| London Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 Version Index & Articles |
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THE LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITHAdopted by the Ministers and
Messengers of the general assembly, London, 1689
Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scriptures1._____ The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience, although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and his will which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times and in divers manners to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterward for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan, and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the Holy Scriptures to be most necessary, those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.( 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Ephesians 2:20; Romans 1:19-21; Romans 2:14,15; Psalms 19:1-3; Hebrews 1:1; Proverbs 22:19-21; Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19,20 ) 2._____Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these: OF THE OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Solomen, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations,Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi OF THE NEW TESTAMENT: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts of the Apostles, Paul's Epistle to the Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, To Titus, To Philemon, The Epistle to the Hebrews, Epistle of James, The first and second Epistles of Peter, The first, second, and third Epistles of John, The Epistle of Jude, The Revelation All of which are given by the inspiration of God, to be the rule
of faith and life. 3._____ The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine
inspiration, are no part of the canon or rule of the Scripture, and, therefore,
are of no authority to the church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved or
made use of than other human writings. 4._____ The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought
to be believed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but
wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof; therefore it is to
be received because it is the Word of God. 5._____We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the church
of God to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and the
heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, and the majesty of
the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to
give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's
salvation, and many other incomparable excellencies, and entire perfections
thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the
Word of God; yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the
infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the
Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. 6._____The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary
for his own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set
down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture: unto which nothing at any
time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of
men. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God
to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in
the Word, and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God,
and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are
to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the
general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed. 7._____All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves,
nor alike clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known,
believed and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in
some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned,
in a due use of ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of
them. 8._____The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language
of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time
of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being
immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure
in all ages, are therefore authentic; so as in all controversies of religion,
the church is finally to appeal to them. But because these original tongues are
not known to all the people of God, who have a right unto, and interest in the
Scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God to read and search them,
therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation
unto which they come, that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they
may worship him in an acceptable manner, and through patience and comfort of
the Scriptures may have hope. 9._____The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the
Scripture itself; and therefore when there is a question about the true and
full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be
searched by other places that speak more clearly. 10.____The supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion
are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers,
doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose
sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by
the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally
resolved. Chapter 2: Of God and of the Holy Trinity1._____The Lord our God is but one only living and true God; whose subsistence is in and of himself, infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but himself; a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; who is immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, every way infinite, most holy, most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him, and withal most just and terrible in his judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.( 1 Corinthians 8:4, 6; Deuteronomy 6:4; Jeremiah 10:10; Isaiah 48:12; Exodus 3:14; John 4:24; 1 Timothy 1:17; Deuteronomy 4:15, 16; Malachi 3:6; 1 Kings 8:27; Jeremiah 23:23; Psalms 90:2; Genesis 17:1; Isaiah 6:3; Psalms 115:3; Isaiah 46:10; Proverbs 16:4; Romans 11:36; Exodus 34:6, 7; Hebrews 11:6; Nehemiah 9:32, 33; Psalms 5:5, 6; Exodus 34:7; Nahum 1:2, 3 ) 2._____God, having all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and
of himself, is alone in and unto himself all-sufficient, not standing in need
of any creature which he hath made, nor deriving any glory from them, but only
manifesting his own glory in, by, unto, and upon them; he is the alone fountain
