Study Reformed

3.1. Of God’s Eternal Decree

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.

Proof texts

Eph. 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,
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!
Heb. 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,
Rom. 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.
Jam. 1:13, 17
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 2:23 — [23] this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
Matt. 17:12 — [12] But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.”
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.”
Prov. 16:33 — [33] The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Eph. 1:11 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
11 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 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): this Section teaches that all the decrees of God are unconditional. All who believe in a divine government agree with Calvinists that the decrees of God relating to events produced by necessary causes are unconditional. The only debate relates to those decrees which are concerned with the free actions of men and of angels. The Socinians and Rationalists maintain that God cannot certainly foresee free actions, because from their very nature they are uncertain until they are performed. Arminians admit that he certainly foresees them, but god's eternal decree. 97 deny that he determines them. Calvinists affirm that he foresees them to be certainly future because he has determined them to be so. The truth of the Culvinistic view is…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): By the decree of God is meant his purpose or determination with respect to future things ; or, more fully, his determinate counsel, whereby, from all eternity, he foreordained whatever he should do, or would permit to be done, in time. This subject is one of the most abstruse and intricate in i theology, and it has been the fruitful source of a variety of controversies in the Christian Church. But whatever diversity of opinion may obtain respecting the details of the doctrine, " no man will deny that there are divine decrees, who believes that God is an intelligent being, and considers what this character implies. An intelligent being is one who knows and judges, who purposes ends and…

3.2. Of God’s Eternal Decree

Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass 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.’
1 Sam. 23:11, 12 — [11] Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O LORD, the God of Israel, please tell your servant.” And the LORD said, “He will come down.” [12] Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the LORD said, “They will surrender you.”
Matt. 11:21, 23 — [21] “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [23] And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
Rom. 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?
4 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 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1 · 1689 3.1 · SC60 4.3 · IAR 3.1 · SHC 3.1 · SD 3.1

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): this Section teaches that all the decrees of God are unconditional. All who believe in a divine government agree with Calvinists that the decrees of God relating to events produced by necessary causes are unconditional. The only debate relates to those decrees which are concerned with the free actions of men and of angels. The Socinians and Rationalists maintain that God cannot certainly foresee free actions, because from their very nature they are uncertain until they are performed. Arminians admit that he certainly foresees them, but god's eternal decree. 97 deny that he determines them. Calvinists affirm that he foresees them to be certainly future because he has determined them to be so. The truth of the Culvinistic view is…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): By the decree of God is meant his purpose or determination with respect to future things ; or, more fully, his determinate counsel, whereby, from all eternity, he foreordained whatever he should do, or would permit to be done, in time. This subject is one of the most abstruse and intricate in i theology, and it has been the fruitful source of a variety of controversies in the Christian Church. But whatever diversity of opinion may obtain respecting the details of the doctrine, " no man will deny that there are divine decrees, who believes that God is an intelligent being, and considers what this character implies. An intelligent being is one who knows and judges, who purposes ends and…

3.3. Of God’s Eternal Decree

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.

Proof texts

1 Tim. 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.
Matt. 25:41 — [41] “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Rom. 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 —
Eph. 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.
Prov. 16:4 — [4] The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

For discussion

The Assembly cited 1 Tim. 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

WSC Q7 · WSC Q8 · WLC Q12 · WLC Q13 · WLC Q14 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1 · 1689 3.1 · SC60 4.3 · IAR 3.1 · SHC 3.1 · SD 3.1

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): these Sections proceed to affirm, by way of specification, the following propositions : ]st. The decree of God determines that, out of the mass of fallen humanity, certain individuals shall attain to eternal salvation, and that the rest shall be left to be dealt with justly for their sins. 2d. That this determination is unchangeable. 3d. That it is not conditioned upon foreseen faith or good works or perseverance, but that in each case it rests upon sovereign grace and personal love according to the secret counsel of his will. 4th. That the ultimate end or motive in his election is the manifestation of his own glory, the praise of his glorious grace. 1st. The decree of God determines that…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): The decree of God, with respect to the everlasting state of angels and men, is known by the name of predestination ; and this consists of two branches, generally distinguished by the names of election and reprobation. That part of the angels were elected is inferred from that passage of Scripture in which the elect angels are mentioned. 1 Tim. V. 21. Of the fallen angels two apostles make express mention. 2 Pet ii. 4; Jude 6. Thus the election of a part of the angels is explicitly taught in Scripture, and the non-election of others is necessarily implied ; for election is a relative term, and necessarily involves the idea of rejection. Of the decree of election, as it…

