Analogical: a rock, mountain, fortress, refuge, dove, fire etc.

● Via Affirmativa: What God IS: holy, love. 1 John 4:8, 16. Isaiah
6:1-6.

● Imminence: God is near us, and wants to be close to us. This is

good news because that means He is knowable and loveable! Psalm
139.

2. Unknowability “Deus Absconditus” (Incomprehensibility)

“Truly you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.”
(Isaiah 45:15).

● Transcendence: God is so far “above” us that we cannot

comprehend Him, nor is He limited by time or space. This is good
news because there is nothing He cannot handle!“Finitum noncapax
infinitum!” - Calvin

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

● Via Negativa: What God is NOT; Infinite, Immutable, Infallible,

Immortal…
 ● Incomprehensibility: At the same time, He is far above our grasp
and we will not be able to fully “get” Him. (i.e. doctrine of the
Trinity).

H. God as Infinite Being and Pure Act

1. God is Infinite.
● No beginning. No end.
● No limits to knowledge, power.
● No limitations as regards physical space.
And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes
all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy,
holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
(Rev. 4:8).
God as “Pure Act.” God is perfect in His attributes and perfectly
actualized. He has no “potential” to become anything that He is not. He
cannot grow greater or lesser.
2. Man is Finite.
● Definite conception, birth, death.
● Limited knowledge, power.
● Confined to one punctiliar place in the universe at a time.
● Limited perspective on reality.

3. Implication of Man’s Finitude – Humility!

We human beings have...

● Only so many days left to life
● Only one place at a time
● Only so many people we can truly know
 ● Only so much information can be stored in my brain
● Only so much “good” I can do in this world

NOTES:
II. Divine Attributes

A. The Glory of God: The glory of God is seen as the great, all-
controlling, reality of the universe, and the central theme of all of Scripture.
1. All God does is for His glory (Isaiah 42:8, 43:7, 48:11)
2. Synonyms: honor, worth, renown, majesty
3. Biblical Terms:
Hebrew Kabod – weight, magnitude
Greek Doxa – worth, splendor, greatness
4. The out-shining of God’s greatness – the Shekinah glory
5. Jonathan Edwards: God’s glory is “emanated” to and “remanated” from
[19]
creation.

6. Man’s Chief End: “What is the chief end of man?” A: Man’s chief end
is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! (WSC #1).

B. Incommunicable Attributes – ways that we will never be like God

1. Infinity – God’s transcendence over creation
2. Eternity – complete power over time
3. Immutability – God does not change. “He is a most perfect being, and
for this reason, there can be no perfection either added to Him, for thus He
would not be most perfect, or taken away from Him, for thus he would not
remain most perfect. So then, He cannot be changed either for the better,
[20]
which is not possible or for the worse.”
4. Incorporeality – He is not composed of matter
5. Glory – excellence, beauty, worth (see above)
6. Aseity – self-sufficiency; He needs nothing (A = from; se = self).
33
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How
unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him

that he might be repaid?”

36
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory
forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36).
7. Impassibility - He cannot suffer loss of his divine attributes
8. Simplicity – God is not composed of “parts” like a car or a human body.
He cannot be taken apart.
9. Immensity - God is omnipresent and equally present in all places at all
times: “But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven
and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I
have built!” (2 Chron 6:18).
10. Omnipotence - Literally, “all strength.” God’s strength cannot be
constrained by any external factors. He cannot be thwarted, defeated,
overcome, annulled, or limited.
11. Omniscience - Literally, “all knowledge.” God’s knowledge and
wisdom are comprehensive of all possible data.
12. Omnipresence - Literally, “everywhere present.” See Psalm 139, Amos
9:2-4.

C. Communicable Attributes – Ways in Which We Can Be (or Become)

like Him
1. Love
2. Wrath
3. Jealousy
4. Wisdom
5. Kindness
6. Patience
7. Holiness - “The Metaphysical gap that exists between God and his
[21]
creature.”
8. Goodness
9. Justice

D. Divine Perfection
In all of God’s holy attributes, He is absolutely perfect and complete, such
that there can be neither evolution or devolution on His part. His glory can
neither increase nor decrease.
Common Philosophical Conundrums:
● Can God make a rock so heavy that He himself cannot lift it? No.
This involves a logical contradiction by calling for an “impossible
possibility.”
● Can God make another God? No. Again this asks for an impossible
possibility, a logical contradiction, because it calls for an uncreated
creature.
● Can God make a four-sided triangle? No. The question is ridiculous.
It would be the same as asking God to make 4 equal 5. The universe
gains its order from God’s design.
● If God is all-powerful is there anything that He cannot do? Yes. He
cannot deny His own divine perfections; He cannot lie, sin, or tempt
(James 1:13). He cannot die since that would be to defy His own
nature and character.
NOTES:
III. Classical Philosophical Proofs for the
Existence of God

A. Can God’s Existence be “Proven”? Should it be?

1. The Bible presupposes the existence of God. “In the beginning God
created the Heavens and the Earth.” (Genesis 1:1).

2. The Bible teaches that belief in God’s existence is a necessary component

of faith. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever
would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards
those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

3. The Bible nowhere attempts to prove the existence of God to the

unbeliever. “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1).
But even if the burden of proof was on the theist, it would be easier to
summon proof for His existence rather than proving His non-existence,
since proving a negative is extraordinarily difficult.

Illustration: to prove that gold can be found in China, we would only need
to find one piece of gold; to prove that gold cannot be found in China would
require exhaustive knowledge of China’s geography.

4. Elijah vs Baal (1 Kings 18) is a close example, but even there, the
question is WHICH god, not whether there is a god at all.

5. It is doubtful that unbelievers can be convinced rationally to believe in

God; they must have a change of heart!

B. The Value of Theistic Proofs (Evidentialism)

 1. Nevertheless, theistic “proofs” may retain some value for believers.
2. Learning the classical theistic proofs (philosophy) is a deep-thinking
exercise; and Christians should be deep thinkers!

3. Reflecting deeply and intentionally on God’s existence and nature is

beneficial to our own sanctification.

4. We are to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark
12:30). This kind of thinking helps us to love Him with our minds.

C. Classical Proofs for the Existence of God.

Influence of Thomas Aquinas - Aquinas believed that the existence of

God could be demonstrated with several arguments. These became known
as the classical “proofs” and can be found in various forms.

1. Ontological Argument. Ontos = “being” (St. Anselm, a Roman Catholic

Benedictine Monk of Canterbury, philosopher and theologian of the
Church).

The Argument:
● God is that which no greater can be conceived.
● Existence is greater than non-existence.
● Therefore God exists.

Reply: “Word games” to some, but… Powerful and provocative to others.

Guanilo’s response – “The Perfect Island.”

Conclusion: the ontological argument cannot prove God’s existence, but

does suggest it. If God exists, His existence is necessary, not contingent.

2. Cosmological Argument. Cosmos = “universe” (Aristotle, Thomas

Aquinas)
Aristotle’s “Unmoved Mover”

The General Argument

● All things have a cause.
● The universe has a cause.
● Therefore God must be the ultimate cause.

Illustrations:
● Dominos
● Leaves moving > Wind > Oceans > Seasons…

Variation #1 – Time
● Reality exists in a chronological succession called “time.”
● Time proceeds moment by moment
● If time proceeds moment by moment, each moment succeeds the
previous, and precedes the succeeding.
● It is impossible to have an infinite series of regression in time past,
because the present could never have come about.
● There must have been a beginning of time itself.
● If time began, something must have caused it.
● Therefore, God.

Variation #2 – Matter
● All things that exist are either necessary or contingent
● All contingent things come from either other contingent things or
necessary things.
● There must be some necessary thing that originally caused all
contingent things.
 ● Therefore, God.

Variation #3 – Life
● There is such a thing as life.
● All life comes from other life.
● Life never proceeds from non-life.
● Therefore, God.

3. Teleological Argument. Telos = end (purpose). Thomas Aquinas.

The Argument.
● The universe evidences design.
● Design comes from a designer.
● Therefore, God.

Illustration – the wristwatch.

“Intelligent Design” & The Anthropic Principle – the Universe is

perfectly designed in every way such as that Earth (alone!) can support life.
● Earth’s distance from the sun
● Earth’s speed of rotation and revolution
● Magnetic field protects from Sun’s radiation
● Density of atmosphere
● Presence of water
Critique by David Hume: This method relies too much on analogical
arguments (arguments by analogy). For instance, it depends too much on
comparison with things that work very well (the wristwatch). But many
things don’t work well in the universe. There is much evil and pain. Should
we reason then that God is an imperfect God, a mix or good and evil, or
sometimes incompetent?
4. Moral Argument. (C.S. Lewis).

The Argument
● Every person knows a difference between good and evil.
● Every person violates what they know to be good.
● Good and evil must have a cause or source.
● Therefore, God.

Illustration – the stolen lawnmower.

Supporting Evidence
● All cultures have basically the same morals and values (stealing,
killing, adultery, lying = wrong)
● All people know evil; especially when it is done to them!
● If there is no God, the universe is ultimately unjust.
● If there is no God, we can reasonably live like “hell” on earth with
no fear of repercussions.

D. The Cumulative Case. In a law case, it is possible that while no one

piece of evidence may make the case “airtight,” the whole case may “build”
cumulatively towards a conclusion. This seems to be the case with theistic
proofs. They “build” on one another.

E. Additional Considerations or “Minor Proofs”

1. Personal Experience of the Divine

2. The Ubiquity of Religious Faith - or “Universal Consent.” Is it safe to go

against the vast majority of humankind?
3. Ultimate Meaning vs. Absurdity in the Universe

F. Presuppositional Apologetics - Found in full expression in Cornelius

Van Til, but in seminal form in Calvin and other Reformers.
1. Presupposes the Existence of God
● The believer knows God exists
● The unbeliever knows God exists, but suppresses that knowledge!
(Romans 1:18-21; Psalm 10:4; 14:1).
● Attacks the heart through preaching the Gospel!
● Challenges unbeliever to deal with guilt.
● Acknowledges that men are rarely converted through “convincing
proofs” but rather that they are more often converted through Gospel
proclamation.
2. Presupposes that Revelation (Scripture) is Authoritatively True
● Does not need to “prove” God’s Word.
● Does not accept “neutrality” as a starting point.
● Does not accept science, history, archaeology or any other “neutral
ground” as more authoritative than Scripture.
● Rarity of conversion through being “beaten” in an argument by a
Christian.
3. Presupposes the Fallenness of Man’s Reason
● Fallen man knows the existence of God (Rom. 1:18-22)...
● But his fallen mind and corrupt reason is unable to see clearly and
think cogently about spiritual things. (Noetic effects of the Fall).
● Only the man filled with the Spirit of God can discern spiritual truth.
 ● Man hates God. When man describes the God he hates, it is usually
the God of the Bible. When atheists doubt His existence, it is the
existed of the God of the Bible they doubt.

4. Tension with Evidentialism

● Accepts that “proofs” (whether scientific, historical, logical etc.)
may be helpful, but more often to confirm the believer rather than
convert the unbeliever.
● Is not opposed to using arguments about creation vs. science,
archaeology, philosophy etc., but sees limited potency because man’s
spiritual deadness is spiritual not merely mental ignorance of right
arguments.
● Disagrees that reason/rationale/logic can be a sort of “neutral”
starting ground with the unbeliever upon which to build a case. Pre-
suppotionalism denies a neutral ground in reason.
NOTES:
IV. The Doctrine of the Trinity

A. Historic Doctrine of The Trinity: The word ‘trinity’ is not in the Bible.
It is a word meaning “tri-unity” or “three-in-one-ness.” While the word is
not found explicitly in our Bibles, the concept is nevertheless found
throughout Scripture. The doctrine is entirely Scriptural.
1. Greatest Thought: When we contemplate the Trinity, we are literally
thinking about the highest, most wonderful, most beautiful concept that the
mind of man can conceive. We are attempting to love God with “all the
mind” as we seek to understand His nature and essence.
2. Historic Formula: “God is one in essence and three in person.”
3. Revealed Doctrine: The doctrine of the Trinity is not so much explicated
(explained) in the Bible, but revealed in redemption history. God primarily
revealed His own Trinitarian nature through:
● Creation (Father)
● Incarnation (Son)
● Pentecost (Spirit)
4. Catholic (Universal) Doctrine: “Catholic God; Protestant Gospel.” (Dr.
Scott Swain). The Protestants did not substantially alter the doctrine of the
Trinity from the Catholic Creeds of the ancient and medieval church. The
Trinity is one of the most shared and cherished doctrines, holding together
all major denominations: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant
(Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Pentecostal etc.)
5. Catholic & Orthodox Trinitarian Creeds
● Apostles’ Creed
● Nicene Creed (325/381)
● Chalcedonian Definition (451)
 ● Athanasian Creed (Mid-Fifth Century)

B. Doctrine of the Trinity in Scripture: And when Jesus was baptized,

immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were
opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and
coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my
beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17).
Notice that:
1. The Father sent the Son and Spirit; He speaks
2. The Son came to accomplish and fulfill our redemption
3. The Spirit is present to bless and anoint

C. Major Points in the Historic Doctrine:

1. That there is only one God. (Deut. 6:4, 32:39; Isa. 43:11; 44:6; 46:9,
24; Malachi 2:14; John 1:1-3; 5:44; Ephesians 4:4-7; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6;
James 2:19).

The Simplicity of God – He is not composed of “parts” that can be put

together like a truck or a computer.
Major distinction in the religion of Israel vs. pagan nations.
2. That there are nevertheless three distinct persons named,
respectively, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, called God and considered as
God. (Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:16-18; Romans 1:1-4; Romans 5:1-5; 2
Cor. 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Jude 20-21).
The Three Persons are distinct from one another.

[22]
3. That there is, therefore, unity in trinity and trinity in unity.

No Analogy Can Properly Convey This: Many analogies have been

suggested through history, (three-leaf clover; egg; water/steam/mist). But
all analogies have significant shortcoming and should not be used. Instead,
the doctrine should be taught biblically, redemptive historically, and
propositionally.

4. The Shorter Catechism on the Trinity

● Q5: Are there more Gods than one? A. There is but one only, the
living and true God.

● Q6: How many persons are there in the Godhead? A. There are three
persons in the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and
these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and
glory.

D. Major Historical Theologians in the Development of the Doctrine

1. Origen (185-254). Developed doctrine of the three hypostases. Eternal
generation of the Son. The Son is “begotten” of the Father (Acts 13:33;
Hebrews 1:5, 5:5), but not created by Him.
2. Tertullian (196-212). Against Praxeas. Method and vocabulary of
Trinitarian discussion. Distinctions between the Persons. That the Father
sent forth the Son and Spirit as His two hands of work in redemption. His
thought needed clarification to defend against modalism.
3. Athanasius (297-373 AD) Present at Council of Nicea (325). Almost
single handedly turned the tide against the Arian heresy. Doctrine of
Incarnation (John 1:14). One substance of the persons. Argued that the Son
is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father. The Son is not a created being.
Athanasian Creed not written by him, but named in his honor.
4. The Cappadocian Fathers
● Basil the Great (329-379). On the Holy Spirit. Leader of the three
friends in influence. Defended the deity of the Son and the Holy Spirit
against the Arians.
● Gregory of Nyssa (335-395). Younger brother of Basil. Defended
the Trinity against Tritheism.
 ● Gregory of Nazainzus (329-390). Best friend of Basil. Focused on
Christology against Apollinarius. Jesus truly human to redeem fallen
man. Co-eternality of the Three Persons.
5. Augustine (354-430). De Trinitate. Relationships between the Three
Persons. The eternal God before all things is the Trinity, not just the Father
alone. Worked through analogies of mind (thinker, thought, object) and love
(lover, beloved, love). The Spirit proceeds from the Father AND the Son.
The Spirit is the bond of love between Father and Son. Geerhardus Vos
says, “To Augustine belongs the honor that, on the basis of Scripture, he
completely eliminated the element of subordination concerning substance
[23]
from the doctrine of the Trinity. It was a dangerous element.”

E. Key Terms in the Doctrine of the Trinity (Frame, Doctrine of God,

697).
Discussion Question: What is “jargon?” Name some examples in the
fields of medicine, the military, science, and technology. Why is jargon
helpful? How can it be detrimental?
1. Terms Related to God’s Oneness
● English: Essence, Being, Substance, Nature. The “is-ness” of God.
What He is like. His “substance.” “The Sum total of his infinite
perfections” (Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 87). ‘
● Greek: ousia, physis
● Latin: Substantia, essentia

2. Terms Related to the Distinction of the Three Persons

● English: Persons, Subsistences. Personality = rationality + morality
+ life.
● Greek: hypostasis, prosopa
● Latin: personae
 English Latin Greek
Unity Essence Essentia Ousia
(One) Nature Substantia
Substance

Distinction Person Persona *Hyposteses

(Three) Substantia **Prosopon

* Confusingly, Hyposteses was sometimes used to describe God’s oneness

as well. Later it became more often utilized for God’s Three Persons.
** Prosopon (literally, face) was discouraged later since it took on use by
Sabellians who taught modalism.
“If someone cannot follow this scholastic style of discourse, then let him
simply believe with Scripture that the persons are distinguished as three and
declare that he does not know what kind of distinction, since Scripture has
not revealed these things, or that they are distinguished supernaturally, not
[24]
in a natural manner.” (Peter Van Mastricht).
3. Ontological Trinity: Ontology speaks to the reality of a thing’s nature.
Each of the three persons are equally worthy and glorious. In this respect,
there is no subordination or inferiority of any of the Persons to any other.
4. Economic (or Imminent) Trinity: Economy speaks to the
interrelationship between persons. The members of the Trinity relate to one
another in that the Father “begets” the Son; and the Father and Son send the
Spirit. In His incarnation, Jesus submitted to and obeyed the Father’s will.
5. The Pactum Salutis: Also called Covenant of Redemption. Though
ontologically equal in every way, the mystery of the Trinity is that the Three
Persons agreed that the Son would be sent, and the Spirit proceed to redeem
the elect in time. The ontological Trinity agrees on the economic roles in
redemption history. (See John 5:36; 17:1-5; 18:9; Heb. 13:20-21).

F. The Activity of the Trinity

1. Ad Intra - Internal actions of the Three Persons: love, esteem, joy.
“Perichoresis.” The persons of the Trinity mutually indwell one another.
Mutuality is eternal and will continue for eternity. God is completely
sufficient in and of Himself, and did not need to create anything!
2. Ad Extra - Actions related to God and the creation itself. Creation,
Providence, Redemption. “The external actions of the Trinity are
indivisible.”

G. The Athanasian Creed:

Whoever wants to be saved should above all cling to the catholic faith.
Whoever does not guard it whole and inviolable will doubtless perish
eternally. Now this is the catholic faith: We worship one God in trinity and
the Trinity in unity, neither confusing the persons nor dividing the divine
being. For the Father is one person, the Son is another, and the Spirit is still
another. But the deity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one, equal in
glory, coeternal in majesty. What the Father is, the Son is, and so is the
Holy Spirit. Uncreated is the Father; uncreated is the Son; uncreated is the
Spirit. The Father is infinite; the Son is infinite; the Holy Spirit is infinite.
Eternal is the Father; eternal is the Son; eternal is the Spirit: And yet there
are not three eternal beings, but one who is eternal; as there are not three
uncreated and unlimited beings, but one who is uncreated and unlimited.
Almighty is the Father; almighty is the Son; almighty is the Spirit: And yet
there are not three almighty beings, but one who is almighty. Thus the
Father is God; the Son is God; the Holy Spirit is God: And yet there are not
three gods, but one God. Thus the Father is Lord; the Son is Lord; the Holy
Spirit is Lord: And yet there are not three lords, but one Lord. As Christian
truth compels us to acknowledge each distinct person as God and Lord, so
catholic religion forbids us to say that there are three gods or lords. The
Father was neither made nor created nor begotten; the Son was neither
made nor created, but was alone begotten of the Father; the Spirit was
neither made nor created, but is proceeding from the Father and the Son.
Thus there is one Father, not three fathers; one Son, not three sons; one
Holy Spirit, not three spirits. And in this Trinity, no one is before or after,
greater or less than the other; but all three persons are in themselves,
coeternal and coequal; and so we must worship the Trinity in unity and the
one God in three persons. Whoever wants to be saved should think thus
about the Trinity. It is necessary for eternal salvation that one also faithfully
believe that our Lord Jesus Christ became flesh. For this is the true faith
that we believe and confess: That our Lord Jesus Christ, God's Son, is both
God and man. He is God, begotten before all worlds from the being of the
Father, and he is man, born in the world from the being of his mother --
existing fully as God, and fully as man with a rational soul and a human
body; equal to the Father in divinity, subordinate to the Father in humanity.
Although he is God and man, he is not divided, but is one Christ. He is
united because God has taken humanity into himself; he does not transform
deity into humanity. He is completely one in the unity of his person, without
confusing his natures. For as the rational soul and body are one person, so
the one Christ is God and man. He suffered death for our salvation. He
descended into hell and rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge
the living and the dead. At his coming all people shall rise bodily to give an
account of their own deeds. Those who have done good will enter eternal
life, those who have done evil will enter eternal fire. This is the catholic
[25]
faith. One cannot be saved without believing this firmly and faithfully.

H. Trinity in the Old Testament

The OT does not teach a fully explained doctrine of the Trinity, but it does
contain several significant hints and foreshadowings of what will be more
fully revealed at Incarnation and Pentecost.
1. Elohim. Plural name of God takes a singular verb/modifier. The word is
both singular (in some respects) and plural (in some respects).

“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26).
Interpersonal speech or royal plural?

2. Three Persons in one text

● Isaiah 48:16
● Isaiah 61:1
 ● Isaiah 63:7-10
3. Triple Ascription: Threefold Praises of God
● Genesis 48:15-16
● Numbers 6:24-26
● 1 Chron. 16:28-29
● Isaiah 6:3

4. The Angel of the LORD: “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the
angel of his presence saved them in his love and in his pity he redeemed
them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old (Isaiah 63:9).

● Genesis 16:7-13 (To Hagar in the wilderness)

● Genesis 18:1-21 (Abraham at the Oaks of Mamre)
● Genesis 22:11 (Abraham and Isaac)
● Genesis 32:22-32 (Jacob Wrestles the Other)
● Genesis 48:15-16 (Angel included in three-fold benediction)
● Exodus 3:2 (The Burning Bush)
● Numbers 22:22 (Balaam’s Donkey)
● Judges 2:1-5 (Angel speaks at Gilgal)
● Judges 6:11-18 (The Call of Gideon)
● Judges 13:1-25 (Manoah and his wife)

5. Summary
● Appears visibly, audibly
● Speaks and acts as God (Yahweh).
● Speaks and acts on behalf of God (Yahweh).
● Witnesses describe seeing God “face to face”
“The orthodox doctors of the Church have correctly and wisely expounded,
that the Word of God was the supreme angel, who then began, as it were by
anticipation, to perform the office of Mediator. For though he were not
clothed with flesh, yet he descended as in an intermediate form, that he
might have more familiar access to the faithful. This closer intercourse
procured for him the name of the Angel; still, however, he retained the
character which justly belonged to him—that of the God of ineffable glory.”
- John Calvin, Institutes, 1.13.10.
“I am rather inclined, however, to agree with ancient writers, that in those
passages wherein it is stated that the angel of the Lord appeared to
Abraham, Jacob, and Moses, Christ was that angel.” - John Calvin,
Institutes, 1.14.5.
Justin Martyr argues repeatedly and forcefully throughout his Dialogue with
Trypho that the Angel of the Lord is Christ.

I. Examples of the Trinity in the Gospels

● Matthew 12:28; 22:43-44; 28:18-20

● Mark 1:9-11

● Luke 1:35; 3:21-22; 4:18; 10:21; 12:9-10

● John 1:33-34; 3:34-35; 14:16; 16:8-10; 16:15; 20:21-22

J. The Trinity in the Book of Acts:

● 1:4-5

● 1:7-8

● 2:32-33

● 2:38-39
 ● 4:8-10

● 4:30-31

● 5:29-32

● 7:54-55

● 8:14-16

● 9:15-17

● 10:37-38

● 10:46-48

● 11:16-17

● 15:8-11

● 16:6-10

● 19:5-9

● 20:21-22

● 20:28

K. The Trinity in Epistles:

● Romans 1:4; 8:15-17; 15:30
● 2 Corinthians: 1:21-22; 3:3; 13:14
● Ephesians 1:17; 2:18; 2:22; 3:14-17
● 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5; 5:17-19
● 1 Peter 1:2

L. Trinitarian Heresies:
1. Historical Attacks: Each of the Three Persons of the Trinity have
sustained major attacks throughout history. The primary attack against the
Father is His attribute of existence. The primary attack against the Son has
been His attribute of divinity. The primary attack against the Holy Spirit has
been His attribute of personality.

2. Polytheism: Saying that there are more gods than one. Tritheism is a
species of polytheism that holds to three gods.

3. Partialism: Saying that God is comprised of two or more “parts” like an

egg: shell, yolk, while.

4. Modalism: God changes “modes,” showing up now one way, then

another. Like a 1980’s Transformer. Analogy of Ice, water, steam. Also
known as “Sabellianism.”

5. Arianism: Denying either the deity the Holy Spirit or especially the deity
of Jesus Christ; asserting that Son or Spirit are creatures.

● Arius - taught that Jesus was a created being

● Michael Servetus vs. Calvin

● Jehovah’s Witnesses

M. The Trinity Beyond Human Comprehension

J.I. Packer says regarding the Trinity, “The historic formulation of the
Trinity…seeks to circumscribe and safeguard this mystery (not explain it;
that is beyond us), and it confronts us with perhaps the most difficult
thought that the human mind has ever been asked to handle. It is not easy;
[26]
but it is true.

Berkhof says, “It is especially when we reflect on the relation of the three
persons to the divine essence that all analogies fail us and we become
deeply conscious of the fact that the Trinity is a mystery far beyond our
[27]
comprehension.”

Illustration: Asking a human being to comprehend the Trinity is like

asking an ant to comprehend the blueprints of the Empire State Building!

N. Triads in Creation: Triads found throughout creation – do these

[28]
somehow reflect God’s Trinitarian nature? Perhaps, but without perfect
analogy.
● Time: past, present, future
● Space: length, width, breadth
● Creation: Heavens, Earth, Seas (Genesis 1)
● Heavens - Sky, Space, “Highest Heavens”
● Earth - Mountains, Plains, Valleys
● Sea - Shore, Surface, Deep
● Light: three primary colors
● Music: three part harmony
● Being: Knowing, Doing, Being
● Ethics: Thought, Word, Deed
● Philosophy: Good, True, Beautiful (cf. Eph. 5:9)
● Others:

O. Trinitarian Implications and Applications

1. Worship is Trinitarian.
Trinity within the liturgy - hymnody, confessions, doctrine etc.
Trinity shaping our liturgy - Call/Confession, Gospel, Application
2. Love is Trinitarian.
If God does not exist as a Trinity, He is not eternally loving, for He could
not have loved anything until He created something. As a Trinity, though,
love is intrinsic to His holy nature. He never “began” to love, but always
was, is, and will be, love.
3. Prayer is Trinitarian: What is prayer? Prayer is an offering up of our
desires unto God, in the name of Christ, by the help of His Spirit; with
confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies.
(Larger Catechism, 178).
● To the Father

● In the Name of the Son

● By the power of the Holy Spirit

4. Benediction is Trinitarian:
It is the three-fold name that is placed upon Christians, especially at
baptism (Matthew 28:18-20), but also...
● The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).
● God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us;let all the ends of
the earth fear him! (Psalm 67:6-7).
● The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine
upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance
upon you and give you peace. “So shall they put my name upon the
people of Israel, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:24-27).
5. Redemption is Trinitarian: See Ephesians 1:3-23.
The Father ordains...
Predestination

Sovereignty over our lives, preparing us for the time and

circumstances of our conversion. (See Appendix on God’s
sovereignty).
The Son accomplishes…
Life

Death

Resurrection

Ascension

The Holy Spirit applies...

Effectual calling/Sealing

Sanctification and growth

Gifting & Fruit

NOTES:
Part Three:
Creation and Anthropology
(Love Creation and Mankind)
I. Creation

“The creation is the heathen man’s Bible, the ploughman’s primer, and the
traveler’s perspective glass, through which he receives a representation of
the infinite excellencies which are in God. The creation is a large volume,
in which God’s works are bound up; and this volume has three great leaves
in it, heaven, earth, and sea. . . The world is like a curious piece of tapestry,
in which we may see the skill and wisdom of Him that made it. . . Every
star in the sky, every bird that flies in the air, is a witness against the
[29]
heathen. A creature could not make itself.” - Thomas Watson

A. Creation. Ex Nihilo Nihil Fit (Out of nothing, nothing comes)!

1. Scriptural Usage. Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-4. The term itself is not found
in Scripture although the doctrine is taught in places such as Hebrews 11:3.
The term ex nihilo originally comes from 2 Maccabees 7:28 in the
Apocrypha.
“God stands towards creation not as a gardener who lets a plant or flower
grow, but as an artist who forms an image according to His own vision,
whose work was first in His heart and whose heart is therefore reflected in
[30]
His work” (Vos).
The Hebrew term bara in qal form never used of humans. Original creation
from nothing only ascribed to God.
2. Augustine on Creation Ex Nihilo: God spoke with words that did not
exist, into a universe that did not exist, in the beginning of time that did not
exist! Most artists use something to start with - a canvas, a set of paints, a
marble to chisel etc. God had none of these! (paraphrase and summary of
Confessions, Book 11).
3. Genesis 1:1
In the beginning (time) God created (action/energy) the heavens (space; the
spiritual realm) and the earth (matter).
4. Four possibilities logically:
1. The universe is eternal

2. The universe is self-created (came into being on its own power)

3. The universe is non-existent

4. There is a God!

5. The Purpose of Creation:

● To Glorify God (Psalm 148)
● To Humble Man (Job 38-40)
● To be the “stage” on which the drama of Redemption occurs
(Edwards).

B. Views of Creation.
1. Young Earth (Seven Day). Yom (Heb. “day”) interpreted literally.
Adam created in a state of maturity. So also the trees, earth, stars etc.
The historic, orthodox position.
The most natural reading of the text.
The Position of the WCF.

2. Old Earth (Day = Age). Yom (Heb. “day”) represents an era or epoch.
Attempts to unify natural science and theology.

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as
a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Peter 3:8).

3. Gap Theory: There is a massive “time” gap between Genesis 1:1-2 &
1:3, perhaps billions of years.
4. Edenic Creation: God created the universe in Genesis 1:1-2 and Genesis
1:3-31 describes the special creation of the Garden of Eden.

5. Literary Framework Theory. Views Genesis 1 as a literary device.

Days one and four = light; stellar objects

Days two and five = air & seas; sea creatures & birds
Days three and six = land; animals & humanity

6. Where is the Line? Where do these views become unorthodox or

heretical?
● When they deny a historical Adam & Eve and a historical Fall
● When they endorse secular views of evolution that deny God’s
creative agency
● When they favor science over Biblical revelation at apparent
contradictions

C. Seven Implications of Creation

1. We are worshippers, but not idolaters (Gen 1:1-3)
2. We are scientists, but not secularists (Gen 1:14-16)
3. We are spiritual, but not ascetics (Gen 1:26)
4. We are life-lovers, but not afraid to die (Gen 1:27)
5. We are grateful, but not hedonists (Gen 1:28-29)
6. We are environmentalists, but not evolutionists (Gen 1:30)
7. We are the awed audience in the divine theater (Gen 1:31).

D. Heresies and Unorthodox Views Regarding Creation

1. Polytheism – that there are many gods (Acts 14:8-18)
2. Henotheism — that the gods are territorial (1 Kings 20:28; Judges
11:24).

3. Atheism – that there is no god (Psalm 14:1; 53:1)

4. Dualism- that matter is evil and spirit is good

5. Nihilism – that all is – or will be - utter nothingness

6. Pantheism – God and the universe are coextensive. Draws and

attractions: the beauty of creation, the desire for total unity, empowerment
to the small individual. (See Jer. 2:27).

7. Materialism/Naturalism/Mechanism - Thomas Hobbes. Nothing exists

except that which is matter. No soul, no spirits etc. Carl Sagan “The
universe is all that ever was or is or will be…”

8. Idealism - Everything is “mind” or “idea.” George Berkely. All that

exists is the mind’s perceptions and ideas. Material objects have no real
existence.

E. Miracles, Supernaturalism, and Metaphysics

Four Basic Worldviews Related to Supernaturalism

Supernaturalism Materialism
- God - Atheism
- Creation - Matter
- Miracles - Laws of Nature
- Angels and Demons - Evolution
- Prayer - Death = cessation
- Resurrection
- Life after Death
Inconsistent Inconsistent
Supernaturalism Materialism
- God - No God
- Creation BUT
BUT - luck
- no miracles - “thoughts and
- no revelation prayers”
- no resurrection - angels?
See: Sadducees (Mark - superstition
12:1; Acts 23:6-9) - ghosts,

1. Definitions of Miracle: “Extraordinary demonstrations of God’s

[31]
Lordship” - John Frame. “Transgression of a law of nature by a
particular volition of the Deity, or by the interposition of some invisible
[32]
agent” - David Hume. Others: “Immediate act of God” (as opposed to
mediated act of God through second causes).
2. Biblical Examples: Splitting of the sea; Jordan river stops; Jesus walks
on water; Jesus multiplies the loaves; ax-head floats; water to wine; Lazarus
raised, etc. This is possible because God is above and outside of His
creation. Most often, miracles are given to demonstrate God’s (Christ’s)
Lordship!
3. Broadly construed – every answered prayer, every baby born, accident
avoided, invisible angelic intervention etc.
4. Narrowly construed – the overruling of the normal (ordinary) laws of
nature by God’s divine intervention. Cessation, suspension, or overturning
of nature’s ordinary course.
5. Conspicuous: Miracles that are seen by a few, several, or many
witnesses. The miracles of Exodus for instance.
6. Inconspicuous: Miracles that are seen by none. C. Stephen Evans gives
the example of a crucial nut and bolt being held together on a flight that
would have otherwise broken, due to the prayers of God’s people for safety
[33]
and protection.
7. Critique by David Hume (Scottish Enlightenment Philosopher; 1711-
1776): Since miracles are by definition things that don’t happen often, we
can always find a better way to explain these things by things that do
happen often, such as people lying, misinterpreting what their eyes saw, or
being fooled and deceived. Therefore it is always more reasonable to
disbelieve in miracles than to believe them, since other explanations are
more likely. Note that he does not say they are impossible, but always
explained away more easily.
8. Response: (1) This objection does not account for statistical outliers. Is it
true that no one has ever grown to 7 feet tall, since most people are less than
that? (2,800 per 7.4 billion people. 0.000038%). Can every 7 foot person be
“explained away” by the sheer numeric preponderance of shorter people?
(2) Hume operates from a “materialistic” (natural law) perspective and
therefore does not consider supernaturalism. (3) Hume does not consider
divine revelation as interpretive for miracles.
9. The Purposes of Miracles
● Demonstrate divine power, reveal God’s nature
● Divine judgment (Flood, Plagues etc.)
● Authenticate prophetic witness (cf. Exodus 4:1-9; Moses vs.
Pharaoh)
● Inaugurate age of Messiah - Jesus does miracles “in His own name”
= demonstrate His divine nature. (See Luke 7:18-23).
 ● Invoke awe, dread, fear, wonder, love (See Acts 5:5, 11).
● Acts of compassion (Matt. 14:14).
10. Do miracles persist today? Controversy.
● The uniqueness of the Ages of the Prophets and Apostles
● Normativity (description vs. prescription)
● The rarity of miracles throughout all Biblical ages
● Pray and hope; but do not demand
● Jesus rebukes excessive sign-seekers (Matthew 16:1-4).
● Frame (Paraphrased): We should not confuse the issues of the
completion of the Biblical canon (infallible revelation, prophecy,
tongues, cessationism vs. continuationism) with the broader issue of
[34]
miracles. Cessationists are still supernaturalists!
11. The Great Miracle - The Resurrection. Then some of the scribes and
Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”
But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign,
but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just
as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so
will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
(Matt 12:38-40).

F. Angels and Demons.

1. Angels: Called in Scripture angels, hosts, living creatures, principalities,
sons of God, etc. (Hebrew: mal’ak; Greek: angelos). Only two named,
Gabriel (Dan 8:16; Luke 1:19-26) and Michael (Dan 10:13; Rev. 5:11).
Apparently many due to language of hosts, camp, legions, thousands etc.
(Dan. 7:10; Luke 2:10; Matt. 26:53; Heb. 12:22). Mentioned over 300 X in
Scripture.
● Definition - “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for
the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14).
 ● To worship and praise God. Isaiah 6:3
● To reveal truths to men i.e. Gabriel (1 Kings 19:5; Daniel 8:16; 9:22;
Matt. 2:13; 28:5; Luke 1:13, 19; 30; Acts 8:26; 12:8; Rev. 19:9)
● Two kinds named: Cherubim 57 X (lit: Akkadian, blessing/praising
ones) and Seraphim 2 X (lit: burning ones)
● Visit, protect, watch, help when on journeys (Gen. 24:7); do battle
on behalf of the elect (Ex. 23:23; Dan. 10:13-21; Rev. 12:7); give aid
when suffering persecution (1 Kings 19:5-7) or when sentenced to
death (Dan. 6:22; Acts 12:1-11).
● Comforting or Terrifying (Daniel 3:25; Matt. 28:4; Acts 10:4)
● Gather the elect (Matt 24:31); cast out the reprobate (Matt 13:41-
49).
● Physical Descriptions: Ezekiel 10:20-22 (cherubim); Isaiah 6:2-3
(Seraphim).
● The word angelos can sometimes mean human messengers: Malachi
3:1 = Matt 11:10; Luke 7:24; 9:52; James 2:25. Angelos may be used
of Christ in Rev. 10:1, the ultimate messenger of God.
Contra Pop Culture -
● Human beings do NOT become angels when they die but are like
them in some respects. (Matt 22:30; Mark 12:25).
● “Guardian angels,” commonly so-called not at all certain, but see
Psalm 91:11; Matt 18:10; Acts 12:11.
Similarity to Humans
● Humanoid appearance (John 20:12; Heb 13:2)
● Intelligent
● Worshipful
● Capacity for obedience and holiness
● To be judged (1 Cor. 6:3).
 ● Heaven and Hell
Dissimilarity from Humans
● Their fall – preceded that of humanity; divided into two classes
(obedient and fallen).
● Their fall is apparently different from that of humanity. No “original
sin” passed from one angel to the next through procreation.
● Do not marry (Matthew 22:36)
● Do not die (Luke 20:36)
● “Long to look” into the redemption of humanity in Christ (1 Pet
1:12)
● To be judged by the Redeemed (1 Cor. 6:3).
● No mediator or Savior given for fallen angels!
Some Texts on Angels
● Genesis 3:22-24
● Genesis 19:1-3
● Isaiah 6:1-7
● Matthew 4:1-11
● Matthew 26:52-54
● Mark 12:24-26
● Hebrews 13:1-3

2. Satan and His Minions

Satan – Names: Hebrew: Satan; Greek Diabolos. Slanderer or accuser.
(Zech. 3:1-10). Beelzebub; Lord of the flies, mockery of Baal Zebul, Lord
of the Heights (2 Kings 1:2-3). Belial (2 Cor. 6:5). Manifestation as a
serpent in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:1-14). Head to be crushed by the
Messiah (Genesis 3:15). Satan’s power is limited by God (Job 1-2).
Satan’s Fall: His fall logically, and chronologically prior to the fall of man.
“And he [Jesus] said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
(Luke 10:18). Typological accounts in Isaiah 14:12-21 and Ezekiel 28:11-
19. See also Jude 6; 2 Pet. 2:4; Rev. 12:4. Interestingly, Calvin says these
typological accounts do NOT refer to Satan (see Commentaries); Edwards
says they DO (see Miscellanies).
Illustrations: The White Witch (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
C.S. Lewis). The Donkey and the Ape (The Final Battle. C.S. Lewis).
The Existence of Demons (1). An inerrant view of Scripture (2). The
supernaturalist view of reality instead of a naturalist/materialist view. (3).
The manifestation of shocking evil in the world. (4) Seemingly less in
number than the angels (Rev. 12:4; 2 Kings 6:16).
Exorcisms in the Gospels and Acts
● Cannot “possess” but can afflict and annoy Christian believers.
Greek term is demonizomai, not “possess.” (Matt 4:24; 8:16; Mark
1:12).
● High Christology (Luke 4:41; Mark 1:24)
● “Believe in God” (James 2:19)
● “Jesus I know, and Paul I’ve heard of, but who are you?” (Acts
19:15)
False Worship is Worship to Demons: False worship to pagan idols is
“intercepted” and received by the demons. See Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalm
106:37; 1 Corinthians 10:19-22.
Some Other Texts on Demons
● Lev. 17:7; Deut 32:17; Psalm 106:37; 1 Cor. 10:20
● Luke 4:31-37
● Luke 8:16-39
● Acts 19:11-20
● Romans 8:37-39
Illustration – While walking along the path of faithfulness, Christian
begins to hear blasphemous thoughts. He believes they are coming from his
own mind and heart. In reality, they are being whispered to him by the
[35]
enemy walking behind him.
 [36]
G. The Existence of Evil
O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not hear?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
Why do you make me see iniquity,
and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
So the law is paralyzed,
and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
so justice goes forth perverted. (Habakkuk 1:2-4)
1. Definitions –
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● “The Privation of Good” (Augustine). This view seeks to uphold
the goodness of creation (Gen 1:31), while denying that evil is a
“thing” that God created. Illus: the donut and the hole.
● That which contradicts God’s holy character. (See Hab. 1:3).
● That which violates God’s holy laws.
● That which contravenes society’s “norms.” This view is relative to
the society or the culture.
● An Illusion (Christian Science, some Hinduism). This view is self-
defeating, since illusions deceive causing more harm.
2. Natural Evil: Not caused by a moral agent (cancer, hurricanes,
predators, disease, virus).
…thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
and you shall eat the plants of the field.
19
By the sweat of your face
you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
and to dust you shall return. (Genesis 3:18-19; cf. Romans 8:19-21).
Calamity: Sometimes natural evil such as famines, pestilence, death, etc. is
called “calamity,” “hurt,” or “affliction,” (Hebrew: ra) by the translators of
the ESV. (See Deut. 29:21; Ruth 1:21; 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Chron. 21:14; 2
Chron. 7:13; 21:14; Isaiah 45:7; cf. KJV = “evil”).
3. Moral Evil: Evil done by volition or by nature by a moral agent (human
or devil)
● Simple evil (Johnny steals a cookie). Biblical Example: Rachel
steals the household gods (Genesis 31).
● Complex evil (societal, institutional, cultural, national). Biblical
example: the Exile. (2 Kings 25).