of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things, and he hath
most sovereign dominion over all creatures, to do by them, for them, or upon
them, whatsoever himself pleaseth; in his sight all things are open and
manifest, his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the
creature, so as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain; he is most holy in
all his counsels, in all his works, and in all his commands; to him is due from
angels and men, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience, as creatures they
owe unto the Creator, and whatever he is further pleased to require of
them. 3._____ In this divine and infinite Being there are three
subsistences, the Father, the Word or Son, and Holy Spirit, of one substance,
power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence
undivided: the Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is
eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father
and the Son; all infinite, without beginning, therefore but one God, who is not
to be divided in nature and being, but distinguished by several peculiar
relative properties and personal relations; which doctrine of the Trinity is
the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence on
him. Chapter 3: Of God's Decree1._____ God hath decreed in himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein; nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established; in which appears his wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing his decree.( Isaiah 46:10; Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 6:17; Romans 9:15, 18; James 1:13; 1 John 1:5; Acts 4:27, 28; John 19:11; Numbers 23:19; Ephesians 1:3-5 ) 2._____ Although God knoweth whatsoever may or can come to pass,
upon all supposed conditions, yet hath he not decreed anything, because he
foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such
conditions. 3._____ By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory,
some men and angels are predestinated, or foreordained to eternal life through
Jesus Christ, to the praise of his glorious grace; others being left to act in
their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of his glorious
justice. 4.______These angels and men thus predestinated and foreordained,
are particularly and unchangeably designed, and their number so certain and
definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished. 5._____ Those of mankind that are predestinated to life, God,
before the foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and
immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath
chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of his mere free grace and love,
without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving him
thereunto. 6._____ As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so he hath,
by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, foreordained all the means
thereunto; wherefore they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed
by Christ, are effectually called unto faith in Christ, by his Spirit working
in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by his power
through faith unto salvation; neither are any other redeemed by Christ, or
effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect
only. 7._____ The doctrine of the 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. Chapter 4: Of Creation1._____ In the beginning it pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, to create or make the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good.( John 1:2, 3; Hebrews 1:2; Job 26:13; Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16; Genesis 1:31 ) 2._____ After God had made all other creatures, he created man,
male and female, with reasonable and immortal souls, rendering them fit unto
that life to God for which they were created; being made after the image of
God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness; having the law of God
written in their hearts, and power to fulfil it, and yet under a possibility of
transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject
to change. 3._____ Besides the law written in their hearts, they received a
command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which whilst they
kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the
creatures. Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence1._____ God the good Creator of all things, in his infinite power and wisdom doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, to the end for the which they were created, according unto his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will; to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, infinite goodness, and mercy.( Hebrews 1:3; Job 38:11; Isaiah 46:10, 11; Psalms 135:6; Matthew 10:29-31; Ephesians 1:11 ) 2._____ Although in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of
God, the first cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly; so that
there is not anything befalls any by chance, or without his providence; yet by
the same providence he ordereth them to fall out according to the nature of
second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently. 3._____ God, in his ordinary providence maketh use of means, yet
is free to work without, above, and against them at his pleasure. 4._____ The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite
goodness of God, so far manifest themselves in his providence, that his
determinate counsel extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all other
sinful actions both of angels and men; and that not by a bare permission, which
also he most wisely and powerfully boundeth, and otherwise ordereth and
governeth, in a manifold dispensation to his most holy ends; yet so, as the
sinfulness of their acts proceedeth only from the creatures, and not from God,
who, being most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or
approver of sin. 5._____ The most wise, righteous, and gracious God doth
oftentimes leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations and the
corruptions of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to
discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their
hearts, that they may be humbled; and to raise them to a more close and
constant dependence for their support upon himself; and to make them more
watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for other just and holy ends.
