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Since the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith is based on the 1646
Westminster Confession of Faith, the 1689 is often assumed to be nothing more than
"baptized" version of the 1646 (See London Chap 28,29 &30 vs 27, 28 &
29 of the Westminster.) And whereas they are in most parts
identical or similar, there are, however, key points of difference between the two
version besides Baptism. The first key area of difference is found in Chapter
3: Of God's Decree. A more thorough comparison is given in the article
titled
Comparison of 1644
Chapter 3 With 1689 Chapter 3 of God's Decrees London Baptist
Confessions of Faith. A second area with key differences is
found in Chapter 17 Of The Perseverance
of the Saints. A more thorough comparison is given in the article titled
Comparison of 1644 Chapter 23 With 1689 Chapter 17 Of The Perseverance
of the Saints London Baptist Confessions of Faith. Third, Chapter 15 Of
Repentance Unto Life and Salvation, was almost completely rewritten by the 1689
London Baptists. Fourth, Chapter 20: Of the Gospel and the Extent of Grace
Thereof, is completely original to the 1689 London having no counterpart in the
1646 Westminster Fifth, Chapter 26 (Chapter 25 in the Westminster): Of the
Church, is almost completely different, which is not surprising given the
independent, congregational and, separation of church and state sentiments of
the Baptists. Sixth, Chapter 30: Of Church Censures and Chapter 31: Of Synods
and Councils in the 1646 Westminster have no counterpart in the 1689 Baptist.
Which again is not surprising. Major differences between the Baptist and Westminster
confessions are given in Red. Minor differences
in either word order or spelling are given in Blue.
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The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith
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The 1646 Westminster Confession of Faith
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Chapter
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12,
13,
14,
15,
16,
17,
18,
19,
20,
21,
22,
23,
24,
25,
26,
27,
28,
29,
30,
31, 32 |
Chapter 1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12,
13,
14,
15,
16,
17,
18,
19,
20,
21,
22,
23,
24,
25,
26,
27,
28,
29,
30,
31,
32,
33 |
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LBCF -
Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scriptures |
WCF - Chapter
1: Of the Holy Scriptures |
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1.
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. |
1.
Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence,
do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave
men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of
God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation; therefore it
pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal
himself, and to declare that his will unto his Church; and afterwards
for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more
sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of
the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same
wholly unto writing; which maketh the holy Scripture to be most
necessary; those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people
being now ceased. |
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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
Solomon,
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, Titus, Philemon, The Epistle to the Hebrews, The
Epistle of James, The First and Second Epistles of Peter, The First,
Second, and Third Epistles of John, The Epistle of Jude, The Revelation
All of which are
given by the inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life. |
2.
Under the name of holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now
contained all the Books of the Old and New Testament, which are these:
OF THE OLD
TESTAMENT: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua,
Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II
Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes,
The Song of
Songs,
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos,
Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah,
Malachi
OF THE NEW
TESTAMENT: The Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts
of the Apostles, Paul's Epistles to the Romans, I Corinthians, II
Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I
Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, Philemon,
The Epistle to the Hebrews, The Epistle of James, The First and Second
Epistles of Peter, The First Second, and Third Epistles of John, The
Epistle of Jude, The Revelation
All which are given
by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life. |
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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. |
3.
The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration,
are no part of the Canon of Scripture; and therefore are of no authority
in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of,
than other human writings. |
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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. |
4.
The authority of the holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed
and obeyed, dependeth not upon the
testimony of any man or Church, but wholly upon God (who is truth
itself), the Author thereof; and
therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God. |
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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. |
5.
We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high
and reverent esteem of the holy Scripture; and the heavenliness of the
matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the
consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all
glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's
salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire
perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence
itself to be the Word of God; yet, notwithstanding, our full persuasion
and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is
from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the
Word in our hearts. |
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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. |
6.
