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3.4 3.6
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1689 3.5 Of God's Decree
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Of God's Decree

Section 3.5

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 Councel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of his meer free grace and love; without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving him thereunto.

See also in WCF: 3.1 See also in WLC: Q12, Q13, Q14 See also in WSC: Q7, Q8 Compare: Of God's Eternal Decree
Ephesians 1:4, 9, 11
[4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love [9] making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ [11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
Romans 8:30
[30] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
2 Timothy 1:9
[9] who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
1 Thessalonians 5:9
[9] For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 9:13, 16
[13] As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” [16] So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
Ephesians 2:5, 12
[5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved — [12] remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
See also in WCF
3.1
See also in WLC
Q12 Q13 Q14
See also in WSC
Q7 Q8
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Of God's Eternal Decree

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3.4 3.6

Chapter 3: Of God's Decree

God's eternal decrees, including predestination and election

Of God's Decree

Section 3.1

God hath Decreed in himself from all Eternity, by the most wise and holy Councel of his own will, freely and unchangeably, all things whatsoever comes to passe; 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.

Of God's Decree

Section 3.2

Although God knoweth whatsoever may, or can come to passe 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.

Of God's Decree

Section 3.3

By the decree of God for the manifestation of his glory some men and Angels, are predestinated, or fore-ordained 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.

Of God's Decree

Section 3.4

These Angels and Men thus predestinated, and fore-ordained, are particularly, and unchangeably designed; and their number so certain, and definite, that it cannot be either increased, or diminished.

Of God's Decree

Section 3.5

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 Councel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of his meer free grace and love; without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving him thereunto.

Of God's Decree

Section 3.6

As God hath appointed the Elect unto glory, so he hath by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, fore-ordained all the means thereunto, wherefore they who are elected, being faln in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, are effectually called unto faith in Christ, by his spirit working in due season, are justifyed, 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.

Of God's Decree

Section 3.7

The Doctrine of this high mystery of predestination, is to be handled with special prudence, and care; that men attending the will of God revealed in his word, and yeilding 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.