3.4. Of God’s Eternal 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 Tim. 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 Tim. 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

WSC Q7 · WSC Q8 · WLC Q12 · WLC Q13 · WLC Q14 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1 · 1689 3.1 · SC60 4.3 · IAR 3.1 · SHC 3.1 · SD 3.1

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): these Sections proceed to affirm, by way of specification, the following propositions : ]st. The decree of God determines that, out of the mass of fallen humanity, certain individuals shall attain to eternal salvation, and that the rest shall be left to be dealt with justly for their sins. 2d. That this determination is unchangeable. 3d. That it is not conditioned upon foreseen faith or good works or perseverance, but that in each case it rests upon sovereign grace and personal love according to the secret counsel of his will. 4th. That the ultimate end or motive in his election is the manifestation of his own glory, the praise of his glorious grace. 1st. The decree of God determines that…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): The decree of God, with respect to the everlasting state of angels and men, is known by the name of predestination ; and this consists of two branches, generally distinguished by the names of election and reprobation. That part of the angels were elected is inferred from that passage of Scripture in which the elect angels are mentioned. 1 Tim. V. 21. Of the fallen angels two apostles make express mention. 2 Pet ii. 4; Jude 6. Thus the election of a part of the angels is explicitly taught in Scripture, and the non-election of others is necessarily implied ; for election is a relative term, and necessarily involves the idea of rejection. Of the decree of election, as it…

3.5. Of God’s Eternal Decree

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.

Proof texts

Eph. 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,
Rom. 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 Tim. 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 Thess. 5:9 — [9] For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Rom. 9:11, 13, 16 — [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.
Eph. 1:4, 9 — [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
Eph. 1:6, 12 — [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. [12] so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Eph. 1:4, 9, 11 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
7 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 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1 · 1689 3.1 · SC60 4.3 · IAR 3.1 · SHC 3.1 · SD 3.1

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): these Sections proceed to affirm, by way of specification, the following propositions : ]st. The decree of God determines that, out of the mass of fallen humanity, certain individuals shall attain to eternal salvation, and that the rest shall be left to be dealt with justly for their sins. 2d. That this determination is unchangeable. 3d. That it is not conditioned upon foreseen faith or good works or perseverance, but that in each case it rests upon sovereign grace and personal love according to the secret counsel of his will. 4th. That the ultimate end or motive in his election is the manifestation of his own glory, the praise of his glorious grace. 1st. The decree of God determines that…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): The decree of God, with respect to the everlasting state of angels and men, is known by the name of predestination ; and this consists of two branches, generally distinguished by the names of election and reprobation. That part of the angels were elected is inferred from that passage of Scripture in which the elect angels are mentioned. 1 Tim. V. 21. Of the fallen angels two apostles make express mention. 2 Pet ii. 4; Jude 6. Thus the election of a part of the angels is explicitly taught in Scripture, and the non-election of others is necessarily implied ; for election is a relative term, and necessarily involves the idea of rejection. Of the decree of election, as it…

3.6. Of God’s Eternal Decree

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, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.

Proof texts

1 Pet. 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.
Eph. 1:4, 5 — [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,
Eph. 2:10 — [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
2 Thess. 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 Thess. 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.
Titus 2:14 — [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Rom. 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.
Eph. 1:5 — [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
2 Thess. 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 Pet. 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 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.
Rom. 8:28 to the end — [1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. [3] For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [5] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. [6] For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. [7] For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. [8] Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. [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. [10] But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. [12] So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. [13] For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. [14] For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. [15] For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” [16] The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. [18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. [19] For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. [20] For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. [23] And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. [24] For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? [25] But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. [26] Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. [27] And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. [28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [29] For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [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. [31] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [33] Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? [36] As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 6:64, 65 — [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.) [65] And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
John 10:26 — [26] but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep.
John 8:47 — [47] Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
1 John 2:19 — [19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