The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for his own
glory, man's salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down
in Scripture, or by good and necessary
consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at
any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or
traditions of men. Nevertheless we acknowledge the inward illumination
of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of
such things as are revealed in the Word; and that there are some
circumstances concerning the worship of God, and the 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. |
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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. |
7.
All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike
clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known,
believed, and observed, for salvation, are so clearly propounded and
opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned,
but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a
sufficient understanding of them. |
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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. |
8.
The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people
of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of the
writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being
immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence
kept pure in all ages, are therefore
authentical; so as in all controversies of religion the Church is
finally to appeal unto them. But because these original tongues are not
known to all the people of God who have right unto, and interest in, the
Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search
them, therefore they are to be translated into the language of every
people 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. |
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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. |
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 may be
searched and known by other places that
speak more clearly. |
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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. |
10.
The Supreme Judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be
determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers,
doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose
sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the
Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture. |
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LBCF - Chapter 2: Of God and of the Holy Trinity |
WCF - Chapter 2: Of God and of the Holy Trinity |
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1.
The Lord our God is but one only
living and true God; whose subsistence is in
and of himself, infinite in being and perfection;
whose essence cannot be comprehended by any
but himself; a most pure spirit, invisible, without body,
parts, or passions, who only hath
immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;
who is immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible,
almighty, every way infinite, most
holy, most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things
according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous
will for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful,
long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity,
transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek
him, and withal most just and terrible in his judgments, hating all
sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty. |
1.
There is but one only living and
true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure
spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, immutable,
immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy,
most free, most absolute, working all things according to the
counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will, for his won
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. |
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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. |
2.
God hath all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of himself;
and is alone in and unto himself
all-sufficient, not standing in need of any
creatures which he hath made, nor deriving any glory from
them, but only manifesting his own glory in, by, unto, and upon
them; he is the alone foundation of all being, of whom, through
whom, and to whom, are all things; and hath most sovereign dominion
over them, to do by them, for them,
or upon them, whatsoever himself pleaseth. In his sight all things
are open and manifest; his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and
independent upon the creature; so as nothing is to him contingent or
uncertain. He is most holy in all his counsels, in all his works,
and in all his commands. To him is due from angels and men,
and every other creature, whatsoever
worship, service, or obedience he is pleased
to require of them. |
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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. |
3.
In the unity of the Godhead there be three
Persons of one substance, power, and eternity:
God the Father, God the Son, and God the
Holy Ghost. The Father is of none, neither begotten nor
proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy
Ghost eternally proceeding from the
Father and the Son. |
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LBCF - Chapter 3: Of God's Decree |
WCF -
Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree |
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1.
God hath decreed in himself, from all
eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and
unchangeably, all things, whatsoever
comes to pass; yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin
nor hath fellowship with any therein; nor
is violence offered to the will of the creature,
nor yet is the liberty or contingency of
second causes taken away, but rather established;
in which appears his wisdom in disposing all
things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing his decree. |
1.
God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of his own
will, freely and unchangeably ordain
whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby neither is God the author of
sin; nor is violence offered to the will of the
creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes
taken away, but rather established. |
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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. |
2.
Although God knows whatsoever may or can
come to pass, upon all supposed conditions; yet hath he not decreed any
thing because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to
pass, upon such conditions. |
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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. |
3.
By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and
angels are predestinated unto everlasting life,
and others foreordained to everlasting death. |
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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. |
4.
These angels and men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are
particularly and unchangeably designed; and their number is so certain
and definite that it cannot be either increased or diminished. |
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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. |
5.
Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the
foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable
purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath
chosen in Christ, unto everlasting glory, out of his free grace and love
alone, without
any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of them,
or any other thing in the creature, as
conditions, or causes moving him
thereunto; and all to the praise of his glorious
grace. |
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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. |
6.
As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, by the eternal
and most free purpose of his will, foreordained all the means thereunto.