4. Evil In Apologetics and Philosophical Controversy

Logical Problem: Evil as an argument against the existence of God: “If
God is omnipotent, God can stop evil; if he is good, He would want to. Evil
exists. Therefore there is no God.” Viewed by some as the “Achilles heal”
to theism. (Pierre Bayle, 1647-1706).
Emotional Problem: Evil hurts us deeply and personally. We feel its
effects daily. We know the evil of evil by experience.
Theodicy (Greek: theo [god] + dike [justify]) – Attempting to Justify
God’s Actions through Reason and Philosophy
● “Free Will” Defense - evil is the result of responsible moral agents.
If God were to make a world with freedom, it must include the
possibility of freedom to fail.
● “Soul Making” Defense - evil produces good qualities in human
beings such as perseverance, courage, and compassion.
● “Best of All Possible Worlds” Defense - perhaps this is the best
possible iteration of existence, given the possibility of infinite
 realities.
● “Greater Good” Defense - in allowing evil, there must be some
greater good that God brings about, even if we do not know what it is.
(See Rom. 8:28-29).
5. Some Christian Responses to the Logical Problem
● If there were no God, we would not know what evil even is, or how
it is different from the good. (See Moral Argument, Classical Proofs).
● If there is no God, evil will never be judged and condemned.
● If there is no God, enduring evil and suffering is meaningless.
6. Some Proposed (Failed!) Solutions to the Problem of Evil
● Education: Evil primarily as an intellectual problem. Evil as
ignorance that can be corrected with knowledge. (Ephesians 4:18).
But higher education does not convert!
● Politics: Evil primarily as social ill. (Psalm 2:1-2; Proverbs 16:12).
But social reformation does not necessitate heart change! Many
efforts are disasters: Utopianism, Socialism, Communism, Marxism.
● Retreat: Going “Monk Mode” - retreat from the world. (1 John 2:15-
16). Often avoids the problem of the heart! Historic attempts: the
monastic system, anabaptism, Mennonites, Amish communities etc.
● Illustration: In the movie The Village, a group of men and women
remove themselves from modern society to create a new, pure society.
However, despite their best efforts, there is still fear and evil within
the village. They cannot make themselves pure by fleeing the world.
7. The Problem Compounded: The Enemy is Within the Gate
18
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this
defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder,
adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what
defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”
(Matthew 15:18-20).
The need for personal grace! The Gospel!
8. Why Did God Allow Evil? A Brief Apologetic
God allowed evil because He wanted to reveal His own holy nature. As
mercy (forgiveness) and justice (or wrath) are intrinsic to His nature, these
attributes are best revealed in a universe where evil is present in order to
make the whole panoply of His glorious attributes known.
9. Some “Good Things” about Evil
● Evil provides opportunities for forgiveness
● Evil provides for sanctification and patience
● Evil provides an opportunity for God to show His mercy
● Evil, like darkness in a painting, provides start relief necessary to
see the good in creation.
● Evil makes possible some virtues such as compassion and courage.
● Evil used by God to chastise and test His saints.

H. Common Grace and Culture

1. Common Grace. After the Fall, God continued to bless humanity in
important ways, despite their sin. Some of these blessings are for both
believers and unbelievers. John Murray defines common grace as, “every
favour of whatever kind or degree, falling short of salvation, which this
[38]
undeserving and sin-cursed world enjoys at the hand of god.”
● Sun, rain, food, shelter, fire etrc. “The Lord is good to all.” (Psalm
145:9). See also Matt. 5:45, Psalm 65:5-13; 104; etc.
● Marriage and reproduction: Gen. 4:17-19
● Cultivation of land (crops, harvest, livestock): Gen. 4:20
● Natural beauty: creation, human love etc.
● Education and learning
● Restraint and delay of due judgment and wrath (Acts 17:3).
2. Culture. Genesis 4:17-26. God permitted man to organize, create
societies, and civilizations for the common good, enjoyment, and benefit of
many.
● Music: Gen. 4:21; Cf. Eze. 33:32.
● Cities: Gen. 4:17
● Technology: Gen. 4:22
3. Government. One of the three spheres of sovereignty under God. (Two
others include family and church). The Bible does not prescribe one specific
form of government over another: Monarchy, Empire, Democracy,
Republic, Oligarchy etc. though Tyranny does seem to be ruled out.
Inferences: The Bible does not give us a form to set up a system of
government, but perhaps some things can be inferred:
● A System of Laws = Lex Rex
● Balance of power (Kings, Priests, Prophets)
● Representative Leadership = Elders, Tribal Heads
● Chosen by People = Elders
4. Texts on Government:
● Warnings Against Abuses of Power: 1 Sam. 8:8-10
● Jesus on Taxes: Matt. 22:15-22
● Paul on the Institution of Authority: Rom. 13:1-7
● Peter on Civil Obedience/Disobedience: 1 Pet. 2:13-25, Acts 4:19-
20
● Paul on Higher Citizenship: Phil. 3:20.
5. According to David Van Drunen, government to be:
● Legitimate - right authority to rule
● Temporary - revocable
● Common - believers and unbelievers subject
 ● Accountable to God
6. Illustration: The 1599 Geneva Bible vs. King James on Divine Right of
Kings.
7. Five Perspectives on Culture and Christianity (Richard Niebuhr)
● Christ of Culture - Lack of tension between Christianity and the
world. Christians fit in seamlessly. Elite Christians influence culture
as vocal leaders. Christianity as the dominant position and worldview.
Constantine, Holy Roman Empire, Church/State synchronicity.
● Christ Against Culture - the message of Christ as a rebuke and
corrective to the waywardness and godlessness of society. Christians
withdraw from the world and seek to live apart from its evils and
excesses. i.e. Anabaptists, Amish, Mennonites etc.
● Christ Transforming Culture - the Christian gospel infiltrating and
improving society and culture incrementally, “salt and light.” Society
is renewed and enhanced by a Gospel witness. Christians contribute
to the betterment of society as they found schools, colleges, hospitals
etc.
● Christ and Culture in Paradox - the Christian lives in two realms
at once. One foot in the church, the other foot in the world. They are
two magnetic poles and the Christian lives in that tension everyday.
He seeks to follow Christ, but must live in the “real world.”
● Christ Above Culture - the message of the Gospel transcends all
cultures, societies, and historic moments. It is a universal message
and always applicable; ever relevant. Christianity does not change,
though cultures inevitably do.
8. The Dangers of Syncretism: Christians warned constantly against
syncretism in the OT. cf. 2 Kings 17:15, Ezekiel 20:32.
NOTES:
II. God’s Providence and Will

A. Providence: God controls and sustains all of creation at all times.

1. WSC Q. 11. What are God's works of providence? A. God's works of
providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing
all his creatures, and all their actions.
● Preserve: to hold together; to maintain. “And he is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.” (Col. 1:17). See also Gen 8:21-
22.
● Govern: The word “govern” originally meant “to steer a ship,”
though we think of it in a legal sense. To drive and guide to a
[39]
particular point; from port to port.
“Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas
and all deeps” (Psalm 135:6).
“Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors,
remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am
God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and
from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and
I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the
man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.”
(Isaiah 46:10).

2. Providence and Miracle: If miracle is “extraordinary demonstrations of

God’s Lordship (Frame, previous section),” then providence is His ordinary,
common, often unseen, control over all of His creation.
3. Providence and Predestination: “Providence is not the same as God’s
predestination or eternal decree, but rather is the execution of that decree
 [40]
within the time and space of His creation.”
4. There is No Random Event!
“The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov.
16:33; cf. Jonah 1:7; Acts 1:23-26).
In 2 Chronicles 18:33, we are told that a certain random archer drew his
bow and shot an arrow at “random.” This arrow struck King Ahab between
the armor and the breastplate. Yet this “random” event was foreordained by
God and predicted in 18:19 and 18:27.
See Appendix A on God’s Sovereignty
5. Quotes on Providence
● “It is certain that not a drop of rain falls without the express
[41]
command of God.” - Calvin
● “Scripture teaches us that nothing is excluded from God’s governing
be it small or large, free or necessary, good or evil…” But the pagans
like Cicero and Aristotle taught magna dii curant, parva negligent,
[42]
“the gods care about great matters, but ignore small ones.” -
Geerhardus Vos
● “Do you see a thousand little motes and atoms wandering up and
down in a sunbeam? It is God that so peoples it; and He guides their
[43]
innumerable and irregular strayings.” - Puritan, Ezekiel Hopkins
● “Providence of God is like a Hebrew word — it can only be read
[44]
backwards” - Puritan, John Flavel.
6. Illustration: “Rube Goldberg” Machine

B. Extent of God’s Providence

1. All of His Creatures
 ● Volitional Creatures: Humans & Angels. “Are not five sparrows sold
for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why,
even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of
more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7; see also Ps. 33:11;
37:23-24).
● The Details of Our Lives: Conception, formation in the womb, birth
(See Psalm 139:13-16), family into which we were born, present
lives, preservation from dangers, temptations from which we are
guarded, gifts, graces, calling, purpose, and the time and
[45]
circumstances of our death. — Puritan, John Flavel
● The Animals. “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap
nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are
you not of more value than they?” (Matt. 6:26-27). “Are not two
sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the
ground apart from your Father.” (Matt. 10:29).
● Non-Volitional Creatures: Nature and creation — Snow, ice, rain,
trees, earthquakes, volcanoes, asteroids, lilies, seas, etc. (Ps. 65:9-11;
135:6; 147:8; 148:7-8).
“If one falls among robbers, or ravenous beasts; if a sudden gust of wind at
sea causes shipwreck; if one is struck down by the fall of a house or a tree;
if another, when wandering through desert paths, meets with deliverance;
or, after being tossed by the waves, arrives in port, and makes some
wondrous hair-breadth escape from death—all these occurrences,
prosperous as well as adverse, carnal sense will attribute to fortune. But
whose has learned from the mouth of Christ that all the hairs of his head are
numbered (Mt. 10:30), will look farther for the cause, and hold that all
events whatsoever are governed by the secret counsel of God.” (Calvin,
Institutes, 1.16.2).
2. Time and Human History (Isa. 43:13).
● The Rise and Fall of Human Governments. “The Lord of hosts has
sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so
shall it stand, that I will break the Assyrian in my land, and on my
mountains trample him underfoot; and his yoke shall depart from
 them, and his burden from their shoulder.” This is the purpose that is
purposed concerning the whole earth, and this is the hand that is
stretched out over all the nations. For the Lord of hosts has purposed,
and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it
back?” (Isaiah 14:24-26)
● “The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he
turns it wherever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1; cf. Joshua 21:44-45;
Judges 3:1-2; 4:15; 2 Kings 14:27; 19:25; 24:3; 2 Chron. 10:15; 11:4;
14:12; 22:7; 25:20; Ps. 33:10; Prov. 21:1 & 31; Acts 17:26; Rom.
13:1).
● Great Events Such as Famines, Sword, War, Plagues, etc. (Ex. 9:13-
26; Judges 20:35; 2 Samuel 24:15; 2 Kings 8:1; 1 Chron. 21:12-14; 2
Chron. 21.14; Jer. 11:22; 27:8; 29:17; 34:17; Eze. 5:17; Amos 4:10;
Rev. 18:8 ).
3. Space and the Heavens (Gen. 1:1; Ps. 115:3; Dan. 4:35)
4. The Comfort of God’s Providence:
Heidelberg Q 28: What advantage is it to us to know that God has
created, and by his providence does still uphold all things?
Answer: That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity;
and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm
trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us
from his love; since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his
will they cannot so much as move.

C. The Divine Decree(s):

WSC Q. 7. What are the decrees of God? A. The decrees of God are, his
eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own
glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.
22
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to
you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through
him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up
according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and
killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs
of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it (Acts 2:22-24
ESV).
27
For truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy
servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along
with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and
your plan had predestined to take place (Acts 4:27-28 ESV).
D. Concurrence: The idea that God controls even the evil and the world
and uses it for His purposes. “The cooperation of the divine power with all
subordinate powers, according to the pre-established laws of their
operation, causing them to act and to act precisely as they do.” - Louis
Berkhof.
● Joseph (Genesis 50:20)
● Job (Job 1-3)
● Christ (Acts 2:23)
● Hebrew: “Calamity” (Isaiah 45:7)

E. Theories of Concurrence
1. Compatibilism (Reformed View) – God is sovereign over all things;
creation and creatures. God’s providence does not eliminate man’s will.
Scripture’s teaching on God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility
(freedom) imply no necessary contradiction. Man chooses according to his
greatest/strongest desire at the time (Edwards).
See texts: Genesis 45:5-8; 50:20; Joshua 11:6; Ezra 6:22; Proverbs 16:4-5;
21:1; Isaiah 10:5; John 1:12-13; Acts 2:23; 4:28; 13:48; 16:14; Romans
9:20-21; Philippians 2:12-13.
See WCF 3.1; 5.4, & 9.1-5
2. Libertarianism (Non-Reformed View) – God’s providence cannot or
will not limit human free will in any way. God cannot know or determine
man’s actions. The will is free from all external and internal factors and
influences. Results in “Open theology.”
3. Fatalism or Hard Determinism (Stoic View) – Mankind does not have
any true freedom or choice. All is predetermined by fate (God or the
cosmos). All choices are only apparent, but not real.
4. Epicurus, Samos Greece (341 BC) Atomist. Unchoppables. All atoms
move in the same direction. The swerve is when something inexplicably
moves out of place by random forces. Unpredictable.
5. Mohilinism. Luis de Molina, Spain. Jesuit Priest. (1535-1600). The
idea that God knows every possible future possibility and contingency. His
foreknowledge of the future is based on His exhaustive knowledge of
possible worlds.
[46]
6. John Frame’s Models of Sovereignty and Responsibility
● Pilot and Copilot: This does not seem right because only one
person can be in control of the plane at any given time.
● Teacher and Classroom: The teacher is clearly in control of the
classroom in terms of authority, but is not able to anticipate the
actions or events of the classroom or students with any certainty.
● Billiards Balls: It is true that there are primary and secondary
causes. God is sometimes directly responsible for events and
sometimes uses secondary means. This does seem too mechanistic
however and does not seem to account for choice.
● Commander and Troops: This does account for the ability to
command and expect obedience, with the real possibility of
disobedience, but does not account for the general’s lack of ability to
control the battlefield, enemy, etc.
● Author and Novel: This is perhaps the best analogy (all analogies
are fallible) that conveys the author’s total control over all persons,
events, and choices, as well as the direction of the entire plot to a
determined end; while simultaneously allowing the creatures, choices,
characters, and events — including the laws created by the author in a
 given world — to permit real choice, evil, good, beauty, twists, and
judgments.

F. God’s ‘Will’
[47]
1. Decretive Will (His decrees) What He ordains to come to pass. It
cannot be otherwise. The impossibility of defying the divine decrees. See
John 19:36.

2. Moral/Preceptive Will (His Laws) His moral mandates; i.e. the Ten
[48]
Commandments.

3. Vocational Will (His personal calling) What God desires for my life
(Psalm 139:16). Who I will marry? Where I will go to school? What job I
should take? Should I move?

[49]
4. John Flavel’s Rules for Discovering God’s Will

● The Fear of God; do not offend Him!

● Study the Word more; the world less.
● Practice what you know; this is your duty.
● Pray for illumination and direction; beg the Lord to guide you and to
keep you from falling into sin.
● Follow providence as far as it agrees with the Word; and no further.
NOTES:
III. Anthropology – The Nature of Man

A. Introduction: When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you
are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3-
4).
● Anthropos - Greek: man, humanity. Distinct from animals, angels,
God.
● The study of the nature, behavior, and constitution of man.
● Plato - “Man is a featherless biped.”
● Aristotle - Man is a “mortal, rational, animal.”
Calvin - “Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid
Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of
ourselves. But as these are connected together by many ties, it is not easy to
determine which of the two precedes and gives birth to the other. For, in the
first place, no man can survey himself without forthwith turning his
thoughts towards the God in whom he lives and moves; because it is
perfectly obvious, that the endowments which we possess cannot possibly
be from ourselves; nay, that our very being is nothing else than subsistence
in God alone. In the second place, those blessings which unceasingly distil
to us from heaven, are like streams conducting us to the fountain.”
(Institutes, 1.1.1).

B. Human Beings: Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the
ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became
a living creature. 8 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east,
and there he put the man whom he had formed. (Genesis 2:7-8; See also
Gen. 13:16; 18:27; Ecc. 3:20).
● Adam - Adamah (Hebrew)
 ● Human - Humus (Latin)
● Earthling - Earth (German)
● Thus, a unique creation of God; not evolved from lower animals.
The Shorter Catechism on Man’s Chief End
Q1: What is the chief end of man? A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and
to enjoy Him forever.

C. Man’s Role in Creation

1. Dominion
2. Stewardship
3. Service
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply
and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea
and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on
the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding
seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit.
You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to
every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth,
everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for
food.” And it was so.
(Genesis 1:26-30).
4. Applications: Farming, ecology, environmentalism, science, research,
development, medicine, engineering, art, agriculture, infrastructure
(bridges, dams, roads), etc.
5. KEY: Dominion = authority + responsibility

D. The Imago Dei (cf. Gen 1:26-27).

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let
them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the
heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every
creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

Larger Catechism #17 - How did God create man?

Answer: After God had made all other creatures, he created man male and
female; formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground, and the
woman of the rib of the man, endued them with living, reasonable, and
immortal souls; made them after his own image, in knowledge,
righteousness,and holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts,
and power to fulfil it, and dominion over the creatures; yet subject to fall.
1. Physical Body: reflects some aspects of God’s nature
2. Authority: dominion over creation (Gen 1:26)
3. Personhood: (volition, relationships, capacity for holiness)
4. Imago Dei NOT lost after the fall (cf. Gen 5:1-2; 9:6; James 3:9).
5. Illustration: In the movie Toy Story, the name “Andy” is written on the
foot of his toy Buzz Lightyear, so that no matter what happens, the “image”
of his owner is still upon him.

E. The Human Constitution: Humans are comprised of two primary

“aspects,” the body (the physical) and the spirit (the spiritual, also called the
soul). Scripture uses spirit and soul interchangeably. It is sometimes
difficult to know where the physical ends and the spiritual ends (as with the
brain, mind, memory, and emotions).
1. Created Matter is Not Evil. Christian theology does NOT suggest that
body is “evil” and the soul is “good”. Christian theology holds that the
physical body was made good in the beginning like all created things, (Gen
1:25) but that body and soul were both tainted by the fall. Salvation is both
physical and spiritual as we look forward to a physical resurrection in the
[50]
New Heavens and New Earth.
2. Historical Positions
Dichotomy (Majority Position: Augustine, Reformers)
● Body = corporeal
● Spirit/Soul = non-corporeal
Supporting Texts: Genesis 2:7, dust and breath. Matthew 10:28. Note the
parallelism in passages like 1 Samuel 1:15; Job 7:11; Isaiah 26:9; Luke
1:46-47. See also: Psalm 31:9; Prov. 16:24; Isa. 10:18; Micah 6:7; 1 Cor.
5:3; 7:34; 2 Cor. 7:1; Col. 2:5; James 2:26.
Trichotomy (Minority Position. Rejected in Reformed theology as being
derivative of Greek philosophy).
● Body
● Soul
● Spirit
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 4:12, 1 Thess. 5:23. Trichotomists: Clement of
Alexandria, Origen, Gregory of Nyssa.
3. The Soul of Each Individual Human Being
● Preexistence View - That man’s individual soul has existed from
long before his birth. (Origen, No support in Scripture).
● Traducianism - That an individual soul is somehow split off and
merges from father and mother’s souls.
● Creationism - The Biblical and Reformed view that each new
[51]
conception results in a brand new, created soul as an act of God.

F. Race, Equality, and the Sin of Prejudice

1. All of humanity is created in the image of God. (Gen 1:26-27).
Q: How did God create man? A: God created man male and female, after
his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion
over the creatures. (Westminster Shorter Catechism #10).
“The image of God belongs to every child of Adam, every human being.
The Bible will not permit us to divide the human race into some who bear
God’s image and some who do not. The image of God belongs to all races,
all nationalities; it belongs to rich and poor, male and female, bond and free;
it belongs to those who are disabled, even those so disabled that they cannot
[52]
care for themselves; and it belongs to the unborn and those near death.”
2. All of humanity alike was affected by the Fall; though the Image of
God was not utterly lost.
As a result of the Fall, man is prone to hatred towards both God and his
fellow human beings; and has an inborn tendency towards selfishness,
pride, covetousness, hatred, prejudice, violence, etc.
However, the image of God was not utterly destroyed by the Fall and
human nature is still precious in God’s eyes. (See Gen. 5:3, 9:6; James 3:9).
There are many social implications from the doctrine of the imago dei -
abortion, immigration, poverty, capital punishment, just war etc.
3. There is only one Redeemer of humanity — the Lord Jesus Christ —
given as a Savior to all tribes, peoples, and nations. Only He can bring
true harmony! (Matt. 28:18-20, Rev. 7:9).
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken
down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of
commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one
new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both
to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
(Ephesians 2:14-16).
4. The condition of the heart of a human being is seen as more
important in Scripture than the superficial external appearance.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the
height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as
man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the
heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7).
5. Though the Bible speaks frequently in categories of kingdoms, tribes,
and nations; it speaks minimally of “races,” as defined merely by skin
color alone.
When it does speak of “race,” it is usually with reference to the Covenant
people of God, i.e. believers in distinction with unbelievers, because they
are born again and filled with the Spirit of God (See Ezra 9:2; Acts 7:19; 1
Peter 2:9; for infrequent mentions of skin color, see Song 1:5-6; Jer. 13:23).
6. Prejudices of various kinds are condemned in Scripture as heinous
sins. (see James 2:1-7).
Racism Defined: the sin of exalting one’s own ethnic heritage or racial
lineage as superior to others; or conversely, treating, condemning, or
denigrating another as inferior.
7. “Justice” is the goal of appropriately responding to sin with fair and
right standards, under the appropriate legal jurisdictions.
The prevention of sin in a post-fall world is sadly impossible. But a just
response to sin is a high and admirable goal for any society.
8. Illustrations:
● Jonathan Edwards and “Benevolence to Being in General” - The
Nature of True Virtue, and thoughts on African Slaves and the
Mahican Indians.
● Edwards’ Followers and “Disinterested Benevolence” - New
Divinity and Early Abolition (Jonathan Edwards Jr., Samuel Hopkins)
9. Applications:
● Christians should repent of all known dispositions towards racism or
prejudice, and ask God to reveal unknown prejudices.
● Christians should ask God to fill our hearts with love. Those with
hate in their hearts see “hate” everywhere — except in themselves.
● Christians should be thought leaders and action leaders in social
justice; especially through sharing the Gospel and acts of kindness.
● Christians should express particular concern and compassion
towards oppressed people groups all around the world.
 ● Speak 10,000 words of help and healing to every 5 words of
derision.

G. Gender: Male and Female

1. Preliminary Observations on Gender
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I
will make him a helper fit for him.” 19 Now out of the ground the Lord God
had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and
brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the
man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names
to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the
field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. 21 So the Lord
God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one
of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord
God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the
man. (Genesis 2:18-22).
Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (Genesis
2:23)
Hebrew: Ish (man); Isha (woman)
2. Key Emphases = “Equal in Value and Distinct in Role”
● Equal in Value = Both are created in the image of God, the imago
dei (Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1-2); Eve is created from Adam’s rib (Gen.
2:22) symbolizing their solidarity; the two are “one flesh” in marriage
(Gen 2:24).
● Distinct in Role = gardner/helper. As first created, the male (Adam)
stands with the unique responsibilities of the firstborn including
responsibility over the estate (Gen 2:15-20). Eve was designed as the
 “helper” to Adam (Gen 2:18-22). This suggests subordination without
any hint of degradation. Also, 1 Corinthians 11:9-9.

H. Definitions
1. Complementarian: Men and women are created equal in value; and yet
distinct in role. God ordained that men and women would each have unique
gifts and abilities; among them is the male’s leadership role in the church
and home. This view holds that men alone are to hold the position in the
Church of Teaching Elder. This is the traditional position of Reformed
Theology.
2. Egalitarian: Men and women are created equal in value and equal in
role. God created men and women as virtual equals in all things. This
position can be summarized with the motto, “Whatever a man can do; a
woman can do as well.” This position is non-traditional in Reformed
Theology, but gaining ground.

3. Unorthodox and Pernicious Positions

● Hierarchical (Chauvinistic): Men are superior to women in value
and/or role. This position is rejected in Reformed Theology. It has
been taken as axiomatic however in Islam, Hindi, and other pagan
cultures to great detriment to women’s rights around the world.
Women as property, polygamy, concubinage, slave labor etc.

● Hyper-Feminist: Women are superior to men in value or role. This

position is rejected in Reformed Theology. This claim is an
overreaction to sociological and historical assertions of historic male
oppression. Male leadership often assailed derisively as the
“patriarchy.” First wave feminism argued for suffrage, property
rights, education, and fair wages. Subsequent feminism took this
concept well beyond by viewing males as rivals to be conquered,
marginalized, or blamed.

● Gender Fluidity: The idea that gender can be changed, morphed, or

modified by the will and whim of the individual. Gender viewed as
essentially non-anatomical, but is an emotional/existential state. The
 philosophy of existentialism applied to gender theory has given rise to
the concept of “transgenderism.” The primary claim that “Gender is a
social construct” holds that male and female concepts are socially
derived from pressures related to expectation and stereotype.
Example: toys, sports, jobs, physical appearance (hair).

“A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a
woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord
your God.” - Deuteronomy 22:5

4. Identitarianism: When Critical Theory is applied to gender fluidity, the

result is an infinite array of “identities” pitted against one another in the
tense grid of “intersectionality.” As applied by Marxism, identity groups
seek to overthrow those viewed as oppressive.

5. Christians Responses: Some responses include the following…

Biology:
● Gender is biologically determined; i.e. anatomically
● Gender is recognized by the sex organs
● Gender is determined before birth by X and Y chromosomes
● Gender is differentiated in some biological systems (bone structure,
muscle mass, menstruation, mammary glands etc.)
● Both genders are necessary for reproduction; thus neither is ever
dispensable

Sociology:
● Children recognize gender before/without training to do so.
● No culture has failed to recognize these distinctions
● Family and community structures operate demonstrably better with
healthy marriage and family dynamics.
 ● Both genders (male and female) contribute uniquely and
irreplaceably in family, community, and society

6. A Venn Diagram of Male and Female Comparison

General Similarities
● Common anatomical systems: nervous, cardiac, pulmonary,
digestive etc. - many more!
● Common intelligence (IQ)
● Common interests - art, music, literature etc.
● Common personality traits
● Common professions
● Many, many others!

General Differences
● Bone density and muscle mass (physical strength); 4 inches in
height; 30 lbs. in weight; jaw width
● Upper body strength
● Estrogen and testosterone levels
● Childbearing and reproductivity
 ● Tendency: aggressiveness vs. agreeableness
● Tendency: people vs. things
● Intelligence: spatial vs. verbal

I. Arguments in Favor of Complementarianism:

1. The primary hermeneutic of Reformed Theology holds that
Scripture is the ultimate authority for faith and practice. For this
reason, Scripture is to interpret Scripture (cf. WCF 1.9). The clearest
passages that speak to the issue of female church leadership are the
following:

● 1 Timothy 2:11-15: Let a woman learn quietly with all

submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise
authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was
formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the
woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be
saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and
holiness, with self-control.

● 1 Corinthians 14:32-35. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the

women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted
to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If
there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at
home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

● Proscription: these texts are explicit (women are not permitted to

have teaching authority over men), therefore the “burden of proof”
lies in the court of egalitarians who would show that teaching
eldership is also open to women.

● Description, prescription, proscription - all favor the

complementarian view.
2. Prescription: Those texts in which Paul enumerates the
“requirements” of eldership stand unequivocally in favor of male
leadership. Those primary texts are

● 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the

office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer
must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-
controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not
violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must
manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children
submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own
household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a
recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into
the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought
of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of
the devil.

● Titus 1:5-9. This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put
what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I
directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one
wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of
debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward,
must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered
or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover
of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must
hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to
give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who
contradict it.

3. Jesus Christ, when choosing the twelve disciples, and having prayed
vigorously concerning the matter (Luke 6:12-16), chose only men.
These disciples would become the Apostles, on whose shoulders the witness
the “apostolic authority” of church teaching rests.

4. Neither Jesus nor Paul used “the culture of the day” to support His
selection of only men. When teaching on gender matters in general, Jesus
referred not to cultural mores, but to the Creation design itself (Matthew
19:5; Mark 10:7-8). The “culture of the day” argument does not bear weight
for Paul’s epistles either. Both Jesus and Paul were willing to die for their
convictions and would not have allowed “culture” to shape their views on
such important matters. Paul, too, spoke of the creation order for gender
roles rather than cultural factors. (Cf. Eph 5:31; 1 Timothy 2:14; 1
Corinthians 11:7-9).

We note especially the way that Jesus broke cultural expectations in

reference to women! Especially by:
● Befriending them (John 4:7ff.)
● Speaking publicly with them (Luke 7:12ff.)
● Loving them as sisters (Luke 10:38-39)
● Teaching them theology (Luke 10:38-42; 23:27-31; John 20: 10-18).
● Commissioning them as the first witnesses to the Resurrection
(Matthew 28:1-10).

5. The Old Testament Law prescribes male leadership exclusively for

the priesthood (Exodus 28-29; Leviticus 8-9).

6. Other Arguments: Aside from these biblical arguments, at least two

other weighty factors can be considered to support the complementarian
position.

● Argument from nature: While men and women are clearly created
equal in value, nevertheless there appears to be some roles to which
men are prone, gifted, and naturally excel above women (i.e. fighting
off a home intruder), just as there are some areas to which women are
prone, gifted, and excel above men (nurturing children and infants.)
Church and family leadership are two such roles that men incline
towards naturally.

● Argument from history: The historical position of most Christian

leaders throughout the centuries favors almost overwhelmingly the
 complementarian position. Such advocates include but are not limited
to Augustine, Luther, and Calvin.

Majority: The complementarian position is the overwhelming

majority position with Reformed/Presbyterian Churches with the
exception of the most liberal mainline denominations.

Novelty: The egalitarian position, as such, represents a theological

novelty within the Visible Church in general and the Reformed
Church specifically.

7. Objections Considered and Replies

● Deborah (Judges 4 & 5) - her leadership takes place in the book of
Judges, in which one major theme is rebellion against divine norms
and failures of true leadership.
● Isaiah’s wife (Isaiah 8:3) - she is called a prophetess, but this may
simply be referring to her being Isaiah’s wife.
● Mary Magdalene & Mary (Matt 28:1; John 20:1) - the first
witnesses to the resurrection, but their reports are spontaneous
astonishment and do not constitute ordained preaching/teaching
● Junia the Apostle (Rom. 16:7) - this is a very rare name in Greek
and is neuter in form. It is not clear that this is a woman. The Greek
may read “well known to the apostles” as well as “well known among
the apostles.”
● Galatians 3:28 - “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in
Christ Jesus.” This verse is about salvation (justification) not
ordination.

8. Conclusions. For the above reasons, we find that women may NOT
assume the role of teaching elder, but MAY assume the following
prerogatives within the Church:
● Shared corporate worship
 ● Teaching/leadership amongst other women

● Teaching/leadership over children and teens

● Staff positions

● Studying and learning theology

● Prayer, Reading Scripture

● Participation in the Sacraments

● And a multiplicity of other leadership and service roles aside from

teaching men and assuming the right to the office of Teaching Elder
(1 Timothy 2:12).

NOTES:
IV. Sin

For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23).
"So long as we do not look beyond the earth, we are quite pleased with our
own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue; we address ourselves in the most
flattering terms, and seem only less than demigods. But should we once
begin to raise our thoughts to God, and reflect what kind of Being he is, and
how absolute the perfection of that righteousness, and wisdom, and virtue,
to which, as a standard, we are bound to be conformed, what formerly
delighted us by its false show of righteousness will become polluted with
the greatest iniquity" (Calvin. Institutes. 1.1.2).

[53]
A. Jonathan Edwards’ Analogies of Sin
1. Ship. Would we consider a ship “good” if it made it most of the way
through the voyage and floated more often than it sank?
2. Wife. Would we consider a wife “good” if she was faithful more often
than she committed adultery with the household servants?
3. Servant. Would we consider a servant “good” if he only occasionally
spits in his master’s face and foments insurrection among the other
servants?
“The evil of sin is not so much seen in the one thousand that are damned for
[54]
it, as that Christ died for it!” (Thomas Watson).

B. Definitions: The Shorter Catechism on Sin

Q14: What is sin? A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression
of, the law of God.
Q15: What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate
wherein they were created? A. The sin whereby our first parents fell from
the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.
Q16: Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression? A. The covenant
being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity; all
mankind, descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and
fell with him, in his first transgression.
Q17: Into what estate did the fall bring mankind? A. The fall brought
mankind into an estate of sin and misery.
Q18: Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell? A.
The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of
Adam's first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of
his whole nature, which is commonly called Original Sin; together with all
actual transgressions which proceed from it.
Q19: What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell? A. All mankind
by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and
so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of
hell forever.

C. Key Texts on Sin in Scripture

● Genesis 3:1-24

● Genesis 6:5-6

● Genesis 8:21

● Jeremiah 17:9

● Romans 3:9-18

● Romans 7:14-21

● Matthew 15:18-19
D. The Fall in the Garden
Was the Fall decreed by God? Yes, but only in such a way that God is not
the author of sin, but that man falls by His own will. The Fall was decreed
by God in the decretum permissivum (permissive decree), but only so that
His greater glories of mercy and justice might be displayed in redemption.

1. Calvin on the Decree for a Fall of Mankind

“Man falls because God’s providence has so ordained it, but he falls by his
own fault.”
“I acknowledge that it is a horrible decree. Still, no one can deny that God
certainly has known how it would turn out with man and that therefore He
has known because He has so foreordained it in His decree.”
“For the first man has fallen because the Lord judged that it ought to be so.
[55]
Why He judged that remains hidden to us.”
2. Adam’s Original Charge:
● Tend the Garden
● Crush the Serpent
● Defend His Wife
● Be Fruitful and Multiply
● Take from the Tree of Life and Eat in Celebration.
● Adam’s prohibition from eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of
[56]
Good as Evil was “as clear and objective as possible.”
● Adam failed in every regard. Thus, we need a “Second Adam”
(Romans 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 15:45) to redeem us.

[57]
E. Geerhardus Vos’ Three Perspectives on Sin
1. Status - Sin as a status before God as “fallen”
2. Habitus - Sin as a disposition towards evil in the nature of fallen man
3. Actus - Sin carried out in thought, word, and deed.

[58]
F. R.C. Sproul’s Consequences of Sin
1. Estrangement from God
2. Estrangement from Mankind
3. Estrangement from Creation
4. Illustration: When Edmund took the Turkish Delight from the hand of
the White Witch, his tastes immediately changed and he desired more. It
could not satisfy him. His allegiance changed to her and his relationships
with his siblings redefined for the worse.

[59]
G. Frame’s Three Consequences of Sin
1. Judicial. We have been declared rebels against God’s rule (past). This
was made evident in Adam’s banishment from the garden (Gen 3:23). God
will judge us personally, individually, and corporately (future). Man moves
into a position of hostility and enmity with God (Rom 5:10).

2. Spiritual. We died spiritually at the fall. We are dead in sin until we are
regenerated at the new birth (see Ephesians 2:1-9). Shame and guilt are
experienced by Adam and Eve as they:

● Realize they are naked (horizontal relationship, Gen 3:7)

● Hide from God’s presence (vertical relationship, Gen 3:8)

● Blame shifting (3:10-11)

3. Physical. The physical body dies 100% of the time. No one can escape
the finality of death. Death is an unnatural enemy that needed to be
overcome at the resurrection.

H. Some Important Terms in Regard to Sin

1. Original Sin (Peccatum Originale): The term refers not only to Adam’s
first transgression in history, but also to the passed on disposition to the
same in all his descendents. We not only DO sins (actual committed sins)
we ARE sinners. We are sinners by nature as well as practice. This
inherited guilt is passed down through all of Adam’s line. (Frame and
Grudem prefer to call this ‘inherited sin’).

2. Actual Sin (Peccatum Actualis): The sins that we actually commit on a

daily basis.

● Thought
● Word
● Deed
● Commission vs. Omission
Omission includes those sins in which we fail by inactivity; we sin by
failing to act as we ought. “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails
to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17). “Cursed is he who does the work of
the Lord with slackness.” (Jeremiah 48:10).

3. Total Depravity: This term does not mean that we are as bad as we
possibly could be, nor that we manifest every possible form of wickedness
in any one individual man, but rather that we are corrupted in every facet of
our being: Spiritually (our relationship with God has been broken),
Mentally (are thinking fails to be purely logical), Physically (the body ages,
gets diseased, and dies), Socially (our relationship with one another has
been damaged), Ecologically (the world experiences natural evil), and
Emotionally (our affections are bent and placed on wrong objects).

[60]
Example: Noetic Effects of the Fall (on the Mind)
 ● Ignorance
● Distractedness
● Forgetfulness
● Prejudice
● Faulty Perspective
● Intellectual fatigue
● Inconsistency
● Failure to draw right conclusions
● Intellectual apathy
● Dogmatism and closed-mindedness
● Intellectual pride
● Vain imagination
● Miscommunication
● Partial knowledge

4. Concupiscence: “Disordered desires” that we find within ourselves as a

consequence of the Fall.

● Roman Catholic View: Concupiscence is not sin unless joined by

an act of the will to “agree” with the longing of the disordered desire.
A volitional step must be taken to ratify the desire in order for it to be
sin.

● Protestant Reformed View: Concupiscence is still sin, even if not

joined by an act of the will, because all disordered desires are a result
of original sin in our fallen nature. (See WCF 6:5). Such desires
should be confessed, renounced, and forsaken.
Illustration: The Revoice controversy in the PCA endorses “Side B”
Christianity, which errantly teaches that the homosexual impulse or base
orientation is not in itself sinful until acted upon. In this, it departs from
Protestant Confessionalism which teaches that all disordered desires are
sinful already whether acted upon or not. (See WLC 139).

5. The “Just Man” Objection: What About Men in the Bible Described
as “Righteous,” “Innocent,” or “Good”?

● Justicia Civilis - Men who are “innocent” in regard to the laws of

the country, kingdom, or government. Or being innocent of a
particular crime alleged to have been committed by them.

● Ceremonial Righteousness - Men who are considered “just” because

they have carried out the requirements of the temple sacrificial
system.

● Imputed Righteousness - Men who are considered righteous

(justified) by the imputed righteousness of Christ. (grace!)