So that whatsoever befalls any of his elect is by his appointment, for his
glory, and their good. 6._____ As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as the
righteous judge, for former sin doth blind and harden; from them he not only
withholdeth his grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in their
understanding, and wrought upon their hearts; but sometimes also withdraweth
the gifts which they had, and exposeth them to such objects as their corruption
makes occasion of sin; and withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the
temptations of the world, and the power of Satan, whereby it comes to pass that
they harden themselves, under those means which God useth for the softening of
others. 7._____ As the providence of God doth in general reach to all
creatures, so after a more special manner it taketh care of his church, and
disposeth of all things to the good thereof. | Index | Doctrinal Statements | Tlogical Home | Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, Of Sin, And the Punishment Thereof1._____ Although God created man upright and perfect, and gave him a righteous law, which had been unto life had he kept it, and threatened death upon the breach thereof, yet he did not long abide in this honour; Satan using the subtlety of the serpent to subdue Eve, then by her seducing Adam, who, without any compulsion, did willfully transgress the law of their creation, and the command given unto them, in eating the forbidden fruit, which God was pleased, according to his wise and holy counsel to permit, having purposed to order it to his own glory.( Genesis 2:16, 17; Genesis 3:12,13; 2 Corinthians 11:3 ) 2._____ Our first parents, by this sin, fell from their original
righteousness and communion with God, and we in them whereby death came upon
all: all becoming dead in sin, and wholly defiled in all the faculties and
parts of soul and body. 3._____ They being the root, and by God's appointment, standing
in the room and stead of all mankind, the guilt of the sin was imputed, and
corrupted nature conveyed, to all their posterity descending from them by
ordinary generation, being now conceived in sin, and by nature children of
wrath, the servants of sin, the subjects of death, and all other miseries,
spiritual, temporal, and eternal, unless the Lord Jesus set them free. 4._____ From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly
indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all
evil, do proceed all actual transgressions. 5._____ The corruption of nature, during this life, doth remain
in those that are regenerated; and although it be through Christ pardoned and
mortified, yet both itself, and the first motions thereof, are truly and
properly sin. Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant1._____ The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience to him as their creator, yet they could never have attained the reward of life but by some voluntary condescension on God's part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant.( Luke 17:10; Job 35:7,8 ) 2._____ Moreover, man having brought himself under the curse of
the law by his fall, it pleased the Lord to make a 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. 3._____ This covenant is revealed in the gospel; first of all to
Adam in the promise of salvation by the seed of the woman, and afterwards by
farther steps, until the full discovery thereof was completed in the New
Testament; and it is founded in that eternal covenant transaction that was
between the Father and the Son about the redemption of the elect; and it is
alone by the grace of this covenant that all the posterity of fallen Adam that
ever were saved did obtain life and blessed immortality, man being now utterly
incapable of acceptance with God upon those terms on which Adam stood in his
state of innocency. Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1._____ It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, his only begotten Son, according to the covenant made between them both, to be the mediator between God and man; the prophet, priest, and king; head and saviour of the church, the heir of all things, and judge of the world; unto whom he did from all eternity give a people to be his seed and to be by him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.( Isaiah 42:1; 1 Peter 1:19, 20; Acts 3:22; Hebrews 5:5, 6; Psalms 2:6; Luke 1:33; Ephesians 1:22, 23; Hebrews 1:2; Acts 17:31; Isaiah 53:10; John 17:6; Romans 8:30 ) 2._____ The Son of God, the second person in the Holy Trinity,
being very and eternal God, the brightness of the Father's glory, of one
substance and equal with him who made the world, who upholdeth and governeth
all things he hath made, did, when the fullness of time was come, take upon him
man's nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof,
yet without sin; being conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin
Mary, the Holy Spirit coming down upon her: and the power of the Most High
overshadowing her; and so was made of a woman of the tribe of Judah, of the
seed of Abraham and David according to the Scriptures; so that two whole,
perfect, and distinct natures were inseparably joined together in one person,
without conversion, composition, or confusion; which person is very God and
very man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and man. 3._____ The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the
divine, in the person of the Son, was sanctified and anointed with the Holy
Spirit above measure, having in Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge;
in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell, to the end that
being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth, he might be
throughly furnished to execute the office of mediator and surety; which office
he took not upon himself, but was thereunto called by his Father; who also put
all power and judgement in his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the
same. 4._____ This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake,
which that he might discharge he was made under the law, and did perfectly
fulfil it, and underwent the punishment due to us, which we should have borne
and suffered, being made sin and a curse for us; enduring most grievous sorrows
in his soul, and most painful sufferings in his body; was crucified, and died,
and remained in the state of the dead, yet saw no corruption: on the third day
he arose from the dead with the same body in which he suffered, with which he
also ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father
making intercession, and shall return to judge men and angels at the end of the
world. 5._____ The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of
himself, which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath
fully satisfied the justice of God, procured reconciliation, and purchased an
everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father
hath given unto Him. 6._____ Although the price of redemption was not actually paid by
Christ till after his incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefit
thereof were communicated to the elect in all ages, successively from the
beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices wherein
he was revealed, and signified to be the seed which should bruise the serpent's
head; and the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, being the same
yesterday, and to-day and for ever. 7._____ Christ, in the work of mediation, acteth according to
both natures, by each nature doing that which is proper to itself; yet by
reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature is
sometimes in Scripture, attributed to the person denominated by the other
nature. 8._____ To all those for whom Christ hath obtained eternal
redemption, he doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same,
making intercession for them; uniting them to himself by his Spirit, revealing
unto them, in and by his Word, the mystery of salvation, persuading them to
believe and obey, governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit, and overcoming
all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, in such manner and ways as
are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation; and all of
free and absolute grace, without any condition foreseen in them to procure it.