Wherefore they who are elected being fallen in Adam are redeemed by
Christ, are effectually called unto faith in Christ by his Spirit
working in due season; are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by
his power through faith unto salvation. Neither are any other redeemed
by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and
saved, but the elect only. |
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7.
The rest of mankind, God was pleased, according
to the unsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or
withholdeth mercy as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power
over his creatures, to pass by, and to ordain them to dishonour and
wrath for their sin, to the praise of his glorious justice. |
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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. |
8.
The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled
with special prudence and care, that men attending to 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. |
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LBCF -
Chapter 4: Of Creation |
WCF - Chapter 4: Of Creation |
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1.
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. |
1.
It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and
goodness, in the beginning, to create or
make of nothing the world, and all things
therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all
very good. |
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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 fulfill 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. |
2.
After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female,
with reasonable and immortal souls, endued with
knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness after his own image,
having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfill it;
and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty
of their own will, which was subject unto change. Besides this law
written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree
of the knowledge of good and evil; which while
they kept were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over
the creatures. |
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LBCF -
Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence |
WCF - Chapter 5: Of Providence |
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1.
God the good Creator of all things,
in his infinite power and wisdom doth
uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures and things, from the
greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence,
to the end for the which they were created,
according unto his infallible
foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will; to
the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice,
infinite goodness, and mercy. |
1.
God, the great Creator of all things,
doth uphold, direct dispose, and govern all creatures,
actions, and things, from the greatest
even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, according
to his infallible foreknowledge, and the
free and immutable counsel of his own will, to the praise of the glory
of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy. |
|
2.
Although in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first
cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly;
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. |
2.
Although in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first
cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly, yet, by the
same providence, he ordereth them to fall out according to the nature of
second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently. |
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3.
God, in his ordinary providence maketh use of means, yet is free to work
without, above, and against them at his pleasure. |
3.
God, in his ordinary providence, maketh use of means, yet is free to
work without, above, and against them, at his pleasure. |
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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. |
4.
The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God,
so far manifest themselves in his providence, that
it extendeth itself even to the first
Fall, and all other sins of angels and
men, and that not by a bare permission, but
such as hath joined with it a most wise and powerful bounding, and
otherwise ordering and governing of them, in a manifold
dispensation, to his own holy ends; yet so, as the sinfulness
thereof proceedeth only from the
creature, and not from God; who being
most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of
sin. |
|
5.
The most wise, righteous, and gracious God doth oftentimes leave for a
season his own children to manifold temptations and the 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. |
5.
The most wise, righteous, and gracious God, doth oftentimes leave for a
season his own children to manifold temptations and the corruption of
their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover
unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their
hearts, that they may be humbled; and to raise them to a more close and
constant dependence for their support upon himself, and to make them
more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for
sundry other just and holy ends. |
|
6.
As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as
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. |
6.
As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as
a righteous judge, for former
sins, doth blind and harden; from them he
not only withholdeth his grace, whereby they might have been enlightened
in their understandings, and wrought upon 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,
even under those means which God useth
for the softening of others. |
|
7.
As the providence of God doth in general reach to all creatures, so
after a more special manner it taketh care of his church, and disposeth
of all things to the good thereof. |
7.
As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures, so,
after a most special manner, it taketh care of his Church, and disposeth
all things to the good thereof. |
|
LBCF
-
Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof |
WCF
-
Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof |
|
1.
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. |
1.
Our first parents, begin seduced by the subtilty
and temptations of Satan, sinned in eating the forbidden fruit.
This their sin God was pleased,
according to his wise and holy counsel, to permit, having purposed to
order it to his own glory. |
|
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. |
2.
By this sin they fell from their
original righteousness and communion with God,
and so became 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. |
3.
They being the root of mankind, the guilt of this
sin was imputed, and the same death in sin
and corrupted nature conveyed to all their posterity, descending from
them by original generation. |
|
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. |
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. |
5.
This 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
all the motions thereof, are truly and
properly sin. |
| |
6.