Examples:
● Noah “a righteous man” - Genesis 6:9
● “A good man obtains favor” - Proverbs 12:2
● “Shed no innocent blood!” - Jeremiah 22:3
● Joseph “a just man” - Matthew 1:19
● John a “righteous and holy man” - Mark 6:20
● Joseph of Arimathea a “good and righteous man” - Luke 23:50
● Barnabas “a good man” - Acts 11:24
● Paul “I am innocent!” - Acts 18:6
J. Confessions of Sin
1. Terms:
● confess - con (with) fiteri (to speak)
● repent - re (intensive) penitire (sorry)
● Greek: metanoia - to change the mind
2. Biblical Confessions
● 1 John 1:8-9
● Psalm 51
● Luke 18:9-14
● Numbers 21:7
● Ezra 9 and 10
● Nehemiah 9
3. Extra-Biblical Confessions
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against thee in thought,
word, and deed, by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone. We have not loved thee with our whole
heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we earnestly repent. For the sake of thy Son Jesus
Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in thy will,
and walk in thy ways, to the glory of thy Name. Amen. (The Book of
Common Prayer, Church of England)
For the sins I have committed are more in number than the sand of the sea;
my transgressions are multiplied, O Lord, they are multiplied! I am not
worthy to look up and see the height of heaven because of the multitude of
my iniquities. 10 I am weighted down with many an iron fetter, so that I am
rejected because of my sins, and I have no relief; for I have provoked your
wrath and have done what is evil in your sight, setting up abominations and
multiplying offenses. 11 And now I bend the knee of my heart, imploring you
for your kindness. 12 I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I
acknowledge my transgressions. 13 I earnestly implore you, forgive me, O
Lord, forgive me! Do not destroy me with my transgressions! Do not be
angry with me forever or store up evil for me; do not condemn me to the
depths of the earth. For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, 14
and in me you will manifest your goodness; for, unworthy as I am, you will
save me according to your great mercy, 15 and I will praise you continually
all the days of my life. For all the host of heaven sings your praise, and
yours is the glory forever. Amen. (The Prayer of Manasseh, Apocrypha)

K. The Human Will: Contrary to some caricatures of Reformed Theology,

we do believe that human beings have a will. Calvinists do not insist that
men are robots or machines. We deny that the will is absolutely “free,” as it
is impossible for any here to “will” not to sin. The human will is not “free,”
but a slave to evil (Jer.16:12).
1. Influence of Greek and Enlightenment Philosophy
Aristotle “Tabula Rasa” - De Anima
John Locke “White Paper” - Essay Concerning Human Understanding.
“But those who while they profess to be the disciples of Christ still seek for
freewill in man, notwithstanding of his being lost and drowned in spiritual
destruction, labor under manifold delusion, making a heterogeneous
mixture of inspired doctrine and philosophical opinions, and so erring as to
both.” - Calvin, Institutes, 1.15.8.
2. Biblical Usage of the Term “will”
All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to
bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be
done brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord. (Exodus 35:29).
For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will
have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not
on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture
says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might
show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the
earth.” (Romans 9:15-17)
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all
who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become
children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh
nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:11-13)
3. The WCF on the Human Will:
● 9.1 God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that it
is neither forced, nor, by any absolute necessity of nature, determined
to good, or evil.
● 9.2 Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom, and power to will
and to do that which was good and well pleasing to God; but yet,
mutably, so that he might fall from it.
● 9.3 Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of
will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation: so as, a natural
man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not
able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself
thereunto.
● 9.4 When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of
grace, he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin; and, by his
grace alone, enables him freely to will and to do that which is
spiritually good; yet so, as that by reason of his remaining corruption,
he doth not perfectly, nor only, will that which is good, but doth also
will that which is evil.
● 9.5 The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to good
alone, in the state of glory only.
4. Illustration: The marble on a table.
5. St. Augustine’s Categories of Sin
● Posse Peccare: Before the Fall—Able to sin; able not to sin.
● Non Posse Non Peccare: After the Fall—Not able NOT to sin.
● Posse Non Peccare: After regeneration—Able to resist sin.
 ● Non Posse Peccare: In Glory—Not able to sin!
6. Martin Luther on the Bondage of the Will
● Response to Erasmus’ Diatribe, which attempts a middle ground,
but ends up arguing for a very powerful human will which can act
virtually without God’s grace.
● Luther: The will is bound to sin as a slave. It needs grace to
overcome sin.
● Law/Gospel distinction necessary to understand most “imperative”
texts which appear to support free will. Man humbled by the Law.
● Only the will that is set free by the Holy Spirit can respond to God’s
grace positively.
7. Martin Luther’s Famous Illustration: The horse with two masters.
● “Free will without God’s grace is not free at all, but is the permanent
[61]
prisoner and bondslave of evil, since it cannot turn itself to good.”
● “It benefits theologians to refrain from using the term when they
want to speak of human ability, and leave it to be applied to God
only.”
[62]
● Many have been “deceived and misled by the phrase.”
[63]
8. Jonathan Edwards on the Freedom of the Will
● The truly “free” will would be choosing without any influence or
predisposition at all; from without or within.
● But choice does not come from a place of pure neutrality or liberty.
It only seems so.
● In fact, we choose based on our strongest inclinations and desires.
● Our inclinations are rooted in our true nature and inner character
(the condition of our soul).
 ● That God foreknows our actions, proves that man does not act
independently and indifferently (or randomly).
● We call choices “virtuous” or “evil” because they reflect our nature;
not because they are indifferent. Illustration: wife.
● If our choices were random, indifferent, or uninfluenced by anything
within us, there would be nothing either good or bad about them!
● Those who “choose” God, do so because their nature has been
converted and transformed by grace!
● Defends all “Five Points” of Calvinism.
Moral Inability: Our inability to live in accordance with God’s law no
matter how hard we try! Jonathan Edwards’ “Two Prisoners.”
● One prisoner is confined to prison and the cell door is tightly locked.
He would immediately apologize to the King whom he has offended
if given the chance, but he is unable to come to His royal presence
because of the prison bars. He is morally able, but naturally unable to
repent.
● Another prisoner is sitting in an unlocked jail cell with the door
wide open. Physically, he could leave at any time. But he will not
come to apologize to the King because he hates the king and has no
sorrow for his act of treason. He is morally unable, but naturally able
to repent.
9. Affirmations and Denials on the Will
Affirmations:
● Affirm: that man has a real will (volition) to make actual choices;
that man is responsible for his choices and will be judged for them.
● Affirm: that the will of man was damaged by original sin.
● Affirm: that man is subject to God’s sovereignty and purposes in
both hardening and mercy. (Ex. Pharaoh - Exodus; Romans 9)
● Affirm: a strong view of predestination. (Eph. 1; Romans 8, 9).
 ● Affirm: absolute necessity of divine grace for conversion.
● Affirm: that God Himself has the most freedom of will of any being,
yet that even He acts in accord with His own holy nature.
Denials:
● Deny: Freewill views of the secular philosophers that teach that
man’s will has no inborn inclinations, predispositions, limitations, or
restrictions.
● Deny: Any view that limits God’s predestining sovereignty over all
that He has made, or that suggests man can act other than God
decrees.
● Deny: Any view that limits God’s foreknowledge of the future, or
makes God’s foreknowledge contingent on man’s choices in time.
● Deny: That man can be converted without divine grace by the power
of his own decision.
● Deny: That God is the author of sin.
V. The Covenants

A. Overview:
“As Lord, God deals with human beings through covenants. A covenant is a
treaty between a great king and a lesser king, in which the great king
describes the relationship, imposes law, and promised blessing to those who
obey the law and curses to those who don’t. In the Bible, God makes the
covenants with Adam, Noah, Israel under Moses, David, and with
[64]
Christ.”
Heart of the Covenant Promise: “I will be your God, and you will be my
people” (Ex 6:7, Lev 26:12, Jer 7:23, 11:4, Rev 21:22).
Key Term: Berit: “to cut or sever”

B. Historical Suzerain Treaties (Historical near eastern documents created

by a Great King and imposed on a lesser king or people). These Suzerainty
treaties typically included:
1. Name of the great king.
2. Historical prologue
3. The law (stipulations)
a. General (command of exclusive covenant loyalty, sometimes called
“love” or hesed)
b. Specific commands
4. Sanctions
a. Blessings (Deut. 28:1-14)
b. Curses (Deut. 27:9-26; 28:15-68).
 [65]
5. Future administration of the covenant
6. Example Texts: Genesis 15; Exodus 20

C. Two (or Three) Primary Covenantal Superstructures

1. The Covenant of Works (Life): God covenants with Adam, demands
complete obedience (Gen. 2:17). Adam fails, and is banished out of the
Garden of Eden. This covenant was issued by God to Adam with a demand
of total and perfect obedience. Adam’s obedience would result in continued
fellowship with God and his failure would result in banishment and death.
This covenant was conditional. Adam failed this covenant, was banished
from the garden and needed a redeemer.
WCF on the Covenant of Works (Life)
7.1. The distance between God and the creature is so great, that
although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their
Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of him as their
blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension on
God's part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of
covenant.
7.2. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works,
wherein life was promised to Adam; and in him to his posterity, upon
condition of perfect and personal obedience.
2. The Covenant of Grace: Nevertheless, God promises redemption
through a Redeemer (Gen 3:15)! A second covenant was necessary as the
first was broken. In this covenant, God promised to redeem His people by
grace. All aspects of the covenant would point forward to the great
redeemer Jesus Christ. This covenant was carried out in the OT through
types, sacrifices, and signs but fulfilled by Christ as the final and complete
sacrifice.
WCF on the Covenant of Grace
7.3. Man, by his fall, having made himself incapable of life by that
covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second, commonly called
the covenant of grace; wherein he freely offereth unto sinners life and
 salvation by Jesus Christ; requiring of them faith in him, that they
may be saved, and promising to give unto all those that are ordained
unto eternal life his Holy Spirit, to make them willing, and able to
believe.
7.5. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law,
and in the time of the gospel: under the law, it was administered by
promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and
other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all
foresignifying Christ to come; which were, for that time, sufficient
and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and
build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they had
full remission of sins, and eternal salvation; and is called the old
testament.
7.6. Under the gospel, when Christ, the substance, was exhibited, the
ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of
the Word, and the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the
Lord's Supper: which, though fewer in number, and administered with
more simplicity, and less outward glory, yet, in them, it is held forth
in more fullness, evidence and spiritual efficacy, to all nations, both
Jews and Gentiles; and is called the new testament. There are not
therefore two covenants of grace, differing in substance, but one and
the same, under various dispensations.
3. The Covenant of Redemption: Many Reformed theologians emphasize
an eternal covenant taking place before time began between the persons of
the Trinity. This covenant included God’s promising a particular people to
His Son Jesus Christ.
Illustration - In C.S. Lewis’ work the Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan is able to
die for Edmund on the Stone Table, because of the “Deeper Magic” before
time began.
“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and
said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify
you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life
to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know
you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified
you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And
now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with
you before the world existed.” (John 17:1-5; see also the rest of the prayer).
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord
Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal
covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his
will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus
Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
“In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the
ages began, and at the proper time manifested in his word.” (Titus 1:2)

D. Redemptive Historical Covenants:

1. Noah: God makes a covenant with Noah to redeem a chosen (elect)
family out of the fallen mass of humanity. (Gen. 6:18). Noah obeys (but
later fails) and God’s unconditional promise is kept. Noah is saved through
the waters. Covenant sign of rainbow given (Gen. 9:8-17).
2. Abraham: God calls Abraham out of Ur and promises to make his
descendants like the stars in the heavens and sand on the seashore. (Gen.
12). God gives the covenant sign of circumcision. (Gen. 17).
3. Moses: God makes a covenant with a man He chooses. This man will
lead God’s people out of Egypt (slavery). God gives Moses the Moral Law
(Ten Commandments) and the Levitical sacrificial system. The covenant
has promises (grace) and demands (law). (See Ex. 20:1-17; Deut 5:1f). The
Holy Land is promised to a faithful nation. Nevertheless, Christ is the true
sacrifice that all other sacrifices point towards. A covenant meal/sign is
given = Passover (Ex. 12; Deut. 16).
4. David: God promises to have a ruler from the family of David on the
throne forever. (2 Sam. 7; 2 Chron. 21:7; Psalm 89; 132; Jer. 33:14-26).
David and subsequent kings all fail. The Kingdom splits into Israel and
Judah. Israel loses the land through the exile as both are later conquered by
foreign enemies (722 BC, 586 BC).
Nevertheless, God fulfills the covenant through Christ who is the true King,
and Heaven our true “promised land.”
5. The New Covenant: God promises that there would be a new covenant
with a new covenant mediator based on grace and forgiveness in Jesus
Christ. See (Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 8:8).
This covenant would succeed in all the ways that the older covenants failed,
because the Covenant Mediator (Christ) would be the perfect priest and
sacrifice. This Covenant is both continuous and discontinuous of prior
covenants.
● Continuity (what remains): “I will be your God and you will be my
people.” Same elect people from all eternity. Same covenantal
structure. Atonement by blood sacrifice. Salvation by grace through
faith. Abrahamic covenant being fulfilled. Same promises to fill the
earth with knowledge of God. Covenant signs/seals retained. Same
moral law. Same participants adults and their children.
● Discontinuity (what is “new”): The abrogation of the ceremonial and
civil Law. The types and promises are fulfilled. Messiah has come in
person, not merely in promise. The Gospel is more clear and easy to
understand. Finality of sacrifice rather than cyclical repetition. The
Three Persons of the Trinity are revealed with more light. New
covenant signs = Baptism vs. circumcision; Lord’s Supper vs.
Passover.
6. Lesser Known Covenants: After the exile, those who returned to the
Land reaffirmed their covenant with YHWH God as a sign of their
rededication as the people of God. (Nehemiah 9:38. See also Ezra 10:3).
Despite good intentions, the glory of David’s Kingdom is never recaptured
and much of the Law of God is never carried out and the people continue to
suffer subjugation at the hands of various world powers: Babylon, Persia,
Greece, and Rome… The Bible also includes some lesser known covenants
such as David’s covenant of friendship with Jonathan (1 Sam. 18:3);
Jehoida’s Covenant (2 Chron. 23:16); Hezekiah’s covenant of revival (2
Chron. 29:10). Josiah’s covenant of revival and renewal (2 Chron. 34:31).
7. The Redemptive Covenants Point to Christ!
 ● Noahic: God will send a deliverer who will save us from the
judgment to come.
● Abrahamic: God will fulfill His purposes to save the nations by
faith through the “seed” of Abraham, and fill the earth with His glory.
● Mosaic/Sinai: God will send the Messiah who alone can perfectly
fulfill the Law and atone for our sin as a sacrifice.
● Davidic: God will send a greater King who will rule and reign in
righteousness, saving His people from all enemies.

E. Covenant Signs and Seals

In the major covenants of the Bible, it is frequent that God marks the
sealing of the covenants with some sort of external “sign” which visually or
tangibly impresses the meaning of the covenant upon the people.
[66]
1. Tree of Life (Covenant of Works, cf. Owen, Ussher etc.)
2. Rainbow (Noah, creation, judgement)
3. Circumcision (initiatory, blood, Messiah)
4. Passover (celebratory, sacrificial, Exodus)
5. Baptism (initiatory, from circumcision)
6. Lord’s Supper (celebratory, from Passover)
7. Tree of Life (Rev. 22:2)

F. Covenant Theology: Some Implications

1. Framework: A study of the covenants helps us to understand the overall
history of the Bible, and the structure of the unfolding of history. It gives us
a “chronological map” to interpret Scripture. Note how the Apostles
preached the covenants in redemption history sermons: Acts 3:11-26; 7:1-
53, Hebrews 11 etc.
2. Fidelity from/to God: God promises fidelity to us and absolute fidelity
is required from us. Note especially the First and Second Commandments.
3. Children: Covenants are made with the people of God and their children
throughout Scripture. Notice how often the term “covenant” is preceded or
followed by terms such as “seed,” “descendants,” “children,” or
“generations.” Thus children receive the initiatory signs of
circumcision/baptism and are included among the covenant people. See
also: Gen. 17:12; Deut. 6:7; 29:10-15; 29:29; 31:12; Josh. 8:35; 2 Chron
20:13; 31:18; 34:30; Ezra 10:1-3; Isa. 59:21; Acts 2:38-29; 1 Cor. 7:14; Col
3:20; Eph 6:1.
4. Community: Believers are likewise bound to each other in these
covenants, not merely as individuals to God. (Thus: the importance of
church membership in the New Covenant).
5. Sacramental Participation: Believers and their children are permitted to
participate in the sacraments which are “signs and seals” of the covenant to
us.
6. Historical Participation in Redemption: This is our history as
Christians! We are in the same line of faithfulness as the patriarchs,
prophets, disciples, apostles, and early church!

NOTES:
Part Four:
Christology
(Love Christ with All Your Mind)
I. Names and Titles of Jesus Christ

“Jesus Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of
angels; the joy and triumph of saints. The name of Christ is sweet, it is as
music in the ear, honey in the mouth, and a cordial at the heart.”
[67]
- Thomas Watson.
A. Purpose of Names: Given for one of three reasons: 1. Family
connection and heritage. 2. Aesthetics (beautiful sound). 3. Meaning and
significance. All three are present in the naming of Christ. (See Matthew
1:18-25).

B. Names of Jesus
1. Jesus – Hebrew/Aramaic Jeshua/Joshua = the Lord saves.
But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to
him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as
your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She
will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his
people from their sins. (Matthew 1:20-21).
2. Jesus of Nazareth -
What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy
us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God. (Mark 1:24)
And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who
was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid
him. (Mark 16:6)
3. Jesus Son of Joseph
They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we
know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’? (John
6:42)
4. Christ – Greek, Christos = Hebrew, Meshiach or Messiah, “the anointed
one.” See John 1:41 for Christos and Messias.
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his
disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said,
“Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of
the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon
Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus
answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has
not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you
are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall
not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,
and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you
loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the
disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. (Matthew 16:13-20).
5. “Jesus Christ”
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of
Abraham. (Matthew 1:1).
6. “Christ Jesus”
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the
gospel of God… (Romans 1:1)
7. Lord – Greek: Kurios. Primary confession = “Jesus is Lord.” Earliest
creedal confession of faith.
● Sir (polite)
● Master/Landowner
● King, Caesar
● Divine One, God
8. “Lord” (Adonai): When Hebrew YHWH is translated from the OT into
the Greek of the NT the term is kurios. When the Jews read the Hebrew
YHWH they pronounced Hebrew Adonai (Lord). Yet this term is the one
used commonly for Jesus! (Isaiah 45:21-23 = Philippians 2:10 and Romans
14:11; Isaiah 44:6 = Revelation 1:17; Joel 2:32 = Romans 10:9-13; Isaiah
40:3 = Matt 3:3 etc.)
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that
is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in
heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9-11).
...because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in
your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans
10:9)
Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And
they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your
household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who
were in his house. (Acts 16:30-32)
9. Savior - Greek: Soter. OT: refers to God as one who delivered Israel
from slavery. Related to Hebrew yosa (Joshua, Jesuha, Hosea, Elisha).
Among pagans soter refers to pagan deities, deified emperors, military
heroes.
Notice how often Paul switches back and forth between God the Father and
Jesus Christ as the “Savior” in the letter to Titus (1:2, 4; 2:10, 13; 3:4, 6).
God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance
to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:31).
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the
Savior of the world. (1 John 4:14).
Illustration: The Ichthus - Iesous Cristos Theos Uios Soter
10. Son of Man. Most common self-reference of Christ. Speaks to His
incarnation and divine nature. 80 + times in the NT.
I saw in the night visions,and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came
one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was
presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a
kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his
dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his
kingdom one, that shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14).
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Matt. 8:20).
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to
forgive sins” —he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and
go home.” (Matthew 9:6).
For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great
fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of
the earth. (Matthew 20:40)
11. Son of God. Approx 50 times. In the OT, the special relationship of
Israel as the Nation of God (Exodus 4:22; Jer 31:20; Hos. 11:1) or the King
in David’s line (Psalm 2:7; 89:26). In the NT, the special relationship of
Christ as the Second Person of the Trinity; the divine Christ.
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1).
And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of
God.” (Matt. 14:33).
And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he
breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark
15:39).
The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to
become bread.” (Luke 4:3).
Testified by a great many persons: God Himself (Mark 1:11); angels (Luke
1:32-35); the Devil (Matt 4:3), Demons (Mark 3:11), John the Baptist (John
1:34), the Centurion (Mark 15:39), Paul (Acts 9:20).
12. Redeemer. In the OT, a next of kin who had the right to “buy back” an
inheritance, property, or even a life that was lost due to debt or bond-service
(see Leviticus 25:47-55). See Ruth 3:11-13 & 4:1-12; Gal. 3:13; 4:5; Titus
2:14; Rev. 14:3 etc.
But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all
this, it is now the third day since these things happened. (Luke 24:21).
“This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a
judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the
angel who appeared to him in the bush. (Acts 7:35).
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
“I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. (Isaiah 44:6).
And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from
transgression,” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 59:20).
13. Author of Life. You killed the Author of life, whom God raised from
the dead. To this we are witnesses. (Acts 3:15). “Author of eternal
salvation,” “Author and finisher of our Faith.” See also Hebrews 5:9 and
12:2 in KJV and NKJV.
14. Immanuel - “God with Us”
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall
conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14).
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his
name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from
sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him… (Matthew 1:22-
24).
● Not God beyond us (agnosticism)
● Not God below us (humanism)
● Not God in us (pantheism)
15. Righteous One — Which of the prophets did your fathers not
persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of
the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered (Acts 7:52;
see also Acts 3:14; 22:14).
16. Many Others: Isaiah 9:6; Matt. 21:9; Mark 1:1; 9:5; 14:67; Luke 1:69;
23:35-38; John 1:1,14, 29, 49; Col. 1:15; 1 Tim. 3:16; 6:15; Heb. 4:14; 1
Peter 5:4; Rev. 19:11.

C. Applications to the Names of Jesus

1. We believe “in His Name” - John 1:12; 20:31; Acts 3:16; 4:12; Phil
2:10; 1 John 3:23
2. We proclaim His Name - Mark 6:14; Luke 24:47; Acts 4:10; 8:12; 9:15
& 27
3. We know His works and attributes through His names - Acts 7:52; 1
Tim 3:16
4. We pray in His name - John 14:13; 15:16; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph 5:20
5. We are called by His name (especially in baptism) - Matt 18:20; Acts
2:38; 10:48; 19:5; 1 Cor. 5:4
6. We do good works in His name - Matt. 18:5; Mark 16:17; Acts 3:6; 2
Thess 1:12
7. We suffer in His name - Acts 5:41; 9:16; 21:13
8. Warning of misuse of the name - Acts 19.13
II. Why Jesus Came
A. To Teach: And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their
synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every
disease and every affliction among the people. (Matthew 4:23).
Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that
I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come
into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth
listens to my voice.” (John 18:37)
His teachings and sermons
1. Public - And the people sought him and came to him, and would have
kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good
news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for
this purpose.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. (Luke
4:42-44).
2. Private - He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his
own disciples he explained everything. (Mark 4:34; cf. Matt. 24:3; Mark
9:28; Luke 10:23).

B. To Serve: For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45; see John 13:1-).

C. To Give an Example for Us to Follow: For I have given you an

example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (John 13:15)
1. Life - But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost,
Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who
were to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Tim. 1:16).
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word
in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. (1 Thess 5:6-7).
2. Suffering & Death - For to this you have been called, because Christ
also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in
his steps. (1 Peter 2:21).

D. To Destroy the Work of the Devil

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
(1 John 3:8).
1. By defeating him personally (Matt. 4:1-11)
2. By casting out demons (Matt. 4:24; 12:28; Mark 1:34; Luke 4:41;
13:32).
3. By binding the strong man (Matt. 12:29; Mark 3:27; Rev. 20:2).
4. By armoring believers for victory (Eph. 6:10-18).
5. By breaking through his gates (Matt. 16:18).
6. By ensuring his final judgment to Hell (Rev. 20:7-10).

E. To Be the Second Adam

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's
trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of
that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like
the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass
brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses
brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned
through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of
grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man
Jesus Christ.
(Romans 5:15-17).
For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the
dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23
But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those
who belong to Christ. (1 Cor. 15:21-23).

F. To Be Covenant Mediator
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the
man Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 2:5).
Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called
may receive the promised eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15).
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of
woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so
that we might receive adoption as sons. (Gal. 4:3-5).

G. To Give His Life as a Ransom for Many

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his
life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45).
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the
man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the
testimony given at the proper time. (1 Tim. 2:5-6).
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his
Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10).

H. To Save Sinners
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10).
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in
order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:17).
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I
did not come to judge the world but to save the world. (John 12:47).
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1
Timothy 1:15).

I. That We Might Live

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only
Son into the world, so that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9).
NOTES:
III. Jesus Christ: One Person, Two Natures

A. The Chalcedonian Declaration (451 AD)

Therefore, following the holy fathers, we all with one accord teach men to
acknowledge one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at once
complete in Godhead and complete in manhood, truly God and truly man,
consisting also of a reasonable soul and body; of one substance with the
Father as regards his Godhead, and at the same time of one substance with
us as regards his manhood; like us in all respects, apart from sin; as
regards his Godhead, begotten of the Father before the ages, but yet as
regards his manhood begotten, for us men and for our salvation, of Mary
the Virgin, the God-bearer; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-
begotten, recognized in two natures, without confusion, without change,
without division, without separation; the distinction of natures being in no
way annulled by the union, but rather the characteristics of each nature
being preserved and coming together to form one person and subsistence,
not as parted or separated into two persons, but one and the same Son and
Only-begotten God the Word, Lord Jesus Christ; even as the prophets from
earliest times spoke of him, and our Lord Jesus Christ himself taught us,
[68]
and the creed of the fathers has handed down to us.

Thus, the Two Natures Cannot Be…

1. Mixed
2. Confused
3. Separated
4. Divided
(Remember the via negativa for studying theology!)
B. The Two Natures of Christ - Deity and Humanity
1. The Deity of Christ
C.S. Lewis is most helpful when he gave us a very useful framework in his
famous “trilemma.” Lewis wrote that Jesus is either a liar (for He deceived
many) a lunatic (He deceived Himself) or else He is Lord (He rules over all,
just as He said).
2. Divinity of Christ clearly recognized by the Early Church.
“Our God, Jesus the Christ, was conceived by Mary of the Seed of David
and yet of the Holy Spirit was born and baptized...God revealed himself in
human form to bring the newness of eternal life” - Ignatius, 120AD.
“I praise Jesus Christ, the God who has filled you with such wisdom.” -
Ignatius Letter to Smyrneans, before 120 AD.
“For next to God we worship the Logos, who came from this same
unbegotten and ineffable God, and we love him because he became man for
our sakes and even took part in our suffering that he might heal us.” -
Justin, Second Apology (100 - 165 AD)
“If you knew the words of the prophets, you would not be able to deny that
Jesus is God, the son of the unbegotten and ineffable God.” - Justin,
Dialogue with Trypho the Jew
(See Eberhard Arnold, The Early Church, 120, 147, 213, 216).
3. Direct Statement. There is much in Scripture that teaches clearly the
divinity of Christ. First, we could look at the direct statements about His
divinity:
● Luke 7:16
● John 1:1 & 14; 5:18; 20:28
● Philippians 2:5-11
● Colossians 1:16; 2:8-9
● Hebrews 1:3, 8
● 1 John 5:20
 ● 1 Tim 3:15-16
4. Indirect Statements. Note how in the book of Titus, Paul alternates back
and forth between calling God the “Savior,” and Jesus Christ the “Savior.”
See Titus 1:3, 4; 2:13; 3:4, 6.
5. Fulfillment of YHWH Prophecies. Fulfillment of scores of OT
prophecies (Isaiah 9:6; Daniel 7:13-14), and specifically prophecies where
the Greek word “Kurios” (Lord) is applied to Jesus, translating the Hebrew
“Yahweh” or “Adonai.” Many prophecies about YHWH in the OT are
directly fulfilled in the NT in the person of Jesus (cf. Isaiah 45:21-23 =
Philippians 2:10 and Romans 14:11; Isaiah 44:6 = Revelation 1:17; Joel
2:32 = Romans 10:9-13; Isaiah 40:3 = Matt 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4, John
1:23; Deut 10:17 = Rev. 19:16, 17:14, 1 Tim 6:15; Jeremiah 23:1-5 = Matt
2;2, Luke 1:32, John 1:49; Isaiah 6:5 = John 12:41; Ezekiel 34:11-24, Isaiah
40:9-11, Psalm 23 = John 10:11-15; Psalm 8:2 = Matt 21:16; Psalm 102:25f
= Hebrews 1:10).
6. His Virgin Birth. Isaiah 7:14; Matt 1:23; Luke 1:34.
7. Divine Acts and Wonders. His divine miracles over nature (Matthew
8:23-27; 14:13-21, 22-36; John 2:1-11), sickness and disease (Mark 2:1-12;
Matthew 9:18-26) and even death (John 11:38-44; Matthew 28:6). Jude 5,
Jesus saved the people of God out of Egypt.

C. The Deity of Christ as Taught by Jesus Himself

1. Preexistence of Christ: Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you,
before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58). “And he said to them, “I saw
Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:18). “And now, Father,
glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before
the world existed.” (John 17:5). See also John 1:1-14; 13:3; 17:24; 2 Cor.
8:9; Jude 5.
2. Son of Man. His use of the title, “Son of Man” such as when He said,
"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the
nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on
the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30).
Note that the title “Son of Man” is used by Jesus of Himself about 84 times.
This name is rooted in Daniel in the OT.
"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a
son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the
Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given
authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of
every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting
dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will
never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).
Cloud Riding - A Mighty Act of YHWH: See 2 Samuel 22:11; Psalm
18:10; Psalm 104:3; Isaiah 19:1; Rev. 1:7.
3. His Sinlessness. “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling
the truth, why don't you believe me?” (John 8:46). Not even His brothers
could verify His sins. Would this be a challenge you would take upon
yourself?
4. He Judges the World. “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives
them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.
Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the
Son” (John 5:21-22).
5. He is Able to Forgive Sin. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the
paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some teachers of the law were
sitting there, thinking to themselves, "Why does this fellow talk like that?
He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Immediately
Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts,
and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier:
to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your
mat and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority
on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up,
take your mat and go home” (Mark 2:5-11).
6. He Rightly Receives Worship. “Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my
God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed;
blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:28).
If this was a mistake on Thomas’ part, there was never a more important
moment for Jesus to correct His disciples—unless He actually is worthy of
their worship!
Jesus does not correct Thomas for worshipping Him, instead He hands out
blessings, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those
who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
See also: See also: Matthew 2:11; 14:33; 28:9 & 17. See: Luke 24:9 and
John 9:38. Contrast Acts 10:25-26; Revelation 19:10 and 22:9.
7. Authority. “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to
me…” (Matthew 28:18; Daniel 7:13-14).
● to teach (Matt 7:29; Luke 4:32)
● to forgive (Matt 9:6; Luke 5:24)
● over demons (Mark 1:22; 6:7)
● to heal (Matt 9:8; 10:1)
● to judge (John 5:27)
● cleanse the Temple (Mark 11:28)
● to lay down His life (John 10:18)
● to give eternal life (John 17:2)
● to commission all disciples (Matt 28:18-20)

8. Divine Titles. The ascription of divine titles to Jesus such as: “Alpha and
Omega,” (Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:13) “First and Last,” (Isaiah 44:6; 48:12; Rev.
1:17; 22:13) “Beginning and End,” (Rev. 21:6; 22:13), “King of Kings,”
“Lord of Lords,” (Deut 10:17; Rev. 19:16).
9. The “I Am” Statements.
The Seven “I Am” Statements of John
● Bread of Life (John 6:35)
● Light of the World (John 8:12)
● Door (John 10:7)
 ● Good Shepherd (10:11)
● Resurrection and Life (John 11:25)
● Way, Truth, Life (John 14:6)
● The Vine (John 15).
Other Significant Uses of “I Am”
● "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I
am!" (John 8:58).
● When He walks on water (Matt. 14:27; Mark 6:50; John 6:20).
● At His arrest the soldiers fall down (John 18:5).
● At His resurrection (Luke 24:39).
10. Direct Claims.
This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not
only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own
Father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:18).
Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father
who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ (John 8:54)
“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is
able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” The
Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have
shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you
going to stone me?” (John 10:29-32)

D. The Humanity of Jesus Christ

1. Born of a woman (Matt 1:18; Luke 1:34-35; Gal. 4:3-5).

2. Hungered (Matthew 4:2; 21:18; Luke 4:2; 24:42) and thirsted (John
19:28).

3. Grew and learned (Luke 2:52).

4. Weary (Matt. 8:24; John 4:6)

5. Emotions (John 12:27; 13:21; Matt 14:13, death of John the Baptist;
Matt 26:37-38; Mark 14:33; John 11:33-35, death of Lazarus), weeps (Luke
19:41, John 11:35). Grieved, Angry, Indignant (Men’s hardness of heart,
Mark 3:5; 10:14).

6. Loved with a Great Heart. “If there were infinite worlds made of
creatures loving, they would not have so much love in them as was in the
[69]
heart of that man Christ Jesus.” - Thomas Goodwin. (Mark 10:21; John
11:5; 13:1; 13:23; 19:26).

7. Tempted (Matt 4; Heb 4:15). Helped by angels. (Mark 1:13; Matt 4:11).
Could Jesus have theoretically sinned? “He was tempted in every way, just
as we are, yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). In His humanity He was
physically capable of sin (His hands; His eyes etc.) but His virgin birth
broke the chain of Original Sin. Jesus had no sin nature to desire sin. He
was tempted (a) externally by the devil and (b) outwardly by circumstances,
but not (c) inwardly by concupiscent desire. In His divine nature He shared
the perfect righteousness of the Father as the Second Person of the Trinity.
Thus it is best to say no, He could not have sinned.

8. Filled with the Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 42:1; 61:1; Matt 1:18; 3:16; 12:28;
Luke 1:35; John 3:34; Acts 10:38; Heb. 9:14).

9. Suffered and Died. (Matt 16:21; Mark 8:31; 9:12; Luke 9:22; 17:25;
Acts 1:3; 26:23; 2 Cor. 1:5; Phil. 3:10; Heb. 2:10, 18; 5:8; 13:12; 1 Pet.
2:21; 3:18).

10. Historical Note: The first heresy (docetism) about the nature of Christ
was to deny His human nature, not His divine nature. That was clear to the
early church!
E. The Incarnation: “The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity,
being very and eternal God, of one substance, and equal with the Father,
did, when the fulness of time was come, take upon him man’s nature, with
all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin:
being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin
Mary, of her substance. So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the
Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person,
without conversion, composition, or confusion. Which person is very God
and very man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and man.”
(WCF 8.2).
(See: Luke 1:27-35; John 1:1, 14; Phil. 2:6; Gal. 4:4; Col. 2:9; Heb. 2:14-
17; 4:15; 1 Tim. 3:16).
1. The Paradox: Soren Kierkegaard calls this “The Paradox” and is the
highest object of human faith. That the eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent,
infinite God can enter into time, space, finitude etc.
2. Hypostatic Union: The union of divine and human natures in one
person. Jesus is 100% God and yet 100% man. (Hypostasis = Greek: being,
see Hebrews 1:2).
“It would not have been right for the restoration of human nature to be left
undone, and…it could not have been done unless man paid what was owing
to God for sin. But the debt was so great that, while man alone owed it, only
God could pay it, so that the same person must be both man and God. Thus
it was necessary for God to take manhood into the unity of His Person, so
that he who in his own nature ought to pay and could not should be in a
person who could… The life of this Man was so sublime, so precious, that it
can suffice to pay what is owing for the sins of the whole world, and
infinitely more.” – St. Anselm.
3. Two Wills of Christ: Dyotheletism vs. Monothelitism. Rule: “one will
person per nature.” Dyotheletism won over in the Council of
Constantinople, 681 and was accepted as orthodox. Jesus has a human will
and a divine will.

E. Heresies Related to Christ

1. Adoptionism: The Spirit of Christ set upon Jesus of Nazareth at His
baptism, then left before the crucifixion.
2. Arianism: Christ is the first creature of God.
3. Eutychianism: Denying the distinction the two natures so that they mix
into a third kind (tertium quid), not full divine or human.

4. Monophetism: Christ only has one nature.

5. Nestorianism: Denying the unity of the two natures of Christ. Christ’s
human nature and divine nature do not overlap. (Illustration: Two distinct
eggs in a “nest”).

6. Sabellianism (modalism): Christ is a “mode” of God.

7. Conclusion: If Jesus is only a mere creature, we are guilty of idolatry in

worshipping Him!

F. The States of Christ

1. Preincarnate – He existed before He was born, even unto eternity past.
(John 1:1, John 8:58, John 17:5, 2 Cor. 8:9; Jude 5 - Jesus saved the people
of God out of Egypt)!
Eternal Generation (The Son) - The doctrine that the Son of God was
“eternally begotten” of the Father. His Sonship is eternal. He has no point in
which He was conceived as with human children. Key term: monogenes.
See John 1:14; 3:16-18; 5:26.
2. Humiliation –
● Incarnation
● Conception
● Birth
● Human life
● Suffering
● Death
● Burial
3. Exaltation –
● Resurrection,
● Glorious body,
● Ascension (Acts 1),
● Session at the Right Hand of God the Father,
● Return (Second Coming)
● Eternal Reign
NOTES:
IV. The Offices of Christ: Prophet, Priest, King

A. The Munus Triplex

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the
prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he
appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the
world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his
nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making
purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on
high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has
inherited is more excellent than theirs. (Hebrews 1:1-4).

B. Doctrine: Jesus Christ came to fulfill and perfect the three offices of the
Old Testament as the Messiah, the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King. First
categorized by Calvin in his Institutes (2.15), and followed by most
Reformed thereafter.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism on the Three Offices of Christ

● Q23: WHAT OFFICES DOTH CHRIST EXECUTE AS OUR

REDEEMER? A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a
prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and
exaltation.

● Q24: HOW DOTH CHRIST EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF A

PROPHET? A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to
us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.

● Q25: HOW DOTH CHRIST EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF A PRIEST?

A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of
 himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and
in making continual intercession for us.

● Q26: HOW DOTH CHRIST EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF A KING?

A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in
ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and
our enemies.

C. Christ as Prophet

1. The subject and object of prophecy – Gives it and fulfills it!

2. Deuteronomy 18:15-22. Christ is the great prophet who is to come into

the world, predicted by Moses. This prophecy applied to Christ specifically
in John 6:14; 7:40; and Acts 3:22.

3. What Christ Prophesied:

● His own rejection, suffering, and death (Mark 8:31, 9:31; 10:33).

● His betrayal (John 6:64; 13:11-21)

● His resurrection from the dead (Matt 16:21; 17:9; 26:32).

● The Growth of the Kingdom (Parables, Matt 13).

● The Spirit at Pentecost (John 14:26; 15:26).

● Destruction of the Temple (Matt. 24:1-2; Mark 13:1-2).

● His Return at the End of the Age (Matt 25).

D. Christ as Priest
1. Jesus as High Priest in the Book of Hebrews

26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy,
innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for
his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all
when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness
as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law,
appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. (Hebrews 7:26-28).

2. He is LIKE the OT Priests

● Ordained - Heb 3:1-2; 5:1, 10
● Holy/set apart - Heb. 7:26
● Representative of the people - Heb 2:17
● Makes propitiation by blood - Heb. 2:17; 13:11
● Acts on behalf of the people - Heb 4:15; 5:1

3. He is BETTER than the OT Priests

● Has no sin Himself - Heb. 4:15; 7:26-27
● Once for all sacrifice - Heb. 7:23, 27; 9:7, 25
● Different “order” (Melchizedek vs. Levi) - Heb. 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:11
● Carries on His work in Heaven - Heb. 7:3; 8:1
● Is both high priest and spotless lamb - Heb. 9:7, 25

4. The Two-Fold Work of the High Priest

● Intercession (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34). Jesus continues to
intercede for us today!
● Atonement: Atonement is a word that came into the English
language around the time of the first English Bible translator, William
 Tyndale. Tyndale needed a word that conveyed the Greek and Hebrew
sense of reconciliation between God and man through a sacrifice.
Thus we have “at + one + ment” (See more below in our study of the
atonement).

E. Christ as King: Jesus as ruler, commander, authority, judge.

1. The Ideal King of the Old Testament - Deuteronomy 17:14-20

● One of your brothers; not a foreigner
● Not too many horses, wives, or gold
● Write a copy of the Law
● Read the Law always
● Heart not proud
● Not turn to the right or left

2. Images of Christ in the New Testament as King

● The Humble King - No Crown (John 12:12-19)
● The Humiliated King - Crown of Thorns (John 19:1-16)
● The Heavenly King - Has Every Crown (Revelation 19:11-16)

3. Christ’s Present and Future Reign

● “Caesar is Lord” is the primary confession of pagan Rome. “Jesus is
Lord” is the primary confession of all believers! (Romans 10:9-10).
● Jesus at the Right hand of God (Mark 14:62; 16:19; Luke 20:42;
Acts 2:33; 7:55).
● Jesus as Head of the Church (Eph 1:22; 5:23; Col 1:18).
● Jesus as Judge of the World (Rom 2:16; 2 Tim. 4:1).
4. The Millennial Reign of Christ. See Rev. 20:1-5. To be discussed in
more detail in our section on eschatology (end times). Important terms...
● Premillennialism - Christ will return before a literal, one-thousand
year reign on earth.
● Amillennialism - The millennium spoken of in Rev. 20:1-5 is largely
symbolic of the present church age.
● Postmillennialism - Christ’s rule and reign is advancing dynamically
now such that by the time He returns His Kingdom will be global,
powerful, and well-established.

F. Applications

1. We have no other prophet! We do not need fortune tellers, sages, or

gurus with “new insight” or “prophetic words.” Though we do need the
wisdom and teaching of pastors, theologians, creeds, confessions, and the
wisdom of those who have gone before us.

2. We have no other priest! We do not need a priest to be the mediator

between us and God. Nor can we atone for ourselves by acting as our own
priest. Though we do need to pray with and for one another, and have our
church and pastors pray with us.

3. We have no other king! We must not be controlled unlawfully by

unsanctioned authorities; nor should any take the prerogatives of God
Himself. Though we do have other authorities in our lives such as parents,
civil magistrate, and church elders.
NOTES:
V. The Atonement

A. The Cross (John 19:17-22)

1. The pain of crucifixion.

2. The shame of sin-bearing.

3. Shunning of divine favor (Matt 27:46)

B. Key Terms Related to the Atonement of Jesus Christ

1. Active obedience (fulfillment of the Law)
2. Passive obedience (meaning suffering, NOT inactive).
3. Sacrifice: costly act of worship for repentance.
4. Atonement (reconciliation by sacrifice; literally “at-one-ment”
5. Expiation (taking away of sin). See Psalm 51:1-7.
6. Imputation (transfer of status). See 2 Cor. 5:21.
7. Propitiation (satisfying or quenching anger of God). See Romans 3:25;
Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2 and 4:10.
8. Illustration: Propitiation in Greek Mythology: Andromeda, Perseus, and
[70]
the Gorgon.

C. “He Descended Into Hell” (Apostles Creed).

1. Texts: This is suggested from four passages: Acts 2:27 (cf. Psalm 16:8-
10); Ephesians 4:9; 1 Peter 3:18-19 and 4:4-6. But, none of these passages
require a literal descent into Hell.

2. Rome and Lutheran Churches: The Roman Catholics interpreted this

as Christ rescuing Old Testament saints from hades and breaking them out
of prison. The Lutherans interpreted this as Christ proclaiming victory over
the devil and hell.

3. The Reformed Doctrine: The Reformed Church better interprets this

phrase summarily as “went through Hell” in His suffering (“suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, was buried”).

4. References: See also: John Calvin, Institutes, 2.16.8-11; Heidelberg #44;

Westminster Larger Catechism #50.

5. Conclusions -
● If Christ descended to Hell it was briefly (see Luke 23:43).
● If Christ descended to Hell it was NOT to suffer for His sins (since
He had none) nor for our sins (since that was completed on the cross).
● What exactly Christ experienced in that time between the cross and
resurrection is not fully known by men.
● The virtue of theological modesty.

D. Theories of the Atonement: Why Did Christ Have to Die? Why is

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Such Violence Necessary?
1. Ransom – Christ paid a penalty to Satan. (Origen 185-254). It is true that
the death of Christ is sometimes spoken of as a ransom (Matt. 20:28; 1 Tim.
2:6; 1 Peter 1:18), but it is not true that Christ paid the ransom to the Devil.
Christ’s death was to annul the just wrath of God. Satan had no claim on
Christ or God’s people.

2. Christus Victor – Christ came to demonstrate the ultimate victory of

good over evil in this world. His cross depicts the appearance of the victory
of evil, but His resurrection shows how God’s will — the good — is always
the conqueror in the end.

3. Government View – Christ came to give an example of legal justice;

that sin is punished in this life. (Hugo Grotius 1583-1645). God must keep
the scales of justice balanced. The cross has a deterring effect to “scare
men” away from sin. The cross shows God’s high regard for His own law.

4. Moral Influence – Christ died as a demonstration of what true love

looks like; to reveal the power and extent of divine love. (Peter Abelard
1079-1142). In His death, Christ identifies deeply with the griefs and woes
of men. No sacrifice was necessary, but God sent Christ to woo men and
soften the hearts as an overture of affection. To move them to repentance.

Illustration: Van Gogh

5. Christus Exemplar – Christ came to show how radical the path of

obedience must be. Faustus Socinus and the Socinians (1539-1645).
Christ’s death did not atone for sin; God demands no retribution. Rather it
shows an extreme example of faithful obedience. We must be willing to do
anything for obedience. This view is a renewed Pelagianism as it denies the
depravity of man. Salvation is “earned” by following Christ’s example.

