Westminister Confession of Faith with proofs
The Westminster Confession Of Faith Chapter 1Of the Holy Scripture Chapter 2Of God, and of the Holy Trinity Chapter 3Of God’s Eternal Decrees Chapter 4Of Creation Chapter 5Of Providence Chapter 6Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof Chapter 7Of God’s Covenant with Man Chapter 8Of Christ the Mediator Chapter 9Of Free Will Chapter 10Of Effectual Calling Chapter 11Of Justification Chapter 12Of Adoption Chapter 13Of Sanctification Chapter 14Of Saving Faith Chapter 15Of Repentance Unto Life Chapter 16Of Good Works Chapter 17Of The Perseverance of the Saints Chapter 18Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation Chapter 19Of the Law of God Chapter 20Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience Chapter 21Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day Chapter 1:
Of the Holy Scripture
1:1 Although the light of nature and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable (Psalms 19:1-3; Romans 1:19, Romans 1:20, Romans 1:32; Romans 2:1, Romans 2:14, Romans 2:15); yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of His will, which is necessary unto salvation (1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 Corinthians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 2:14). Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in diverse manners, to reveal Himself, and to declare that His will unto His Church (Hebrews 1:1); and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing (Proverbs 22:19-21; Isaiah 8:19, Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 4:4, Matthew 4:7, Matthew 4:10; Luke 1:3, Luke 1:4; Romans 15:4); which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary(2 Timothy 3:15; 2 Peter 1:19); those former ways of God’s revealing His will unto His people being now ceased (Hebrews 1:1, Hebrews 1:2).
1:2 Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testament, which are these: Of the Old Testament
Genesis II Chronicles Daniel
Exodus Ezra Hosea
Leviticus Nehemiah Joel
Numbers Esther Amos
Deuteronomy Job Obadiah
Joshua Psalms Jonah
Judges Proverbs Micah
Ruth Ecclesiastes Nahum
I Samuel The Song of Songs Habakkuk
II Samuel Isaiah Zephaniah
I Kings Jeremiah Haggai
II Kings Lamentations Zechariah
I Chronicles Ezekiel Malachi Of the New Testament
Matthew Ephesians Hebrews
Mark Philippians James
Luke Colossians I Peter
John I Thessalonians II Peter
Acts of the Apostles II Thessalonians I John
Romans I Timothy II John
I Corinthians II Timothy III John
II Corinthians Titus Jude
Galatians Philemon Revelation
All which are given by inspiration of God to be the rule of faith and life (Luke 16:29, Luke 16:31; Ephesians 2:20; 2 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 22:18, Revelation 22:19).
1:3 The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture; and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings (Luke 24:27, Luke 24:44; Romans 3:2; 2 Peter 1:21).
1:4 The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received because it is the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19, 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 5:9)
1:5 We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to a high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scripture (1 Timothy 3:15). And the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is, to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God: yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts(Isaiah 59:21; John 16:13, John 16:14;1 Corinthians 2:10-12; 1 John 2:20, 1 John 2:27).
1:6 The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men (Galatians 1:8, Galatians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Timothy 3:15-17). Nevertheless we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word(John 6:45; 1 Corinthians 2:9, 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 2:12): and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed (1 Corinthians 11:13, 1 Corinthians 11:14; 1 Corinthians 14:26, 1 Corinthians 14:40).
1:7 All things in Scripture are not alike in plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all (2 Peter 3:16): yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them (Psalms 119:105, Psalms 119:130).
1:8 The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by His singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical (Matthew 5:18); so as, in all controversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them (Isaiah 8:20; John 5:39, John 5:46; Acts 15:15). But, because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them (John 5:39), therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come (1 Corinthians 14:6, 1 Corinthians 14:9, 1 Corinthians 14:11, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 1 Corinthians 14:24, 1 Corinthians 14:27, 1 Corinthians 14:28), that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship Him in an acceptable manner (Colossians 3:16); and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope (Romans 15:4).
1:9 The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly (Acts 15:15; 2 Peter 1:20, 2 Peter 1:21).
1:10 The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined; and in whose sentence we are to rest; can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture (Matthew 22:29, Matthew 22:31; Acts 28:25; Ephesians 2:20).
Chapter 2:
Of God, and of the Holy Trinity
2:1 There is but one only (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4, 1 Corinthians 8:6) living, and true God (Jeremiah 10:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9): who is infinite in being and perfection (Job 11:7-9, Job 26:14), a most pure spirit (John 4:24), invisible (1 Timothy 1:17), without body, parts (Deuteronomy 4:15, Deuteronomy 4:16; Luke 24:39; John 4:24), or passions (Acts 14:11, Acts 14:15), immutable (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17), immense (1 Kings 8:27; Jeremiah 23:23, Jeremiah 23:24), eternal (Psalms 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17), incomprehensible (Psalms 145:3), almighty (Genesis 17:1; Revelation 4:8), most wise (Romans 16:27), most holy (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8), most free (Psalms 115:3), most absolute (Exodus 3:14), working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will (Ephesians 1:11), for His own glory (Proverbs 16:4; Romans 11:36); most loving (1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:16), gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin (Exodus 34:6, Exodus 34:7); the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6); and with all most just and terrible in His judgments (Nehemiah 9:32, Nehemiah 9:33), hating all sin (Psalms 5:5, Psalms 5:6), and who will by no means clear the guilty (Exodus 34:7; Nahum 1:2, Nahum 1:3).
2:2 God hath all life (John 5:26), glory (Acts 7:2), goodness (Psalms 119:68), blessedness (Romans 9:5; 1 Timothy 6:15), in and of Himself; and is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which He hath made (Acts 17:24, Acts 17:25), not deriving any glory from them (Job 22:2, Job 22:23), but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them: He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things (Romans 11:36); and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever Himself pleaseth (Daniel 4:25, Daniel 4:35; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 4:11). In His sight all things are open and manifest (Hebrews 4:13); His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature (Psalms 147:5; Romans 11:33, Romans 11:34), so as nothing is to Him contingent, or uncertain (Ezekiel 11:5; Acts 15:18). He is most holy in all His counsels, in all His works, and in all his commands Psalms 145:17; Romans 7:12). To Him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience he is pleased to require of them (Revelation 5:12-14).
2:3 In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:16, Matthew 3:17; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 5:7). The Father is of none, neither begotten, nor proceeding: the Son is eternally begotten of the Father: the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son (John 1:14, John 1:18).
Chapter 3:
Of God’s Eternal Decree
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 (Romans 9:15, Romans 9:18; Romans 11:33; Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 6:17): yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin (James 1:13, James 1:17; 1 John 1:5), nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established (Proverbs 16:33; Matthew 17:12; John 19:11; Acts 2:23; Acts 4:27, Acts 4:28).