Every sin, both original and actual, being a
transgression of the righteous law of God, and contrary thereunto, doth,
in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sinner, whereby he is bound over
to the wrath of God, and curse of the law, and so made subject to death,
with all miseries spiritual, temporal, and eternal. |
|
LBCF -
Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant |
WCF -
Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man |
|
1.
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. |
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. |
| |
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.
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.
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 offered 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 life, his Holy
Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe. |
| |
4.
This covenant of grace is frequently set forth
in the Scripture by the name of a testament, in reference to the death
of Jesus Christ, the testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with
all things belonging to it, therein bequeathed. |
|
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. |
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
fore-signifying 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. |
| |
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 fulness, 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. |
|
LBCF -
Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator |
WCF -
Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator |
|
1.
It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord
Jesus, his only begotten Son, 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. |
1.
It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord
Jesus, his only-begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and men,
the prophet, priest, and king; the head and
Savior of the Church, the heir or all things, and judge of the world;
unto whom he did, from all eternity, give a people to be his seed, and
to be by him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and
glorified. |
|
2.
The Son of God, the second person in the 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. |
2.
The Son of God, the second Person in the Trinity, being very and eternal
God, of one substance, and equal with the
Father, did, when the fullness of time was come, take upon him
man's nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities
thereof; yet without sin: being conceived by the
power of the Holy Ghost, in the
womb of the Virgin Mary, of her substance.
So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the
manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without
conversion, composition, or confusion. Which person is very God and very
man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man. |
|
3.
The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine,
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. |
3.
The Lord Jesus in his human nature thus united to the divine, was
sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit above measure; having in
him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, in whom it pleased the
Father that all fullness should dwell: to the end that being holy,
harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth, he might be thoroughly
furnished to execute the office of a Mediator
and Surety. Which office he took not unto
himself, but was thereunto called by his Father; who put all power and
judgement into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same. |
|
4.
This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake, which that he
might discharge he was made under the law, and did perfectly 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. |
4.
This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake, which, that he
might discharge, he was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill
it; endured most grievous torments immediately
in his soul, and most painful sufferings in his body; was crucified and
died; was buried, and remained
under the power of death, yet saw no
corruption. On the third day he arose from the dead, with the same body
in which he suffered; with which also he ascended into heaven, and there
sitteth at the right hand of his Father, making intercession; and shall
return to judge men and angels, at the end of the world. |
|
5.
The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which
he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath fully
satisfied the justice of God, procured
reconciliation, and purchased an everlasting inheritance in the
kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto Him. |
5.
The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which
he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath fully
satisfied the justice of his Father; and
purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance
in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto
him. |
|
6.
Although the 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 today and for ever. |
6.
Although the work of redemption was not
actually wrought by Christ till after his
incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were
communicated into the elect, in all ages successively from the beginning
of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices wherein he
was revealed, and signified to be the seed of
the woman, which should bruise the serpent's head, and the Lamb
slain from the beginning of the world,
being yesterday and today the same and 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. |
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. |
8.
To all those for whom Christ hath purchased
redemption, he doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the
same; making intercession for them, and
revealing unto them, in and by the Word, the mysteries of salvation;
effectually persuading them
by his Spirit to believe and obey;
and governing their hearts by his Word and
Spirit; overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom,
in such manner and ways as are most consonant to his wonderful and
unsearchable dispensation. |
|
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. |
|
|
LBCF -
Chapter 9: Of Free Will |
WCF -
Chapter 9: Of Free Will |
|
1.
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. |
1.
God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that is
neither forced, nor by any absolute
necessity of nature determined to good or evil. |
|
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. |
2.
Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom and power to will and to do
that which is good and well-pleasing to
God; but yet mutably, 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. |
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. |
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. |
|
5.
This will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to good alone in
the state of glory only. |
5.
The will of man is made perfectly and immutable free to good alone, in
the state of glory only. |
|
LBCF -
Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling |
WCF -
Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling |
|
1.