6. Penalty-Substitution – Christ died to pay the penalty for the elect

(believers). He died to take the penalty that we deserved according to the
Law. Christ’s death was a sacrifice that atones for sin. This imputation must
be received by grace through faith, with repentance. This view best accords
with the Biblical data, and is therefore the traditional Protestant/Reformed
view.
Biblical Texts: Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2
Corinthians 5:20-21; Ephesians 2:15-17; Colossians 1:19-20; 2:13-14;
Hebrews 10:12; 1 Peter 3:18.

E. The Old Testament and Atonement

1. The Hermeneutics of Christ: He said to them, “How foolish you are,

and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not
the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And
beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was
said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. . . . He said to them, “This is
what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that
is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms”
(Luke 24:25-27, 45).
2. Footnote to the Fall:
The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed
them. 22 And the LORD God said, “The man has now become like one of
us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand
and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” 23 So the
LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground
from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on
the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing
back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:21-24).

3. Christ in the Old Testament: Jesus Christ is the “sum and substance”
of the Old Testament.
● Sacrificial system points to Him
● Festivals point to Him
● Tabernacle/Temple point to Him
● Kingship points to Him
F. Old Testament Example One: The Passover—Exodus 12

1. Context: Moses on cusp of leading Israel out of slavery in Egypt. God

has demonstrated His sovereignty over Pharaoh with the 10 plagues. God
commands His people to sacrifice a lamb, mark their doorposts with the
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lamb’s blood and eat in anticipation of deliverance.

2. A Perfect Lamb
● Without defect (Ex 12:5 cf. Lev 22:22-23).
● Fit for needs of people (Ex 12:3-4).
● Kept by the family (Ex 12:6).
● “I find no fault in Him” - Pontius Pilate (John 18:38).

3. The Blood’s Affect

● “The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and
when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will
touch you when I strike Egypt” (Exodus 12:13).
● Upward—God sees it (hint of propitiation!)
● Inward—A sign for you!
● Outward—the world sees it on the doorposts of the home (Ex. 12:7).

4. Death in Every Home: Thus there was death in every home: either the
death of the sacrificial lamb on behalf of the people—or else the firstborn
was lost to the 10th plague. So also, there must be death in every home:
either Christ’s death on the cross, or your own death for your sins.

5. Partaking of the Meal

● Roasting not boiling keeps the lamb in view of those for whom it
atones (12:8).
 ● None to be left over (12:10), the sacrifice was too valuable to be
wasted.
● Distasteful bitter herbs (12:8)
● With unleavened bread (12:8)
● To be eaten in haste with urgency (12:12)

6. Summary to Children
And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’
then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over
the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck
down the Egyptians.’ Then the people bowed down and worshiped (Exodus
12:26-27).

7. No Other Way to Be Saved

Only the blood of the lamb could save from the destroying angel (see
12:12). Locks on doors, sealing the windows, watching guard of the house
—all human inventions—were worthless to prevent this disaster.

8. Utter Disaster Surrounding Grace

At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the
firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner,
who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well.
Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night,
and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without
someone dead (Exodus 12:29-30).

9. Christ the Paschal Lamb

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb
of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). For Christ, our
Passover lamb, has been sacrificed (1 Cor 5:7).

G. Old Testament Example Two:

Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), Leviticus 16
● We are not free to invent our own ways to be saved (16:1-2).
 ● Garments of righteousness (16:4).
● The ram for his own sins and for his family (16:6).

1. Two Goats
● Casting Lots (it could have been you!) v. 8
● One dies; one lives vs. 8-10.
● Blood vs. 15-19 (see 17:11-14).
● Imputation of guilt by laying on of hands (vs. 21-22).

2. Result:
….because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you.
Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins (Leviticus
16:30). Note the concept of expiation here!

3. Justice and Grace

Thus, in the scapegoat/sacrifice on the Day of Atonement, we see once
again the premium on blood, the imputation of sin and guilt, the transfer of
righteousness, and most clearly the justice and wrath of God pictured before
us.

4. Why Blood?
● It is repulsive
● Indicative of sickness
● It signifies death
● “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you
to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that
makes atonement for one’s life” (Leviticus 17:11).

5. Isaiah Foresaw It
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we
are healed (Isaiah 53:5).
H. Summary of OT on Atonement

1. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins

(Hebrews 9:22).

2. OT sacrificial system portrays vicarious atonement.

3. This FOREFIGURES the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

4. For Further Discussion:

● How does the author of Hebrews suggest that the OT sacrificial

system was NOT sufficient to do away with sin once and for all?
● In what ways is it NOT sufficient? (See especially Hebrews 9 and
10).

NOTES:
VI. The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus
Christ

A. Central to His Work of Redemption

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which
you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if
you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was
buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the
Scriptures… (1 Corinthians 15:1-3).

B. The Ultimate “Proof” of the Gospel

39
But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a
sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet
Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of
the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the
heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with
this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah,
and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. (Matthew 12:39-41).
5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to
more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive,
though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all
the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me
(1 Cor. 15:5-8).
30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all
people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he
will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and
of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” (Acts
17:30).

C. The Lynchpin of Christianity

12
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of
you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no
resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if
Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in
vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified
about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the
dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has
been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you
are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ
have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all
people most to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:12-19).

D. Objections to the Resurrection: It is impossible for a dead man to

rise from the grave.
1. Reply 1: The oldest and most reliable witnesses ARE the New Testament
Gospels.
“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been
fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from
the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I
myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed
good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent
Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been
taught” (Luke 1:1-4).
The basic tools of all work in history are: eyewitness accounts,
documentary evidence, archeology, art, media (where applicable). All of
these support the resurrection.
The variants in the four Gospels support rather than contradict the veracity
of the reporting.
2. Reply 2: The resurrection is the only explanation for the explosive
growth of the Early Church.

● Willingness to be martyred of all Apostles.

● Willingness of Christians in general to suffer to reach others with
the Gospel.
● Rodney Stark: “Once death lost its power over life, life itself took
on new meaning for believers." … “The Romans threw people out
into the street at the first symptoms of disease, because they knew it
was contagious and they were afraid of dying," says Stark. "But the
Christians stayed and nursed the sick. You could only do that if you
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thought, 'So what if I die? I have life eternal'."
● Speed and power of evangelism. The entire Mediterranean
evangelized within 100 years.

● The astounding conversion of the Apostle Paul (Acts 9)

3. Reply 3: The testimony of the opponents of Christianity.
Josephus (Jewish Historian)– “At this time there was a wise man named
Jesus. His conduct was good and [he] was known to be virtuous. And many
people from among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples.
Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. But those who became his
disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had
appeared to them three days after his crucifixion, and that he was alive;
accordingly he was perhaps the Messiah, concerning whom the prophets
have recounted wonders. And the tribe of the Christians, so named after
him, has not disappeared to this day.” (AD 93/94)
Governor Pliny writing to Emperor Trajan – “They asserted, however, that
the sum and substance of their fault or error had been that they were
accustomed to meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing responsively a
hymn to Christ as to a god… I therefore postponed the investigation and
hastened to consult you. For the matter seemed to me to warrant consulting
you, especially because of the number involved. For many persons of every
age, every rank, and also of both sexes are and will be endangered. For the
contagion of this superstition has spread not only to the cities but also to the
villages and farms.” (112 AD)
Babylonian Talmud – “On the eve of Passover Yeshu was hanged. For
forty days before the execution took place, a herald went forth and cried,
"He is going forth to be stoned because he has practiced sorcery and enticed
Israel to apostasy. Any one who can say anything in his favor, let him come
forward and plead on his behalf." But since nothing was brought forward in
his favor he was hanged on the eve of the Passover! - Ulla retorted: Do you
suppose that he was one for whom a defense could be made? Was he not a
“Mesith” [enticer].” (200 AD)
Tacitus - Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and
inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations,
called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its
origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the
hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous
superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in
Judæa, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things
hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their center and
become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded
guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted,
not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. (64
AD).

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E. Apologia - the Defense of the Christian Faith
1. If Jesus did not rise, how does one explain the tremendous growth of
Christianity in the first three centuries? How does one explain the actual
worship of Christ?

2. If Jesus did not rise, how does one reckon with the documentary evidence
that says He did (Gospels etc.)?
3. If Jesus did not rise, how does one explain the dramatic conversion of the
Apostle Paul who hated the Church and sought to destroy it?

4. If Jesus did not rise, how does one explain the willingness of so many
early Christians to suffer for their convictions? Blaise Pascal - “The human
heart is too weak to perpetuate a known falsehood under such intense
[75]
pressures to recant.”

5. If Jesus did not rise, how does one explain the absence of any physical
corpse? (See Matthew 28:11-15). Why did not the Jews or Romans quell the
revival by displaying His dead body publicly?

6. If Jesus did not rise, why did not his disciples keep his bones in an
ossuary? Or venerate his place of burial for pilgrimage? How does one
explain the tradition of Joseph of Arimathea of the Sanhedrin?

7. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, how does one account for the
multiplicity of resurrection appearances, including individuals, pairs,
groups, and crowds (Matthew 28:1-10; 16-20; Luke 24:13-35; 36-49; John
20:10-18; 24-31; 21; Acts 1:4-8; 9:1-9; 1 Corinthians 15:6-8 etc.)

8. The “Elvis Presley Problem” - If the “swoon theory” is true, would there
not have been various reports of Him living elsewhere thereafter if He had
not died and been raised? Would there not have been reports of His
subsequent death later on?

9. If the Gospels are not reliable, how do we account for the amount of
“embarrassing” material in the stories? Examples: Peter’s denial, disciples’
failure to pray at Gethsemane, flight at the cross, early proclamation by
women, hiding in the upper room, return to fishery, Thomas’s doubt, etc.

10. Movement of worship to the Lord’s Day for early Christians.

“The evidence for the resurrection is better than for claimed miracles in any
other religion. It’s outstandingly different in quality and quantity, I think,
from the evidence offered for the occurrence of most other supposedly
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miraculous events.” (Philosopher Anthony Flew, not a Christian).

F. The Doctrinal and Theological Significance of the Resurrection

1. The Resurrection Confirms the Supernaturalist Worldview As Over

the Materialist Worldview.
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but
the Pharisees acknowledge them all. (Acts 23:8).

2. The Resurrection Proves that Jesus is a Prophet Since He Predicted

His Own Resurrection Multiple Times in the Gospels.
From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to
Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and
scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. (Matthew 16:21).

3. The Resurrection Assures Us of a Living Hope Despite Whatever

Hardships We Encounter.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his
great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).

4. The Resurrection Consoles Us from a Natural Fear of Death, Since

Even the Grave Has No Hold On Us.
Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such
the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of
Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6).

5. The Resurrection Warns Us of the Certainty of the Judgment to

Come.
Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs
will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the
resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of
judgment. (John 5:28-29)
6. The Resurrection Comforts the Believer in Knowing that He has
Been United Deeply to Jesus.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly
be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was
crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing,
so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (Romans 6:4-6).

7. The Resurrection Provides a Clear Dividing Line Between Those

who Believe and Those who Do Not.
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But
others said, “We will hear you again about this. (Acts 17:32; see also Acts
4:2; 17:18).

G. Christ Ascended and Seated – The Position of Jesus Christ Exalted

at the Right Hand of God Today
1. The Ascension of Jesus Christ
● “Ascension Day Feast” (Fourth Century) - The ascension of Jesus
Christ has had, since ancient times, a far larger place in regular
Christian worship than it has in the modern Protestant tradition. 40th
day after Easter (Holy Thursday). Noted by Eusebius (260-340 AD)
and Augustine (354 - 430 AD) as very ancient.

● Apostles’ Creed - On the third day he rose again; he ascended into

heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come
to judge the living and the dead.

● Nicene Creed - And the third day He rose again, according to the
Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the
Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and
the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

● Westminster Larger Catechism - Q 53: How was Christ exalted in

his ascension? Answer: Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that
having after his resurrection often appeared unto and conversed with
his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom
 of God, and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all
nations, forty days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our
head, triumphing over enemies, visibly went up into the highest
heavens, there to receive gifts for men, to raise up our affections
thither, and to prepare a place for us, where himself is, and shall
continue till his second coming at the end of the world.

● Naming of our Presbytery! Presbytery of the Ascension named by

R.C. Sproul. A doctrine that provides hope, assurance, trust, inspires
confidence in the church, and reminds us of Christ’s reign.

2. Key Biblical Texts of the Ascension

In the NT
50
And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed
them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up
into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with
great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God. (Luke 24:50-
53).
6
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this
time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to
know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But
you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you
will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the
end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking
on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while
they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them
in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into
heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in
the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:6-11).
In the OT
The Lord says to my Lord:“Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies
your footstool.” (Psalm 110:1).
13 “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there
came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was
presented before him. 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a
kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his
dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his
kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14).

H. Eight Reasons Christ Ascended to Heaven

1. To Begin His Mission of Intercession.
25
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to
God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy,

innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the

heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices
daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did
this once for all when he offered up himself. (Hebrews 7:25-27)
33
Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who
justifies.34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more
than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is
interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger,
or sword? (Romans 8:33-35)
2. To Prepare a Place for Us.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.2 In my
Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you
that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for
you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you
may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)
3. To Watch Over His Precious Ones.
54
Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground
their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and
saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And
he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at
the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:54-56)
4. To Remind Us that the Atonement is Completed.
11
And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same
sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered
for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of
God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool
for his feet. (Hebrews 10:11-13).
5. To Rule And Reign Over the Universe.
20
… he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the
heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and
dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also
in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him
as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of
him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:19-23).
6. To Give the Gifts and the Power of the Holy Spirit to the
Church.
5
But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me,
‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to
you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to
your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not
come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he
will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment…
(John 16:5-8)
7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's
gift. 8 Therefore it says,
“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men.”
9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also
descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the
one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all
things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the
shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for
building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith
and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the
measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer
be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind
of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
(Ephesians 4:9-14).
7. To Ready Our Hearts for His Return.
9
And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted
up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing
into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white
robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?
This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same
way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11)
8. To Draw Our Minds to Higher Things.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above,
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things
that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your
life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3).
9. Illustration – When I was sixteen, I had trouble keeping the car between
the lanes when driving. I kept over-correcting and swerving as a result.
Finally, someone yelled at me “Aim higher!” That simple advice kept me
driving straight and moving forward.
NOTES:
Part Five:
Pneumatology
(Love the Holy Spirit with All Your Mind)
I. The Holy Spirit as Divine Person

A. Etymology

1. Greek: Pneuma (Spirit/Wind/Breath).

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not
know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is
born of the Spirit. (John 3:8).

2. Hebrew: Ruah (Spirit/Wind/Breath). The earth was without form and

void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was
hovering over the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2).

3. Latin: Spiritus (Wind/Breath). See texts such as Gen. 2:7; 6:17; Ezek.
37:5; 1 Kings 19:11; John 3:8.

4. English: Ghost. From the Old English/Saxon gast, (a gust of wind). This
word took on the connotation of invisible beings.

5. Names: Holy Spirit (Psalm 51:11; Isaiah 63:10; Matt 1:18; ), “Spirit of
God” (Gen. 1:2; Job 33:4; Matt. 3:16; Rom. 8:14), “Spirit of Christ” (Rom
8:9; 1 Peter 1:11); “Spirit of Jesus” (Acts 16:11; Phil 1:19); “Spirit of the
Lord” (Judges 3:10; Isa. 11:2; Luke 4:18; Acts 5:9; 2 Cor. 3:17); “Spirit of
the Living God” (2 Cor. 3:3); “Spirit of Truth” (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1
John 4:6).

B. Personality: The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, Not a “Force”!

1. Present at Creation (Genesis 1:1-3; Psalm 104:30).

2. Personal Pronouns: Use of masculine pronouns (not neuter). See John

14:17; 14:26; 16:14; 1 Cor. 12:11. Pneuma is neuter, but takes masculine
pronouns.

3. Person of the Trinity (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Cor. 13:14). His actions are
deeply personal, not impersonal: “Comforting, revealing, speaking,
witnessing, hearing, sending, knowing, teaching, guiding, striving,
[77]
interceding.” Paracletos (advocate) is personal (John 14:26; 15:26;
16:7). See also Acts 5:3, 9.

4. His Personality Denied By: Ancient and modern cults; Socinians

Sabellians, Unitarians, Jehovah’s Witnesses.

5. Divine Attributes

● Eternity, Heb. 9:14

● Omniscience, Isa 40:13; 1 Cor. 2:10-1
● Wisdom, Isa 11:2
● Omnipresence, Ps 139:7-10; Acts 1:8; Amos 9:2-4.
● Holiness (100X!)
6. Procession of the Spirit: The doctrine that the Holy Spirit is sent into
the world by the Father and the Son. Indeed, He eternally proceeds from
Father and Son as the Third Person of the Trinity. There has been some
debate as to whether the Father only sends the Spirit (East); or both the
Father and the Son (West). See John 14:26 & 15:26.

The Filioque (And the Son) clause added to the Nicene Creed in 6th century
in Spain (Toledo) caused a breach in the Church as the Eastern branch
objected to the modification of the 381 version of the creed. Filioque was
adopted officially in Rome in 1014. Contributing factor to East/West schism
of 1054.

7. Divine Actions

● Creates: Gen. 1:2, Ps 104:30

● Gives life: Job 33:4; Ps 104:30, John 3:5-8, 6:63, Rom 8:11
8. That He Can Be Blasphemed Proves He is God.

Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people,
but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever
speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks
against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age
to come. (Matthew 12:31-32).

C. Several Images of the Holy Spirit in Scripture:

1. Bird/Dove (Genesis 1:2; 8:8-12; Jesus’s baptism, Matt 3:16; Mark 1:10)

2. Fire (Acts 2:3; Matt 3:11; Luke 3:16) – power, purifying

3. Oil (1 Sam 16:13; Isa. 61:1; Acts 10:38) – soothing, healing, fragrant,
cleansing

4. Wind (John 3:8; Acts 2:2) (Greek: pneuma = breathe, wind) –

mysterious, powerful.

5. Water (Isa 44:3; Eze. 36:25-27; Matt 3:11; John 3:5; 1 John 5:8; Titus
3:5)

D. What Does the Spirit Do?

1. Regeneration. John 3:1-16; 6:63.

The Holy Spirit causes us to receive the new life that Christ gives, enabling
us to be “born again (or from above). See also Romans 8:11; 2 Cor. 3:6;
Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3.

Illustration: Aslan and the Statues

(Lewis: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe)
2. Indwelling: The Holy Spirit in the Lives of Believers: In the
Scriptures, the Spirit of God is the person of the Trinity that is pictured as
coming alongside believers, dwelling within them, sealing them unto the
day of redemption, strengthening them, giving them unity and peace, etc.
(John 14:17; 1 Cor. 6:19; James 4:5; 2 Tim. 1:14).

“Baptism of the Spirit” - seems to be another way of saying the permanent

indwelling of the Spirit. “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one
body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one
Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13). Takes place at conversion.

● Indwelling: “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in
fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the
Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you,
although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of
righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead
dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give
life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
(Romans 8:9-11; see also Deut. 33:12).

● Guiding & Leading (John 16:12-15); pointing continually to the Son

(John 16:14).

● Helping, Comforting, Emboldening (John 14:16; 25-26; Mark

13:11; Luke 12:12; Acts 4:8, 31); Another Paraclete (John 14:15).

● Sanctification & Convicting of Sin (John 16:8; 1 Peter 1:1-2)

● Filling of the Spirit - Unlike “baptism of the Spirit,” believers may

be “filled” repeatedly and are commanded to seek it. (Acts 4:8, 31;
13:9; Eph. 5:18). Often results in speaking or praying boldly.
Sometimes results in incredible physical strength or abilities. (Judges
13:25 & 14:6).

3. Inspires Scripture and the Prophets. 2 Peter 1:19-21.

 ● Inspiration: Writing of Autographs (1 Peter 1:11). Inspired the
Prophets (Num. 11:29; 2 Kings 2:15; Eze. 2:2; Eph. 3:5).

● Illumination: Understanding of God’s Word (Psalm 119:1-5;

119:130; John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:19). Light shining to give
understanding.

● Invigoration: Preaching of God’s Word (Boldness and courage, 1

Cor. 2:4, Acts 1:8; 4:31 1 Thess. 1:5)

4. Fruit of the Spirit: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against these things, there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).

Why are they called Fruit?

● They are sweet bringing great delight to all; often tart awakening the
senses.

● Spring forth naturally from healthy conditions; they also cause

greater health in the body.

● They indicate kind and species.

● They require patience and tending to produce.

5. Contrast: “Seven Things the Lord Hates” in Prov. 6:16-19 There are
six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.

6. Why Don’t I See More Fruit in My Life?

 ● Fruit by very definition is slow-growing.

● Much fruit is hidden from our eyes, lest we grow prideful.

● Some fruit post-dates our lives. It grows posthumously.

● God is sovereign over our fruit. Only he gives life. Jeremiah's

frustration in Jer. 25:3.

● The Fruit of the Spirit is non-quantifiable. Ex: how does one

measure "peace" or "kindness"?

● Some lack of fruit could be due to our planting and tending methods
- are we unnecessarily divisive and curt?

● Fruit rarely grows where the soil (prayer) is barren.

7. Gifts of the Spirit: (See 1 Corinthians 12 – 14; Hebrews 2:4)

● Edification - building up the body

● Unity - creating harmony among the people

● Order - preventing chaos and dissension

● Service (See esp. Exodus 31:1-5; 35:3—35).

● Unlike “the fruit of the Spirit,” believers should NOT expect to have
all of the gifts. (1 Cor 12:4-11; 12:27-34).

8. Lists of Spiritual Gifts in the New Testament:

● Romans 12:6-8 - prophecy, service, teaching, exhorting, leading,

giving/generosity, mercy
 ● 1 Corinthians 12:7-10 - prophecy, distinguishing spirits, wisdom,
miracles, healing, tongues, interpretation of tongues, faith.

● 1 Corinthians 12:28 - apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healing,

helping, administration, tongues.

● Ephesians 4:11 - apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds-teachers.

● 1 Peter 4:8-11 - Loving, hospitality, speaking, serving

● Exodus 31:1-11 & 35:30-35 - artistry, craftsmanship, design,

engraving, embroidering, woodcarving, stone-setting etc.

9. Attempts to Categorize the Spiritual Gifts:

● Supernatural & Natural
● Office & Activity
● Leading & Supporting
● Apostolic & Ordinary
● Words & Deeds

10. Gifts People Think They Have That Aren’t in the Bible
● Righteous Self-Sufficiency (I can do it all myself!)
● Divine Passivity (I watch; you serve!)
● Holy Judgment (I don’t eat with heavens!)
● Sanctified Criticism (There’s a mistake in the bulletin!)

11. Holy Spirit and Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20).

● They are the Lord’s own weapons. “He put on righteousness as a

breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments
of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.
 According to their deeds, so will he repay, wrath to his adversaries,
repayment to his enemies.” (Is 59:17-18).

● They are for battle. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic
powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all,
to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:12-13).

● They are to be worn at all times. Unlike most clothing which has
special applications and is designed for particular situations, this
armor is to be worn always and constantly, never to be taken off.

● They are entirely fitted, suited, and tested for the believer.
“Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of
bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, and David
strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he
had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these,
for I have not tested them.” So David put them off.” (1 Samuel 17:38-
39).

● Belt of Truth (Eph. 6:14). See also Isa. 11:5. Cinches up loose
clothing. (“to gird the loins”). Preparation to run or fight. The
Christian called to stand and fight, not flee or watch. Prevention of
chaos. “Holds life together.” Example: Jesus and the High Priestly
Prayer (John 17:8, 17, 19).

● Breastplate of Righteousness (Eph. 6:14). See also 1 Thess. 5:8.

Protects the heart (love). Protects the guts (compassion). Our
justification by faith in Christ alone. Protection from slanderous
attacks against character, hypocrisy etc. Examples Joseph (Genesis
39); David and Shimei (2 Sam. 16:5-14). Shadrach, Meschach,
Abednego (Daniel 3:8). Ahab’s breastplate failed, but ours is
impenetrable (1 Kings 22:34).
 ● Footgear of Readiness to Share Gospel (Eph. 6:15). Roman
soldiers wore boots with nails to grip the ground. The Christian
intended to be advancing, moving forward. “Go, therefore,” (Matt
28:18-20), “How beautiful the feet of those who bring good news!”
(Romans 10:15). The Israelites had shoes that did not wear out. (Deut
8:4; Neh. 9:21). Example: Paul in Romans 15:17-25).

“Achilles received a deadly wound to the heel, but no arrow can

pierce the heel of the man whose foot is sandalled with reconciliation
[78]
by atoning blood.” - Charles Spurgeon.

● Shield of Faith (Eph. 6:16). Perfect to defend from the enemy's

weapon, flaming darts. Large shields called the door; cover head to
foot. Roman phalanx tactics assume we hold our shields together and
stand side by side. Soldiers to be carried home on their shields if they
died. Solomon made 200 shields of gold, but none as excellent!
Example: Hebrews 11.

● Helmet of Salvation (Eph. 6:17). See also 1 Thess. 5:8. The head,
brain, thought life, reason, logic, mind, memory, will. Protection for
assurance from doubts. Example: Peter in Luke 22:31-34.

● Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). Greek:

machira, short sword. Close combat. The enemy is too close for
javelin, or bow and arrow. “Sharper than any two-edged sword”
(Hebrews 4:12). Requires training to use carefully. King Arthur was
the only one who could use Excalibur, but all Christians have this
sword! Not like Ehud, or Peter/Malchus, but rather like Christ in
Matthew 4:1-11. See this weapon in use in 2 Cor. 10:3-6.

12. Illustration: In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian realizes that he has been

given no armor for his back in his fight against Apollyon since he cannot
[79]
retreat or run away.
NOTES:
II. Holy Spirit in Redemption History

Although John Calvin was known as the “Theologian of the Holy Spirit”
for his emphasis on divine power in salvation, more recently Reformed
theology has come under critique by other traditions as being weak in this
area. Reformed and Presbyterian congregations have been resistant to
Pentecostalism, and Charismatic expression. Sign gifts are deemphasized.

A. Pentecost (Acts 2)
1. Pentecost
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.”
(Acts 2:1)
Pentecost = Greek, “50.” Also called “Feast of Weeks,” “Feast of the
Harvest” (Ex. 23:16). Originally a feast, fifty days after Passover; one of the
three main Jewish festivals each year. Celebrating the harvest, and giving to
the poor (See Lev 23:15-21).
2. Wind and Fire
2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing
wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided
tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And
they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:2-4).
3. Bewildering Tongues
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other
tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in
Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this
sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each
one was hearing them speak in his own language. (Acts 2:4-6).
4. Subsequent “Mini-Pentecosts” in the Book of Acts
 ● Acts 8:4-25 — Samaritans
● Acts 10:44-48 – God-Fearers (Cornelius)
● Acts 19:1-7 – Ephesian Gentiles
5. Note: This does not establish a normative experiential pattern for all
believers to follow per the Pentecostals (believe = speak in tongues), but
rather a redemptive historical confirmation that Joel’s prophecy is indeed
true (Joel 2:28-32; compare to Acts 1:8).

B. Some Common Misconceptions about the Day of Pentecost

1. This is Not the First Appearance of the Holy Spirit in
Scripture
● Creation (Gen 1:1-3)
● Gifts for Service (Ex 35:30-32)
● Presence with OT Saints & Prophets (Eze. 2:2; Ps 51:11)
● The Ministry of Jesus (esp. Luke)
Holy Spirit in the OT: Benjamin Warfield describes the Spirit’s work in
the OT under three headings: A) The Cosmological Spirit - giving life to the
“creation”. B) The Theocratic Spirit - empowering believers for the
construction and defense of the Kingdom of Israel (i.e. Samson’s strength,
the King’s wisdom etc.) and C) The Individual Spirit - bringing about
[80]
regeneration, faith, and justification in the OT Saints.
2. These Tongues Were Not Ecstatic Utterances, but Known Languages
8
And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native
language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of
Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and
Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors
from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians… (Acts 2:8-
11).
3. The Tongues Were Not Personal Prophecies or Private Predictions
but Gospel Proclamations
“Mighty works” → 2:11 = 2:22

They were given to preach the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
4. Tongues are Not a Gift that All Should Expect, or a Mark of Spiritual
Greatness
27
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of
it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets,
third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating,
and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all
teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all
speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher
gifts. (1 Cor. 12:27-31).
5. “Seatbelts” and “Gas Pedals” on the Gift of Tongues
● Love > Prophecy > Tongues (1 Cor.14:1-2, 5).
● Edifies the self; not the church (1 Cor. 14:4)
● Requires proper interpretation (1 Cor. 14:5)
● Not didactic (1 Cor. 14:6)
● Not intelligible (1 Cor. 14:9)
● Alienates one from the other by making us “foreigners” to each
other. (1 Cor. 14:11)
● The mind is unfruitful (1 Cor. 14:14)
● Confuses outsiders (1 Cor. 14:16)
● Five intelligible words > 10,000 in tongues (1 Cor. 14:19).
● Causes confusion (1 Cor. 14:23, 33, 40).
● BUT: “I want you all to speak in tongues” (1 Cor. 14:5); and “Do
not forbid speaking in tongues” (1 Cor. 14:39).
C. General Conclusions about the Day of Pentecost
1. Our Need for the Power of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives!
● Gifts
● Fruits
● Boldness
● Conviction
● Presence

2. The Reversal of the Curse of the Tower of Babel. See Genesis 11:1-9.
● The Unity of the Church!

● Mankind is no longer separated but made one again in Christ.

● Curses broken by the Gospel

3. Foreshadows the Fulfilling of the Great Commission

9
Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea
and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the
parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews
and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own
tongues the mighty works of God.” (Acts 2:9-11).
4. God’s Word to be Translated!
Unlike Roman Catholic tradition (Latin), Islam (Arabic), and King James
Only cults (Elizabethan English), the Bible recognizes the need for the
Word to be translated into the “heart” language of the people.
5. Glimpse of the Glory of Heaven!
9 Afterthis I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could
number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages,
standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes,
with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud
voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the
Lamb!” (Rev. 7:9-10).

D. Conclusion Thoughts on Continuationism vs. Cessationism: There

have been two main views on the continuation of the “sign gifts” or the
“apostolic gifts,” (new revelations, miracles, tongues, etc.). Cessationism
suggests they have passed away at the end of the Apostolic age.
Continuationism suggests they continue on to this day (Pentecostalism;
Charismatic movement).
1. Relative Infrequency of Miracles: Though it seems often in the Bible,
miracles appear very rarely in chronological history. The Bible covers more
than 2,000 years of redemption history. They center around new revelation
and redemptive events. New Testament miracles seem to concentrate
around the Lord and His apostles (See Heb. 2:4).

2. Warnings Against Charismatic Excess: Thus says the Lord of hosts:

“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you
with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the
mouth of the Lord. They say continually to those who despise the word of
the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly
follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’”
(Jeremiah 23:16-17)

3. Signs and Wonders Tied to the Office of the Apostles: “The signs of a
true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs
and wonders and mighty works. (2 Corinthians 12:12). See also Matt. 10:1;
Mark 6:7; Acts 2:43; 4:33; 5:12-16; 8:14-16; 19:12.

4. The End of the Apostolic Era: Apostles are those chosen by Christ,
there from the beginning, witnesses of the resurrection. (See Acts 1:25-26).
“Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are
not you my workmanship in the Lord?” (1 Corinthians 9:1). See also Eph
2:20.
5. The Passing Away of Prophecies and Tongues: “Love never ends. As
for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for
knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” (1 Corinthians
13:8-9).

When Will This Be? Very difficult to discern. Some possibilities:

● The completion of the last book of the NT (Rev. 22:21).
● The death of the last Apostle (John); circa 96 AD.
● The death of the last of the saints of the NT church era, and/or the
immediate disciples of the Apostles.
● The end or culmination of the canonization process.
● A gradual fading out with no determinable endpoint; Justin Martyr
claims prophecy endured at least through his lifetime (Dialogue with
Trypho, 85).
● The Return of Christ (the charismatic/pentecostal position).

6. The Conclusion and Perfection of the Canon: “I warn everyone who

hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God
will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away
from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share
in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
(Rev. 22:18-19).

7. Jonathan Edwards on the Charismatic Error: “This error will defend

and support all errors. As long as a person has a notion that he is guided by
immediate direction from heaven, it makes him incorrigible and
impregnable in all his misconduct: for what signifies it for poor blind
worms of the dust to go to argue with a man, and endeavor to convince him
and correct him, that is guided by the immediate counsels and commands of
the great Jehovah?” (WJE 4:432-433).
NOTES:
Part Six:
Soteriology
(Love His Grace with All Your Mind)
I. Salvation

“No man can be thoroughly humbled until he knows that his salvation is
utterly beyond his own powers, devices, endeavors, will, and works, and
depends entirely on the choice, will, and work of another, namely, of God
alone. For as long as he is persuaded that he himself can do even the least
thing toward his salvation, he retains some self-confidence and does not
altogether despair of himself, and therefore he is not humbled before God,
but presumes that there is—or at least hopes or desires that may be—some
place, time, and work for him, by which be may at length attain to
salvation. But when a man has no doubt that everything depends on the will
of God, then he completely despairs of himself and chooses nothing for
himself, but waits for God to work, then he has come close to grace, and
[81]
can be saved." -Martin Luther

A. The Ordo Salutis (Order of Salvation)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for
good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom
he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son,
in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those
whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also
justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified (Romans 8:28-30
ESV).
● Foreknowledge
● Predestination
● Effectual calling
● (Regeneration = Faith/Repentance [conversion])
● Justification (Adoption)
 ● (Sanctification)
● Glorification

B. Election and Predestination

Definition - A loving decree in which God chose before the foundation of
the world, in Christ, those specific, individual persons whom He would
redeem in time, by the work of the Holy Spirit, for His own glory.
Predestination refers to the all-encompassing decree of God to direct all
history towards His desired ends (Acts 4:28), while election pertains
particularly to chosen creatures (men and angels).
Calvin’s Warnings on the Topic:
First, then, when they inquire into predestination, let then remember that
they are penetrating into the recesses of the divine wisdom, where he who
rushes forward securely and confidently, instead of satisfying his curiosity
will enter in inextricable labyrinth. For it is not right that man should with
impunity pry into things which the Lord has been pleased to conceal within
himself, and scan that sublime eternal wisdom which it is his pleasure that
we should not apprehend but adore, that therein also his perfections may
appear. Those secrets of his will, which he has seen it meet to manifest, are
revealed in his word—revealed in so far as he knew to be conducive to our
interest and welfare. (Institutes, 3.21.1).
The fact that the Bible does teach election is without dispute. Depending on
the translation consulted (ESV, KJV, NKJV etc.)…
1. Elect. Fourteen times the Bible calls believers “elect” (Matthew 24:22,
24, 31; Mark 13:20, 22, 27; Luke 18:7; Rom 8:33; 11:7; 2 Tim 2:10; Titus
1:1; 1 Peter 1:1; 2 John 1:1; 13).
2. Election. Three times the word “election” is used to describe salvation
(Rom 9:11; 11:28; 2 Peter 1:10).
3. Predestination: Seven times the word predestine(d) or destined is used
(Acts 4:28; Rom 8:29, 30; 1 Cor. 2:7; Eph 1:5; 11; 1 Thes 5:9; 1 Peter 2:8).
4. Chosen: In just the NT, believers are called “chosen” 29 times. (Matt
22:14; Mark 13:20; Luke 9:35; 18:7, 23:35; John 6:70, 13:18; 15:16, 19;
Acts 1:2; 9:15; 10:41; 22:14; Rom 8:33; 11:5; 16:13; Eph 1:11; Col 3:12; 1
Thes 1:4; Jam 2:5; 2 Thess 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2, 2:4, 6, 9; 5:13; 2 John 1:1, 13;
Rev 17:14).
5. Before the ages began/foundation: John 17:24; 1 Cor. 2:7; Eph 1:4; 2
Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2; Rev. 13:8.
6. Election is Taught By: Moses (Deuteronomy 7:6-11), David (Psalm
65:4; Psalm 139:16), all four gospel writers, Paul (Ephesians 1-2, Romans
8-11), James, Peter, Jude, John, and yes, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself
(Matthew 24:22, 24, 31). See also: Acts 13:48, 22:14; Jude 4.
The only NT writer that does not mention election in some way is the writer
of Hebrews (moot if the writer is Paul!) This is all without any dispute
whatsoever…
7. Election of Angels (see 1 Tim. 5:21)
8. Distinguished from Foreknowledge. Rom 8:28-30, 1 Peter 1:1-3.
9. To be Discussed with Great Care and Charitability. “The doctrine of
this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence
and care, that men attending the will of God revealed in his Word, and
yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual
vocation, be assured of their eternal election. So shall this doctrine afford
matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God; and of humility,
diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the gospel.
(WCF 3.8).
Calvin Again: “Let it, therefore, be our first principle that to desire any
other knowledge of predestination than that which is expounded by the
word of God, is no less infatuated than to walk where there is no path, or to
seek light in darkness. Let us not be ashamed to be ignorant in a matter in
which ignorance is learning. Rather let us willingly abstain from the search
after knowledge, to which it is both foolish as well as perilous, and even
fatal to aspire.” (Institutes, 3.21.2).
10. Reprobation – The “Dark Side of Election.” The idea that God passes
over many and does not choose them. Exod. 10:1; Joshua 11:20; Proverbs
16:4. Matt. 13:10-15. John 17:12; Romans 9:14-24; 11:8; 2 Thess. 2:11-12;
1 Peter 2:8; 2 Peter 2:3, 17; Jude 1:4.
● This doctrine does not limit our preaching. We should “scatter the
seed” everywhere since we do not know who is elect.
● This doctrine does not discourage assurance of salvation. We can
have confidence that we are saved not by knowing the mind of God in
eternity past, but by believing the promises of the gospel.
● Though election and reprobation are ultimate; they differ in that
grace is undeserved and reprobation is deserved. God does something
to change the heart in election, but passes over the sinner in
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reprobation.
11. Illustration: “But it ought to be evident now to the reader that even if
there are interpretative difficulties in some of these passages, it is quite
impossible to escape the cumulative force of all of them. As B. B. Warfield
said about the evidences of biblical inspiration, the total evidence is like an
all-devouring avalanche. One may avoid one rock or a few by deft
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movements, but one cannot escape them all” (John Frame).
C. Calling (Effectual Calling)
1. General Gospel Calling: the general gospel calling is the global
announcement of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the only
salvation for all people.
“Many are called but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14).
2. Effectual Calling of Conversion: Effectual calling, is different from
general calling in that it implies the opening of the heart by God to enable a
man to receive the gospel (see Lydia in Acts 16:14, Ezekiel 36:26).
3. “Effectual” Defined - that which produces its desired result. In theology,
the inward calling by which God definitely produces the desired result of
regeneration.
The effectual call is necessary since man cannot raise his own spirit to
believe, “There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to
take hold of you” (Isa. 64:7).
4. Means of Effectual Calling - By Word and Spirit (WCF). Outward and
Inward.
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I
will raise him up on the last day (John 6:44).
They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he
is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and
chosen and faithful (Rev 17:14).
Paul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) should be
carefully balanced with Timothy’s three-generational testimony (2 Timothy
1:5).

D. Regeneration: Regeneration is “A sovereign act of God beginning a

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new spiritual life within us.” The Reformed axiom “regeneration
precedes faith” distinguishes us from our Arminian brothers.
1. Biblical Texts: Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless
one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3; 1 Peter
1:3).
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked,
following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the
air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among
whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires
of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest
of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with
which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us
alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us
up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7
so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his
grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:1-7 ESV).

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but

according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of
the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and
everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. (1 John
5:1).

Live Human Birth as an Image of Spiritual Birth

 ● Total weakness and dependence
● Complete passivity in the birthing process
● Altricial (dependant) vs. Precocial (self-sustaining) animals
● Not slow steady growth like a tadpole to a frog
● Not a metamorphosis like a caterpillar/butterfly
● Not a self-extraction like a chick pecking out of an egg

In the OT:
25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your
uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give
you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove
the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I
will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be
careful to obey my rules. 28 You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your
fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. (Ezekiel 36:25-
28).