3:2 Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions (Matthew 11:21, Matthew 11:23; Acts 15:18; 1 Samuel 23:11, 1 Samuel 23:12), yet hath He not decreed any thing because He foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions (Romans 9:11, Romans 9:13, Romans 9:16, Romans 9:18).
3:3 By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels (Matthew 25:41; 1 Timothy 5:21) are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others fore-ordained to everlasting death (Proverbs 16:4; Romans 9:22, Romans 9:23; Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:6).
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 (John 13:18; 2 Timothy 2:19).
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 (Romans 8:30; Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 1:9, Ephesians 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Timothy 1:9), 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 (Romans 9:11, Romans 9:13, Romans 9:16; Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 1:9): and all to the praise of His glorious grace (Ephesians 1:6, Ephesians 1:12).
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 (Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 1:5; Ephesians 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2). Wherefore they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:10; Titus 2:14), are effectually called unto faith in Christ by His Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified (Romans 8:30; Ephesians 1:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13), and kept by His power through faith unto salvation (1 Peter 1:5). Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only (John 6:64, John 6:65; John 8:47; John 10:26; John 17:9; Romans 8:28-39; 1 John 2:19).
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 (Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:26; Romans 9:17, Romans 9:18, Romans 9:21, Romans 9:22; 2 Timothy 2:19, 2 Timothy 2:20; 1 Peter 2:8; Jude 1:4).
3:8 The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care (Deuteronomy 29:29; Romans 9:20; Romans 11:33), 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 (2 Peter 1:10). So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God (Romans 11:33; Ephesians 1:6), and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the Gospel (Luke 10:20; Romans 8:33; Romans 11:5, Romans 11:6, Romans 11:20; 2 Peter 1:10).
Chapter 4:
Of Creation
4:1 It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; Job 33:4; John 1:2, John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2), for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom, and goodness (Psalms 33:5, Psalms 33:6; Psalms 104:24; Jeremiah 10:12; Romans 1:20), in the beginning, to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days; and all very good (Genesis 1:1-31; Genesis 2:1-25; Genesis 3:1-24; Genesis 4:1-26; Genesis 5:1-32; Genesis 6:1-22; Genesis 7:1-24; Genesis 8:1-22; Genesis 9:1-29; Genesis 10:1-32; Genesis 11:1-32; Genesis 12:1-20; Genesis 13:1-18; Genesis 14:1-24; Genesis 15:1-21; Genesis 16:1-16; Genesis 17:1-27; Genesis 18:1-33; Genesis 19:1-38; Genesis 20:1-18; Genesis 21:1-34; Genesis 22:1-24; Genesis 23:1-20; Genesis 24:1-67; Genesis 25:1-34; Genesis 26:1-35; Genesis 27:1-46; Genesis 28:1-22; Genesis 29:1-35; Genesis 30:1-43; Genesis 31:1-55; Genesis 32:1-32; Genesis 33:1-20; Genesis 34:1-31; Genesis 35:1-29; Genesis 36:1-43; Genesis 37:1-36; Genesis 38:1-30; Genesis 39:1-23; Genesis 40:1-23 w:1-23; Genesis 41:1-57; Genesis 42:1-38; Genesis 43:1-34; Genesis 44:1-34; Genesis 45:1-28; Genesis 46:1-34; Genesis 47:1-31; Genesis 48:1-22; Genesis 49:1-33; Genesis 50:1-26; Acts 17:24; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 11:3).
4:2 After God had made all other creatures, He created man, male and female (Genesis 1:27), with reasonable and immortal souls (Genesis 2:7; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Matthew 10:28; Luke 23:43), endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after His own image (Genesis 1:26; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10); having the law of God written in their hearts (Romans 2:14, Romans 2:15), and power to fulfil it (Ecclesiastes 7:29); and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject unto change (Genesis 3:6; Ecclesiastes 7:29). Beside this law written in their hearts, they received a command, not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which while they kept, they were happy in their communion with God (Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:8-11, Genesis 3:23), and had dominion over the creatures (Genesis 1:26, Genesis 1:28).
Chapter 5:
Of Providence
5:1 God the great Creator of all things doth uphold (Hebrews 1:3), direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things (Job 38:1-41; Job 39:1-30; Job 40:1-24; Job 41:1-34; Psalms 135:6; Daniel 4:34, Daniel 4:35; Acts 17:25, Acts 17:26, Acts 17:28), from the greatest even to the least (Matthew 10:29-31), by His most wise and holy providence (Psalms 104:24; Psalms 145:17; Proverbs 15:3), according to His infallible fore-knowledge (Psalms 94:8-11; Acts 15:18), and the free and immutable counsel of His own will (Psalms 33:10, Psalms 33:11; Ephesians 1:11), to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy (Genesis 45:7; Psalms 145:7; Isaiah 63:14; Romans 9:17; Ephesians 3:10).
5:2 Although, in relation to the fore-knowledge and decree of God, the first Cause, all things come to pass immutably, and infallibly (Acts 2:23): yet, by the same providence, He ordereth them to fall out, according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently (Genesis 8:22; Exodus 21:13; Deuteronomy 19:5; 1 Kings 22:28, 1 Kings 22:34; Isaiah 10:6, Isaiah 10:7; Jeremiah 31:35).
5:3 God in His ordinary providence maketh use of means (Isaiah 55:10, Isaiah 55:11; Hosea 2:21, Hosea 2:22; Acts 27:31, Acts 27:44), yet is free to work without (Job 34:10; Hosea 1:7; Matthew 4:4), above (Romans 4:19-21), and against them at His pleasure (2 Kings 6:6; Daniel 3:27).
5:4 The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God so far manifest themselves in His providence, that it extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all other sins of angels and men (2 Samuel 16:10; 2 Samuel 24:1; 1 Kings 22:22, 1 Kings 22:23; 1 Chronicles 10:4, 1 Chronicles 10:13, 1 Chronicles 10:14; 1 Chronicles 21:1; Acts 2:23; Acts 4:27, Acts 4:28; Romans 11:32-34); and that not by a bare permission (Acts 14:16), but such as hath joined with it a most wise and powerful bounding (2 Kings 19:29; Psalms 76:10), and otherwise ordering and governing of them, in a manifold dispensation, to His own holy ends (Genesis 1:20; Isaiah 10:6, Isaiah 10:7, Isaiah 10:12); yet so, as the sinfulness thereof proceedeth only from the creature, and not from God, who, being most holy and righteous, neither, is nor can be, the author or approver of sin (Psalms 50:21; James 1:13, James 1:14, James 1:17; 1 John 2:16).