9._____ This office of mediator between God and man is proper
only to Christ, who is the prophet, priest, and king of the church of God; and
may not be either in whole, or any part thereof, transferred from him to any
other. 10.____ This number and order of offices is necessary; for in
respect of our ignorance, we stand in need of his prophetical office; and in
respect of our alienation from God, and imperfection of the best of our
services, we need his priestly office to reconcile us and present us acceptable
unto God; and in respect to our averseness and utter inability to return to
God, and for our rescue and security from our spiritual adversaries, we need
his kingly office to convince, subdue, draw, uphold, deliver, and preserve us
to his heavenly kingdom. Chapter 9: Of Free Will1._____ God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty and power of acting upon choice, that it is neither forced, nor by any necessity of nature determined to do good or evil.( Matthew 17:12; James 1:14; Deuteronomy 30:19 ) 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 was
unstable, so that he might fall from it. 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.
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 corruptions, he doth not
perfectly, nor only will, that which is good, but doth also will that which is
evil. 5._____ This will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to
good alone in the state of glory only. Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling1._____ Those whom God hath predestinated unto life, he is pleased in his appointed, and accepted time, effectually to call, by his Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God; taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them a heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and by his almighty power determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ; yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by his grace.( Romans 8:30; Romans 11:7; Ephesians 1:10, 11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14; Ephesians 2:1-6; Acts 26:18; Ephesians 1:17, 18; Ezekiel 36:26; Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel 36:27; Ephesians 1:19; Psalm 110:3; Song of Solomon 1:4 ) 2._____ This effectual call is of God's free and special grace
alone, not from anything at all foreseen in man, nor from any power or agency
in the creature, being wholly passive therein, being dead in sins and
trespasses, until being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit; he is thereby
enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in
it, and that by no less power than that which raised up Christ from the dead.
3._____ Elect infants dying in infancy are regenerated and saved
by Christ through the Spirit; who worketh when, and where, and how he pleases;
so also are all elect persons, who are incapable of being outwardly called by
the ministry of the Word. 4._____ Others not elected, although they may be called by the
ministry of the Word, and may have some common operations of the Spirit, yet
not being effectually drawn by the Father, they neither will nor can truly come
to Christ, and therefore cannot be saved: much less can men that receive not
the Christian religion be saved; be they never so diligent to frame their lives
according to the light of nature and the law of that religion they do
profess. Chapter 11: Of Justification1._____ Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth, not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing Christ's active obedience unto the whole law, and passive obedience in his death for their whole and sole righteousness by faith, which faith they have not of themselves; it is the gift of God.( Romans 3:24; Romans 8:30; Romans 4:5-8; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:30, 31; Romans 5:17-19; Philippians 3:8, 9; Ephesians 2:8-10; John 1:12; Romans 5:17 ) 2._____ Faith thus receiving and resting on Christ and his
righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification; yet it is not alone in
the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and
is no dead faith, but worketh by love. 3._____ Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge
the debt of all those that are justified; and did, by the sacrifice of himself
in the blood of his cross, undergoing in their stead the penalty due unto them,
make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in their behalf;
yet, inasmuch as he was given by the Father for them, and his obedience and
satisfaction accepted in their stead, and both freely, not for anything in
them, their justification is only of free grace, that both the exact justice
and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners. 4._____ God did from all eternity decree to justify all the
elect, and Christ did in the fullness of time die for their sins, and rise
again for their justification; nevertheless, they are not justified personally,
until the Holy Spirit doth in time due actually apply Christ unto them. 5._____ God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are