2. Illustration: In the Chronicles of Narnia series, Eustace becomes a

dragon through a spell. He tries three times to pull off his dragon skin, but
there is always another underneath. Only when Aslan sinks his claws in
deeper can the skin be pulled off.
3. Amazing Examples of Glorious Conversion in Scripture
● Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:1-20)
● The Centurion (Matthew 27:54)
● The Thief at the Cross (Luke 23:43)
● The Apostle Paul (Acts 9)
4. Amazing Examples of Conversions in History
● Augustine
● Emperor Constantine
● John Newton
 ● John Bunyan
● Karla Faye Tucker
● Jeffrey Dahmer

E. Repentance and Faith

“Repentance and faith are inseparable. They are two sides of the same coin.
You cannot turn from sin without turning to Christ or vice versa. Turning
from sin points you in the direction of Christ. You don’t need to turn twice,
only once. Faith and repentance are the same thing viewed positively and
negatively. Neither exists before the other, and neither exists without the
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other. The two are simultaneous and perspectival” - John Frame
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1. Saving Faith
Noticia (Knowledge)
Assensus (Affirmation, Belief)
Fiducia (Personal Trust, cf. James 2:19)
Definition in Scripture: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their
commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by
the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are
visible….6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever
would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards
those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:1-3, 6).
“Faith makes Christ's sacrifice ours. 'Christ Jesus my Lord.' Phil iii 8. It is
not gold in the mine that enriches, but gold in the hand. Faith is the hand
that receives Christ's golden merits. It is not a cordial in the glass that
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refreshes the spirit, but a cordial drunk down.” - Thomas Watson
Biblical Synonyms: Believing (Genesis; 15:6; Rom. 10:11), receiving
(John 1:12; Col. 2:6-7), choosing (Josh. 24:15; Song 5:9), covenanting
(Hosea 2:18-19), trusting (Psalm 13:5; 2 Cor. 3:4), leaning on (Psalm 71:6;
Isa. 10:20), embracing (Deut. 4:4), casting upon (Ps. 37:5), calling upon
(Joel 2:32), accepting (Mark 4:20; 1 Thess 2:13), hiding (Psalm 17:8),
taking refuge (Psalm 57:1), hoping (Acts 24:15; 26:6), waiting (Psalm
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27:14). Antonyms: Denying, ignorance, disbelieving, disobeying,
doubting, unbelief, rejecting.
Illustration: “Blondin the Great” was a tightrope walker that traversed the
Niagara Falls. He would often ask his crowds whether they thought he
could make it with someone on his back. If they screamed yes, he often
asked them if they would trust him to carry them personally. Almost all said
no!
2. Saving Faith is a Gift of God. Not a human work, or an act of the
freewill.
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this
is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that
no one may boast.”
John 1:13, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he
gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of
blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Philippians 1:29, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ
you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.”
Acts 11:18, “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they
glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted
repentance that leads to life.”
Acts 18:27-28, “And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers
encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he
arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he
powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the
Christ was Jesus.”
Romans 12:3, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you
not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with
sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has
assigned.”
Matthew 13:10-11, “Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you
speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been
given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not
been given.”
2 Timothy 2:24-26, “And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but
kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his
opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading
to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape
from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
3. Repentance What is repentance unto life? A. Repentance unto life is a
saving grace, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and the Word of
God, whereby, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of
the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, and upon the apprehension of
God’s mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, he so grieves for and hates
his sins, as that he turns from them all to God, purposing and endeavoring
constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience (Larger
Catechism #76).
Some Quotes on Repentance
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” … “Cheap grace is
the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without
church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without
personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace
without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.” -
Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
“We cannot aspire to Him in earnest until we have begun to be displeased
with ourselves.” (Calvin, Institutes, 1.1.1).
When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ``Repent'' (Mt 4:17), he willed
the entire life of believers to be one of repentance. (Martin Luther, Thesis
#1, 95 Theses).
Some Biblical models of repentance:

● Psalm 38
● Psalm 51
 ● Daniel 9
● Jeremiah 3:24
● Isaiah 59:9-13
The Biblical Language of Confession and Repentance
Greek:
● metanoia (to change the mind). Matt 3:2; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38;
17:30; Rev. 2:5.
● homologeo (the same words). 1 John 1:9
● exomologeomai (out the same words). James 5:16
Hebrew:
● shuv (to turn, return). 1 Kings 8:47; Job 42:6; Psalm 7:12.
● na’gad (to tell, make known). Psalm 32:18
● ya’dah (cast down, esp. with the hand). Numb. 5:7; Psalm 32:5

F. What is True Faith/Repentance?

1. Definition – “Justifying faith is a saving grace, wrought in the heart of a
sinner by the Spirit and Word of God, whereby he, being convinced of his
sin and misery, and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to
recover him out of his lost condition, not only assents to the truth of the
promise of the gospel, but receives and rests upon Christ and his
righteousness, therein held forth, for pardon of sin, and for the accepting
and accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation.”
(Larger Catechism, #72).
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2. Jonathan Edwards’ “Distinguishing Marks” of True Faith
● Love of Christ: High Esteem of Jesus as Son of God
● Love of Truth: Sin changing to righteous obedience
● Love of Scripture: High esteem for Holy Scripture
 ● Love of Man: See especially 1 John
● Love of God: Desire to glorify God in all things

G. Justification = Key Doctrine in Protestant Christianity

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the
Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2 And the Lord
said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen
Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” 3 Now
Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. 4 And
the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy
garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your
iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” 5 And I
said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban
on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord was
standing by. (Zech. 3:1-5).
Philippians 3:8-9 - “For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and
count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him,
not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that
which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that
depends on faith.”
Main Concepts: The question of how man, who is a sinner, can be
regarded as “just” in the eyes of a holy God. Protestant theology asserts that
it is “by grace through faith,” and not “by works.” The very righteousness
of Christ is given to us (imputed to us) so that we are simultaneously
justified, and yet still a sinner.
1. Importance of Justification
● “Without this doctrine, the Church of God cannot stand for one
hour.” - Martin Luther.
● “Justification is the hinge on which the door of salvation swings.” -
John Calvin
● “Whoever denies this doctrine cannot be counted a Christian but an
adversary for Christ.” - Thomas Cranmer.
 ● “Justification is the very hinge and pillar of Christianity. An error
about justification is dangerous, like a defect in a foundation.” -
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Thomas Watson

2. Justification in major historical revivals

● The Reformation of the 1500’s – Martin Luther’s signature doctrine.

● The First Great Awakening of the 1730’s and 40’s – Jonathan

Edwards’ signature doctrine.

3. Justification Defined
What is justification? A. Justification is an act of God's free grace unto
sinners, in which he pardons all their sins, accepts and accounts their
persons righteous in his sight; not for any thing wrought in them, or done by
them, but only for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ, by
God imputed to them, and received by faith alone (WLC # 70).
The Language of Justification:
● Alien Righteousness: A righteousness outside of ourselves.
● Forensic Righteousness: A legal standing in God’s eyes.
● Reckoning, regarding, crediting: the “great exchange,” God
accounting Christ’s record in our place.
● Imputation: The perfect righteousness of Christ and His full
obedience to the Law, is given to us through faith. Better than being
considered “not guilty,” better than being considered “innocent,” but
actually having the righteousness of Christ in God’s eyes! See
Zechariah 3:1-10.
● Luther: Simul Justus Et Peccator.
● Antonym: Condemnation = Guilty + Sentence - Appeal
In justification, God does not declare us to be merely “good,” nor does He
declare us to be “great,” nor does He declare us to be like the angels, but He
 [91]
declares us to be just as His Son!
4. Key Biblical Texts on Justification:
Genesis 15:6
And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
Romans 3:21-26
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law,
although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness
of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no
distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and
are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be
received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his
divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his
righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of
the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26).
Romans 5:6-11
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a
good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us
in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we
have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him
from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were
reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are
reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice
in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received
reconciliation.
Galatians 2:15-21
15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know
that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus
Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by
faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no
one will be justified. 17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we
too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not!
18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19
For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have
been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in
me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of
God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no
purpose.
5. Justification by Faith Alone, Not Works of the Law
● John 5:24
● No place where Scripture says we need MORE than so many good
works, or LESS than so many bad sins.
● No place that Scripture says the “scales” of our Good/Bad deeds
must tip in the favorable direction.
● No place that Scripture says we must be better than half of everyone
of other human beings… All who are saved are saved by grace
through faith alone.
Martin Luther: “I tortured myself with prayer, fasting, vigils and freezing;
the frost alone might have killed me. ... What else did I seek by doing this
but God, who was supposed to note my strict observance of the monastic
order and my austere life? I constantly walked in a dream and lived in real
idolatry, for I did not believe in Christ: I regarded Him only as a severe and
terrible Judge portrayed as seated on a rainbow." Elsewhere he recalled:
“When I was a monk, I wearied myself greatly for almost fifteen years with
the daily sacrifice, tortured myself with fastings, vigils, prayers, and other
very rigorous works. T earnestly thought to acquire righteousness by my
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works.”
6. In Justification, God Sees Us as Beautiful and Acceptable
Compare Song of Solomon 4:1-10 with Romans 3:11-18!
Illustration: “I always wanted to be truly beautiful, but now I am content to
be seen so in your eyes” - Anne of Avonlea to Matthew (musical)
7. Protestant Tensions with Roman Catholic Conceptions
Main Idea: RCC theology asserts that man is justified initially through the
sacrament of baptism. Baptism “infuses” grace into the person. Mortal sin,
however, can nullify that grace; therefore the sacrament of penance is also
necessary. Penance appeals to the “treasury of merit,” accrued by Christ and
the holiest of saints (Apostles, Mary, Martyrs etc.). God justifies a person
when he is actually just. If any sin still remains after this life, it can be
“purged” off in purgatory.
Indulgence Controversy: Luther’s early objection to the RCC conception
centered around the practice of indulgences, in which a believer could
purchase remission of some sins, through the treasury of merit, by way of
indulgences.
The Protestant Movement: Thus the difference over indulgences was one
of the primary theological causes of the Reformation.
Anathema: The Roman Catholic Church declared the Protestant Gospel of
“justification by faith” anathema (see Gal. 1:6-10) at the Council of Trent
(1545-63). The Reformers held that the RCC anathematized herself.

Justification Roman Protestantism

Catholicism
Instrumental Baptism; Faith
cause: penance
How it works: Infusion Imputation
Can it be Yes No
lost?
Good Works Contribute to Flow from
Assurance Not possible Possible

Sproul on Justification: “The doctrine of justification by faith alone is

easy to grasp with our minds, but to get it firmly in the marrow of our bones
 [93]
and in our bloodstream we must be ever vigilant.”

8. Union with Christ - A Comprehensive and Glorious Doctrine

● Predestinarian Union - Predestinarian decree in the Pactum Salutis
that God would save His people in and through Christ. (Ephesians
1:3-4).
● Past Historical Union - Christ’s death in history includes in it the
benefits He was winning for the elect at the time of His death in
redemption history. (Galatians 2:20).
● Present Personal Union - The believer united to Jesus personally
and receives justification becoming one with Christ through faith in
the moment of belief.
9. The “New Paul Perspective” (NPP) on Justification.
● Advocated by Sanders, Dunn, Wright etc.
● Rejects traditional Lutheran & Reformed View of justification,
“rereading” NT texts.
● Disputes that there ever was a “works” soteriology in Judaism; that
Luther read his own experience into texts like Galatians and Romans.
● Disputes that Paul is offering grace as opposed to works. Works vs.
Grace therefore is said to be overstated.
● Instead NPP asserts that there were three “badges” of covenant
identity - circumcision, Sabbath, and food laws (also known as
covenantal nomism) and that salvation is by grace, but maintained by
works. When Paul critiques “works of the law” according to NPP, he
is dealing with the three badges, not human merit before God.
● The NPP, then, places more concern with good works in one’s
salvation, than traditional Lutheran/Reformed views do.
● Conclusion: NPP falls again into the semi-pelagian error. It has been
rejected officially by Reformed denominations in papers and
 statements.

H. Adoption
Illustration: Simone
1. Definition in WCF
“All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for his only Son Jesus
Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption, by which they are taken
into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of
God, have his name put upon them, receive the spirit of adoption, have
access to the throne of grace with boldness, are enabled to cry, Abba,
Father, are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by him, as by a
Father: yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption; and inherit
the promises, as heirs of everlasting salvation” (WCF 12.1).
2. Texts of Scripture.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you
have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba!
Father!” (Rom 8:15).
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our
hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son,
and if a son, then an heir through God (Gal 4:6-7).
John 8:39-47, Jesus discourses on being a child of the devil vs. a child of
God.
3. The Beauty of Adoption. “Justification is amazing and wonderful, but
adoption is the apex, the high point in our relationship with God. So, the
doctrine of adoption deserves far more emphasis in our preaching and
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theological work than it has usually received!”
4. Applications of Adoption: If we have the Father as our Adopted Father,
we necessarily have one another as brothers and sisters in the family.
● Peace - We are obligated to work for family unity
● Help - We are obligated to serve and care for one another
 ● Love - We are obligated to love one another no matter what
● Chastisement - Good fathers discipline their children (Hebrews
12:5-10)
● Inheritance - Good fathers leave an inheritance (Prov. 13:22; Eph.
1:11, 14, & 18; Col. 1:12; 1 Peter 1:4).
Luther on Adoption: “We are not the heirs of some rich and mighty man,
but heirs of God, the almighty Creator of all things. If a person could fully
appreciate what it means to be a son and heir of God, he would rate the
might and wealth of nations small change in comparison with his heavenly
inheritance. What is the world to him who has heaven?” - Martin Luther,
Commentary on Galatians
I. Sanctification: To set apart for holy usage.
“We who ourselves used to have pleasure in impure things now cling to
chastity alone. We who dabbled in arts of magic now consecrate ourselves
to the good and unbegotten God. We who formerly treasured money and
possessions more than anything else now hand everything over to the
treasury for all, and share it with everyone who needs. We who formerly
cheated and murdered one another and did not even share our home with
those who were different or from a different tribe, because of their customs,
now, after Christ’s appearance, live together and share the same table. Now
we pray for our enemies and try to win who hate us unjustly so that they too
may live in accordance with Christ’s wonderful teachings, that they too
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might enter into the expectation.” - Justin, First Apology
1. Definitive Sanctification: A once and for all act of being set apart.
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified,
you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of
our God (1 Cor 6:11).
2. Progressive Sanctification:
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth (John 17:17).
And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able
to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are
sanctified (Acts 20:32).
For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to
lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as
slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification (Romans 6:19).
9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with
knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is
excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with
the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and
praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11).
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you
received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are
doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we
gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your
sanctification (1 Thess 4:1-3).
3. Sanctification is in Two Parts
● Mortification: (Negative) The killing off of the desires and
intentions of the sinful flesh that are latent from the nature of the “old
man”
● Vivification: (Positive) The shaping of the Christian more and more
into the image and conformation of Jesus Christ.
4. How God Sanctifies Us
● His Spirit - Romans 15:16; 1 Cor 6:11
● His Word - Ephesians 5:26
 ● His Church - 1 Cor 1:2
● Our Trials (James 1:2-4 & 12-14; Romans 5:1-5).
● Our Mistakes
● Our Enemies - Sanctification - “The goodness of God makes the
Devil a polisher when he means to be a destroyer.”
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- Stephen Charnock.
Illustration: The David statue by Michelangelo.
5. Sanctification is Different from Justification.
… but cannot be without it. They can be differentiated in many ways, but
“co-exist” together like the nervous system and circulatory system of the
body.
Justification Sanctification
Once and for all Grows over time
Monergistic Means of grace
Same for all believers Varies by maturity

J. Assurance of Salvation
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give
them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them
out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand (John 10:27-29).

1. “Pebbles in the Shoe” Causing Lingering Fears

● Doubt - a Normal but Frightening Reality
● Ongoing Sin - No longer reigns, but remains
● Satan’s Whispers
● The “Warning” passages in Scripture!
 ● Apparent Conflicts Between Faith and Science
● The Sea of Secularism Around Us
● Challenges from Other Faiths/Religions

2. Assurance in the WCF

Although hypocrites and other unregenerate men may vainly deceive
themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in God, and
estate of salvation (which hope of theirs shall perish): yet such as truly
believe in the Lord Jesus, and love him in sincerity, endeavoring to walk in
all good conscience before him, may, in this life, be certainly assured that
they are in the state of grace, and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of
God, which hope shall never make them ashamed (WCF 18:1).
This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion grounded
upon a fallible hope; but an infallible assurance of upon the divine truth of
the promises of salvation, the inward evidence of those graces unto which
these promises are made, the testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing
with our spirits that we are the children of God, which Spirit is the earnest
of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed redemption (WCF 18.2).
3. Grounds of Assurance of Salvation
● Unchanging Objective Promises of God - John 1:12; 3:15-18; 6:39-
40; Hebrews 6:17-18
● Inward Evidence of Grace - 2 Peter 1:4-11
● The Spirit’s Witness of Adoption - Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6
● The Present-Tense Reality of Salvation - John 3:36; 1 John 5:13
● The Sealing & Guaranteeing Work of the Spirit - Eph. 1:13-14
● Small Faith is Real Faith! - Matt. 6:30; 8:25; 14:31; 17:20. See
especially Mark 9:17-27.
WCF 17.1 They, whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually
called, and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away
from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and
be eternally saved.

Illustration: Martin Luther was often beset with doubts. His position in
history was so important, and the devil knew it, often assailing him with
vile and blasphemous thoughts. Once, Luther is said to have thrown an
inkwell at the Devil! He often repeated, “I am baptized!”

4. Confirming Texts for Assurance

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all
that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of
my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should
have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:39-40).

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things
present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of
God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

K. Some Difficult Texts to Reconcile with the Reformed View

1. Biblical Texts:
4
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened,
who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and
have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to
come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance,
since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and
holding him up to contempt (Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV).

26
For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the
truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful
expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the
adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without
mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse
punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled
underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by
which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews
10:26-29).
2. Conclusion: Hebrews speaks of a real warning to those in the visible
church that were not part of the invisible church. They partook in the
outward fellowship in every way—including Holy Communion—but were
not inwardly converted.
3. The Case of Judas: Witness to Christ’s miracles (Matt. 8:27), a hearer of
Jesus’s teachings (Matt. 5:1), distributed the multiplied bread (Mark 6:41),
served in the ministry (Matt 10:1-15), entrusted with the work of the church
as an officer (John 13:29), fooled nearly everyone around him (John 13:25),
communed with the Lord at His Table (John 1:26), yet was never truly
converted of heart!

L. Glorification
The final act of God’s grace in the renewal of the redeemed man; to
transform his earthly body, to prepare him for eternity by perfecting his
will, and to ready his entire nature to live in the New Heavens and New
Earth
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet
appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because
we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2).
Other Texts: (1 Cor 2:7; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Thess 2:14; 2 Tim 2:10; 1 Pet 1:7; 2
Peter 1:4).
1. Perfection of the Resurrected Body
So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what
is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is
sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is
raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual
body. (1 Cor. 15:42-44).
We await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly
body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to
subject all things to himself (Phil. 3:20-21).

● No longer subject to death, decay, aging, injury, weakness, sickness,

infection… (Rev. 21:4).

2. Remain Finite after Death (We Do Not Become Gods).

● The Creator/Creation distinction is not blurred in Heaven.
● We may have many powers in the resurrected state (mental &
physical) that we do not have now; though it is difficult to know what
exactly those may be.
● We will not attain omnipresence, omnipotence, and omniscience for
these would make us “gods.” Though we may have many times more
presence, strength, and knowledge than we have now.
● Made “like the angels” (Matt. 22:30; Mark 12:25)
3. The Sinful Nature Eradicated

● World, flesh, and devil will no longer have a lure over us. Our total
depravity will have been overcome.
● Augustine’s 4 Categories: posse peccare (before Fall); non posse
non peccare (after the Fall); posse non peccare (in Christ); non posse
peccare (in Heaven).

4. Increasing Joy into Eternity (“Heaven is a World of Love” Jonathan

Edwards)
● Perfect capacity to love God
● Perfect capacity to love others
● Worship unmixed with distraction, fears, self-consciousness
● Harmony with all saints; reunion with lost loved ones
● No jealousies over “lower or higher stations” of glory
● Higher in glory = lower in humility & deeper in gratitude
● Each filled to their own capacity of happiness
● Hindrances related to time and distance shall be removed
● Access to God and His throne unobstructed
NOTES:
II. The Doctrines of Grace

Question: If you were to draw a pie graph, what percentage of your

salvation is to God’s glory, and what percentage is to your glory? 50/50?
80/20? 99/1?

A. Grace: Unmerited Favor

1. False Assumptions about Grace
The Scale (Good vs. Bad Deeds)
The Better Half (I’m Better than Most People!)
2. Biblical View – We are saved entirely by an act of God’s mercy, apart
from anything we could ever do to deserve it!

B. Monergism vs. Synergism

1. Monergism. Literally, “one working power.” Reformed theology holds
that man is saved by the exclusive power of God (“grace alone”). Man’s
will is unable to cooperate because it is dead. It must be revived and made
“born again” by God. (See Eze. 36:25-26; 1 Peter 1:3).
2. Synergism. Literally, “powers working together.” Reformed theology
does not hold that salvation is synergistic; a cooperative effort between God
and man.
3. Non-Reformed Views. Pelagianism holds that man alone is responsible
for his salvation with no help from God necessary. Arminianism holds that
both salvation and sanctification are synergistic; i.e. that man must
cooperate with God to be saved and to grow. Reformed theology holds that
salvation is monergistic.
C. The “Flower of the Reformation” -
1. T.U.L.I.P.
Total Depravity
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistible Grace
Perseverance of the Saints

2. Historical Context: The Synod of Dordt

● 1618-1619
● Church of Netherlands
● Synod in Dordrecht
● Responding to “Remonstrants” lead by Jacobus Arminius
● Remonstrants held: conditional election, Christ died for all men
equally, freewill, grace resistible, salvation can be lost.
● Remonstrant cause overwhelmingly defeated by the divines of the
Dutch church and representatives from other nations.

D. Total Depravity: Human beings are born totally depraved sinners,

with a sin-bent nature, and are completely unable to save themselves.
1. Sinful in body, mind, emotions, reason, soul/spirit.
2. Does not mean we are as bad as we possibly could be.
3. All human beings at all times (except for Jesus).
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked,
following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the
air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among
whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires
of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest
of mankind.” (Ephesians 2:1-3).
Illustration: Lord of the Flies, William Golding
Key Texts:
The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and
that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time
(Genesis 6:5).
There is no one who does not sin (1 Kings 8:46).
Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous
before you (Psalm 143:2).
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can
understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9).
What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have
already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10 As
it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one
who understands, no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they
have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even
one. (Romans 3:9-12).
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you
used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of
the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are
disobedient (Ephesians 2:1).
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us
(1 John 1:8).

E. Unconditional Election: God graciously elects in love those whom He

chooses, from before the foundation of the world, to receive the grace of
new and everlasting life.
1. Chosen before the foundation of the world.
Unconditional in the sense of “undeserving.”
2. Election distinguished from mere “prescience” (or foreknowledge)
3. See Ephesians 1:1-14, Romans 8-9
4. Predestination does not preclude evangelism! Remember, the author of
Romans 9 is the same author as Romans 10!
5. Missions: Some of the greatest missionaries have been those who have
held to high view of predestination. (William Carey; David Brainerd;
Jonathan Edwards etc.)
Key Texts:
And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather
his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other
(Matthew 24:31).
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the
Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed (Acts 13:48).
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many
brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also
justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30).
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to
Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have
compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 It does not, therefore, depend
on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to
Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my
power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18
Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens
whom he wants to harden. 19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does
God still blame us? For who resists his will?” 20 But who are you, O man,
to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why
did you make me like this?’” 21 Does not the potter have the right to make
out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for
common use? 22 What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his
power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared
for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known
to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory?
(Romans 9:14-23).
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and
blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons
through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will (Ephesians
1:4-5).
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan
of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will
(Ephesians 1:11).
To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia,
Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the
foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the
Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and
peace be yours in abundance (1 Peter 1:1-2).

F. Limited Atonement: Christ’s death was intended for, and actually

secures, the redemption of the elect.
Illustration: The Helicopter Rescue Mission
1. Christ’s death was intended to atone for the sins of God’s elect.
Also called “definite” or “particular” atonement. When Christ died, it was
for actual, particular people. One of the differences between Reformed
Theology and Arminianism is that the Reformed insist that Christ died not
just “theoretically” but actually for specific people that the Father
predestined before the foundation of the world.
2. Limitation is not in regard to sufficiency, but efficiency. “We must
qualify also Christ’s dying for the world. Christ died sufficiently for all, not
effectually. There is the value of Christ’s blood, and the virtue. Christ’s
blood has value enough to redeem the whole world, but the virtue of it is
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applied only to such as believe.”
“The high priest went into the sanctuary with the names of the twelve tribes
only upon his breast; so Christ goes into Heaven with the names of the elect
[98]
only upon His breast.” (Thomas Watson).
3. Did Jesus Die for All or Some?
● All – all races, kinds, tribes, colors, languages, ages etc. This
explains the “all” passages as well as the “whole world” passages.
● Some – in an atoning way; for salvation; as the fulfillment of God’s
predestining plan. For the elect.
4. Typology in the OT: The Passover lamb sufficient for the family, no
more, no less (Ex. 12:4); the Ephod of Aaron and the names of the Tribes of
Israel (Ex. 28:9-10, 12, 21; 39:6-7).
Illustration: It’s the difference between taping a $100 bill to the vending
machine and walking away for any poor person’s need, and actually
sending $100 to a friend who has a bill she didn’t expect.
5. Unlimited Invitation: Because we do not know who the elect are who
will respond to the Gospel, we are to preach the Gospel to absolutely
anyone who will hear! - Dayne Piercefield
Key Texts:
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21).
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and
revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows
the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and
anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. (Matthew 11:25-27).
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give
his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28).
And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all
that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day (John 6:39).
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
12
The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees
the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf
attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired
hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know
my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I
know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other
sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will
listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd (John
10:11-16 emphasis added).
I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They
were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now
they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave
them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with
certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray
for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me,
for they are yours (John 17:6-9 emphasis added).
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has
made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought
with his own blood (Acts 20:28).
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave
himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25).

G. Irresistible Grace: God’s work of grace overwhelms the sinful heart,

enabling it to believe and respond to the Gospel.
Illustration: The age-old philosophical discussion - what would happen if
an object that was so heavy that it could not be budged came up against a
force that was so powerful that it cannot be moved? This question has
plagued the minds of sophomores for ages!
1. Grace is “undeserved favor” or “unmerited kindness”
2. The conversion of the Apostle Paul (Acts 9)
3. The calling of Lazarus from the dead (John 11)
4. Resistable? Of course grace can be resisted – until God sees fit to
overthrow human resistance! (See Acts 7:51).
Key Texts:
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from
you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my
Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my
laws (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet
to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the
right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent,
nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God (John 1:11-13).
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I
will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:44).
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken
to you are spirit and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not
believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not
believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told
you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him” (John
6:63-65).
One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth
from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened
her heart to respond to Paul’s message (Acts 16:14).
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our
gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the
Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (1 Thessalonians 1:4).

H. Perseverance of the Saints: The elect cannot finally or fully fall from
grace, but are preserved by God’s grace unto salvation.
1. Better called “preservation of the saints”?
2. Also known as “eternal security.” Unfortunately in some circles, this
term has the connotation of making the most superficial commitment to
Christ, not followed by any fruit or sanctification.
3. Those truly saved can never, fully, finally “fall away.”
4. Though, true believers MAY at times backslide.
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5. Geerhardus Vos’ Four Logical Possibilities
● Saved initially by man’s freewill and preserved by man’s freewill.
● Saved initially by God’s sovereign grace and preserved by sovereign
grace.
● Saved initially by man’s freewill and preserved by God’s sovereign
grace.
● Saved initially by God’s sovereign grace and preserved by man’s
freewill.
● Only #2 is fully in agreement with Scripture. #3 places more power
in the unregenerate man than the regenerate man. #4 gives man the
ability to “undo” a sovereign act making him stronger than God. #1 is
fully Arminian, humanistic, and even Pelagian.
Key Texts:
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things
present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of
God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch
them out of my Father’s hand. (John 10:29).
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day
of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his
Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful (1 Cor 1:8-9).
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it
on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:6).
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to
his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen (2 Tim
4:18).
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May
your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it (1
Thess 5:23-24).
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy
he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish,
spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by
God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in
the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5).
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his
glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our
Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our
Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen (Jude 1:24-25).
NOTES:
Part Seven:
Ecclesiology
(Love the Church with All Your Mind)
I. The Church

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of
the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and
gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to
maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body
and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your
call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who
is over all and through all and in all.
- Ephesians 4:1-6

A. Nicene Creed: One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church

1. One - The Unity of the Church.
● The Unity of the Church Challenged Early in Corinth (See 1
Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:1-23).
● The Great Schism (1054 AD) - Debate about the filioque clause;
West added “and the Son” to Nicene Creed. Constantinople vs. Rome;
Peter’s successor as Bishop of Rome?
● The Reformation (1521) - Another split? Cracked like glass! Four
main traditions (Lutheran, Anglican, Reformed, Anabaptist).
● Protestant Denominationalism (1500s to 1900s) Four to dozens to
hundreds.
● The Rise of Non-Denominationalism. “We follow Christ!”
Ten Ways the Church is Still One (Ephesians 4:1-6)
● Same God - The Trinity; the doctrine of Trinity has stood unaltered
since Nicea (325/381).
 ● Same Redeemer - Large agreement on divine nature and person of
Jesus Christ; His perfect life, death, and resurrection.
● Same Holy Spirit - Anyone truly converted is by the work of the
Holy Spirit.
● Same Gospel - The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus saves us
from sin; repent and believe!
● Same Day of Worship - The Lord’s Day (Christian Sabbath)
● Same Holy Meal (Lord’s Supper) - The Lord’s Supper is celebrated
with bread and cup.
● Same Seal (Baptism) - Water baptism in name of Father, Son, Holy
Spirit as a public witness of covenant.
● Same Mission (Great Commission) - Disciple all nations by
teaching the message of Jesus.
● Same Heart (Love) - love poured out in compassion and service to,
widows, orphans, poor, others.
● Same Enemy (Satan) - Satan attacks all believers!
2. Holy - The sanctification of the Church.
● Set Apart - The Saints, tois agaios (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; Rom. 1:7; 1
Cor. 1:2).
● For a Holy God (Isaiah 6.3). God Himself is utterly holy and
demands holiness of us (Lev. 11.44).
● Unto Holy Living (1 Peter 1:14-16). Distinction between us and
unbelievers.
● To a Holy Purpose. Justified. Sanctification of two kinds 1.
Definitive 2. progressive.
● Of Holy Worship. Worship utterly holy and guided by RP.
● The Church as The Beautiful Bride of Christ (Eph. 5:22-33)
3. Catholic - The Universality of the Church.
 ● Etymology - Catholic = Gk: katholikos; kata (according to) holos
(the whole). Universality (Rev. 7:9-10). Used first by Ignatius (d.
140).
● All Places (Early Church Fathers vs. Docetists, Gnostics, Arians,
Montanists). To combat early heresies.
● All Times (Reformers vs. Roman Catholics). Protestants deny the
Roman Catholic claim that only those who submit to the Bishop of
Rome are “catholic,” and thus a true church. The Reformers argued
also through all times to combat the charge they were rogue. It is for
this reason that Calvin quotes: Augustine, Ambrose, Bernard,
Chrysostom, Aquinas, etc. See especially Calvin’s dedication to the
King of France in the beginning of his Institutes.
● All Peoples, Tribes, and Nations (The Great Commission). Global
mission. Especially to contrast the OT Israel which functioned both as
a church and a national state.
● Exclusivity (John 14:6; Acts 4:12, Isaiah 45). NOT to be confused
with universalism.
4. Apostolic - Apostolic Foundations and Authority.
● Apostles and apostles. The Greek word can generally mean one who
is sent, but can mean more specifically those with teaching authority
in the Early Church.
● Twelve Apostles + Plus One (Luke 6:13; Gal. 1:1, 17; Rom. 1:1;
11:13; 1 Cor. 15:9)
● The Multitude of “Sent Ones.” There are other individuals in the
Scriptures who are called “apostles.” (Rom. 16:7; 2 Cor. 8:23; Phil
2:25).
● Apostolic Foundation (Ephesians 2:19-21; 3:1-6). Foundation of the
church cannot be altered, moved, or changed. Preserving the doctrine
of the Early Church from innovation and novelty.
● Apostolic Scripture (Col. 4:16; 1 Thess 5:27; 2 Peter 3:2; Rev. 1:3
Rev. 22:18-19)
 ● Apostolic Ordination: The Beautiful Witness (2 Tim. 1:6).

B. Paradoxes of the Church

1. QHL = called together; Ecclessia = Called out. In the OT, the common
term was qahal, called together, (Deut. 9:10; 10:4). In the NT, the word
ecclesia means called out. Jesus used this term only twice (Matt. 16:18;
18:17).
2. Church Catholic & Church Local (See Galatians 1; Revelation 2-3).
3. Church Militant & Church Triumphant. The church is imperishable until
the Return of Christ. Just as the saved soul cannot be lost, so also the living
church will not go extinct in any age.
4. Church Invisible & Church Visible (See below).
5. The Church Manifest & the Church Hidden (Persecuted)
6. The Church as Organization & Organism

C. Invisible: The true number of elect saints for all time; as of now, known
only to God, all those whose names are in the Book of Life (Phil 4:3; Rev.
13:8; 17:8; 20:12).
1. Saints past, present, and future. Not separate from Israel (Romans 11:11-
24), but growing out of Israel with Gentile branches.

2. Known only to God. (See Matthew 13:24-30; Romans 2:28-29).

3. Will be revealed in Heaven (Revelation 7:9, 17:15, 19:1-6)

4. Likely to include children dying in infancy, and mentally handicapped

(See WCF 10:3).

5. May include unbaptized catechumens (thief on the cross),

excommunicated persons, and those martyred wrongly by the church.
D. Visible: Those who, from a human perspective, are part of the visible
Body of Christ. Those who are baptized. This would include true believers,
their families, and even non-believers who regularly participate in Church.
In this life, it is impossible for us to discern who is truly saved and who is
not.
Practical Applications of the Visibility/Invisibility Distinction
● The judgment of charity - most of the time we should give the
“benefit of the doubt” when a person a) professes to believe and b)
their life is scandal-free.
● Churches should do their “due diligence” when discerning a
testimony and admitting to the Lord’s Table.
● Weak churches can appear very strong; strong churches can appear
very weak.
● True believers can be part of “dead churches”
● False professors can be part of “true churches”
● Pastors should preach to the unconverted every Lord’s Day
● “Confirmation” programs should be used guardedly, if at all, as they
may cause false assurances to unconverted persons.
1. Definition: Local Church
A church is a local assembly of believers and their children; who have been
set apart from the world for holy living; who gather together regularly on
the Lord’s Day for worship; submitting to qualified leadership; who
together celebrate the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper; who
pray with and for one another; working towards the unity of Body of Christ
in the world; professing the great doctrines of Scripture; desiring to reach
the lost with the Gospel; and longing for the Day of Christ’s Return.
2. The Church Running on All Cylinders!
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul,
and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And
all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they
were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds
to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together
and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and
generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And
the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
(Acts 2:42-47).
3. The Church is the Witness of God’s Wisdom to the World
“… 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now
be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This
was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our
Lord…” (Ephesians 3:10-11).
[100]
4. Biblical Images of the Church
● Family “Our Father”, brothers, sisters etc. (Matt. 12:46-50; Gal.
6:10; Eph 2:19; Heb. 2:11-12)
● House(hold) 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:6; 10:21.
● Bride (Rev 19:7, 21:2, 21:9, 22:17). Historical, typological
interpretation of ‘Song of Songs,’ the Church is the bride and lover of
Jesus Christ.
25
● Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave
himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her
by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the
church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such
thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same
way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who
loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh,
but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the
church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man
shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two
shall become one flesh.”32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying
that it refers to Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:25-32).
 ● Body (Romans 12:5; 1 Cor 10:16)
● Temple (Eph 2:21-22; 1 Cor. 6:19)
● Priesthood (1 Peter 2:5, 9)
● Branches in Vine, Fields, etc. (John 15:5; 1 Cor. 3:6-9)
● Army (Matt 16:18)

5. The Church as a “Glorious Mess” – See the Corinthians Situation!

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our
brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to
those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those
who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their
Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:1-3).
● Factions and divisions (1, 3)
● Sexual Immorality (5)
● Lawsuits among believers (6)
● Personal attacks (9)
● Communion confusion (11)
● Charismatic chaos (12-14)
● Resurrection denial (15)

6. Reformation Marks of a True Church: During the chaos of the

Reformation (the 1500s), the Reformers found it necessary to define a “true
church” from a false one to resolve innumerable difficulties: what is true
doctrine, who is baptized, who is ordained, who is in charge, etc. Numerous
movements and counter-movements were springing up constantly. They
settled on three simple principles to define a church:
● The Preaching of the Word: A faithful proclamation of the Gospel
from a text(s) of Scripture, with an intelligible explanation of its
 meaning, ardent appeal to the heart, and application to the lives of the
hearers.
“It is no small matter to stand up in the face of a congregation, and
deliver a message of salvation or damnation, as from the living God,
[101]
in the name of our Redeemer.” - Puritan Richard Baxter
Preaching to be performed: painfully, plainly, faithfully, wisely,
gravely, lovingly, earnestly (Westminster Directory of Public
[102]
Worship)
● The Right Administration of the Sacraments: The offering of the
two Biblical sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, by the
pastors/elders of the church, to the properly qualified people of God,
as signs and seals of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
● Church Discipline (Correlative of 1 and 2): The mutual agreement
of church members to abide in a life befitting of disciples of Jesus
Christ, with the help and assistance of the corrective means of
exhortation: rebuke, censure, repentance, and restoration, as
administered by the proper authorities of the Church.
“Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of the
church, and promise to study its purity and peace?” (BOCO, 57.5)
Process: Matthew 18:15-20
Spirit: Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who
are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch
on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1)

7. Other Biblical Marks of True Churches

● True love for one another (John 13:35)
● Worship (John 4:24)
● Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
8. Membership in the Local Church: Paul speaks of those who are “inside
the church” (1 Cor. 5:12) as well as those who have “standing in the
church” (1 Cor. 6:4). He also seems to assert there are certain “rolls” such
as a widow’s list (1 Timothy 5:9). Greek: to put on a list.
● Ephesians 4:25
● Romans 12:5
● 1 Corinthians 6:15 & 12:27
9. Children are Included in the Church
● Children a great gift from the Lord (1 Chron. 25:5)
● Children to be instructed in the faith (Deut 4:9; 6:1-9).
● Children to be included in Assemblies of Israel (Joel 2:16; 2 Chron.
20:13; 31:18; 34:30).
● The Law read to little ones (Deut. 31:12; Joshua 8:35; 14:9).
● Addressed directly as “saints” (Col. 3:20; Eph. 6:1).
● Children heirs of the covenant promises (See Deut. 1:8, 39; Joshua
14:9; Isa. 59:21). “The secret things belong to the Lord, but the things
that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever” (Deut
29:29).
● Children to receive covenant signs (Gen. 17:12; Acts 2:38-39)
● Children sanctified by one or both believing parents and set apart
from the world (1 Cor. 7:14).

E. The Kingdom of God

1. Definition: “The primary idea of the Kingdom of God in Scripture is that
of the rule of God established and acknowledged in the hearts of sinners by
the powerful regenerating influence of the Holy Spirit, insuring them of the
inestimable blessings of salvation, — a rule that is realized in principle on
earth, but will not reach its culmination until the visible and glorious return
[103]
of Jesus Christ.” — Louis Berkhof

Roman Catholics vs. Reformers

 ● Roman Catholic Church: Holds that the Kingdom of God is the
institutional church of Rome, its structure, leadership, members, and
sacraments. The Kingdom is virtually identical with the visible
church.

● Reformers: The Kingdom of God is closer to the invisible church;

the spiritual reign of Jesus Christ over all of His people, reigning now
as the Ascended Son of God.

● The Westminster Confession of Faith: The visible Church, which

is also catholic or universal under the gospel (not confined to one
nation as before under the law) consists of all those, throughout the
world, that profess the true religion, and of their children; and is the
kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God, out
of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation. (WCF 25:2).

2. Can Be Taken in Multiple Ways:

● One Kingdom - “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” One

Kingdom theologians emphasize the Lordship of Christ over all
things, all nations, culture, art, literature, education etc. and hope to
bring about a total renovation of the world under the banner of
Christ’s authority.

● Two Kingdoms - “My Kingdom is Not of this World.”

Two Kingdom theologians emphasize the distinction between the
kingdom of this world and the kingdom of Christ. They are constantly
in tension; the one secular, the other spiritual.

3. The primary topic of Jesus’s preaching ministry (Matthew 6:33;

12:28; 21:31, etc.). The Father is King (Matt. 22:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev.
12:10). Jesus is the King! (Matt. 21:5; 25:34; Luke 19:38; John 18:36; Col.
1:13; 1 Tim. 6:15; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 17:14; 19:16).

4. Kingdom Parables (Mark 4:26; 4:30; Luke 13:18).

5. The Lord’s Prayer – “Thy Kingdom Come!” (Matt 6:10; Luke 11:2).
 Q 191: What do we pray for in the second petition?
Answer: In the second petition (which is, Thy kingdom come,)
acknowledging ourselves and all mankind to be by nature under the
dominion of sin and Satan, we pray, that the kingdom of sin and Satan
may be destroyed, the gospel propagated throughout the world, the
Jews called, the fulness of the Gentiles brought in; the church
furnished with all gospel officers and ordinances, purged from
corruption, countenanced and maintained by the civil magistrate: that
the ordinances of Christ may be purely dispensed, and made effectual
to the converting of those that are yet in their sins, and the
confirming, comforting, and building up of those that are already
converted: that Christ would rule in our hearts here, and hasten the
time of his second coming, and our reigning with him forever: and
that he would be pleased so to exercise the kingdom of his power in
all the world, as may best conduce to these ends.

6. Present and Future

● The Already - The Messiah has come. The Holy Spirit given. The
Gospel announced. The Church born. Sinners justified. The Mission
begun. “We are saved.”

● The Not Yet - Sanctification in progress. Church still growing.

Many nations not yet reached. Sin and death not yet conquered.
Second Coming soon. New Heavens and New Earth await. “We will
be saved.”

F. Church Government: Three Historical Formulations

1. Episcopal (Greek: episcopos, overseer). Regional bishops presides over
numerous geographic churches. From the Greek term “overseer.” (Acts
20:28, Philippians 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-2). This system seems to have developed
early on as one influential and wise pastor gained reputation and esteem
over an area or a number of young churches. Called “prelacy” with
prejudice by many Puritans. Used widely today in Catholic, Orthodox,
Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist settings.
2. Congregational. The congregation is independent of other church
councils. Leadership selected at the local level. Some have elder boards,
others deacons, or even trustees. Weaker forms of congregationalism are
functionally lead by one man/elder alone. Defended vigorously by John
Owen in England. The Savoy Declaration (1658) set down the principles of
congregationalism in their revision of the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Most Colonial Puritan congregations in the Americas used this system. Still
used widely today in congregational, baptist, and “non-denominational”
settings.

3. Presbyterian. Based upon a system of a plurality of elders, elected by

the congregation. (See especially Acts 14:23; 15:2, 4, 6; 2 Cor. 8:19; 1 Tim
5:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14; 1 Pet 5:1, 5). Churches unite in regional
“presbyteries,” and gather together nationally in “general assemblies.”
Calvin moved towards this in Geneva with church consistories (sessions)
but was hampered by local governments, civil magistrates, and town
councils. Scottish Presbyterians under John Knox formed the representative
church government that the English Episcopal system could not adopt.

Plurality of Elders – “And when they had appointed elders for them in
every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in
whom they had believed” (Acts 14:23). See also: Jerusalem (Acts 11:30),
Ephesus (Acts 20:17), Philippi (Phil. 1:1), Crete (Titus 1:5).

● Consent of the body to be governed. The word here and in 2

Corinthians 8:19 indicates the showing of hands to vote in the
council. Willing submission to chosen leaders is a key principle in
presbyterian government. Elders to be chosen by the people (Num.
1:16; 11:16; Deut. 1:13).
● Avoids charismatic personality cults or authoritarianism by a strong-
armed leader. Peter did not act as a papal authority in the Acts 15
council!

● Specialized deliberation. Avoids the whole church deliberating on

simple issues (changing lightbulbs) or complex issues (legal or
technical details).
 ● Collective Wisdom – “Without counsel plans fail, but with many
advisers they succeed” (Prov. 15:22).

● Accountability to One Another.

● Order (1 Cor. 14:40).

● Sharing of duties and burdens of leadership based in Old Testament

in the wise council of Jethro (see Numbers 11:14-17).