5:5 The most wise, righteous, and gracious God doth oftentimes leave for a season His own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption, and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled (2 Samuel 24:1; 2 Chronicles 32:25, 2 Chronicles 32:26, 2 Chronicles 32:31); and, to raise them to a more close and constant dependence for their support unto) Himself, and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends (Psalms 73:1-28; Psalms 77:1-10, Psalms 77:12; Mark 14:66-72; John 21:15-17; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
5:6 As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as a righteous Judge, for former sins doth blind and harden (Romans 1:24, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28; Romans 11:7, Romans 11:8), from them He not only withholdeth His grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in their understandings, and wrought upon in their hearts (Deuteronomy 29:4); but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had (Matthew 13:12; Matthew 25:29), and exposeth them to such objects as their corruption makes occasions of sin (Deuteronomy 2:30; 2 Kings 8:12, 2 Kings 8:13); and, withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan (Psalms 81:11, Psalms 81:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12); whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the softening of others (Exodus 7:3; Exodus 8:15, Exodus 8:32; Isaiah 6:9, Isaiah 6:10; Isaiah 8:14; Acts 28:26, Acts 28:27; 2 Corinthians 2:15, 2 Corinthians 2:16; 1 Peter 2:7, 1 Peter 2:8).
5:7 As the providence of God doth in general reach to all creatures, so after a most special manner it taketh care of His Church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof (Isaiah 43:3-5, Isaiah 43:14; Amos 9:8, Amos 9:9; Romans 8:28; 1 Timothy 4:10).
Chapter 6:
Of the Fall of Man,
of Sin, and
of the Punishment Thereof
6:1 Our first parents, being seduced by the subtilty and temptation of Satan, sinned in eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:13; 2 Corinthians 11:3). This their sin God was pleased, according to His wise and holy counsel, to permit, having purposed to order it to His own glory (Romans 11:32).
6:2 By this sin they fell from their original righteousness and communion with God (Genesis 3:6-8; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 3:23), and so became dead in sin (Genesis 2:17; Ephesians 2:1), and wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul and body (Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-19; Titus 1:15).
6:3 They being the root of all mankind (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:16, Genesis 2:17; Acts 17:26; Romans 5:12, Romans 5:15-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 1 Corinthians 15:22, 1 Corinthians 15:45, 1 Corinthians 15:49), the guilt of this sin was imputed, and the same death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed, to all their posterity descending from them by ordinary generation (Genesis 5:3; Job 14:4; Job 15:14; Psalms 51:5).
6:4 From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good (Romans 5:6; Romans 7:18; Romans 8:7; Colossians 1:21), and wholly inclined to all evil (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21; Romans 3:10-12), do proceed all actual transgressions (Matthew 15:19; Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 2:3; James 1:14, James 1:15).
6:5 This corruption of nature, during this life, doth remain in those that are regenerated (Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 7:14, Romans 7:17, Romans 7:18, Romans 7:23; James 3:2; 1 John 1:8, 1 John 1:10); and although it be, through Christ, pardoned and mortified, yet both itself and all the motions thereof are truly and properly sin (Romans 7:5, Romans 7:7, Romans 7:8, Romans 7:25; Galatians 5:17).
6:6 Every sin, both original and actual, being a transgression of the righteous law of God, and contrary thereunto (1 John 3:4), doth, in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sinner (Romans 2:15; Romans 3:9, Romans 3:19); whereby he is bound over to the wrath of God (Ephesians 2:3), and curse of the law (Galatians 3:10), and so made subject to death (Romans 6:23), with all miseries spiritual (Ephesians 4:18), temporal (Lamentations 3:39; Romans 8:20), and eternal (Matthew 25:41; 2 Thessalonians 1:9).
Chapter 7:
Of God’s Covenant with Man
7:1 The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto Him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of Him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension on God’s part, which He hath been pleased to express by way of covenant (1 Samuel 2:25; Job 9:32, Job 9:33; Job 22:2, Job 22:3; Job 35:7, Job 35:8; Psalms 100:2, Psalms 100:3; Psalms 118:5, Psalms 118:6; Isaiah 40:13-17; Luke 17:10; Acts 17:24, Acts 17:25).
7:2 The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works Galatians 3:12), wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity (Romans 5:12-20; Romans 10:5), upon condition of perfect and personal obedience (Genesis 2:17; Galatians 3:10).
7:3 Man, by his fall having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 42:6; Romans 3:20, Romans 3:21; Romans 8:3; Galatians 3:21), commonly called the covenant of grace; wherein He freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in Him that they may be saved (Mark 16:15, Mark 16:16; John 3:16; Romans 10:6, Romans 10:9; Galatians 3:11), and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto life His Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe (Ezekiel 36:26, Ezekiel 36:27; John 6:44, John 6:45).
7:4 This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in Scripture by the name of a Testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ the Testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it, therein bequeathed (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 9:15-17).
7:5 This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law, and in the time of the gospel (2 Corinthians 3:6-9): under the law, it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all fore-signifying Christ to come (Romans 4:11; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Colossians 2:11, Colossians 2:13; Hebrews 8:1-13; Hebrews 9:1-28; Hebrews 10:1-29): which were, for that time, sufficient and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah (John 8:56; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4; Hebrews 11:13), by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal salvation; and is called, the Old Testament (Galatians 3:7-9, Galatians 3:14).
7:6 Under the gospel, when Christ, the substance (Galatians 2:17), was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 28:19, Matthew 28:20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25): which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity, and less outward glory; yet, in them, it is held forth in more fulness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy (Jeremiah 31:33, Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 12:22-28), to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles; and is called the New Testament. There are not therefore two covenants of grace, differing in substance, but one and the same, under various dispensations (Psalms 32:1; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:21-23; Romans 4:3, Romans 4:6, Romans 4:16, Romans 4:17, Romans 4:23, Romans 4:24; Galatians 3:14, Galatians 3:16; Hebrews 13:8).
Chapter 8:
Of Christ the Mediator
8:1 It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man (Isaiah 42:1; John 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:5; 1 Peter 1:19, 1 Peter 1:20); the Prophet(Acts 3:22), Priest (Hebrews 5:5, Hebrews 5:6), and King (Psalms 2:6; Luke 1:33), the Head and Saviour of His Church (Ephesians 5:23), the Heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2), and Judge of the world (Acts 17:31): unto whom He did from all eternity give a people, to be His seed (Psalms 22:30; Isaiah 53:10; John 17:6), and to be by Him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified (Isaiah 55:4, Isaiah 55:5; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Timothy 2:6).
8:2 The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance and equal with the Father, did, when the fulness of time was come, take upon Him man’s nature (John 1:1, John 1:14; Galatians 4:4; Php 2:6; 1 John 5:20), with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin (Hebrews 2:14, Hebrews 2:16, Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 4:15): being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance (Luke 1:27, Luke 1:31, Luke 1:35; Galatians 4:4). So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion (Luke 1:35; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 3:18). Which person is very God, and very man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man (Romans 1:3, Romans 1:4; 1 Timothy 2:5).