justified, and although they can never fall from the state of justification,
yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure; and in that
condition they have not usually the light of his countenance restored unto
them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew
their faith and repentance. 6._____ The justification of believers under the Old Testament
was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of
believers under the New Testament. Chapter 12: Of Adoption_______ All those that are justified, God vouchsafed, in and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption, by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of 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.( Ephesians 1:5; Galatians 4:4, 5; John 1:12; Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 3:12; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 2:18; Psalms 103:13; Proverbs 14:26; 1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 12:6; Isaiah 54:8, 9; Lamentations 3:31; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 6:12 ) Chapter 13: Of Sanctification1._____ They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, are also farther sanctified, really and personally, through the same virtue, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them; the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.( Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5, 6; John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14 ) 2._____This sanctification is throughout the whole man, yet
imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in
every part, whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh
lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. 3._____ In which war, although the remaining corruption for a
time may much prevail, yet through the continual supply of strength from the
sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so the
saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pressing after an
heavenly life, in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ as
Head and King, in His Word hath prescribed them. Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith1._____ The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word; by which also, and by the administration of baptism and the Lord's supper, prayer, and other means appointed of God, it is increased and strengthened. ( 2 Corinthians 4:13; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:14, 17; Luke 17:5; 1 Peter 2:2; Acts 20:32 ) 2._____ By this faith a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever
is revealed in the Word for the authority of God himself, and also apprehendeth
an excellency therein above all other writings and all things in the world, as
it bears forth the glory of God in his attributes, the excellency of Christ in
his nature and offices, and the power and fullness of the Holy Spirit in his
workings and operations: and so is enabled to cast his soul upon the truth thus
believed; and also acteth differently upon that which each particular passage
thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the
threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is
to come; but the principal acts of saving faith have immediate relation to
Christ, accepting, receiving, and resting upon him alone for justification,
sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace. 3._____ This faith, although it be different in degrees, and may
be weak or strong, yet it is in the least degree of it different in the kind or
nature of it, as is all other saving grace, from the faith and common grace of
temporary believers; and therefore, though it may be many times assailed and
weakened, yet it gets the victory, growing up in many to the attainment of a
full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our
faith. Chapter 15: Of Repentance Unto Life and Salvation1._____ Such of the elect as are converted at riper years, having sometime lived in the state of nature, and therein served divers lusts and pleasures, God in their effectual calling giveth them repentance unto life. ( Titus 3:2-5 ) 2._____ Whereas there is none that doth good and sinneth not, and
the best of men may, through the power and deceitfulness of their corruption
dwelling in them, with the prevalency of temptation, fall into great sins and
provocations; God hath, in the covenant of grace, mercifully provided that
believers so sinning and falling be renewed through repentance unto salvation.
3._____ This saving repentance is an evangelical grace, whereby a
person, being by the Holy Spirit made sensible of the manifold evils of his
sin, doth, by faith in Christ, humble himself for it with godly sorrow,
detestation of it, and self-abhorrency, praying for pardon and strength of
grace, with a purpose and endeavour, by supplies of the Spirit, to walk before
God unto all well-pleasing in all things. 4._____ As repentance is to be continued through the whole course
of our lives, upon the account of the body of death, and the motions thereof,
so it is every man's duty to repent of his particular known sins particularly.