5. Offices of the Church: How Many?

● Jesus Christ the King and Head of His Church!
● No offices but those established in Scripture! Popes, Cardinals,
Arch-Bishops, Prelates, Trustees, “lead pastors” or CEOs, etc.
● Teaching Elders. Sometimes called “pastors” (Greek: shepherds).
Presbuteros = Episkopos. Terms “elders” is equivalent to “bishops”
or “overseers.” (Acts 20:17 = 20:28; See also: Titus 1:5-7; Phil. 1:1).
Primarily function in a teaching/preaching capacity. Qualifications
listed: 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9.
● Ruling Elders. “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy
of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and
teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17). Establishes a distinction between kinds
of elders (i.e. ruling & teaching). To care for the lives of the people of
God (1 Peter 5:1ff). Qualifications = same as teaching elders.
● Deacons. Greek: diaconos. Lit. “through the dust.” The word meant
something like a table waiter. Founded in Acts 6:1-7. Focus primarily
on needs of widows, orphans, poor, the collection. Qualifications =
virtually the same as elders, but see esp. 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons
not required to teach.
● Doctors (Calvin’s Fourth Office?). Some Reformers held that
doctors of the church (professors or teachers of pastors) is its own
calling. Typically doctors are professors of colleges or seminaries.
6. Courts of the Church:
● Session: Governing a local congregation. Elders are usually spoken
of in the plural in New Testament churches. (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:5,
4, 22; 16:4; 20:17, etc.). Govern the affairs of the local church. Order
and discipline.
● Presbytery - Local gathering of churches. See 2 Cor. 8:19;
Galatians 1:1; Revelation 2-3. Ordain, plant churches, court of appeal.
● General Assembly – gatherings of regional leaders coming together
to do the Lord’s business. See the example in Acts 15 regarding the
circumcision controversy. Did not seek new revelation, but used
Scripture, debate, consideration, listening, proposals, agreement, and
resolution to resolve a difficulty affecting the whole church (Acts
15:2, 6, 7, 12, 25, 30).
● The Connectionalism of the Earth Church: Jerusalem sent
teachers to Antioch (Acts 11:22), Antioch sent funds to Jerusalem
(Acts 11:30); Antioch sent missionaries to Galatians (Acts 13);
Galatians and Corinthians supported Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:1-2);
Philippians supported Paul in Thessalonica (Phil. 4:16); Ephesians
sent Epaphras to plant Colossians (Col 1:7), Colossians and
Laodiceans exchanged letters (Col. 4:15). ETC!

7. Thoughts on Para-Church Ministries

● No replacement for the local church. Believer’s loyalty should
primarily be to his/her own congregation.
● Can do specialized work in concert with the church: Bible
translators, publishers, seminaries, homeless shelters, pro-life
ministries, missions sending agencies.
● Basic theological agreement should be ascertained before
partnering; though complete agreement is unlikely as many must
partner broadly and amicably.

G. Is the Church Merely “Organized Religion?”

1. The common critique against churches
Full of hypocrites
Only after the money
Moral failures of leadership
Other critiques…
2. But ‘organized religion’ is better than its logical counterparts…

3. Can I Be a Christian and Not Attend Church? Yes, if…

● Shut-ins (elderly, infirmed)
● Prisoners
● Missionaries on frontier
● Active Military Deployment
● No Geographic Access
24
● And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good
works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but
encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing
near. (Hebrews 10:24-25).
 4. Can I Switch Churches?
Yes if…
● Job Relocation/Move
● Called to New Ministry
● Getting Married
● Doctrine (Heresy)
● Gross Immorality (Abuse etc.)
● Inform Your leadership First
● Reconciliation is Made When Possible

No if…
● Bored
● Don’t want to reconcile with others
● Aesthetics
● Hobby Horses & Sacred Cows

H. Church Size
1. Importance: To what extent does church size matter? Is this relevant to
fulfilling the church’s primary tasks?

“If at any time, then we are troubled at the small number of those who
believe, let us, on the other hand, call to mind, that none comprehend the
mysteries of God save those to whom it is given.”
- (Calvin, Institutes, 1.7.5).

2. Biblical Examples of Counting Sheep:

● Gideon’s 300 - (Judges 7)
 ● Elijah’s 7,000 - (1 Kings 19:18)
● David’s Census - (1 Chronicles 21)
● Jesus’s Twelve Apostles - (Matthew 10:1-2)
● Growth Numbers in the Book of Acts - (Acts 2:41; 6:7)

3. Dangers and Delights of Numbering God’s People

Dangers:
● Pride
● Despair
● Comparison
● Boasting
● Ad populum fallacy (more is better; more = right)
Delights:
● God’s Spirit is moving
● We are never alone!
● Seasons of harvesting
● Humbling
II. The Purpose and Mission of the Church

A. Worship: The Purpose and Heart of Praise

1. Because He is worthy (2 Sam. 22:4; Psalm 18:3; Rev. 4:11; 5:12).
2. Because we are commanded to worship (Ex. 34:14; Psalm 29:2; 95:6;
99:9).
3. Because we were created to worship (Psalm 100; 102:18; 148:5; Isaiah
43:1-7; Col. 1:16).
4. Because it brings us joy (Psalm 33:1; 43:4; 63:5; 95:1; Jer. 33:9; Luke
24:52).
5. Other benefits: resets our priorities, nourishes our souls, gives us rest
from labor, binds believers together. etc.

B. Forms of Worship
1. Personal Worship (Gen. 22:5; Josh 5:14; 1 Sam. 1:3; Job 1:20; Luke
2:37
2. Family Worship (Ex. 12:27; Deut. 4:9; 6:4-9; 32:46; Psalm 22:27; Acts
16:33)
3. Corporate Worship (Ex. 33:10; 2 Chron. 7:3; 29:28; Neh. 8:6; Acts
13:2). See below.
4. Worshipful Life (John 4:24; Romans 12:1; Col. 1:10)

C. Corporate Worship
1. The Regulative Principle. “The light of nature showeth that there is a
God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all, is good, and doth good
unto all, and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in,
and served, with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might.
But the acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by himself,
and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped
according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of
Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in
the holy Scripture” (WCF 21:1).
2. Everything I Command You: You shall not worship the Lord your God
in that way, for every abominable thing that the Lord hates they have done
for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to
their gods. Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You
shall not add to it or take from it. (Deut. 12:31-32).
3. Cain’s Worship Rejected
3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of
the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their
fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for
Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his
face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your
face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? (Gen. 4:3-7; cf.
Heb. 11:4; 1 John 3:12; Jude 1:11).
4. Nadab and Abihu
Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire
in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord,
which he had not commanded them. 2 And fire came out from before the
Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. 3 Then Moses said
to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I
will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron
held his peace. (Lev. 10:1-3; cf. Ex. 30:9).
5. The Eastern Tribes Controversial Altar. See also Joshua 22:10-34.
6. Sacrifices to Demons (Lev. 17:7; Deut. 32:17; Psalm 106:37; 1 Cor.
10:20).
7. Reformed and Lutheran Views on the Regulative Principle
● Lutheran Conceptions (whatever is not forbidden in Scripture is
acceptable)
 ● Presbyterian Conceptions (whatever is commanded in Scripture is
acceptable)

8. Illustration: The Junk Drawer Analogy

9. Examples of Things that Violate the Regulative Principle:
● Invented Rituals and Ceremonies
● Prayer to the Saints, or for the Dead
● Veneration of Mary
● Veneration of Angels
● Veneration of Relics
● Veneration of Icons
● U2Charist
● Beyonce Mass
● Pet Blessing
● Use of Secular Music
● “Worshiptainment”
10. Hezekiah’s Prayer: For forgiveness for violations of the Regulative
Principle: “May the good Lord pardon everyone who sets his heart to seek
God, the LORD, the God of his fathers, even though not according to the
sanctuary’s rules of cleanliness” (2 Chron. 31:18-19).
11. Elements of Worship: Components of worship that are commanded by
God. Things we ought to do in gathered worship by virtue of their
imperative nature.

● Greetings (1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Pet. 5:14)

● Announcements (Rom. 15:22-29; 1 Cor. 16:5-11)

● Calls to Worship (Psalm 95:1; 96:1, 100:1-2)

 ● Confession of Sin (Jam. 5:16; 1 John 1:9; Rev. 2:16)

● Professions of Faith (Deut. 6:5; Romans 10:9; 1 Tim. 1:15; 3:16; 2

Tim. 2:11-13)

● Singing Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs (2 Chron. 29:31; Eph. 5:19;

Col. 3:16; Jam. 5:13)

● Prayer (Rom. 15:30; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2)

● Tithes/Offerings (2 Cor. 8:1-15, 9:1-15)

● Reading Scripture (Ex. 4:7; Deut. 31:9-13; Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27;
1 Tim. 4:13; Rev. 1:3)

● Preaching (Rom. 10:8-14; 1 Cor. 1:17; 2 Cor. 1:19; Eph. 3:8; Col.
1:28)

● Baptizing (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; 16:15; 1 Cor. 12:13; Col.

2:10-11)

● The Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:17-34)

● Benedictions (Num. 6:24-26; Rom. 16:25-27; Jude 24-25; Rev. 1:3)

12. Circumstances – timely methods and manners (technology, times and

lengths, order in which they come)
● Order of the elements in the service (no full order of worship liturgy
[104]
is given in the NT).
● What time to meet, and for how long.
● What topic from Scripture; how much to read
● Appropriateness of attire etc.
● What instruments to use (if any); how to use a choir
 ● What balance between prayer, singing, preaching etc.
● How often to serve the Lord’s Supper

[105]
13. John Wesley on Worship in Song
● Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as
many as you please.
● Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or
mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise,
unlearn it as soon as you can.
● Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as
you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you.
If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing.
● Sing lustily (heartily) and with a good courage. Beware of singing as
if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with
strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of
its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.
● Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from
the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony;
but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear
melodious sound.
● Sing in time. Whatever time is sung be sure to keep with it. Do not
run before nor stay behind it; but attend close to the leading voices,
and move therewith as exactly as you can; and take care not to sing
too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and
it is high time to drive it out from us, and sing all our tunes just as
quick as we did at first.
● Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you
sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature.
In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and
see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to
God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will
 approve here, and reward you when he cometh in the clouds of
heaven.

D. The Dominion Mandate (or Cultural Mandate)

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply
and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea
and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on
the earth” (Genesis 1:28).
● Farms
● Cities
● Technology
● Engineering
● Science
● Exploration
● Health
● Art and Music
1. General to All of Humanity. But how much more so for the church
which seeks to glorify God and bring Him honor!

2. Neglect of ‘Cultural Mandate’ - Results In… devaluing secular

trades/careers; withdrawal from “the world”; failure to live missional lives;
de-emphasizing the arts; political surrender and secular creep…

3. Illustration: Calvin’s Genevan Watchmakers

E. The Great Commission

1. In the NT: And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven
and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-
20; see also Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:44-49; John 20:19-23; Acts 1:8).
2. In the OT: The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3); Psalm 67; Jonah
1-4. David’s Prayer (1 Chronicles 16:23-25). Solomon’s dedicatory prayer
(2 Chronicles 6:32-33).
3. Evangelism: The sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by proclaiming,
explaining, and declaring the good news to all people. Believers to
evangelize broadly, personally, programatically, and ecclesiastically; by
inviting as well as by outreach; in written form as well as verbal form; to
children as well as to adults; cross-culturally as well as among one’s own
people.
4. Missions: Distinguished from broader evangelism. Missions is
evangelism to unreached people groups to establish indigenous churches
where they are not currently in existence. Missions crosses various kinds of
boundary markers including: national boundaries, languages, and ethnic
people groups.

Reached Peoples: Those groups of ethno-linguistic people that are capable

of evangelizing their own tribe or kind, since sufficient local Christian
witness is already present.
Unreached Peoples: Ethno-linguistic people groups (tribes, nations etc.) in
which indigenous Gospel witness is impossible due to the insufficient
presence of Christian churches.
5. Obstacles to the Mission
● Geographic - mountains, seas, deserts, jungles, rivers, plains
● Linguistic - translation in preaching and Scripture
● Cultural - way of life, customs, values, currencies, greetings,
offenses, mores, mannerisms, styles, dress, practices, values.
● Numerical - 8 billion people
● Spiritual - the devil
● External - evil governments
● Internal - apathy, affluence, false teaching, mission creep

F. The Certainty of the Mission’s Success

1. In the OT: Habakkuk 2:14 (See also: Psalm 2:8-12; 72:19; 86:9; Isaiah
2:3; 9;7; 11:9; 19:9; 27:6; 42:4; 59:19; 60:1-6; 61:11; 65:20; Daniel 2:31-
45). The OT in total paints a glorious picture of Gospel success. Stars and
sand. Knowledge of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.
2. In the NT: Rev. 7:9 (See also: Matt 13:31-33; Rev. 11:15; 20:1-6). Every
tribe and nation brought into submission to Christ. Not every individual, but
large scale permeating success. Jesus’ parables of the leaven and small seed
(Matthew 13:31-33).

G. Applications for Reflection and Direct Action

● Pray! Matthew 9:37-38 - Then he said to his disciples, “The
harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly
to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” PCA
goal of 1% of our members.
 ● Send! Acts 13:1-3. We want sad moments of kissing people
goodbye.
● Go! Romans 15:20-29
● Give! Philippians 4:14-20
● Evaluate! Ask: “Does this task/endeavor/initiative contribute
specifically to accomplishing the goal of the Great Commission?”
H. John Piper’s Three Categories of Christians:

● Goers

● Senders

● Disobedient

Neglect of Great Commission - Results In… fear/discomfort with

evangelism; overemphasis on politics as a means of societal change;
confusion of church and state (theocracy); “St. Francis of Assisi.”

I. Discipleship:
1. Discipleship (Greek: Mathetes = learner). The entire life of the
Christian is to be taken up in being a disciple. “Follow me” is the first call
to the believer (Mark 1:17) and the last charge to the saints (John 21:19).
We advance but never graduate in this life. We may become teachers, but
never cease being students.
2. Catechesis (Greek: Instruction). Edification and up-building of the
Body of Christ. (Luke 1:4; Acts 18:25; Rom. 2:18; 1 Cor. 14:19; Gal. 6:6).
“Teaching them to observe ALL that I have commanded you.” (Matthew
28:20).
Biblical Illustration: 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria,
came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25
He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit,
he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew
only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue,
but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained
to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to
Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome
him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had
believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the
Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. (Acts 18:24-28).
Historical Illustration: Martin Luther used his Shorter Catechism to great
effect in the Reformation. It was so effective that the Roman Catholics then
began to utilize this method to keep apace. The Reformed Churches have a
long and glorious history of catechetical methods: Luther’s Larger and
Shorter, Heidelberg, Calvin’s Genevan Catechism, Westminster Larger and
Shorter. Ironically, “catechism” today is thought of as being a “Roman
Catholic” thing.
3. Discipleship is Strengthening the Church
● When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many
disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22
strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue
in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter
the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)
● And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged
and strengthened the brothers with many words. (Acts 15:32).
● After spending some time there, he departed and went from one
place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia,
strengthening all the disciples. (Acts 18:23)

4. The Classical Trivium

Grammar – the content of the Faith (doctrine): “And these words
that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach
them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit
in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie
 down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand,
and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them
on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deut. 6:6-9).
Logic – the consistency of the Faith (thinking clearly): “Think over
what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”
(2 Tim. 2:7; Phil. 4:8).
Rhetoric - defending the faith verbally. “but in your hearts honor
Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to
anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it
with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15; Phil 1:7).
5. Both Children and Adults to Be Catechised.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love
the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all
your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your
heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of
them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when
you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your
hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write
them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deut 6:4-10).
● Westminster Shorter - Children and Families
● Westminster Larger - Pastors, Theologians, Heads of Household
6. Ideals. Discipleship and Teaching Should Be:
● Biblical: 1 Tim. 4:13
● Ethical: 1 Tim 4:16
● Doctrinal: Titus 2:1; 1 Tim. 6:3
● Personal: 2 Chron. 26:5
● Humble: Acts 18:24-28
● Intergenerational: Titus 2:2-4
● Applicable to Life: 2 Tim. 3:10
● Comprehensive: Acts 20:26-27
7. Jonathan Edwards on Children’s Ministry, Youth Groups, and
[106]
Sunday Schools
● Uphold primacy of corporate worship of families in church
● God powerfully present among even children!
● Children and youth are social creatures, same as adults. Same
spiritual needs.
● God’s deep love for children. God converts many as very young
people!
● Special time for youth should be with pastors, elders, and parents
present to ward off temptation; focus on teaching.
NOTES:
III. The Church’s Means of Grace

By “means of grace” we are discussing the media through which God

sanctifies the soul of the believer by deepening our faith, causing us to be
edified and matured in Christ, and drawing us closer to the heart of the
Father. In the Reformed Tradition, traditionally Word and Sacrament. Here
we will broaden it slightly to include prayer, fellowship, the Lord’s Day etc.
as well.

(Left: Roman Catholic; Middle: Pietism; Right: Reformed View)

Illustration from Pilgrim’s Progress

Several times in the Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian takes out his scroll to read
from it in order to find courage for the way. Also, at the Palace Beautiful,
Christian “eats bread and drinks wine” before going into the Valley of
Humiliation. Christian is also sustained and helped by various “pilgrims”:
Evangelist, Help, Faithful, Hopeful etc.

A. The Word
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands
in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers 2 but his delight is in the
law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a
tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf
does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but
are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not
stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for
the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will
perish.” (Psalm 1 ESV).
1. Purpose - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for
teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17
that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2
Timothy 3:16-17).
2. Application and Use
● To Be Read Privately. (Deut 7:18-20; Acts 8:28; 2 Tim. 4:13).
● To Be Committed to Heart. “And these words that I command you
today shall be on your heart.” (Deut. 6:6; Psalm 119:11; Prov. 4:4;
Col. 3:16).
● To Be Read and Preached Publicly. “Blessed is the one who reads
aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and
who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Ex. 24:7; Deut.
31:9-13; Neh. 8:8; Jer. 36:10; Acts 13:15; Col. 4:16; 1 Tim. 4:13; Rev.
1:3).
“On the day named after the Sun, we hold a meeting in one place for
all who live in the cities or in the country nearby. The memoirs of the
apostles or the writings of the prophets are read as long as time
permits. When the reader has finished, the overseer gives a talk
urging and inviting us to imitate all these good examples.” - Justin,
[107]
First Apology, 138 AD.
● To Be Studied in Groups
Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the
church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you,
have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you
also read the letter from Laodicea. (Colossians 4:15-16).
3. Some Metaphors for God's Word:
● Bread - Deut. 8:3
 ● Honey - Psalm 119:103
● Sword - Hebrews 4:12; Eph 6:17
● Hammer - Jeremiah 23:29
● Lamp - Psalm 119:105
● Seed - Matt. 13
● Rain - Isaiah 55:10-11
● Riches - Psalm 119:162
4. Methods to Study Scripture On Your Own:

● Read the Bible in a Year Plans

● Chronological Reading Plans
● Partial Reading Plans (Gospels, NT, Psalms/Proverbs etc)
● Scripture Memory Verses
● Wide Margins & Journaling Bibles
● Use of Multiple Translations
● Miscellanies Notebooks

B. Fellowship
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul,
and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And
all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they
were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds
to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and
breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and
generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And
the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved
(Acts 2:42-47 ESV).
Westminster Confession on Fellowship
Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and
communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual
services as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in
outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities. Which
communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those
who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus (WCF 26.2).
1. Saved into a New Community
That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you
too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the
Father and with his Son Jesus Christ… If we walk in the light, as he is in
the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his
Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 Jn.1:3, 7).
2. The Church as the Matrix of Christian Love
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a
noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and
understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to
remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I
have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain
nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not
arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or
resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all
things. (1 Cor. 13:1-7).
3. The Giftedness of the Church
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties
of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is
the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the
manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Cor. 12:4-7).
4. The Corporate Nature of the Sacraments
16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of
Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of
Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for
we all partake of the one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).
“It is by the grace of God that a congregation is permitted to gather visibly
in this world to share God's Word and sacrament. Not all Christians receive
this blessing. The imprisoned, the sick, the scattered lonely, the proclaimers
of the Gospel in heathen lands stand alone. They know that visible
fellowship is a blessing.” (Deitrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together)
5. Sanctified by Friction — the Curious Case of Euodia and Syntyche
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you
also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side
with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow
workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always;
again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.
The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known
to God. (Phil 4:2-6).
“Only that fellowship which faces such disillusionment, with all its
unhappy and ugly aspects, begins to be what it should be in God's sight,
begins to grasp in faith the promise that is given to it. The sooner this shock
of disillusionment comes to an individual and to a community the better for
both. A community which cannot bear and cannot survive such a crisis,
which insists upon keeping its illusion when it should be shattered,
permanently (Bonhoeffer, Life Together).”
6. The “One Anothers” of Scripture
Love: No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us
and his love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12. cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:12).
Humility: Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe
yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes
the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). Service: As each has
received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied
grace (1 Peter 4:10). Hospitality: Show hospitality to one another without
grumbling (1 Peter 4:9). Confession: Therefore, confess your sins to one
another and pray for one another, that you may be healed (James 5:16).
Meekness: Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may
not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door (James 5:9).
Encouragement: Let us consider how to stir one another to love and good
works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but
encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near
(Hebrews 10:24-25). Teaching: I myself am satisfied about you, my
brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge
and able to instruct one another (Romans 15:14). Patience: So then, my
brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another (1
Corinthians 11:33). Comforting: Aim for restoration, comfort one another,
agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be
with you (2 Corinthians 13:11). Kindness: Be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you
(Ephesians 4:32). Submission: …submitting to one another out of
reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Admonishment: Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all
wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness
in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16). Building up: Therefore encourage
one another and build one another up, just as you are doing (1
Thessalonians 5:11). Doing good: See that no one repays anyone evil for
evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone (1
Thessalonians 5:15).
Illustration: John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim's Progress, weaves so
many narratives of "conversation" into his allegory precisely because it was
through holy conversation with several godly baptist women that he heard
of the need for new birth and regeneration. He came under teaching of
Pastor John Gifford, and savored and treasured people that could talk to
him. He was notorious for cursing and swearing, and thought he could “talk
a good game,” but was overwhelmed by holy converse!

C. Prayer
1. Definition
What is prayer? A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for
things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our
sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies. (WSC 98).
“Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to
God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for
such things as God has promised, or according to the Word of God, for the
good of the church, with submission in faith to the will of God.” –John
Bunyan.
“Prayer is the converse of the soul with God.” — Charles Hodge.
“A kind of intercourse between God and men, by which, having entered
into the upper sanctuary, they appear before Him and appeal to His
promises.” –John Calvin.
2. Attitude in Prayer
How are we to pray? A. We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the
majesty of God, and deep sense of our own unworthiness, necessities, and
sins; with penitent, thankful, and enlarged hearts; with understanding, faith,
sincerity, fervency, love, and perseverance, waiting upon him, with humble
submission to his will. (WLC #185).
Illustration: Calling to my father for help from the Doberman who
attacked me. He immediately showed up with his club to defend me!
Prayer Like Water: “Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the
watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up
thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for
hunger in the top of every street.” (Lamentations 2:19).
● Faithful
● Relentless & Seasonal
● Over/through obstacles
● Changing the terrain
● Necessary for life!
3. Why Pray? If God is sovereign over all things (See WCF 5), why should
we pray?
● Because God commands it
● Prayer is the means by which we draw close to our Father
 [108]
● Change: “God ordains prayer as a means to change history.”
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that
it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on
the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth
bore its fruit (James 5:16-18).
4. Types of Prayer
● Repentance (Psalm 51, Ezra 9, Nehemiah 9; Isaiah 59:9-13)
● Praise (Psalms 145-150)
● Thanksgiving (Psalm 136)
● Intercession (John 17)
● Supplication (Psalm 107:6, 13 etc.)
● Lament (Lamentations)
● Imprecatory (Psalm 58, 109, 137)
5. Biblical Models of Prayer
● The Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6:9-13
● The Psalms – the prayer book of Israel
● Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer - John 17
● Paul’s Prayers: Ephesians 3:14-21; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians
1:9-14; 2 Thess. 1:11-12.
● Short Prayers (Nehemiah 2:4; 6:9) and Long Formal Prayers
(Nehemiah 1:4-11 and 9:6-15).
● Other Biblical Example Prayers: Hannah’s Prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-
10); David’s Prayer (2 Samuel 7:18-29; 1 Chron 29:10-13),
Solomon’s Prayer of Temple Dedication (1 Kings 8:22-53); Asa’s
Prayer (2 Chron. 14:11); Jehoshaphat’s prayer (2 Chron. 20:5-12);
 Hezekiah’s Prayer (2 Kings 19:14-19; Isaiah 37:14-20); Ezra’s Prayer
(9:1-15), many more…
6. Kyrie Eleison - The Simplest Prayer

And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And
behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they
heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on
us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but
they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”32 And
stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for
you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 And Jesus in
pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and
followed him. (Matthew 20:29-34).

7. Traditional Reformed “Pastoral Prayer” on the Lord’s Day

● For the Magistrate
● For Unbelievers/World
● For Churches/Evangelism/Missions
● For the Local Church
● For the Sick, Ill, Dying

8. Easy, Structured Prayers

● ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Praise)
● GRIP (Gratitude, Repentance, Intercession, Praise)
● HAND (children, spouse, enemies, leaders, self)

9. Extra-Biblical Prayer Helps

One Thousand Blessings Journal

Field Notes
 Valley of Vision

A Way to Pray (Matthew Henry)

The Book of Common Prayer

D. The Lord’s Day or Christian Sabbath

“On this day, the thoughts rise to heaven, the tongue speaks of God and is
as the pen of a ready writer, the eyes drop tears, and the soul burns in love.
The heart, which was all the week frozen, on the Sabbath melts with the
Word. The Sabbath is a friend to religion; it files off the rust of our graces;
it is a spiritual jubilee, wherein the soul is set free to converse with its
[109]
Maker.” - Thomas Watson
1. Creation Ordinances
● Work: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of
Eden to work it and keep it.” (Gen. 2:15; cf. Gen. 1:26).
● Marriage: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother
and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Gen.
2:24).
● Rest: “So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on
it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” (Gen.
2:3).
2. Part of the Moral Law (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15)
● The Fourth Commandment: In Exodus, it is explained by the
creation in six days and God’s resting on the seventh (Ex. 20:11); in
Deuteronomy it is explained by God’s deliverance from Egypt (Deut.
5:15).
● Danger of Adding (Pharisees; Legalism). “At that time Jesus went
through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and
they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. But when the Pharisees
 saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not
lawful to do on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:1-2).
● Danger of Subtracting (Antinomianism; Evangelicalism).
3. Sabbath as a Gift of Grace for Holy Rest
● Resting of the body: “Six days you shall do your work, but on the
seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have
rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be
refreshed.” (Ex. 23:12).
● Worshipping with the Local Church:
“There was no time so prized as the Lord's Day, and no place in
this world so desired as God's House.” Jonathan Edwards (WJE
4:184).
“Our public assemblies were then beautiful; the congregation was
alive in God's service, everyone earnestly intent on the public
worship, every hearer eager to drink in the words of the minister
as they came from his mouth; the assembly in general were, from
time to time, in tears while the Word was preached; some
weeping with sorrow and distress, others with joy and love,
others with pity and concern for the souls of their neighbors.”
Edwards (WJE 4:151).
4. Sabbath as a Time for Serving and Loving
● “And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him,
“Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse
him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls
into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of
how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do
good on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:10-12).
5. Sabbath a Day of Healing, Renewal, and Transformation
● Jesus’ Healings on the Sabbath: Man with withered hand (Matt.
12:10; Mark 3:2; Luke 6:6); man with unclean spirit (Mark 1:20;
Luke 4:31; ); woman with a disabling spirit (Luke 13:10); man with
dropsy (Luke 14:1); healing at the pool (John 5:1); blind man (John
 9:14). “Christ wrought most of his miracles upon the sabbath; so he
still does: dead souls are raised and hearts of stone are made flesh.” -
[110]
Watson
● Typological of Eternal Rest: “For if Joshua had given them rest, God
would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains
a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's
rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us
therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same
sort of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:8-11)
Q 103: What does God require in the fourth commandment? Answer:
First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained;
and that I, especially on the sabbath, that is, on the day of rest,
diligently frequent the church of God, to hear his word, to use the
sacraments, publicly to call upon the Lord, and contribute to the relief
of the poor. Secondly, that all the days of my life I cease from my evil
works, and yield myself to the Lord, to work by his Holy Spirit in me:
and thus begin in this life the eternal sabbath. - Heidelberg Catechism
#103.
6. From the Sabbath to the Lord’s Day: “Q: What is required in the
fourth commandment? A: The fourth commandment requires of all men the
sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in
his word, expressly one whole day in seven; which was the seventh from
the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of
the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world; which is the
Christian sabbath, and in the New Testament called The Lord's day.” (WLC,
#116; WCF 21.7; ).
● Creation Day: First Day = Genesis 1:1. Day of creation of light;
separation from darkness.
● The Eighth Day in the OT: Consecration of sheep (Ex. 22:30; Lev.
22:27); circumcision of children (Lev. 9:1; Luke 1:59; Phil. 3:5);
special sacrifices (Lev. 14:9-11; 15:14; Num. 6:10; Ezek. 43:27); holy
convocations (Lev. 23:36; Num. 25:39; 2 Chron. 7:9; Neh. 8:18);
blessing of the King (1 Kings 8:66).
● The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ encounters. (Matt. 28:1;
Mark 16:2, 9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1, 19).
● The Day of Pentecost. The Pouring out of God’s Spirit on Pentecost
likewise came on the first day of the week (Acts 2; cf. Lev. 23:16).
● Passages in which the Early Disciples met on the Lord’s Day. (Acts
20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10).
● Tension with and Expulsion by the Jews. (Acts 13:44-52; 17:1-9;
18:1-6).
● Testimonies of the Early Church:
“But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread,
and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions,
that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one that is at variance
with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that
your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken
by the Lord: In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for
I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among
the nations.” - The Didache, First Century
“It is not the present Sabbaths which I find acceptable but only the
one I have ordained, on which I will put all things to rest and then
make the eight day begin. This means a different world. This is why
we celebrate the first day of the week so joyfully, the same day also
on which Jesus rose from the dead and, after he had manifested
himself, ascended into heaven.” (Letter of Barnabas, ca. 120 AD).
[111]

“On the day named after the sun, we hold a meeting in one place for
all who live in the cities or the country nearby. The memoirs of the
apostles or the writings of the prophets are read as long as time
[112]
permits.” (Justin Martyr, First Apology, ca. 138 AD).
“We all choose Sunday for our communal gathering because it is the
first day, on which God created the universe by transforming
darkness and primal matter, and because Jesus Christ, our healing
 savior, rose from the dead on the same day.” (Justin Martyr, First
[113]
Apology, ca. 138 AD).
7. Views in the Reformed Tradition
● The Continental View: Calvin, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the
Belgic Confession view the Sabbath as part of the ceremonial law,
and not to strictly regulate the Christian life.
● The Puritan View: The Scottish/English Puritan view is a stricter
interpretation of the Sabbath, seeing it as part of the moral law, and
therefore to be continually abided.
8. Practicalities and Advice
● Devotion - be centered around the gathered assembly, family
worship, and personal devotion. Not to be neglected (Lev. 23:3; Heb.
10:25).
● Works of Necessity - to be maintained for safety and public order
(police, fire, hospitals, soldiers etc.).
● Works of Mercy - to be encouraged for the good and edification of
the church (visiting orphans, prisoners, widows, hospitals)
● Commerce - to be minimized since it is work or requires work of
others (Nehemiah 13:16-22)
● Entertainment - to be avoided as worldly and exhausting (sports
competition; hunting;
9. Conclusion: Jesus Christ is Lord of the Sabbath
The Sabbath makes clear that Christians are not lorded over by the
workplace, entertainments, sloth, workaholism etc. Honoring the Lord’s
Day gives proper place to Christ, rests the body from physical labor, and
builds the heart and unity of the family.
NOTES:
IV. The Sacraments of the Church

A. Definition of Sacraments: “Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the

covenant of grace, immediately instituted by God, to represent Christ, and
his benefits; and to confirm our interest in him: as also, to put a visible
difference between those that belong unto the church, and the rest of the
world; and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ,
according to his Word” (WCF 27:1).
1. Signs: Something that points to a reality greater than itself.
2. Seals: An official stamp of approval (example: seal on Simone’s
adoption papers).
3. Terms: Sacraments may also be called “ordinances.” (Both terms used in
WCF). The term “sacrament” is not in the Bible, but was first used by
Tertullian in relation to Christian theology. Originally, a sacrament was a
military term of one who puts down a visible pledge of loyalty.
4. Sacraments Must Be:
● Continual - to be of perpetual use in the church
● Commanded by Christ - Specifically given by Christ
● Christocentric - Visual displays of Gospel promises
● Thus: there are only two in Reformed Churches; baptism and the
Lord’s Supper. The RCC identifies seven: communion, baptism,
marriage, holy orders, extreme unction (last rites), ordination, and
confirmation.
● “Such as wean themselves from the breast of ordinances seldom
thrive; either they grow light in the head, or lame in their feet.”
(Thomas Watson).
Roman Catholic Seven Sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist (Lord’s Supper),
Confirmation, Penance (Confession), Marriage, Anointing the Sick
(extreme unction; “last rites”), Holy Orders (ordination).
B. Baptism: Rite of entrance into the official body of the Church, in a sense
it is an engagement or betrothal to Christ. (Note connection to Circumcision
in Colossians 2:11-12). Represents repentance. Symbolizes union with
Christ. Baptism is a covenantal expression.

1. A Naming Rite: Baptism to be performed in the name of the Father, Son,

and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20).

2. Entrance into the Covenant Community: Whether administered to a

covenant child or a new believer, baptism serves as the official entrance into
the vibrant life of the church community.

3. Connection to Circumcision: “In him also you were circumcised with a

circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by
the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in
which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working
of God, who raised him from the dead” (Colossians 2:11-12).

4. Types of Baptisms and Uses of the Term in the NT

● The Baptism of John (Matt. 3:6; Mark 11:30; Luke 3:7; John 3:22-
30; Acts 19:3)
● The Unique Baptism of Jesus Christ (Matt. 3:13-17)
 ● Individual or Group Baptism of Converts (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 8:26-40;
9:18; 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:14)
● Household Baptism (Acts 16:11-15 and 16:25-24; 1 Cor. 1:16)
● The Redemptive-Historical Baptism of the Exodus Deliverance (1
Cor. 10:2)
● The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8; Acts 1:5; 11:16;
● Baptism as the Suffering, Death, and Resurrection of Christ (Mark
10:38-39; Luke 12:50;
● Baptism on behalf of the dead (1 Cor. 15:29. Calvin - new converts
inspired by death of martyrs).
● Baptism as Ceremonial Cleansing (Mark 7:1-5)

5. Historic Modes & Practices of Water Baptism

● Immersion
● Pouring
● Sprinkling
● Singular (emphasizing “name”)
● Trine (emphasizing “of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit”)

6. Some Considerations on Pouring as a Mode of Baptism

● But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior
appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in
righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of
regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on
us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by
his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
(Titus 3:4-7)
● The word “baptizo” primarily means immerse, but can also mean to
sprinkle or pour. See Mark 7:4-5 (tables/couches), Rev.19:13 =
 “dipped”; Hebrews 9:10 & 10:22 = sprinkling rights.
● Water baptism connected as a sign of Holy Spirit baptism (Matt.
3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; 1 Cor. 12:13).
● Imagery of the Holy Spirit given to God’s people is “poured”.
(Proverbs 1:23; Isaiah 32:15, 44:3; Ezek. 39:29; Joel 2:28; Zech
12:10; Acts 2:18, 33; 10:45; Romans 5:5). Pouring may also be
implied in Galatians 3:27.
● The Law of God and sprinkling: leprosy (Lev. 14:6-7), defilement of
the dead (Num. 19:11-13), cleansing of Levites (Num. 8:7).
● Prophesecies emphasizing sprinkling/pouring work of the Messiah,
grace, and forgiveness (Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 52:15; Ezekiel 36:25-28)
● Paul’s baptism likely by pouring. “17 So Ananias departed and
entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother
Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you
came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with
the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from
his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19
and taking food, he was strengthened.” (Acts 9:18).
● Earliest Christian art depicts baptism standing in water with pouring
over the head; were both modes used? Which order?
Counter-Arguments to Immersion.
● Jesus and John the Baptist came “up out of the water.”
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was
baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the
water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit
descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-
11).
● Baptism as a Picture of Resurrection.
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may
abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3
 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ
Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with
him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised
from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in
newness of life. (Romans 6:1-4).
● Baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the
south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a
desert place. . . 36 And as they were going along the road they came
to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What
prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:26-36).

7. Key Thought: The meaning of covenant baptism is greater than the

mode of baptism! Believers should be charitable with one another as the NT
does not give any “how to” section on baptism.

8. Why Do We Baptize Children?

● Covenantal structure of OT and NT. (See children in the church).
● Relationship to Circumcision (See Colossians 2:8-12).
● The Blood Sign (Circumcision) points forward to Christ’s death; the
[114]
Water Sign (Baptism) points backward to grace’s reality.
● The Household baptisms in the NT (Acts 16; 1 Corinthians 1).
● Direct Inferences (Acts 2:39-41; Matthew 19:13-15).
 [115]
9. Infant Baptism in the Early Church

● Accounts of adult baptism dominate NT and early writings due to

Christianity’s missionary work among heathens and pagans.
● Optional baptism of children seems to be of apostolic origin. “No
time can be fixed at which it was first introduced.”
● Polycarp (AD 69 - 155) most likely baptized as a child, according to
historian Philip Schaff.
● Tertullian (AD 160 - 220) argues against infant baptism confirming
the early practice. He is against it because he believed it wiped away
prior sins and should be delayed until almost near death.
● Hippolytus (AD 170 - 235) in the year AD 215 says infant baptism
is the standard practice. (Apostolic Tradition 21:1-5).
● Origen (AD 185 - 253) attributes the baptism of children to (Matt
19:13-15) and believes it is from apostolic era. “The church has
received the tradition from the apostles and given baptism even to
little children.” (Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans).
● Cyprian (AD 210 to 258) and the Council of Carthage (AD 253)
debate whether baptism should be as early as possible (second or third
day) or on the 8th day as per circumcision. Earlier time agreed.
● Gregory Nazainzus (AD 329 - 390) recommends age 3 as the
appropriate time for baptism.
10. “Improving” Your Baptism

● Holiness: Romans 6:1-4, Paul argues against continued sin based on

the believer’s baptismal identification.

● Identity: Remembering your identity in Christ. To be recalled every

time the covenant community celebrates a new baptism!

● Witness: Challenge to live in obedience as a publicly identified

Christian.

● Responsibility: Taking responsibility for the nurture and catechism

of the newly baptized.

● Accountability: To the church as the baptized body (church

discipline).

● Repentance: Continual confession of sin as the Spirit convicts.

C. The Lord’s Supper: Renewal of the covenant by faith; the sacrament of

“continuing fellowship with God to be received by faith over and over
[116]
again.”

1. Names of the Sacrament

● Lord’s Supper – emphasis on nourishment
● Lord’s Table – emphasis on accountability (fencing the table)
● Communion – emphasis on fellowship with Christ/Church
● Eucharist – emphasis on the blessing of God. One of the earliest
names for the Supper; already called “the thanksgiving” in the
Didache 9:1 (first or second century).
 ● The Sacrament of the Body and Blood (old Reformed, Puritan
title)

2. Key Concepts Related to the Lord’s Supper

For the Church: The Corporate Nature (1 Corinthians 11)

● 11:17 because when you come together...
● 11:18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church…
● 11:20 When you come together…
● 11: 33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat…

The Words of Institution

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord
Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had
given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do
this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after
supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often
as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25).

The Mystery of Koinonia: The Horizontal and the Vertical

16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of
Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of
Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for
we all partake of the one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).

Blessings and Curses

That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we
judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged
by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along
with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:30-32).

3. Other Historic Views of the Lord’s Supper:

● Transubstantiation (Roman Catholic). As early as 9th Century.
Codified in 1215 at the Fourth Lateran Council. Pope Innocent III.
 Thomas Acquinas’s view adopted by Council of Trent. Literal “trans-
elementalism” as well as re-sacrifice of Christ. Adoration of the host
required.
● Zwinglian/Memorial (Zwingli, many Baptists, non-denominational
churches). Attempted correction to the transubstantiation doctrine of
the RCC. Emphasized the “remembrance” of the meal. (Luke 22:19; 1
Cor. 11:24).
● Lutheran: Lutheran: “This is my body…” (“in”, “with,” and
“under” the bread; the mystery; Formula of Concord). Argued that the
bread was something like the incarnation of Christ (both God &
Man); requires the doctrine of “ubiquity” - that Christ’s ascended
body be omnipresent. Luther and Zwingli could not agree on this
principle in the Colloquy of Marburg (1529).
4. The Real Presence (The Reformed View). Calvin: the Body of Christ is
at the right hand of the Father; thus we are communing with the real
presence (spiritual, divine nature of Christ).
● “This is my body” - definition of the word “to be/is/am.”
● Not a mere symbol, but an encounter with Christ
● The divine nature of Christ = omnipresence
● The human nature of Christ = Christ’s body in Heaven at the Right
Hand of God
● “Feeding on Christ” by faith
● A higher encounter with God than music, nature, etc.
● Avoid the two errors of superstition and secularism (see above).
5. The Lord’s Supper in Redemption History: Continuity &
Discontinuity with Passover.
● Meals as celebrations of covenants = (See Melchizedek and
Abraham. Gen. 14:17-20; Moses at Sinai. Exodus 24:11).
 ● Jesus celebrating Passover with disciples (Matt 26:17; Mark 14:12;
Luke 22:11; John 13:1).
● Sacrifice of the Lamb (Exod. 12:27). Perfection and sufficiency.
● Deliverance from Sin/Captivity
● Solemnity and reverence = repentance

Perspectives on the Lord’s Supper

● Past. Looking backward, to Christ’s supper, death, resurrection.
(Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:23-25).

● Present. Experiencing koinonia fellowship with Christ and His

people in the present. (1 Cor 10:14-18).

● Future. Proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes again. (1 Cor

11:26; cf. Luke 22:18). Wedding Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9).