8:3 The Lord Jesus, in His human nature thus united to the divine, was sanctified, and anointed with the Holy Spirit, above measure (Psalms 45:7; John 3:34), having in Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3); in whom it pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell (Colossians 1:19); to the end that, being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth (John 1:14; Hebrews 7:26), He might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a mediator and surety (Acts 10:38; Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 12:24). Which office He took not unto Himself, but was thereunto called by His Father (Hebrews 5:4, Hebrews 5:5), who put all power and judgment into His hand, and gave Him commandment to execute the same (Matthew 28:18, John 5:22, John 5:27; Acts 2:36).
8:4 This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake (Psalms 40:7, Psalms 40:8; John 10:18; Php 2:8; Hebrews 10:5-10); which that He might discharge, He was made under the law (Galatians 4:4), and did perfectly fulfill it (Matthew 3:15; Matthew 5:17), endured most grievous torments immediately in His soul (Matthew 26:37, Matthew 26:38; Matthew 27:46; Luke 22:44), and most painful sufferings in His body (Matthew 26:1-75; Matthew 27:1-66); was crucified, and died (Php 2:8); was buried, and remained under the power of death; yet saw no corruption (Acts 2:23, Acts 2:24, Acts 2:27; Acts 13:37; Romans 6:9). On the third day He arose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4), with the same body in which He suffered (John 20:25, John 20:27), with which also He ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of His Father (Mark 16:19), making intercession (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24), and shall return to judge men and angels at the end of the world (Matthew 13:40-42; Acts 1:11; Acts 10:42; Romans 14:9, Romans 14:10; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6).
8:5 The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He, through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of His Father (Romans 3:25, Romans 3:26; Romans 5:19; Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 9:14, Hebrews 9:16; Hebrews 10:14); and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him (Daniel 9:24, Daniel 9:26; John 17:2; Ephesians 1:11, Ephesians 1:14; Colossians 1:19, Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:15).
8:6 Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after His incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were communicated unto the elect in all ages successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices, wherein He was revealed, and signified to be the seed of the woman which should bruise the serpent’s head; and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world: being yesterday and to-day the same, and for ever (Genesis 3:1-24; Genesis 15:1-21; Galatians 4:4, Galatians 4:5; Hebrews 13:8; Revelation 13:8).
8:7 Christ, in the work of mediation, acteth according to both natures, by each nature doing that which is proper to itself (Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 3:18): yet, by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature, is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the person denominated by the other nature (John 3:13; Acts 20:28; 1 John 3:16).
8:8 To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption, He doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same (John 5:37, John 5:39; John 10:15, John 10:16), making intercession for them (Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:2), and revealing unto them, in and by the Word, the mysteries of salvation (John 15:13, John 15:15; John 17:6; Ephesians 1:7-9), effectually persuading them by His Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by His Word and Spirit (John 14:16; John 17:17; Romans 8:9, Romans 8:14; Romans 15:18, Romans 15:19; 2 Corinthians 4:13; Hebrews 12:2), overcoming all their enemies by His almighty power and wisdom, in such manner, and ways, as are most consonant to His wonderful and unsearchable dispensation (Psalms 105:1; Malachi 4:2, Malachi 4:3; 1 Corinthians 15:25, 1 Corinthians 15:26; Colossians 2:15).
Chapter 9:
Of Free Will
9:1 God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that is neither forced, nor by any absolute necessity of nature determined to good or evil (Deuteronomy 30:19; Matthew 17:12; James 1:14).
9:2 Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom and power to will and to do that which was good, and well pleasing to God (Genesis 1:26; Ecclesiastes 7:29); but yet mutably, so that he might fall from it (Genesis 2:16, Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:6).
9:3 Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation (John 15:5; Romans 5:6; Romans 8:7): so as, a natural man, being altogether averse from that good (Romans 3:10, Romans 3:12), and dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13), is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto (John 6:44, John 6:65; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:2-5; Titus 3:3-5).
9:4 When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, He freeth him from his natural bondage under sin (John 8:34, John 8:36; Colossians 1:13); and, by His grace alone, enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good (Romans 6:18, Romans 6:22; Php 2:13); yet so, as that by reason of his remaining corruption, he doth not perfectly, nor only, will that which is good, but doth also will that which is evil (Romans 7:15, Romans 7:18, Romans 7:19, Romans 7:21, Romans 7:23; Galatians 5:17).
9:5 The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to do good alone, in the state of glory only (Ephesians 4:13; Hebrews 12:23; 1 John 3:2; Jude 1:24).
Chapter 10:
Of Effectual Calling
10:1 All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, He is pleased in His appointed and accepted time effectually to call (Romans 8:30; Romans 11:7; Ephesians 1:10, Ephesians 1:11), by His Word and Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:3, 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 2:14), out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ (Romans 8:2; Ephesians 2:1-5; 2 Timothy 1:9, 2 Timothy 1:10); enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God (Acts 26:18; 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 2:12; Ephesians 1:17, Ephesians 1:18); taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26); renewing their wills, and by His almighty power determining them to that which is good (Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 36:27; Php 2:13), and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ (John 6:44, John 6:45; Ephesians 1:19): yet so, as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace (Psalms 110:3; Song of Solomon 1:4; John 6:37; Romans 6:16-18).
10:2 This effectual call is of God’s free and special grace alone, not from anything at all foreseen in man (Romans 9:11; Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:5, Ephesians 2:8, Ephesians 2:9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:4, Titus 3:5), who is altogether passive therein, until being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:7; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:5), he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it (Ezekiel 36:27; John 5:25; John 6:37).
10:3 Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated, and saved by Christ through the Spirit (Luke 18:15, Luke 18:16, and Acts 2:38, Acts 2:39, and John 3:3, John 3:5, and 1 John 5:12, and Romans 8:9 compared), who worketh when, and where, and how He pleaseth (John 3:8): so also, are all other elect persons who are uncapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word (Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:12).
10:4 Others, not elected, although they may be called by the ministry of the Word (Matthew 22:14), and may have some common operations of the Spirit (Matthew 7:22; Matthew 13:20, Matthew 13:21; Hebrews 6:4, Hebrews 6:5), yet they never truly come unto Christ, and therefore cannot be saved (John 6:64-66; John 8:24): much less can men, not professing the Christian religion, be saved in any other way whatsoever, be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, and the law of that religion they do profess (John 4:22; John 14:6; John 17:3; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:12); and to assert and maintain that they may, is very pernicious, and to be detested(1 Corinthians 16:22; Galatians 1:6-8; 2 John 1:9-11).
Chapter 11:
Of Justification
11:1 Those whom God effectually calleth, He also freely justifieth(Romans 3:24; Romans 8:30): not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ’s sake alone; nor by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness, but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them (Jeremiah 23:6; Romans 3:22, Romans 3:24, Romans 3:25, Romans 3:27, Romans 3:28; Romans 4:5-8; Romans 5:17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 1:31; 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7; Titus 3:5, Titus 3:7), they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God (Acts 10:44; Acts 13:38, Acts 13:39; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 2:8; Php 3:9).
