1689 8.8

8.8. Of Christ the Mediator

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 the word, the mystery of salvation; perswading 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 wayes 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.

Proof texts

• John 6:37 — [37] All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
• John 10:15, 16 — [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
• John 17:9 — [9] I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.
• Romans 5:10 — [10] For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
• John 17:6 — [6] “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
• Ephesians 1:9 — [9] making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
• 1 John 5:20 — [20] And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
• Romans 8:9, 14 — [9] You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. [14] For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
• Psalms 110:1 — [1] The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:25, 26 — [25] For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
• John 3:8 — [8] The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
• Ephesians 1:8 — [8] which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited John 6:37 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 12 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q21 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WLC Q36 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q21 · WLC Q36 · WCF 8.1 · HC Q29 · HC Q37 · BC 5.2 · BC 5.3 · BC 5.4 · BC 5.5 · BC 5.6 · CD 2.1 · SD 8.1