Ground Rules

As guidelines for the forthcoming study:

1. I accept the Old and New Testament Scriptures as inspired and inerrant. Charnock makes frequent use of them (of course) and their character will not be impugned here.

2. Since we're considering the existence and attributes of God, it helps to know which God we're discussing. Unashamedly parroting the Westminster Confession of Faith, I affirm that "there is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will, for His own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him; and withal, most just, and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty." Much of this will be fleshed out, so to speak, in the forthcoming weeks and months. But I want to establish up front we're not talking about the philosopher's nebulous First Cause, nor the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

3. Constructive comments and sincere questions are welcome, but this is not a debate forum. Obstreperous trollery will not be permitted. My blog, my call.

4. I reserve the right to interrupt (briefly) this study in the event something needing a comment catches my attention.