11:2 Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and His righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification (John 1:12; Romans 3:28; Romans 5:1); yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love (Galatians 5:6; James 2:17, James 2:22, James 2:26).
11:3 Christ, by His obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to His Father’s justice in their behalf (Isaiah 53:4-6, Isaiah 53:10-12; Daniel 9:24, Daniel 9:26; Romans 5:8-10; 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:14). Yet, inasmuch as He was given by the Father for them (Romans 8:32); and His obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead (Matthew 3:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 5:2); and both freely, not for anything in them; their justification is only of free grace (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7); that both the exact justice and rich grace of God, might be glorified in the justification of sinners (Romans 3:26; Ephesians 2:7).
11:4 God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect (Romans 8:30; Galatians 3:8; 1 Peter 1:2, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 Peter 1:20), and Christ did, in the fulness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification (Romans 4:25; Galatians 4:4; 1 Timothy 2:6): nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them (Galatians 2:16; Colossians 1:21, Colossians 1:22; Titus 3:4-7).
11:5 God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified (Matthew 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:2): and, although they can never fall from the state of justification (Luke 22:32; John 10:28; Hebrews 10:14); yet they may, by their sins, fall under God’s fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of His countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance(Psalms 51:7-12; Psalms 32:5; Psalms 89:31-33; Matthew 26:75; Luke 1:20; 1 Corinthians 11:30, 1 Corinthians 11:32).
11:6 The justification of believers under the old testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the new testament (Romans 4:22-24; Galatians 3:9, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:14; Hebrews 13:8).
Chapter 12:
Of Adoption
12:1 All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for His only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption (Galatians 4:4, Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5): by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God (John 1:12; Romans 8:17), have His name put upon them (Jeremiah 14:9; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 3:12), receive the spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15), have access to the throne of grace with boldness (Romans 5:2; Ephesians 3:12), are enabled to cry, Abba, Father (Galatians 4:6), are pitied (Psalms 103:13), protected (Proverbs 14:26), provided for (Matthew 6:30, Matthew 6:32; 1 Peter 5:7), and chastened by Him as by a Father (Hebrews 12:6); yet never cast off (Lamentations 3:31), but sealed to the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30), and inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12), as heirs of everlasting salvation (Hebrews 1:14; 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 1:4).
Chapter 13:
Of Sanctification
13:1 They, who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection (Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5, Romans 6:6; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Php 3:10), by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26; 2 Thessalonians 2:13): the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed (Romans 6:6, Romans 6:14), and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:24); and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces (Ephesians 3:16-19; Colossians 1:11), to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14).
13:2 This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man (1 Thessalonians 5:23); yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part (Romans 7:18, Romans 7:23; Php 3:12; 1 John 1:10): whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh (Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11).
13:3 In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail (Romans 7:23); yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome(Romans 6:14; Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 4:16; 1 John 5:4); and so, the saints grow in grace(2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Peter 3:18), perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Chapter 14:
Of Saving Faith
14:1 The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls (Hebrews 10:39), is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts (2 Corinthians 4:13; Ephesians 1:17-19; Ephesians 2:8); and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word (Romans 10:14, Romans 10:17): by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened (Luke 17:5; Acts 20:32; Romans 1:16, Romans 1:17; Romans 4:11; 1 Peter 2:2).
14:2 By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God Himself speaking therein (John 4:42; Acts 24:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 5:10); and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands (Romans 16:26), trembling at the threatenings (Isaiah 66:2), and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come (1 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 11:13). But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace(John 1:12; Acts 15:11; Acts 16:31; Galatians 2:20).
14:3 This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong (Matthew 6:30; Matthew 8:10; Romans 4:19, Romans 4:20; Hebrews 5:13, Hebrews 5:14); may be often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory(Luke 22:31, Luke 22:32; Ephesians 6:16; 1 John 5:4, 1 John 5:5); growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ (Colossians 2:2; Hebrews 6:11, Hebrews 6:12; Hebrews 10:22), who is both the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Chapter 15:
Of Repentance
15:1 Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace (Zechariah 12:10; Acts 11:18), the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the Gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ (Mark 1:15; Luke 24:47; Acts 20:21).
15:2 By it, a sinner, out of the sight and sense not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God; and upon the apprehension of His mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for, and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God (Psalms 51:4; Psalms 119:128; Isaiah 30:22; Jeremiah 31:18, Jeremiah 31:19; Ezekiel 18:30, Ezekiel 18:31; Ezekiel 36:31; Joel 2:12, Joel 2:13; Amos 5:15; 2 Corinthians 7:11), purposing and endeavouring to walk with Him in all the ways of His commandments(2 Kings 23:25; Psalms 119:6, Psalms 119:59, Psalms 119:106; Luke 1:6).
15:3 Although repentance be not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof (Ezekiel 16:61-63; Ezekiel 36:31, Ezekiel 36:32), which is the act of God’s free grace in Christ (Hosea 14:2, Hosea 14:4; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7); yet it is of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it (Luke 13:3, Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30, Acts 17:31).
15:4 As there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation(Matthew 12:36; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23), so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent (Isaiah 1:16, Isaiah 1:18; Isaiah 55:7; Romans 8:1).
15:5 Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man’s duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins, particularly (Psalms 19:13; Luke 19:8; 1 Timothy 1:13, 1 Timothy 1:15).
15:6 As every man is bound to make a private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof (Psalms 32:5, Psalms 32:6; Psalms 51:4, Psalms 51:5, Psalms 51:7, Psalms 51:9, Psalms 51:14); upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9): so, he that scandalizeth his brother, or the Church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession, and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended(Joshua 7:19; Psalms 51:1-19; Luke 17:3, Luke 17:4; James 5:16), who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him (2 Corinthians 2:8).
Chapter 16:
Of Good Works
16:1 Good works are only such as God hath commanded in His holy Word (Micah 6:8; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 13:21), and not such as, without the warrant thereof, are devised by men, out of blind zeal, or upon any pretence of good intention (1 Samuel 15:21-23; Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:9; John 16:2; Romans 10:2; 1 Peter 1:18).
16:2 These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith (James 2:18, James 2:22): and by them believers manifest their thankfulness (Psalms 116:12, Psalms 116:13; 1 Peter 2:9), strengthen their assurance (2 Peter 1:5-10; 1 John 2:3, 1 John 2:5), edify their brethren (Matthew 5:16; 2 Corinthians 9:2), adorn the profession of the Gospel (1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:5, Titus 2:9-12), stop the mouths of the adversaries (1 Peter 2:15), and glorify God (John 15:8; Php 1:11; 1 Peter 2:12), whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto (Ephesians 2;10), that, having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end, eternal life (Romans 6:22).
