Before launching into the Confession's presentation on this subject, a short review of the sovereignty of God and the creature's dependence upon God is in order.
Because God has made all things, he may command and dispose of them as he pleases (yet again, recall the character of the God of the Bible). He knows his creation thoroughly and knows precisely how best to employ it. He makes no mistakes. There is nothing the creature can do that surprises God or catches him off guard. Everything that he requires of his creation is right. Because creation owes its very existence and continuance to God, he rightfully expects worship, service, and obedience. As God is sovereign, no creature can be autonomous; if any creature is autonomous, then God is not sovereign.
Tomorrow: Some important definitions.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The Confession on Jesus Christ
This is such a rich chapter; summarizing it is difficult, for one is loathe to leave anything out.
Perhaps it is simply best to let Scripture have the final word. From Colossians 1:15-20:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Tomorrow: Introduction to free will.
Perhaps it is simply best to let Scripture have the final word. From Colossians 1:15-20:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Tomorrow: Introduction to free will.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Of Christ the Mediator, VIII:8
To all those for whom Christ has purchased redemption, he certainly and effectually applies and communicates the same; making intercession for them, and revealing unto them, in and by the word, the mysteries of salvation; effectively 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.
The Confession concludes its consideration of the person and work of Jesus Christ by emphasizing that the redemption that comes through him is not a bare salvation. It is not to be likened to the lifeguard who rescues and deposits a drowning swimmer on the beach and then walks away. All that Christ does for the sinner he likewise applies, and that effectively--Christ not only saves, but he saves to the uttermost. As Hebrews says, he constantly lives to intercede for his people. He reveals unto them the "mysteries of salvation," primarily by the agency of the word of God. But the Spirit (here identified quite biblically as Christ's Spirit) also effectively persuades unto belief and obedience. Christ reigns in the hearts of his people by his Spirit and through his word. He is a powerful Savior, sure to save, greater than all the enemies that are aligned against him and his people. And he does all these things according to the riches of his wisdom. Believers will spend eternity learning of and marvelling at the wonders of Christ. How little we now appreciate what has been done for us and how it has been accomplished, and how it is working out in our lives even now.
Tomorrow: The glorious and exalted Christ of the Westminster Confession.
The Confession concludes its consideration of the person and work of Jesus Christ by emphasizing that the redemption that comes through him is not a bare salvation. It is not to be likened to the lifeguard who rescues and deposits a drowning swimmer on the beach and then walks away. All that Christ does for the sinner he likewise applies, and that effectively--Christ not only saves, but he saves to the uttermost. As Hebrews says, he constantly lives to intercede for his people. He reveals unto them the "mysteries of salvation," primarily by the agency of the word of God. But the Spirit (here identified quite biblically as Christ's Spirit) also effectively persuades unto belief and obedience. Christ reigns in the hearts of his people by his Spirit and through his word. He is a powerful Savior, sure to save, greater than all the enemies that are aligned against him and his people. And he does all these things according to the riches of his wisdom. Believers will spend eternity learning of and marvelling at the wonders of Christ. How little we now appreciate what has been done for us and how it has been accomplished, and how it is working out in our lives even now.
Tomorrow: The glorious and exalted Christ of the Westminster Confession.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Of Christ the Mediator, VIII:7
Christ, in the work of mediation, acts 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.
In the paragraph, the Confession addresses the interaction between the divine nature of Christ and his human nature in his work of mediation between God and men. This is a carefully constructed Chalcedonian statement. It properly distinguishes between the two natures without separating them--indeed, the Confession bends over backwards to remind the reader of the single personhood of Christ. In Christ the one person are united two distinguishable natures. He is not a schizophrenic, split-personality type. As God, he represents God to men; as man, he represents man to God. As man, he provides a legitimate sacrifice for human sins. As God, his sacrifice is perfect and once for all.
The Confession acknowledges that frequently the Scriptures speak of the human nature expressing divine qualities and the divine nature expressing human qualities. This is not intended to confuse or mix but is a convention of language that is adequately taken care of when one realizes that both divine and human qualities are possessed and expressed by the unified person of Christ.
