SD 3.8
Savoy Declaration
3.8. Of God's Eternal 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 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.
Proof texts
- 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.”
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Rom. 9:20 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?
- WCF 3.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- 1689 3.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?