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3.7 4.1
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SD 3.8 Of God's Eternal Decree
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Of God's Eternal Decree

Section 3.8

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 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.

See also in WCF: 3.1 Compare: Of God's Eternal Decree
Rom. 9:20
[20] But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”
Rom. 11:33
[33] Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
Deut. 29:29
[29] “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
2 Pet. 1:10
[10] Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
Eph. 1:6
[6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Rom. 11:33
[33] Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
Rom. 11:5, 6, 20
[5] So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. [6] But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. [20] That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.
2 Pet. 1:10
[10] Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
Rom. 8:33
[33] Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
Luke 10:20
[20] Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
See also in WCF
3.1
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Of God's Eternal Decree

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3.7 4.1

Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree

God's eternal decrees, including predestination and election

Of God's Eternal Decree

Section 3.1

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.

Of God's Eternal Decree

Section 3.2

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.

Of God's Eternal Decree

Section 3.3

By the decree of God for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others fore-ordained to everlasting death.

Of God's Eternal Decree

Section 3.4

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

Of God's Eternal Decree

Section 3.5

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 mere free grace and love, 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.

Of God's Eternal Decree

Section 3.6

As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he by the eternal and most free purpose of his will fore-ordained 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.

Of God's Eternal Decree

Section 3.7

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.

Of God's Eternal Decree

Section 3.8

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 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.