Tomorrow: Jesus Christ the effective Savior.
In the paragraph, the Confession addresses the interaction between the divine nature of Christ and his human nature in his work of mediation between God and men. This is a carefully constructed Chalcedonian statement. It properly distinguishes between the two natures without separating them--indeed, the Confession bends over backwards to remind the reader of the single personhood of Christ. In Christ the one person are united two distinguishable natures. He is not a schizophrenic, split-personality type. As God, he represents God to men; as man, he represents man to God. As man, he provides a legitimate sacrifice for human sins. As God, his sacrifice is perfect and once for all.
The Confession acknowledges that frequently the Scriptures speak of the human nature expressing divine qualities and the divine nature expressing human qualities. This is not intended to confuse or mix but is a convention of language that is adequately taken care of when one realizes that both divine and human qualities are possessed and expressed by the unified person of Christ.
Tomorrow: Jesus Christ the effective Savior.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Of Christ the Mediator, VIII: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 unto 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 to-day the same, and for ever.
The Confession here emphasizes that Jesus Christ is and has always been the Savior of mankind. He is the one promised by God to Adam and Eve after their fall, the "seed of the woman" specified in the proto-evangelium. Furthermore, he is "the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world," indicating again the covenant of redemption that was made in eternity past. Whenever men and women have received the blessings of salvation, it has been accomplished through and by Jesus Christ, whether known by the promises or known by the fulfillment of God's plan. And he always will be the way to the Father. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Tomorrow: Distinguishing between the two natures of Christ.
The Confession here emphasizes that Jesus Christ is and has always been the Savior of mankind. He is the one promised by God to Adam and Eve after their fall, the "seed of the woman" specified in the proto-evangelium. Furthermore, he is "the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world," indicating again the covenant of redemption that was made in eternity past. Whenever men and women have received the blessings of salvation, it has been accomplished through and by Jesus Christ, whether known by the promises or known by the fulfillment of God's plan. And he always will be the way to the Father. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Tomorrow: Distinguishing between the two natures of Christ.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Of Christ the Mediator, VIII:5
The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, has 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 has given unto Him.
The Confession here upholds the centrality of the idea of sacrifice and atonement. Implicit is the thought that Christ died as a substitute for his people, in the pattern of the Old Testament sacrifices of both the Passover lamb and the scapegoat. The Book of Hebrews insists on this concept--what the old sacrifices could never accomplish Christ has done by virtue of a superior sacrifice offered personally by a superior priest.
Through his sacrifice, Christ has purchased not merely reconciliation--his role is not limited to that of mediator--but an inheritance in the heavenly kingdom for his people. Christians are heirs and joint heirs with Christ. Through him comes to believers all the riches of the kingdom promised by the Father.
The final clause of this paragraph is the closest the Confession comes to enunciating particular redemption or definite atonement, which is that concept that Christ has died for his people and only for them. It may be that the divines saw this as inherent to the Reformed soteriological doctrines and did not think it necessary to elaborate. Such an observation has been made as to the teaching of John Calvin--that, and the subject simply wasn't as controversial in his day as it has been in ours. I certainly do not propose to delve into it at any length here. Interested persons may wish to read the pertinent chapter in Dr. Sproul's Grace Unknown, or consult the book-length treatments by R. B. Kuiper or Gary D. Long. The hearty of soul may profit from a careful reading of John Owen's The Death of Death in the Death of Christ. Do not say you weren't warned. The introduction to the Banner of Truth edition of that work by J. I. Packer, however, is very much worthwhile. It can be found posted independently on the internet.
Tomorrow: Christ only ever the securer of salvation.
The Confession here upholds the centrality of the idea of sacrifice and atonement. Implicit is the thought that Christ died as a substitute for his people, in the pattern of the Old Testament sacrifices of both the Passover lamb and the scapegoat. The Book of Hebrews insists on this concept--what the old sacrifices could never accomplish Christ has done by virtue of a superior sacrifice offered personally by a superior priest.