5._____ Such is the provision which God hath made through Christ
in the covenant of grace for the preservation of believers unto salvation; that
although there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation; yet there is no
sin so great that it shall bring damnation on them that repent; which makes the
constant preaching of repentance necessary. Chapter 16: Of Good Works1._____ Good works are only such as God hath commanded in his Holy Word, and not such as without the warrant thereof are devised by men out of blind zeal, or upon any pretence of good intentions.( Micah 6:8; Hebrews 13:21; Matthew 15:9; Isaiah 29:13 ) 2._____ These good works, done in obedience to God's
commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith; and by
them believers manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify
their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel, stop the mouths of the
adversaries, and glorify God, whose workmanship they are, created in Christ
Jesus thereunto, that having their fruit unto holiness they may have the end
eternal life. 3._____ Their ability to do good works is not at all of
themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ; and that they may be enabled
thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is necessary an
actual influence of the same Holy Spirit, to work in them to will and to do of
his good pleasure; yet they are not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were
not bound to perform any duty, unless upon a special motion of the Spirit, but
they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them. 4._____ They who in their obedience attain to the greatest height
which is possible in this life, are so far from being able to supererogate, and
to do more than God requires, as that they fall short of much which in duty
they are bound to do. 5._____ We cannot by our best works merit pardon of sin or
eternal life at the hand of God, by reason of the great disproportion that is
between them and the glory to come, and the infinite distance that is between
us and God, whom by them we can neither profit nor satisfy for the debt of our
former sins; but when we have done all we can, we have done but our duty, and
are unprofitable servants; and because as they are good they proceed from his
Spirit, and as they are wrought by us they are defiled and mixed with so much
weakness and imperfection, that they cannot endure the severity of God's
punishment. 6._____ Yet notwithstanding the persons of believers being
accepted through Christ, their good works also are accepted in him; not as
though they were in this life wholly unblameable and unreprovable in God's
sight, but that he, looking upon them in his Son, is pleased to accept and
reward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and
imperfections. 7._____ Works done by unregenerate men, although for the matter
of them they may be things which God commands, and of good use both to
themselves and others; yet because they proceed not from a heart purified by
faith, nor are done in a right manner according to the word, nor to a right
end, the glory of God, they are therefore sinful, and cannot please God, nor
make a man meet to receive grace from God, and yet their neglect of them is
more sinful and displeasing to God. Chapter 17: Of The Perseverance of the Saints1._____ Those whom God hath accepted in the beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, and given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved, seeing the gifts and callings of God are without repentance, whence he still begets and nourisheth in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Spirit unto immortality; and though many storms and floods arise and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock which by faith they are fastened upon; notwithstanding, through unbelief and the temptations of Satan, the sensible sight of the light and love of God may for a time be clouded and obscured from them, yet he is still the same, and they shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto salvation, where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being engraven upon the palm of his hands, and their names having been written in the book of life from all eternity.( John 10:28, 29; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 John 2:19; Psalms 89:31, 32; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Malachi 3:6 ) 2._____ This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their
own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing
from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father, upon the efficacy of the
merit and intercession of Jesus Christ and union with him, the oath of God, the
abiding of his Spirit, and the seed of God within them, and the nature of the
covenant of grace; from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility
thereof. 3._____ And though they may, through the temptation of Satan and
of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect
of means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins, and for a time
continue therein, whereby they incur God's displeasure and grieve his Holy
Spirit, come to have their graces and comforts impaired, have their hearts
hardened, and their consciences wounded, hurt and scandalize others, and bring
temporal judgments upon themselves, yet shall they renew their repentance and
be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end. Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation1._____ Although temporary believers, and other unregenerate men, may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in the favour of God and state of salvation, which hope of theirs shall perish; yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love him in sincerity, endeavouring 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.( Job 8:13, 14; Matthew 7:22, 23; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 3:14, 18, 19, 21, 24; 1 John 5:13; Romans 5:2, 5 ) 2._____ This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable
persuasion grounded upon a fallible hope, but an infallible assurance of faith
founded on the blood and righteousness of Christ revealed in the Gospel; and
also upon the inward evidence of those graces of the Spirit unto which promises
are made, and on the testimony of the Spirit of adoption, witnessing with our
spirits that we are the children of God; and, as a fruit thereof, keeping the
heart both humble and holy. 3._____ This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the
essence of faith, but that a true believer may wait long, and conflict with
many difficulties before he be partaker of it; yet being enabled by the Spirit
to know the things which are freely given him of God, he may, without
extraordinary revelation, in the right use of means, attain thereunto: and
therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling
and election sure, that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in
the Holy Spirit, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and
cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this assurance;
-so far is it from inclining men to looseness. 4._____ True believers may have the assurance of their salvation
divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as by negligence in preserving
of it, by falling into some special sin which woundeth the conscience and
grieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation, by God's
withdrawing the light of his countenance, and suffering even such as fear him
to walk in darkness and to have no light, yet are they never destitute of the
seed of God and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, that
sincerity of heart and conscience of duty out of which, by the operation of the
Spirit, this assurance may in due time be revived, and by the which, in the
meantime, they are preserved from utter despair. |