16:3 Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ (Ezekiel 36:26, Ezekiel 36:27; John 15:4-6). And that they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is required an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit, to work in them to will and to do of His good pleasure (2 Corinthians 3:5; Php 2:13; Php 4:13): yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty, unless upon a special motion of the Spirit; but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them (Isaiah 64:7; Acts 26:6, Acts 26:7; Php 2:12; 2 Timothy 1:6; Hebrews 6:11, Hebrews 6:12; 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Peter 1:5, 2 Peter 1:10, 2 Peter 1:11; Jude 1:20, Jude 1:21).
16:4 They, who in their obedience attain to the greatest height which is possible in this life, are so far from being able to supererogate, and to do more than God requires, as that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do (Nehemiah 13:22; Job 9:2, Job 9:3; Luke 17:10; Galatians 5:17).
16:5 We cannot, by our best works, merit pardon of sin, or eternal life at the hand of God, by reason of the great disproportion that is between them and the glory to come; and the infinite distance that is between us and God, whom, by them, we can neither profit, nor satisfy for the debt of our former sins (Job 22:2, Job 22:3; Job 35:7, Job 35:8; Psalms 16:2; Romans 3:20; Romans 4:2, Romans 4:4, Romans 4:6; Romans 8:18; Ephesians 2:8, Ephesians 2:9; Titus 3:5-7), but when we have done all we can, we have done but our duty, and are unprofitable servants (Luke 17:10); and because, as they are good, they proceed from His Spirit (Galatians 5:22, Galatians 5:23); and as they are wrought by us, they are defiled, and mixed with so much weakness and imperfection, that they cannot endure the severity of God’s judgment (Psalms 130:3; Psalms 143:2; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 7:15, Romans 7:18; Galatians 5:17).
16:6 Yet notwithstanding, the persons of believers being accepted through Christ, their good works also are accepted in Him(Genesis 4:4 with Hebrews 11:4; Exodus 28:38; Ephesians 1:6; 1 Peter 2:5), not as though they were in this life wholly unblameable and unreproveable in God’s sight (Job 9:20; Psalms 143:2); but that He, looking upon them in His Son, is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections (Matthew 25:21, Matthew 25:23; 2 Corinthians 8:12; Hebrews 6:10; Hebrews 13:20, Hebrews 13:21).
16:7 Works done by unregenerate men, although, for the matter of them, they may be things which God commands, and of good use both to themselves and others (1 Kings 21:27, 1 Kings 21:29; 2 Kings 10:30, 2 Kings 10:31; Php 1:15, Php 1:16, Php 1:18): yet, because they proceed not from an heart purified by faith (Genesis 4:3-5 with Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 11:6); nor are done in a right manner according to the Word (Isaiah 1:12; 1 Corinthians 13:3); nor to a right end, the glory of God (Matthew 6:2, Matthew 6:5, Matthew 6:16); they are therefore sinful, and cannot please God, or make a man meet to receive grace from God (Hosea 1:4; Amos 5:21, Amos 5:22; Haggai 2:14; Romans 9:16; Titus 1:15; Titus 3:5). And yet, their neglect of them is more sinful, and displeasing unto God (Job 21:14, Job 21:15; Psalms 14:4; Psalms 36:3; Matthew 23:23; Matthew 25:41-45).
Chapter 17:
Of the Perseverance
of the Saints
17:1 They, whom God hath accepted in His Beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by His Spirit, can neither totally, nor finally, fall away from the state of grace: but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved (John 10:28, John 10:29; Php 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5, 1 Peter 1:9; 2 Peter 1:10; 1 John 3:9).
17:2 This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father (Jeremiah 31:3; 2 Timothy 2:18, 2 Timothy 2:19); upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:32; John 17:11, John 17:24; Romans 8:33-39; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:12-15; Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:14; Hebrews 13:20, Hebrews 13:21); the abiding of the Spirit, and of the seed of God within them (John 14:16, John 14:17; 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:9); and the nature of the covenant of grace (Jeremiah 32:40): from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof (John 10:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 John 2:19).
17:3 Nevertheless, they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of the means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins (Matthew 26:70, Matthew 26:72, Matthew 26:74); and, for a time, continue therein (Psalms 51:14 and title): whereby they incur God’s displeasure (2 Samuel 11:27; Isaiah 64:5, Isaiah 64:7, Isaiah 64:9), and grieve His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), come to be deprived of some measure of their graces and comforts (Psalms 51:8, Psalms 51:10, Psalms 51:12; Song of Solomon 5:2-4, Song of Solomon 5:6; Revelation 2:4), have their hearts hardened (Isaiah 36:17; Mark 6:52; Mark 16:14), and their consciences wounded (Psalms 32:3, Psalms 32:4; Psalms 51:8), hurt and scandalize others (2 Samuel 12:14), and bring temporal judgments upon themselves (Psalms 89:31, Psalms 89:32; 1 Corinthians 11:32).
Chapter 18:
Of Assurance of Grace
and Salvation
18:1 Although hypocrites and other unregenerate men may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes, and carnal presumptions of being in the favour of God, and estate of salvation (Deuteronomy 29:9; Job 8:13, Job 8:14; Micah 3:11; John 8:41); which hope of theirs shall perish (Matthew 7:22, Matthew 7:23): yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love Him in sincerity, endeavouring to walk in all good conscience before Him, may, in this life, be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace (1 John 2:3; 1 John 3:14, 1 John 3:18, 1 John 3:19, 1 John 3:21, 1 John 3:24; 1 John 5:13), and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, which hope shall never make them ashamed (Romans 5:2, Romans 5:5).
18:2 This certainly is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion, grounded upon a fallible hope (Hebrews 6:11, Hebrews 6:19); but an infallible assurance of faith, founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation (Hebrews 6:17, Hebrews 6:18), the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made (2 Corinthians 1:12; 2 Peter 1:4, 2 Peter 1:5, 2 Peter 1:10, 2 Peter 1:11; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 3:14), the testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God (Romans 8:15, Romans 8:16): which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption (2 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 1:14; Ephesians 4:30).
18:3 This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith, but that a true believer may wait long, and conflict with many difficulties before he be a partaker of it (Psalms 77:1-12; Psalms 88:1-18; Isaiah 1:10; Mark 9:24; 1 John 5:13): yet, being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God, he may without extraordinary revelation, in the right use of ordinary means, attain thereunto (1 Corinthians 2:12; Ephesians 3:17-19; Hebrews 6:11, Hebrews 6:12; 1 John 4:13). And therefore it is the duty of everyone to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10); that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this assurance (Psalms 4:6, Psalms 4:7; Psalms 119:32; Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:4; Romans 5:1, Romans 5:2, Romans 5:5; Romans 14:17; Romans 15:13): so far is it from inclining men to looseness (Psalms 130:4; John 3:2, John 3:3; Romans 6:1, Romans 6:2; Romans 8:1, Romans 8:12;1 Corinthians 7:1; Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:14; 1 John 1:6, 1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:2).