Through his sacrifice, Christ has purchased not merely reconciliation--his role is not limited to that of mediator--but an inheritance in the heavenly kingdom for his people. Christians are heirs and joint heirs with Christ. Through him comes to believers all the riches of the kingdom promised by the Father.
The final clause of this paragraph is the closest the Confession comes to enunciating particular redemption or definite atonement, which is that concept that Christ has died for his people and only for them. It may be that the divines saw this as inherent to the Reformed soteriological doctrines and did not think it necessary to elaborate. Such an observation has been made as to the teaching of John Calvin--that, and the subject simply wasn't as controversial in his day as it has been in ours. I certainly do not propose to delve into it at any length here. Interested persons may wish to read the pertinent chapter in Dr. Sproul's Grace Unknown, or consult the book-length treatments by R. B. Kuiper or Gary D. Long. The hearty of soul may profit from a careful reading of John Owen's The Death of Death in the Death of Christ. Do not say you weren't warned. The introduction to the Banner of Truth edition of that work by J. I. Packer, however, is very much worthwhile. It can be found posted independently on the internet.
Tomorrow: Christ only ever the securer of salvation.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Of Christ the Mediator, VIII: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 sits at the right hand of His Father, making intercession, and shall return, to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.
The Confession thus summarizes the passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and session of our Lord. Again, the phrases and cadences are similar to those of the great historic orthodox creeds.
Some interesting points of emphasis:
1. Christ willingly took on this task (or office, as the Confession terms it). He was not forced or coerced. Oblique reference is made herein to the covenant of redemption, that concord between the Persons of the Holy Trinity that took place in eternity past in which the Father decreed to save a people to be a bride for the Son, the Son agreed to redeem them, and the Spirit agreed to apply that redemption unto all whom the Father chose.
2. That he did so willingly did not make his task an easy one. Look to the accounts of Jesus's agony in the garden before his arrest. He was fully cognizant of the terrible things that lay before him and he asked to be spared them if possible. But he was committed to obeying the will of the Father above all.
3. The body that died was the same that was raised and that has ascended. This is the foundation of the glorious promise made to believers of a resurrection to come.
4. The jibe is often heard from mockers and scoffers, "Where is he? Why has he delayed his coming?" The Confession answers that he is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high, where he ever lives to intercede for his sheep. What greater comfort for the Christian than to know his Lord and Savior prays for him without ceasing? Whose prayers will the Father hear more than those of his beloved Son? Yet there is a day appointed in which he will rise up from this seat and return not just as Savior of those who believe but as Judge of all. Mockers and scoffers should not comfort themselves that because he tarries he will not come.
Tomorrow: Redemption accomplished.
The Confession thus summarizes the passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and session of our Lord. Again, the phrases and cadences are similar to those of the great historic orthodox creeds.
Some interesting points of emphasis:
1. Christ willingly took on this task (or office, as the Confession terms it). He was not forced or coerced. Oblique reference is made herein to the covenant of redemption, that concord between the Persons of the Holy Trinity that took place in eternity past in which the Father decreed to save a people to be a bride for the Son, the Son agreed to redeem them, and the Spirit agreed to apply that redemption unto all whom the Father chose.
2. That he did so willingly did not make his task an easy one. Look to the accounts of Jesus's agony in the garden before his arrest. He was fully cognizant of the terrible things that lay before him and he asked to be spared them if possible. But he was committed to obeying the will of the Father above all.
3. The body that died was the same that was raised and that has ascended. This is the foundation of the glorious promise made to believers of a resurrection to come.
4. The jibe is often heard from mockers and scoffers, "Where is he? Why has he delayed his coming?" The Confession answers that he is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high, where he ever lives to intercede for his sheep. What greater comfort for the Christian than to know his Lord and Savior prays for him without ceasing? Whose prayers will the Father hear more than those of his beloved Son? Yet there is a day appointed in which he will rise up from this seat and return not just as Savior of those who believe but as Judge of all. Mockers and scoffers should not comfort themselves that because he tarries he will not come.
Tomorrow: Redemption accomplished.
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