Study Reformed

3.1. Of God's Decree

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.

Proof texts

Isaiah 46:10 — [10] declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
Ephesians 1:11 — [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,
Hebrews 6:17 — [17] So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath,
Romans 9:15, 18 — [15] For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” [18] So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
James 1:13 — [13] Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
1 John 1:5 — [5] This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Acts 4:27, 28 — [27] for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, [28] to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.
John 19:11 — [11] Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
Numbers 23:19 — [19] God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
Ephesians 1:3-5 — [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, [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 [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

For discussion

The Assembly cited Isaiah 46:10 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
10 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

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3.2. Of God's Decree

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.

Proof texts

Acts 15:18 — [18] known from of old.’
Romans 9:11, 13, 16, 18 — [11] though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad — in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls — [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. [18] So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Acts 15:18 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q7 · WSC Q8 · WLC Q12 · WLC Q13 · WLC Q14 · WCF 3.1 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1 · SD 3.1

3.3. Of God's Decree

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.

Proof texts

1 Timothy 5:21 — [21] In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
Matthew 25:34 — [34] Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Ephesians 1:5, 6 — [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Romans 9:22, 23 — [22] What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, [23] in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory —
Jude 4 — [4] For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

For discussion

The Assembly cited 1 Timothy 5:21 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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3.4. Of God's Decree

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.

Proof texts

2 Timothy 2:19 — [19] But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
John 13:18 — [18] I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’

For discussion

The Assembly cited 2 Timothy 2:19 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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3.5. Of God's Decree

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.

Proof texts

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.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Ephesians 1:4, 9, 11 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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3.6. Of God's Decree

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.

Proof texts

1 Peter 1:2 — [2] according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 — [13] But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
1 Thessalonians 5:9, 10 — [9] For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.
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 Thessalonians 2:13 — [13] But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
1 Peter 1:5 — [5] who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
John 10:26 — [26] but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep.
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.
John 6:64 — [64] But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)

For discussion

The Assembly cited 1 Peter 1:2 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q7 · WSC Q8 · WLC Q12 · WLC Q13 · WLC Q14 · WCF 3.1 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1 · SD 3.1

3.7. Of God's Decree

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.

Proof texts

1 Thessalonians 1:4, 5 — [4] For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, [5] because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
2 Peter 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.
Ephesians 1:6 — [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Romans 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!
Romans 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.
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.”

For discussion

The Assembly cited 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q7 · WSC Q8 · WLC Q12 · WLC Q13 · WLC Q14 · WCF 3.1 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1 · SD 3.1