18:4 True believers may have the assurance of their salvation divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as, by negligence in preserving of it, by falling into some special sin, which woundeth the conscience and grieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation, by God’s withdrawing the light of His countenance, and suffering even such as fear Him to walk in darkness and to have no light (Psalms 31:22; Psalms 77:1-10; Psalms 88:1-18; Song of Solomon 5:2, Song of Solomon 5:3, Song of Solomon 5:6; Isaiah 1:10; Matthew 26:69-72; Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 4:31): yet are they never utterly destitute of that seed of God, and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart, and conscience of duty, out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may, in due time, be revived (Job 13:15; Psalms 51:8, Psalms 51:12; Psalms 73:15; Isaiah 1:10; Luke 22:32; 1 John 3:9); and by the which, in the mean time, they are supported from utter despair (Psalms 22:1; Psalms 88:1-18; Isaiah 54:7-10; Micah 7:7-9).
Chapter 19:
Of the Law of God
19:1 God gave to Adam a law, as a covenant of works, by which He bound him and all his posterity to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience; promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it: and endued him with power and ability to keep it (Genesis 1:26, Genesis 1:27 with Genesis 2:17; Job 28:28; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 2:14, Romans 2:15; Romans 5:5, Romans 5:12, Romans 5:19; Galatians 3:10, Galatians 3:12).
19:2 This law, after his fall, continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness, and, as such, was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai, in ten commandments, and written in two tables (Exodus 34:1; Deuteronomy 5:32; Deuteronomy 10:4; Romans 13:8, Romans 13:9; James 1:25; James 2:8, James 2:10-12): the four first commandments containing our duty towards God; and the other six our duty to man (Matthew 22:37-40).
19:3 Besides this law, commonly called moral, God was pleased to give to the people of Israel, as a church under age, ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, His graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits (Galatians 4:1-3; Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 9:1-28; Hebrews 10:1); and partly holding forth divers instructions of moral duties (1 Corinthians 5:7; 2 Corinthians 6:17; Jude 1:23. All which ceremonial laws are now abrogated, under the new testament (Daniel 9:27; Ephesians 2:15, Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 2:14, Colossians 2:16, Colossians 2:17).
19:4 To them also, as a body politic, He gave sundry judicial laws, which expired together with the State of that people; not obliging any other now, further than the general equity thereof may require (Genesis 49:10, with 1 Peter 2:13, 1 Peter 2:14; Exodus 21:1-36; Exodus 22:1-29; Matthew 5:17, with Matthew 5:38, Matthew 5:39; 1 Corinthians 9:8-10).
19:5 The moral law doth for ever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof (Romans 13:8-10; Ephesians 6:2; 1 John 2:3, 1 John 2:4, 1 John 2:7, 1 John 2:8); and that, not only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God the Creator, who gave it (James 2:10, James 2:11); neither doth Christ, in the Gospel, any way dissolve, but much strengthen this obligation (Matthew 5:17-19; Romans 3:31; James 2:8).
19:6 Although true believers be not under the law, as a covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned (Acts 13:39; Romans 6:14; Romans 8:1; Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:4, Galatians 4:5); yet is it of great use to them, as well as to others; in that, as a rule of life informing them of the will of God, and their duty, it directs, and binds them to walk accordingly (Psalms 119:4-6; Romans 7:12, Romans 7:22, Romans 7:25; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Galatians 5:14, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:18-23); discovering also the sinful pollutions of their nature, hearts, and lives (Romans 3:20; Romans 7:7); so as, examining themselves thereby, they may come to further conviction of, humiliation for, and hatred against sin (Romans 7:9, Romans 7:14, Romans 7:24; James 1:23-25); together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and the perfection of His obedience (Romans 7:24, Romans 7:25; Romans 8:3, Romans 8:4; Galatians 3:24). It is likewise of use to the regenerate, to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin (Psalms 119:101, Psalms 119:104, Psalms 119:128; James 2:11): and the threatenings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve; and what afflictions, in this life, they may expect for them, although freed from the curse thereof threatened in the law (Psalms 89:30-34; Ezra 9:13, Ezra 9:14). The promises of it, in like manner, show them God’s approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof (Leviticus 26:1, Leviticus 26:10, Leviticus 26:14 with 2 Corinthians 6:16; Psalms 19:11; Psalms 37:11 with Matthew 5:5; Ephesians 6:2, Ephesians 6:3); although not as due to them by the law, as a covenant of works (Luke 17:10; Galatians 2:16). So as, a man’s doing good, and refraining from evil, because the law encourageth to the one, and deterreth from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law; and not under grace (Romans 6:12, Romans 6:14; Hebrews 12:28, Hebrews 12:29; 1 Peter 3:8-12 with Psalms 34:12-16).
19:7 Neither are the forementioned uses of the law contrary to the grace of the Gospel, but do sweetly comply with it (Galatians 3:21); the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the will of man to do that freely and cheerfully, which the will of God, revealed in the law, requireth to be done (Ezekiel 36:27; Hebrews 8:10 with Jeremiah 31:33).
Chapter 20:
Of Christian Liberty,
and Liberty of Conscience
20:1 The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the Gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin; the condemning wrath of God, the curse of the moral law (Galatians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Titus 2:14); and, in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin (Acts 26:18; Romans 6:14; Galatians 1:4; Colossians 1:13), from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation (Psalms 119:71; Romans 8:1, Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57); as also, in their free access to God (Romans 5:1, Romans 5:2), and their yielding obedience unto Him, not out of slavish fear, but a child-like love and willing mind (Romans 8:14, Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18). All which were common also to believers under the law (Galatians 3:9, Galatians 3:14). But under the new testament, the liberty of Christians is further enlarged, in their freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, to which the Jewish Church was subjected (Acts 15:10, Acts 15:11; Galatians 4:1-3, Galatians 4:6, Galatians 4:7; Galatians 5:1); and in greater boldness of access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:19-22), and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God, than believers under the law did ordinarily partake of (John 7:38, John 7:39; 2 Corinthians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
20:2 God alone is Lord of the conscience (Romans 14:4; James 4:12), and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in any thing contrary to His Word; or beside it, if matters of faith or worship (Matthew 15:9; Matthew 23:8-10; Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29; 1 Corinthians 7:23). So that, to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commands, out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience (Psalms 5:1; Galatians 1:10; Galatians 2:4, Galatians 2:5; Galatians 5:1; Colossians 2:20-23): and the requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also (Isaiah 8:20; Jeremiah 8:9; Hosea 5:11; John 4:22; Acts 17:11; Romans 10:17; Romans 14:23; Revelation 13:12, Revelation 13:16, Revelation 13:17).