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. |
1.
All those whom God hath predestinated
unto life, and those only, 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 an 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. |
|
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. |
2.
This effectual call is of God's free and special grace alone, not from
any thing at all foreseen in man, who is
altogether passive therein, 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. |
|
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. |
3.
Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated and saved by Christ
through the Spirit, who worketh when, and where, and how he pleaseth. So
also are all other 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. |
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
they never truly come to Christ, and
therefore can not be saved: much less can men,
not professing the Christian religion, be
saved in any other way whatsoever, be they never so diligent to
frame their lives according to the light of nature, and the law of that
religion they do profess; and to assert and
maintain that they may is without warrant of the Word of God. |
|
LBCF -
Chapter 11: Of Justification |
WCF -
Chapter 11: Of Justification |
|
1.
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. |
1.
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 any thing
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
the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto
them, they receiving and resting on him and his righteousness by faith;
which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God. |
|
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. |
2.
Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is
the alone instrument of justification; yet is it 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. |
3.
Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all
those that are thus justified, and did
make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to his Father'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 any thing 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 due time actually apply Christ unto them. |
4.
God did, from all eternity, decree to justify 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 until the Holy Spirit
doth, in due time, 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. |
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
not have 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. |
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. |
|
LBCF -
Chapter 12: Of Adoption |
WCF -
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. |
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. |
|
LBCF -
Chapter 13: Of Sanctification |
WCF -
Chapter 13: Of Sanctification |
|
1.
They who are united to Christ,
effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit
created in them through the virtue of Christ's
death and resurrection, are also farther sanctified, really and
personally, through the same virtue, by His Word and Spirit
dwelling in them; the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,
and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified,
and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces,
to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord. |
1.
They who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and
a new spirit created in them, are further
sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death
and resurrection, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them; the
dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts
thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, and they more and more
quickened and strengthened, in all saving graces, to the practice of
true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. |
|
2.
This sanctification is throughout 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. |
2.
This sanctification is throughout in the whole man, yet imperfect in
this life: there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every
part, whence 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. |
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. |
|
LBCF - Chapter 14: Of
Saving Faith |
WCF - Chapter 14: Of Saving
Faith |
|
1.
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. |
1.
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 the
sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened. |
|
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. |
2.
By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatesoever is revealed
in the Word, for the authority of God himself
speaking therein; and 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 principle acts of
saving faith are, accepting, receiving,
and resting upon Christ 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. |
3.
This faith is different in degrees, weak or
strong; may
be often and many ways assailed and weakened,
but 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. |
|
LBCF -
Chapter 15 Of Repentance Unto Life and Salvation |
WCF - Chapter 15: Of
Repentance Unto Life |
|
1.
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. |
1.
Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace, the doctrine whereof is to
be preached by every minister of the gospel, as well as that of faith in
Christ. |
|
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. |
2.
By it a sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but
also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the
holy nature and righteous law of God, and upon the apprehension of his
mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for, and hates his
sins, as to turn from them all unto God, purposing and endeavouring to
walk with him in all the ways of his commandments. |
|
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. |
3.
Although repentance be not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin,
or any cause of the pardon thereof, which is the act of God's free grace
in Christ; yet is it of such necessity to all sinners, that none may
expect pardon without it. |
| |
4. See below
at number 5. |
|
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.
Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but
it is every man's
duty to endeavour
to repent of his particular 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. |
4.
As there is no sin so small but it deserves
damnation; so there is no sin so great that it can
bring damnation upon those who truly
repent. |
| |
6.
As every man is bound to make private confession
of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof, upon which, and the
forsaking of them, he shall find mercy: so he that scandelizeth his
brother, or the Church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or
public confession and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to
those that are offended; who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and
in love to receive him. |
|
LBCF - Chapter 16: Of Good
Works |
WCF - Chapter 16: Of Good
Works |
|
1.
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. |
1.
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 intention. |
|
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 | |