6. Fencing the Table and Dangers of Receiving

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an
unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.
28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of
the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body
eats and drinks judgment on himself. (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).
● To be celebrated by believers (1 Corinthians 11:24).
● For those in communion with a local church for accountability;
baptism and church membership.
● With proper reverence, self-examination, and confession of sin (1
Corinthians 11:27-28)
● Warnings of taking irreverently; judgment on oneself (1 Cor. 11:29);
physical sickness, death (1 Cor. 11:30).
● Excommunication = banishment from the Sacrament
Illustration: The “Stop Light” Analogy

● Red: Don’t receive if...

● Yellow: Proceed with caution if...

● Green: Full steam ahead if…

7. Applications for the Heart: Purposes of the Lord’s Supper

● Remembering the Cross
● Sealing the Promises (authenticate, validate, guarantee)
● Repentance of Sins
● “Feeding on Christ” as a Means of Grace
● Deepening of Fellowship
● Longing for His Return
● “Use of Examination” - am I in Christ? See Mark 14:19.
8. Preparation to Receive the Lord’s Supper (Practical Suggestions)
● The Necessity of Preparation (1 Cor. 11:28; Matt. 26:22)
● Review the Gospel Accounts (Matt. 26; Mark 13; Luke 22)
● Confess all known sin using Ten Commandments (Exod. 20)
● Consult Westminster Larger Catechism #170-175, esp. #171
Q 171: How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper
to prepare themselves before they come unto it?
Answer: They that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper are,
before they come, to prepare themselves thereunto, by examining
themselves of their being in Christ, of their sins and wants; of the
truth and measure of their knowledge, faith, repentance; love to God
and the brethren, charity to all men, forgiving those that have done
them wrong; of their desires after Christ, and of their new obedience;
 and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by serious meditation,
and fervent prayer.
● Apologize and Receive Forgiveness from Others (Matt. 5:23)
NOTES:
V. The Doctrine of the Church: Creeds and
Confessions

A. Why Creeds and Confessions? Story: The Hymnal Bandit

1. Concerns: Sola Scriptura?
● Adding to Scripture?
● Equal to Scripture?
● The Words of Men?
2. The Need for Creed!
● Brevity
● Clarity
● Unity
● Division (Good Fences = Good Neighbors)
3. Proto Creeds and Biblical Summaries
● Deuteronomy 6:4-5*
● Romans 10:9
● Philippians 2:6-11
● 1 Timothy 1:15 & 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:11-13*
4. Early Christian Creeds and Confessions
● Coptic Baptismal Formula
● Old Roman Symbol
● Tertullian’s Rule of Faith
● Irenaeus, Against Heresies
 [117]
● Justin, First Apology

B. Catholic Creeds (Accepted by Catholics and Protestants)

1. Apostles’ Creed
2. Nicene Creed
3. Chalcedonian Creed
4. Athanasian Creed

C. Reformed Confessions
1. Westminster Confession
2. Heidelberg Confession
3. Scots Confession
4. Canons of Dort
5. Belgic Confession
6. Helvetic Confession(s)
7. The 39 Articles
8. Augsburg Confession

D. Historical Situations Prompting Creed Writing

1. Crisis
2. Controversy
3. Clarity
4. Conciliation

E. The Westminster Confession of Faith

1. What ‘Crisis’ Precipitated its Writing?
The English Civil War: King Charles vs. Parliament
Struggle between hierarchical and presbyterian forms of church
government.
King Charles I killed, and Parliament has “window” of opportunity.
2. Solemn League and Covenant
In 1643 England entered a covenant with Scotland to agree together in
doctrine and church government; essentially to “stand together” in the
results of the Westminster Assembly. Scotland sends delegates with great
influence to assembly.
3. Who Wrote the WCF and Where?
● 151 Believers:
● 121 ministers (Anglicans, Presbyterians, and Independents + Scots)
● 20 House of Commons
● 10 Landowners.
● Met from 1643-1648 in Westminster Abbey, where Kings are
crowned and monarchs, authors, civil servants are buried.
4. Goals of the Assembly of Divines
● Clarify Church of England doctrine and govt.
● Unite England, Scotland, and Ireland.
● Strengthen reputation w/ Continental Reformed
5. What Did the Assembly Produce?
● Main Confession, 33 chapters
● Shorter Catechism, 107 questions
● Larger Catechism, 196 questions
● Directory of Public Worship
 ● Form of Government
6. What is the General Outline?
● God the Creator (WCF 1-5)
● The Fall of Man (WCF 6-10)
● The Redemption of Man (WCF 11-17)
● Worship as a Response (WCF 18-23)
● The Restoration of all Things (WCF 30-33)
7. Who Uses the WCF Today?
● PCA
● OPC
● ARP
● EPC
● RPCNA
● Church of Scotland
● Free Church of Scotland
● Others:
How are the Confession and Catechisms Utilized? Devotion
● Study
● Teaching
● Catechism
● Ordination
● Liturgy
● Discipline
8. Adapted, Modifications, and Revisions
 ● London Baptist Confession of 1689
● Savoy Declaration of 1658 (Congregational)
● American Revisions: 1788, 1887, 1903, 1936 (OPC & PCA)
9. What is the Most Famous Line?
WSC Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
Part Eight:
The Christian Life
(Long to Grow in All of His Grace)
I. True Spirituality

A. Biblical Summaries of True Spirituality:

1. Worship in Spirit in Truth: You worship what you do not know; we
worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is
coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father
in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
(John 4:22-24).
2. Walk Humbly with God: He has told you, O man, what is good; and
what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8).
3. Religion that Is Pure: If anyone thinks he is religious and does not
bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit
orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from
the world. (James 1:26-27).
4. Love God With All the Heart: 36 “Teacher, which is the great
commandment in the Law?” 37 And [Jesus] said to him, “You shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. (Matt. 22:36-38).
5. Love and Live with God: And the LORD your God will circumcise
your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD
your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
(Deut. 30:6)
6. Tremble at My Word: All these things my hand has made, and so all
these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I
will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
(Isaiah 66:2).
7. Love as the Essence of the Spiritual Life: If I speak in the tongues of
men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging
cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and
all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have
not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body
to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
8. Fear God and Keep His Commands: The end of the matter; all has
been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole
duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every
secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

B. Soren Kierkegaard on True Spirituality: The Leap of Faith

Aesthetic Ethical Religious

Entertainment Responsibility Religion A
Externals Duty Awareness
Experiences Higher calling of Sin
Passivity Universal morals Guilt
Group think Right living Finitude
Apathy Struggle and
Boredom victory LEAP OF
Angst Conscientiousness FAITH
Despair
Heath Religion B
Wealth Confession
Station Total
Success resignation
The Paradox
of the God-
Man (Christ)
The Absurd
Confession
“Purity of
heart is to
 will one
thing”

C. Soren Kierkegaard on Purity of Heart

The Absolute The Relative

Absolutely Commit to the Commit to the
Absolute Relative
absolutely absolutely
Relatively Commit to the Commit to the
Absolute Relative
relatively relatively

D. Francis Schaeffer on “True Spirituality” as Knowing the “God Who

is There”
[118]
Substantial Healing of the Total Person
● Fear of the Impersonal
● Fear of Non-Being
● Fear of Death
● “The Mark” of Christian Love (John 13:34-35)
“This is where true worship is found: not in stained glass windows, candles,
or altar pieces, not in contentless experiences, but in communion with the
God who is there—communion for eternity, and communion now, with the
[119]
infinite personal God as Abba, Father.”

E. A.W. Tozer on True Spirituality as the Pursuit of God

“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” (Psalm
63:8)
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O
God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and
appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).
“We pursue God because, and only because, He has first put an urge within
us that spurs us to the pursuit. ‘No man can come to me,’ said our Lord,
‘except the Father which hath sent me draw him.’. . . The impulse to pursue
God originates with God, but the outworking of that impulse is our
following hard after Him. . . The continuous and unembarrassed
interchange of love and thought between God and the soul of the redeemed
man is the throbbing heart of New Testament religion. . . To have found
God and still pursue HIm is the soul’s paradox of love. . . Come near to the
holy men and women of the past and you will soon feel the heart of their
desire after God. They mourned for Him, they prayed and wrestles and
sought for Him day and night, in season and out, and when they had found
[120]
Him the finding was all the sweeter for the long seeking.”

F. John Piper on True Spirituality as “Christian Hedonism”

1. The longing to be happy is a universal human experience, and as is good,
not sinful.
2. We should never try to deny or resist our longing to be happy, as though
it were a bad impulse. Instead we should seek to intensify this longing and
nourish it with whatever will provide the deepest and most enduring
satisfaction.
3. The deepest and most enduring happiness is found only in God. Not from
God, but in God.
4. The happiness we find in God reaches its consummation when it is
shared with others in the manifold ways of love.
5. To the extent that we try to abandon the pursuoit of our own pleasure, we
fail to honor God and love people. To put it positively: The pursuit of
pleasure is a necessary part of all worship and virtue: that is:
[121]
The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.
 ● You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain
and wine abound. (Psalm 4:7)
● You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is
fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm
16:11).
● For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of
righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17).

G. Brother Lawrence: True Spirituality as “Practicing the Presence of

God.”
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for
this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess. 5:16)
“The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of
God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking
humbly and lovingly with Him in all seasons, at every moment, without
limiting the conversation in any way. This is especially important in times
of temptation, sorrow, seperation from God, and even in times of
[122]
unfaithfulness and sin.”

H. Thomas A Kempis: True Spirituality as “The Imitation of Christ.”

“‘He who follows me, walks not in darkness,’ (John 8:12) says the Lord.
These are the words of Christ by which we are told that we should imitate
His life and manners if we want to be truly enlightened and delivered from
all blindness of heart. Let our chief endeavor, therefore, be to meditate upon
[123]
the life of Jesus Christ.”

I. Julian of Norwhich: True Spirituality as Contemplation of Divine

Love.
"He showed me something small, no bigger than a hazelnut, lying in the
palm of my hand, and I perceived that it was as round as any ball. I looked
at it and thought, What can this be? And I was given this general answer: It
is everything which I have made. I was amazed that it could last, for I
thought that it was so little that it could suddenly fall into nothing And I was
answered in my understanding: It lasts and always will, because God loves
it; and thus everything has being through the love of God. And in this little
thing I saw three properties. The first is that God made it, the second that
God loves it, and the third that God preserves it. But what is that to me? It is
that God is the Creator and the Lover and the Protector. For until I am
substantially united to him, I can never have love or rest or true happiness. .
[124]
."

J. Jonathan Edwards: True Spirituality as “Benevolence to Being in

General”
1. Benevolence is “Love.” Good will. That beauty that proceeds from the
heart. Concern for one’s well-being and delighting in one’s happiness.
2. Being is “Intelligent Existence.” True virtue is loving the living God in
particular and the intelligent creatures that God has made in general. Love
cannot be limited to party, tribe, or family.
3. True Virtue as Loving God Above All Else. As God alone is Self-
Existent, true morality centers on the creature loving the Creator maximally.
Love should be consistent with the excellence of a being.
Love → God > Archangel >Worm > Rock. Thus loving God is the
highest moral virtue of all.
4. Benevolence Should be “Disinterested” - Loving without hope of
benefit or gain from the other for selfish or manipulative ends.

NOTES:
II. The Law of God

Illustration: In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian and Hopeful are tempted to

find an easier way than the rough, jagged path. They hop over the wall and
begin to cross “Bypath Meadow” which promises ease. Unfortunately, this
only leads to Doubting Castle and the Giant Despair.

A. Gospel – The Good News. What God has done for us, especially in
Jesus Christ. The “indicatives” of the faith. Note that the Law is preceded
by the “Good News” of deliverance in the Ten Commandments: See
Deuteronomy 5:6, “‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the
land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Compare Exodus 20:1).
1. Promises
2. Divine Actions
3. Works of Redemption
4. Especially: Life, Death, & Resurrection of Christ

B. Law – What God requires of us. The “imperatives” of the faith.

1. Moral (Ten Commandments, etc.).
2. Ceremonial (Laws for Temple & Sacrifice). “Priesthood, animal
sacrifices, feasts, circumcision, Day of Atonement, laws of cleanliness,” etc.
[125]

3. Civil (Laws for Israel as a Nation). “Crimes punishable by the state and
[126]
the penalties required for them.” (Ex. 31:15; Lev. 20:9; Num. 1:51).
Capital crimes, property laws, cities of refuge, war and conquering of
Promised Land, slaves and female captives, leverite marriage (brother’s
widow).
The ceremonial law has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ and has been
abrogated (see WCF 19.3) as well as the civil law applied to Israel during
the time it existed as a body politic (see WCF 19.4). But the moral law is
binding in all ages on all peoples.
4. Illustration: The Homosexuality and Shellfish Argument.

C. Natural Law - In complete concert and harmony with the revealed Law
in Scripture, God has also written the law on the heart of man (Romans
2:15), so that even the creation itself shows us the right way to live.
1. The creation design itself guides mankind toward flourishing through
God’s moral order. Examples - heterosexual monogamy, maternal and
paternal protection of life, the strength of the family structure.
2. The conscience warns man of his sin; even when he has not heard the
revealed Law preached. Man knows stealing is wrong, homosexuality is
perverse, abortion is murder etc.
3. Natural Law is not a replacement for Scripture, but testifies to it.
Illustration: Like pre-installed apps on a phone or computer. Default
settings in the heart or conscience of man.

D. Summaries of the Law

1. The Ten Commandments: The Two Tables of the Law. Calvin’s
Institutes, Heidelberg Catechism, Westminster Larger and Shorter
Catechism all have extended treatments of the Law of God. The following
[127]
reasons suggest their central importance:

● Sinai: cloud, trumpet, smoke, thunder, fire (Ex. 19:16-20)

● Vox Dei: (Ex. 20:1)
● Finger of God (Ex. 31:18)
● Stone Tablets (Ex. 31:18)
● Placed in the Ark (Deut. 10:2)
 ● Angels Present (Deut. 32:2)

2. The Greatest Commandment: 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him

a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the
Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great
and first commandment. 39 And the second is like it: You shall love your
neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law
and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:35-40).

3. The New Commandment: 34 A new commandment I give to you, that

you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one
another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you
have love for one another.” (John 13:34).
4. Others: Creation Ordinances (dominion/stewardship, marriage,
multiplication, work, worship, sabbath rest, etc.); Micah 6:8; Deuteronomy
10:12-14; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
5. Law/Gospel Distinction: Some Reformed theologians hold to a very
strong Law/Gospel distinction (Michael Horton) others to a much softer
distinction (John Frame). [Luther’s Influence].

6. Some Dangers in Confusing Law and Gospel

 ● Antinomianism - No law, Anti-Law. Emphasis on the gospel at the
expense of the Law’s moral guidance.
● Legalism - Emphasis on the Law with neglect of the gospel’s saving
mercy to sinners.
● Phariseeism - A lifestyle devoted to public acts of righteousness, to
the neglect of internal heart change.
● Hypocrisy - Failure to have congruity between words and deeds; a
gap between beliefs and life.
Illustration: Interpreter's House - the Law sweeps the dusty heart, but only
makes more of a mess. The Damsel with the water (gospel) alone can clean
the parlor.

E. The Two Tables of the Law

1. The Great Commandment: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you
out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other
gods before me’ (Deuteronomy 5:6, cf. Exodus 20:1). The Ten
Commandments unique in that God Himself both spoke them (vox dei) and
wrote them. (Deut. 5:22-26).
[128]
Beeke’s Principles for Interpreting the Ten Commandments
● Negative prohibitions imply positive duties and vice versa
● Precepts regarding outward actions imply inward attitudes
● The Commandments express God’s created order
● Specific precepts reveal broad principles
● To be fulfilled in love
2. The First Table: Commandments 1 - 4
1st. Worship of God Alone - Supreme among all the Commandments.
Called the “first and greatest” by Jesus. All the rest are essentially
“commentaries” and applications on how to apply the 1C. “Love the Lord
your God with all your heart” (Deut. 6:5).
2nd. Prohibition Against Idols - All idols necessarily truncate God’s glory
and reduce Him to the level of creation (Romans 1:18f). See the Apostle
John’s final warning against idols in 1 John 5. All worship by means of
images prohibited as God cannot be depicted: Deut 4:15-18, 23, 25. The
“Regulative Principle” of Worship.
3rd. The Holy Name - The importance of the concept of “name” for the
Hebrews. (See Names of God and Names of Christ). God reveals His holy
name to Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3). All speech to safeguard and
uplift God’s holiness.
4th. The Sabbath - A creation ordinance. Rest and worship. False views
include workweek/weekend, and secular/sacred; a true Sabbatarian view
teaches the right use of time as an act of worship in work and rest. Resting
reminds us that we are finite creatures.
3. The Second Table: Commandments 5 - 10.
5th. Father and Mother. Beginning of “Second Table,” human relationships
among one another. Honoring those above us in our stations in life. WCF
applies not only to parents but all authorities in life. The righteous life in
relationship to all neighbors.
6th. Murder - Jesus applies this not only to actual murder, but to hatred in
the heart (S.O.T.M.). Even hatred puts us in danger of the fires of hell.
Murder distinguised from capital penalty, manslaughter, and just war.
7th. Adultery - All acts and inclinations toward sexual immorality besides
chastity in singleness and fidelity in monogamous, heterosexual marriage
are forbidden. Jesus applies this even to lust in the heart.
8th. Theft - Contentment and thankfulness guard against the temptation to
take that which is not our own. Theft is a denial of God’s sufficiency and
provision for us.
9th. False Witness - We are to speak the truth at all times, even to our own
hurt. Especially guard one another’s reputation from slander and harm.
Speak truth in love. Charatibility.
10th. Coveting - A purely internal commandment of the Ten showing that
the heart matters and not just the external actions. Like the 8C, related to
thankfulness and contentment in one’s station in life.

Note: The WSC (41-82) and the WLC (98-149) contain excellent
discussions and applications of each of the Ten Commandments from
negative (don’t) and a positive (do!) perspective.

F. Obedience & The Three Uses of the Law

● First Use – guilt that turns us to the Gospel (Mirror). Rom. 3:19-20;
Gal. 3:10-11; James 2:10; 1 Tim. 1:9-10. “The law is therefore
necessary to give knowledge of sin, so that proud man, who thought
he was whole, may be humbled by the discovery of his own great
wickedness, and sigh and pant after the grace that is set forth in
[129]
Christ.” - Martin Luther
● Second Use – social restraint for civil life (Guardrail). Shame,
crime, punishment, social and civil deterance. Fear of punishment.
Rom. 13:1-7.
● Third Use – the life that pleases God (Wedding Ring). Psalm 119:1;
Rom. 13:8; John 14:15; 1 John 5:3. Psalm 119:7-8, 105.
1. Lutheran vs. Reformed Emphasis: Luther emphasized the first use of
the Law that it shows us our sin like a mirror and turns us to the cross.
Calvin emphasized the third use of the Law in guiding us to a life that is
pleasing to God. (Institutes 3.7.12).
2. Evangelical Obedience vs. Legal Obedience: We obey God out of a
changed and truly transformed heart that desires to honor Him! We no
longer “obey” merely out of fear of punishment. Desire to please vs. fear of
getting caught.
3. Illustration – C.S. Lewis and “Sixpence none the richer.” Even our
obedience is merely that which we give back to God out of love and
gratitude, but we work and serve Him from the faith, energy, and gratitude
that he gives us, just as a father might give his daughter the money to buy
him a gift.

G. Objection:
1. Isn’t Christianity More about a Relationship with God than “Rules
to Follow?” Of course, but all real relationships have rules too. For
instance, within marriage, the better stronger marriages are those that obey
the “rule” to be exclusively devoted to one another.
2. Illustration: Music - following the “rules” of the musical score provides
greater, not less, freedom to play passionately. Augustine says that the 10
Commandments are like “a harp of ten strings” upon which we play
[130]
beautiful music to God.
3. Illustration: Driving - following the rules of the road provides greater,
not less, freedom.

H. Obedience To God and Proper Authorities (Rom. 13).

1. Parents
2. Church leaders
3. Civil government
4. Others…
“For how can the idea of God enter your mind without instantly giving rise
to the thought, that since you are his workmanship, you are bound, by the
very law of creation, to submit to his authority?—that your life is due to
him?—that whatever you do ought to have reference to him? If so, it
undoubtedly follows that your life is sadly corrupted, if it is not framed in
obedience to him, since his will ought to be the law of our lives.” (Calvin,
Institutes, 1.2.2).
NOTES:
III. The Obedient Life

A. Holiness: The Sanctified Life

1. Commanded: Be holy, for I am holy (Lev 11:44). Definitions: Hebrew:
‫( ָׁק דֹוש‬Qadosh). Greek: ἅγιος (hagios). Set apart for special use and devotion
to the Lord. Things that are holy: place or ground; Tabernacle/temple (Ex.
3:5; Psalm 3:4); Zion/Jersualem (Matt. 27:53); meetings and convocations
(Ex. 12:16); time and sabbath (Ex. 16:23); people (Ex. 22:31; 30:29; Psalm
86:2; Mark 6:20; Luke 1:70); garments (Ex. 28:2); offerings and sacrifices
(Ex. 29:34; Lev. 2:3); oil (Ex. 37:29); Angels (Matt 25:31); Name of the
Lord (Psalm 30:4); God’s throne (Psalm 47:8); the Lord Himself (Psalm
99:3, 5, 9); God’s Spirit (Matt 1:18); the Messiah/Christ (Luke 4:34; Acts
2:27; 4:27); God’s Word (Rom. 1:2); Holy kiss (Rom. 16:16); the Church
(1 Pet. 2:5-9); conduct and lives (2 Pet. 3:11).
Key Text: 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the
kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor
idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor
thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will
inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were
washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
2. Necessary: Without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14).
Christian conduct to be holy - “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the
mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of
God.” (Rom. 12:1-2).
3. Resisting Temptation: Temptation is present when one or more of the
following are present (a) opportunity (b) desire (c) enticement by demons or
others. Jesus was “tempted” but lacked desire to sin since He had no sinful
nature (Matthew 4 and Luke 4). Joseph had all three with Potiphar’s wife,
but ran away!
Key Idea: Holiness is not only resisting temptation (negatively) but
actively doing what is right before God (positively). Speaking, acting, and
thinking as God would have us to do; pleasing in His sight. “Set apart” from
the world.
4. Illustration: Robert Murray M’Cheyne said, “My people’s greatest need
is my personal holiness.”

B. Love: The Affectionate Life

1. John the Apostle. “The blessed John the Evangelist lived in Ephesus
until extreme old age. His disciples could barely carry him to church and he
could not muster the voice to speak many words. During individual
gatherings he usually said nothing but, "Little children, love one another."
The disciples and brothers in attendance, annoyed because they always
heard the same words, finally said, "Teacher, why do you always say this?"
He replied with a line worthy of John: "Because it is the Lord's
commandment and if it alone is kept, it is sufficient."” - Jerome,
[131]
Commentary on Galatians, AD 387-388.
2. Defined by the Apostle Paul
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a
noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and
understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to
remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I
have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain
nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not
arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or
resentful;6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the
truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures
all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for
tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know
in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial
will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a
child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish
ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I
know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So
now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is
love. (1 Cor. 13:1-13).
3. Applied by the Apostle John
● Existential. “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). We
are the “beloved” of God (1 John 2:7; 3:2, 21; 4:1, 7, 11).
● Cruciform. Love is shaped by the cross. The cross best defines love
as an act of grace. “By this we know love, that he laid down his life
for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers” (1 John
3:16). “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his
life for his friends.” (John 15:13).
● Actual. Love must be manifested, not just in theory, but in the
context of the actual human beings that we know. “Little children, let
us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
4. Greek and New Testament Vocabulary for Love
● Άγαπη (Agápe): This is the most general term for love in Greek.
Used 143 X in the NT. It encompasses a wide range of emotions,
including familial love, romantic love, and spiritual love. Translates
the Hebrew Hesed (covenantal love; lovingkindness). Love of God.
Love of benevolence. (Matt. 5:43; John 3:16).
● Φιλία (Filía): Used 25 X in the NT. This term denotes friendship or
brotherly love. It emphasizes a deep bond based on affection and
respect. (John 11:3, 36; 20:2). Or philadelphia, (1 Peter 3:8);
philanthropia. Love of mankind. (Acts 28:2; Titus 3:4).
● Έρως (Éros): This word specifically refers to romantic or
passionate love, often associated with desire and physical attraction.
Sexual love.
 ● Στοργή (Storgḗ ): This word typically describes the natural affection
between family members, particularly between parents and children.
C. Joy: The Happy Life
1. The joyfulness of God (Deut. 30:9; 2 Chron. 29:30; Psalm 4:7; 16:3,11;
21:6; 35:27; 36:8; 44:3; 104:31; 149:4; Prov. 8:31; Isaiah 62:5; Jer. 32:41;
Zeph. 3:17; Matt 25:21-23).
2. The joyfulness of Christ (Luke 10:21; 15:7; John 17:13). Christ is
described in Scripture as an exceedingly joyful man, though He also
experienced the full range of human emotions including grief, loneliness,
anger, etc.
3. Humans are created with great capacity for joy (Edwards). The
pursuit of happiness is what drives and motivates us to do most of the
things that we do.
4. Distinction between “happiness” and “joy.” Saint Augustine found
over 288 different definitions of happiness in his day and rejected them all.
They did not find ultimate joy in Christ!
5. Temporal Happiness. We error in not being able to correctly
differentiate between temporal happiness and eternal joy. This often
explains human longing, searching, sinning, meandering, and wanderling
looking for purpose.
6. Eternal and Spiritual Joys. Thomas Watson lists several: 1. At the
Lord's Supper. 2. Before and during suffering 3. When in conflict with
[132]
Satan. 4. After seasons of desertion 5. At the hour of death.
7. A “fruit” of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Joy is something that the Holy
Spirit gives us; of which all believers experience in some measure. It should
be “growing” and “blooming” in our lives.
8. Jonathan Edwards – the “Theologian of Joy.” Emphases: God as a
joyful being; The Holy Spirit as the person of joy in the Trinity; joy as an
affection of true saving conversion; joy in the revivals; emotions vs.
affections; distinguishing from worldly joys, etc.
D. Forgiveness: The Reconciled Life
1. Required of Christians (Lord’s Prayer) “Forgive us our debts as we also
have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also
forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will
your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15).
The giving and receiving of apologies is “Christianity 101.”
2. Can be Initiated by Either Party
● The offending party - Matthew 5:23-25
● The offended party - Matthew 18:15-20
3. Steps of Reconciliation Outlined in Matthew 18:15-20
● Preceded by the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
● First Step: Personal reconciliation
● Second Step: Witnesses
● Third Step: Church Intervention and Discipline
● Exceptions to the Above: danger, violence
4. When Reconciliation is Hard

● The role of the Lord’s Supper

● The role of the elders/pastors: I entreat Euodia and I entreat
Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion,
help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the
gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers,
whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:1-3).

E. Good Works: The Dutiful Life

1. Lordship and Ethics: Jesus is “Lord and Savior.” God’s Lordship
demands that we honor Him with our lives. “In order to men's being true
Christians, it is necessary that they prosecute the business of religion, and
the service of God with great earnestness and diligence, as the work which
they devote themselves to, and make the main business of their lives. All
Christ's peculiar people, not only do good works, but are zealous of good
[133]
works (Titus 2:14).” - Jonathan Edwards
2. The nature of real salvation; real saving faith includes works:
14
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not
have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly
clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in
peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the
body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works,
is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show
me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my
works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons
believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that
faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified
by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith
was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his
works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God,
and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of
God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith
alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by
works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another
way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart
from works is dead. (James 2:14-26).

“A wheel does not run well in order to be round, but it runs well because it
[134]
is round.” (Augustine).

3. James and Paul: No contradiction between the theology of James and

Paul. James is combatting Antinomianism (easy believism) and Paul is
combatting Pharisaic pride in works (legalism). Both use the same text
(Genesis 15:6), but use the word “justify” differently. Paul in a
forensic/legal sense; James in a proof/manifestation/display sense.
4. Good Works are Biblical! They are After All, “Good!”
● Matthew 5:16: In the same way, let your light shine before others, so
that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who
is in heaven.
● John 10:32: Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good
works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?”
● Acts 9:36: Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which,
translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of
charity.
● Ephesians 2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk
in them.
Good Works in Paul’s Theology and Letter to Titus
● Titus 1:16, Some are unfit for them.
● Titus 2:7, Be a model of them!
● Titus 2:14, Be zealous for them!
● Titus 3:1, Be ready for them!
● Titus 3:8, Devote yourself to them!
● Titus 3:14, Urgency and fruitfulness of them!
5. But why should we do good works if we are saved by grace?
● History of Redemption: Because God has redeemed us; Israel to be
different from “the Egyptians.”
● The Authority of God’s Commands. God commands us to do certain
things are refrain from others.
● The Presence of the Spirit: Because God’s Spirit lives within us, we
are bound to live according to the new principle of life within us.
● The delight of peasants pleasing the King! Bride pleasing her
husband. A child pleasing his father. A Soldier pleasing his general.
● A man’s actions are the proper trial what a man’s heart prefers. -
[135]
Jonathan Edwards
F. Marriage and Family Life: The Pleasant Life
1. Marriage: One Man, One Woman, for Life.
Biblical Institution
15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it
and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may
surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall
surely die.” 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should
be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” 19 Now out of the ground
the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the
heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And
whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The
man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every
beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. 21
So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he
slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib
that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and
brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said,

“This at last is bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.”

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his
wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were
both naked and were not ashamed. (Gen. 2:15-25;)
Confessional Definition
Definition – “Marriage is to be between one man and one woman: neither is
it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to
have more than one husband, at the same time. Marriage was ordained for
the mutual help of husband and wife, for the increase of mankind with a
legitimate issue, and of the Church with an holy seed; and for preventing of
uncleanness. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry, who are able with
judgment to give their consent. Yet it is the duty of Christians to marry only
in the Lord. And therefore such as profess the true reformed religion should
not marry with infidels, papists, or other idolaters: neither should such as
are godly be unequally yoked, by marrying with such as are notoriously
wicked in their life, or maintain damnable heresies. Marriage ought not to
be within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity forbidden by the
Word. Nor can such incestuous marriages ever be made lawful by any law
of man or consent of parties, so as those persons may live together as man
and wife.” (WCF 24).

Who Can Be Married?

● Two Believers: Christians should marry in the Lord (1 Cor. 7:39;
9:5; 1 Peter 3:7;
● Two Unbelievers: Marriage is a creation ordinance, and not a
sacrament for believers only.
● NOT a Believer and an Unbeliever: Believers not to be “unequally
yoked” with pagans (Genesis 34:14; Ezra 10:10-44; 2 Cor. 6:14).

2. Principles for Healthy Marriages

● As the father, so the family.

● As the husband, so the wife.

● The husband is the servant-leader; not the leader of servants.

● Use the words, the actual words! (I’m sorry. I forgive you.)

● The word that shall not be spoken (the “D” word).

● The triangle principle.

 ● Draw close to the fire.

● The second law of thermodynamics.

● The 50/50 rule.

● Covenant > Contract.

3. Divorce
● In the Case of Adultery (Christ): And Pharisees came up to him
and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any
cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them
from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and
said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold
fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?6 So they are no
longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let
not man separate.” 7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses
command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her
away?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses
allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not
so.9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual
immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:3-
9).
 ● In the Case of Abandonment (Paul): To the rest I say (I, not the
Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she
consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 If any woman
has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her,
she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made
holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy
because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean,
but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates,
let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has
called you to peace. 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will
save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will
save your wife? (1 Cor. 7:12-16).
● “Adultery or fornication, committed after a contract, being detected
before marriage, giveth just occasion to the innocent party to dissolve
that contract. In the case of adultery after marriage, it is lawful for the
innocent party to sue out a divorce, and after the divorce to marry
another, as if the offending party were dead. Although the corruption
of man be such as is apt to study arguments, unduly to put asunder
those whom God hath joined together in marriage; yet nothing but
adultery, or such wilful desertion as can no way be remedied by the
Church or civil magistrate, is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond
of marriage; wherein a public and orderly course of proceeding is to
be observed; and the persons concerned in it, not left to their own
wills and discretion in their own case.” (WCF 24:5-6).
4. Remarriage
● Yes. At death.
● No. After unbiblical divorce; or failure to divorce.
● Maybe. Cases of controversy. Disagreement amongst the orthodox.
(See the PCA Report).
5. Contentment in Singleness
I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about
the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. 33 But the married man is
anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 34 and his interests are
divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things
of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is
anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. 35 I say this for
your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good
order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord. (1 Cor 7:32-35).
Single Persons in Scripture:
● Jesus Christ
● The Apostle Paul
● Prophets: Elijah, Jeremiah (Jer. 16:2), John the Baptist
● Ezekiel, Widower (Ezekiel 24:18)
● Mary Magdelene
● Anna, Widow (Luke 2:37)
● Naomi, Widow (Ruth)
● Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:37)
● For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are
eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs
who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of
heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it. (Matthew
19:10, cf. Isaiah 56:4-5).

6. Sexual Deviancy: Homosexuality (Lev. 18:22; 20:13), polygamy (1

Kings 11:1), transgenderism (Deut.22:5), polyamory, pedophelia,
pornography, prostitution — allabominable sins to be repented of. Mercy
and transformation to be found in Christ! (See Psalm 51 and 1 Corinthians
6:9-11!).
On Polygamy: It is true that polygamy is depicted in the OT, but several
things should be carried in mind:
● It violates marriage as a creation ordinance (Gen. 2:18-25)
 ● Practically it is always a disaster: Abraham/Sarah/Hagar;
Jacob/Rachel/Leah; David/Michael/Bathsheba/Abigail;
Soloman/many wifes (1 Kings 11:3-8), etc.
● It destroyes the typology of Christ and His Church (Eph. 5:22-33).
7. Sexual Fulfillment and Joy of Companionship in Marriage
● Mutual Enjoyment: 18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in
the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts
fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.
Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and
embrace the bosom of an adulteress? (Proverbs 5:18-20).
● Companionship: Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the
days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because
that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the
sun. (Ecclesiastes 9:9).
● Do Not Deprive: Now concerning the matters about which you
wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a
woman.” 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each
man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3
The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise
the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over
her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not
have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive
one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you
may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so
that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1
Cor. 7:1-5).
● Song of Solomon: The entire book explores the beauty and purity of
sexuality in the covenant of marriage between a husband (lover) and
the wife (beloved). Many interpret the book typologically for Christ
and the Church.

G. Children: The Bountiful Life

1. Be Fruitful and Multiply:

So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply
and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea
and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on
the earth.” (Genesis 1:27-28).
2. Children a blessing; not a curse or burden.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a
reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to
shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5; see
also 1 Chron 25:5).
3. Children to be baptized, catechized, and instructed in the Lord.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them
when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you
lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand,
and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on
the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deut 6:4-9).
4. Children to be raised in the Church and taught obedience.
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love
your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents
in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your
children, lest they become discouraged. (Colossians 3:19-21).
5. For Reference: See also the section on children in the church
(chapter seven).

H. Giving: The Charitable Life

1. OT: Tithe
As soon as the command was spread abroad, the people of Israel gave in
abundance the firstfruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of
the field. And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything. 2 Chron.
31:5. (See also: Ex. 25:1-2; 35:5; 35:29).
“Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God at
the place that he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast
of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths. They shall not appear before the Lord
empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing
of the Lord your God that he has given you.” (Deut. 16:17).
Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we
robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse,
for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithe into
the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to
the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for
you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. (Malachi
3:8-10).
2. NT: The Cheerful Heart
● Giving Sacrificially: We want you to know, brothers, about the
grace of God that has been given among the churches of
Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy
and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity
on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify,
and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us
earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and
this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord
and then by the will of God to us. (2 Cor. 8:1-5).

● Giving Cheerfully: 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will

also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap
bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful
giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that
 having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in
every good work. (2 Cor. 9:6-8).
● Giving Secretly: But when you give to the needy, do not let your
left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may
be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
(Matthew 6:3-4).
3. C.S. Lewis on Giving: “I do not believe one can settle how much we
ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can
spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries,
amusements, etc, is up to the standard common among those with the same
income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities
do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There
ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do
[136]
because our charitable expenditure excludes them.”

I. Social Issues: The Just Life

Preliminary Thoughts:
● We do not yield “social justice” to the unbelievers. Rather,
Christianity cares about every topic and every person as all things
belong to the Lord. (Prov. 21:3, 15; Isa 1:17; 9:7; Jer. 22:3; Amos
5:24; Heb. 11:33).
● We often define “justice” differently, since we define justice using
the lens of Scripture and godly wisdom; justice as defined by God
alone (Ex. 23:2; Deut. 10:18; Psalm 9:7; 33:5; 37:28; Prov. 18:5).
● There are categories of people for whom we are to show particular
compassion (Deut 10:18; 24:17; Isa 1:23; 10:2; Jer. 22:3; James 1:27,
Heb. 13:3, etc.)
1. The Imago Dei (Genesis 1:26-27)
● All human beings bear the image of God and are thus bearers of
God’s divine “stamp” or worth and dignity. The imago dei is
portrayed in both genders (male and female), all races, all ages,
 including the unborn, as well as the handicapped; both healthy and
dying, rich and poor, slave and free.
● Jesus’ Death an atonement for all kinds of persons from all tribes,
nations, languages etc. New unity of Jews and Gentiles in the NT
Church.
● “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been
brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who
has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing
wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in
ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of
the two, so making peace…” (Ephesians 2:13-15).
2. Jesus’ Treatment of the Marginalized:
● Children: Jesus Himself was a child (infant), being conceived in the
womb of mary. JTB lept in the womb when encountering Christ as a
pre-born (Luke 1:41). Jesus held and blessed small children (Matt.
19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17, brephos, nursing infant).
● Women: Jesus always treated women with special regard and honor;
Mary Magdalene; Mary and Martha (John 11); the Syrophoenecian
Woman (Matt. 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30, modern Lebanon); the
woman with the flow of blood (Mark 5:29); the Samaritan Woman
(John 4); the woman caught in adultery (John 8), etc.
● Poor: Luke 14:13. Jesus loved and cherished the poor often treating
them with special regard (Matt 11:5; 19:21; Luke 14:21). His most
notable miracle, in all four gospels, was the feeding of the 5,000
(Matt 14; Mark 6; Luke 9; John 6).
● Blind & Deaf: Matthew 9:27-28; 11:5; Luke 4:18; 7:22; John 9.
Blind Bartimaeus is mentioned by name (Mark 10:46-52).
● Lepers: Matthew 10:8; 26:6; Mark 14:3; Luke 5:12; 17:11-19. Jesus
breached all protocol in the ancient world by touching the lepers as
He healed them; he entered the house of Simon.
● Ethnic Minorities: Mark 7:24-30; John 4:1-45. Jesus often
encountered ethnic minorities including both Jews, Gentiles, and
 Samaritans; Africans (Simon of Cyrene, modern Libya; Matthew
27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke 23:26). The Ethiopian Eunuch was
saved (Acts 8). NOTE: It is important NOT to fall prey to modern
secular (pagan) intersectionality theory.
● Other outcasts may include…
3. The Church as an Instrument of Compassion in Society
● Rise of hospital movement: Early Christians cared for the dead and
the dying; rescuing the “exposed” infants of the Romans. Early
hospitals were often monestaries.
● Rise of literacy: Literacy was preserved and advanced by the
copying of scrolls and Christian writings. Reading and memory
emphasized in Church. Scriptoria, dedicated sites of Scripture and
book copying. Professional scribes. Early adoption of printing press
(1500s).
● Rise of human rights: Christians had a doctrine of “human rights”
based on their understanding of the imago dei. Christians were on the
cutting edge of slavery abolition (William Wilberforce; Jonathan
Edwards Jr; the RP Church in America; Underground railroad etc).
● Rise of suffrage: Full consideration of human worth;
● Illustration: The church and the plagues.
4. Some Specific Areas of Application
● Abortion
● Racism (See “Race” under Anthropology)
● Poverty
● Immigration
● Legislation
● Courts
● Just War
● Capital Punishment
NOTES:
Part Nine:
Eschatology
Hope for His Return with All Your Heart
I. Introduction to Eschatology
(The Study of the Last Things)

A. Some Cautions When Studying Eschatology

1. Eschatology fills seats and sells books. Many have exploited this to
grow churches/ministries.
2. Westminster: The WCF does not draw a firm position on some aspects
of eschatology (i.e. millennial positions).
3. Litmus Test? Many others use eschatology as a litmus test for
orthodoxy (especially Dispensationalists in the twentieth century). This is
both novel and dangerous.
4. Eschatology Out of Balance has Numerous Spawned Cults
● Montanist Cult (200 AD)
● Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
● Jehovah’s Witnesses
● Branch Davidians (David Koresh)
● Harold Camping

B. The WCF On the Last Things

As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a day
of judgment, both to deter all men from sin; and for the greater consolation
of the godly in their adversity: so will he have that day unknown to men,
that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because
they know not at what hour the Lord will come; and may be ever prepared
to say, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly, Amen. (WCF 33).

C. The Last Days Began with the Ascension of Christ and Pentecost.
1. Hebrews 1:1-3: Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke
to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us
by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he
created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact
imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his
power.
2. Acts 2:16-18 and Pentecost
16
But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
17
“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
18
even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. (Acts
2:16-18).
3. James 5:1-3: Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that
are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are
moth-eaten.3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be
evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up
treasure in the last days.
4. See also: 1 John 2:18, 1 Cor. 10:11.