For discussion

The Assembly cited 1 Pet. 1:2 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
16 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 · WSC Q20 · WLC Q12 · WLC Q13 · WLC Q14 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1 · 1689 3.1 · SC60 4.3 · IAR 3.1 · SHC 3.1 · SD 3.1

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): This section affirms : 1st. That although the decree of God is one eternal, all comprehensive intention, the several elements embraced within it necessarily sustain the relation to one another of means to ends. In determining the ends he intends to accomplish, God at the same time determines the means by which he intends to accomplish them. And God's purpose with respect to the end necessarily, in the logical order, takes precedence of and gives direction to his purpose with respect to the means. 2d. That, in the matter of the redemption of men, the end which God determined was the salvation of certain individuals, called " the elect," and that he appointed, as means to that end, redemption by…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): In this section we have, first, a general statement, that, in the divine purpose, the means and the end are inseparably connected. As God appointed the elect to glory, so he appointed them to obtain that glory in and through Christ, and on account of his merits alone. — 1 Thess. v. 9. He likewise appointed them to all those means which are indispensably necessary to the enjoyment of that glory ; such as faith and sanctification, and perseverance therein to the end. — 2 Thess. ii. 13. Thus, though the mediation of Christ was not the cause of their election, yet his obedience and death were the grand means appointed for the execution of that gracious purpose ; and…

3.7. Of God’s Eternal Decree

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.

Proof texts

Matt. 11:25, 26 — [25] At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; [26] yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
Rom. 9:17, 18, 21, 22 — [17] For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” [18] So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. [21] Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? [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,
2 Tim. 2:19, 20 — [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.” [20] Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
Jude ver. 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.
1 Pet. 2:8 — [8] and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Matt. 11:25, 26 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

WSC Q7 · WSC Q8 · WLC Q12 · WLC Q13 · WLC Q14 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1 · 1689 3.1 · SC60 4.3 · IAR 3.1 · SHC 3.1 · SD 3.1

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): This Section teaches the following propositions : 1st. That as God has sovereignly destinated certain persons, called the elect, through grace to salvation, so he has sovereignly decreed to withhold his grace from the rest; and that this withholding rests upon the unsearchable counsel of his own will, and is for the glory of his sovereign power. 2d. That God has consequently determined to treat all those left in their sins with exact justice according to their own deserts, to the praise of his justice, which demands the punishment of all unexpiated sin. This decree of reprobation, as it is called, is the aspect which God^s eternal purpose presents in its relation to that portion of the human family which…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): The doctrine of predestination is, indeed, a high mystery — one of the deep things of God, which our feeble intellects cannot fully comprehend. In our inquiries about it, we ought to repress a vain curiosity, and not attempt to be wise above what is written. But, since the doctrine is revealed by God in his Word, it is a proper subject for sober investigation, aud ought to be published from the pulpit and the press. Calvin justly remarks, "That those things which the Lord hath laid up in secret, we may not search; those things which he hath brought openly abi'oad, we may not neglect; lest either on the one part we be condemned of vain curiosity, or on…

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?
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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Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): This Section teaches that the high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care. This necessity arises from the fact that it is often abused, and that its proper use is in the highest degree important. The principle of divine sovereignty in the distribution of grace is certainly revealed in Scripture, is not difficult of comprehension, and is of great practical use to convince men of the greatness and independence of God, of the certain efficacy of his grace and security of his promises, and of their own sin and absolute dependence. But the philosophy of the relation of his sovereign purpose to the free agency of the creature, and to the permission of moral evil…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): The doctrine of predestination is, indeed, a high mystery — one of the deep things of God, which our feeble intellects cannot fully comprehend. In our inquiries about it, we ought to repress a vain curiosity, and not attempt to be wise above what is written. But, since the doctrine is revealed by God in his Word, it is a proper subject for sober investigation, aud ought to be published from the pulpit and the press. Calvin justly remarks, "That those things which the Lord hath laid up in secret, we may not search; those things which he hath brought openly abi'oad, we may not neglect; lest either on the one part we be condemned of vain curiosity, or on…