20:3 They who, upon pretence of Christian liberty, do practise any sin, or cherish any lust, do thereby destroy the end of Christian liberty, which is, that being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, we might serve the Lord, without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life Luke 1:74, Luke 1:75; John 8:34; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16; 2 Peter 2:19).
20:4 And because the power which God hath ordained, and the liberty which Christ hath purchased, are not intended by God to destroy, but mutually to uphold and preserve one another; they who, upon pretence of Christian liberty, shall oppose any lawful power, or the lawful exercise of it, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical, resist the ordinance of God (Matthew 12:25; Romans 13:1-8; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13, 1 Peter 2:14, 1 Peter 2:16). And, for their publishing of such opinions, or maintaining of such practices, as are contrary to the light of nature, or to the known principles of Christianity, whether concerning faith, worship, or conversation; or, to the power of godliness; or, such erroneous opinions or practices, as either in their own nature, or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them, are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in the Church, they may lawfully be called to account, and proceeded against by the censures of the Church (Romans 1:32 with 1 Corinthians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 5:5, 1 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 5:13; 2 John 1:5-11; and 2 Thessalonians 3:14, and 1 Timothy 6:3-5, and Titus 1:10, Titus 1:11, Titus 1:13, and Titus 3:10, with Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 1:19, 1 Timothy 1:20; Revelation 2:2, Revelation 2:14, Revelation 2:15, Revelation 2:20; Revelation 3:9), and by the power of the civil magistrate (Deuteronomy 13:6-12; Romans 13:3, Romans 13:4, with 2 John 1:10, 2 John 1:11; 2 Kings 23:5, 2 Kings 23:6, 2 Kings 23:9, 2 Kings 23:20, 2 Kings 23:21; 2 Chronicles 34:33; 2 Chronicles 15:12, 2 Chronicles 15:13, 2 Chronicles 15:16; Ezra 7:23-28; Nehemiah 13:15, Nehemiah 13:17, Nehemiah 13:21, Nehemiah 13:22, Nehemiah 13:25, Nehemiah 13:30; Isaiah 49:23; Daniel 3:29; Zechariah 13:2, Zechariah 13:3; 1 Timothy 2:2; Revelation 17:12, Revelation 17:16, Revelation 17:17).
Chapter 21:
Of Religious Worship,
and the Sabbath Day
21:1 The light of nature showeth that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all, is good, and doth good unto all, and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might (Joshua 24:14; Psalms 18:3; Psalms 31:23; Psalms 62:8; Psalms 119:68; Jeremiah 10:7; Mark 12:33; Acts 17:24; Romans 1:20; Romans 10:12). But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by Himself, and so limited to His own revealed will, that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way not prescribed in the holy Scripture (Exodus 20:4-6; Deuteronomy 4:15-20; Deuteronomy 12:32; Matthew 4:9, Matthew 4:10; Matthew 15:9; Acts 17:25; Colossians 2:23).
21:2 Religious worship is to be given to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and to Him alone (Matthew 4:10 with John 5:23 and 2 Corinthians 13:14; not to angels, saints, or any other creature (Romans 1:25; Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10): and, since the fall, not without a Mediator; nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone (John 14:6; Ephesians 2:18; Colossians 3:17; 1 Timothy 2:5).
21:3 Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one special part of religious worship (Php 4:6), is by God required of all men(Psalms 65:2): and that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son (John 14:13, John 14:14; 1 Peter 2:5), by the help of His Spirit (Romans 8:26), according to His will (1 John 5:14), with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance (Genesis 18:27; Psalms 47:7; Ecclesiastes 5:1, Ecclesiastes 5:2; Matthew 6:12, Matthew 6:14, Matthew 6:15; Mark 11:24; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; Hebrews 12:28; James 1:6, James 1:7; James 5:16); and, if vocal, in a known tongue (1 Corinthians 14:14).
21:4 Prayer is to be made for things lawful (1 John 5:14), and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter (Ruth 4:12; 2 Samuel 7:29; John 17:20; 1 Timothy 2:1, 1 Timothy 2:2): but not for the dead (2 Samuel 12:21-23 with Luke 16:25, Luke 16:26; Revelation 14:13), nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death (1 John 5:16).
21:5 The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear (Acts 15:21; Revelation 1:1-20; Revelation 3:1-22); the sound preaching (2 Timothy 4:2) and conscionable hearing of the Word, in obedience unto God, with understanding, faith, and reverence (Isaiah 66:2; Matthew 13:19; Acts 10:33; Hebrews 4:2; James 1:22); singing of psalms with grace in the heart (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; James 5:13); as also, the due administration and worthy receiving of the sacraments instituted by Christ; are all parts of the ordinary religious worship of God (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29): besides religious oaths (Deuteronomy 6:13 with Nehemiah 10:29), vows Isaiah 19:21 with Ecclesiastes 5:1-20; Ecclesiastes 4:1-16; Ecclesiastes 5:1-20), solemn fastings (Esther 4:16; Joel 2:12; Matthew 9:15; 1 Corinthians 7:5), and thanksgivings, upon several occasions (Esther 9:22; Psalms 107:1-43), which are, in their several times and seasons, to be used in a holy and religious manner (Hebrews 12:28).
21:6 Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is, now under the Gospel either tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed (John 4:21): but God is to be worshipped everywhere (Malachi 1:11; 1 Timothy 2:8), in spirit and truth (John 4:23, John 4:24); as in private families (Deuteronomy 6:6, Deuteronomy 6:7; 2 Samuel 6:18, 2 Samuel 6:20; Job 1:5; Jeremiah 10:25; Acts 10:2; 1 Peter 3:7) daily (Matthew 6:11), and in secret each one by himself (Matthew 6:6; Ephesians 6:18); so, more solemnly, in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly or willfully to be neglected, or forsaken, when God, by His Word or providence, calleth thereunto (Isaiah 56:7; Proverbs 1:20, Proverbs 1:21, Proverbs 1:24; Proverbs 8:34; Luke 4:16; Acts 2:42; Acts 13:42; Hebrews 10:25).
21:7 As it is the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in His Word, by a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men, in all ages, He hath particularly appointed one day in seven, for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto Him (Exodus 20:8, Exodus 20:10, Exodus 20:11; Isaiah 56:2, Isaiah 56:4, Isaiah 56:6, Isaiah 56:7): which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week (Genesis 2:2, Genesis 2:3; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 1 Corinthians 16:2), which, in Scripture, is called the Lord’s Day (Revelation 1:10), and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath (Exodus 20:8, Exodus 20:10, with Matthew 5:17, Matthew 5:18).
21:8 This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments, and recreations (Exodus 20:8; Exodus 16:23, Exodus 16:25, Exodus 16:26, Exodus 16:29, Exodus 16:30; Exodus 31:15-17; Nehemiah 13:15-22; Isaiah 58:13), but also are taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of His worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy (Isaiah 58:13; Matthew 12:1-13).