D. Personal Eschatology
Illustration: Christian and Hopeful must cross through the river (death) in
order to get to the Celestial City. Even in death, Hopeful has a joyful
crossing, but Christian is filled with fear and anxiety. Death is the last and
great challenge to our faith, but the Lord’s presence sustains throughout.
“Death breaks the union between body and soul, but perfects the union
[137]
between Christ and the soul.” (Thomas Watson).
1. Death: The separation of the soul from the body. Death is euphemized as
“falling asleep” or “going to one’s fathers.” The soul does NOT sleep
unconsciously however (so, Jehovah’s Witnesses) but immediately returns
to the presence of God (Lk 23:43; Phil 1:23; 2 Cor 5:6-8).
2. Separation of Body and Soul
● Paganism: death is “natural”
● Christianity: death is part of the fall (Genesis 2:17). It is a curse. A
punishment.
● Soul to go immediately to Christ (believers)
● Awaiting of Resurrection Body at Consummation of All Things
3. Heidelberg Catechism: “Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life
and death? Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am
not my own, but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; who, with
his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from
all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my
heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must
be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also
assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready,
henceforth, to live unto him.” (Heidelberg #1).
4. Christ’s Victory Over the Enemy of Death, 1 Corinthians 15:25-27
● By exercising His own authority to invoke and revoke the curse of
death on sinners (Genesis 2:17).
● By foreshadowing His power over death in the works of His
prophets (Elisha, 2 Kings 4:18-37)
● By raising the dead in His earthly ministry: Jairus’ daughter (Luke
8:52), Widow of Nain’s Son (Luke 7:14), Lazarus (John 12).
 ● By rising from death Himself at His resurrection (Matthew 28, Luke
24, Mark 16, John 20).
● By making death a “doorway” to Heaven instead of to Hell for all
believers
● By taking away believers’ dread of death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
● By using death as a means of sanctification in believers’ lives, (i.e.
reminding us of the preciousness of life, revealing to us the fleeting
nature of earthly treasures).
5. The Intermediate State: The state of conscious existence before the
Return of Christ/Judgment where believers are in the presence of Christ
(Rev 6:9-11) but have not yet been raised in the Resurrection. “The
intermediate state is an interval of time in which the dead await the final
[138]
judgment and the resurrection of the body.”

● The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-30).

● When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of
those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they
had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign
Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our
blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each
given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of
their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were
to be killed as they themselves had been. (Rev 6:9-11).

● Being “Gathered to your people.” (Gen. 25:8; 35:29; Deut. 32:50).

E. Historical Eschatology:
1. The Great Tribulation
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you
will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall
away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false
prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be
increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to
the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed
throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end
will come. (Matthew 24:9-14).
● The Tribulation regarding Jerusalem in 70AD. “For then there will
be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the
world until now, no, and never will be.” (Matt. 24:21). Tribulation of
intensity. Great loss of life and suffering.
● “The Great Tribulation” as the whole of the church age. “I said to
him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming
out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made
them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:14). Tribulation of
duration. The church suffering as the church militant through all ages.
● The Tribulation as severe difficulties under the Man of Lawless just
prior to the Lord’s return.
2. The Success of Global Evangelism:
● “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the
Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14).
● See also: Psalm 2:8-12; 67:1-7; 72:19; Isaiah 2:3; 11:9; 9:7; 19:19ff;
27:6; 42:4; 59:16; 65:20; Dan 2:31-45; Matt 13:31-33; Rev. 7:9.
● Parables of Christ: Matt. 13:30; 32-33.
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3. Revival Among the Jews: Romans 11:1-27. See also WLC #191.
4. The Coming of Antichrist(s). The Bible teaches that there is a “Man of
Lawlessness” to come (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12), but also that there are
“many antichrists” (2 John 2:18). The Greek term “Antichrist” can mean
either “in opposition to Christ” or “in place of Christ.” Term used only in
John’s letters. Therefore his/their assaults may be more or less overt, more
or less subtle. “The Man of Lawlessness,” seems to be an individual that is
destroyed at the “epiphania of His parousia” (2 Thess 2:8).
 ● According to John - “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have
heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come.
Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but
they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have
continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that
they all are not of us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One,
and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not
know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the
truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This
is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.” (1 John 2:18-
22).
● According to Paul - “Now concerning the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you,
brothers, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a
spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect
that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any
way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and
the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who
opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of
worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming
himself to be God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with
you I told you these things? 6 And you know what is restraining him
now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of
lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do
so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be
revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth
and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 9 The coming
of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false
signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who
are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may
believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did
not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thess.
2:1-12).
5. Questions to be Determined: (a) Is antichrist one, or many? (b) Is he
past, present, or future? (c) Is his origin secular or religious? (d) Is he a
particular person or an institution, government, or organization?
● Religious Apostasy and the Pope - This view held by Wycliffe, Hus,
Luther, Calvin (Institutes 4.2.12; 4.7.20 & 4.7.25), The Smalcald
Articles, The Westminster Confession of Faith (25:6), the 1689
London Baptist Confession, the Savoy Declaration, Philip
Melangthon, Ulrich Zwingli, Francis Turretin, John Wesley, Jonathan
Edwards, and Charles Spurgeon. One from “the Temple” (i.e. church).
Claims prerogatives and titles of God Himself (2 Thess. 2:1-7),
including powers to speak infallibly, forgive sins, grant indulgences,
rule the church, etc.
● Secular and Pagan powers - the “Little Horn” of Daniel 7 and 11.
Antiochus Epiphanes, Titus, Nero or other persecuting Caesars such
as Domitian. Rev. 9:15; 11:7; 13:1; 17:18.
● A Combination of Secular and Religious. See Geerhardus Vos 5.283.
If Daniel warns us of the civil power of Satan’s kingdom, and Paul of
his heresies and apostasies, John’s Revelation places Antichrist as
both beast and prostitute combining both.
6. Charles Hodge’s Summary: “According to the views already advanced,
there may be hereafter a great antichristian power, concentrated in an
individual ruler, who will be utterly destroyed at the coming of the Lord,
and at the same time the belief may be maintained that the Antichrist
described by Daniel and St. Paul is not a man, but an institution or
organized power such as a kingdom or the papacy.”
Also - “In like manner the predictions concerning Antichrist may have had
a partial fulfillment in Antiochus Epiphanes, in Nero and Pagan Rome, and
in the papacy, and, it may still have a fulfillment in some great anti-christian
power which is yet to appear. So much, at least, is clear, in the time of Paul
there was in the future a great apostasy and an antichristian, arrogant
persecuting power, which has been realized, in all its essential
characteristics, in the papacy, whatever may happen after Antichrist, in that
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form, is utterly despoiled and trodden under foot…”
F. The Return of Christ. Returns in power in contrast with His first advent
of humility/service. Rev. 19:11-18.
1. Biblical Terms: Apocalypsis (revealing), Epiphania, (manifestation),
Parousia (return).
2. Final Trumpet: 1 Thess. 4:13-18. Matthew 24:31 - Gathering of the
elect. Revelation 11:15-19 - the Seventh Trumpet.

● Literally
● Bodily
● Visibly
● Unknown Day/Hour
● Gloriously

3. Rapture: Reformed Theology emphasizes that the Rapture (catching up

of believers in the air, 1 Thess 4:16-17) and the Second Coming of Christ
are the same event! Only dispensationalists split this into two events!
Believers are “caught up” as Christ returns.
4. Moral Implications of the Return of Christ:
● 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one
another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your
hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming
of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
● 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace
himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul
and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thess. 5:22-
24).
● 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things,
and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made
the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free
from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which
he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only
Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:13-15).
 ● 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept
the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me
on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his
appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-9).
● 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to
live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great
God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us
from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own
possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:12-14).
● 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See
how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient
about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be
patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be
judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. (James 5:7-9).

G. The Resurrection of the Dead. Both the bodies of the righteous and
the wicked will be raised again to rejoin their souls. One Resurrection of the
just and unjust (Dan 12:2; John 6:44; Acts 24:15; Hebrews 6:2) Souls of
righteous are perfected in holiness, and received into heaven; souls of
wicked are thrown into hell. 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 is the fullest
description of the resurrection body in scripture.
1. Terms: Anastasis – to stand up again.

2. Temporary Resurrections (Lazarus, John 11; Son of Widow, 1 Kings

17:17; Son of Widow of Nain, Luke 7:11; Jairus’s daughter, Luke 8:41 etc.).
These were a type and foreshadowing of the great resurrection!

3. Resurrection of Jesus as Example and First Fruit

● Historic Christian Confession (Nicene, Apostle’s Creed)
● Differentiates Christianity from Greek Dualism
4. The Resurrection Body (See 1 Corinthians 15:35-58)
Creations and Creatures
● Seed/Kernel; Wheat/Grain (15:37). (See John 12:23-25).
● Animal Bodies - Humans, Animals, Birds, Fish (15:39).
● Celestial Objects - Sun, Moon, Stars (15:41).
Concepts and Contrasts
● Permanence: Perishable vs. Imperishable (15:42)
● Position: Dishonor vs. Glory Subjection (15:43)
● Potency: Weakness vs. Power (15:43)
● Possession: Natural vs. Spiritual (15:44)
● Promise: Mortal vs. Immortality (15:53)
The dullest most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a
creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to
worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all,
only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree helping each other
to one or the other of these destinations. There are no ordinary people. You
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have never talked to a mere mortal.

How Many Deaths Resurrection Death

& Resurrections?

First Saved souls Death of the

ascending to be with physical body.
Christ at death.
(Rev. 20:4; 20:6)
Second The physical The final
resurrection of the condemnation of the
dead at the end of unsaved into Hell
the ages. forever.
(Rev. 2:11; 20:6;
20:14; 21:8)

H. The Judgment of Righteous and Wicked.

God hath appointed a day, wherein he will judge the world, in
righteousness, by Jesus Christ, to whom all power and judgment is given of
the Father. In which day, not only the apostate angels shall be judged, but
likewise all persons that have lived upon earth shall appear before the
tribunal of Christ, to give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds;
and to receive according to what they have done in the body, whether good
or evil” (WCF 33:1).
1. Righteous and Unrighteous
● “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that
each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body,
whether good or evil” (2 Cor. 5:10).
13
● The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his
commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will
bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether
good or evil. (Ecc. 12:13-14).
● 5
Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the
Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in
darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one
will receive his commendation from God. (2 Cor. 4:5).
● The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
but gracious words are pure (Prov. 15:26).
 ● Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the heart. (Prov 21:2).
2. Appropriate Rewards and Punishments
● Salvation by grace alone through faith alone...
● Judged and rewarded according to our works (Rom. 2:6-7; 2 Cor.
5:10; Rev. 2:23; 20:12).
● “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his
wages according to his labor…. 12 Now if anyone builds on the
foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw
— 13 each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose
it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of
work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the
foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is
burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but
only as through fire (1 Corinthians 3:8 and 3:14-15).
3. Illustration # 1: The Ark – all who were on the ark were saved, but not
all were given the same seats on the boat! Some had cabins, others above
deck others below deck etc.
4. Illustration #2: The Concert – all get into the concert by a ticket (faith)
but not all tickets are for the front row. Others are for the back rows!
5. Immanual Kant: (Unbeliever): “The Categorical Imperative” – there
must be some judgment to come otherwise all morality and ethical systems
are null and void.

I. The Eternal State: The “final” state—one is either justified by faith in

the blood of Christ and given an inheritance in the New Heavens and New
Earth or one is consigned to hell. This is made final and irrevocable at the
Judgment. There are only two places for the dead, Heaven and Hell.
1. Hell: The final place of condemnation of the wicked. Noted for its
intensity (fire, death, darkness, gnashing of teeth, regret, smoke eternally
rising, worm that does not die etc.). Also, will be worse for some than
others (Matt 11:22; Luke 12:47-48; 20:47).
“No one should try by some exegetical or theological trick to mitigate the
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harshness of this doctrine” - John Frame
2. Key Texts:
For a burning place has long been prepared; indeed, for the king it is made
ready, its pyre made deep and wide, with fire and wood in abundance; the
breath of the Lord, like a stream of sulfur, kindles it. (Isaiah 30:33).
And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have
rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be
quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh. (Isaiah 66:24).
And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life
crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if
your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame
than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin,
tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than
with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and
the fire is not quenched.’ (Mark 9:43-48).
... and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the
Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire,
inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do
not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of
eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory
of his might… (2 Thess. 1:7-9).
3. Biblical Terms:
Sheol - The abode of the dead. The grave. Not necessarily “hell.”
Hades - Greek term. Intermediate state of suffering before final judgment.
Gehennah - Hell in the final state. Names from a burning trash pit outside
of Jerusalem.
4. Controlling Motifs: Eternal death; eternal conscious punishment (Isa.
66:24); “eternal dishonor” (Jer. 20:12).
5. Preached Often by Jesus: Matthew 5:22-30 (cf. 10:28; 18:9; 23:33;
Luke 12:5).
6. Imagery Related to Hell
● darkness,
● fire,
● gnashing of teeth,
● pain,
● crying out,
● regret
7. Hell is Compared to or Worse Than:
● Drowning (Mark 9:42)
● Dismemberment (Mark 9:43-47)
● Burning Alive (Mark 9:48)
8. Objections to Preaching the Doctrine of Hell
● Isn’t this just an ancient doctrine that man can leave behind in a
modern age? Answer: No. The state of modern men’s souls after
death is just the same as it was for ancient men. There is no
advancement of technology that makes this irrelevant. Man still dies
and faces God, no matter what advancement society may experience.
● Isn’t this some form of psychological abuse? Answer: It would be, if
it weren’t true. But we say these things on the authority of the Holy
and Inspired Scriptures; and on the authority of Jesus who is the Son
of the Living God. We don’t go further than the Scriptures, but we
must echo their warning siren.
● Isn’t it a more efficient form of evangelism to focus on the promises
of comforts of Gospel rather than the threats and terrors? Shouldn’t
we preach on Heaven more? Answer: We do preach on Heaven! In
fact by numerical usage the word Heaven is used 250 + times and
Hell (Geheena) only 12! Expository preaching gets this balance right.
 ● Do you take some secret delight in frightening people? Answer:
Absolutely not. We have no more delight in preaching on Hell than a
doctor does announcing that his patient has cancer. Or a pilot telling
his crew to brace for impact. Or a weather man telling people a
hurricane is spinning in the Gulf. Or a general warning his troops that
the enemy has been seen advancing.
9. Heresies Related to Doctrine of Hell
● Purgatory - Roman Catholic doctrine of purgation has more in
common with Greek philosophy: in Plato’s Phaedo, Socrates
describes three levels of afterlife with the middle realm being one in
which souls have a chance to be purged and released from Tartarus.
The “saved” are those whose souls are purified in this life through
philosophy.
● “Second Chances” after death
● Annihilation
● Denial of Hell (Jehovah’s Witnesses)
● Universalism (Origen)
● Reincarnation - chances to live better in animals or lesser people

J. Heaven: “The place where God manifests His presence in the most
intense way” (Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 288). The glory of
Heaven is the “manifest presence” of God Himself. Far too often, however,
when we think of Heaven we think of the disembodied state of the
intermediate state rather than the New Heavens and New Earth of eternity,
with our raised and imperishable bodies!
1. Controlling Motif: The Presence of God
2. Symbols and Features of Heaven
● The Book of Life (Rev. 3:5, 13:8; 17:8, 20:15, and 21:27)
● The “Other” Book (Rev. 20:12)
● Golden Streets (Rev. 21:21)
 ● Washed Robes (Rev. 7:14)
● Tree of Life (Rev. 22:14)
3. Fulfillment: Of the Cultural Mandate (Genesis 1:28), the Abrahamic
Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:1-6) and the Great Commission (Matthew
28:187-20).
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could
number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages,
standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes,
with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud
voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the
Lamb!” (Rev. 7:9-10).
4. Illustration: Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games – “By its light
will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into
it” (Rev 21:24).
5. Creation and Recreation – the New Heavens and the New Earth bear
striking similarities to Genesis and the Garden of Eden, namely; beauty,
fruit-bearing trees, rivers, gold, the Tree of Life, and especially the presence
of God among men.

Genesis: Feature Revelation:

Garden Heaven
2:9, 3:22 Tree of Life 22:1
2:12 Gold 21:18, 21
2:10 River Flowing 22:1
1:11, 29 Fruit 22:2
3:8 Presence of 21:3, 22; 22:3
God

6. Continuity in Heaven
● Resurrected Bodies (Romans 6:5)
 ● Garden, Rivers, Trees etc. (Rev 22:2)
● Feasting (Rev 19:9)
● Singing and Music (Rev 14:3)
● Worship (Rev 22:3)
7. Discontinuity in Heaven
● No more tears, night, darkness, pain (see especially Revelation 21:1-
4)
● No more sea (separation, Rev 21:1)
● No more Temple (Rev 21:22).
8. Beatific Vision: No longer will there be anything accursed, but the
throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship
him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their
foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or
sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and
ever. (Rev. 22:3-5; 1 John 3:2).
9. Eternality: God will continue to reveal His grace to us for ages upon
ages! " 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly
places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the
immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
(Ephesians 2:6-7).
10. Will We Know Our Loved Ones? "When Jacob finished commanding
his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was
gathered to his people." (Genesis 49:33). This suggests we will!
11. C.S. Lewis - The Last Battle: And as He spoke, He no longer looked to
them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great
and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this the end of all the
stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But
for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this
world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the
title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story
which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every
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chapter is better than the one before.
NOTES:
II. Various Positions on Eschatology

[144]
A. Views of the Interpretation of the Book of Revelation
1. Futurist - Most of the events in Revelation are still to come. Typically
dispensational in their outlook.
2. Preterist - Most of the events in Revelation took place in the past and in
the present time of the author John. Judgment and even Return of Christ
passages typically viewed as referring to the destruction of the Temple in 70
AD.
3. Partial-Preterist - The events described in Revelation are fulfilled
significantly in the past and first century, (especially the fall of Jerusalem in
70 AD) with some key events still to come (Return of Christ, Judgment etc.)
4. Historicist - The events described in Revelation generally cover the
epochs of Church history predictively: Patristic age, Medieval Age,
Reformation age, Modern Church age, etc. This view tends to view the
Dragon, Beast etc. as manifestations of the Roman Catholic Church, with
the Pope as the Antichrist. Example: Puritan Thomas Goodwin thought Rev.
14 was the Reformation era with Martin Luther and the third angel (14:9).
5. Idealist - The events described in Revelation are almost entirely
symbolic of timeless spiritual truths; they do not necessarily correspond in a
one-to-one level with historical events. Resists lineal, chronological,
sequential interpretations of Revelation in favor or cycles of judgments
(seals, trumpets, bowls) etc.

B. Historically Reformed (Calvinistic) Positions on Eschatology

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key
to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that
ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand
years, 3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so
that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years
were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. 4 Then I saw
thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was
committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the
testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not
worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their
foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a
thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the
thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy
is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death
has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will
reign with him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:1-6).

1. Amillennialism
● Adherents: Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Heinrich
Bullinger, Herman Bavinck, Abraham Kuyper, Geerhardus Vos, Louis
Berkhof, William Hendrickson, Michael Horton, Kim Riddelbarger,
Sam Storms.
● The simplest view of the four views. Arguably, the majority view in
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the history of the Church, held in all ages of the Christian faith.
● The millennium of Revelation 20:1-6 is now; the entire church age.
The millennium (or one thousand years) is symbolic for “a very long
time.” This period extends from the Ascension of Christ to the Return
of Christ; i.e. the entire church age. (Augustine, Luther etc.).
● Satan’s binding (Rev. 20:2-3) is with respect to the deceit of the
nations. i.e. his authority to prevent the Gospel from spreading is
 severely limited during this time.
● Optimistic in that it views the Gospel as largely successful in global
missions! Gen. 12; see also Psalm 2:8-12; 67; 72:19; 86:9; Isaiah 2:2-
4; 9:7; 11:9; 27:6; 42:4; 59:19; 60:1-6; 61:11; 65:20; Dan. 2:31-45;
Habakkuk 2:14; Micah 4:1-3; Matt 6:10; 13:31-33; Rev. 11:15f.
● Pessimistic in its view of the conversion of nation-states and their
broader culture to Christianity; skeptical that the nations will be
thoroughly “Christianized” in government and morals. cf. Psalm
110:6; Matt. 10:20-22; Gal: 1:4; Eph. 5:16; 2 Tim. 3:1-9; 12-14; 1
John 5:19. The church will be a light and witness in a dark age with
many persecutions and trials (Matt 24:9-14, 21-30; Luke 18:8; 21:25-
28; 2 Thess 2:1-12; 2 Tim 3:1-9, 12-13; 4:3-4).
● The term “The Great Tribulation” (Matt. 24:21; Rev. 7:14) pertains
in near terms to the events surrounding the destruction of the Temple
in 70 AD, but is also typological of the experience of the saints in
every age as they struggle against a godless and dark world, often in
severe persecutions.
● Some amillennialists view Romans 10-11 as anticipating a large-
scale revival of Israel (WLC #191); others see this as simply referring
to the ingathering of all the Elect.
● Satan to be released with great rebellion in the last times (2 Thess.
2:1-12; Rev. 20:3). A literal Antichrist or Man of Lawlessness will be
destroyed at the return of Christ.
● Rapture and the Return of Christ are the same event. Believers are
“caught up,” as Christ comes down (1 Thess 4:13-18). There is only
one “Return” of Christ, not two. Likewise, there is only one
resurrection of the dead and one judgment to come, not two (Dan.
12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
● Once the most popular view, now seen as a minority viewpoint in
many evangelical churches.
● Amillennialists do not draw up complicated end-times charts or
make detailed predictions based on current events.
 ● Note: This view does not comport with the “secret rapture” view
popularized by the Left Behind books and films.

2. Postmillennialism
● Adherents: Eusebius, Origen, Martin Bucer, Theodore Beza, the
Geneva Study Bible, William Perkins, Matthew Henry, Thomas
Goodwin, John Owen, Cotton Mathers, John Elliot, Jonathan
Edwards, William Carey, A. A. Hodge, B.B. Warfield, J. Gresham
Machen, John Murray, Greg Bahnsen, Ligon Duncan, John Frame
● Postmillennialists usually hold that the millennium is a literal
thousand years (or symbolic for a very long time) leading up to the
Return of Christ; the “golden era” of Church success prior to the end
in which the vast majority of humanity is converted to Christ, the
Gospel thoroughly saturates the nations, and the peace and prosperity
of the Church is virtually unhindered.
● An eschatology of hope, postmillennialism does have a much more
optimistic view of the conversion of nation-states, the culture and
morals of the world, and sees the whole world as largely
“Christianized” by the time Christ returns. Key texts include: Gen.
12; see also Psalm 2:8-12; 67; 72:19; 89;6; Isaiah 2:2-4; 9:7; 11:9;
27:6; 42:4; 59:19; 60:1-6; 61:11; 65:20; Dan. 2:31-45; Habakkuk
2:14; Micah 4:1-3; Matt 6:10; 13:31-33; Rev. 11:15f.
● A large-scale revival of Israel will occur according to Romans 10
and 11. (WLC #191). Jews and Gentiles unify into one visible church.
● The Church will advance slowly but surely as it grows in each
culture of the world; especially through the means of grace and
 Biblical preaching. Church planting and missions are highly
successful.
● Great advances in science, medicine, technology will show that
science and Scripture have “no final conflict.” Scripture will be
vindicated as human knowledge advances.
● Great, wise, and influential men will turn to Christ and so Kings will
lead their people towards the Gospel.
● The “Great Tribulation” (Matt. 24:21; Rev. 7:14) is usually read in a
preterist sense to speak most concretely of the events surrounding the
destruction of the Temple in 70 AD.
● Final rebellion and advent of an antichrist will immediately precede
the Return of Christ.
● Very similar to Amillennialism above in that it only holds to one
“Return” of Christ, one resurrection of the dead, one judgment of the
just and unjust.
● Adherents are sometimes prone to Historicist readings of
Revelation, attempting to identify where they are in the book; some
have been “date setters” as well, guessing when the millennium will
begin.
● See especially WLC #191.

C. Historically Non-Reformed Positions on Eschatology

1. Classic Premillennialism
 ● Adherents: Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Charles Haddon Spurgeon,
Francis A. Schaeffer, George Ladd, John Piper
● Called “chiliasm” by many for its insistence upon the literal nature
of the one thousand years of Revelation 20:1-6.
● This one thousand year reign comes after the Return/Rapture of the
Lord.
● Christ literally reigning in bodily form from Jerusalem over the
world. Israel is restored to a theocracy, as under the Kingship of
David.
● It holds that the resurrection of the dead will take place after the
millennial one thousand years. This will usher in the judgment and
the eternal state.
● Passages referring to the glory of Israel and conversion of the
nations in OT, or the reign of the Kingdom in the NT are usually
pushed off until the Millennium. Thus they are not seen as being
fulfilled in the Great Commission.

2. Pretribulational Premillennialism (Dispensationalism: The ‘Left

Behind’ View)
● Adherents: John Nelson Darby, C.I. Scofield, Lewis Chafer, Charles
Ryrie, D.L. Moody, Hal Lindsay, Jerry B. Jenkins, David Jeremiah.
● By far the most complex view of the end times. The Millennium is a
literal, future 1,000 years in which Jesus rules the Earth from
Jerusalem and a theocracy like the ancient Israel under David is
reestablished. This often includes a redemptive regression to a
restored Temple worship, including animal sacrifice.
● Insistence on Biblical literalism, to a fault; even when interpreting
passages that are undoubtedly poetic, visionary, or highly symbolic.
● Errant distinction between the secret Rapture and the visible Return
of Christ, making them two separate events altogether. Separates the
resurrection of believers from the resurrection of unbelievers by 1,000
years. Mixes resurrected with non-resurrected population of human
beings during the millennium.
● Tribulation to be a literal seven years (Dan. 7:25; 9:27; 12:7; Rev.
12:14). Places the tribulation (Matt. 24:21; Rev. 7:14) AFTER the
rapture, or sometimes midway, rather than before it as in
Amillennialism; thus pre-tribulational, or mid-tribulational variants.
● The “new kid on the block” historically. This view came into vogue
in the 1800’s (very late!) and quickly took over the evangelical world.
● Popularized by fictional works and “newspaper exegesis.”
● Dispensationalists are famous for failed predictions of the end,
overly-complex end-times charts, constant revision of global
predictions in light of changing world events, perpetual seeking of the
“signs” in astronomical and political events (wars, comets, blood
moons, earthquakes, and events in foreign nations); while constantly
changing these paradigms with little acknowledgment or apology for
failed predictions, errors and mistakes.
● Unfortunately, accepting this late view has become a central dogma
in many newer denominations in the evangelical world. Denying it is
seen as heresy.
NOTES:
Appendix A. The Sovereignty of God
● All things according to the counsel of His will (Eph 1:11)
● All things according to His purpose for the good of those who love
Him (Rom 8:28)
● Angels, He will command concerning you (Ps 91:11)
● Birds of the air (Matt 6:26)
● Casting of lots (Prov 16:33; Jonah 1:7)
● Catastrophes: global, regional and personal (Gen 6:17; Isaiah 45:7;
Daniel 9:14)
● Conception and infertility (Gen 20:18; 30:22)
● Crucifixion of Christ according to ‘definite plan and foreknowledge’
(Acts 2:23; 4:27-28)
● Demons must obey Him (Mark 5:13)
● ‘Disaster upon a city unless I have done it?’ (Amos 3:6)
● Evangelism and our “area of influence.” (2 Corinthians 10:13-16).
● Every day of your life before you live one of them (Psalm 139:16)
● Evil spirits sent and retracted by God (Judges 9:23; 1 Sam 16:14;
18:10)
● Famines and relief (2 Kings 8:1; Lk 21:11)
● Formation of a child in the womb (Psalm 139:13)
● Fruitfulness in ministry (Col 1:28-29)
● Greatness of nations (Job 12:23)
● Hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Ex 9:12)
● Hardens hearts of whoever He wills (Rom 9:18)
● Hearts of kings He turns like streams (Prov 21:1)
● Hierarchies of Society (2 Chron 1:1; 10:15; 21:7; 25:8, 20).
● Hours of your life (Luke 12:25)
● ‘I kill and make alive’ (Deut 32:39)
● Individual success and failure (Gen 39:3)
● Kings chosen by God. (Deut. 17:15).
● Lot, one’s station or position in life (Ecc. 5:18).
● Natural realm, including plants and animals (Psalm 147:8-9)
● Number of hairs on your head (Matt 10:30)
● Pagan nations (2 Chron 36:17)
● Path of the sun (Josh 10:13; 2 Kings 20:11)
● Peace and rest from war (2 Chron. 14:6).
● Plagues (Ex 9:14)
● Plan’s of a man stand only according to His purpose (Prov 19:21)
● Predestination of particular individuals (Eph 1; Rom 9)
● Results of specific battles (2 Chron 20:20-23; Psalm 144:10)
● Safety in Travel (Ezra 8:31)
● Sanctification in the Christian’s life (Phil 2:12-13)
● Satan must obtain His permission (Job 1:12)
● Sparrow cannot fall but by the Father (Matt 10:29)
● Steps of a man’s life (Prov 16:9)
● Storms (Job 1:4; Mark 4:39)
● Times and places of every man’s life (Acts 17:26)
● Trade and profit of businesses (James 4:13-15)
● Universe at large (Ps 103:19)
● Weather (snow, hail, wind, lightening, dew, ice, frost, water, clouds,
rain) Job 38:22-30.
● Whatever He pleases, He does (Psalm 115:3)
Appendix B. Tulip Scriptures:
“Salvation is of the Lord”

Total Depravity: “We are sinful and cannot save ourselves”

● The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had
become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was
only evil all the time (Genesis 6:5).

● There is no one who does not sin (1 Kings 8:46).

● Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is

righteous before you (Psalm 143:2).

● The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can
understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9).

● What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We

have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all
under sin. 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;
11
there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12 All
have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no
one who does good, not even one. (Romans 3:9-12).

● For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans
3:23).
 ● As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in
which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and
of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in
those who are disobedient (Ephesians 2:1).

● If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is

not in us (1 John 1:8).

Unconditional Election: “God chose you before you chose Him…”

● And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they
will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the
heavens to the other (Matthew 24:31).

● When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the
word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life
believed (Acts 13:48).

● For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be

conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the
firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also
called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also
glorified. (Romans 8:29-30).

● What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says
to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will
have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 It does not,
therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very
purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name
might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore God has mercy
on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants
 to harden. 19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still
blame us? For who resists his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to
talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it,
‘Why did you make me like this?’” 21 Does not the potter have the
right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble
purposes and some for common use? 22 What if God, choosing to
show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great
patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23
What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the
objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory?
(Romans 9:14-23).

● For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy

and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be
adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his
pleasure and will (Ephesians 1:4-5).

● In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according

to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with
the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:11).

● 4 Forwe know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5

because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in
power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. (1
Thessalonians 1:4-5).

● To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout

Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been
chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through
the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ
and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in
abundance (1 Peter 1:1-2).
Limited Atonement (or Definite Atonement): “Jesus did not fail in His
mission”

● She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name
Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew
1:21).

● Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28).

● All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes
to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven,
not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And
this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all
that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. (John 6:37-39).

● I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for
the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the
sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep
and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13
The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing
for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and
my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know
the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other
sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They
too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one
shepherd (John 10:11-16 emphasis added).

● I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world.
They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your
word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes
from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they
accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you,
 and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not
praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they
are yours (John 17:6-9 emphasis added).

● Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy
Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,
which he bought with his own blood (Acts 20:28).

● Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and
gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25).

Irresistible Grace: “God grants us a new heart and enables us to

believe!”

● I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will
remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
27
And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my
decrees and be careful to keep my laws (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

● He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive
him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his
name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children
born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s
will, but born of God (John 1:11-13).

● For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the
Son gives life to whom he will. (John 5:21).

● No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws

him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:44).
 ● The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I
have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 Yet there are
some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the
beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray
him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can
come to me unless the Father has enabled him” (John 6:63-65).

● One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in

purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of
God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message
(Acts 16:14).

● For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5

because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also
with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (1
Thessalonians 1:4).

Perseverance of the Saints: “The Spirit seals us to persevere to the end.”

● For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor
things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor
depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

● My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one
can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (John 10:29).

● He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless
on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into
fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful (1 Cor
1:8-9).
● Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil
1:6).

● The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me
safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever.
Amen (2 Tim 4:18).

● May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and
through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless
at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is
faithful and he will do it (1 Thess 5:23-24).

● Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his
great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through
the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an
inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for
you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the
coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time
(1 Peter 1:3-5).

● To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you
before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25
to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and
forevermore! Amen (Jude 1:24-25).
Bibliography

The materials presented in these outlines are cited, organized, adapted,

and modified primarily from the following works:

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(Philipsburg, NJ: P&R), 2013
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Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity (San Francisco, CA: HarperOne), 2016.
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Piper, John. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. (Colorado
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Sproul, R.C. Knowing Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: IVP), 2016.
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Warfield, B.B. The Right of Systematic Theology (Edinburgh: T&T Clark),
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About the Author

Dr. Matthew Everhard

Native Ohioans, he and his lovely wife Kelly have three children, Soriah,
Elijah,, and Simone.

Education

● D.MIN. Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando Campus), 2013-

2016. Dissertation: A Theology of Joy: Jonathan Edwards and
Eternal Happiness in the Holy Trinity.

● Post-Graduate Studies. Reformed Theological Seminary (Virtual

Campus), 2011-2013.
 ● MA (Practical Theology) Ashland Theological Seminary, 2006.
Concentrations in spiritual formation and New Testament Greek.

● BA (Bible and Theology) Malone University, 1999

Other Publications by Dr. Matthew Everhard

● Souls: How Jesus Saves Sinners (INDY-REF, 2022).

● A Theology of Joy: Jonathan Edwards and Eternal Happiness in the

Holy Trinity (INDY-REF, 2018).

● Holy Living: Jonathan Edwards’s Seventy Resolutions for Living the

Christian Life (Hendrickson, 2021).
● The Miscellanies Companion (JESociety Press, 2019). Contributor.

● The Jonathan Edwards Encyclopedia. Contributor. Edited by Harry

S. Stout. (Eerdmans, 2017).

● The Westminster Society Journal, Volumes 1 - 3.

● A Collection of Essays on Jonathan Edwards. General Editor and

Contributor. (JESociety Press, 2017).

● Hold Fast the Faith: A Devotional Commentary on the Westminster

Confession of Faith of 1647. (Reformation Press).

Jonathan Edwards Studies

● Matthew is the general editor of EdwardsStudies.com, an online

forum devoted to the theology and philosophy of the American
Puritan theologian, Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758).
EdwardsStudies.com features regular discussions and synopses of
 Edwards's works, interviews with other authors and scholars as well
as conference news and updates.

Connect

● Feel free to friend request Matthew on Facebook and chat anytime.

● Follow Pastor Matthew Everhard on Twitter @matt_everhard

● Watch Pastor Matt's sermons on Youtube.

[1]
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, 153.
[2]
B.B. Warfield. The Right of Systematic Theology (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1897), 23.
[3]
Beeke and Jones, Puritan Theology, 691.
[4]
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, 78.
[5]
Petrus Van Mastricht, Theoretical-Practical Theology, 2:71.
[6]
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1.7.1.
[7]
Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity.
[8]
Sproul, Everyone’s a Theologian, 35-39.
[9]
Petrus Van Mastricht, Theoretical-Practical Theology, 2:185-186.
[10]
Jonathan Edwards, quoted in R.C. Sproul, Knowing Scripture, 12.
[11]
Calvin, Institutes, 2.1.4.
[12]
J.I. Packer, quoted in R.C. Sproul, Knowing Scripture.
[13]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 49.
[14]
C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain, 31.
[15]
Geerhardus Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 1.3.
[16]
Geerhardus Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 1.39.
[17]
C.S. Lewis. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, 68.
[18]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 3-14.
[19]
Jonathan Edwards, The End for Which God Created the World, WJE 8:405.
[20]
Petrus Van Mastricht, Practical-Theoretical Theology, 2:155.
[21]
Geerhardus Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 1.26.
[22]
The three bolded main points here are quoted directly from Geerhardus Vos,
Reformed Dogmatics, 1.41
[23]
Geerhardus Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 1.44.
[24]
Geerhardus Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 1.47.
[25]
Reformed.org
[26]
J.I. Packer, Concise Theology, 40.
[27]
Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 88.
[28]
Frame, The Doctrine of God, 743-751.
[29]
Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity, 113.
[30]
Geerhardus Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 1.159.
[31]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 66-67.
[32]
C. Stephen Evans, Philosophy of Religion, 107.
[33]
C. Stephen Evans, Philosophy of Religion, 110.
[34]
John Frame, Systematic Theology, 131-132.
[35]
John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress, 97.
[36]
Much of this section is adapted from John Frame, Systematic Theology, p. 282ff.
[37]
Augustine, The Confessions, 46.
[38]
John Frame, Systematic Theology, 247.
[39]
Frame, Systematic Theology, 172.
[40]
Beeke and Jones, A Puritan Theology, 163,
[41]
Calvin, Institutes, 1.16.5.
[42]
Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 1.200.
[43]
Beeke and Jones, A Puritan Theology, 165.
[44]
Frame, Systematic Theology, 180.
[45]
Beeke and Jones, A Puritan Theology, 166.
[46]
Frame, Systematic Theology, 837-842.
[47]
Calvin, Institutes, 1.16-18.
[48]
Sproul, Everyone’s a Theologian, 71f.
[49]
Beeke and Jones, A Puritan Theology, 170.
[50]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, ch. 22-23.
[51]
See Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 2:1-15.
[52]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 89.
[53]
Edwards, Original Sin, WJE 3.
[54]
Watson, A Body of Divinity, 135.
[55]
Calvin, Institutes, 1.18.4 and 3.23.7 and 8. Quoted in Geerhardus Vos, Reformed
Dogmatics, 1.95.
[56]
Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 2.33.
[57]
Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 2:25
[58]
Sproul, Everyone’s A Theologian, 104-107.
[59]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 103.
[60]
Albert Mohler, Ligonier National Conference 2012.
https://www.ligonier.org/blog/session-3-albert-mohler-2012-national-conference/. Accessed
March 1, 2019.
[61]
Luther, The Bondage of the Will, 104.
[62]
Luther, The Bondage of the Will, 105.
[63]
Edwards, Freedom of the Will, WJE 1
[64]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 115.
[65]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 116.
[66]
Beeke and Jones, A Puritan Theology, 223.
[67]
Watson, A Body of Divinity, 161.
[68]
Reformed.org
[69]
Beeke and Jones, Puritan Theology, 335.
[70]
Roger Lanceyn Green, Tales of the Greek Heroes, 95
[71]
For a brief sketch of these theories, see Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 392-400.
[72]
Joel Beeke, “Necessary Blood” in Precious Blood, the Atoning Work of Christ, 15-34.
[73]
http://www.newsweek.com/1999/04/04/2000-years-of-jesus.html
[74]
Several of the following arguments are taken from Douglas Groothius, Christian
Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith (Downers Grove, Il: IVP Academic,
date), 527-563.
[75]
Groothius, Christian Apologetics, 559.
[76]
Groothius, Christian Apologetics, 539.
[77]
John Frame, Systematic Theology, 477.
[78]
Charles Spurgeon, Spiritual Warfare in a Believer’s Life. Ed. Robert Hall, (Lynnwood,
WA: 1993), 142

[79]
Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress, 87.
[80]
See B.B. Warfield’s article “The Spirit of God in the OT” in The Works of Benjamin
Warfield, Vol. 2. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker), p. 101-132.
[81]
Quoted in Steven Lawson, A Long Line of Godly Men, 2:392.
[82]
These three points on reprobation are modified from John Frame, Systematic
Theology, 224.
[83]
Frame, Systematic Theology, 168.
[84]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 185.
[85]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 197.
[86]
Sproul, Everyone’s a Theologian, 238.
[87]
Watson, A Body of Divinity, 176.
[88]
See Petrus Van Mastricht, Practical-Theoretical Theology, 2.9-15; See also Gerhardus
Vos. Reformed Dogmatics, 4.72ff.
[89]
Edwards, “Distinguishing Marks,” in WJE 4:212-288.
[90]
A Body of Divinity, 226.
[91]
Watson, A Body of Divinity, 181.
[92]
Lawson, Long Line of Godly Men, 397.
[93]
R.C. Sproul, What is Reformed Theology?, 78.
[94]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 207.
[95]
Arnold, The Early Christians, 106.
[96]
Beeke and Jones, Puritan Theology, 193.
[97]
Watson, A Body of Divinity, 101.
[98]
Watson, A Body of Divinity, 178.
[99]
Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 1.99-100.
[100]
See Frame, Systematic Theology, 1021.
[101]
Beeke and Jones, A Puritan Theology, 684.
[102]
Beeke and Jones, A Puritan Theology, 696.
[103]
Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 568.
[104]
See Reformation Worship: Liturgies from the Past for the Present.
[105]
John Wesley, Hymns of the United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church,
(Abington Press), 1989.
[106]
Edwards, Some Thoughts on the Revival, WJE 4:
[107]
Arnold, The Early Church,
[108]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 268.
[109]
Thomas Watson, The Ten Commandments (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1995), 94-
95.
[110]
Thomas Watson, The Ten Commandments, 97.
[111]
The Early Christians, 226.
[112]
The Early Christians, 249.
[113]
The Early Christians, 250.
[114]
See Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic,
2011), 672.
[115]
Much of the information in this section is derived from Phillip Schaff, History of the
Christian Church, Vol 2: Ante-Nicene Christianity AD 100 - 325 (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson,
1996), 258-266.
[116]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 282.
[117]
For all of these important early creedal formulas, see Eberhard Arnold, The Early
Christians, p. 135f.
[118]
Francis Schaeffer “True Spirituality” (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2001), 123-
124.

[119]
Ibid. p. 111.

[120]
A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Devine (Camp Hill, PA:
Christian Publications, 1983), 11-15.
[121]
These five points are taken from John Piper, Desiring God: Meditations of a
Christian Hedonist (Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah Press, 2003), 28.

[122]
Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God (Springdale, PA: Whitaker
House, 1982), 59.

[123]
Thomas A Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, (North Burnswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos
Publishers, 1999), 17.

[124]
Julian of Norwhich, Showings, (New York, NY: Paulist Press, 1978), 130.
[125]
John Frame, The Doctrine of the Christian Life, 213. On this distinction, see also
John Calvin, Institututes, 4.20.15 and WCF 19:2-5.
[126]
Ibid., 213.
[127]
Thomas Watson, The Ten Commandments, p. 12-15.
[128]
Beeke and Smalley, Reformed Systematic Theology, 3:872-84.
[129]
Bondage of the Will, 7.4 (New Jersey: Revell, 1957), 287.
[130]
Joel Beeke, Reformed Systematic Theology, 3:868.
[131]
Arnold, The Early Church, 294.
[132]
Thomas Watson, Body of Divinity, 268.
[133]
Religious Affections (WJE 2:387)
[134]
St. Augustine, quoted in Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, 1.119.
[135]
Religious Affections (WJE 2:427)
[136]
Lewis, Mere Christianity, 86.
[137]
Watson, A Body of Divinity, 160.
[138]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 288.
[139]
See John Murray, Collected Writings, 2:409.
[140]
Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, 3:812-836.
[141]
C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory (New York: Harper Collins, 1980), 45.
[142]
Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 298.
[143]
Lewis, The Last Battle (Harper, 1956), 228.
[144]
See ESV Study Bible, 2456-2458.
[145]
See Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 108.